The Pros and Cons of Paid Search Marketing

Using search engine marketing (SEM) methods such as pay-per-click (PPC) or paid inclusion can be very effective in terms of increasing traffic to your website and widening your customer base. But you have to be aware of the best times to employ these strategies, and if you are considering going down this route it may be a good idea to hire a web marketing company to advise you on the latest methods – otherwise you may be spending money with very little reward.

So when should you use SEM, and what should you avoid?

On the plus side, paid search marketing is a highly targeted method with corresponding low wastage. Because the traffic driven to your website will be those with the right match types in terms of keywords or Google Adwords, your ads only appear when potential customers are searching for products in your particular area, and therefore have a high purchase intent. Logically, then, if your website has a very specific or niche product to sell, pay-per-click may be the right marketing option for you. Traffic volumes with PPC are also more predictable and easier to manage than with search engine optimisation methods (SEO).

Pay-per-click listings can also give you the advantage of speed, since they can appear within a few hours. Contrast this with SEO, which has a much longer lead time. If you are selling a product within a particular time-frame (perhaps for Halloween, for example), then you will want to make the most of the time you have so in this case PPC could be appropriate in terms of overall cost benefits. On the other hand, if your product is more of a slow-burner then SEO may work just as well, if not better, in building up your brand. Basically, you need to decide which approach will be best for the product or service you have.

One of the major disadvantages of pay-per-click marketing is actually born from its strengths. Because it is such an efficient way for companies to achieve high rankings and drive customers to their websites, there is a correspondingly high level of competition. Pay-per-click is based on competitive bids and for some sectors this can lead to alarming levels of inflation. Basically, this can be a prohibitively expensive business if you don’t know when to employ it effectively, or when the placement costs will begin to outweigh the benefits. If you are at all unsure about this, consult a search marketing company who will be able to give you a realistic idea of your potential return on investment, and whether PPC is right for your company.

Because of the potential for inflated PPC prices, sadly this method can often favour larger brands which have a bigger budget and more effective infrastructure in place for managing competition or bigger campaigns, for example. If you are a start-up, it may be a good idea to build up your brand first before embarking on paid search marketing.

How to Hire a Food Consultant

Many restaurant owners are so busy managing the day-to-day business of their restaurant that they don’t always have time for the details. At some time – whether it is because profits are failing, costs are inflating or time is short – most restaurant owners will feel the need to bring in a food consultant. You may think from the name that these experts are just focused on menu creation, but in fact they can advise on issues such as food costings, sourcing, interior design or even financial assistance, giving restaurants the help they need, when they most need it.

However, as with any service you will have to pay for a food consultant so make sure the person or company you are hiring has the right expertise and a proven track record of success. Here are some of the points to bear in mind when beginning your search:

Do your research: Identify the area in which you most need help, and what you hope the outcome to be. Some food consultants will specialise in certain areas, so if you are, for example, looking to reduce costs on your food sourcing you may want to look for a company with particular success or contacts in this area. You may find several companies who meet your criteria. If so, the first thing to do for each of these is look into their background and check out their references.

Make a shortlist: Make a list of the best consultants your research has uncovered, and then make an appointment to discuss your needs with each one. It’s important to do this, as a one-on-one conversation is a great way to find out whether a potential consultant really understands your business and what you hope to achieve.

Written proposal: Before making your decision, you should also ask for a written proposal from each candidate so you can go away and carefully consider which suggested strategy would work best for you. The best food consultant is one who will understand that every restaurant is unique and will tailor their strategy accordingly, rather than presenting you with a one-size-fits-all proposal.

What can you afford? A food consultant will either charge at a fixed cost or by the hours taken to complete the service. Working out with your consultant beforehand how long the work is likely to take will help you keep costs to a minimum. But don’t hire somebody solely because they are cheap – remember that an experienced and reputable service provider is justified in charging a little more for what you get in return. The idea is to keep your spend as low as possible without compromising on quality.

How Changing Your Nightwear Can Change Your Life For The Better

Night time is your time. It’s a time when you want switch off from the cares of the day and relax completely.  So you need to feel comfortable. And feeling comfortable begins with choosing the right women’s nightwear for you. 

There’s some really sensational women’s nightwear around at the moment: from intimately sensual nighties and gowns to snugly-soft pyjamas. So whatever mood you want to invoke at bedtime, there’s bound to be nightwear that’s just right for you.

Many women pay great attention to the clothes they wear at work. Sure that’s important. Yet for some reason, while women are conscious of wanting to look their best in social or business situations, their nightwear often gets overlooked or neglected.

Which is a pity, because investing in the right nightwear can make a huge difference to your quality of sleep, which in turn makes a big difference to the way you feel and perform throughout the day. Sleeping well means not only getting the right amount of sleep in terms of hours, but also the right quality of sleep too.

Did you realise (and most people don’t) that wearing nightwear which is ill-fitting or uncomfortable can be detrimental to getting a sound night’s sleep? If you’re one of the thousands of people who toss and turn and generally don’t feel comfortable in bed, it’s worth considering that what you choose to sleep in could be to blame.

As well as the functionality aspects of comfort and fit, great nightwear that reflects your personality can do wonders for your love life. Many women report that buying new nightwear has put the spark back into their relationship! They also say they like to have a selection of nightwear pieces to suit varying moods and occasions. After all, you might not want to wear your best nightwear all the time.

Making these additions to your wardrobe needn’t be expensive. And besides, it’s money well spent.
Taking an hour or so out of your busy schedule to browse the Internet and find the right women’s nightwear for you could be one of the soundest investments you’ll make all year. Getting a great night’s sleep will give you a real psychological edge, boost your energy levels, make you happier and benefit your overall health. With the added bonus that you’ll get more done every day and the quality of your work will be better too.

Choosing the right women’s nightwear can bring about a whole host of ‘lifestyle’ benefits you might never have considered before. But you’ll be glad you did.

Discover The Benefits Of The New Generation Of Super-Stylish Thermal Underwear

The latest generation of thermal underwear will keep you warm and comfortable all year long, whatever you’re up to – and you won’t have to compromise on style either.

Once the preserve of winter sports enthusiasts, thermal underwear is becoming increasingly popular as casual and hobby wear. It’s perfect for those ‘crisp’ months between autumn and winter that bring with them cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also wonderful for lounging around in at weekends over a leisurely breakfast with the Sunday papers.

So when it comes to choosing your thermal underwear, should you opt for natural or synthetic materials? These days the boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred and it’s no longer a straight choice between the two production methods. Cotton or wool are still the most common fibres used to make natural thermals. Cotton has been used in textile production for thousands of years. It’s breathable, soft and comfortable and readily available, which makes it inexpensive. It is widely used to line thermal gloves as well.

While cotton thermals may be comfortable, they tend to trap moisture against the skin. Therefore they are not suitable for sports and outdoor pursuits where sweat and moisture needs to be ‘wicked’ away from your skin. Wool thermals, on the other hand, are ideal for wicking away moisture, while keeping the warmth in. So they are perfect for hiking, camping and fishing as well as more strenuous outdoor sports like ski-ing and rock climbing.

