Lifestyle

Structural insulated panels are quickly becoming a popular choice for building homes focused on increased energy-efficiency. Increased energy-efficiency means you will pay less for keeping your home warm or cool.  This article aims to provide an essential guide to this innovative construction method since not everyone is familiar with what a SIP is.

What is a SIP panel?

The type of SIP UK constructors use typically consists of two oriented strand board skins bonded together with insulation foam in between. These panels come according to the size and height requirement of a construction project ranging from heights of 2.4 to 7.45 metres. Once cut to the desired size, they are ready for installation to form walls, roofs, and floors.

Different types of SIPs

SIPs are categorised according to the following:

• Insulation core material. The insulation core inside each SIP comes in two types: expanded polystyrene or urethane core. A polystyrene core consists of thousands of tiny foam beads while the urethane core is rigid and free of fibres. These two types of insulation differ in cost and thermal performance.
• Panel thickness. Polystyrene core SIP panels have a thickness of 95mm to 195mm. To get better thermal performance, you need to choose a panel with greater thickness.
• Jointing method. The most common jointing method for SIPs is solid timber for greater stability and strength. Although in some cases, small panels used in jointing increase air tightness and further improve thermal performance.

Overall, SIPs are quite flexible regarding design. Your contractor can help you choose the right SIP for your project.

Designing with SIPs

Using SIPs to design a home also has additional benefits. If you are designing vaulted ceilings, you won’t need roof trusses which can double the floor to ceiling height of the home’s top floor. If you are also considering an open floor plan for your home’s interior, you can easily accommodate it by using SIPs which come in long floor and roof panels.

While SIPs offer design flexibility, there are still some considerations when using SIPs to build your home. First, you need to work with a designer who can ensure that you get the most out of the cost and use the product to its full potential.

Another consideration is the size of other construction materials you are using together with SIPs. All construction materials come in standard sizes, so you need to build your SIP design around these sizes.

Are there limitations to using SIPs?

Using SIPs has a lot of benefits especially if you are looking for a home with high energy efficiency. However, SIPs need to be used wisely to justify the cost. Another challenge in building with SIPs is how you can manoeuvre them carefully to prevent any problems during the building process. In most cases, you will need to use a crane to transport panels on-site and facilitate easy installation. Lastly, you have to pay attention to all construction details to avoid experiencing any problems while building the home.

 

Your mortgage is not just a matter of settling on a plan and paying it off. A lot of factors play into creating your mortgage plan, and it, in turn, can affect the way you live for the next five to twenty years. When the parts of your lifestyle that help establish your mortgage change unexpectedly, you must be able to adjust. When life throws you a curve ball, you need to look at alternate ways to improve your mortgage situation.

It is essential to adjust to changes like decreased income or additional expenses, especially when they seem like long-term changes. Failure to make your payments may cause you to lose your house and everything you worked to pay off. Here are things you need to know about the alternatives for your mortgage:

What is a product transfer?

A product transfer is when you are looking at other plans/products with the same lender. There are two cases when a product transfer may seem ideal. The first is when your circumstances change, and you are looking at a different payment method. The new alternative could be smaller payments over a more extended period. The second is when your lender offers better rates, typically lower, with a different plan. Even though your circumstances haven’t changed, and you can comfortably pay your current rates—shifting to a new plan could give you more room financially. The two cases may seem similar with the end goal being a new product with lower rates, however, what prompts people to look at other products are different. The first is because of necessity and the second is by choice.

The benefit of a product transfer is that you know the company well enough and they know you. You do not have to go through the same amount of paperwork when you initially got your mortgage. They might ask you to redo certain papers, but it is mostly to update your information. To know more about product transfer, contact your mortgage adviser and see if you are missing out on any deals from your lender.

What is remortgaging?

Remortgaging is a term that is often confused by homeowners with product transfer since they both seem to look for lower rates. Remortgaging, though, is about shifting your mortgage from one lender to another. This jump between companies often happens when a competitor has lower/better rates. You can get extra help with remortgaging through websites like mortgage-wise.co.uk.

The benefit of remortgaging is that you find a better fit for you and your circumstances. However, you need to be able to look at the fine print. Before remortgaging your home, double check if the rates are ultimately worth it after you consider the fee for changing your lender and paperwork for the transfer. If there are no extra fees, or if they aren’t as expensive as you thought, the change might even pay for itself.

