For certain kinds of business, the cost of warehousing can be significant. If you have a huge volume of stock to keep, even if it’s just for a matter of days, then it’s vital that you make the most of the available space, while still keeping enough capacity available that
Fences are often overlooked as part of a home’s property, but they play an important role. When a fence is deteriorating badly or is simply too old, it can detract from the enjoyment of the backyard. Eventually, it will come time to replace it with something better and possibly different.
Living in New York City can be a dream come true for many people. The bright lights, the celebrities all around, the city that never sleeps. But finding somewhere to live at an affordable rate can be nigh impossible, with the rent trends in New York constantly changing. One option
When the market is hot, buyers are hungry, and properties move fast. When the market is less than ideal, some extra work may be necessary to attract potential buyers to available listings. New development and construction are no exception to this situation. Regardless, developing a system to reach potential buyers
Despite the ambiguous attitude of society towards gambling establishments and gambling in general, modern casinos are more than just a place where a person can instantly become rich or lose their fortune just as quickly. Moreover, this applies to both land-based casinos and online casinos, among which PlayAmo Australia stands
Corksol UK, the Yorkshire-based company that exclusively distributes Corksol SprayCork to approved applicators across the UK, has announced the launch of a new, innovative spray solution, Protesol Anitviral, which is scientifically proven to protect treated surfaces against 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS and Coronavirus. With COVID-19 dominating
When it comes to repairing water and waste pipes in present times, Cured-In-Place Lining is by far the most technologically advanced technique. The installation process for the same works on the principle of creating a pipe within the pipe with the help of trenchless technology. When one works with the
Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature is a sure-fire way to make you feel more relaxed and calm. Usually, you would go outside to smell the fresh air, but what happens when you can’t leave home or plant flowers outside? Well, you could bring nature indoors, instead! Start growing
MC Construction, a leading construction firm based in Salford, will raise more than £10,000 for North West Cancer Research, to mark its 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary challenge will see the firm’s employees come together to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined total of 10,700 miles – which is
With the summers fast approaching with warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight, it is time to have a look at your back patio to see if it is summer-ready. You might have to make some backyard improvements as well to ad more functionality and value to your home. If
For certain kinds of business, the cost of warehousing can be significant. If you have a huge volume of stock to keep, even if it’s just for a matter of days, then it’s vital that you make the most of the available space, while still keeping enough capacity available that you can cope with new orders without any disruption. So how might you rearrange your warehouse for the sake of maximum efficiency? Let’s take a look at a few considerations. Assessing the Floor Plan Your floor plan should make it easy for you to store as many items as possible. But that’s not the sole consideration; your staff will also need to be able to easily access the goods they need. This might mean generous walkways, and traffic being directed to make sure workers aren’t getting in the way of each other. Ensuring that traffic is able to easily flow from one section of the warehouse to the next will minimise disruption and help the entire facility to operate that little bit more efficiently. Before deciding on any changes, it’s worth taking a walk around the warehouse floor, and talking to the people who’ll actually be living with the benefits and drawbacks of any changes. Improving Inventory Management Inventory management has come a long way over recent decades, thanks to a rapid proliferation of technological tools. Nowadays, there’s no need to remember where every single item is, because a computer can do it for you. What is more, the items on your shelves don’t need to be in any particular order, so long as they’re appropriately coded so that every given item is where the computer says that it is. Your inventory and asset tracking management system should follow the Pareto principle, that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of inputs. In this case, it means that a minority of your stock accounts for most of the movement. Generally speaking, the items that are most frequently reached-for should be the ones that are most easily reached. If a worker needs to make ten trips for one item for every one trip for another, then differences in location can have a disproportionate impact on productivity over the course of a working day. Capacity If you need your premises to be able to cope with surges in demand during particular times of year, then investing in temporary buildings might be worthwhile. These buildings can be easily thrown up for just a few weeks, and then disassembled. They can be useful if you need to bridge a gap during a specific period where stock is at a high. Efficient Shelving As well as assessing the larger-scale layout of the warehouse, it’s also worth assessing the shelving more closely. Different kinds of shelves are capable of storing certain items far more efficiently than others. Think about the amount of empty space that’s going unused and look for solutions that will fill that space.
