Archives for March 2014

Dubai: Not just a destination for the rich and famous

The city of Dubai is known as a popular destination for the likes of Paris Hilton, Tiger Woods and members of the Kardashian family. However, it’s a city everyone can enjoy – and most importantly, afford. Dubai boasts incredible luxury hotels and designer goods but there are also many ways to see the city on a tighter budget.

Accommodation

There are so many things to do in Dubai but first things first – you’ll need somewhere to stay during your vacation in the Emirate. If the price of a room at luxury hotels like the Burj Al Arab and the Shangri-La makes your heart skip a beat, consider staying in a hostel, budget hotel or, if you’tr travelling with a group of people, a holiday apartment.

Staying in cheaper accommodation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury element of the city’s top resorts either. The beach by the stunning Burj Al Arab, a so-called “seven star” hotel, is completely free and open to everyone. Head there to soak up some sun and swim.

Shopping

Dubai is known for being one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world. The sheer size of its shopping malls, namely the massive Mall of the Emirates, means there’s quite literally something for everyone, no matter what your budget might be.

The Mall of the Emirates, deemed a ‘shopping resort’ more than simply a shopping center, even boasts an indoor ski resort and snow park. If you’re strapped for cash, simply head to the mall for a cool drink, window shopping and people watching.

Strolling through some of Dubai’s traditional markets is also an affordable way to take in the city’s many shopping venues. There’s an early morning Fish Market, the Gold Souk jewelry market, and, if you’re into cooking, head to the Spice Souk market in eastern Dubai for some local herbs, spices and fragrances.

Sightseeing

The Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort and the Jumeirah Mosque are both historical and affordable tourist attractions. Head here to get some insight into Dubai’s past and to understand the local culture.

Mushrif Park, a desert park open to the public, is also a fun, cheap option suitable for the whole family. You can take in the gorgeous greenery before cooling down in the park’s pool, for a small fee.

Dining

Finally, eating out in Dubai doesn’t have to mean fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. There are many highly regarded restaurants with foods from around the globe, including countless Indian, Pakistani, Chinese and Thai eateries, to name just a few, with reasonably priced meals on the menu.

Try Aryaas, Chhappan Bhog, Karachi Darbar and Ravi Restaurant for some of the best budget eats the city has to offer.

So, seeing Dubai doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of planning, you can organize an entirely affordable trip to this top holiday destination.

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Drinkwater Keeps The Water Flowing

Karen · Leave a Comment

Access to clean water whenever we need it is something that most people take for granted. However, there is a lot of work that has to go on behind the scenes to make sure that the water always flows when the tap is turned on or when the shower is turned on.

Keep the Water Flowing

Pipes that bring water to commercial and residential properties need to stay clean and clear of debris at all times. If there is even a minor blockage, thousands of people could be without the water that they need for drinking, cleaning or bathing. Companies that rely on water to keep their machines lubricated could have to shut down temporarily or reduce their output.

The Pipes Need to Stay Clean on the Outside Too

Keeping pipes free from debris is only half the battle. The outside of the pipe needs to be protected from erosion, corrosion or anything else that could cause the pipe to stop working as it should. If lead or paint from the pipe chips and falls into the drinking water, it could cause a lot of people to get sick. That would create a public health scare that could last for weeks.

Maintaining Pipes Should Be Fast and Easy

While you hope that nothing goes wrong with the pipes that are laid down to carry water throughout the community, there is never a guarantee that a particular pipe won’t have a problem. In addition, it is a good idea to take time for routine maintaining of all piping. Taking the time to inspect a pipe and make any necessary repairs before any large issues occur can reduce the amount of time that a pipe is out of commission as well as reduce the costs related to repairing or replacing any pipe that needs to be worked on.

If pipes need to be maintained or any tools need to be purchased to help maintain pipes, you can go to www.DrinkwaterProducts.com or similar sites to find exactly what you need. While online, you will be able choose exactly what you need and have it delivered to you in a short period of time.

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Thermal Oxidizer Resources

Karen · Leave a Comment

Working with thermal oxidizer specialists helps every business to produces heating and power units or services them to make the most of their technology and keep it as clean as possible. These technologies are designed to keep the environment as healthy as possible so that the units have a very small carbon footprint. Also, these units that burn cleaner are going to save people money and conserve energy. The conservation of energy through work with a thermal oxidizer specialist who knows how to make the unit more powerful and cleaner-burning at the same time helps to ensure that a manufacturer is able to make products that are more attractive while also converting units to allow for a cleaner-burning units for the customer who makes the change.

