Steve Volk's Blog, page 12

Interesting Architectural Elements You Can Add to Your First Home

 

Building your first home is a thrilling experience, and most likely, like most of us, you want to make everything possible to make it look incredible, intricate and unique. Luckily for you, these goals are possible to reach, especially if you do your homework well. You can truly make your home look like you hired a dedicated and specialised team of architects and interior designers. But let’s see which those architectural elements are you have to have in your new home.

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Enormous windows

A glass wall will certainly leave a strong impression. It also has a highly functional scope, as it will allow you to let in more natural light and decrease the overall electricity bill. Regardless, this will add an incredible air to your home, will make it look more spacious, and if you decide to install a glass wall into your bedroom, you will wake up daily to an impressive view. Glass walls have become more and more popular, and if you have privacy concerns, you should know that a certain type of glass allows you to see from the inside out, but not the other way around.

Visible steel beams make a great addition

We all love the visual effect offered by visible beans. While those are usually wooden ones, for a more industrial, modern-day approach, architects start integrating steel beams in their projects. Search for some steel beams suppliers in London and ask for an offer. Properly integrated into your home structure will leave a strong impression. The design options which you will have later are endless and quite interesting. You could create a steam-punk design, you could integrate those into a classy, luxurious design, as these beams have a real architectural potential. Needless to say, the structural advantages by such elements are undeniable, as they are more durable than wooden beams.

Integrate a large kitchen island

With a high functionality, these kitchen islands will also offer a great socializing space for all the members of a family. It oftentimes becomes the place where the kids do their homework, where casual snacks happen and when you can discuss with your loved ones after work. It also increases the available space in a kitchen when necessary, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Kitchen islands also act like a room delimitating element, especially in open space floor plans. These kitchen islands usually feature a multitude of drawers and cabinets and they always serve well the homeowners.

These are some elements that will make your home look unique but also increase the functionality levels experienced by the owners. If you want more advice, make sure to get in touch with a reputable team of architects. Not only they can make pertinent suggestions, but they can also help you find reputable suppliers for your projects. Always have an emergency fund, as unexpected issues might appear. This is a small aspect that first time home owners tend to overlook and get trapped in a loop of unexpected expenses.

 

Your first psychic reading – what should you know?

 

If the world of paranormal has always drawn your interest, perhaps it’s time to finally contact a psychic or a medium. Regardless of what questions you might want the answers to, or what you are trying to obtain through your reading, a session with a gifted person of this kind could solve various of your wonderings. However, before actually contacting someone, and pursuing your first paranormal engagement, it’s recommended to be aware of a few relevant things. Here’s what you should know on the topic in advance, what will help you actually take full advantage of your first experience of this sort:

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Be flexible – don’t have strict expectations

Although you might have decided to see a psychic for a specific reason, it’s important to understand that it’s better if you start your first free psychic chat without any fixed expectations. When the medium is authentic, and is able to actually establish a connection with you, it may not be possible to grant you an exact answer to a specific question, because the information they will end up communicating will come through them, and note Xactly from them. Being flexible, and going to your session with an open mind will make the overall experience much more enjoyable, and will prevent you from dealing with disappointments.

Don’t monopolize the session

If you have never chatted with a psychic before, you probably don’t know that usually, they are the ones who do most of the talking. Monopolizing the session with too many questions or with personal info venting will ruin the entire purpose of the meeting/online chat. Keep in mind that you will need to let them guide most of the session, and simply listen carefully with what they are expressing. You can however, ask them to elaborate a certain topic, if things are not exactly clear for you, or you are starting to believe the said person is not authentic. But always remember that a totally free psychic reading should be mostly controlled by the medium and not yourself.

Pay attention to details

In order to conclude if the psychic is really one you are able to trust and they are truly gifted, you should pay attention to details. Catch any phrase or signal that might indicate they are providing you with credible insights. If they seem to know things about your persona, without you having shared that with them, it means the physic is in fact authentic, and they have managed establishing a connection with you. You will need to be extremely attentive to the entire session.

Discussing with a psychic can be an extremely wise decision to make, helping you clear out various aspects of your life, and bringing you information you might not even thought about until that moment. However, the first reading of this sort you engage with should be pursued only after thoroughly researching some aspects. These are the details that will give you the opportunity to be fully prepared for your first chat with a psychic, and thus make the most out of this experience.

