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5 Interior Designs in Which You Can Incorporate Granite Worktops

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Having your first home can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. It is important that you are hands-on with its creation, especially with its interiors. After all, they represent your personality. But if you have many interests, choosing an overall interior can be difficult. For example, you want to incorporate granite worktops into your kitchen. You like an industrial style while your partner likes rustic-looking decor. Or you like both designs, but you can’t make up your mind. How do you compromise? Here are five interior design suggestions that granite worktops will look good with.

Minimalist

This trend has become a lifestyle these days. Everyone is paring down their closets and homes for more space. In this design, the furniture is what is considered essential for living. White is also the most common colour used in rooms. This will be the perfect opportunity to use granite worktops London builders provide, to make sure that the quality of the worktops will be impeccable. This type of worktop in an all-white kitchen adds a beautiful and subtle touch to it. It will make the place less bare and more stylish.

Industrial

This design often features exposed brick, wood, and ductwork. The colour scheme is also dark and neutral with some pops of colour here and there. Granite worktops can still work beautifully with this design. It adds both a sleek finish and earthy feel to a place. A worktop with a dark base is perfect to use in this type of interior. It will not clash with the other elements because of its sophisticated look.

Modern

Since granite worktops add a sleek finish to a place, this is another ideal feature to add in modern interiors. A modern design shares almost the same qualities with a minimalist interior. What sets it apart is the predominant use of glass, metal or steel. Granite blends well with those glossy materials. Together, they add that clean, crisp feel a modern design is known for.

Mid-century modern

This other form of modern design became popular during the 50s and 60s. Back then, it looked like the future of interior design. But now, some interpretations can look dated. This is where granite worktops come in to make it look current. It adds that much-needed 21st-century touch that all homes need. After all, we want our homes to look like we live in the right time.

Rustic

An important thing about this design is the heavy use of natural materials like wood or stone. Since granite is a form of igneous rock, there is no doubt that it will work in this interior. A wood-heavy design with a lustrous material is also not an unlikely combination. Both add interest and sleekness to a look. That’s why granite worktops pair well with wooden cabinets in a kitchen.

These are but a few interior designs where you can use granite worktops in your home. Whether you like simple decor or a homey feel to your abode, know that you can use this beautiful material for your kitchen worktops.

To read more on topics like this, check out the house category.

Do You Have the Necessary Skills to Advance Your Career

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Everybody wants to advance their career, but not everyone wants to admit that they don’t have the skills necessary to make the leap. You might think you already have what it takes to deserve a higher salary, but do your resume and portfolio reflect that belief? There are many courses and certifications you can pursue to improve your eligibility as a job candidate in almost any field, and many of these qualifications are useful across all occupational fields.

The question isn’t whether you have the capability to advance your career; the question is whether you’re actually going to follow through with it. There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution to career advancement – it really just depends on what you’re trying to accomplish and which occupation you’re interested in. However, here are 10 steps you can take in any industry to advance your career without committing to a lengthy degree programme:

1. Take a Business Management Course

Completing a business management course is one of the best ways to obtain certification that proves you’re a qualified candidate for managerial jobs. Of course, such a strong credential provides the obvious benefit of making you eligible for more prestigious and higher-paying jobs within any company. If you’ve reached the point in your career where you’re ready to start pursuing management level positions, why not learn more about earning a qualification in business management?

2. Create a Career Mission Statement

Before you rush out to enrol in courses and earn certifications, take some time to write a detailed mission statement for your career. This document will be an organised collection of career goals and aspirations. What kind of salary do you want to be earning 5 or 10 years from now? What fields of study interest you the most? What do you want your finances to look like one year from now? Do you have any saving and investing strategies lined up? These are examples of critical questions you need to be answering in your career mission statement.

3. Build Your Business Social Networking Presence

If you already have a personal presence on sites like Facebook and Instagram, that’s not what we’re talking about here. Social networking for business is a completely different animal. It has more to do with your public professional persona for the sake of long-term career advancement as opposed to scrolling through your FB feed in search of short-term entertainment. While there are plenty of other directories and forums you’ll want to join, start by optimizing your profiles and building your networks on sites like LinkedIn and Google+.