Synthetic thermal underwear provides the best of all worlds. Really it’s a mixture of man-made and natural fibres and though it might provide a slightly more expensive option, the quality of these garments is unsurpassed.
So what types of thermal underwear should the active man or woman have in their wardrobe?  For men, the short-sleeve vest and long-sleeve vest holds universal appeal. But there is also the option of a v-neck vest, and trunks as an alternative to long johns.

In line with rising demand, the options for women are now better than ever:-  short-sleeve and long-sleeve vests; sleeveless vests; v-neck camisoles; shorts and leggings. Whether you’re keeping warm on the way to work, or taking part in competitive sport, there’s now some great lines in women’s thermal underwear waiting to be discovered.

Thermal underwear is the ‘must-have’ garment this autumn and winter. Saying that, its ‘temperature-balancing’ qualities means it’s handy for spring and summer too. If you haven’t yet discovered the benefits of wearing thermal underwear, maybe it’s time to take a fresh look. Thermal underwear has many advantages, as well as keeping you warm and comfy (or cool and comfy) all year round.

Jumbo Jigsaw Puzzles Provide Hours Of Fun And Entertainment – Are You Up For The Challenge?

Jumbo jigsaw puzzles are just the thing for family get-togethers. Just picture a group of you gathered around the dining table pitting your wits to solve a 1000-piece jigsaw challenge. Whether you like cityscapes, country scenes, architecture, gardens, sports, fine art, or something a little lighter, you’re bound to be impressed by the huge variety of jumbo jigsaw puzzles available – particularly when you choose to shop online.

There are some really ingenious contemporary artists around at the moment. People like Graham Thompson, Jan van Haasteren and Tom duBois, all of whom produce intricate and often humorous jumbo jigsaw puzzles of between 1000 and 3000 pieces. These are puzzles with unique visual appeal and plenty going on in every scene. You’ll find them a joy to work on.

And have you seen the Wasgij range of mystery puzzles? Not only do you have the challenge of completing the puzzle itself, but also of revealing the solution to a ‘teaser’ or mystery that will be unveiled once the puzzle is concluded. A puzzle within a puzzle if you like.

Jumbo jigsaw puzzles are perfect for taking on holiday, particularly if there’s a group of you. Jigsaws provide hours of fun and banter. Plus you never knew doing a jigsaw puzzle could get so competitive! The range of jigsaw storage boards and portable jigsaw carriers available on the market today makes it easy to complete your jigsaw in stages, then keep it safely packed away until next time.

All you jumbo jigsaw puzzle lovers will adore Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles' range of jumbo puzzles which each averages 1000-3000 pieces. Not tough enough for you? Okay then, for the real jigsaw enthusiasts among you, how about Ravenburger’s ‘Tiger’ puzzle. It’s a 5000-piece whopper of a jigsaw which depicts one central image of a majestic tiger in water, surrounded by 10 different images of this beautiful animal. It’s the ultimate challenge for any true jigsaw fan and the perfect gift for any ‘big cat’ lover.‘

Once completed, this exquisite jumbo jigsaw puzzle measures 153 cm x 101 cm. It’s surely something you won’t want to dismantle. That’s why many fans of jumbo jigsaw puzzles are choosing to display their finished masterpieces on their walls. Housed in a complementary frame, ‘Tiger’ would certainly grace any room.
So why not check out the latest ranges of jumbo jigsaw puzzles online. They guarantee hours of laughter and interaction for you, your family and friends. And with such imaginative and exciting concepts to choose from, you won’t want to wait for a rainy day to get started.

Why Attend a Search Marketing Conference?

For those who have never participated in such an event, search marketing conferences give attendees the chance to tap into the knowledge of some of the leading experts in SEO, paid search marketing, social media and mobile searches, amongst other subjects. These events are not just for those seeking to make marketing their career – they can also be invaluable for companies looking to research the latest and more effective ways to drive traffic to their website and increase their search engine visibility. Those who are already established in the sector, such as search marketing companies, can also stand to gain.

So how do search marketing conferences benefit their various groups of attendees?

Building contacts: First and foremost, if are looking to make marketing your career then it’s about contacts all the way. Whilst these events will of course provide you invaluable insights into the latest search marketing methodologies out there, the most important thing for you at this stage is that search marketing conferences are a gold mine of potential contacts from all over the world – whether they are possible business partners or clients. Nowhere else will you get such as high concentrate of people all focused on the same goal: to improve search engine rankings.

Pools of talent:  Furthermore, whilst you may be attending a conference in order to further your knowledge in your chosen career, long-established search marketing companies might also use the opportunity of an industry-focused event to scout for new talent. Networking takes many forms, and some of the bigger events will of course attract corresponding levels of talented people just waiting to be headhunted.

Keeping up with the competition: Any search marketing conference will feature a detailed programme of sessions featuring expert speakers focusing on the latest trends or most successful current strategies in search marketing. Whether you are a new player on the block or an established expert, this is such a fast-moving sector that unless you keep pace with the latest tricks of the trade you will quickly find yourself trailing behind your competitors.

Give your company a boost: Many of the attendees at these conferences are not marketing experts by any means, but are instead company owners or representatives looking to improve the visibility of their website’s search engine ranking. If you number amongst this group, these conferences will give you valuable opportunities to assess the potential services and search marketing companies for hire (and there are many of these, not all of them reputable). Furthermore, many events today will include the chance to have your website assessed by a free ‘website doctor’ panel, which will dissect your approach and tell you where you need to make changes.

Top Tips For Hosting a Successful Party

Nobody wants their event to be the one people remember for all the wrong reasons. How many times have you heard about a party: ‘There was no atmosphere whatsoever’, or ‘the food was dull’ or ‘the music was terrible’?

If you are organising a particularly important event and you don’t want it consigned to the grim dustbin of parties that went bad, here are some tips to help you get started:

Budgeting: What can you afford? Most party planners, especially if they need to feed their guests, have to weigh up how many people they can realistically afford to invite and feed whilst still having enough guests to create a vibrant atmosphere. If food is important, it may be that you can spend less on decorations, for example, to keep you in budget. Start by working out exactly how much you have to spend and then making a list of your priorities in order
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Plan ahead: If you are hosting a large event and are going to hire caterers, event planners or food consultants, you need to contact them several months in advance in order to get the best use of their services. Food consultants can be particularly invaluable if you have a lot of other elements, such as decor or entertainment, to organise as they can take this important but often stressful task off your hands. Also, encourage your guests to confirm well in advance to avoid being let down by too many no-shows.

The right place: Once you have worked out how many people you intend to invite, you need to hunt out a suitable venue. You may love the idea of a large, imposing space, but if you guest list is not huge you will end up with a party severely devoid of atmosphere. Imagine small groups of guests eyeing each other from opposite ends of the room: this is something you want to avoid. On the other hand, you don’t want the placed crammed to a level where discomfort or indeed panic takes over, so choose wisely.

Know your guests: Some parties are supposed to be sober affairs, some more raucous but most of them lie somewhere in-between. Your job as the party organiser is to consider the people you are inviting and try to ensure they have fun. If it’s a wedding party you may get a mix of old and young people so you have to choose decor, entertainment and food that will appeal to everyone. And remember, what you would enjoy is not necessarily what everybody else would enjoy.

