Interior design is a wonderful means of expression, but injecting a particular personality into any decor isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. The pieces must all fit together. Call it creative flair, Feng Shui or just plain good taste, but turning vision into reality requires careful consideration.

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It stands to reason that the foundation must be right, which is of course the floor. What style of flooring has great bearing on not only the aesthetic of the room, but also its functionality. Different lifestyles will have different demands, including longevity and style factors, so choosing the right floor depends on a variety of things.

Budget

There’s no avoiding the issue, choice of flooring, or any furnishing for that matter, is always going to be dictated to some extent by budget. Of course, a good online flooring company will offer numerous options at each end of the spectrum. Vinyl/lino floors are cheap and easy to replace, whereas a solid hardwood floor will cost more, but also last a lot longer.

Style

Personal taste will be a major factor in selecting a style. Vinyl, Laminate Wood Flooring and engineered woods lend themselves well to contemporary interior styles, whereas hardwood or carpeting is the obvious choice for those looking for something more traditional. If the interior is likely to change often then cheaper laminates or carpets are the obvious choice as they will be more cost effective, and easier to replace when it suits. Online retailers such as irwintiles.ie/index.php/wooden-flooring.html carry selections of patterns and materials to suit most tastes.

Pets

Carpets are generally a bad idea for those households with pets. Claws can damage the fibres and any unwanted mess maybe harder to clean up. Expensive hardwood may also be easily scratched, so the most practical option for animal lovers would be laminate or vinyl.

Human traffic

If the room in question is likely to see a lot of coming and going, partying or general traffic, then hardwood flooring is definitely the way to go. It will be more durable and show less signs of wear than a ‘softer’ option. On the other hand, if the room will be more one of relaxation, then a long fibre carpet feels very luxurious underfoot.

Whatever the choice, having the right flooring can make a big impact on a space.

One of the most annoying and inconvenient problems is when the boiler decides to pack up in your house. That means there will be no hot water and no use of the central heating system. Imagine how difficult that would if it happened in the winter time. As this is usually the primary way of heating homes in our modern times it is important to keep the boiler running and a regular service can certainly help with that plus ensure that the boiler is still safe to use. Contacting firms like a Cheltenham Boiler Service at links such as http://www.blu-fish.co.uk/ is a sensible and prudent way of trying to protect yourself from this happening. What make a boiler work and what are its parts? Whilst we’ll look at this here it vitally important that you do not attempt repairs yourself as this is very dangerous and a qualified profession should be the only person to touch it.

The reason that you should not touch the boiler is that it uses natural gas in a controlled blaze to warm up the water. Gas, although when controlled is a perfectly safe resource to use, can be dangerous if released without realising it. There is a no smell to natural gas, so an additive is put in so that you can detect when it is present. The natural gas is requested by the timing clock on the boiler to come on at certain times of the day by you so that is can have the water and central heating system working when you want it to.

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The next part of the system that actually use the gas is the heat exchanger. This holds the cold water in the pipe unit it is heated enough to then pass through to the radiators in the hot water tank later for a bath, wash, doing the dishes or cleaning the floor. The thermostat will control the temperature. In most cases the temperature will be taken up to sixty degrees before it will release the water. There is a reason for that. Should the water become to hot it will boil in the pipes and turn to steam. This will also create air pockets that restrict water flow and the only way to realise that is by bleeding the radiators. This is a safe job that you can complete and should be done regularly even when the radiators are not in use.

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The water pump is the third element and is sometimes considered the most important part and also a part that can fail. It sends the heated water around the radiator pipes to the radiators themselves. The radiator itself is little more than copper pipes bent back and forth and then covered in a ceramic or metal casing that literally radiates out the heat within them.

It is a pretty efficient system and if properly serviced it can last you a very long time.

Safety is vital in a warehouse and manufacturing environment. In fact, it is the law.

So before you even start your business it is important to get the right layout and size of building that you need to fit everything your company has. You could think about getting a Warehouse Space London company to help who have square footage that is  immediately ready at links similar to http://uplands-e17.co.uk/warehouse-space-london.html.

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According to statistics, an estimated 909,000 working days are lost each year, due to handling injuries. The most common injuries involve ladders, falls, machinery, forklifts, electrical work, respiratory issues and hazardous materials.

Here are 5 ways to increase warehouse safety and create a safer, healthier and more productive environment.

