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.

How To Book A Live Wedding Band For Your Big Day – 6 Top Tips

You’ve only got one chance to get your wedding arrangements right, so a little advance preparation will ensure that everything goes smoothly on the big day itself.

If you want to hire a live wedding band to make the occasion uniquely special, here are some top tips that will help you get it spot on.

1. What’s your budget?
If you are working to a strict budget keep in mind the maximum amount you can run to for entertainment. It’s a good idea not to reveal these details to anyone until after you have received a quote/ quotes. If the band you want is a little more costly than you had envisaged, then some negotiation may be possible.


2. What age are your guests?
It’s likely that your guests will be a broad spectrum of ages, so do check your proposed band’s playlist to ensure they can cater for the majority. If you’re looking for cool and current, rather than cheesy sing-along, again check the playlists before requesting a quote, thereby targeting the right sort of band for your needs.

3. How many musicians do you want?

Equally this can come down to the type of licence your venue has. Some venues can only accept 4-piece bands or fewer. Also check your venue’s requirements with regards to certificates. Will they want to see a band’s PLI (public liability certificate) or PAT (portable appliance test certificate) for example?

4. Do you want the band to play your first dance?


This is purely a question of individual choice. Some couples prefer the original recording of their chosen song, while others consider the prospect of a live performance more exciting. Just be sure to check with the band how they deal with requests that are not on their playlist. Most will be happy to learn your particular number providing they have a few weeks’ notice, but also check whether this incurs an additional charge.


5. Are they perfect for us?


Check out any demos/ videos on your prospective band’s website to make sure they are the right choice for you. Don’t focus on the quality of the video, it could have been made by the bride’s Uncle Fred after a few tipples! The only thing that matters is the soundtrack. So if you like what you hear . . .

6. Book them up quick!


The top live wedding bands are always in demand and frequently get booked up months in advance. Once you’ve secured your booking, make sure you get a written contract. All professional outfits will work to a legal and binding contract.


Congratulations. You’ve just booked yourself a top live wedding band that is sure to make your wedding day go with a swing.

PVC Banners – the Cost-Effective Way to Target Local Custom

If your business relies heavily on passing trade you should seriously consider using PVC banners to improve the effectiveness of your advertising.

So what makes PVC banners such a trusted advertising medium?

Well, for a start, their impact is instantaneous. Consider this: you pass a clothes shop in the high street where there is a banner draped across the front which says: ‘50% off all stock.’ Wouldn’t that make you want to take a closer look? Probably.

But what if that banner read: ‘50% off all stock – TODAY ONLY!’ There, that’s more like it. The perceived sense of urgency makes all the difference. You’d just have to have a peek in now wouldn’t you?

You see, PVC banners demand attention. They are in your face. You can’t ignore them. That’s why many more businesses are recognising the sales potential of PVC banners over other forms of advertising.

For a start they are extremely reasonable to produce. And they lend themselves to multiple projects. If you are a business with more than one branch you can readily transport your PVC banner between sites.

Actually, because these banners are so incredibly cheap compared to other advertising mediums, you might just want to buy two!

And the best way to draw attention to your PVC banner? Make it striking: simple colour scheme, direct message.

The AIDA marketing principle, frequently cited in direct mail campaigns, comes in handy here.

Attention – create a strong headline which promises a benefit.

Interest – raise your customer’s interest by addressing the ‘what’s in it for me?’

Desire – make them want what you are offering.

Action – prompt your prospects to take action NOW!

AIDA will help you keep your marketing message on track. And once you have your banner, the only thing left to do is display it in a prominent place. Somewhere it will have maximum impact.

PVC banners are also really effective when combined with other marketing elements such as fliers, print ads, radio and TV ads and online advertising. This is because we consumers frequently need to be exposed to the same message around half a dozen times before we consciously take notice of it.

Consider how many times you have to see an ad on TV before you become aware of it. The exception might be that really annoying opera singer in the price comparison website ad – though you could say he definitely prompts action of some kind!

So when it comes to planning your next product launch, one day sale, business event or special promotion, why not consider how using a PVC banner might help you achieve your goals – and stay within budget!