Contingencies: Lastly, have you identified the areas in which your party might go wrong? For example, if you’re planning to hold it outside do you have an alternative in place in case it rains? If you’ve hired a band or a DJ, what will you do if they cancel? Look again at the list of key priorities you made at the start of the planning stage and make sure you have a Plan B for each one. This is the way to help minimise last-minute panics. You want to enjoy the party as well, not arrive on the day a tightly-wound ball of stress, wishing you had never embarked upon such a scheme.

How To Take The Stress Out of Event Planning.

Planning a big event is rewarding when it goes well, but the process itself can be a headache if not handled correctly. Organisation and planning are the key watchwords, as well as a little delegation here and there. Whether you are planning a wedding, birthday, business event or conference, following these simple tips can help you proceed with confidence and avoid those last-minute meltdowns.

Stay organised: As mentioned above, this is an essential. If possible, keep all the information related to the event – booking confirmations, itineraries, seating plans, contacts...whatever – in one place. This way you can keep track of what you have and haven’t done, and nothing is in danger of being lost or forgotten. It seems like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised how many people keep vital bits or information in various out-of-the-way places, only to lose or forget about it until it’s too late.

Plan ahead: Managing an event means making sure a lot of different elements come together. As just a few examples, you will may to sort out catering, entertainment, accommodation, decor, logistics – the list goes on and on. Leave any of this until the last minute at your peril, as you may be forced to settle for an far inferior or more expensive service.

Learn to delegate: It is unrealistic, particularly if you are organising a big event, to think that you can do everything yourself. Areas such as food, entertainment or decor may well be best left to the professionals. For example, bringing in the services of catering consultants will mean you can rest assured your guests will be fed on time, and this will free you up to concentrate on other areas.

Keep it simpler: Following on from the last point, when you are delegating it makes far more sense to try and find a professional company who can provide you with more than one service. This can reduce your overall costs and has the added advantage of giving you fewer people to keep tabs on. For example, if you shop around for a good firm of catering consultants they may well be able to handle decoration, additional service and entertainment – as well as advising you on menus and food costings.

 Organise back-up: Many people are so caught up with devising the perfect concept for their event and getting every little detail right that they forget to ask themselves what will happen if for some reason their carefully laid plans fall through. What will happen, for example, if you have envisioned a beautiful outdoor event and it pours with rain on the day in question. You need to have contingencies for all the big elements of your day if you are to have any hope of remaining calm in the event of a crisis.

Take some time out: Lastly, if you feel it is all getting too much for you it’s important to step back, breathe and look at the bigger picture. Whilst the event is undoubtedly a big deal to you, an unlooked for catering accident here or a forgotten piece of decoration there will not signal the end of humanity. Mistakes can happen no matter what we try to do to avoid them; the important thing is to go into the event knowing you have done everything in your power to make it a success. The rest, in effect, is down to fate.

Wedding Planning Dos and Don’ts

It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but according to some it can also be one of the most stressful – maybe even up there with moving house, starting a new job or (not that you’d want to jinx anything) going through a divorce. You want to sit back and enjoy your wedding without any last-minute disasters. So what are the golden rules for making sure your big day runs smoothly?

Do plan thoroughly: Start at least a year in advance and set out a check-list of all the factors you need to organise – things like guest list, venue, food, flowers, music or photographers. Keep notes of how they are all progressing. Set out a budget and stick to it.

Don’t make assumptions: Make sure you get as much in writing as possible – this includes RSVPs from guests, entertainment bookings, catering arrangements. Even if the people you are using for certain functions are friends, you still need written confirmations to avoid confusion.

Do get help if you need it: It may cost a little more, but one of the best ways to avoid the stress of wedding planning is to hire in a professional catering consultancy or event planner. In addition to organising the good and helping you get the costings per head within your budget, they can also help you with a myriad of other hitherto unthought-of necessities such as additional staff to serve, decoration or even entertainment.

Don’t assume the cheapest service is the best: Obviously you want to keep your costs as low as possible, but scrimping where it really matters can actually end up costing you more. For example, as with the above-mentioned catering consultancy, if you plump for a disreputable company purporting to offer a cheaper service than their competitors, some will insist on additional costs late in the day when you are already too far in to back out. Make sure all the costs are confirmed in writing up-front.

Do make use of the Internet: The Internet is a godsend for those looking to organise a wedding. You can send out e-save-the-date cards, register online for gifts and send the link to your guests, or just keep them updated with plans, dress codes etc.

 Don’t feel pressured to invite everyone: Remember it’s your wedding, and if there are certain ‘friends’ or family members known to be difficult at such events, or who just make you feel uncomfortable, you are under no obligation to have them there. You are working to a budget, and every guest increases your costs so think carefully about who you really want to share your day.

Your Online Reputation Management

How’s your company’s online reputation? Do you even know? The results of a quick search could be startling for you. Marketing companies could specialise in this area, helping you manage and accelerate a positive online reputation.

Why is online reputation management important?

More people than ever look to the web to help them make decisions about everything from minor purchases to big ticket items. The internet provides consumers with a plethora of information to help them make decisions, such as: product specifications, user reviews, and information about where to get what they want.

If your reputation isn’t nurtured, one of two things will happen:

Nothing?

If you have zero reputation, people won’t find you. Lack of a poor reputation is a good thing but in many cases, if they know about you and find nothing positive or negative, they’ll keep looking. Many people want validation for their choice through reviews, testimonials, and an online presence that puts them at ease.

Of course no reputation is better than a poor reputation but if you’re even moderately successful offline, you’ll want to share that positive reputation online so that you can take advantage of it.

Lost Sales - £££

If you’re not paying attention to your reputation and something negative is said about you, this could be even more damaging than something positive being said. Bad press can rise like wildfire in the search engine results for your name or your niche. You can’t necessarily control the bad press but marketing companies could help you boost the good press so that it outweighs the bad press.

How Online Marketing Companies Help:

Online marketing companies can track what’s being said, can optimise the good press, and help you encourage feedback from your clients. Feedback utilised online in the right way will help you show new prospects that existing and past customers are satisfied.

If something negative is said, your marketing consultancy firm could track it down quickly and do damage control, either by alerting you so that you can act on it or by optimizing proven reputation management tools so that the bad press doesn’t necessarily stick out like a sore thumb.

Most companies experience at least a bit of bad press at some time or another. Smart companies learn from this and use it to help them improve weak points in their infrastructure. Marketing companies can help you gather intelligence, boost positive results, solicit testimonials, and spread good news virally so that those considering your products or services will see that you’re an organisation worth doing business with.

Are You employing A White Hat SEO Agency Or A Black Hat Agency

Does your seo agency wear a white hat or a black hat? Maybe that analogy doesn’t make much sense to you. By the end of reading this article, it will make perfect sense.

There are a lot of different methods used by seo agencies who are contracted to help a website succeed. Ethical marketing is important. But not all companies who offer to help website owners operate ethically.  Here are some tips and cautions to help you make the right decision and protect the interests of your website.

White Hat or Black Hat?
Black hat seo agencies aren't typically going to admit that they are operating on the darker side of the world of internet marketing. But in many cases these unscrupulous organisations merely operate in a vague world where they don’t adequately communicate their methods to their customers.

You, as a customer, needs to ensure that your webiste marketing is ethically done. If your marketing consultant is wearing a white hat, for instance, your site would not ever be in jeopardy of being blacklisted by search engines for black hat marketing methods.