Since there is a distinct difference between the two, which one is better? There is no one answer to that because it all depends on when these opportunities present themselves.

Digital Nomads are not only envied but make heads turn wherever they go. After all, who wouldn’t want an exciting life full of new journeys and exploring new places and earning money side by side? It is like being on vacation forever and still be able to make your living!

Who is a digital nomad?

It certainly is fun to be a digital nomad and feel free to explore the world with your laptop and travels whenever and wherever. At the same time, these digital nomads support themselves by working along the way. They are not tied to any particular office or location. All they are looking for is an interesting city or location and an excellent place to stay and work. They could be freelancers or work for distributed companies or could be entrepreneurs. A digital nomad can be a photograph, a person who does online writing jobs, a business owner, or just everyone!

Florida is getting immensely popular among digital nomads and for good reasons. The sunshine state of America has lots to offer and is just perfect for adventure, culture, entertainment, food and many other touristic things to do. Few cities or states offer the digital nomads the way they like their things to be. As they typically travel a whole lot, they prefer not to stay in one place for too long. However, the cities they travel to muss have good basic facilities, should be exciting and provide good internet connectivity. Just rent a villa in Florida and enjoy your life! You can always shred it with other digital nomads like you.

Why Digital Nomads prefer Florida?

When it comes to accommodating digital nomads and their lifestyles, Florida ranks high locations. The digital nomads can travel across Florida and enjoy traveling while still working. One of the most apparent reasons is the weather and one can spend their days strolling on the beach in the warm, breezy weather. You can relax on the beach and take your laptop with your and soak up the sun. Nothing could be better than working and enjoying at the same time. What adds to the excitement is the fastest growing art scenes of Miami and the frequent celebrity visitors here. The nightlife that is buzzing and never seems to end. Famous for its cultural diversity, cuisine and its colorful history Florida attracts a liege number of tourists as well as digital nomads.

Florida holds enormous appeal for those pursuing the nomadic lifestyle. There are plenty of cities where one can head for, starting with the capital, Miami. Then there is Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Cape Coral, Fort Lauderdale and more. There are great tourism-related opportunities at these cities which are high-tech and educational at the same time. While some cities are more expensive than others, it is up to the digital nomad what he is looking for. One is obviously looking for a great touristic place, enough public transportation, and a wonderful s quality of life.

Who would not want to come here every year and enjoy the beach city and its culture? There is plenty to observe and write about. Believe it or not, Florida is one of the best states for digital nomads as there are dozens of co-working spaces and Wi-Fi spots. Although the expense of living may be higher, with a little effort, one can get a cheaper and affordable place. It indeed is an exciting place to live and work.

There are plenty of locations and spots within Florida where one can find a professional location to work. There are cafes and coffee shops where or other local joint and specific places to work, that welcome digital nomad.

The thriving cultural, musical, and artistic coattail of Miami is where you should begin your digital nomadic life! As the most populous city, the beautiful Miami offers digital nomads the prospect of good job opportunities along with an active, outdoor lifestyle.

St. Petersburg is relatively inexpensive when compared to other cities in Florida and has lots to do. The sailing city has lots of wind, and one can feel free to work and holiday as and when they want. Orlando is another excellent option for the digital nomads.

Traveling around is easy and stress-free within Florida, whether one is moving within a city or hoping form one location to another. One could use the network of public transport or hire a car and drive on their own.  Most of the neighborhoods are safe and walkable.

There is no shortage of outdoor and fun activities to choose from in Florida.  The street life is energetic, and it is hard to get bored here. Just exploring the vibrant streets or the quieter nature is entertainment in itself.

Wifi hotspots on almost every street corner and the connection is also excellent. Foodies won’t be disappointed as Florida boasts of some unique and great options when tie comes to cuisines. Although it is located towards South, the food her carries minimal influences from the neighbor states.

While there are endless spots, cities, and locations for the digital nomads, there are very few that offer them a unique and fulfilling experience. Moreover, Florida is one of them. As a digital nomad, you can enjoy a lifestyle here that is easy, comfortable and productive. The state boasts of world-class facilities, corporations, and startups and thus offers a wealth of jobs for digital nomads. It is the transient lifestyle and flexible work opportunities what lure the digital nomads to Florida.

