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What to Pack for Your Long-Haul Flight

May 31, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

The best thing to do when getting ready for a long flight is to be prepared. I traveled just last month and it was a stressful 18 hrs. I forgot to bring some of the important things needed in a long flight. If you want to avoid an uncomfortable and stressful flight then you probably need this list.

I’ve only had one enjoyable experience on a long-haul flight.

For a 14-hour flight from San Francisco to Sydney, I booked a business class seat because my employer was paying. When I showed up, I was randomly bumped up to First Class.

Qantas’s first class seats fully reclined into a sleep pod. I quickly fell asleep on the late night flight, woke up, ate, watched a movie, and landed. Easy. But not typical for long flights.

I’ve also flown 20+ hours from San Francisco to Hyderabad via Dubai. Flying that far in economy was a totally different experience, even on Emirates, a very good airline.

Long-haul flights are a brutal test of endurance. You really have to love to travel to endure them. How do you survive them without going crazy? With proper preparation.

Below, I’ve outlined the tools that I use to survive long, international flights. Add your recommendations in the comments.

This is my list.

Clothing for Long-Haul Flights

Starting at the bottom, you will want comfortable, slip-on shoes. Slip-ons will get you through security faster and are easy to remove on the plane. Your feet will swell during your flight. Shoes with extra space will be the most comfortable.

Shower before you leave so that you can go shoeless without offending other flyers. We recommend Smartwool socks for any situation, including in-flight. These wool socks will keep your feet warm in a cold airplane. Unlike cotton, they won’t get smelly or soggy. Smartwool socks are snug, don’t droop, and will last because they’re reinforced at the stress points.

8 Outdoor Trends That’ll Be “In” for Summer 2017—and 3 That’ll Be “Out”

May 31, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

With summer season arriving, you might want to change the atmosphere of your patio. Getting your patio ready for summer does not take a lot of work but in order to get a patio ready for summer one must get the proper patio furniture. This article will tell you about how you can prepare the patio for summer.

With warm summer days on the horizon, it’s time to prep your patio and porch for outdoor entertaining. The cold, modern concrete look is on its way out, as is wrought iron and plastic faux-wood furniture. This season, it’s all about natural materials, retro-inspired style, and cool, soothing colors. Here are the top trends you’ll be seeing everywhere in summer 2017.

1. Indoor Setups Outside

Get ready for the indoors to take over the outdoors in 2017! The number one trend this year is a seamless transition from your home to your outdoor space using outdoor rugs, ottomans and side tables, and layered blankets and throw pillows. “The backyard/porch has truly become an extension of your indoor space,” says Melissa Simon, Public Relations Manager at Pier 1 Imports. “One of our new favorite trends this season is decorating with furniture and décor that looks like it was created for the indoors.”

2. Fun Printed Pillows

One sure way to bring the indoors out? With splashy patterned pillows. Stores are offering more and more options for cozying up your backyard (these from One Kings Lane—also featured at the top of this page—are our favorites). The best part: They can easily be switched out as time passes and trends come and go.

Tips in Designing an Elegant Bathroom

May 29, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

A beautiful property is imperfect without getting a lovely bathroom. It is an important area of the residence in which needs total attention when you find yourself developing your house. A lovely, elegant looking bathroom makes you feel relaxed and delighted while you are making use of it. It can also increase the perceived value of your house which is a a valuable thing if you find yourself selling it. There are many ways you can develop your bathroom, choosing from numerous different themes. Choose a theme which fits your preference and character. The other items, just like shower curtain, floor rug and so forth, should complement the theme you have chosen.

While designing the bathroom you should never forget that it is a place where you have to feel relaxed. If you feel comfortable you can savor a hot bath after having a long, tiring day. A number of people enjoy fragrant oil baths to appease and relax their bodies. While developing, you should also pay special attention to space usage. Remember that bathrooms are usually smaller in size and you will have to be innovative in utilizing the small space as much as possible.

The next thing that you need to think about is figuring out or putting together the theme for your bathroom. Following a theme can certainly make it easier for you to decide wall colors, fixtures and accents. If you need a more updated bathroom, you should opt for themes that perhaps have abstract shape designs or smooth metallic colors, and if you want a more elegant bathroom theme, then coral colors or rich Victorian designs would be ideal. When you know just what style you desire your bathroom to be, the rest falls into place.