 

Steps to finding a sash window repair company

 

When you are in need of sash window repairs and renovations, one of your concerns at the moment is to probably find a good team of specialists. This might seem easy. A quick search on Google, and you will stumble upon numerous offers. However, if you want your invested money to be worth it, and for the results of the repairs to meet your demands, you should make your choice with a bit more care. And here are the things that will help you tremendously in this department:

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Ask for recommendations

You should start out by asking friends and acquittances if they can recommend you a firm that offers these types of services. It’s always better to collaborate with a company you know has provided excellent repairs or renovations to someone you know. However, if you don’t have someone who has needed Sash Window Repairs in Islington, you can always go online, on forums, to see if you can find any pointers there. Reading a few client testimonials will be beneficial when you are making such a choice, even if you might have already found yourself a company that seems to offer what you need.

Inform yourself on specialists’ experience

The next step is documenting yourself on the company’s industry longevity and on its employees’ experience in this domain. Sash Window Carpenters who have been doing this for  a long period of time will naturally be able to offer services of higher quality, so making experience one of your selection considerations is advised. You can receive detail regarding this aspect by contacting customer service or simply researching the topic yourself, on the web.

Request a quota

Price transparency is another thing that any trustworthy company should deliver. To find out if their fees are actually ones you can afford, and you are not dealing with window specialist that might overcharge you, request a quota from the start. Money is always something you need to think about when you are choosing accompany of this kind, so it’s normal for you to discuss costs with the said firm right from the start.

Get everything in writing

After finally finding an option that seems to meet all your criteria, you should remember that signing a contract is essential. Because you probably don’t; want to deal with inconveniences, is best if you have everything in writing. A respectable company that an ensure a proper service quality will always sign contracts with its clients, so try to not overlook this detail.

So, if your sash windows are in need of some repairs, you probably want the job to be carried out by the book and that implies collaborating with pros who really know how to do their job right. By taking the few steps discussed above, you can ensure the safety of your choice. With so many companies offering window repairs and installations, you can easily end up making the wrong choice, so it’s best if you are well-documented first, just to not waste your money on improper services.

 

Sports you should try before you turn 30

Practicing a sport is a very healthy habit that you should include in your life no matter what. It can be a team sport, it can be going to the gym or jogging every now and then – it doesn’t matter. When you desire to lead a healthy life, motivating yourself to make some changes is the key to everything. Set up strict goals and try to stick to them during your entire journey. First of all, you’ll have to figure out what type of sport you would enjoy. Signing up in London netball leagues or just playing a match with your friends at the closest sports center represent options you shouldn’t miss as long as you are interested in them. Here are some sports you should give a try before turning 30:

 
Netball

Netball is a team sport that includes up to seven players. The objective of the game is to throw a ball 10 feet high post. Each player has a specific position on the court that they need to respect during the whole match. To become the winning team, players should score as many goals as possible. A regular match takes up to 60 minutes to finish, but depending on the flexibility you have when playing, variations can exist. Netball is popular worldwide, and it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The Netbusters London Netball is one of the most popular leagues you can enter, regardless of your status. It is a sport preferred by women.

Kayaking

In case you are up to experience the adrenaline and trying something entirely new, kayaking is the best option. Water sports can be dangerous if you don’t prepare accordingly. You need to know how to swim in case something happens, and you’ll need to invest in kayaking equipment. Moving across the water is not difficult as long as the water is calm. When waves intervene, kayaking can become a lot more complicated. You might want to attend some classes before getting into kayaking.

Skiing

Skiing is a basic winter sport that both children and adults can try. You only need to balance your body while wearing the appropriate equipment. Winter sports are great if you want to relax after a long week in the crowded city. Plus, the risk of injuring yourself is low with the correct guidance and training. Take a city break every now and then and you’ll become passionate about skiing. You will keep a good physical shape and relax. The only downside of skiing is that you can only practice it during the winter season.

Scuba Diving

If you want something lighter, scuba diving is perfect. Swimming and water, in general, put the body to work, so you’ll get your physical movement dose. But scuba diving is not about getting exhausted, but about getting impressed about the underwater world. It is an experience you won’t forget any sooner and you might want it to try it again quickly.

Top Sports to Try If You Want a Lifestyle Change

A lifestyle change demands plenty of ambition and a positive attitude towards the process that is unveiling in front of us. Without it, you cannot foresee great results, and achieving those, is practically impossible. So, set a goal and start working towards it with plenty of dedication and commitment. Below are some sports that will help you become a fitter, healthier you.

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Cycling

If you choose cycling for weight loss purposes, you’re in for plenty of fun. Why cycling? Because of the numerous benefits that you’ll have from getting involved in such an activity.