The search engine optimisation world uses the hat analogies to contrast SEO to the Wild West where the bad guys wore black and the good guys wore white. There are also grey hat marketers, who operate on a fine line.

Online marketing is highly competitive. You probably have competitors and so do the agencies who want to help you succeed. Some do want to help you succeed; others just want to take your money.  Some unscrupulous so-called consultancy firms will not deliver on their promises. Others will do things that at face value seem to be meeting the agreement they’ve made with you but once they’ve left with their payment in hand, the fallout may not be very attractive.

Certain SEO methods do help you rise the ranks fast but they could also result in falling fast, too. And if a search engine such as Google perceives some of your techniques to be black hat, they could de-rank your site or worse, blacklist it.

Always look to do business dealings with honest and forthright companies. Beware of unsolicited offers to get you a flood of website traffic and beware of companies without a demonstrated track record.  A marketing agency worth dealing with will take the time to talk to you, understand the needs and goals of your business, and to assure you that any methods used to help you gain favour online will be ethical.

5 Business Blogging Tips to Help You Succeed

5A business blog is an excellent tool that can do a lot for your search engine marketing efforts. Whether you work with an internet marketing company to get a blog up and running or run it on your own, it’s a great way to improve your traffic levels, effectively work at ongoing branding, and a phenomenal way to build strong relationships.  Adding a business blog to your existing website is a smart way to increase your traffic and create a place to converse with your customers.

Here are five business blogging tips for you:
Tip#1: Blog RegularlyA business blog needs to be an ongoing effort. You can’t simply set up a blog and put a handful of posts there. You’ll benefit most from blogging for your business if you blog on a regular basis. Consider blogging daily or at least blog weekly. If possible, write in advance and schedule blog posts to post at roughly the same time and with the same intervals.
Tip #2: Write Good StuffA business blog should be highly relevant to your industry and to your target audience. You’ll get people and search engines reading those blog posts so make sure you write well. If necessary, get some help from a search engine marketing company who can write blog posts that are optimised for search engines and for human readers as well.
Tip#3: Don’t Forget SEOQuality is important first and SEO should be a close second. Keyword research, optimising all the blog’s tags, and strategising to create good on-page and off-page SEO strategies will help you get the best ROI from your business blog.
Tip#4: Promote Your BlogBlogs, if done right, do great on their own for generating traffic but it’s smart, especially in the early days, to give it a helping hand to get visitors and convince those visitors to become subscribers. Use social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to help generate attention, and you might even consider a pay per click campaign with Google Adwords or an online contest to generate traffic to your blog. If it’s well optimised and well received by visitors, it can start to generate traffic on its own and it could even go viral and boost your success substantially.
Tip#5: Regularly Assess the ResultsA blog can become highly successful in terms of bringing you traffic, pushing your website and your brand up the ranks, and for generating sales and increasing the market share for your company. In order to execute a working business blog strategy, you’ll need to assess the results of your efforts. Study your traffic reports and study your industry. This will help you figure out how to best integrate your business blog into your overall internet marketing strategy.

The Many Benefits Of An Eco-friendly Home

Eco homes are for people wanting to invest in their future today. Not just their own future, but that of their children and generations to come.
Leaving a smaller footprint on the earth can result in long-term benefits such as reduced energy costs, a healthier living environment and increased resale value should you decide to sell your property.

Research conducted by the RCLCO and Green TV found the main reasons for the increased popularity of eco homes is due to the premise of healthy living. Some 42 per cent of respondents stated that they were motivated by health reasons, 17 per cent by energy savings, and 12 per cent by environmental benefits.

An eco-friendly home is a great way of combating climate change; providing a safer, cleaner, greener environment. You could find yourself enjoying the latest green energy-efficient technologies like solar, wind and geothermal power.

Benefits to your home and environment might include:

Over twice the levels of insulation required under current regulations.
Solar water heating.
Water recycling for toilet flushing, washing machine and garden use
High-performance timber framed windows positioned to maximise solar gain
Low-energy light fittings
Full-house mechanical heat recovery and ventilation system
Cellulose (recycled newspaper) roof insulation

The Code for Sustainable Homes was launched on 13 December 2006 in response to concerns about climate change. The vision was that a single standard would be established to cover aspects of sustainable design and build – which came into effect in April 2007.

Using a 1 to 6 star rating system, the Code rates the whole home as a complete package, measuring the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design. The Code sets minimum standards for energy efficiency and water use at each level, and, within England, replaces the Eco Homes scheme developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

Some of the ways the Government plans to reduce CO2 emissions in the home are:
Consulting with retailers and manufacturers to phase out inefficient light bulbs.
Providing better information to consumers about the products and services they buy and use – including gas, electricity and water.

Working with manufacturers to remove inefficient ‘white goods’ - such as fridges - from the market.

Encouraging developers to build in good access to public transport when they are planning new homes.

Improving building regulations to make new homes more energy efficient.
Introducing Energy Performance Certificates that provide more information about how energy efficient a property is.

The Government is also considering ideas such as allowing householders to fit renewable technologies such as solar panels without the need for planning permission.

Save the Landfills Use Recycled Roof Tiles

There are many ways you can utilise green products and environmentally friendly living in your everyday life. And there are times when you can make a bigger purchase that makes a statement about your dedication to being as environmentally friendly as possible.  We’re not just talking about buying a hybrid car, here. There are other areas that can make a big impact too.  Consider recycled roof tiles if you’re building a new building or re-roofing an existing one.

When you need to look at what might seem like a wasteful thing such as renovating your home or office, you might be surprised at the fact that there are more green home improvement options than ever. Recycled roof tiles are a fairly recent development that many who want to reduce their own carbon footprint look to. And they don’t just make sense from an environmental perspective. The right innovative recycled roof tiles can make sense for a number of reasons.

What are Recycled Roof Tiles?Roof tiles can be made with certain recyclable materials. One particular type of roof tile is now made with materials such as recycled plastic bottles.  Recycled polymer can have many uses and it makes an excellent option for roof tiles.
Recycled roof tiles can have many benefits to builders and to building owners. And, demonstrating a commitment to greener living is a smart thing for businesses and makes a big statement whether you’re replacing the roof on your home or your commercial building.
There are recycled roofing tiles that are interlocking, making a great alternative to slate tile. They’re lighter and easier to install than the non-environmentally friendly alternative and are available in a variety of looks and styles as well. The tiles can have excellent performance in harsh weather conditions as well as be fire resistant.

Why not look at this option when considering a re-roofing project or net new roof on a new building? A quote and a review of product specifications and benefits could reveal that this is a great option for a green roof with sustainable impact as well as being a smart decision for the aesthetics of your home as well as other benefits.

You’ll probably have questions about polymer products made via recycling to ensure that they’re the right products for you.  This product has an excellent cost to performance ratio and looks great. The ease of installation makes polymer recycled roof tiles a great option for many people as well.

Sustainable Roofing – Plastic Roof Tiles and Other Materials are Rising in Popularity

You need a roof over your head. But you don’t have to choose something that’s environmentally wasteful. Today, there are some great options for sustainable roof tiles, such as plastic roof tiles. Read on for some information about some of your options and why they’re not just better for the environment. Some are better choices overall for several reasons.