You can choose from a number of bathroom accessories to make your bathroom look spectacular. There are many stylish and innovative bathroom accents made from fine quality and authentic design easily available in the market. The most basic bathroom accessories include bins, shower accessories, scales, towel rings, towel bars, wardrobe hooks, soap dish or soap dispenser and tissue holder. Choose wisely what you would like to incorporate in the bathroom.

The type of flooring would vary in the place where you live in. In those areas with cold weathers, you may want to have heated floors to give heat in the cold mornings. Whilst with those smaller spaces, you can use utilize large tiles as it creates an effect of much larger space.

As stated on the points above, the totality just informs us to keep things as minimal as you can. If you want elegance, you wouldn’t want to exaggerate things. In this modern time, classic and lifeless bathrooms are already out of the picture. Now, it is all about design and elegance that captures the people who lives in it. Elegance doesn’t also suggest cost. It’s possible to have an elegant bathroom by carefully choosing the fixtures and accessories you put in it.

Getting Your Roof Cleaned – Some Important Tips

May 29, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Most householders really don’t spend a lot of time considering the cleanliness of their roof. So long as it is not leaking the roof is fine isn’t it? Well the truth is actually rather alarming. Leaving the roof uncleaned can lead to many problems that if left neglected could cause considerable damage to the pointing and tiles. This neglect will eventually cause the deterioration of the roof far faster than if it had been cleaned in the first place. Preventative measures will always be less expensive than repair or replacement costs and as well eliminate potential problems.

Molds set up residence on roofs and so does other spore and fungi that induce damage to the roof simply because they retain moisture yet they also can cause damage to the inside as well. If anybody is struggling with frequent headaches, nausea, or other illnesses that may make them feel bad but not bad enough to go to the doctor, this can be due to millions of spores and fungus which have entered your house through several means. With time, the mold continues to grow and gets to be a problem both inside and outside. As for the roof, molds are continuing to grow in size and holding in the moisture the entire time. Roof cleaning can eliminate the mold build up and allow the roof to remain dry. You won’t just be in good health but your roof is not going to rot away and last you years longer.

Have you got a cistern or some other water source which catches the natural rain water and holds it in a container to be used? If you do, you are aware that this sort of system requires you to have a gutter system that can filter the rain on the house to the end of the roof where it’s going to get into a container or holding tank. The water that will reach your gutter comes from the sky and it also contains run off from your roof. If you do roof cleaning, you’ll make sure that the water captured is clean and not filled with mold and bacteria which may be harboring on the roof. Occasional roof cleaning is mandatory when you’ve got this type of water source.

Cleaning the roof is a straightforward process once you get the hang of it however working with a professional ahead and do the initial roof cleaning may be more advantageous the 1st time so that you can see just what occurs and how you may best handle the situation. It’s important to have a roofing company that are experts in roof cleaning as well as roof replacement. As the roof cleaning gets done, the roof company can check the roof for flaws that may are actually brought on by prolong exposure to molds and other spores that have made your roof their residence.

Talk with the roofing contractor to find out if they recommend another roof cleaning and ask questions too. When roofing companies see the damage that’s done due to roof cleaning negligence they are able to put the consequences into perspective for you to see so you learn why it is important for regular roof cleaning and what you may expect from this. If you try roof cleaning yourself, it is necessary that you don’t do further harm to the roof by poking or sweeping too hard. Always request professional guidance when you feel it is necessary.

10 Enclosure Options For Your Porch

May 25, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

With so many people wanting to enjoy the outdoor scenery a porch enclosure would be a great addition to your front porch, deck, or patio. From curtains to elegant open air systems, there’s an enclosure to fit every need and budget. This article will give you lots of options and how you can make your own porch enclosures.

Porch enclosures turn your porch into a sun room, screen porch, or 3-season room and can be done without breaking the bank. Mary and I love enclosed porches because they allow you to enjoy the outdoors in more comfort.

Let’s wade through the options together.

Enclosures range from outdoor curtain systems and simple DIY in-a-weekend kits to more complex units that are installed by technicians.

Whether you opt for curtains or an elegant open air system, there’s an enclosure to fit just about every need and budget.

We found that it’s not easy finding information about enclosure options. Let us sort it all out for you.