Fences are often overlooked as part of a home’s property, but they play an important role. When a fence is deteriorating badly or is simply too old, it can detract from the enjoyment of the backyard. Eventually, it will come time to replace it with something better and possibly different. Here are four reasons for homeowners to upgrades their fences. 1. Improve Appearances for the Home & Garden When you have already purchased the property and it either lacks a fence, or it is sagging badly and is damaged, it’s time for a rethink. Delineating the property line or boundaries isn’t just useful for the parcel of land; it’s also something that is visually a good thing to do for you and the neighbors. It can avoid confusion and potential disagreements over where their property line ends and yours begins. When replacing the fences or putting one in for the first time, consider what type of fence is best. They come at various price points and are available in wrought iron, vinyl, and chain-link. Each adds a different aesthetic to the backyard, so it’s worth considering how a style will fit into it. To get an idea about the various fence styles, check out northlandfence.com. 2. Increase the Value of the Home A home’s value won’t stay the same when there’s a poor-quality fence or none at all in some places. The valuation is likely to increase by as much as half of the cost of the fence. If it’s a privacy fence that reaches from 4 feet up to as much as 9 feet tall, it’ll be important to provide seclusion for you and possibly your family if you have one too. Choose a fence style that’s in keeping with the rest of the home. It’s likely to have the most upside potential for the expenditure. 3. Prevent Infestation by Termites When there’s an old wooden fence surrounding the property line, it has been susceptible to both the elements and any insects for years. A wooden fence can potentially have suffered a termite infestation because they love wood of all kinds. Even when the wooden slates were originally treated to avoid this, that won’t ward off the risk completely. It would be best to use concrete posts for your fence to make it stronger and stand against termites. 4. Let Your Dog Out with a Safe Place to Run Dogs need a safe place to run around, play fetch, and maybe do a bit of enthusiastic digging too. It’s a great thing to let them burn off some energy if you’re short of time to take them for a walk that day. Let’s face it – dogs love getting outdoors and running around in virtually any weather except perhaps snow. So, a fenced-in garden that’s too high for them to leap over allows the homeowner to let them get more outdoor time. Then they can be walked later in the day when the schedule allows for it. While it’s always hoped that a fence will be of high quality and durability with new homes, many people purchase new-to-them homes as the second owner or later buyer. Depending on the age of the home and the quality of the fences, they may not have held up. Homeowners should avoid waiting until part of the fence has collapsed before thinking about its replacement.
Living in New York City can be a dream come true for many people. The bright lights, the celebrities all around, the city that never sleeps. But finding somewhere to live at an affordable rate can be nigh impossible, with the rent trends in New York constantly changing. One option that can help with that is renting a no fee apartment from the owner rather than a property management team or developer. By-owner apartments in NYC can typically be found at a cheaper rate even in a potentially better location. Best of all, by owner apartments have no broker fees. But they can be hard to find sometimes. To make it easier, we’ve created this comprehensive guide on finding by-owner apartments in NYC. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make the process far less daunting and hopefully get you into a great apartment in no time. So let’s dive right into here, here’s everything to keep in mind when looking for by-owner apartments in New York City. Finding For Rent By-Owner Apartments in NYC New York City has one of the most lively real estate markets in the entire world, so you won’t have trouble finding apartments for rent throughout the city. But the vast majority of the apartments on the market are owned by developers, real estate companies, or property developers. So finding by-owner apartments for rent can be a bit of a struggle, but here a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will make it much easier: Ask friends and other people from the area — One of the most effective ways to find apartments for rent by the owner in NYC is just through word of mouth. NYC is a big place, sure. But word travels fast, so if you put the word out there to friends and other people that you know, you’ll be surprised at how fast you can hear something. People that are looking to rent out the apartments that they own want to find someone to move in, so it works both ways. Check social media and online posting boards — Facebook Marketplace has become one of the best places not only to find good deals on items or vehicles but also for homes to rent or buy. Similarly, checking online posting boards like Craigslist