A Guide To Wearing Coloured Tights

If you’re starting to feel the winter blues a little, maybe what you need is some colour to lift your mood. Instead of wrapping yourself completely in thick, dark clothes, why not embrace the trend for bright, bold and beautiful tights? The clothes you wear are a way of expressing yourself, and with the huge range of coloured hosiery on offer today you can find a pair to suit every mood. So go on, lift yourself out of the doldrums and inject some colour into your wardrobe. Here’s how to get it right:

Team with black: Whatever bold colour you choose, if you want your tights to have maximum impact then wear them with black. A little black dress and some funky hosiery is the perfect look for a night out on the town, and teamed with some chunky boots and black skirt it can also make for an edgy daytime look. Either way, it’s a cheap and simple way to help you stand out from the crowd.

Wear a mini skirt: If you’ve taken the plunge and gone for some dazzlingly bright hosiery – whether it’s red, blue, green or even multi-coloured – then chances are you are not going for a subtle look. This being the case, a mini skirt is the perfect accompaniment as it makes for a cute, sexy and flirty look whilst allowing you to stay relatively covered up – essential for those icy winter nights. Another reason why short can sometimes work better is that certain colours can make your legs look a little wide or stumpy, but a skirt that sits high on your thighs will automatically elongate your pins to balance things out.

Want to tone it down? If, however, you want to add a bit of subtle interest to your outfit – perhaps for work, or another formal occasion – then you could consider teaming a pair of coloured tights in a slightly duller tone with a pencil skirt, tailored shorts or maybe a dress falling just below the knee. You can get some great colours which are blended in with darker threads to create a slightly more toned-down effect.

It’s ok to blend: Lastly, remember there’s no rule that you can’t wear two different shades of the same colour. For example, a dark grey dress can be paired with light grey tights, or perhaps a dark shade of purple with some lilac hose underneath. This used to be a fashion no-no but now layering different tones of the same colour is all the rage. Just make sure your accessories contrast with the colour you have chosen to give some balance to your outfit.

How Your Local Heating Engineer Can Help Keep Your Family Safe

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because often you won’t know there is a CO leakage problem until it is too late. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless and breathing in only a relatively small amount can result in brain damage, paralysis and death.

If you use gas, coal, oil or wood to provide fuel for your home, you must ensure that your heating appliance and flue is fitted properly and that there is sufficient ventilation around the site of the equipment.

Your local Greenwich heating engineer is your ally in the war against carbon monoxide poisoning. He is trained to the highest industry standards of professionalism and safety and will ensure that your heating system is free from defects and is working to optimum levels.

Every home should have a properly installed carbon monoxide detector. This audible alarm is your early warning system – an essential requirement for when your family is sleeping. Your alarm should comply with British Standard EN 50291 – look for the British or European seal of approval. Again your Greenwich heating engineer will be able to advise you.

So what are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The problem with carbon monoxide poisoning is that the symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and medical conditions. Only recently a couple made the news headlines when their symptoms of CO poisoning were misdiagnosed by the hospital. Sadly, they subsequently died.

Things to look out for are: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, cramps and stomach pains. Also, blurred vision, laboured breathing and chest pains. These are just a few of the many common symptoms. You can see how easily these symptoms when presented could be attributed to a virus say, or food poisoning.

As you’re reading this article, consider what steps you need to take right NOW to ensure that your family stays safe in your home. Your Gas Safe Registered (the association which replaced CORGI) Greenwich heating engineer will provide you with a first class service, working to the highest standards of safety and customer care.

You really can’t put a price on the good health and well-being of those closest to you. So if you home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm, arrange to get one today, before it slips your mind altogether. It really is that important.

Your friendly local Greenwich heating engineer will check your heating appliances and systems thoroughly and make sure everything is as it should be. For your complete peace of mind trust all your heating installation and requirements to a consummate professional.

Catch A Wave: Surfing Tips For Beginners

We’ve all seen surfing films like ‘Big Wednesday’ or ‘Endless Summer’ and imagined what it might be like to be a proper surfer. In reality, it’s a difficult sport to master and takes endless patience – but there’s really nothing like the feeling when you finally stand upright and ride that first wave. If you really want to give it a go, we recommend following some of these tips below, and maybe if you really catch the bug think about looking at surfing schools over the summer:

Find a balance point: In order for you to surf successfully you have to achieve perfect balance with your board. This doesn’t mean your board has to lie flat all the time: rather it has to be in the same relation to the water, whatever the condition of the surf, as it would be if it didn’t have your weight on it. If you put too much weight on the front of the board the nose will dig in the water and this is known as ‘pearling’. However, put too much weight on the back of the board and it will ‘cork’. If your board is doing either of these things, move up very slowly, inch by inch, until you feel you have reached the right point. As you get more experienced you will learn to recognise where this balance point is.