4. Take a Public Speaking or Communication Class

Being a better speaker and communicator will always help in the world of business, regardless of what kind of job you’re applying for. You can complete a public speaking or corporate communication class in just a few weeks or months. Even if you don’t come out of the course feeling like the most confident speaker and communicator, you’ll have a solid foundation to build your skills upon, as well as a qualification that proves your speaking and communicating skills to prospective employers.

5. Complete a Business Writing Course

Most high-level job positions will involve some form of business writing, whether it be responding to emails or preparing written presentations for upcoming board meetings. A business writing course can be completed in 8 weeks and will give you the skills and credentials needed to confidently author business emails, letters, and reports for the rest of your career. If you haven’t already been educated about formal and business writing styles, for the sake of not embarrassing yourself, it’s imperative that you brush up your skills in this area before trying to take on a high-level job position.

6. Revamp Your CV and Portfolio

Maybe you already have all the skills and experience needed to get hired for your dream job, but you don’t have a nicely compiled and formatted CV to prove it. Every hiring manager starts with what they see on paper. A professionally written CV and well-organised, extensive portfolio can go a long way in boosting your employability. You could pay a CV writing service for a one-off revamp, or you could take a resume writing course so you’ll be prepared to apply amendments in the future.

7. Complete a Corporate Leadership Course

If your goal is to climb to the top of the corporate ladder, eventually you’ll find yourself in a leadership position. Thus, logic dictates that learning the art of corporate leadership is a necessary step to include in most career advancement plans. Even if you feel like you don’t need help in this area, it can’t hurt to expand your knowledge of advanced leadership concepts to increase your confidence and proficiency in the workplace.

8. Get Certified in Business Administration

Certification in business administration is one of the primary credentials that hiring managers look for when comparing applicants for high-level job positions. There are many kinds of business administration courses that can be completed in 1-6 months, so it’s not something you have to commit years of your life to. Yet, despite the relative ease of earning business administration qualifications, they provide a lifelong boost to your overall employability.

9. Become an IT Professional

Information technology (IT) professionals are in high demand everywhere, so taking an online IT course will be enough to make you a more desirable applicant for thousands of different job positions. As you continue to progress in the field of IT, you could find yourself earning an excellent salary with hourly wages ranging from £30 to £150 per hour or more, just for managing computer interfaces and hardware. If you’re a complete novice with computers, you may need to start with some introductory courses before you move on to a professional IT training course.

10. Launch a Full-Scale Online Job Search

Finally, once you’ve gotten all or some of the above steps out of the way, it’s time to see what kind of amazing jobs you can find if you really apply yourself on a global scale. Take the geographical and position-based limitations off of your job search and look for the highest-paying job with the most perks. There’s no limit to how many applications you can submit, and with credentials like the ones suggested in the previous steps, you’ll have plenty of job offers on the table in no time.

Will Taking All of These Courses Really Help?

The act of simply taking a course and completing it won’t guarantee that you’ll be viewed as the best person for the job in every scenario, but it will certainly add some shiny stars to your resume that will boost your chances of being hired for any given job position.

To recap all of the progress that you’d make just by taking the 10 steps in this guide, you’d become a business administration specialist with certification as a public speaker, communicator, and/or corporate leader, along with proven business writing skills and a strong social networking presence.

Let’s not forget additional specialisation in information technology and a wonderful CV/portfolio. Altogether, these perks will inevitably contribute towards the advancement of your career in one way or another.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

A Look at the Real Benefits of End of Tenancy Cleaning Services for Your Property

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Property management is no joke, particularly if you are a landlord and are in charge of making sure that your property is rented out, safe for the occupants and tenants, and follows building regulations. But one of your other responsibilities, if you are a landlord, is making sure that the property you have is kept clean, and this is especially necessary when a tenant moves out. Fortunately, this is where end of tenancy cleaning services come in. With the right end of tenancy cleaning service, you don’t have to worry about your property’s condition when a tenant leaves – the property will be cleaned and taken care of for you in as professional a manner as possible. Let’s have a look at the real benefits of end of tenancy cleaning services for your property.

