Steve Volk's Blog, page 22

Tips for a hassle free trip

Whether you are planning to travel alone and visit some friends that live in a different country, you are preparing for a big family trip, or you are up for a getaway with friends, the trip is definitely exciting for you. You are going to get rid of routine, see new places and make new memories, which is why you want everything to be just fine. However, unpleasant situations are always likely to occur, so you have to be prepared. In order to prevent these, you need to do some planning prior to packing your luggage: create a ‘to do’ list, check for weather conditions or go shopping – anything that makes you feel in control. In addition to this, try to implement these simple tips and tricks to make sure you are going to have a safe, organized and enjoyable holiday.

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Plan transportation in detail

When travelling, a lot of people focus on booking their flight tickets in advance or preparing their car for the road. Of course this is not only extremely efficient but also convenient from a financial point of view, because the sooner you buy the tickets, the lower the price. However, if you are travelling by plane, train or any other public transportation mean, you should also think about how you are going to leave the airport or station. You will probably have some luggage, so waiting in line for a bur or metro is not the best option. For this reason, you need to remember to get a taxi number Gloucester: this will enable you to make a reservation on advance and have someone waiting for you as soon as you arrive in a foreign city. No more time wasted, no more overpriced tickets, because now you can get what you want through a simple phone call.

 

Do some research

If you are going to a place you have never visited before, the best thing you could do is look up some basic details about that city or country before leaving. This is very useful even if there is someone else waiting for you at your destination, because it is always useful to have some basic notions about the locals and their society. Read about the most popular objectives, learn about prices (this will help you create a forecasted budget) and look for free admission attractions. This is a great life hack, especially if you want to explore as much as possible without spending a fortune. You will be surprised to discover how many gardens, galleries and even museums can be visited without paying a fee.

 

Learn some common expressions in the native language

English is, without any doubt, a lingua franca, especially when it comes to travelling. Communicating with the locals is extremely important in case you need directions, want to order something in a restaurant or bargain with street vendors. Learn some basic lines you may need to use when interacting with local inhabitants and this will make your life much easier.

Is a Morning Cup of Coffee a Bad Idea?

Coffee is an extremely popular drink, due to the fact that it tastes absolutely delicious and it has a positive effect on the human body as well. However, there are some people who wonder if a morning cup of coffee is a bad idea. If you ask yourself this question as well, then you should have a look at this article in order to be able to draw your own conclusion.

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Positive effects

Some specialists say that drinking a cup of coffee in the morning can help you wake up faster, and feel less tired. Furthermore, this amazing drink can improve the energy levels, and you will feel more energized and ready to start a new day. The caffeine that this drink contains is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, from where it travels to the brain. Once it gets to the brain, it blocks the neurotransmitter called Adenosine, and when this happens the level of dopamine and norepinephrine increases, making you feel full of energy. Another positive effect would be that if it is drank regularly, coffee can help you burn fat and improve physical performance as well. Specialists also say that it has protective effects on the liver and it may lower the risk of stroke. However, it is important that you drink a maximum of 2 two cups a day, in order to benefit from these positive effects. Otherwise, you risk affecting your health, instead of improving it. Another important aspect that most people don’t know is that coffee must be consumed without sugar.

Negative effects

There are voices who say that a cup of coffee drank shortly after waking up can affect your health. People can build a tolerance for the drug, and therefore, the effect of the drink will be diminished. The human body produces a hormone which is called cortisol which helps us wake up in the morning. Due to the fact that this hormone is very high in the morning, if we drink coffee our body will produce less cortisol, and rely more on the caffeine, and then the long-term tolerance for caffeine is being developed. This is why many people say that this drink doesn’t have a great effect on them. Furthermore, you must be careful what type of coffee you drink because some types can be toxic. However, opinions are certainly shared. What you must do in order to be sure that your health won’t be affected in any way whatsoever, is to have a small cup of black coffee in the morning after a good breakfast. A quality coffee maker is essential in order to prepare the most delicious drink, and fortunately, there are plenty of models on the market to choose from.

Best Hair Straightening Tools for Thick Hair

Styling thick hair can be a challenge most of times because you need to use special tools and products specially designed for thick hair in order to style it more easily, without damaging the hair cuticle. Straightening is the hardest because you need to use a powerful tool in order to achieve results. In this article, we will show you which are the best tools for straightening thick hair. So let’s get started!