Use front crawl paddle: To approach the wave correctly you need a constant speed and this is achieved by using both arms alternately to paddle. If you use both arms together you will speed up and slow down as your arms leave the water and so you will not be able to ‘feel’ the wave and catch it.

Practice makes perfect: When it comes to sitting and then standing on the board, this can take many, many hours, days or even weeks of falling off and getting back on again, so you need perseverance above anything else. When sitting, try to do it as smoothly and gently as possible as then the board is less likely to rock. When it comes to standing, practice putting your palms down, pushing your upper body up and moving your feet under you in one smooth movement – the quicker the better. Once up (and remember this will probably take a while) stay as slow and crouched as possible, place your feet shoulder width apart and look straight ahead of you. Never stand up straight as you will easily lose your balance.

Staying safe: As with all sports, there are certain risks involved and as an amateur surfer you have to know how to stay safe. Never surf alone when you’re starting out, have a safety leash and nose guard attached to your board as if you lose your grip on it when you fall off it can cause you serious injury. Also, keep at a safe distance from other surfers and don’t ever put yourself in a position where your board is between you and the incoming waves.

If you’ve practiced and practiced and not lost patience and feel as though this is something you could take up as a real hobby, now might be the time to check out surfing schools. Enrolling in a school will mean you can be taught by a professional who will show you how to avoid bad habits and how to perfect your style. Surfing school will also help you meet other budding wave warriors so you can even go on group surfing holidays when you’ve all honed your skills.

Why Hire A Specialist Kitchen Designer?

If you spend a lot of time cooking and entertaining and your kitchen is an important place to you, it makes sense when you’re re-modelling it to use the services of a specialist kitchen designer. Yes, a bespoke kitchen designed by a specialist may cost more than buying a standard one from a large superstore, but what you end up is a unique living space which has been crafted according to your tastes. Here are just some of the reasons why you should bring in an expert:

Locally based: One major advantage of hiring a small, specialist kitchen designer is that they will more than likely be locally based. Say, for example, you live in Warwickshire: Choose a firm specialising in Warwickshire designer kitchens and they will know all the best local suppliers and know how to get the best deals on materials.

Choosing Warwickshire designer kitchens if you live in the area also means you will be doing your bit for the environment and the local economy, because the designer will often work with local product manufacturers and raw material suppliers, supporting businesses in the area and ensuring that less CO2 is emitted in raw material transit.

Consultation service: A specialist will also be able to provide you with a full consultation service so you can talk about exactly what style of kitchen you want and which features are very important for you. They will make detailed measurements so they are aware of the unique shape of your kitchen and how much space they are dealing with, and then discuss the possibilities with you in depth. With a standard kitchen installation, you are unlikely to be able to get across your own input or ideas but of course this is very important if you want a room that reflects your own personality.

CAD design: Most modern kitchen designers will also have some kind of CAD software so when you have had your consultations they can produce a realistic, 3D mock-up of what your finished kitchen might look like. This way, you can make any changes to your plan before any work has actually been carried out, which can potentially save you a lot of money.

Safety: Lastly, bringing in an expert kitchen designer is a lot safer than buying the units and attempting to install them yourself. They will use the services of a kitchen fitter who can do a technical survey to make sure anything you are planning to put in is both viable and safe. They will also correctly mark out the electrical and plumbing positions and ensure these are installed correctly. Electricity and plumbing can of course be particularly dangerous if they are done badly, so they are not something you want to be messing around with if you are unqualified.

Advertising A Small Business

The world of advertising can be a scary one, especially as adverts can appear is so many forms. It can be very confusing for someone with no expertise in the area to decide where a company’s money is best spent. As a result, it can be extremely difficult for small businesses to create and implement effective advertising strategies. This article takes a look at a few of the major brands and forms of advertising and how a small business can utilise them effectively.

The most important thing to consider when developing an advertising strategy is the company’s target audience. The second most important is a company’s budget. Bear in mind both these factors and you will never stray too far from the right track.

Before looking at advertising online, it is essential not to disregard more traditional forms of advertising. Business signs, billboard adverts and flyers are still very effective forms of advertising.

Firstly, flyers get your advert right into the hand of potential customers. Even if 90% of the people you hand them to throw them away, that 10% could make a real difference to your company’s income. Make sure they are simply designed and offer the potential customer a good deal.

Business signs and banners can be used for dozens of applications; from advertising in a store’s own shop window, to publicising the company logo in a busy town centre. Again, they need to be simply designed and eye catching as the average passerby won’t be looking at it for more than a second or two. A well designed sign is an inexpensive way of getting your company’s name out into public eye.