With the best of this technology in use, the buildings that are heated or powered with these units are going to warmed and powered more quickly while also allowing for the building to save energy at the same time. If the building is not able to save energy, it is not going to be able to give the results that it needs to the people that are inside. Loss of power, overheating and constant repairs can happen when a unit is not properly designed or given the chance to burn energy more cleanly.

With the home furnace or building furnace, they must work as fast as possible to help with the heating of the space. These units that are burning energy more cleanly are also going to work more quickly. This means that homeowners are going to have a chance to save money and live in a more comfortable home. Plus, the homeowner is going to have a unit that makes less noise and gives them less trouble when they are trying to manage the heat and power consumption in their home.

While thermal oxidation is not a new process in industry, the best of this technology is now coming to the forefront so that families and businesses can make the most of it and learn how to make their businesses and homes more efficient. With every step that these places take, there is an even better chance that people are going to be able to save more money, live more comfortably and companies are going to be on the cutting edge of the heating technology that will power the future.

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Ways to Keep your Brain Active as you Age

Karen · 3 Comments

This post includes sponsored content.

Generally, people tend to regard remaining active and healthy by keeping physically fit and eating a good, staple diet. However, it’s also important to remember to keep our brains healthy by looking after them as much as possible so that we can live as normally as we always have done as we age.

Taking steps to take care of your brain has even been proven to reduce your risk of contracting illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With such great incentives, there’s never been a better time to take action when it comes to looking after your mind.

We’ve come up with some tips to help you and your loved ones stay mentally healthy and active as you age.

Engage in mentally stimulating activities

Fun games on the iPad can improve your brain

Endless studies have shown the advantages of using ‘brain training’ tools and games for keeping our minds sharp. For example, playing stimulating brain games on the iPad has been known to be extremely beneficial. Or, for a technology-free alternative, things like Sudoku, crossword puzzles and strategy board games have the same effect. They’re also fairly cheap to pick up and you can get them in large print in most good bookshops as well.

Enjoy an active social life

Keeping your social life active and busy is a surprisingly good way to look after your brain and uplift your mood in general. Whether you’re looking to move into more sheltered accommodation for a bit of extra support or sense of community, like retirement homes with extracare, or are staying at home, aim to socialize with friends and family often. Socializing has been known to reduce stress which is a great way to keep your brain healthy.

Include brain ‘power’ foods in your diet

Talk to your doctor about your diet and nutrition for your brain

Just like looking after your body, you should look into upgrading your diet when it comes to looking after your mind. Brain cells can be affected by a high cholesterol diet (which can also lead to heart disease and strokes). Research has shown a connection in particular between dark vegetables and good brain cell health, too. There are loads of websites that you can turn to for inspiration when it comes to improving your diet, such as Change4Life which have tips for your general life style as well as what to eat too.

Stay as physically active as possible

Remaining fit and active is essential for health in general, and physical exercise is vital for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. There are loads of physical activities retirees can engage in that aren’t too strenuous but are still useful when it comes to getting (and staying) fit. Some health and fitness centers or gyms offer classes like gentle water aerobics, wheelchair aerobics and line dancing with reduced prices for seniors. This can be a great way to extend your social circle and get to know new people too. Getting enough sleep and rest is also essential for looking after your brain, especially after all that exercise!

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4 Tips for Choosing A Wig

Karen · Leave a Comment

If you’re in the market for a hairpiece, it can be difficult to sift through all your options and find the one that’s right for you. But what if you had a checklist to make the process a little easier? Here are four things to consider when searching for the perfect wig, plug or toupee.

1: Material

There are two main types of hairpieces: Synthetic versus human hair. While human hair looks more natural, it’s also more expensive and tougher to style. These kinds of wigs are generally only recommended if you have the time and energy to care for them as you would your regular hair. If you’re a busy professional, or if you’re suffering from limited mobility due to illness, synthetic wigs may be easier to handle on a day-to-day basis.