Reclaimed wood. Some people are using reclaimed wood for wood shake shingles. Not only is the look of this option a good idea, using reclaimed wood can be a smart economic decision as well.
Metal. Metal can be recycled into roofing tiles or roof pieces. Metal roofs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea for their looks but they can be really durable and can be a great option for barns, out buildings, and commercial  or industrial buildings.
Recycled rubber. Old tires aren’t great for the environment but nowadays there are recycled rubber roofing options that are catching on in popularity.
Plastic Roof tiles.  A highly popular choice for a number of reasons is roofing tiles made from polymer derived from things like plastic jugs and bottles. This is a lightweight option that has a number of benefits.

Plastic Roof Tile Benefits

There are several reasons why many people are looking at plastic roofs and why many builders and roofing contractors are quoting on interlocking plastic tile roofs.

• Resistance to weather
• Resistance to mould and moss
• Insect resistant
• Lightweight, making them easier to install
• Shatter and splinter proof
• Fast to install
• Decent manufacturer warranties

From a cost perspective, you need to allow for 10-20% extra conventional roofing tiles to allow for breakage. Many recycled and eco-friendly roofing materials don’t run the same breakage risk.

From an environmental perspective, not only will you be using recycled materials but there are other savings as well. Less landfill waste, lower transportation costs, reducing the need for the non-environmentally friendly alternatives to be manufactured, etc.

More builders than ever working on net new construction products are starting with environmentally sustainable building materials such as those created with plastic roof tiles and other eco-friendly roofing materials. Not only is this improving their reputation for being a greener company but environmentally conscious families looking at buying a new home tend to favour builders with great green reputations, too.

Whether you’re a builder, a homeowner, or a commercial / industrial property owner, considering sustainable options in building materials such as when installing new roof or re-roofing an existing building doesn’t just make you an environmentally conscious person, it makes you a pragmatic business person who is looking at multiple factors when making your choice in which roofing materials to use.

Finding a Cure for Debt Problems

Just when you feel like your debt problems cannot get any worse, all of a sudden they do. No matter how you accrued the debt, you realise it has become much more than you can manage. You are not alone. There are millions of people suffering from the same problem.
Some people simply never learn how to control their spending and are chronic over-spenders, never having a budget, and certainly never following it. Others experience family illness, death or job loss and find this sudden life change thrusts them into an undesirable financial situation that they can’t seem to get out of.

No Judgment

No matter the reason for the debt problems, professional debt counsellors pass no judgment and simply are there to help address the issue and find a workable solution. They will help and offer advice, treating all customers the same--- with respect and complete professionalism at all times. Debt counsellors recognise by the time you reach out for help that you may be overwhelmed, stressed out and grieving for the loss of your happiness, your life without stress and worry and for the loss of your good credit standing and financial security.

Significant debt, while worrisome, need not feel insurmountable. With the proper guidance from trained counsellors, you can work through this issue and get back on your feet.

How Will They Help

Counsellors work with you and your creditors as a go between to procure agreeable repayment terms that works for the creditors that you can afford. In many cases your repayment amounts are reduced which is a much better alternative than having to take on yet another bill. Whether this is a temporary or a long-term solution, it is a way to reduce the stress while finding a way to pay back what you owe. It could take longer than originally planned but could be the best solution based on your current circumstances.

Debt counsellors also act as a point of contact for your creditors or debt consolidation company which helps to quickly reduce or eliminate the amount of phone calls and letters in the post you will be getting from collection agencies and the like.

Once your counselor helps you get your life back on track you are able to rest easy again, realising you are on your way to financial healing. The counsellors will be sure to devise a customised plan that suits your needs and is catered to what you are able to pay.

Is Bankruptcy the Answer?

Some people think it is easier to simply file for bankruptcy, but that is never advisable and should only be used as an absolute last resort. Bankruptcy has negative ramifications that will carry with you throughout a lifetime. A reduced payment plan is a better alternative to solving your debt problems.

The Best In Women’s Nightwear . . . Yes You Really Can Have It All

Comfort? Or fashion? It used to be a straight choice between the two, but now women’s nightwear has evolved to combine the best in comfort, with the latest fashionable styles, so whatever your preference: feminine; stylish; sexy, you’re bound to be able to find something that suits you.


It’s been said that finding the right nightwear for you can make you feel great all day long. Whilst the opposite can also be true. Pulling on an oversized t-shirt might be okay for chilling out during the weekend, but if it’s not fit for the purpose of sleep, it could be detrimental to your sleep patterns. And that could impact on your mood the next day.

Women who regularly don’t get enough sleep report that everything they do takes more time than it should, particularly work tasks. They also say their social life suffers because they find themselves turning down invitations due to tiredness.

The Internet shopping revolution has made it easier than ever to browse for the best in women’s nightwear from the comfort of your own home. It has also ensured prices remain more competitive too.

Whether you’re looking for ladies pyjamas, negligees, nighties, nightshirts, sweatpants and t-shirt, spend half an hour online and you’ll have the widest selection of styles and choices at your fingertips – literally just a click away. You may favour silk, or satin. Perhaps lace or cotton? But whether you’re preference is for Sex and the City glamour, or something a little more practical, the most important thing is that your nightwear fits you beautifully.

Women’s nightwear can be the most neglected part of your wardrobe. But when you consider the average person spends 6-8 hours per night in bed, it’s really worth spending the time to find quality nightwear you feel fantastic in. Waking refreshed and invigorated will make you more productive and alert throughout the day, so you’ll get more done in less time.

As well as being more alert, you’ll also find your mood is better as you’ll have more energy left over for spending on the things that make you happiest.

Women who spend time finding the right nightwear, report that it has a real impact on their daily routines as well as an improved sense of well-being. Those who have previously found problems sleeping, also say that their new nightwear has made a real difference. Now they actually look forward to bedtime, whereas before they would dread it.

Thermal Underwear’s Quiet Revolution

What we mean by ‘quiet revolution’ is that people who might once never have considered wearing thermal underwear, are finding themselves being converted to its numerous lifestyle benefits. Also many people who have used thermals exclusively for winter sports are now discovering year-round uses for their former skiwear.

But possibly the main change brought about by the ‘thermal revolution’, is that more thermal fans are using thermal underwear for relaxing at home and wearing under shirts and shorts on social occasions, which is a real change from previously. People are loving the freedom and comfort thermal underwear brings and so they’re wearing it to barbecues, informal get-togethers, days out exploring the countryside or the beach . . . it’s the ultimate accessory for active comfort.

Thermal underwear can be made from natural or synthetic fabrics. It used to be that wool and cotton fabrics were mainly used because of their natural warmth-retaining properties, but nowadays synthetics like nylon, polyester and polypropylene are regularly used. In fact, most thermal underwear is made up of a mixture of natural and synthetic fabrics.

Thermal underwear should be light-weight, comfortable and of ‘active fit’ – meaning it fits easily under your day clothes and does not restrict your movement in any way. It should insulate your body, whilst employing a fast wicking action to regulate the body temperature.

Yet another dimension: thermal underwear makes for the most perfect loungewear. Really it’s so incredibly snug, the soft contours of the fabric mould to your skin so you feel truly comfortable at all times. And it’s ideal for those of us who work from home – we now prefer to sit around our home-office in our thermals rather than our pyjamas!