Utilising the internet is becoming an increasingly difficult task as large companies spend millions of pounds on adverts and social media campaigns. That said, it can still be a great way to market your company or business. They key is to be different. Users have become almost immune to pop-ups and banner adverts in internet browsers, so success will require you to be a little savvier than that.

Search engine optimisation is the art of making your company’s website search engine friendly in order for it to appear high up on search result lists. There is a lot written about different techniques on the internet, as well a number of professionals offering their SEO services. Smaller businesses can optimise their sites by making sure all content is unique, quality and full of key words that are likely to be searched for on the likes of Google and Yahoo!.

Finally, advertising through social media has become big business over the past few years. Viral video campaigns, Facebook groups and MySpace pages are all ways companies have tried to exploit the explosion of social media. Again, the key is to be unique and offer your customers some exclusivity or a perk they would otherwise not be able to access.

At the end of the day it entirely depends on your business, its customers and your budget. Whilst internet campaigns can be extremely successful, investing in banners and signs along with other more traditional adverts can still yield excellent results. Mix up your advertising strategy to be sure to access the widest possible group of people!

Advertising Banners: High Impact, High Visibility Solutions . . . Perfect For Small Businesses With Designs On Being Bigger . . .

There’s no doubt about it, advertising banners get your biz noticed. For some reason, they are able to command lots of attention without having to try too hard. As well as being easy on the eye, they’re easy on your budget too, which makes them the perfect advertising medium for small businesses.

Another great advantage of having banners carry your marketing message is their sheer versatility. You can adapt them for virtually any location or occasion. PVC and vinyl banners are brilliant for creating bold graphics and high visibility designs that stand out among the crowds. Then there’s digitally printed banners, which can incorporate more complex graphics and hi-resolution photographic images, creating a truly powerful sales and marketing tool for your brand.

In case you hadn’t already realised, banners are also a superb addition for exhibitions and trade shows – in fact, they’re a ‘must have’. Next time you are at a trade show in a visiting capacity, check out the vast array of banners and stands. It’ll give you a real insight into what works well. And when it’s your turn to put on a display, your chosen online sign maker will be able to put together a cracking looking promotional stand for you – something bespoke that shows off your business to its best advantage.

Above all, advertising banners allow you to be creative with your advertising. And because they are economical to produce, they afford you the opportunity to change your marketing message more often, to find out what really works for you.

You know that old marketing mantra: test, test, test? Well it’s absolutely true of every form of marketing, from direct mail to print ads to radio and TV. If you have several advertising concepts, you can never be sure which will work best for you until you run it. In the case of TV advertising this could prove incredibly expensive!

But not so with advertising banners, thank goodness. Because they are so affordable you can try several approaches and run with the test campaign that works best for you. Whatever you want to say to your customers, a dedicated advertising banner is the perfect medium for getting your marketing message across.

And don’t forget to check out the latest ranges of banner frames and support accessories on which to house your banner.

Get your message across and do it in style. An advertising banner is the adaptable and profitable partner for your business.

Fitted Kitchens – Choose One To Suit Your Lifestyle & Personality

Fitted kitchens make a great investment for any home. However, the sheer multitude of products and styles of fitted kitchen available means you could very well be overwhelmed by choice. So the first question has to be:

What will be the prime purpose of your new fitted kitchen?

This may sound like an odd question, but for many people these days, the kitchen is regarded as much more than a space to prepare and cook food in.

How you view yourself plays a big part in the kind of fitted kitchen you ultimately end up with. Because there is so much choice in terms of products, colours, finishes and accessories, many more people are opting to design their ultimate fitted kitchen around lifestyle and personality factors.

So how about you?

Are you:

The Family-oriented Person

Everything you do is centred around your family. Your children prefer to do their homework and creative work in the kitchen. The little ones enjoy helping you with cooking and chores. They draw pictures on the kitchen blackboard and make messages out of the magnetic plastic letters on the fridge. Your kitchen is the place for the whole family to spend quality time every day, but particularly at weekends – wiling away a lazy Sunday afternoon with the Sunday supplements, books and board games.

You need:

Your ideal kitchen will be warm and welcoming with loads of storage space for all your essentials. Consider combining old and new appliances – an aga with an American-style fridge-freezer. Choose a large robust table as a centrepiece – perfect for relaxed family meals and a place for the kids to do their homework.


The Entertainer

Your middle name is Mr or Ms Sociable: you love nothing better than having a bunch of friends round on a Friday or Saturday night. Any night in fact. You’ll probably knock up a few cocktails and get everyone to join in the fun of creating food that’s made for sharing. Your home will be the first choice venue for every party – any excuse for a celebration. Can we come?

You need:

An ultra glamorous kitchen that makes you the star of the show. A minimalist style works well here. Opt for a breakfast bar or island unit with colourful contemporary stools and decorative lighting. The perfect place to show off your culinary skills.