It’s a fat-torching activity;
You’ll increase your cardiovascular strength;
Promotes health by boosting pulmonary activity;
Improves strength and endurance;
Works out all the major muscle groups and promotes prolonged calorie-burn;

If you learned how to cycle as a kid, you need no special training. Simply get you bicycle and start working out. Depending on the intensity and interval for which you perform this activity, you can burn anywhere between 70 and 600 kcals. You’re in for quite of a training!

Football

Everybody loves football, and luckily for you, there are some amazing London 5 aside football leagues where you can enroll with your friends and have a more than soliciting workout while having plenty of fun! Football also has plenty of health and fitness advantages and involving with regularity in this sport will assure you that you burn plenty of calories, improve your pulmonary system, cardiovascular system, promote a general health and improved fitness level, all these while allowing you to socially interact with your friends and have plenty of fun. In fact, 5 Aside Football is quite of a popular activity amongst corporations, in an attempt of increasing the health levels of their employees.

Jogging

You may have seen plenty of individuals running on their own or in groups. This is a great activity if you want to lose weight and increase your overall health, as this increases the muscle and bone strength, the cardiovascular strength, the resilience, the number of calories burn, and if you enjoy having a burger or two once a week, you can manage this while running, as this activity will increase your daily calorie intake quite a lot.

Be mindful of what you’re eating

While sports will promote weight loss, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ingesting way too many calories. After all, the weight loss journey starts in the kitchen. Try to eliminate completely all the processed foods and adopt a healthier diet that consists mainly of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and also try to eliminate the sugar as much as possible. Pair it with one of the sports above, or all, why not, and you will start seeing results in an unexpected fashion. Losing weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle isn’t difficult, but this requires plenty of motivation. Commit to your goals and never underestimate the potential a good diet and sports have.

Mastering your relocation – what should you know?

 

Moving to a new house is often exciting, but the overall relocation can also be seen as tiring and stressful. Considering you have quite a few important things to take care of, you may experience a lot of pressure and agitation. Relocating doesn’t have to be a difficult thing, as long as you know how to manoeuvre the process by the book. There are a few effective ways in which you can ease your moving, and reduce the stress that might usually come with it. So, if you want to know what you have the possibility of doing in this department, keep reading:

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Leave removal in the hands of pros

From heavy furniture items to fragile collectables, you may have a lot f stuff that needs to be transported from your current home to your new one. Even if you might think you can handle removal on your own, with a few car trips, it’s best if you leave this task in the hands of professional. A good removal company will move all of your belongings in a safe and rapid manner, so you can focus on other important relocation implications. Experts at MoveCorp will have the right vehicle, enough workers and the right methods to simplify the moving of your possessions. In just a day or two you can have everything you own at your new residence.

Pack everything carefully

Remember that everything you pack will need to be unpacked when you arrive to your new property, so you should try to handle this task with care. This means categorizing boxes, using the right packaging for fragile items, and also throwing away things you know you won’t use anymore (why clutter your new home with unnecessary stuff?) If you are having troubles with packing, and this seems to take much more time than you can afford spending, you can always check if the removal company you have hired offers these type of services as well, and take another burden off your shoulders.

Make sure your new home is ready for you

From pursuing a thorough cleaning job, to changing the locks of the house, take care of each detail that ensures the welcoming environment of your new house. Don’t wait until you actually move to handle things revolving around living comfort and convenience, but focus on them with sufficient time in advance. Repainting, fixtures, cleaning, interior upgrades – see what the house needs, and if you know how to master small tasks, the transition of making your new property feel like home will be much smoother.

Moving doesn’t necessarily have to be a hassle, as long as you know how to take the right steps in this department. By hiring yourself the right removal company and following a few other relevant tips, you will manage to master your relocation process, and get used to your new home at a rapid pace. Take into account these few factors, and the difference will be a noticeable one.

Do you want to get married abroad? Here is what you should know

Getting married is one of the most important things in a person’s life and, before making this important step, you need to be sure that you truly want to take your actual relationship to the next level. Rushing to the altar requires more than love and an apparently perfect relationship. Feel free to get married only if you are in love with someone you want to spend the rest of your days with, someone who has shown you both his strong and his weak points. Moreover, marriages and even long-term relationships require hard work, so if you are not prepared to make an effort in order to keep the magic alive, then you are just wasting your time. Being with someone who is not on the same page as you or being with someone who does not want the same things as you can only be destructive, exhausting, worthless, and time-consuming. Anyway, if you think you have found your other half and you want to make this lifetime decision, but you do not want to get married in your home country, then keep on reading. After all, getting married abroad is not as hard as it seems.