will go a long way towards finding a great place. Since big companies won’t use these means to advertise, almost all of the deals you find will be for rent by-owner, making the search way easier. Use real estate listing sites — NYC real estate sites like Streeteasy and PropertyClub can be a great place to find by owner listings. Listing sites like these usually also have filters that allow you to only look for options that are listed as by-owner or no fee to skip the need to sift through all the extra stuff. Things to Keep in Mind When Looking at NYC By-Owner Apartments If you’re looking to score a good deal on a high-quality New York City apartment, then by-owner units will typically be your best bet. But sometimes people get caught up in the great value and end up being part of a scam. Here are a few things to keep in the back of your mind during your search for by-owner apartments in NYC: Ensure that the person who’s listing the apartment for rent is actually the owner of the unit. Do a quick online property search to see if you can find the current owner of the property while simultaneously confirming that the address is a legitimate place that can be rented out. Never pay cash for anything that has to do with the transaction, including the deposit. If you give someone cash because they’ve convinced you that they’re the owner, they could easily walk off with your money and you will never hear from them again. Use something that can be traced, such as a check. Verify the landlord/owner’s photo identification before making a deal and starting to transfer any money between parties. Ensure that the person you’re dealing with truly is who they’re claiming to be. Benefits of Looking for By-Owner Apartments in NYC If there were no benefits to renting by-owner apartments in NYC, then there’d be no reason to do so! Let’s take a look at a few of the key reasons why it might be worth it to look for one. Affordability By far the biggest reason to consider looking for a by-owner apartment in NYC is the lower rent that typically comes with them. As one of the most expensive real estate locales in the world, finding a deal in NYC can be tough. But by-owner apartments can often be rented for a lower price, and you also won’t have to worry about broker fees. Easier to Negotiate This one goes hand in hand with being more affordable, but it’s often far easier to negotiate rent when you’re dealing with a single landlord. The big property management companies that own most of the apartments in the city need to charge certain prices to cover all of their bills while also ensuring that they aren’t giving deals to some people and not others. That could lead to a whole slew of issues for them that they just simply don’t want to deal with. More Accommodating Landlords A single landlord is also typically going to be a bit more accommodating for their tenants. If you’re a great tenant and you end up being a day or two late on rent one month, many of them won’t mind as long as you communicate the delay and let them know. They’ll also typically have far fewer rules and regulations when it comes to living in their unit than the standards put in place by established property management companies. Are There Any Reasons for Not Renting By-Owner Apartments? Fortunately, the benefits of renting by-owner apartments in NYC greatly outweigh the potential disadvantages, as long as you’re vigilant and careful during your search. The
When the market is hot, buyers are hungry, and properties move fast. When the market is less than ideal, some extra work may be necessary to attract potential buyers to available listings. New development and construction are no exception to this situation. Regardless, developing a system to reach potential buyers is crucial for your success. This article will review several strategies to help you market new development and construction properties to increase your reach and find your next buyer. What challenges do new developments and construction properties face? The U.S. Census Bureau recently released a report showing that over 1.5 million new homes completed construction in March of 2021. This represents huge potential, especially in markets with high home values. But new developments and construction may have additional barriers to selling compared to pre-owned housing. For example, while people constantly buy homes, there is a stigma attached to purchasing new construction developments because buyers can be afraid that new developments still need to have the kinks worked out. On top of that, while the market for homes is large, finding buyers interested in new development may take some extra digging. Different ways to market new development and construction If you want to reach potential buyers for new housing, having a strategic method will increase your odds of success. Below are several ideas of how to approach marketing to potential customers about new development and construction. Professional Photography Every phone is capable of taking pictures good enough to send to your mom or best friend. But to attract real attention to your new development and construction, you should highly consider using a real estate photographer. A professional photographer has an