The Cook

You’re one serious foodie, with aspirations of winning Masterchef, or at least Come Dine With Me. You’ve even considered opening your own themed restaurant some day. Okay, maybe not that serious, but you do love creating your own food dishes that bring people together and trying them out on your friends. Cooking for you is a genuine pleasure, rather than a chore and your mates are always asking you for your recipe secrets.

You need:

Simple units with bold colours and state of the art appliances as befits the serious cook. Hob, sink and oven layout should with planned with the cook’s ‘working triangle’ in mind. Add a hanging pan rack suspended from the ceiling, a la Nigella, for optimum use of space and efficiency and prepare to serve up your signature dish!

Why Hire A Local Plumber?

Plumbing is a far more skilled job than many people realise, and in fact requires a great deal of training to attain a high level of proficiency. A bad plumber, and there are many out there, can leave you with flooded rooms and thousands of pounds worth of damage. We’ve all seen the programmes on TV about large, countrywide ‘cowboy’ firms of plumbers who will turn up at a house, charge the earth for a bad job and then disappear, often leaving the unfortunate householder in a worse state than before.

If you live in a hugely populated area such as London there will be a large number of plumbers to choose from, but of course this increases the risk of happening upon a bad one. As an example: If you live in Greenwich, plumbers can quickly be found within your postcode by looking online where there are plenty of websites hosting directories of different service providers.

But why, if you live in Greenwich, is it better to hire a small firm of Greenwich plumbers than go for a large, nationwide firm for example? In other words, why go local? Well, many people prefer to hire a trusted, local plumber they can call in any emergency and know they will provide a skilled service without charging more than is fair. Building up relationships with skilled tradesmen is the best way to avoid being conned.

Another benefit of a local tradesman is that they will be more likely to take the time to give you a more personalised service and a few perks as they are probably keen to keep your business over the long-term – not always an issue with the larger, nationwide firms. For example, many plumbers with long-term clients will be happy to come and carry out a free inspection of their pipes if you think there is a problem or want something new installed. Larger firms will more than likely charge for this service, even if it turns out you don’t actually need any work doing. Also, a plumber you get to know and use all the time will be aware of any previous problems you have had with your plumbing system and its own idiosyncrasies, and so will be the best person to work out a proper solution.

As with anything that’s worth doing, though, you shouldn’t automatically go for the cheapest option when you are first deciding on which plumber to use. Whilst there are many who charge too much, there are also unqualified plumbers who will happily do a cheap, ‘cash-in-hand’ job but end up doing more harm than good. After all, you look for somebody you trust to cut your hair, provide you with medical services or service your car – so why should this not be the same for your plumbing?

Can’t Decide Whether To Book A Live Band Or A DJ For Your Wedding?

Your Wedding . . .

One of the most important events of your life, if not the most important. This being the case it’s vital that you don’t leave a single element to chance.

Choice of music is something most couples spend hours talking through. And perhaps even arguing over. As well as the actual song choices themselves, the other main consideration is: do we plump for a DJ or go for a live group instead?

Well why not have both? No need for compromise. Nothing beats the excitement of having a live wedding band playing throughout your big day. And if the band includes a DJ option as well, then you will get the best of both worlds.

To get the band you really want, make sure you book them 8-12 months in advance if possible. Bear in mind that your chosen group will only be able to play one venue on any given day, so make sure it’s yours.

The advantage of having a band that also includes a DJ, is that you get non-stop music when the band is taking a breather. Plus if you or your guests fancy an impromptu request all they have to do is pop to the stage and whisper in the DJ’s ear.

With your very own DJ in tow, you also get the benefit of an extensive playlist that satisfies every member of the family from the oldest to the youngest. And as you know, Auntie Maud won’t get through the evening without a burst of Elvis!

A live wedding band will add an exhilarating dimension to the proceedings, particularly if, like many couples, you opt to have a video recording at the reception. If you have been to a function where there was live music, you’ll know what a massive difference having a live band makes to the fun factor. A live band can get people up and dancing quicker than simply throwing on a CD can.

And if you would prefer your chosen band to play your first dance live for you, rather than opting for the recorded version, no problem. Just make sure you give them 4-6 weeks’ notice if it’s a song they do not have on their set list already and are not readily familiar with.

Choosing a live wedding band and accompanying DJ will add a real sparkle to the proceedings and ensure that your big day gets talked about for years to come.

Developing An Online Marketing Strategy For Your Ecommerce Business

With so many thousands of online businesses, ecommerce marketing effectively is essential for growth and success. Careful planning, along with research and a good marketing strategy, is the only way to ensure your ecommerce site prospers and grows. Here are a few tips on drawing up a good online marketing plan.