2: Cut and Color

Many people see wigs as their chance to experiment with styles they’ve always dreamed about but never had the courage to attempt with their real hair. While such adventure is certainly possible, you should try not to go too crazy. Not all lengths will complement all face types; not every color will bring out your best features. Don’t be afraid to enlist a friend to help you decide what looks natural and what doesn’t.

3: Maintenance

Wigs require a certain amount of upkeep to preserve their appearance. They also come with their own limitations depending on size, weight, material type, cetera. For example, you can’t use a blow dryer on synthetic wigs because the heat will damage the fibers. Know these quirks in advance before you sink your money into a wig you can’t maintain.

4: Price

The most obvious consideration in choosing a wig is how much it will set you back. The price of the hairpiece itself is only the beginning; you also need to think about styling requirements. Will you need to buy any special shampoos for your wig? Can you use regular curlers and straighteners? What if you want to get your hair done by a salon? Can they treat your wig like regular hair, or will you need to pay more for a specialist?

These are just a few things to contemplate when you go wig shopping. Remember, the great thing about wigs is that they aren’t permanent, so if you buy something and change your mind later, all you have to do is whip it off and try again. Visit AdventHair.com or another hair replacement site to learn more about finding the perfect wig for you.

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4 Things Every Thrift Store Shopper Must Know

Karen · 2 Comments

Thrift stores are treasure troves of unique, affordable and unexpectedly high-quality items. From clothing to shoes to furniture you can almost find everything you need in a thrift store. However, there are a few things you need to know if you want the best selection, the best deals and the safest used goods. Become a savvier thrift store shopper and enjoy the bargains without any of the drawbacks.

Second Hand Furniture Isn’t Necessarily Clean

Perhaps you love the idea of an eclectic collection of furniture in a room. Maybe you luck out and find an entire matching set. Perhaps you’ve been furnishing a room bit by bit by finding pieces that go well together during multiple thrift store trips. The first thing you need to do whenever you buy upholstered thrift store furniture is contact COIT as soon as you get the furniture home.

Secondhand furniture may look clean because many thrift store owners try to surface clean everything they sell so the goods don’t appear soiled. However, furniture can come from homes with smokers, pets or excessive dust, which means invisible allergens get rubbed deep into the fabric. They could also be stained under the fabric. Luckily, you can make secondhand furniture as clean, sanitary and allergen-free as new furniture with the assistance of professional upholstery cleaners.

Store Location Makes a Difference

If you’re tired of going to secondhand stores and finding junk you’re not interested in buying, you might be shopping in the wrong locations. Thrift stores near more affluent neighborhoods are more likely to have brand name and top quality items. If you’re the type of thrift store shopper who loves labels, you have to shop where the people who pay full price for brand names are more likely to donate. See if there are any reviews of the specific stores online or use an online thrift store directory listing to get an idea of the types of items a certain location sells.

Season Changes Mean More Stock

Second hand women's clothing — Second hand women’s clothing

Keep in mind when people are most likely to donate en masse: when they undertake big cleaning projects. “Spring cleaning” is a regular activity for just about everyone. People are most likely to tackle big cleaning projects when seasons change, especially when winter turns to spring, but also when summer turns to fall and fall to winter. You might find more goods when spring turns to summer, but remember, the better the weather outside the less likely people are to want to stay cooped up indoors cleaning. If you visit your favorite thrift stores at least twice a week as seasons change, you’ll likely find new goods for sale every time you go.

Toys Could Be Dirty — and Dangerous

Kids burn through toys fast — they use them once and then move on to the next thing. If you bought brand-new toys every time your kids asked for them, you’d have to devote even more of your income to placating your children. Thrift store toys can save your family money, especially since your kids likely won’t be interested in the toys for long.

However, secondhand toys have dirt, germs and allergens on their surfaces. They might also contain lead, the dangers of which were not known until recently. Before you give a thrift-store toy to your kids, research the toy to make sure it wasn’t recalled for lead-related concerns or produced before lead-based paints were outlawed for use in children’s toys. If it’s safe, clean it thoroughly with anti-bacterial cleaner or soap and water.

There are plenty of deals to be made at a secondhand store. The National Association of Resale Professionals claims thrift stores and other resale shops earn a combined $13 billion in profits each year, all from previously owned items that could be yours for a fraction of the original sticker price. However, don’t be so hasty to buy whatever you happen to find. Plan your thrift shopping experience to get the best quality items and keep your family safer by thoroughly cleaning and researching your buys.