eye for beautiful and aesthetically pleasing shots. And if their goal is to sell a property with a few photos, they will get you photos that are worth a thousand words or more. But don’t just be happy with some simple photographs. To really wow prospective buyers, consider going the extra step with drone photography which provides an incredible new perspective of the property. Virtual Tours and Staging Things are ramping up again in the U.S. after the height of COVID-19, but virtual tours and staging have become a valuable tool in the realtor toolbelt. Virtual tours allow potential buyers to view homes without needing to physically step foot in the property. The tour can be viewed on phones, tablets, computers, or even in virtual reality. Virtual staging is a service to enhance the appearance of vacant properties by adding photo-realistic, virtual furniture throughout the property in photos or in virtual tours, similar to how you might purchase furniture to put in a property while doing showings. Virtual experiences for potential buyers will only become more popular, so buying into this practice now will help attract new customers. Build your brand You may work for a large agency or be a self-employed realtor. Regardless, building your brand is essential for reaching potential buyers. This may start with building a website, sharing success stories, and even blogging about different home buying experiences. Beyond that, take a deep dive into understanding your online presence. How are people finding your service and what might increase clicks on your business website? Consider location-based targeted advertising through Google or other platforms. This service will allow you to advertise content to targeted locations. More specifically, this will allow you the ability to market new construction and developments to potential local buyers. Build your network Beyond branding yourself online, make your local presence known. Visit local cafes, stores, mom-and-pop shops, and leave a few business cards with them for customers to take. Talk to local construction crews working on-site, go to trade shows, and attend local or virtually local meetups. The more people see you and get to know you, the more likely they will be to remember you and recommend you to those in the market. Social media can make a big impact on your brand. Do you only have a website? Why not utilize some free advertising by making a Facebook page of your business. Make a Twitter account and engage with other local accounts to increase your following. Post new construction and property notices on your Instagram account (with professional photographs, of course). Build empathy The best way to help potential buyers is to connect with them on a personal level. Empathize with your client and it will make the buying and selling experience much better. Think about this from the buyer’s perspective. Maybe this is the first home they’ve ever purchased, or maybe their last home was destroyed in a fire. This is important information to know and consider when assisting someone with the buying process. It may also help you understand and relay important information and considerations of buying new developments and construction. Show that you have the buyer’s best interest at heart (and you should). Tell them, honestly, about the neighborhood they’ll be moving into. Be their advocate in the buying process. Final thoughts Now that you’ve considered several ways to market new developments and properties, hopefully, you can start developing a plan to improve your practice. Although housing markets may wax and wane, a successful strategy to connect to, network with, and empathize with potential buyers to help them purchase new construction and developments will make the process much easier.
Despite the ambiguous attitude of society towards gambling establishments and gambling in general, modern casinos are more than just a place where a person can instantly become rich or lose their fortune just as quickly. Moreover, this applies to both land-based casinos and online casinos, among which PlayAmo Australia stands out especially. What are the modern casinos in the world? First of all, these are vivid examples of the successful fusion of such factors as the respectability of entertainment establishments, a clear and unchanging atmosphere of prestige, as well as age-old canons of gaming art and special standards of behavior. Each new casino that opens in the world is often bigger and better than its “brothers”. After all, every owner of gambling establishments, striving to surpass their numerous competitors in scope and luxury, often presents to the world real “masterpieces” of architecture and design. It is not surprising that the ranking of the best and most unique casinos in the world is updated quite often. And now, in continuation of the post, we present the TOP-5 of the most prestigious, luxurious, and incredible casinos in the world. Casino Рotel “Bellagio” Opened in 1998 in Las Vegas, the large-scale entertainment complex of the casino-hotel “Bellagio” is rightfully considered the most expensive gambling establishment in Sin City. Its estimated cost is about $ 2 billion. In the fabulously luxurious halls of this