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Think what country you want to get married in

Before you both start to pack up your suitcases, buy your plane tickets, and book a hotel room, think what country you want to get married in. Of course, there are some countries that will not legally recognise your marriage abroad, but most countries will do. Legal requirements vary from country to country and in most countries, the legal requirements are not as difficult as you may think. Also, it is best to contact the consulate or the foreign embassy of the country you plan to get married in because by doing this, you can obtain information about the legal requirements of that country. Furthermore, if you need to translate some legal documents, there are a lot of document translation services from which you can choose.

Book the flight in your maiden name and talk to the airline

If you will change your name after your flight, then there is no problem. You can book your airline ticket in your maiden name without a worry. Just make sure that, when you go back to your home country, you book your airline ticket in your new name. Also, most airlines will allow you to bring your wedding dress as hand luggage, but better talk to the airline in order to be sure. Also, if you will travel with all of your family, then ask for a discount such as a group travel rate to save some money.

Have fun and make the most out of your wedding abroad

Not everyone has the chance to get married abroad, so make sure you make the most out of your time spent in a foreign country. For example, if you want to have some extra fun, you can even have a hen party if you want to. After all, you are getting married.

Remodelling a bathroom? Consider these improvements

Many would say that the bathroom the most neglected room in the home when it comes to interior design. It is easy to find yourself concentrating your attention on other rooms. However, the bathroom deserves attention as well. As such an essential space in your home that you and your family require to function on a daily basis, it makes sense to take the time to update it. Have you already started? Good for you. If you are renovating the bathroom, then you might want to take into consideration the following improvements.

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Indoor shutters

Shutters may not be the obvious choice, due to the fact that they are made from wood, many don’t think that their place is in the bathroom. It is normal for people to think that way. After all, there is a lot of humidity and condensation. Humidity and condensation might kill your laptop, but they do not affect white plantation shutters. The window treatments used on these types of shutters are impervious to water, meaning that you have nothing to worry about. The shutters can adapt to any living space, fitting in perfectly. Additionally, bathroom shutters offer a high degree of privacy. As opposed to curtains and blinds, they offer complete coverage. The window coverings are fitted to the frame, so nobody will be able to peek inside. Most importantly, they are hygienic. Cleaning the wooden shutters is easy, all you need is a microfiber cloth.

Wall-mounted toilet

Wall-mounted toilets can be found in many residential homes. Why do so many people prefer this option? Probably because it helps them save a great deal of space. If your bathroom is not that big, you might want to consider investing in a wall-mounted toilet. Sure, this improvement costs more than bathroom shutters. The fixture is expensive, yet it is worth the investment. You have the opportunity to decide the height at which the toilet is installed and you will not have trouble cleaning it. The tank, which is made of lightweight plastic and Styrofoam, is installed behind the wall, in a carrier meant to provide support. As surprising as it may seem, the wall-mounted bathroom is an environmentally friendly choice. How so? Well, you save water with each flush. Who doesn’t want to save the environment?

Walk-in shower 

If you are wondering what exactly you should redo in your bathroom, look no further. Replace the whirlpool tub with a walk-in shower. The walk-in shower is made exclusively of glass. There are no moving parts, so there is not anything to break. Since there are no hinged doors, you can literally walk in. Tile and stone are normal. The enclosure can be constructed in many ways, so you are spoilt for choice. When you have a walk-in shower, you will be searching for excuses to take a shower. Actually, you will spend a hefty amount of time in the bathroom. The walk-in shower is so convenient that two people can use it at the same time.

Every Gym Newbie Should Start on The Right Foot

If you want to join a gym but you don’t know where to start, this is the right place to be. It is your first day in a gym and everything seems complicated and hard to figure out a workout routine? Everyone has been in this position at least once in their lifetime. So, you are not the only one who doesn’t know how to use a treadmill or a stepper. There are some basic rules to remember when starting out a fitness program. So, whether you are doing this for losing weight or building strength, keep on reading the following lines. In this article, we will try to help you discover how things work in a gym and how you can get started off on the right foot in order to achieve your fitness goals.

A gym newbie’s guide to healthy eating

First of all, it is very important to understand that nutrition is very important for fitness. A well-balanced diet goes hand in hand with training to make a successful workout program. Having a healthy breakfast is quite important as it is the first meal of the day and it has to be high in protein and carbs. Also, a healthy breakfast will boost your energy, making you feel more energized and ready to start an intense workout. However, in order to keep your energy going, there are a few steps to follow. According to several nutritionists, most cereals are surprisingly high in sugar, so you can substitute them for oatmeal or another type of cereals that are very high in fiber. Furthermore, it is recommended to replace white bread with whole-grain bread and pair it cottage cheese, eggs, milk or yogurt. It is also worth mentioning that you can find carbohydrates in fruits, vegetables and beans, so you should stop eating sweets and processed foods for carbohydrates. Also, as an athlete, you will need more proteins than others. You can take your proteins from red meat (beef, lamb), poultry (turkey, chicken), fish, milk or vegetables. As you probably know, vegetables, as well as fruits, are rich in vitamins and minerals. Your body needs them to survive and function properly.