  • You can save a lot of time

It’s a given that a piece of property, such as a flat or a house, should be clean before you let potential tenants view it. Cleanliness is a significant factor which can affect a prospective tenant’s decision to rent or not, and if prospective tenants walk through your property and find that it is in horrible condition, they may well go for another property to rent. But cleaning a property after a tenant leaves can take a considerable amount of time, and this is time that you could very well spend on other responsibilities. It can easily take a few days for you to clean the property, and this is especially true for larger properties. You don’t just have to clean the interior, either – you also have to deal with the property’s exterior; every little detail counts. If you don’t want to waste hours and hours cleaning a property after a tenant leaves, then you could definitely take advantage of an end of tenancy cleaning service.

  • You can save a lot of effort

Cleaning isn’t easy, and if regular cleaning is already difficult, it is even more so for end of tenancy cleaning? With end of tenancy cleaning, you have to put in a lot of effort scrubbing walls and corners, removing stains and marks, and washing windows, not to mention cleaning and scrubbing refrigerators, hobs, and ovens. Rather than spending a lot of effort cleaning a property once your tenant leaves, you could do other things which can help you make money more quickly, such as advertising the property in your local newspapers and on social media. By the time you receive enquiries from interested tenants, your property will be ready for viewing.

  • You don’t have to risk getting sick

End of tenancy cleaning can be very arduous, and it is different from regular cleaning in that you may need to make use of cleaning products which are more powerful and heavy-duty, a fact confirmed by end of tenancy cleaning London specialists from Twinkle Clean. What’s more, the cleaning may require the use of various cleaning equipment which you simply don’t have. If you use chemicals and other products to clean a property, you may be putting your health at risk, and you could end up spending more on equipment as well. But with an end of tenancy cleaning service, you don’t have to worry about all this – the cleaning service is staffed by a professional team who are all adept at the different aspects of cleaning, and they will undoubtedly be fully equipped with everything they need to make your property clean, spotless, and safe for the next tenants.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com

 

Easy Methods to Inject Some Life into a Stagnating Restaurant

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Stagnation is one of the biggest reasons why most restaurants tend to go under. The worst part about it is that it is not necessarily a problem that rears its ugly head straight away – stagnation is often slow, as the revenue hits its peak, and very slowly begins to dip. Once it has started, it can be challenging to reverse, as it is occurring slowly enough that most restaurant owners are not threatened by the change in revenue. Most business owners react when it is far too late to avert the downward spiral.

Fortunately, just because your restaurant appears to be suffering from stagnation does not mean that nothing can be done. After all, a lack of action is the reason restaurants are unable to stem the tide – which means with enough effort you will come out on top. Here are a few easy methods to inject life into a stagnating restaurant.

Focus on attracting different types of customers

Most establishments are fine attracting a particular kind of crowd. However, when that crowd has had its fill and are no longer interested in returning, it can be challenging to get back on track. It is vital to take a pre-emptive approach and add a few recipes to cater to varied tastes. For example, www.kiril-mischeff.com has many different types of meat substitutes to provide for those who like the taste of meat, but are unable to eat meat for one reason or another.

You can also go for coconut cream for an effective dairy alternative. It always pays to have a few alternatives to your mainstay menu – as some of the most loyal customers are often those who know that a restaurant has options that cater to them.

Make updates to your menu – but nothing too drastic

When a restaurant suffers from stagnation, it is common to have a restaurant owner attempt a complete overhaul of the list. While it indeed has its advantages, it is also critical to understand that you will be tossing out both the bad and the good. Instead, focus on improving the recipes, rather than swapping them out. Your new recipes can come from the previous step, to give those with health issues options.

Nothing beats excellent customer service

You can have the best food in town, but if your restaurant is known for subpar customer service, you will not be able to keep your customers for long. As a matter of fact, if you have been receiving poor reviews due to customer service, it is likely that it is the biggest culprit as far as stagnation goes. Do whatever you have to do in order to provide the best services your restaurant can muster. It is often surprising how quickly word can get around of lousy customer service – but the same can be said about the opposite.

It can be extremely challenging to fight stagnation that has already set in for a restaurant, but the steps above will ensure that your business has the best fighting chance of making a comeback. Focus on your customers, update your menu, and improve overall customer service.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

How To Tell If Your Partner Is Cheating

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Relationships are challenging enough without having suspicions that your partner is cheating. Having these suspicions can be very disturbing to your peace of mind. No one wants to believe that their partner is being unfaithful. However, there are a few red flags that you could look for that will give you some idea if your partner is being untrue. In this article, we will discuss 5 of these red flags to look for.