institution, the owners have installed 200 tables for games of the most popular gambling games, and there are also more than 2000 various slot machines. Bellagio is renowned for its fine dining and world-renowned Cirque du Soleil shows. Quite often, you can meet many world stars in the halls of the Bellagio casino. Casino “Baden-Baden” One of the oldest, but at the same time the most sophisticated and revered European casinos is the Baden-Baden casino located in Germany. The gambling tables, built back in 1809, of the institution, still remember the presence of monarchs, famous politicians, and cultural figures of those times when chips were used exclusively from gold and silver during the game. The aristocratic elegant halls of the casino have 24 tables and 113 slot machines. The exceptional professionalism of the local croupiers and the service of the staff always disposes guests to an exciting game. Casino “Casino de Monte Carlo” The exquisite casino “Casino de Monte Carlo”, which is located in Monaco, can rightfully deserve worldwide recognition. Just a royal marble facade and many classic graceful columns, luxurious room decoration, special VIP rooms for privileged guests, 316 state-of-the-art slot machines and 35 gaming tables, as well as a full range of services so that guests get the most out of the game, but and from the very presence in the institution. Entertainment complex-casino “Marina Bay Sands” Of course, the casino “Marina Bay Sands”, located in Singapore, is one of the few entertainment and gaming establishments in the world that are impressive in their scale and uniqueness. Marina Bay Sands is built on the shores of the very beautiful Marina Bay and is an incredible complex in terms of scope, beauty, and architecture. It consists of three 55-story towers, each 200 meters high. The crown of the towers is the truly unique panoramic pool connecting them. The casino halls have 600 gaming tables, as well as 2,300 state-of-the-art slot machines. According to the statistics of the institution, more than 25 thousand guests visit it daily. Hotel-casino “Venetian Macao” Built-in 2007, the Venetian Macao Hotel & Casino can be called Venice in Macau. The complex was built in the Venetian style: with water channels, along which gondoliers carry guests in their gondolas, with halls decorated with Venetian molding and paintings by Venetian masters. Everything here breathes Venice and, naturally, disposes to the game. The luxurious halls of the Venetian Macao have 800 gaming tables and about 3,500 slot machines.
Corksol UK, the Yorkshire-based company that exclusively distributes Corksol SprayCork to approved applicators across the UK, has announced the launch of a new, innovative spray solution, Protesol Anitviral, which is scientifically proven to protect treated surfaces against 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including SARS and Coronavirus. With COVID-19 dominating the health agenda, Corksol took matters into its own hands sourcing an antiviral solution that seeks to reduce transmission of Coronavirus between individuals by protecting surfaces. The ground-breaking new spray solution, developed and certified in Spain, can be retro applied to surfaces in a wide range of settings from healthcare facilities and public transport, through to educational establishments and leisure spaces in a bid to provide extra protection when it comes to hygiene and sanitation measures. Not only does this coating help to eliminate 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses from surfaces, including COVID-19, applying Protesol Antiviral Spray will also cut down on time spent cleaning as well as provide a more eco-friendly solution as it eliminates the need for single use wipes and bleach-based products. Effective for use on a variety of materials including plastic, ceramic, metal, laminate and some painted surfaces, Protesol Antiviral Spray can be applied to most nonporous surfaces and is suitable for both commercial and domestic use. The coating works to destroys any harmful bacteria and viruses currently cultivating on the surface, before creating a barrier-effect which eliminates any opportunity for bacteria or viruses to grow. Most viruses, including Coronavirus, have a fatty surround and in order to kill the virus effectively, a cleaning agent must get through this robust fatty layer to get to the virus itself. This is what sets Protesol Antiviral apart from other shop-bought cleaning products. Joff Ward, director of Corksol UK comments: “Last Autumn when we realised the extent of this pandemic and how long we would be facing this invisible battle, we searched for a solution that could protect surfaces and individuals against harmful viruses. Our Spanish manufacturer has developed a validated, accredited solution that can be retro sprayed on to a huge range of surfaces to help cut down transmission. We have worked with them to develop ways of applying it using our skillset, and have launched an easy to use solution that be used in a wide variety of settings. “We have trialled it on numerous surfaces from desks to rugby balls and have seen for ourselves that the solution remains after cleaning and everyday use.” When it comes to rolling this