1. Screen Porch Windows

A do-it-yourself solution that we personally love.
Makes it really easy to enclose your porch, deck and even your garage if you’d like.
Windows are custom made to fit almost opening width making them very easy to install.
Learn all about these innovative windows; we know they just might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

2. Outdoor Curtains and Outdoor Drapes

Add elegance and ambiance by using outdoor curtains or outdoor drapes on your porch, screen porch, 3-season, and four season porches.
Porch curtains move with the breeze and add a whimsical touch to your porch.
Make your own outdoor curtain panels .

The 100 Best Cheap Eats in London: Cheap Breakfasts in London

May 25, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

If you are on a tight budget you can still take vacations and have a great time. All you need is do your research before going to another country especially if it’s your first time. So if you’re planning to go on vacation in London this year, you can still save money for your meals since there are lots of restaurants who serve delicious and affordable breakfast. Let me share with you this top 100 cheap breakfasts in London.

Whether you’re keen on a kipper or pining for porridge, here are our favourite London restaurants from our cheap eats guide that will guarantee you a money-saving breakfast.

Arancini Factory
Kentish Town never knew how much it loved arancini – Sicilian-style deep-fried risotto balls – until this affable caff opened in 2012. Now the place is a firm favourite locally. The arancini are served in several forms: plain (‘naked’), with salad, in wraps, or accompanied by a stew (we like the all-veg version). There are other options too, such as poached eggs, egg wraps and bagels for breakfast, and toasted sandwiches. Try the ‘full breakfast bagel’: ham, onion jam, roast tomato, fried egg and cheese. Note: the small garden eating area at the back is a haven of quiet in good weather.

Meal for two with drinks and service: around £16

Café Below
Café Below first won a loyal following for its vegetarian-centric café food, and its memorable setting – the crypt of a Grade I-listed Wren church. It still serves breakfast and lunch five days a week, but now also offers dinner from Wednesday to Friday. The food tends towards rustic simplicity during the day, getting more ambitious (and pricier) in the evening. The fish pie (£11.50), a long-standing feature, is a hefty, pleasing plateful. Mixed salads, with optional extras such as cheese soufflé or smoked salmon, use excellent ingredients and are dressed with unusual skill. Café Below is always busy at lunchtime, and for good reason.

Meal for two with drinks and service: around £30 (lunch), £45 (dinner)

Thawing Frozen Pipes During Winter

May 19, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

The winter months tend to be the crucial season on your plumbing as you have to spend up thousands on avoidable plumbing repair. It is possible to avoid plumbing problems and repairs by taking on proper plumbing preventive maintenance. The level of winter plumbing protection varies depending upon the areas where you reside since temperatures also change from one place to another. It is enough if you have some common hand tools as well as some plumbing supplies can be bought online or from a local supply store to protect your plumbing system.

Keep the pipes well-insulated. Home stores sell special pipe insulation that is simple to cover pipes and keep the water warmer inside them. It is possible to insulate any pipes you can access, like those in attic spaces and beneath the house. Be sure to insulate landscape pipes as well. Those pipes are actually most vulnerable since they are outside. In many climates, this measure is sufficient.

For extra security, make water run during a particularly cold night. Running water features a lower freezing point than standing water. Take into account the changes temperatures it takes to freeze a lake versus a water fall. It really is fairly uncommon to see a waterfall frozen simply because flowing water features a lower freezing point. If the faucet in you house is running, specifically in a room that is extra cold, your pipes are less inclined to freeze.

If you’re planning to leave the house for a holiday vacation, make sure that you keep the heater on. Circulating warm air is a wonderful strategy to prevent frozen pipes. The temperature should be maintained above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, looking at all the sinks, faucets and pipelines situated near or on exterior walls. Space heaters of your house prevents the pipelines from getting frozen and cracked. Alternatively, you can use anti-freeze and non-toxic solutions and chemicals available for sale to defrost the pipelines.

If you are already facing frozen pipes, it is wise to know how to thaw them. You can try basic methods for example wrapping the affected areas with hot towels, using heating devices to defrost them such as heat lamps or electric hair dryers and applying bottles filled up with hot water to the pipes. If these methods do not resolve the problem, contact your trusted plumbing technicians to offer you professional help. They are best skilled in this field and will help you save a lot of time and money.

5 Types of Security Camera

May 19, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Everyday surveillance cameras are utilized for an array of reasons, both professionally and inside the home. These security tool happen to be popular as a protection and prevention from possible intruders or keeping track of any activity. Listed below are just 5 common forms of security cameras.