1. A SUDDEN NEED FOR SECRECY
A major red flag is that your significant other is suddenly going to great lengths to get privacy. They start hiding their phone or put a password on it to block entry. They may also hide their screen from your view when you are walking past them. They hurry up and click off of an email or web page when you come near. They may also become suddenly interested in your schedule. These types of behaviors are definitely red flags to watch out for.

2. SUDDEN BEHAVIOR CHANGES
When cheating, it is not unusual for a partner to suddenly manifest a personality change. You may notice that your partner becomes more angry, critical, or negative but can also change to become more unusually cheerful. They may change their outer appearance as well. They may start dressing better, change the way they talk, and even the way they look.

3. SECRETIVE PHONE OR COMPUTER USE
If you noticed that your partner’s computer or phone suddenly needs a password, as where before it did not, this is definitely not a good sign. If you notice that they also start deleting text or cleaning the history browser, this is also not a good sign. If they start wanting to take their phone everywhere with them, including the bathroom, this is not a good sign. If you ask to see their phone and they refuse, this is also a problem. If you find out that they have secret email or social media accounts, this is definitely a huge problem. It’s time to have a serious conversation with them.

4. YOU CONTRACT AN STD
If you suspect your partner is cheating, it may be wise to visit your primary care physician for a check-up for STD’s. If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, it is definitely time to talk with your partner.

5. THERE IS LACK OF INTIMACY
One of the major signs that a significant other is cheating is lack of intimacy. If your partner is no longer expressing an interest in having sex, holding hands, or even kissing, this is a definite sign of infidelity. This may suggest that your partner is getting their intimate needs met somewhere else. If you are having less sex, it may mean that your partner is focused on someone else. If you are having more sex, it may mean they are trying to cover it up. If you are feeling less connected emotionally during sex, this could also be a sign.

If you suspect your partner is cheating, it is important not to panic or jump to conclusions. You don’t want to damage a valuable relationship with what may be unfounded anxieties. It is best if you have solid proof of infidelity before confronting your significant other about cheating.

Author Bio: Paige Jirsa– I work with https://stdtestingfacilities.com/, which provides users same day STD testing in a discrete and proficient manner.

 

When and Where To Wear Fascinators

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Fascinators are quite fascinating objects. Many people nowadays wouldn’t know what they are. But these pieces of art are actually a headpiece that is a style of millinery. Originally these were in the form of a lightweight knitted head covering. But as time passed they have turned into a formal type of headwear that is often won by women instead of hats. Fascinators most often have a large decorative design that is attached to a clip or a band. Sometimes they also have a base that resembles a hat. These are called hatinators.

Fascinators are not worn casually. These beautiful pieces of work are made for special events. You might have bought quite a few pretty fascinators, but might not be sure when and where to wear them. Rest assured as there are quite a few events and occasions when you can fashion these beautiful art pieces to make you look amazing. You can add a fun element and a splash of colour with the help of your fascinator headwear to complete your outfit for the special event or day.

Here are a few occasions when you can bring out your fascinators to look fascinating:

  • Race day– if you have race day celebrated at your place then this the exact occasion to put those fascinators to use. There are a lot of racing carnivals that are celebrated all over the year, so you will get ample opportunities to show off your beautiful fascinators. You can dress up, wear your favourite fascinator and go out to enjoy the day.
  • Formals– as said before, fascinators are mainly meant for formal events nowadays. You can wear these at any kind of formal event. Your high school formal, debutant, prom, gala or ball events are just some of the events where you can wear these beauties to make you stand out from the rest. Fascinators will surely add some fun as well as luxury to your evening wear. You are bound to make people’s head turn.
  • High tea– you will come across a lot of fundraiser events in your lifetime. Other events like baby showers, hens’ parties, etc. involve high tea. These types of events are quite popular among the ladies and they try to go all out for the event. With all the glasses of bubbles, pastries, petit fours and cucumber sandwiches, it is a perfect event to wear your fascinators. A lot more glamour and elegance will be added to this sumptuous event with your fascinators.
  • Weddings– a lot of weddings fashion the bride, bridesmaids, the mother of the bride and even the guests in a fascinator. The bridesmaids can wear matching fascinators while the guests can wear anything that is suitable.
  • Vintage– if you have to attend an event that has a vintage theme, then you should go for a fascinator. A proper fascinator will give you a gorgeous retro look. You will surely amaze everyone with the right fascinator.