The first thing to consider is your company’s budget. Marketing ecommerce websites can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be as there are strategies that can be adopted for any size of company. Your strategy should be sustainable, so set out a monthly budget before delving into how you want to spend it.

Next, consider who your potential customers are, which sites they are most likely to visit and what they are interested in. Not only are you then able to specifically place adverts where your customers are most likely to see them, you can design them to relate to and engage with them.

Then it is time to consider how you want to advertise your products or services. There are many advertising opportunities available online and not all of them may be suitable for your company. Using social media is one popular form of advertising as it allows companies to interact on a much more personal basis with their customers.

Your website should also be search engine friendly for your company to appear towards the top of search results pages. There is an entire science behind this, known as search engine optimisation (SEO). There are a great number of professionals on the net offering their services or advice to improve your site’s ranking on sites such as Google. Research into SEO in order to direct more traffic towards your ecommerce site.

There are also a number of ways of simply advertising your company and its products or services online. The traditional method is to pay for websites to display advertising banners on their pages, although there are other ways. Google AdWords can be effective in promoting your business, as can blogging and writing articles about services and products that relate to your business. If you are offering sound advice in relevant forums, by including a link, you’ll find people are drawn to your company’s website.

Promotions and deals in the virtual world are as effective, if not more so, than in the real world. Customers need to believe they are getting a good deal and value for money and special offers are one way letting them do this. This is also how you will attract new customers as well as retaining old ones. There needs to be a reason for people to choose you over you competitors.

Your website design is also a very important part of your ecommerce site. It should be easy to navigate, the information should be clear, concise and helpful and contacting you should be simple. Using secure payment systems like PayPal is also important as your customers should feel safe when paying for your goods or services. Including pictures, helpful links and bright colours is a simple but effective way of encouraging visitors to your site to part with their money.



In conclusion, planning is definitely the most important part of your online marketing strategy. Without devising a budget and clear goals and milestones you are setting yourself up for failure. Utilise as many advertising methods as you can afford and do not be afraid to invest in professional help for marketing and website design.

Energy Efficient Conservatory Design

Despite the current economic downturn homeowners are still looking to add space and value to their properties. Moreover, the slump in the housing market is spurring on the home improvement industry and conservatories are becoming increasingly popular.

When the first modern conservatories were being constructed in the 1960s one of their selling points was the idea that they could reduce overall household energy usage by passively collecting solar energy and reducing the need for additional central heating. Whilst this is certainly true in the summer, the use of such extensions in the winter months actually leads to a rise in net annual household energy usage.

Today, with the advent of the green age and the ever increasing desire to cut energy use, a number of energy efficient designs have sprung up. These actually allow families to use their conservatories all year round without worrying about the detrimental effect it is having on their heating bills!

One of the most important considerations in energy efficient design is the material the wall panels and conservatory roof tiles are made of. Building regulations stipulate that at least 50% of the conservatory wall be made of glass and seventy five percent of the roof be made of translucent material. At the same time, it is estimated that the heat loss through a square metre of double glazed glass is approximately six times the heat loss through a square metre of external wall over any given period of time.

There are, however, a number of solutions to this dilemma. Both the conservatory roof tiles and walls can be made of specifically designed materials that reduce heat transfer; keeping your conservatory cooler in the summer months and warmer through the winter. There are a number of specialist glass manufacturers in the market offering such solutions.

On a slightly different note, the Green Roof Tile Company has developed the Envirotile; a lightweight yet unbreakable tile that drastically cuts the carbon footprint of the roofing process. The Envirotile is approximately 80% lighter than conventional tiles meaning transport costs and related CO2 emissions are much lower. In addition, the Envirotile is created from recycled material that would otherwise end up in landfill sites and is completely recyclable at the end of its serviceable life.

When combining these sorts of considerations with careful planning and efficiency in mind, it is very possible to add an energy efficient conservatory to any home or even reduce the footprint of an existing one. In the long term this is only going to save on energy use and ultimately money, whilst adding value to the home!

The Best Medicine: Using Laughter To Combat Stress

Humour is a subjective thing, but setting aside differing tastes it is true to say we all enjoy a good laugh now and then. It is now scientifically proven that laughter does you good, by releasing a rush of stress-busting endorphins to instantly boost your mood. Whether a hearty guffaw or wry chuckle, it provides a release for any pent-up emotions or stress we may build up in the course of our busy day-to-day lives.

This widespread recognition of the beneficial effects of laughter means there are now many therapists and laughter workshops out there offering to help those suffering from stress to use their laughter to get through it. Whilst the therapeutic effects of laughter have been studied since the 1970s, ranging from its ability to beat stress to improving the healthy function of blood vessels, the first laughter yoga club was actually set up in 1995 by Dr Madan Kataria who was responsible for the development of laughter yoga in Mumbai.