Escape the Office Routine for the Board Meeting of Your Life!

If you’re the type of person who enjoys activity holidays while soaking up some rays at the same time, then surfing might just be the ideal thing for you.

One of the great attractions of surf holidays is that they are fun for girls and guys of all ages, so if you were thinking that surfing is reserved simply for the enjoyment of the younger generation you’d be way off the mark.

That said, it does help if you’re reasonably fit, as you can expect to spend a fair amount of time hopping on and off the board in the early stages, while you’re learning the ropes.

But if you’re someone who is already into skiing or yoga, then that’s a bit of a bonus, as your already developed core body strength is something that will come in handy as you learn to get to grips with your surfboard.

Your resident expert instructors, themselves passionate surfers with many years experience, will help you get acquainted with your ‘inner surfer’ in no time, in a safe, but fun-packed environment. And if you’re wanting to shed a few pounds, well surfing has been described as ‘the complete body workout,’ a real calorie-burner no less, that’ll have you whipped into shape quicker than you can say ‘Hawaii Five-O.’

Surfing holidays are the perfect way to get away from it all, whether you choose to holiday solo, in a couple, with friends, or as part of a larger group.

Surfing is the ideal sport for de-stressing totally and getting your body and mind working in harmony. And as a surfer, you don’t have to compete with anyone else, because it’s all about you . . . and the wave.

Joining a surf course or surf camp is the quickest way to progress and you’ll find the best courses restrict their numbers to around six people per group. That way, you get the individual attention you deserve to make the most out of your holiday learning experience.

There are surfing courses for beginners, improvers and intermediates, so whatever level you’re at, there’s something for everybody and you’re sure to return home invigorated with a real sense of achievement. And as the teaching takes place in a supportive group environment you’re guaranteed to make lots of new surf buddies.

So if your batteries could do with recharging (and whose couldn’t this time of year?) it’s time to ‘wave’ goodbye to the stresses of the office and take yourself off for a well-earned surfing break. Bet you catch the surfing bug!

Sheer Style – Your Guide to Choosing Denier Tights

Denier is a term that relates to hosiery thickness – the weight of the yarn from which hosiery is woven (1 denier means that 9000 metres of yarn is equal to 1 gram in weight). Basically the lower the denier, the sheerer the appearance of the material, which means it is generally more fragile.

From ultra sheer tights to mega thick opaque tights and everything in between, here’s how to pick the right denier tights for you.

Ultra Sheer Tights

This refers to tights which are lower than 10 denier. It includes 8 denier (natural look) tights and the very sleek ultra sheer 5 denier. (Worth investing in some protective gloves for!) If you favour the bare-legged look, then these are the tights for you. Ultra sheer tights will keep you cool and comfortable even during the hottest months. Great with strappy sandals. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone.

Sheer Tights

10 denier, 12 denier, 15 denier and 20 denier tights.

More durable than ultra sheers, which make them a practical alternative for every-day wear, sheer tights come in an array of colours, styles and finishes. Your legs will look and feel delectable all day long.

Semi Opaque Tights

Covers the 21-40 denier range, including 30 denier and 40 denier.

Strong, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of exciting colours, semi-opaques are favourites with all the leading brand names. Semi Opaques offer more coverage than sheer tights, though your skin will still be visible.

Opaque Tights

50 denier, 60 denier and 66 denier tights.

Perfect for winter and cooler summer months, opaque tights provide a good level of skin coverage and are terrific teamed with long or short skirts or woollen dresses.

Thick Opaque Tights

These fall within the 70-99 denier range: 70 denier, 80 denier, 90 denier and offer reliable protection from the elements. Thick opaque tights are suitable accompaniments for just about any kind of attire whether you’re dressing for a business lunch or a Christmas party – what’s more they will go just great teamed with your favourite LBD.

Mega Thick Opaque Tights

100 denier and 120 denier, the ‘Mega’ range includes thick wool tights and leggings. If you’re the kind of woman who refuses to wear trousers even in the coldest winter months, then you must stock up on mega thick opaque tights if you want to want to avoid frostbite! This range includes bright solid colours that will give your legs a well-defined look – or you can opt for classic black – it never fails to impress.