There are a lot more events where you can wear fascinators. JJ’s House offers a variety of fascinators where you can use in any event thus making you look gorgeous and elegant?

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Why You Need to Hire a Digital Marketing Agency

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Many businesses are going digital to survive in today’s cut-throat market. Despite the popularity and importance of going digital, most companies are not aware of how to navigate the online space yet. Some with big budgets are able to hire in-house digital marketing consultants, but for many small businesses, that is not an option.

There are many digital marketing agencies online that are within a reasonable price range that can help small businesses with the ever-changing Google algorithm, SEO, pay-per-click advertising, email marketing, and social media marketing.

Digital marketing is a wide area that requires professional marketing if a business is to make money from the online market. So, what are some of the reasons why a business needs to hire a digital marketing company to handle their digital marketing stuff?

One gets to leave the marketing to the experts and focus on growing the business instead.

A digital marketing company like Broadplace can handle all aspects of digital marketing, which in turn frees up the owner of the business to concentrate on building new products or services. The company can offer suggestions that make the business perform better with the online market. They are also responsible for hiring and training additional staff such as social media marketers and virtual assistants, among others.

They help one capitalize on a newer market.

Most old businesses are learning the hard way – adapt or die. With the internet, there is a wide audience of people looking for the product or service that one is offering. Most of this audience want to see and understand what one has to offer before they pay for the product or service. This means that the business owner needs experts who can target the right audience with the right sales pitch so that they can stay relevant in today’s business world.

They help create a powerful narrative or story behind the brand.

It is a proven fact that most people online are likely to support a brand they can relate with. This means that one needs a group of experts of a reputable digital marketing company who can work hand-in-hand with the owner to create a suitable story that will touch people. A good story will improve the business’s visibility online and help improve its image to potential clients.

They have the tools and means to ensure success.

It is possible for a business owner to be in charge of the business’s digital marketing, especially when it is just a small start-up. However, it gets harder as the business grows and one person cannot handle the workload. A good digital marketing company has access to some premium services such as keyword research, paid search management, google analytics, and competitor analysis, among other automated tools. They also have key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the performance of marketing strategies with the target market. That means that hiring a good agency can be an asset to the business in the long run.

For every business that aims at competing at a level playing field with the world’s biggest brands, there is no substitute for good digital marketing. This means that one needs to spend some extra money to get some professional advice on how to create a strong brand that people will be interested in online which will definitely translate to sales eventually.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

7 Astonishing Flowers Which Show Your Deepest Love

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Mother is the best example of pure love, care, admiration, affection and compassion. She should be celebrated every day for her selfless love and tons of scarifies which she made while bringing you up. She devotes her whole life to make the life of her child the best.

Try the best endeavor to put a smile on her face on this coming mother’s day and let her know how much she means to you. Make your mother supremely happy with your efforts and best mother’s day gifts. Your gifts can be flowers, cakes, personalized items, taking her for dinner and other things.

But nothing matches the ability of the flowers to put a beautiful and bright smile on your mother’s face. Here are 7 most amazing mother’s day flowers which will surely express your inner love to your darling mother.

1. Honor mother with Daisies: On special occasions like a mother’s day nothing goes perfect than a bunch of daisies for the mother. It will surely add the zing in the celebration of mother’s day. It will put a wide smile on the face of your mother and express your immense love for her. These flowers will bring lots of joy and happiness in the celebration.

2. Bestow roses to your dearest mom: From the ancient times, roses are given to express the true love, respect and friendship. That’s the reason roses makes the best mother’s day flowers because you have a deep love for your mother and your relation with the mother is like a friend.

3. Lilies to express your love: Lilies symbolize the love, innocence, sophistication and admiration. These flowers are the best to gift to your mother on a special day like a mother’s day because lilies perfectly match the qualities of your mother. Lilies beautifulness surely impress your mother and make her feel special.