Laughter workshops can be in group or individual sessions and often work in the same way an exercise class would, with a ‘warm-up’ followed by deep breathing exercises and then a series of structured activities designed to encourage laughter. These will vary depending upon the group you have joined, but can include such exercises as ‘silent laughter’ or ‘humming laughter’. After all, laughter doesn’t come easily to all of us, particularly if we are going through a very stressful or busy period in our lives. From a purely physical point of view, the body can’t tell between real and fake laughter, so just learning to go through the motions of laughing on demand, even if we don’t really feel like it, can have a positive effect.

One of the best things about laughter workshops is that they are suitable for everyone. You don’t have to have any particular kinds of skills or be especially flexible. Elderly people are one group thought to benefit from this, and laughter therapy has also shown to help mentally ill people. This is why, more often than not, you will find laughter therapists working within the healthcare industry.

If you are interested in laughter therapy, the best thing to do is look online to find out where you nearest group or practitioner is based. As an added bonus, joining a group is also a great way to meet new people and form friendships. In you day-to-day life, these groups will teach you to practice the laughter techniques at regular intervals throughout the day, and particularly before certain stressful situations such as a presentation or job interview.

Fuerteventura Holidays

Situated around 50 miles from the North Western coast of Africa, Fuerteventura is a beautiful volcanic island and home to some of the best waves in all of Europe. The Atlantic largely governs the islands climate, keeping it cool in the winter whilst providing excellent surfing conditions. As a result, Fuerteventura is a popular tourist spot, particularly with those keen to get out into the waves!

The two main British destinations are Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste, although the south of the island is home to a couple more German resorts. There are also well over a hundred beaches and stretches of sand, many of which are secluded and seemingly undiscovered. The north boasts magnificent sand dunes and waters that can warm to over 20°C in the summer months.

Outside of the resorts, inland villages and towns can be found dotted around Fuerteventura’s barren landscape. Guided 4x4 or dirt bike tours from the resorts allow the more adventurous tourists to get out and explore the volcanic wilderness.

The island is still untouched in large parts and, on the whole, the resorts are all very child friendly. For the kids there is a water park in the north of the island, as well as go-karting and a zoo to the south.

The surfing scene is second to none in Europe and one the islands main tourist attractions. The autumn and winter months provide fantastic conditions amongst the reefs and hollows dotted around Fuerteventura’s coastline. There are also a few excellent surfing schools to be found for the beginners. Whilst these tend to open all year round, first timers might want to visit in the spring or summer time when tides are a little more forgiving!

Scuba diving is also popular on the island, with spectacular reef and marine life to be seen. Turtles, marlin, dolphins and even whales can be found off the coast of Fuerteventura, making big game fishing trips popular too.

In terms of cuisine, seafood is very popular on the island. Muscles and fresh Atlantic fish are frequently used in giant paella dishes in restaurants and cafes. Goats are also used extensively for their meat and milk. Queso Majorero is a delicious local goats cheese that should certainly be sampled!

Flights to the Fuerteventura’s airport at El Matorral can be booked for under £200pp, even in the summer months and there are a variety of accommodation options on the island from grand, all inclusive hotels to private villas and holiday homes.

So what are you waiting for? Stretches of rolling beach, surfing schools and scuba diving along with gorgeous temperatures and clear, blue ocean all year round make Fuerteventura a wonderful island to visit any time of year.

10 Things To Look For In A Banner-Making Company

If you’re looking to buy advertising banners for business or personal use, what kind of service should you insist on from your chosen banner manufacturer?

Here are 10 top tips for hiring a specialist for your next banner or sign project. Your preferred manufacturing company should provide:

Top quality products at unbeatable prices.
Let’s face it some sign-making professionals try harder to win your custom than others. Your chosen manufacturer should be able to provide top-notch banners at a really competitive price.

Reliably sourced materials.
Make sure your manufacturer only buys raw materials from reputable and sustainable sources.

Speedy delivery – 24-hour turnaround is ideal.
How quickly can your sign-maker start work on your order? Ideally, right away. A company which offers 24-hour turnaround is really on top of their game.

On site production by a dedicated team of experts.
Make sure all the work is carried out in-house and not sub-contracted elsewhere.

Manufacturing excellence throughout the production process.
Your appointed manufacturer should ensure your banner project stays on track every step of the way, from preparing your order, to packing it.

A free client consultation service.
Every customer is an individual with individual requirements. Does your sign-maker offer a free consultation so you get exactly what you need, without paying for additional extras you might not want?

Eco-friendly products or alternatives.
We’re constantly reminded we should all be doing our bit for the planet. Can your chosen supplier provide banners with ‘green’ or at least ‘greener’ credentials?