product out, places with high traffic footfall and urgency will take priority. Hospitals and doctors surgeries, schools, colleges, universities, supermarkets will be protected first, with sports stadiums, clubs and gyms and pools following suit. Protesol Antiviral has already seen successful trials in Spain, most recently with furniture giant IKEA. The coating was applied to serving trays in restaurants and trialled over a four week period, with the solution remaining intact and active even when put through the dishwasher repeatedly. Protesol is also running a trail period with Aldi for use on their basket handles, and a number of other large companies in Spain, including a train and furniture manufacturer. The first company to trial the use of Protesol Antiviral was Ofita, manufacturers of designer furniture. CEO of the Spanish company, Camilo Agromayor added: “The virus-safe desks are a unique milestone in the challenge of achieving safer offices, particularly against Coronavirus. This protection is a guarantee of greater safety to our customers, both in individual workstations and in common spaces shared by multiple people.” Application of the coating is simple and straightforward, making it a viable option for any maintenance team who can easily apply it. The solution is sprayed onto a non-porous surface using a spray gun for large scale coverage, or simply add drops of the solution onto the surface and apply by hand with a microfibre cloth for smaller areas. To set the coating, using a paint stripping heat gun will help seal the resin in place, but it can be left to cure naturally in some circumstances, like in a school over the summer holidays. Protesol Antiviral will be available to purchase through Hardgear Healthcare, specialist provider of protective equipment. For further information about Protesol Antiviral, please visit www.protesol.co.uk
When it comes to repairing water and waste pipes in present times, Cured-In-Place Lining is by far the most technologically advanced technique. The installation process for the same works on the principle of creating a pipe within the pipe with the help of trenchless technology. When one works with the CIPP lining process, he can expect the resulting pipeline to be loaded with several benefits instead of when he uses the traditional pipe repair process and the related replacement techniques. Working of CIPP The first step of the CIPP installation is cleaning out the pipe. If one tries to attempt the installation without cleaning the pipe, it will result in a failed pipe restoration. The resin will be able to coat it evenly and cure it only if the line is clean. If corrosion, grease, or rust is found, cleaners can remove it using abrasive cleaning methods. After ensuring that the pipe is clean, the technicians will proceed to insert a video camera inside the pipe to search for sources of damage. This information is crucial since it will tell them where they need to make the repairs. A fundamental advantage of CIPP liners is that you have both options: to repair not such big areas of damage or repair the whole pipe length in one go. After the technicians have determined the area which needs repairs, they start inserting a tube coated with layers of repair material into the pipe. Subsequently, they prepare a balloon or bladder and put it inside the line. This ensures that the tube is held in place against the pipe. The bladder has coated the damaged pipe with the required repair material and will keep it until it cures. With most materials, one can expect the pipe to cure in around two to three hours. The technician removes the balloon and deflates it once the material is completely dried. They might insert the video camera once again to check whether the process was successful and sealed the damage. There should be a solid and durable pipe instead of the old one, which was not in good condition. When we compare trenching and CIPP lining, we find that the latter provides several benefits compared to the former. There might be some situations where CIPP liners might not be the solution for specific problems; one can look towards trenchless solutions for such cases. Consult some of the experts in trenchless pipe solutions to perform a diagnosis of your water system before you decide which method of repair or replacement you would like to go for. Identification of sewage problems When we compare sewage issues with other ones, we discover that they are relatively easier to identify. You should not ignore the first signs of a leaking sewage system. The more you ignore them, the worse the damage can become. Naturally, you might not know when there are problems. However, you can learn what things to take care of and when to seek professional help. Funny sounds In the scenario that you hear the sound of water gushing but can’t seem to find the source, it might be that there is a leak in either your sewer pipes or building. Squishy floor When you step on your floor, and it makes a squishy sound or feels spongy, it might have happened due to a sewage leak. When an issue arises with the link to the sewer main, the water seeps close to the connection, which results in the floor getting filled with moisture. Bad odor Although it is