4. Orchids for your thoughtful mother: Orchids are the epitome of strength, wisdom, thoughtfulness and love. Also, their beauty is not hidden from anyone else. You can give a fancy arrangement of different kinds of orchids to your mother which makes the perfect gift for the occasion like a mother’s day.

5. Tulip to your energetic mother: For your mother who works from morning to evening for you and your family, nothing is a more beautiful gift for her than tulip bouquet. Because, the tulip is known for its qualities like energy, beauty and love, that will surely convey your immense love for mother without uttering a single word.

6. Gladiolus for showing respect: Gladiolus is the best flowers for your respected mother because its main significance is to bestow respect and positivity. That’s why these flowers are perfect for giving your mother on the special occasion of mother’s day.

7. Jasmine as a best mother’s day gift: jasmine is known for their purity. These beautiful flowers are ideal for making anyone smile. You can gift stylish arrangements of jasmine flowers to your dearest mother and these flowers will surely bring a wide smile on the face of your mother.

A mother deserves love and respect. Let make your mother tremendously happy on this upcoming mother’s day by gifting her gorgeous flowers as her. Let her known that she is one of the most important people in your life. Say thank you to your mother for all her love and lesson. For the best mother’s day flowers, you can visit the GiftaLove.com because it is cherished among customers for its amazing range of mother’s day online gifts.

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Mistakes to Avoid When Taking a Shower

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You might already have your usual routine when taking a shower. Some people prefer washing their hair first before their entire body. Everyone prefers different things depending on their preferences and lifestyle. Some others take a few minutes to bathe while it takes up to an hour for some to get the job done. You can take a shower in any way you want. Make sure though that you do not make these mistakes.

Scrubbing the scalp with fingernails

You need to be careful when using your nails to scrub the scalp as you use the shampoo. It could cause flaking and lead to dandruff. Avoid rubbing the strands in between your hands as it could lead to split ends. Be gentle when lathering the shampoo on your hair.

Using soap as a moisturiser

Although some new soaps also function as a moisturiser, most of the old ones do not. They dry out the skin. Instead of using soap, you can use a moisturiser. Find stearic acid on the list of ingredients to ensure that it will provide the benefits you deserve.

Taking a hot shower for too long

It is understandable when people prefer taking a hot shower. It feels soothing and relaxing. It also offers health benefits. However, you cannot take a hot shower for too long; otherwise, you will be stripping your skin of its natural oils, instead of trapping water to keep the skin moist.

Not including your scalp when using a conditioner 

Although the conditioner helps keep your hair shiny and silky, it is not only for your hair. You also need it to keep your scalp healthy. Therefore, you need to apply the conditioner from the roots to the tips. However, you also need to be cautious since some conditioners could cause flaking and itchiness. You need to stop using it if you feel terrible.

Being too aggressive in using the loofah 

There is nothing wrong in using the loofah when bathing as it helps remove dust and dirt. However, you need to be cautious since you might be too aggressive, which might result in dry and red skin. You are also removing the natural barrier of your skin in the process. You can use the loofah gently and select the right washcloth that will not hurt your skin.

You bathe to keep your body clean and healthy. However, you could also hurt yourself in the process. From the chemicals you use to the way you use them, you need to be cautious.

Take your time in selecting your soap, shampoo and other body treatment products. Stick with organic ingredients if possible so that you do not need to worry about the chemicals. When you notice skin irritation or hair problems after you bathe, you need to find out what caused them.

To help you feel better when you bathe, you can purchase a shower pod. It enables you to feel secure when bathing. You can also store your body and hair care products inside.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/kgMhHiXOBgs

 

Tips for Saving Money on a New York Holiday

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New York is a bucket-list destination for many travellers around the world. However, getting there is often expensive and supporting yourself can be even more expensive! New York is not a cheap city and you need to have plenty of money ready before you go. Nevertheless, it is possible to enjoy everything New York has to offer on a budget. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can save money now.

Plan Carefully

When it comes to saving money, most of the work is done in the planning stage before you even set foot in New York. You can often pick up great deals on flights to New York depending on the time of year. Some airlines run great deals at certain times of the year. You might also get a great deal if you fly somewhere else in the Americas first and then fly onto New York. Check out some great flights here; https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/book-flights/where-we-fly/usa/new-york.