GHD Gold Professional

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This hair straightener is one of the most popular hair styling tool on the market and this is due to many reasons. We like that you can use this straightener to both make your hair straight and curl it. It has curved edged so it allows you to try out different hairstyles. The gold plates are made of ceramic so they glide smoothly thorough your hair. You can use it with confidence, even if you have thick and coarse hair because it will not damage your hair. This particular model comes with a sleep mode feature that is activated if the straightener is not used for 30 minutes.

HAI 1.0 NEO Styling Iron

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The HAI 1.0 NEO Styling Iron comes with the revolutionary Damaged Control Technology which was designed to reduce hair breakage and damage done to your hair. Although thick hair is less prone to damage, that doesn’t mean we should neglect it and use a low quality hair straightener tool. The NEW styling tool is made of high quality materials and the plates themselves are infused with Nano tourmaline that generate negative ions and far-infrared rays to reduce frizz and make your hair look and feel healthy after each use.

Sedu Professional 1½” Flat Iron

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If you are tired of dealing with frizz after straightening your thick hair, then you can opt for the Sedu Professional 1½” Flat Iron and take advantage of its great features. By using this straightener you can smooth and get rid of frizz at the same time. This flat iron uses ceramic and tourmaline technology to help you straighten your thick hair, without damaging it. This hair straightener offers best results when used on medium to long thick and curly hair.

FHI Heat Platform Professional 1¾” Styling Iron

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The FHI Heat Platform Professional has an attractive design and it comes with impressive features so you will love using this tool to style your rebel thick hair. With the FHI styling tool you can reduce static and frizz and create multiple hairstyles, from straight to wavy and curly. The ceramic plates are infused with tourmaline, so they help protect your hair and give it a healthy glow. Furthermore. the negative ions repel humidity and help protect your hair from heat damage.

Packing for your first year at university

If you are moving to the UK for college or university, then you will most definitely find packing to be a stressful process. Packing for your first year at university is difficult since you may not have any idea whatsoever about what you should bring with you. In addition to basics like passport and winter clothes, and documents, there are some important things that every new student should buy when he is going to college or university. However, it is not necessary to go out and buy everything that is listed below because universities and private rented accommodation will most likely provide you some of them. For this reason, you should check what is already in your student housing Manchester or university halls of residence before leaving home. What you should remember is to pack key essentials so as not to clutter.

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Stuff for the bedroom

Your bedroom will be a place for sleeping, snuggling and of course writing essays. If you do not want to live in a depressing for the next year, then you should decorate the inside of your accommodation. You can use photographs for your walls, DVDs and things for the bed as well. For example, a couple of sets of bedsheets and pillow cases are worth getting, even in doubles. To give your bedroom a “homely” feel, you should buy additional pillows and blankets. In addition to the fact that they will make your room more comfortable, they will keep you warm during the winter.

Cooking utensils

Supermarkets and department stores will be welcoming you with open arms as you do your shopping. Among the essentials you need to consider are plates, knifes, spoons, forks, scissors, wooden spoons, baking trays, pots and pans, glasses and mugs. Unless your intention is to live off microwave meals and eat canned food, you will need at least a couple of items to cook with. In order to solve this issue, you can take a trip to the supermarket. If you are worried that the plates may get damaged during your trip, you can buy things when you are there since there are many shops around the university.

Cleaning products

Regardless of how delighted you may be of your first year of university, you have to take into account that there is a downside as well. To be more precise, you will have to keep your room clean. Whether you live in university halls of residence of in private housing, you will have to look after the room even if there are cleaners for this job. For this, you will be needing a laundry bag, dish towels, a broom, dishwashing liquid, glass cleaners, trash bags and paper towels.

Clothes

Taking into consideration that it is fairly easy to over-pack, you should leave some clothes at home for the holidays. You will definitely not need bikinis or snow boots and if you urgently need a winter coat, there are shops in the university town you can visit. What you should pack is trainers, a black-tie option for formal events, an anorak together with an umbrella, and last but not least a pair of pyjamas.