A first class design service.
If you don’t have your own in-house graphic designer, can your chosen manufacturer provide this service for you, either free, or at a nominal cost?

Exceptional attention to detail.
The last thing you want is to unfurl your new banner to discover a spelling mistake, or that the printer has left a digit off your phone number. The top industry specialists will provide safeguards throughout the printing process to ensure your banner or sign is exactly as you requested.

Advice which is honest, straightforward and reliable.
Your manufacturer should offer good old fashioned service, with first rate advice and a transparent pricing structure.

A sign-maker who provides all the above as standard will ensure you get the best value from your purchase and you can be certain of getting the maximum life from your banner. Keep these top tips in mind next time you need to order a banner or sign, and don’t settle for less than the very best.

Planning A Wedding In The Capital

The months leading up to a wedding can be some of the busiest and most stressful of a person’s life. To make sure you make the most of in the hours of planning and effort that will almost certainly fill up your time, we’ve put together a few bits of advice on planning a wedding. Whilst the article is based upon planning a wedding in London, there is plenty of tips that can be applied to anywhere in the UK.

The first thing to do is plan your budget. Estimates of the average cost of wedding in the UK in 2011 are around £15,000 so over spending by just 10% will cost you an extra £1,500! Naturally, London tends to be more expensive than a lot of the country so a typical budget for a London wedding might be somewhere around £18,000 to £20,000. Sit down with your partner and whoever might be funding the big day and break up the costs to ensure nothing is forgotten. Decide which parts are essential and who you truly want to invite. The fewer friends you have, the cheaper your day!

Get everything booked early doors. Decide upon your venues, officiant and transport for the day and secure their services as soon as you get chance. It can be very difficult to find a Church or registrar’s office in the capital at the best times so be extra keen in order to secure your desired venues.

The next step is to begin booking entertainment, food and photographers. Live wedding bands in London can get booked up months in advance but don’t book with haste. Be sure to check out your band, listen to some live performances and be sure the band is right for your day. There are plenty of live wedding bands in London but booking a substandard one could seriously harm your do. Similarly, read reviews on caterers and shop around when it comes to wedding photo packages.

London florists are some of the best in the world, with any operating purely over the internet just for the capital. You should be looking to order around three months before your wedding but make sure you’ve done your research!

Then it’s time to get your gears sorted for the big day! Take a couple of friends or family to gauge their opinions when buying the dresses and suits although don’t be pressured into forking out for something you’re not all too keen on. At the end of the day, it’s going be you walking the isle in it. Stay away from the traditional, touristy shopping streets to make sure you get the most for your money.

Don’t forget the invites! Get them sent out with plenty of notice also to secure everyone’s attendance. Linking back the planning part, make sure you’re sensible with you invitations and consider your budget and the size of venues. A popular choice is to invite only the closest friends and family to the day time service but open up the evening reception to your work colleagues and wider circle of friends.

A few months before the day you should start to think about booking your hair and makeup artists. For the guys out there might have completely overlooked this part, you can rest assured your soon to be wife won’t have!



A few more essentials include the rings (don’t forget these!), the readings, a schedule for the day and finalise things like the menus, entertainment and RSVPs. Wedding insurance is also a solid investment to protect yourself against the risk of a supplier or venue going under before your big day.

Bright Tights are Just the Thing to Ward Off the Winter Chill

When it’s chilly outside you need to wear clothes designed to warm and inspire you. Outfits that are guaranteed to lift the spirits and lighten your mood on these dark mornings.

The latest bright tights from all your favourite designers are just the thing to cheer and invigorate you. So what can you expect to find in your favourite online hosiery store at the moment?

Wild, crazy, jazzy . . . tartans, animal prints, tattoos and geometrics . . . has there ever been so much choice in terms of patterns and colours? Think Jessie J – cutting edge, daring and oh so cool. We all know Jessie loves the best of British designers, particularly the House of Holland. Or how about some Acrylic Rib tights in stunning deep red . . . forever the colour of passion.

And if you love your heels, then you absolutely must invest in a pair of footless tights this season. They offer the ultimate in fit and comfort and come in a range of exciting colours and shades including the stunning ‘fluorescents’ range including Flo Green, Flo Purple, Flo Yellow and Flo Pink. You’ll definitely make an impression when you go with the Flo!

And do take a look at the rather wonderful Carnaby 60s Retro Tights that are available just now. They really are something special – guaranteed to bring out your nostalgic side (even for those of us who weren’t around in the 60s. Hmm.)

And if you’ve seen ex-Towie star and beautician Amy Childs stepping out in a range of smart and sexy tights lately, you’re bound to agree that the young lady is fast developing her own sense of style. And since she has her own beauty salon too, we can expect to see a lot more of Amy in ‘businesswoman’ mode from now on.