Choose Somewhere More Residential

If you are thinking about where to lay your head at night then you need to consider heading out to the more residential areas if you want to save some money. You can often find better deals in the Village or Tribeca than you would if stayed in the vicinity of Times Square. You may even find things cheaper if you stay outside Manhattan or even in New Jersey. Even factoring the cost of travelling into New York each day will be peanuts when you otherwise consider that you could be shelling out top dollar for a grimy city centre hotel. We know which option we would rather choose.

Of course, one of the best ways to save money is to stay in a hostel instead of a hotel. You can find amazing hostels all over the New York area. What’s more, they may end up being nicer than some budget hotel rooms. If you are looking to get the most for your money, a hostel might be a great way forward if you aren’t afraid to share.

Stay Away from the Tourist Traps

Yes, it would be cool to venture up the Empire State Building and grab a selfie in front of the Statue of Liberty. However, both of those things are quite expensive to do. Why bother when you can instead grab just as good a picture from the Staten Island ferry? So many people neglect to visit this ferry but it really offers some tremendous views and a chance to sit and watch the world go past. If you want a little breather from the madness of New York, this ferry might be able to offer it to you.

Know About the Discounts

Many people want to check out the various exhibits on show at the Met but few people want to pay the entrance fee. However, the Met is free on Fridays after 4PM. These nights can be quite popular (who doesn’t love a freebie?) so get there either on the early or the late side to avoid the queues.

If you want to head into some of the more popular tourist attractions, look into the City Pass. With this handy card, you can get into either 3 or 6 attractions depending on which variation you go for. You can head to popular sites like the 9/11 Memorial Museum or the Museum of Natural History with this card. It could save you some money if you need it and you don’t have to miss out on some of the best attractions the city has to offer.

Travel Like the Locals

Carrie Bradshaw might only travel in yellow cabs but the budget traveller cannot afford to do so. Thanks to the rise of Uber, transport around New York might be a little more affordable than usual but you should still make sure that you only use it in an emergency if you are trying to save money.

Instead, make like the New Yorkers and head down into the subway. You can get nearly everywhere in the city using the subway and the places you can’t get to are probably not that far of a walk away. If you are going to be in New York for a little while, think about getting a 7-day Metro Card as that might save you quite a bit of money. Everyone uses the subway so you are probably going to see some interesting sights while you are down there. However, it is also a great way to get a little closer to the everyday people of New York so enjoy it.

Head to Central Park

Central Park is probably on top of a lot of people’s lists when it comes to New York but few people know how wonderful it truly is. You could probably happily spend an entire day relaxing and exploring there without any issue. There are 36 acres of paths, trails, and scenery to explore. Even if you aren’t much of a twitcher, bird-watching is a must as the park is home to many different species.

If you would rather people-watch, head to Sheep Meadow. It is a 15-acre field where locals and tourists congregate when they can to play games, practice acrobatics and just take some time to chill. Another attraction you should try to find is the Alice in Wonderland statue. She is a bronze statue of this famous little girl and her pet cat and she is loved by both locals and tourists.

The final place you should definitely visit in Central Park is the Conservatory Garden. It takes influence from 3 European styles – English, French, and Italian – and is a beautiful place to spend some time. It is also, however, extremely popular with wedding shoots so be prepared to stop and start on your walk or get ready to feature as an unwanted addition to some happy couple’s wedding album.

Dig in

New York has some of the finest cuisine in the world and, even on a budget, you can enjoy it. Head to one of the many food trucks to grab a great meal for a low price. With everything from falafel and kebabs, to the iconic New York pizza, to amazing vegan dishes and more, you are spoilt for choice.

Another great alternative is to head into the city’s ethnic areas. From Chinatown to Little Italy, there are many places where you can find authentic cuisine made by those who can do it best. You don’t have to break the bank out here too. There is always some little restaurant tucked out of the way which is full of happy patrons and ready to bring you the best food you have ever tasted.

New York has a reputation for being a city which is expensive and busy. While it is always going to be busy, it is only expensive if you want it to be. It is perfectly possible to enjoy New York on a budget if you are prepared to be strict with yourself and make certain sacrifices here and there. The Big Apple is waiting for you so don’t be afraid to take the plunge and plan your trip there today!