 

Like clothing – items become fashionable, trends are born and eventually they die off and then they’re resurrected because they’re ‘vintage’. There are those household pieces that we were glad to see the back of, and there are those we welcome back with open arms. Together with Acorn Stairlifts, Global supplier of disabled stairlifts, we take a look at the retro items that have come back into our lives.

The Record Turntable
Vinyl records were produced in 1950s and sprung into popularity, right up to the 1990s. After this, they were replaced by CDs, then the CD was replaced by the mp3 players and then digital downloads replaced mp3 player. However, their popularity returned as people dug out their record collection and bought new music in the classic format too. In 2016, vinyl sales grew 53% compared to the previous year. In April of the same year, Fortune reported that vinyl record sales were at a 28-year high.

For many people, the quality of sounds produced by vinyl cannot be beaten by today’s digital music. Perhaps for this reason, in 2017, HMV announced that the turntable would be the top-selling product in its technology department. Companies are catering for different markets too as prices range from a reasonable £25 to £20,000 for those who want top-of-the-range technology.

The Chaise Longue
The chaise longue, had originated back around ancient Egypt and Greece, when day beds were around. In the 18^th century, it was known as the ‘fainting’ couch so that women who couldn’t bend at the waist because of their corsets could instead fall gently in reclining position. According to interior designers and furniture retailers, the style is now making a comeback.

Long Chair, is the literal English translation of “Chaise Longue”, and is recognizable as a sofa that takes the shape of a chair but is long enough to support the legs. These days, it makes a nice addition to a conservatory or orangery and provides a relaxing spot to look out onto the garden. Some are big enough for two, and can act as a sofa for couples and families.

The SodaStream
Peaked during the 1970s and 80s, the SodaStream allowed people to make their own carbonated drinks at home, through mixing flavored syrups with soda, and it was giving the tagline ‘get busy with fizzy’. The Business halted in 1996 and the product was reintroduced in 2010 to a newer market.

In recent years the machine had appealed to prosecco lovers, so Sodastream Germany had launched a sparkling gold ‘alcoholic concentrate’ that allows consumers to make home-made prosecco. The machine has evolved over the years too, into a slimline machine that is available in a range of colours.

The Instant Camera
We saw that the instant camera had soared, soon after instant film begun in 1940. People loved the novelty of a tangible picture minutes after taking it, without having to visit a store to get them printed — the invention transformed the photography market!

Unfortunately, the production of these cameras had dropped with the digital camera, which took over and then smartphones became the primary tool for taking photos. With digitalised photos becoming the norm, the instant camera brings back the idea of keepsakes and with only one chance to take the photo, eliminates the obsession with capturing the perfect shot. The comeback of the instant camera has been popular, and there are many accessories that can now be purchased to support the product. For example, coloured camera cases are on sale and filters are available to take different shots.

The Jukebox
Jukeboxes were once populated within the pub scene, with many pubs across Europe having them. They give the customers the opportunity to choose the song they wanted on out of the thousands available. However, as digital downloads took over and video platforms such as YouTube gave customers access to millions of songs, they experienced a decline.

However, it appears that jukebox has made a return. Chris Black, managing director of Sound Leisure (one of the last two makers of hand-built jukeboxes in the world), said that his sales doubled from 2012 to 2016 and he is witnessing a rise in popularity. He says that it’s down to the distinctive sound of a juke box, its ‘more bass-y and more boom’ and this is what is driving the sales. Some jukeboxes can contain up to 2,000 tracks and make a nice household item for music lovers.

As we can see, nostalgia brings back the popularity of many products that we want in our home. Who knows what will be returning next!

If you’re interested in perfecting the art of embossing wood, simply continue reading to discover a few helpful tips which will help you perfect your craft.

7 Tips on embossing wood:

1. Make sure to work quickly

Wood absorbs ink faster than most other surfaces, so it’s crucial to work quickly when it comes to trying to emboss a wood surface with image or text. By ensuring that you work quickly and diligently you’ll also avoid accidentally burning the wood piece which you’re working on!

2. Make sure that you have a steady hand

As wood is extremely porous and soaks up ink in the blink of an eye, it’s important to keep focused and to keep a steady hand when it comes to embossing an ink design on to a piece of wood such as a sign or a wood jewelry box.

3. Make sure to use plenty of embossing powder in order to produce high-quality results

Many individuals make the mistake of skimping on the amount of embossing powder which they use to create their pieces. Remember to apply a decent coat of embossing powder onto your wooden surface as the more embossing powder which you opt to use, the more visible your finished design will be.