Supplies and Equipment You Need for a More Efficient Cleaning

If cleaning your house has become a burden for you, and you never manage to obtain the results you desire, then perhaps you are not using the right equipment. When it comes to cleaning chores, the chemicals and supplies you use play an important role, and without adequate equipment, you will never manage to make your home look spotless. For any person who wants to simplify their cleaning routine, looking for professional UK cleaning supplies is more than necessary. By purchasing products from the right supplier, you will manage to make your home immaculate, without spending a lot of time cleaning.

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Window cleaning equipment

Perhaps the most overwhelming cleaning task is cleaning your windows, which can become a real burden for you. Look for a provider that can put at your disposal a window cleaning kit, which will help you make your windows spotless without much effort from your part. Think about buying a telescopic cleaning pole, which will enable you to reach every corner of the window. A squeegee handle is also necessary if you want to make your steel channels look stainless. With the right kit, cleaning your windows will not seem such a burden, and you might end up actually enjoying it. With adequate professional equipment you can become a cleaning pro, and always have an immaculate home.

Professional vacuum cleaner

Probably the most used cleaning item is the vacuum cleaner. If you have a large house, than managing to vacuum all the carpet might take you even hours. With a professional vacuum cleaner of high quality, you will be done in no time, and you will see great result. You will end up saving a lot of time and simplify your chores. By using a professional vacuum cleaner, you will be able to get rid of all those annoying carpet dust bunnies from the first try. Instead of vacuuming the carpets over and over again, until they look clean enough, you will manage to make them look brand new without much effort. Cleaning can be easy and fun, if you have the right equipment at your disposal.

Chemicals are important

The common chemicals and cleaning supplies that you find at a regular market will never do their job right. From toilet and washroom chemicals to floor cleaning chemicals, you need to have in your storage closet the right products, if you want to see visible results when cleaning your home. No matter how much you scrub your bathtub or toilet, it will never look as stainless as you would want it, if you use the wrong chemicals. Look for professional products, which will make everything look as clean as it should. If you want to be a cleaning pro in your own home, start looking for the right supplier, which can offer you a wide range of cleaning products and supplies. From disposable gloves, to chemicals and professional equipment, make sure you have everything you need to make out of your home a clean and hygienic environment.

Supplies and equipment you need for a more efficient cleaning

If cleaning your house has become a burden for you, and you never manage to obtain the results you desire, then perhaps you are not using the right equipment. When it comes to cleaning chores, the chemicals and supplies you use play an important role, and without adequate equipment, you will never manage to make your home look spotless. For any person who wants to simplify their cleaning routine, looking for professional UK cleaning supplies is more than necessary. By purchasing products from the right supplier, you will manage to make your home immaculate, without spending a lot of time cleaning.

[See image gallery at stevevolk.com]

Window cleaning equipment

Perhaps the most overwhelming cleaning task is cleaning your windows, which can become a real burden for you. Look for a provider that can put at your disposal a window cleaning kit, which will help you make your windows spotless without much effort from your part. Think about buying a telescopic cleaning pole, which will enable you to reach every corner of the window. A squeegee handle is also necessary if you want to make your steel channels look stainless. With the right kit, cleaning your windows will not seem such a burden, and you might end up actually enjoying it. With adequate professional equipment you can become a cleaning pro, and always have an immaculate home.

Professional vacuum cleaner

Probably the most used cleaning item is the vacuum cleaner. If you have a large house, than managing to vacuum all the carpet might take you even hours. With a professional vacuum cleaner of high quality, you will be done in no time, and you will see great result. You will end up saving a lot of time and simplify your chores. By using a professional vacuum cleaner, you will be able to get rid of all those annoying carpet dust bunnies from the first try. Instead of vacuuming the carpets over and over again, until they look clean enough, you will manage to make them look brand new without much effort. Cleaning can be easy and fun, if you have the right equipment at your disposal.

Chemical are important

The common chemicals and cleaning supplies that you find at a regular market will never do their job right. From toilet and washroom chemicals to floor cleaning chemicals, you need to have in your storage closet the right products, if you want to see visible results when cleaning your home. No matter how much you scrub your bathtub or toilet, it will never look as stainless as you would want it, if you use the wrong chemicals. Look for professional products, which will make everything look as clean as it should. If you want to be a cleaning pro in your own home, start looking for the right supplier, which can offer you a wide range of cleaning products and supplies. From disposable gloves, to chemicals and professional equipment, make sure you have everything you need to make out of your home a clean and hygienic environment.