Staff training

The best way to reduce injuries and increase safety is by clear, accessible training programs for employees. All experience levels would benefit from extensive training in all aspects of safety at work. When employing additional staff, always hire the best. If this requires paying more, do so, and don’t compromise on staff quality. Their competency will bring fewer workplace accidents.

Your actions

Safety starts with your actions. As a boss, enforce the regulations and rules on safety, and your employees will take their cue from your actions. You must put safety ahead of everything, even during increased production. When rewarding employees for completing work on time or ahead of deadlines, ensure not to promote an “at all costs” culture. Reward employees that consistently work to a high standard efficiently and safely.

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Signage

Even the safety conscious can forget something. Post signs in the warehouse to remind all employees of the risks in their job and how they should be complying with the safety regulations. Anything from “hard hat area” to “now wash your hands” signs in the toilets can help.

Tools and maintenance

You need to provide the correct tools that employees need to remain safe, such as steel capped boots, helmets and safety glasses. These tools need to be provided, so your employees can then take necessary precautions. When buying used pallet racking, use a professional company. Tools, equipment and machines need to run properly, and failure to ensure regular maintenance is guaranteed to result in malfunctioning machinery. This will both decrease efficiency and put workers at unnecessary risk.

Warehouse improvements

There are always improvements that can be made. Talk with your staff about what you can do to create a safer environment for all. Keep the warehouse clean and tidy, to minimise the risk of falls and injuries. Encourage employees to keep their workspace clean, so they minimise the risk of accidents.

Off-the-shoulder styles made the big time in wedding dresses in the 1990s, with their popularity not waning since. This style is a flattering alternative to the ever-popular strapless option.

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The dresses available today might have elegant straps designed to sit on the shoulder bone or − for those who prefer a little more coverage − come with sleeves. Lace sleeves can be a good choice for a bride who wants to look her best but might not want to show off her arms.

This would be great for the big day but before the wedding when your planning the Hen do you probably will want to look at wearing something different.  You might ask all the ladies to wear a funny costume and perhaps look at hiring a Hen Party Bus Cheltenham company at sites like https://cocktail-tours.co.uk/ to get your party started.

Here are some ideas for the dress

Body shape

Historically, it has been considered beautiful and an asset in the eyes of the fashion world for shoulders to be slightly wide. If you don’t have a supermodel physique, an off-the-shoulder style can give the illusion of shoulders wider than they really are.

Pear

Off the shoulder is perfect for you if you are a pear-shape. The design will balance out the width of your hips and bring the emphasis up towards your face, particularly if there is detail on the bodice.

Apple

Adding perceived width at the top and choosing a design with a full A-line skirt will help to add definition and a waist.

Rectangle

Similar to the apple, choose a design with an A-line skirt. The ‘magic’ works in the same way as for pears, drawing the eye up.

Hourglass

With the tricks described above, it is no wonder that ladies with an hourglass shape can look fantastic in an off-the-shoulder style; however, some might find the accentuation of curves draws too much attention. This might not be the right style if you are a little self-conscious.

If you have naturally broad shoulders, you might not want a dress that emphasises this feature; therefore, a different neckline might suit you better.

Weddings Ideas Magazine has more advice on choosing the right wedding dress neckline. There are so many beautiful wedding dress designs that it can be hard to start narrowing down the right design for you; however, a website is a great place to start.

The key is to try dresses on. Try on the shape you have dreamed of for years and the style you thought you would never wear in a million years − you just might surprise yourself!

The pampered pooch is no longer the domain of the rich and famous, as more and more people are seeking to spoil their faithful friends with anything from a quick nail-clip to a full makeover. But how do you decide just what your beloved pet needs and how to ensure a stress-free visit to the pooch parlour? Follow these simple tips to ensure that both you and your canine companion get the very best experience.

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Know Your Dog

Not every dog needs the same kind of treatment at the parlour, so finding out what basic needs your particular breed has should be your first step. Once you have researched your particular breed, you need to then take into account the individual personality of your dog. Just like people, dogs have different temperaments and enjoy different things, so there’s no benefit to be gained for either you or your pet if they end up stressed and unhappy. Nevertheless, sometimes there is an area in need of grooming, such as keeping the nails clipped and de-matting any particularly shaggy fur.When taking your canine friend to the groomer it is worth taking some Healthy Dog Treats like the ones you can find at https://theinnocentpet.co.uk/collections/healthy-dog-treats with you is a good idea in order to reward and then further encourage their good behaviour.