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Focus on progression

Like most athletes, when starting your workout you will be tempted to try all those new machines and pieces of equipment that you have never tried before. You will want to use treadmills, steppers and other complicated machines. Instead, it is recommended to start with something that makes you feel comfortable, even if that means starting out with small barbells or dumbbells. You can start with something easy and after you can gradually increase the difficulty of your workout. In what regards the types of exercises that you are doing, it is quite important to know your goals before starting out. We understand that it could be a bit overwhelming to be surrounded by all those pieces of equipment that you don’t even know to use them. That’s why every beginner should have its own plan. Decide what your goals are and make your plan at home. For example, if you want to lose weight, focus on exercises that will help you do that. On the other hand, if you want to build strength, there are dozens of exercises that will help you work your muscles. With a plan in mind, you will feel more confident and relaxed in a gym.

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Devices that help you track your fitness activity

There are so many devices that can track your fitness activities nowadays, that it could be quite difficult to find the right one for your needs. Whether it is a body fat scale that monitors your weight or an advanced activity tracker that monitors your whole fitness activity, including your sleep and heart rate, it is important to know several things about all this wide range of intelligent gadgets.

Let’s start with a body fat scale. As you probably know, a body fat scale is a device that measures your weight. There’s nothing new under the sun, you will say. In fact, the most interesting thing out there is the fact that most of the latest models use an advanced technology and are equipped with some impressive features that will surely surprise you in a good way. For example, some body scales are equipped with sensors that measure BMI, body fat and muscle mass. On the other hand, other models can also measure bone mass and visceral fat and they can even connect to an app via Bluetooth in order to provide accurate data. You can also find scales that provide information about fat-free body weight, protein and basal metabolism. Some devices can give you information only about your weight while other can measure many health stats.

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Another must-have fitness gadget is a fitness tracker. As it names itself suggest, it is a device capable of tracking your fitness activity. A quality fitness tracker should be able to do at least two things: count your steps and estimate your calories burned. Some of the most advanced models also can monitor the distance traveled and your sleep quality. Also, if you are interested in purchasing a device that can count how many stairs you can climb each day, you need to choose a model that comes with an altimeter or accelerometer.

Logo design tips – choose a logo that speaks for your start-up

If you will have success with the products you are about to launch on the market, then your logo will become as recognizable as the name of your company. If you are not convinced that the logo of a business is as important as its name is, then you should check the example of famous brands. Who does not know that the swoosh is the logo of Nike, and the two golden arches are the logo of McDonalds? If you have an idea of a product or services, then this is the start point of a business. Because you are focused on the product you want to create, you will turn your attention to the logo and name of the firm only when you will have to launch it, because you have to associate it with a company. If you do not take your time to find the right name and logo for your company you might not achieve the success you want, because the public perceives the product as being the result of a company.

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Decide the font

Typography is one of the elements that has to be taken into consideration when deciding a logo, because it offers personality to the font. The font of the logo is directly proportional with the profit you will make, and there are not few the cases when businesses saw an increase of their profit when they redesigned the logo of the company. Serif fonts are considered classic because they are used in newspapers and academia writings. If you want to tell your customers that you are a professional company then you can opt for a serif font. Many websites use sans serifs as font for their logos, because it is a modern and clean style. Also, they are easy to read, so people will not have difficulties in understanding the name of your company. Kiasu Print suggests some font ideas you should check before deciding upon one.

What colors represent your business?

The colors together with the font bring personality to the logo of a business. Every color brings people certain feelings, for example orange is considered the right color for a company that wants to be seen as cheerful and friendly, red should be used by the entrepreneurs who want to show that they are bold in their choices, green is the right choice for a company that fights for growth and peace. Every color invokes a different feeling so make sure to know them before ordering the logo on https://www.kiasuprint.com/common-company-seals-singapore/.

Some questions to ask yourself before selecting the logo

When you decide that you need to associate the name of your business with a logo, you should ask yourself some questions, because their answer will help you make the right choice.

Who my customers are?

Do I have competitors on the market?

What makes me different from the other companies on the market?

What feelings do I want my company to invoke?

How can my logo share my tagline?