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Parker’s First Haircut

Karen · 20 Comments

Sometimes we as grandparents get a bit out of control. For instance, when Parker got his first haircut at my house, I was in charge of handing him the Gerber Banana Puffs, and taking pictures to document the event. I handled my multitasking duties quite well. I kept the baby supplied with treats to keep his attention away from the activity going on around his head. And I took 63 photos and 3 videos. I guess this could very well be the most well documented first hair cut ever! I’m not going to put all 63 photos in this post, just some of the highlights. Enjoy!

Parker getting his first haircut — Parker before his first haircut

The first curl snipped off

baby's first haircut — Baby curls saved for the baby book.

grandson's first haircut — Reaching for another Puff.

getting tired now — He’s getting tired of this game now.

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My Retired Grandparents Are Donating Their Boat to Charity

Karen · 1 Comment

My Washington-based grandparents will soon be moving into an assisted living apartment, (something everyone should look into, along with when getting help for family members who need to get out of nursing facilities due to issues, or their own homes as they get older),begging the question of what’s going to happen to their boat. There’s no room for it at the apartment complex. They haven’t used it much over the last few years and paying a monthly storage fee for something they no longer need is a waste of their resources. Since my grandparents are living comfortably and don’t feel like going to the trouble of selling or refurbishing the boat, they’ve decided to donate it, thanks to a little research my mom and I did.

Benefits Charitable Causes

Grandma and Grandpa love giving to charitable causes. Now that they’re not working, they spend more time than ever volunteering for causes they believe in. When looking into downsizing their home, they wanted to benefit others. My mom found an organization that takes used boats, no matter the condition, fixes them up and turns around to sell them to new owners — giving the proceeds to charity. Grandma and Grandpa loved the list of charities benefitting from the donations, so it was a perfect match.

Convenient Pick Up

Moving is never easy. Moving after several decades in one home is probably one of the hardest things my grandparents have ever had to do. Between deciding what to keep and what to take with them, packing up an entire chapter of their lives, trying to sell their old home and arranging all of the moving, things are starting to get piled up in a corner to deal with later. Getting rid of the stuff they’ve decided to donate or junk is absolutely the last thing on their to-do list, but Mom and I worried potential house buyers were going to be turned off by the piles of junk in the yard and in the basement corner.

The boat takes up almost half of their backyard. We want potential buyers to see the maximum space the backyard has to offer, and we need to get to work on fixing up the dead grass underneath the boat — which has been sitting there unused for so long. Luckily, some boat donation services will pick up the boat free of charge, so the most trouble Grandma and Grandpa will have is making a phone call.

They Do Make Some Money on the Donation

Like any retiree without a salaried income, my grandmother likes to keep her household on a budget. Donating saves my grandparents money because they don’t have to pay seller’s or shipping fees like they would if they’d opted to sell it. Plus, they get to deduct the full value of the boat from their taxes at the end of the year, which means they’ll get back a bigger refund or pay less, whatever winds up being the case for them. They were probably going to donate it regardless, but it’s a relief to know that the investment they made on their vessel all those years ago is still going to pay off.

Boating Is in the Family

Just because they’re giving up their boat doesn’t mean my grandparents are giving up boating. We love boating as a family. My uncle has a boat of his own he happily lends out when he’s not using it (and if we aren’t already invited on his boating trip.) If Grandma and Grandpa want to use it when it’s unavailable, there’s a dock where they can rent boats just a few miles from their new place. It makes more sense for my grandparents not to deal with the cost and hassle of boat ownership at their age when there are convenient alternatives.

The Assisted Living Federation of America reports there are over one million seniors in assisted living in the U.S., so Grandma and Grandpa are in good company. Although my grandparents were wary about leaving their home of several decades behind, they decided it was best for them to stop worrying about so much land and so much stuff. Assisted living is about seizing all life has to offer without being burdened with life’s hassles. And with a family like ours, they won’t have to fear missing out on any boating trips.

About the Author: Heather McIntosh is an outdoor living blogger and an avid boater. She had such a good experience that she recommends all people considering downsizing their homes donate their boats to Boat Angel.

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