Do your research

Not all dog grooming parlours are the same, so check to make sure that you are entrusting your best friend to a reputable groomer. Whether you are looking for dog grooming in Cheltenham or Chorleywood, the checks you need to make are the same. Does the salon look clean and well-presented? Do the staff have recognised training and insurance? Don’t be afraid to ask to see certificates – any reputable groomer will be more than happy to show you their credentials. Accreditation from renowned providers are always good to look for.

Dog grooming is not just something that should be done once in a blue moon. Frequent maintenance is just as important for your pooch as it is for you, so keep regular appointments with your chosen parlour.

Keeping on top of your dog’s grooming routine can also help to prevent problems that can be associated with poor pooch hygiene and in doing so, help to save you from expensive vet bills. A dog is a man’s (and a woman’s) best friend, so show them you care by keeping them groomed, trimmed and pampered, just as they deserve.

Electrical problems can arise at any time; however, the most common time to discover them is when you move into a new home. They can be the result of DIY patch-ups, cheap components, or simply age. Here are some you might encounter, starting with the worst.

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Shocks

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A significant shock should have you immediately calling an electrician, but even a minor one should be taken seriously. Mild shocks can be no more than a ‘buzzing’ sensation, but they are not normal. You may have exposed cables, inadequate earthing or a faulty appliance.

Crumbling wires

Wiring has a finite lifespan, as the plastic shielding eventually disintegrates. Add a little steam from the kitchen and you can get a shock just from touching a wall, let alone a switch plate. Old wiring is also a fire hazard.

Dimmer switches

Many older dimmers do not work with modern fittings. Poor-quality dimmers can generate spikes, brown-outs or flickering. Dimmers with an infrared handset sometimes have a poorly-chosen or wandering frequency response band and switch on and off on their own. Deteriorating components can have the same effect.

Breakers

Too many appliances on a circuit should trip its breaker; however, tripping can also be provoked by current instabilities. Some domestic appliances, such as a washing machine, can switch too quickly for them, generating surges sufficient to trip an oversensitive device.

You may need more circuits, outlets rewired, or your breakers replaced; in any event, seek advice from properly-qualified electricians. Electrical contractors Cardiff include companies such as https://evergreenelectricalandbuildingservices.co.uk/.

Short-lived bulbs

Modern light fittings are more tolerant than old-style bulbs; however, if you notice that you are replacing them too often, it is likely that your circuit is unstable. Flickering is an indication of possible shorting, with poor connections or cables damaged by heat common causes.

When ‘green’ light bulbs were first promoted by the government, their poor light prompted many homeowners to increase the number of light fittings, thereby overtaxing switches and wiring.

Recessed lights

Recessed light fittings are more likely to overheat than exposed ones and are designed to cut out to avoid meltdown damage or a fire; however, this should never happen if everything has been installed safely. The cause needs to be checked out – never rely on them cutting out to keep you safe.

If you’re looking for a job where you can exercise your creativity, work with others and put your writing skills into practice, the role of brand strategist could be for you. But how do you get into this position?

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Gaining Entry

If you’re considering a career as a brand strategist, you’ll probably be thinking about what training or qualifications are needed. According to Medium, unlike other professions, there’s no specific training involved in becoming a brand strategist.

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Many people who enter this career come from a wide range of backgrounds with degrees in subjects as diverse as graphic design, English or art history. You don’t necessarily even need any formal training to degree level. If you possess the right skills and attitude, you can start at the bottom and learn your way up with the right agency.

While sending your CV to potential agencies can be useful, you’re more likely to land a role as a brand strategist by networking at specialist marketing events and getting to know the right people with the right connections.

Skills

When a branding agency, such as www.reallyhelpfulmarketing.co.uk/brand-development/, is looking to recruit a brand strategist, they’ll probably have a specific skill set in mind that you will need to possess.

Brand strategists need to have a creative streak, but they must also boast an analytical, inquisitive and logical mind. People who do well in this role are often highly opinionated, boasting a natural sense of curiosity that enables them to get an answer when one is needed most, as well as being able to solve problems. Paying attention to detail is also something that goes hand in hand with this job.

There is also a fair amount of writing involved in brand strategy work, whether that is writing copy, putting a proposal together or outlining a brief. While you don’t need an English degree to succeed in this role, knowledge of grammar, sentence construction and writing to suit a brand’s personality and tone of voice will be key.

Working in brand strategy involves coming up with ideas on your own, but also working closely as part of a team. This could include collaboration with marketing managers, graphic designers and other strategists. You’ll also need to work with clients to understand and interpret their needs. Good communication skills are, therefore, essential in this role.