Indoors

Indoor cameras given that the name implies are utilized for indoor security mechanism. Based upon your security needs, you can attach it at any ideal area in the building. The most frequent indoor cameras are Dome (ceiling) Camera and Standard Box Camera. They need to blend with all the home interiors in order that no one will think that something is watching them over. You may hide them in fire sprinklers, smoke alarms, behind wall frames or etc.

External

Outdoor System is put outside the building and open to outdoor weather. Nearly all of Outdoor CCTV is equipped with a casing to defend it against rain, dust, and extreme weather conditions. The most frequent kind of outdoor camera is Bullet CCTV. Such type of camera has a waterproof casing and frequently equipped with Infra-Red Led. Besides Bullet CCTV, the typical box camera with additional housing is also often used as the outdoor camera.

Motion Detector

A mixture of camera and motion detector creates the motion detector cameras. This kind of camera will remain inactive until finally some form of action occurs within its detectable reach. Once motion is tracked down the camera will begin to record or transmit. Motor detector units are excellent for those wanting to avoid recording hours and hours of non-activity. Plus, these cameras usually are more efficient at giving an immediate alert when suspicious activity is noticed.

PTZ

The PTZ camera or PTZ dome cameras are often the cool ones in films which may pan, tilt, and zoom in and out. PTZ dome network cameras are cool in that they could cover a really wide area with all the flexibility in pan, tilt, zoom and flipping motions. This is just what they call continuous pan, where the camera can tilt 180 degrees or 360 degrees.

Wireless Technology

Of course one of the primary advantages of the wireless option is that there are no unpleasant, annoying wires to have to deal with. Without a doubt, they are definitely quicker to deal with There’s no need for drilling holes and sorting wires through the walls that is certainly both inconvenient and incredibly messy as well. Some use SD cards to capture images. Others utilize a transmitter in which delivers a signal to a receiver which is connected to a DVR or the computer

5 Travel Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

May 18, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Memorial day is coming and since it’s a national holiday a lot of travelers plan on going for a vacation. It would be the busiest weekend and brace yourself for the heavy traffic. That’s why I’m planning to leave as early as possible for this coming weekend. A vacation should be enjoyable and relaxing not stressful!

It’s Memorial Day, which signifies the unofficial start to summer (!!). As Americans gear up for long-weekend getaways, traveling to beaches and barbecues around the country, they’ll also be faced with what’s expected to be one of the busiest Memorial Day Weekends on record.

Big Crowds are partially the result of gas prices being extremely low: The price of a gallon of gas is about $2.32, down from $2.74 this time last year, according to data from AAA. The news isn’t much better if you’re flying this weekend. For instance, wait times have shot up more than 82% at JFK Airport in New York since 2015. Those lines will be compounded by the 2.6 million fliers expected to jet to far-flung destinations this weekend.

Here’s a few last-minute tips to keep in mind to make your Memorial Day Weekend getaway as stress-free and cost-effective as possible:

15 Creative Room Dividers for the Space-Savvy and Trendy Bedroom

May 18, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Room dividers are means to create more functional space within a big room. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your apartment or house appear larger. There are different forms of room dividers that can be used, depending on the need. Check out these trendy ideas of room dividers that you can try in your home.

Long gone are the days when walls were the only way to create a partition between two rooms, and with the world gleefully embracing open plan living, decorating solutions that allow you to delineate space without walls are all the rage. Creating a partition between two rooms is no longer about simple design. There are plenty of options that allow you to maximize space, create new dynamics with an open interior and also ensure that you do not compromise on style. And today, we take a look at how imaginative room dividers can completely alter your bedroom while adding value to it!

There is nothing revolutionary about simple room dividers, and they have been around since ancient Egypt and Chinese empires. But today we are looking past the simple screens and antique pieces and flipping through ideas that let your bedroom multitask with ease and elegance. From bedrooms with cozy conversation and breakfast nooks to those that need better integration with the master bathroom, ingenious room dividers come in handy every single time!

Inspired by the Classics

While antique screens and room dividers might not be ideal for contemporary bedrooms, both in terms of practicality and style, one can still draw plenty of inspiration from them. Much like the classic Shoji screens and room dividers used in Japanese design, a perforated wooden room divider is a great option that adds natural warmth to the bedroom. It can easily delineate the bedroom from the living space or home office next to it without blocking light. Simple floating wooden panels offer a more solid solution, while a screen inspired by Mediterranean style offers more artistry and visual flair.

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