4. Don’t worry about your embossing powder or the heat which you’ll use, damaging any stamps which you choose to use

If you plan on using stamps to emboss designs onto your wood items, you may be worried that the stamps which you’ll use may become damaged, either by the heat which you’ll use to emboss your wood items or by your embossing powder.

5. Use stamps to create fun patterns

If you’re interested in embossing items such as wooden furniture, signs, and trinkets you can repeat the use of a single stamp in order to create a bold, eye-catching pattern. As an example, you may want to use a star or a flower stamp multiple times in order to create a fun pattern.

6. If your embossing powder hardens before you get a chance to stamp your chosen design, simply use your heat pen or heat gun in order to melt your embossing powder again

If you find that your embossing powders begins to set and harden before you’ve had a chance to choose a stamp, don’t worry, all is not lost, just use your heat pen or gun in order to melt your embossing powder into a malleable state again.

7. Don’t worry if your embossing power bubbles up

When you’re new to embossing items, you may find that your embossing powder may bubble up. Don’t worry as any bubbles will just add an extra dimension to the artwork which you’ve created on your wooden item. Although as you become more skilled you may be able to work fast enough to avoid your embossing powder bubbling up!

Whether you’d like to emboss a loved one’s initials into a wooden jewelry box or you’re interested in embossing a location onto a sign, it’s well worth following the helpful tips listed above to help you create a high quality embossed product!

To learn everything which you need to know about skipping stones, simply continue reading to discover a guide to skipping stones.

What are skipping stones?

Skipping stones are essentially carefully shaped stones, which can be skimmed across water. The goal in a game of skipping stones is usually to see how many times your skipping stone can hop across an expanse of water such as a pond, the sea or a lake. Chances are that you’ve tried to skip stones as a child, with one of your parents as skipping stones is a popular past time in most countries around the world.

As an example in the UK playing skipping stones is called playing ducks and drakes whilst in Denmark the same game is referred to as smutting.

What do skipping stones normally look like?

Skipping stones are traditionally flat and wide, which allows them to easily skip across the water. While you can purchase aerodynamic skipping stones, in the past you’d have to search hard in order to find a skipping stone which would be able to make more than 2 jumps across the water.

Did you know that skipping stones is a competitive sport:

Contrary to popular belief children aren’t the only individuals who’ll find trying to skip rocks. In fact, there are now a variety of professional skipping stones competitions around the world, which attract fierce competitors who are keen to win large cash prizes.

One example of an elite skipping stones tournament which is held annually is the Rock and River Festival, which is located in Pittsburg and regularly attracts elite competitors. While some individuals may be skeptical about the legitimacy of skipping stones being referred to as a sport, skipping stones involves skill and talent just like other sports such as golf, tennis, and football.

As well as featuring hotly contested elite divisions, most professionally organized skipping stone tournaments also feature amateur divisions which give interested individuals who have no experience competing in skipping stone tournaments a chance to compete against other amateurs.

What is the Guinness Book of Records for skipping a stone over water:

The current record is held for a single throw which successfully skipped a stone 51 times over water. Which is a record which will be extremely hard to beat and should stand to last for a few more years.

How to skip stones:

If you’re interested in trying to skip stones yourself, refer to the following tips in order to learn how to skip stones effectively.

1. Make sure that you have a flat water surface

The calmer the water you find the better.

2. Carefully select a skipping stone

Ideally, a skipping stone should be flat and wide and should be roughly the size of your palm.

3. Place your index finger along one side of your rock

Make sure that your thumb is placed on the other side of your rock.

4. Face the water, side on with your feet shoulder width apart

Also, make sure that you bend your knees slightly.

5. Bend your wrist forward before snapping it forward to throw your stone across the water in front of you.

Hopefully, after reading the above guide to skipping stones, you now have a more in depth understanding of skipping stones.

If you’re on the search for useful lifestyle hacks which will make leading an active lifestyle easier, continue reading to discover 6 lifestyle tips which are useful for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

6 Lifestyle tips for everyone:

1. Try to consume healthy unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats

Contrary to popular belief not all fats are bad for your health. In fact, your body actually requires healthy, unsaturated fats, for your body and your brain to function effectively! Examples of foods which are rich in healthy fats, which you should aim to add to your diet include avocado, nuts, and fish.