101 guide for purchasing the right sewing machine

When looking for a sewing machine, many people find themselves in the situation of not knowing exactly on what aspects to focus in order to choose the right one for them. However, living in the Internet era offers one good advantage, which is the fact that it simplifies the research a lot. People can make the right decision if they ask for other’s opinions on specialized forums, or read some useful reviews on various sites, such as http://www.sewingmachines.reviews/. Below are some useful tips that can make people decide which sewing machine is best for their needs and budget.

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Beginner or advanced?

This is the first question people should ask themselves before purchasing a certain sewing machine. It is commonly known that there are many types of sewing machines on the marketplace. Some of them are specifically designed for beginners, so in case you are not at your first sewing machine, it is highly recommended to purchase one that suits your needs, but also your abilities. The ones for beginners have fewer functions that sewing machines designed for people who are more experienced in this domain.

Brand

Several companies have made a name of themselves in the past decades as far as sewing machines are concerned. Some good examples are Singer, Bernina, Brother, Janome, Husqvarna, or Babylock. Choosing a popular brand might cost you some extra money, but in case you want to obtain the best results, a professional machine is the best solution.

What will you use it for?

This matter is also an important one. If you want to start a business in this field, it is crucial to choose a professional sewing machine that has many functions available. Each machine has different features, so make sure you choose the one that is in accordance with what you need. Some sewing machines are better for quilting, some have buttonholes, and others come with stretch or even zigzag stitches. Make the right choice and resort to the one that best meets your interests.

What you should avoid

It might be very useful to test the sewing machine before you purchase it, especially in case you opt for a used one. Check to see if some parts of it, such as the pedal, plug or motor become hot to the touch after you use them for several minutes. In this way, you make sure you avoid any problems. Another important aspect you need to consider when buying a used machine is the bushings in the motor, because these pieces tend to get worn out. One good way to check them is to look into the motor while the machine is running. In case you see any sparks inside, this means there is a problem that needs to be fixed. However, the best way to avoid all these problems is to purchase a new sewing machine.

Overall, the brand, the purpose of use and things to avoid are only a few elements that people should bear in mind when buying a sewing machine, whether it is for them or for their loved ones.

Golf GPS watch buying guide

GPS technology has long been present in the world of sports, being incredibly useful for athletes who needed to monitor their blood pressure or heart-rate. In time, GPS technology has been slowly but surely integrated into all facets of sports. Probably the clearest example is represented by golf. The golf GPS does all the hard work, meaning that it provides the distance to the target. And the good news is that GPs technology is wearable as well, being ideal for a quick and easy glance. GPS golf watches are unlike rangefinders in the sense that they are more convenient and they don’t even have to be manipulated. If you are interested in pricing information, then make sure to visit http://www.bushnellgolfrangefinder.com/. Considering that there are other brands besides Bushnell, the choice may not be so simple. What you should you look for in a golf GPS watch anyway?

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Price

Since golf courses are huge and almost impossible to see, you will need a little help with your game. If you are interested in reducing your handicap, then a golf GPS watch may be the answer to your problems. The only issue is that some devices can be expensive, reason why you should take into consideration your budget when you go shopping for one. If you are a professional golfer, then four hundred dollars is rather an investment than an expense. However, if you only play golf for the fun of the game, then you may not be willing to pay such a high price. The main point is that there are devices for all types of budgets, the only difference being that they do not have the same features.

Features to look for

The fact is that the more you are willing to spend, the more you gain. A wearable device will not only help you make better decisions, but it offers unprecedented insights into your game. High-end devices come equipped with a number of features. For instance, a GPS device can provide you distance to the front, the center and the back of the green. It may also provide you with hazard information as well. The main point is that you need a watch that will help you play more intelligently, but that is not very confusing to use. Therefore, you should favor convenience over complex features such as tracking systems or mapping for international courses. Additionally, you should check the battery life so as to spare yourself of the headache of constantly charging the watch.