known that sewage does not have a pleasant smell, but some foul odors in your house might arise from mold and mildew that flourish with the help of sewage leaks. These odors might be detectable outdoors too. Rodent woes Rodents are attracted to the odor of leaking sewer lines. It might be too late before you notice the issue, and they have arrived in large numbers drawn by the smell. If you cannot pinpoint any other reason for the rodent problem, it is definitely a sewer leakage. Cracks present in the foundation When sewer lines drip, they cause pooling in the soil present around your home. This leads to the shifting of the house and the development of cracks in the foundation. It might also result in damage in driveways, concrete patios, and sidewalks. Why choose CIPP trenchless pipeliners? Even though traditional trench methods might seem a cheaper option, this is not the case. When the actual costs are computed, CIPP lining appears to be a better option economically. CIPP pipelines can work for several types and sizes of pipes. You need not think about the size or placement of the original line. CIPP pipeliners are a much safer option for you and the workers. There is less risk of exposure to several dangerous natural elements. Plagiarism Report:
Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature is a sure-fire way to make you feel more relaxed and calm. Usually, you would go outside to smell the fresh air, but what happens when you can’t leave home or plant flowers outside? Well, you could bring nature indoors, instead! Start growing an indoor jungle with these tips. Before you know it, you’ll turn your space into an oasis. How to Choose the Perfect Houseplants There are far too many plants and flowers to choose from, but the most common florals, like roses, orchids, and succulents, are available at most garden centers. While browsing on a website that offers flower delivery, you may stumble upon multiple unique Mother’s day flower ideas. Don’t forget that you’re only weeks away from Mother’s Day! Choose Easy-Care Plants Unless you’re some kind of plant-savant, you should stick to easy-to-care-for plants that don’t require a lot of attention, water, and sunlight. This way, you won’t have to hire a house sitter when you take a vacation. Consider these low maintenance house plants: Aloe Vera Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law’s Tongue) Bromeliad Rabbit’s Ear India Rubber Tree Spider Plant All of these plants can handle a bit of neglect and can survive with little sunlight and water. Match Plants to Their Environment Some plants have special needs, even if they’re easy to take care of. For example, the Pothos is a low-maintenance plant but will die if placed in direct sunlight. Pothos grow underneath larger trees in the rainforest and love humidity, so ensure your home isn’t too dry. Another example is the Bird’s Nest Fern which prefers bathrooms for its moist air. Use the Right Soil Most garden centers and online flower shops will stock a general potting soil mix that will suit most plants. However, cactuses and succulents need special mixes that drain faster because they reside in places with little soil. You’ll likely run into these common potting soil mixtures: Sphagnum Peat Moss: Well-draining and well-aerated. Coir Fiber: Byproduct of coconuts. Has more nutrients than peat moss. Perlite: Lightweight and sterile. Holds three times its weight in water. Vermiculite: Adds calcium and magnesium to the soil. Sand: Improves drainages and is excellent for cacti. Pick the Right Indoor Containers Plants and flowers need to drain water from their soil, or else they’ll drown. Orchids need special pots with slats or cut-out shapes at the side for better drainage and airflow. Since orchids grow off of rocks, trees, or bushes, they can’t be planted directly into the ground. Other common plants, like the kalanchoe, are comfy in almost any sized pot of any material. Use These Tips When Creating Your Garden Oasis Know Your Light Light is an essential requirement when starting an indoor garden, so ensure that all of your plants are near a window or UV lamp. Some plants, like Aloe Vera, require over 8 hours of sun, while the Peace Lily would quickly die from too much exposure. Adjust to your plant’s needs. Try Planting Vertically Planting vertically gives you more space for more plants while dressing up your walls at the same time. Gardening vertically will make your home truly feel like an indoor jungle oasis. You can plant succulents vertically in picture frames with a fabric backing or plastic sheetings. Group Plants Together Plants that prefer humid environments will do better in a bathroom or finished basement, while dry, climatized flowers would want an open space with plenty of sunlight. Be sure to group plants based on their specific needs to double the possibility that they’ll stay happy and healthy. Get a Standout Plant Don’t just buy plants that are low to the ground or have to be hung from the ceiling because your space will start to look too “samey.” Put in a standout plant, like the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, to add height and depth to your oasis. This large indoor tropical tree is easy to grow and care for.