Talking of pyjamas, thermal underwear is great for sleeping in too. It is designed to keep your body warm in winter and cool during the summer months. People who previously preferred to sleep ‘au natural’, because they believed they wouldn’t feel comfortable in anything else have been amazed by their transition to thermals. Now they report that they are more comfortable than ever before – whatever the weather or season – and they sleep better.

So whether you love to be active, or you love to relax (we suspect it’s a bit of both), it’s well worth taking a second look at the wonderful range of thermal underwear that’s available online. With so many practical uses and the ultimate in comfort-wear, isn’t it time you joined thermal underwear’s quiet revolution?

You Haven’t Tried Hold-ups Yet? You’re Missing A Trick

Holdups are the perfect alternative to stockings and tights; cool, comfortable and easy to wear every day. Fabulous, fun and stylish, holdups are great for festivals, parties and also for smarter occasions when you need to look your very best.

With so many styles to choose from, you will be able to create a new look for your outfits every time you hit the town.

There’s a style of hold-ups that’s perfect for every occasion, so what type of holdups should you go for?


Cable Knit

Cosy and snug, like an elongated sock, your cable knit holdups will look great teamed with a suede or leather-look skirt. It’ll bring out your inner rock chick!

Herringbone Holdups

Want to dress to impress? Sassy and sexy, herringbone hold ups are a perfect addition to any smart outfit. You’ll look and feel sophisticatedly sensational.

Fishnet Hold-ups

You love the sex appeal of stockings, but without the hassle, right? Then fishnet hold-ups are the perfect alternative for you. Glamorous and gorgeous in a striking cerise colour, if you’re wearing fishnets, you’re sure to turn heads.


Multi-colour Hold-ups

Available in a variety of hues such as: blue, red and yellow, multi-colour hold-ups are the height of fashion. Perfect for interchanging with every outfit, your legs will definitely be the star turn in these beauties.

Sheer Lace Top Hold-ups

The epitome of femininity, soft and sensual – guaranteed to make you feel fabulous every time you put them on.

Tulle Seamed Hold-ups

Tulle Seamed Hold-ups really do have the wow factor. Elegant, sexy and stylish, they’re just right for that first date . . . and the one after . . .and the one after that.

Tulle Lace Top Hold-ups

If you’re a fan of lace stockings, you’ll love the elegant simplicity of Tulle Lace Top Hold-ups. These are perfect for that special night out, or weekend away. Wearing these you’ll feel supremely glamorous and sophisticated. Go on, spoil yourself!

Lace and Bow Overknee

Cute and endearing, these lace and bow over-knee hold-ups are sure to appeal to your sweet nature. They may imply ‘girl-next-door’ innocence, but they also suggest an underlying more daring side . . .


Fairisle Overknee Socks

These are the ‘must have’ accompaniment to your wardrobe this autumn. Fairisle overknee socks will keep you warm and snug while out and about on cooler days. You’ll look a trendy treat too.



If you haven’t tried hold-ups yet as an alternative to stockings or tights, then maybe you’re missing out. Hold-ups are comfy, fashionable and easy to care for and with so many styles, fabrics and colours to choose from, you can create an individual look that’s just right for you, whatever you’re up to!

Why recruit online?

E-recruitment is the process of hiring new employees via the internet using specially developed recruitment software. It has been estimated today that around 80% of jobseekers now look for work online as it is cost-effective, efficient, large amounts of information can be processed at one time and it is also immediate. CVs can be sent to potential employers within seconds and job websites will tailor email notifications to suit individual applicants.

These are all good reasons for an applicant to look for a job online – but why should you, as an employer, use e-recruitment systems to find the right person for that role you need filling? Well, for starters it is a far better way of communicating and enhancing your brand image than, for example, print advertising. An online job page will tie in with the rest of your website which means the potential applicant can see for themselves what your company’s priorities are and where they might fit in. Nobody wants to waste time interviewing an applicant who has clearly not bothered to research their company – but with an e-recruitment system everybody is on the same page from the beginning, simplifying the process for both employer and applicant.

E-recruitment systems also greatly increase efficiency by streamlining the recruitment process. They can allow you to process many different pieces of information quickly and logically, such as candidate attractiveness, experience, registrations, level of interest in a particular advert and online application form handling. With all this information available, the right employee will materialise far sooner than if you were waiting for individual applications to trickle in the time-honoured fashion.

But these systems are not only useful for immediate recruitment needs. They can help you to become a more forward-thinking company by giving you the ability to build up a talent pool for any future vacancies you may have. If you use a system with a multiple talent pool facility, this can help you find the right person for the job even faster as all the potential applicants are there, neatly categorised. The potential audience out there is mind-boggling compared to the outreach you might achieve from print advertising.

In conclusion, investing in a solid e-recruitment system can help you keep up with the competition by placing the most talented workers in your sector directly at your fingertips. This is why companies from the smallest local firms to the major multinationals have now chosen to recruit online. If you haven’t already started, now is the time to jump on board.

In an increasingly competitive job marketplace, using a good e-recruitment system can greatly increase efficiency and give your company the best possible chance of finding the right person for the right role. The outdated methods of print-advertising will soon become a thing of the past.

Luxury Florists In London . . . For When Only The Very Best Will Do

There are many luxury florists in London, as you might expect in a city renowned for its sense of style and contemporary chic. Luxury flowers provide a sense of excitement and drama to any setting and bespoke flower arrangements are currently all the rage for brightening up a home or office.

So you’ve chosen your luxury flower arrangement or bouquet and it arrives looking absolutely stunning as you would expect.

To keep it looking in tip-top condition for as long as possible, here’s what you need to do:

Add fresh water. Fresh water will promote a longer life for your flower display, so keep your vase, liner, or container topped up at all times. If the flowers arrived in their own container it will already have had ‘flower food’ added to it. Every couple of days you will need to change the water completely. At this time, you should also clean the container thoroughly and add fresh flower food. Commercial flower food is essential for nourishing your flowers, keeping bacteria at bay and encouraging buds to open, thus lengthening the life of your flowers.

After several days, take out the flowers and trim 1” from the bottom of each stem. Cut the stem at an angle to promote easy water-absorption. Do not pierce or smash the stems as this will destroy the water vessels in the stem and prevent them taking in water. Remove any damaged blooms, spent foliage, or other water debris which can cause bacteria growth.
The easiest way to remove your flowers from their vase or container without disturbing the shape of the arrangement, is to tie some garden twine around the bouquet just above the neck of the vase. You will then be able to gently remove the bouquet from the water in one go.

Clean the vase or container and refill it will fresh room-temperature water and flower food as directed by the florist’s instructions.
Most flowers are best displayed out of direct sunlight, away from radiators, heating or cooling vents, or directly underneath ceiling fans, any of which can cause premature wilting. Generally they thrive in temperatures between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18-22 degrees Celsius).

Also avoid positioning your luxury flowers near ripening fruit. Many people don’t realise that ripening fruit emits ethylene gas, albeit in tiny amounts, but which can nevertheless cause your flowers to age prematurely.

Luxury flowers are perfect for when you want to make any occasion truly special. Or simply to add a touch of glamour to everyday life. With a little care and attention, your luxury flower arrangement will last far longer than you might expect, providing days of added beauty and pleasure.

What Your Favourite Sock Colour Says About You

Whether you go for flash and funky, or pure and tasteful, rather like ties for men, your preferred choice of sock colour can reveal a great deal about your personality.