Accuracy in different weather conditions

While the distance covered by the golf GPS watch is important, so is the accuracy of the golfing device. There is no doubt that you will find on the market watches that cover from five thousand to one hundred yards, but you need to ensure that the device offers the same results under different weather conditions. Ideally, the gold GPS watch should allow you to play under any weather conditions without getting damaged. Even if the weather and the distance do not affect the performance of the watch, some devices may not run in all atmospheric conditions. You can test the accuracy of the device with large and reflective targets and once you are confident that the performance is optimal, you can make your purchase.

 

How to Design the Perfect Relaxation Area in Your Home

At times when you are done completing the chores in the house you can benefit from a peaceful and relaxing time by increasing your home’s comfort level and improve your lifestyle through a relaxation area. In the privacy of your home you can occasionally have some relaxing moments in a bright and quiet corner where you can read, listen to music or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. Here’s how to create a relaxation area in your house.

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Relaxation area by your window

One of the most romantic and attractive seating areas are those that involve natural light. In a quieter room such as a second bedroom or living room you can even create a relaxation area at your window by adding a mattress, pillows and curtains. This option is for those who want to read in a comfortable and intimate, natural place. The area also can be used simply to relax and look out the window.

Redecorate your balcony or terrace

The balcony can be the best solution, especially in a small apartment where there’s no other area to be transformed into a seating corner. The way you choose to remodel the balcony depends only on your lifestyle and needs. It can become an area of ​​relaxation and a office room combined if you decide to place a computer to browse the internet or watch movies etc. Those who have a great view or want to spend times outdoors during hot days can opt for comfortable outdoor furniture. People who love flowers and tend to spend their free time tending houseplants can use the balcony to arrange a mini-garden.

Redesign your bathroom

For those of you who spend a lot of time in the bathroom and tend to invest in their body care routine you can transform your bathroom into a small spa without making a hole in the budget. In fact, you don’t need a huge bathroom with luxury decor to get a nice visual effect and a comfortable, ideal space for relaxing. For example, you can add a small plate of sand, shells and decorative and scented candles. On the wall you can attach several shelves to put your towels, sponges and cosmetics.

Your bedroom can become an oasis of relaxation

You can arrange a relaxing corner in your bedroom when you want to enjoy spending some peaceful times by yourself. As long as you make sure that you live in a healthy environment, you can experiment more in terms of design. Install an air purifier or an humidifier to ensure that you keep your allergies under control. If you want to relax after work you can invest in a massage chair to enjoy all of the benefits that it has to offer. By owning a massage chair you can enter into a deep relaxation state and forget about all of your problems at work.

3 Commercial Beauty Products that Are Either Useless or Dangerous

Nowadays, there is a large range of beauty products on the market. Some of them are good, whereas others can affect our health in many ways or don’t have any effect whatsoever. If you are interested in this subject, then you should have a look at the following 3 commercial beauty products that are either useless or dangerous.

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Lash growth serum

Lash growth serums have become extremely popular nowadays and lots of women use them, in order to obtain longer, darker and thicker lashes. It has been demonstrated that these products are quite efficient and the result are amazing if they are being used regularly. It is essential that you buy a serum that is one 100% natural in order to obtain the desired result and avoid having health problems. On the other hand, it has also been proven that serums that don’t contain natural ingredients can be very dangerous. The ones that contain prostaglandin analogues can cause eye pain, irritation, itching, and a darker pigmentation around eyes. Therefore, you must be well informed in order to buy a product that will not affect your health.

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Skin tag removal

Dermatologists say that skin tag removal creams are quite useless. Even if a cream like that can help you remove the unpleasant skin tags, it will only do it for a short period of time. There is a big probability for them to reappear. Moreover, these creams are not very cheap, and there is actually no point to invest in them since they can’t provide us what we actually want. A more efficient solution would be to surgically remove them. This way, you will be sure that they will not reappear anymore.

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Shampoo

Believe it or not, most of the shampoos that are on the market nowadays can be very dangerous. Specialists say that they contain sodium lauryl sulfate and petroleum distillates which can easily damage the mucous membrane, the immune system and the respiratory tract as well. Moreover, some of the products contain fragrance as well which can be carcinogenic and can create fertility issues. This is why it is recommended that we carefully look for products that do not contain these harmful ingredients. The best thing we can do is to buy only shampoos that are 100% natural, even if they are a bit more expensive than others. After all, our health is extremely important, and we must do everything that we can to protect it.