So then, what to partner with bright tights?

Less is definitely more when it comes to dressing up your bright tights. Black dresses, skirts and jackets are ideal. Join in with the current ‘colour blocking’ trend and you’ll definitely score high in the fashion stakes.

Oh and as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, don’t forget to drop a few hints as to how a loved one might ‘surprise’ you. Hosiery and lingerie always make the perfect gifts for Valentine’s, birthdays, anniversaries, and just about every special occasion on your calendar. “Totes amaze,” as our Amy might say!

Thinking Of Letting A House In Greenwich?

Greenwich is one of the most popular boroughs of London to live in, perhaps owing to its slightly more laid-back atmosphere and ‘small town’ feel compared to the most bustling areas of the city. Because of this, property here is at a premium. If you are looking to let a property in Greenwich you are likely to be able to command a fairly high rent, particularly if your property is near to the town centre or some of the area’s main tourist attractions such as the Cutty Sark, the Observatory, National Maritime museum or Greenwich Park.

Here are some examples of the kinds of things you need to have covered if you are a first-time landlord in Greenwich:

Presentation: As a landlord, you want to start off with your tenants on the right foot and that means ensuring your property is immaculate before the tenancy begins. Make sure there are no DIY jobs left unfinished and, if you have a garden, make sure it is neat and well cut. Leaving the house in a good condition sets a precedent for tenants to keep it that way as well as presenting you as a reliable and responsible landlord. After all, property in Greenwich is not cheap and is highly sought-after, so you want to make the most of your investment.

Safety first: Landlords are obliged by law to ensure all electrical and gas appliances in their properties are safe before the commencement of a tenancy. In Greenwich, landlord certificates can be obtained by using the services of a local Gas Safe registered engineer who will test all appliances for faults. And as with all areas of the UK, you must also ensure that printed copies of your Greenwich landlord certificates for the safety of all appliances are provided to tenants. Furthermore, any safety equipment – such as fire extinguishers or fire blankets – should come with clear instructions to follow.

Clear inventory: It helps both you and your tenants if you have provided them with a clear and concise inventory of the contents of your property before they move in. Make sure your tenant signs the inventory before they move in so everyone is clear about what stays at the end of the lease and whether any significant damage has been done in the meantime. It is a good idea to make the time to take a photo inventory of the property as well as this is helpful for settling any disputes which may come up.

Agent or private rental? All landlords also have to make the decision of whether to use a letting agent to manage their property during a tenancy or rent it privately themselves. If you choose the former, you need to make sure you vet all possible agents carefully and get references to see who provides the best service. If the latter, make sure you meet any potential tenants beforehand and get everything in writing with a proper contract – even if the people you are letting to are friends or acquaintances.

Need Emergency Boiler Repair In Greenwich?

There’s nothing worse in the middle of winter than finding your boiler has packed in. With temperatures in London often well below freezing during the winter months, finding yourself suddenly without heat is no joke at all. The problem is, when boilers break down we often panic and call the number of the first engineer we happen upon. Finding a good engineer in such a big city can be difficult, and the risk with calling the first number you come across is that you may end up with someone who, seeing you are desperate, will charge you way beyond the standard rate.

First of all, you need to stop panicking and consider whether you actually have to call out an engineer at all. Whilst many boiler problems require an expert, if it is something simple then it’s possible you may be able to fix the problem yourself. After all, if you live in Greenwich, heating repairs can result in huge charges – particularly if the call-out is in the middle of the night.

For example, if your boiler breaking down is accompanied by loud banging sounds coming from your radiators, it may be that trapped air is the problem, in which case you might need to bleed them by opening them with a radiator key, or check that your water tank is full as the trapped air could be due to there not being enough water in the system.

If the problem can’t be fixed, then it is time to seek out a heating engineer. Sometimes the fastest way to do this in an emergency is online: Look up ‘Greenwich heating repairs’ on a search engine and you will quickly find many websites hosting details of boiler engineers in your postcode. Whatever you do, though, don’t just call the first number you see. Check out your local engineers to see if other users have recommended them and above all, make sure they are fully certified.

If you don’t have access to the Internet then you can call directory enquiries to find out about local engineers – but this can be risky as you don’t always know about their credentials. Another option is to find out whether any friends or neighbours have recently had their boilers repaired and whether there is anyone they can recommend. It’s always best to go for a local Greenwich tradesman who has been recommended by a friend – but of course, in a real emergency you may not always have the time to do this. Whatever you choose, make sure the plumber shows you their ID card before they start the work, and if they can’t – however dire your emergency – then send them packing and call someone else. Never let an uncertified engineer loose on your boiler.