However, if you want to feel healthy and energetic on a daily basis, it’s well worth limiting the number of saturated fats which you consume. Examples of popular foods which contain saturated fats include full-fat milk, cheese, pork, beef, cream, and butter.

2. Boil, steam and bake food instead of frying your food

If you tend to use a frying pan on a daily basis, it’s well worth putting your fry pan away on the odd occasion in order to boil, steam or bake your food. As when you boil, steam or bake food you don’t need to use additional oils or butter. Both of which contain a high percentage of fat and will provide your body with unnecessary extra calories. Which may cause you to gain weight.

3. Get into the habit of consuming margarine instead of butter

If you love the taste of butter and normally start your day off by spreading a bit of butter onto your toast, it’s well worth opting for margarine instead of butter. As typically margarine contains far fewer calories than full-fat butter.

4. Consider purchasing your groceries online instead of visiting your local grocery store in person

If you have a tendency to place unhealthy items into your shopping cart, when you visit your local grocery, you can avoid the temptation of purchasing unhealthy foods such as chocolate and chips by opting to purchase your groceries online. As a bonus, you’ll have far more time up your sleeve, if you pre-order your groceries online each week, as most grocery stores will allow you to repeat the same order each week.

5. Use a variety of herbs and spices to season your food instead of salt

If you have a habit of salting your food, it’s well worth purchasing inexpensive dried herbs and spices which you’ll be able to use to add flavor to all of your favorite dishes. As consumed in large doses, salt can have a negative effect on your health and can even increase your blood pressure.

6. Never skip a meal

Skipping a meal is never a good idea as you’ll just be more likely to binge eat during your next meal. As an extra benefit if you start each day off by enjoying a healthy, nutritious breakfast you’ll kick-start your metabolism for the day ahead, which will help you start burning calories, even when you’re sitting in an office chair during your working day!

So if you’re interested in leading a healthier lifestyle, it’s well worth following all six of the lifestyle hacks which are listed above.

Whether you’re looking for ways to renovate your home in order to increase your home’s value or you’re simply looking to modernize your home, continue reading to discover 5 home redesign tips to contemplate.

5 Home Redesign Tips:

1. Consider placing a kitchen island in the center of your kitchen

If you’re looking to update the look of your kitchen, it’s well worth getting a practical yet stylish kitchen island installed in your kitchen. As not only will you be able to use your new kitchen island as extra counter space, to prep your favorite dishes but you’ll also be able to enjoy informal meals at your kitchen island. If you’re interested, simply purchase a few funky stools which you’ll be able to place next to your kitchen island.

2. Consider knocking down any walls which separate your kitchen and your lounge

If you’d like your kitchen and your lounge to appear most spacious than they actually are, you can easily create the illusion of space by knocking down any walls which separate your kitchen and your lounge in order to create a large, open plan space. Which you’ll enjoy spending time in.

As an added benefit you’ll love the fact that you’ll be able to talk to your friends and family members in your lounge when you’re cooking or eating in your kitchen. So if you love entertaining, it’s definitely worth creating a spacious open plan living, cooking and dining area.

3. Consider getting rid of a spare bedroom in order to create an ensuite bathroom for your master bedroom

If there’s a spare bedroom next to your master bedroom which you never use, you may want to consider getting a builder in to turn your spare bedroom into a modern, ensuite bathroom.

Alternatively, if your master bedroom offers little storage space, you may also want to consider turning the room which is currently a spare bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe. Which offers plenty of storage space for your clothes and accessories.

4. Consider installing glass sliding doors, which open up to a deck

If you’d like to spend more time outdoors in the warm summer months, you may want to consider getting glass doors installed in your lounge or your master bedroom which open up to a high-quality deck. Where you’ll be able to read a book or sunbathe, whenever you’d like. One of the bonuses of having sliding glass doors installed in your home is that if it gets too hot all you have to do to increase airflow in your home is to open your glass sliding doors slightly, to let a breeze pass through your home.

5. Make sure that every bathroom in your home features a modern shower

If you live in an older style property which boasts a two in one bath and shower, which is tricky to get in and out of, it’s well worth removing your outdated two in one shower and bath in order to install a modern shower. Which will be much easier to climb in and out of on a daily basis and is likely to increase your home’s value!

So if you’re looking to renovate your home it’s well worth rethinking your home’s layout, by contemplating the 5 invaluable tips listed above.