This is what your fave sock colour says about you:
Red
Energetic and passionate, you’re a real goal-getter, extremely determined and driven. You crave excitement and are intense when it comes to relationships. You are the life and soul of every party, but you have a tendency to go over the top sometimes!
Orange
Kind, warm-hearted and cheery, you love socialising with friends and your big personality will light up any room. You are ambitious, but sometimes allow laziness to get in the way of career success. Sometimes you need to focus more on your goals and pass on that impromptu party!
Yellow
Intelligent and charming, you love to share your knowledge with others, but can come across as a bit of a know-it-all. You have a naturally sunny disposition and are idealistic and very creative. You enjoy sharing your happiness around, although you can be prone to bouts of jealousy which makes your other half want to dive for cover!
Green
Many people consider you a lucky person and you love to give freely to others without expecting anything in return. You are generous with both your time and money and love nothing more than being amongst nature and peaceful surroundings.
Blue
If blue is your favourite colour, then you’re in good company as it’s the colour more people choose as their favourite than any other. You are a trustworthy and conservative individual, with strong morals and an ongoing need to be productive. You desire a secure lifestyle, which many people will suggest is boring, whilst secretly envying you!
Purple
You are mysterious and powerful, but you can come across as intimidating. Your empathy for others makes you a strong and loyal partner. You are creative and enjoy artistic pursuits – even those crafts you are not particularly good at.
Gold
Active, energetic and driven by wealth, you attract many admirers who like you for your dedication and understanding. You are intelligent and positive in your actions, which usually leads to success and happiness.
White
Spiritually you are in tune with others’ feelings and emotions, though you can be perceived as cool and calculating. You have a passion for truth and innocence and prefer to be surrounded by things which are pure, simple and uncluttered.
Black
Classy, powerful and highly sexual, you can be intense and emotionally deep. Your persona is one of elegance and style, though inwardly you can be prone to moods of anger, fear and melancholy as a result of your tendency to make rash decisions without thinking them through.
Pink
Naturally charismatic and dynamic, people adore being in your company. You’re a 24-hour party person for whom the word ‘hangover’ is non-existent. You probably have at least three invitations on your mantelpiece for every Bank Holiday weekend, but as you hate to disappoint people, you’ll go to them all, won’t you?
Don’t forget to pack your pink socks . . .

How To Put Your Tights On Without Laddering Them

Good tights are an expensive purchase, but well worth the money. So the last thing you want is for your designer tights to be ruined by a snag or tear.

Now that tights are this year’s ‘must-have’ fashion item, this is how to put them on without damaging them:

Before you unwrap your new tights, check your hands and feet for rough skin and sharp finger or toenails and remedy with a skin buffer or nail file if necessary. If your skin is rough, apply moisturising cream and make sure it is fully absorbed by the skin before putting on your tights.

Some people suffer with permanent dry hands which leaves skin cracked and rough. If you are one of these people, it’s best to invest in a pair of hosiery gloves, which will cost you about the same as a decent pair of tights. These thin cotton gloves will help you put your tights on smoothly and easily every time.

Also before opening the packet, check you have the right size. Most hosiery cannot be returned once opened. Remove tights from packet and examine them for snags or threads. Okay, ideally there shouldn’t be any, but sometimes faults can slip though undetected, particularly with cheaper brands.

Gently stretch your tights out.

When you’re ready to put them on make sure you are seated (never try to put tights on whilst standing!)

Hold the top of the first leg with your thumbs and roll the leg down to the toe. Repeat with the second leg.

Slip one foot in and position so that the toe and heel are correctly aligned. Ease the tights up to your ankle. Repeat for the other leg.

Unroll the material to the middle of your thigh, gently stretching it as you go. Repeat for second leg.

Now stand up and continue easing the tights to the top of your legs until everything is in place and the waistband fits comfortably and securely.

And that’s about all there is to it.

The golden rule is never to ‘pull’ tights, but gently ease them into place. If you find the first time you put a new pair of tights on, they do not come up high enough (and you’re sure you have the right size), then roll them back down to your ankles and start again from there, gently stretching as you go. They should fit a treat.

Burlesque Has Sent Stockings Sales Through The Roof!

The extraordinary rise in the popularity of burlesque has reputedly sky-rocketed the sales of stockings throughout Europe and the US.

Dubbed “the Queen of Burlesque” by the press, Dita Von Teese is famous the world over for her innovative and stylish burlesque performances and is consistently imitated by many newcomers to the risqué art form. And whether on stage or off, Dita is never seen without her trademark silk stockings!

The “Dita effect”, coupled with the launch of the movie ‘Burlesque’, starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, has been responsible for this latest trend, which has seen some lingerie manufacturers report a rise of 65 per cent in sales of stockings alone. A pretty phenomenal achievement wouldn’t you agree, considering that in recent years stockings sales have been somewhat in the doldrums.

Of course, men have always appreciated the suggestion of women in silk stockings. Stockings have always one of the top choice gifts for Valentine’s, Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries, and now it seems women are catching on to the idea too.

What with the increase in demand, the vintage corset and stockings look is everywhere at the moment. So what are the advantages of buying “vintage” lingerie?

For one thing, vintage garter belts are designed to be worn around the waist, which is a far more comfortable option than modern garter belts, which tend to sit on the hip and move about when you do. They can also twist and pinch, so do not make the ideal companions for extended periods of wear.

Also, vintage has a timeless quality about it – it is something that you will not tire of and will always be in fashion. That makes it a great investment for your wardrobe.

A vintage garter belt teamed with seamed stockings is something of an irresistible combination – so much so that if you drop the odd hint, there’s every likelihood you won’t have to buy it for yourself!

Dita Von Teese, the trained ballerina who went from shop assistant, to fashion buyer, to worldwide burlesque icon, says: “Lingerie is not about seducing men; it’s about embracing womanhood.” She also says: “I love it when you can go about your daily business with the knowledge that you have a little secret of your own underneath."

No arguments there.

It seems that wearing the right lingerie can make any woman feel a million dollars, so why not put some of Dita’s glamorous secrets of success to work for you?

Why We’re All Going Gaga Over Stockings . . . Again!

Katy Perry, Lily Allen, and of course the inimitable Lady Gaga are massive fans of stockings, having recently been photographed wearing them at various high-profile events and concerts.

Can there be any better way to show off your designer stockings than by striking a pose on the red carpet?

Stockings might have taken a back seat in the popularity stakes for a while, but now they’re back in the big time. Stockings are the cool alternative to tights. They’re as great for wearing to the office under skirt suits or dresses during warmer months, as they are to go out partying in. And whatever the A-list celebrities are seen in, the fashion-conscious among us are bound to follow.

And if we want to buy exactly the same stockings as our favourite celeb, well the Internet has made it a cinch, with many lingerie and hosiery websites dedicated to replicating the latest trends and catwalk creations our top celebrities go for.

It may be a throw back from the 1940s and 50s, but stockings have still managed to retain that allure – that air of mystery and seductiveness that makes a woman of any age feel special – that has always been inextricably linked with romance.

Following the Second World War, many women threw away their stockings in favour of tights, which were easier to wash and wear and tended to last longer, so were therefore more practical.