MC Construction, a leading construction firm based in Salford, will raise more than £10,000 for North West Cancer Research, to mark its 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary challenge will see the firm’s employees come together to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined total of 10,700 miles – which is the distance from its headquarters in Salford to Australia’s Gold Coast. As well as the golden anniversary challenge, a calendar of bespoke fundraising activities is planned throughout the year, including an 11,000 ft sky dive for six of the firm’s daredevil employees in May. North West Cancer Research was chosen as MC Construction’s charity of choice, following a survey in which staff overwhelmingly voted for the charity. North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first, funding pioneering research to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. The charity currently funds 50 life-saving cancer research projects across the region. MC Construction has opted to raise money to pay for the laboratory supplies needed for an innovative prostate cancer project, the most common male cancer in the North West. There is currently no effective screening programme to help early diagnosis and the project hopes to discover ways to improve detection rates. As part of the firm’s commitment to the health and well-being of its employees, it will also launch a series of educational and awareness programmes to help staff better recognise symptoms and encourage regular checks and GP visits. Dave Lowe, Managing Director at MC Construction, said: “For this very special 50th year we wanted to support to a local charity whose cause was close to the hearts of our employees. “Through North West Cancer Research, we can directly contribute towards vital, pioneering work in cancer prevention, detection and cure in our region.” Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are grateful to MC Construction for naming us as their charity of choice this year. “As an independent charity, we rely solely on the donations from businesses and individuals to help us continue our mission to reduce cancer rates in the North West and achieve a cancer-free future for all. We would like to offer our congratulations to MC Construction on their Golden Anniversary and wish them luck for their fundraising challenges ahead.” You can donate towards MC Construction’s Going for Gold challenge here. To find out more about the work being carried out by North West Cancer Research and ways to support the charity visit its website www.nwcr.org.
With the summers fast approaching with warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight, it is time to have a look at your back patio to see if it is summer-ready. You might have to make some backyard improvements as well to ad more functionality and value to your home. If you do not make those changes in time, probably, you would not be able to enjoy the summers and your patio to the full. So, start well ahead in time and make the essential improvements needed for the patio in the backyard. You will be amazed that how with just a little effort, you can turn your backyard patio into a heavenly oasis for your family this summer. Here are some simple and effective ideas to spruce up the back patio for summer this year. Add a fire pit- If your patio is still missing out on a fire pit, it is time to give it one. Just give it the classic patio upgrade with a stacked stone fireplace and with a supply of fuel. It is a great idea to build a customized fire pit and make it a fun and satisfying project. A fire pit is much needed for those cooler nighttime temperatures and extends the life of and entertainment at the patio. So, a fire pit is indeed one of the best things to happen to your backyard or patio. Nothing is better than enjoying good company while sitting around a warm, soothing fire on a cool summer night. Enhance the outdoor living space- Refurnish the patio and add some useful furniture items. It could be comfy seats with a table set or a sofa with chairs and a coffee table. Just make sure to have a heavenly arrangement with flowy curtains to create an absolutely enchanting atmosphere at night. One can also go for customized patio chairs that are not only comfortable but easy to carry, fold and store. Install some lights- Adding a string of lights is indeed one of the most enjoyable and great ideas to liven up that patio in the backyard. Those stringing lights across the patio indeed brighten up space and do not cost much. So, now you can enjoy the outdoors even more and once the sun goes down. Moreover, it is an easy and simple addition to the backyard that is well within every budget. A grill – Why not add a natural gas grill in the outdoors and near your patio? Grill the choices of food cuts and meats in the company for your family and friends. Now you need not worry about running out of charcoal or propane as a natural gas line will ensure that you will always have the fuel for outdoor grill. Look for a commercial-grade quality with high-end performance and innovative features for the ultimate outdoor grill. Only go for the good quality grills with great performance and some useful features. Have an outdoor bar- Nothing could be better than having an outdoor bar located at the right place on the backyard patio. You could make good use of every inch of the patio space and can even add an outdoor television and enjoy your favorite shows or sports with your favorite drink. A built-in fridge or cooler is just perfect for that outdoor bar on the patio. Today, people look forward to socializing and entertaining friends and family on their backyard patio. Whether one wants to enjoy a simple evening with friends for some happy hours or plan a special dinner, just keep the above-listed ideas for a convenient and cost-effective way to make your [patio a lot more livable and fun.