Perhaps what has changed most about the new generation of stockings is the vast array of choices available in the marketplace today. There is now a huge range of stockings available online, from the cheaper end of the market to designer seamed and fishnets. There is an abundance of choice in terms of styles, patterns and deniers – more than at any time previously.
Although stockings may have missed a generation or so, it’s our young people who have been primarily responsible for their resurgence. And long may the trend continue.

When you see the likes of Katy Perry and Lady Gaga cavorting around the stage in a pair of stockings and very little else, it makes you think that stockings really do have a magical quality that can transform us women into sexy superstars – even for those of us with far less performing talent than these particular ladies.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it we say!

The perfect fit: Finding the right employees online

People are the most important asset for any company, regardless of sector, size or location. But how do you find the right people to maximise the possibilities of your company? The most effective job adverts are no longer in print – today if you want to find the perfect candidate for a job you need to consider online recruitment.
And here are some of the ways you can make the most of the e-recruitment solutions available:

Clear branding: In order to attract the best employees, your job postings should tie in to your company image seamlessly. The best talent will have plenty of options to choose from, so you should consider why they would choose your company and buy into your brand. Many companies will design their posting to function both as job advertisement and online sales brochure, but this is just one option. Part of hiring a specialist company to provide you with e-recruitment solutions is to give new recruits the best possible first impression of your company and brand.

Spark their interest first: Many print-based job ads now merely function as a prompt to guide potential employees to your website. If you decide to go down this route, you need to create a succinct advertisement to fill the limited space, perfectly worded so as to give just enough information to interest the applicants and encourage them to visit the site. Once here, they can access all the information they need and will also (hopefully) be impressed enough by your site to want to apply immediately.

Keep it simple: Skilled applicants may be applying for several jobs at once, so if the e-recruitment system you are using is overly-complicated they may be put off. You want people to be able to apply immediately and have a good experience of using your recruitment system. On your side, implementing an easy-to-use system means applicants can be categorised, tracked and assessed quickly and easily – saving you time and resources and reducing time-to-hire.

Do your research: Find out what jobseekers are looking for from a recruitment opportunity and what is going through their minds when they are browsing online recruitment ads or job boards. What are their priorities, and what do they think would enhance the job application experience? A little bit of focused market research will optimise your chances of getting a big response.

Maintain a good database: You may get a response from a particularly strong applicant who just doesn’t fit the particular role you are advertising for. Don’t just dismiss them: A good e-recruitment solution will include a talent pool facility, or even multiple talent pool, to assess the strengths of each applicant and categorise them accordingly. That way, if a role comes up you may well already have a number of possible candidates to hand.

Every company needs a strong workforce to help it succeed – but how do you find it? Using e-recruitment solutions is one way to reach out to a wide pool of potential candidates and quickly assess their suitability to get the right people in place.

Essential Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

Planning your wedding is an exciting time naturally, but it can also be stressful. If you’re planning a wedding in the UK’s capital city, then you’ll need a top London florist to take care of your wedding flowers for you.

Google “wedding flowers London” and you will get around 145,000 results. Wading through all that lot is enough to give anyone a headache, so here are some top tips to bear in mind when you’re deciding on what flowers you want for your big day:

Size matters! Your chosen florist will be able to advise you on the best shape and size of bridal bouquet to suit your figure and of course, to complement that stunning dress or gown.

Although most flowers can be imported all year round, from Holland for example, many more people are becoming eco-conscious and opting for seasonal British varieties, which also helps keep costs down.

You could also consider real rose petals for confetti – the organic choice to man-made confetti. Artificially-coloured confetti has been known to ruin bridal gowns, so a natural alternative is preferable.

Think about using contrasting colours for the bridesmaids’ posies, rather than having them match their dresses precisely. Choosing contrasting colours can really set off your wedding photographs and make a great talking point.

Looking for a gift for your mum, or mum-in-law? Hand-tied flower bouquets always go down a treat and you can personalise them to suit the individual.
Your florist will be able to advise you on table centre arrangements, but generally speaking a reception venue with high ceilings will require taller arrangements for maximum impact. However, on smaller tables you won’t want to obstruct your guests’ view, so more compact arrangements will be appropriate.

Flowers also make charming wedding favours, so consider dressing individual flowers at each place setting.

How about using scented flowers like lavender, lily of the valley, or tuberose to bring an air of romance to your flower arrangements. You will find for years after the event that a particular scent will evoke memories of your special day.

Consider the overall theme of your wedding: do you favour traditional or contemporary? Whether you have a particular wedding theme in mind or not, prior to your planning consultation with your florist, it is helpful to gather some ideas from magazines that will help the florist define your taste. There are a growing number of dedicated wedding magazines available on the market that will provide inspiration here. Mood boards and scrapbooks are great also for capturing your thoughts.

The right lighting at a venue can really set off your floral arrangements. Candles can create a romantic ambiance, but not every reception venue permits them, so do check ahead before ordering.

Choosing the right florist for you can make a huge difference to the success of your wedding day.

It’s vital you establish a good rapport with your florist as he or she will be responsible for translating your ideas into stunning flower arrangements and bouquets that will set the tone for the entire occasion. Don’t be rushed into making a quick decision. Expect to interview between 3-5 florists from your short-list before making a final decision.

Looking to have flowers delivered in London

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, or you want to surprise that someone special in your life, then your top London florist has everything you need to make your next celebration a fantastic success and have your flowers delivered in London.

Here are some flower gift ideas guaranteed to delight your family and loved ones:

Exclusive Flowers
Why not have something created uniquely with your loved one in mind. You can choose from their particular favourite varieties of flowers, co-ordinate the colour scheme to suit their tastes, and your florist will design an exclusive flower arrangement to match your mood and accompanying message.

Hand-tied Flowers
Said to be akin to sending floral works of art, your gift of hand-tied flowers with their supreme elegance and timeless beauty, will mark you out as a lover of sophistication, individuality, and a penchant for the finer things in life.

Exotic Flowers
Add a touch of glamour and excitement with an exotic flower arrangement or bouquet that speaks of tropical holidays and sun-kissed beaches. Absolutely stunning.

Flower Vases
Your loved one won’t need to hunt around for a suitable vase in which to show off your flower gift, because you’ve already thought of everything. Perfect for Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or just to say “I love you!” a beautiful arrangement of flowers contained in a gorgeous vase is a match made in heaven.

Planted Arrangements
Perfect for home or office (or home-office), these planted arrangements bring a touch of the wilderness to urban living and you can choose whatever plant variety takes your fancy – from cactuses, to bamboo, to orchids. Housed in containers such as ceramics, glass, or wicker, planted arrangements are ideal for those of you looking to conjure up an air of creativity with your design.

Scented Bouquets
Romantic and evocative, scented bouquets are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and of course, weddings. A delightful feast for the senses that is sure to linger long in the memory.

Organic Flower Bouquets
Organic food has been established in the UK for a number of years now. By comparison relatively few organic flower farms exist. However, because of the ‘purer’ conditions in which they are cultivated, organic flowers are better for the environment, better for wildlife habitation and better for the farm workers who are not exposed to toxic chemicals. Organic flowers are the perfect solution for today’s eco-conscious consumer.

You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to spoil someone with flowers. Give the gift of a beautiful bouquet or unique planted arrangement and your loved ones will know how much you appreciate them.