Gatlinburg itinerary

Dubbed the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a picture-perfect alpine town nestled at the foothills of Mt. LeConte. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and verdant wildflower meadows, this enchanting town beckons families and travelers with abundant indoor and outdoor recreation.

This mountain resort town is home to over 100 scenic hiking trails, scrumptious cuisine, state-of-the-art amusement parks, and rich historical heritage. Families with children have much to rejoice in, for Gatlinburg is home to innumerable child-friendly attractions. Children are bound to fall in love with the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ripley’s Aquarium, while Dollywood delights everyone.

Two days aren’t nearly enough to experience this delightful destination and all the attractions it offers. But if you must set priorities, we advise loading up your itinerary with must-have experiences to witness the best of Gatlinburg. Read on to explore some iconic attractions and experiences to make the most of your 2-day Gatlinburg getaway.

Hiking Adventures in the Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smokies are home to breathtaking natural beauty and striking diversity. One can hardly return from a weekend getaway in this spellbinding region without connecting with Mother Nature. The trails originating from Gatlinburg will lead you deep into the park, lined with spruce-fir forests, cascading waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.

We advise reserving an entire day for outdoor excursions and choosing trails that align with your skills. The Great Smokies are home to over 100 scenic trails, including beginner and child-friendly nature walks. You can start the day with a scrumptious breakfast in Gatlinburg, feasting on local specialties like biscuits with sawmill gravy and cornmeal. Then, pack a picnic basket with local treats and set out on a 3.5-mile roundtrip through the park.

The hike begins at Clingman’s Dome, the park’s highest point, covering the most enchanting section of the legendary Appalachian Trail. As you make your way through the spruce-fir forest, you will reach Andrew’s Bald in about 2 to 3 hours. Andrew’s Bald is a mesmerizing spot to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the entire valley.

This trail is brimming with fragrant meadows and heaps of picnic spots where you can munch and click insta-worthy moments. Depending on your interests, you can explore a wealth of other trails that may seem more rewarding. For instance, hikers interested in exploring the heritage of early Cherokee hunters should embark on the Indian Gap Trail.

Some other rewarding walks include the Abrams Falls Trail, Alum Cave Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, and the Trillium Gap Trail.

Dine, Shop, and Unwind at The Village

End your hiking adventure in downtown Gatlinburg’s most exciting destination: The Village. Infused with old-world charm and contemporary comforts, The Village features 27 boutiques, restaurants, and galleries to dine, shop and relax. Adults and children adore the hustle and bustle of this vibrant destination, brimming with decadent treats and local artisanal fares.

You can spend time shopping at trendy boutiques, feast your eyes on local art, and shop for prized antiques and artisanal crafts. The Village is modeled after a quintessential European village with adorable brick pathways and lush greenery. Strolling through the walkways is soul-satisfying, with picturesque views of alpine waterfalls and rolling hills.

Sign up for Gatlinburg’s Iconic Theatrical Dinner Show

Gatlinburg’s themed dinner shows are world-famous and a brilliant strategy to combine dinner with a gripping theatrical performance. If you’re looking to save money, this experience is a stellar combination of unpretentious fun and multi-course meals. You can choose your show from various options featuring unique entertainment and cuisine.

The Hatfield and McCoy Family Feud is ideal for comedy lovers who want to dance, sing and laugh the night away. The acts are downright hilarious, and the menu is brimming with indulgent country classics, like fried chicken and pulled pork.

Dolly Parton fans would love Dolly Parton’s Stampede – an action-packed performance that pays tribute to the country music legend. The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is indeed Gatlinburg’s most iconic dinner show, with rip-roaring performances and beautifully choreographed action sequences. The show takes place in full-sized pirate ships surrounded by a magical indoor lagoon.

Guests can enjoy a rich four-course meal featuring pan-fried chicken, herb-based potatoes, Buccaneer biscuits, and sugar-cured ham.

Guided Tours, Sightseeing & Indoor Attractions

We advise reserving Day 2 for guided tours, sightseeing escapades, and the innumerable indoor attractions that complete the Gatlinburg experience. Children adore visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a wondrous site to discover rare aquatic wonders. Families and visitors can interact with the animals, feed sea turtles, and waddle with penguins.

Automotive aficionados must visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum – home to 40 cars from iconic Hollywood movies and TV shows. This museum features two Batmobiles, General Lee’s cars, and multiple vehicles from the Fast and Furious franchise.

Paranormal enthusiasts must sign up for the famous Gatlinburg Ghost Tour, which starts from the Holiday Inn Resort. This nocturnal tour will lead you through Gatlinburg’s spookiest streets, introducing you to sights of famous hauntings. On this mile-long tour, you will discover some of Gatlinburg’s most popular ghosts and spirits and explainable ominous occurrences. Needless to say, this tour is not recommended for the weak of the heart.

History buffs can visit the Historic Ogle Log Cabin, the residence of Martha Jane Huskey Ogle – Gatlinburg’s first residence. This lovingly preserved cabin will transport you to the 19th century with its traditional architecture and well-maintained fixtures. The surrounding woods are brimming with local plantations and early settlements where one can learn fascinating details about the heritage.

Parents eager to find an interactive learning experience should take their little ones to the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This 400-foot tower offers sweeping panoramic views of the valley from its observation deck.

The Anakeesta outdoor adventure park is another incredibly rewarding destination for families, with immersive attractions for adults and children. You can embark on a thrilling ziplining adventure through the mountains or enjoy the vistas on a mountain coaster. Anakeesta is home to the majestic Vista Gardens – a botanical garden featuring immersive exhibits.

Final Thoughts

Attractions and experiences are abundant in Gatlinburg, and one really has to set priorities when planning a 2-day itinerary. We advise extensive research into the local attractions to find experiences that align with your core interests. First, you need to identify the activities that constitute your bucket list in Gatlinburg.

For instance, if hiking is a pursuit you wish to prioritize, then conduct research to find the right trails. Likewise, if you want to explore the historical heritage and plantations, then find the spots that will enrich your vacation.

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How do you define your values? What are the things that guide how you behave on a day to day basis, how you interact with friends and family and the wider world?

That was the question I pulled from my pack of cards today, when I decided it had been a while since I blogged and I needed to stop thinking about what to write and just get on and do it.

What are the most important values?

It was an interesting one to pull out as I’ve just finished listening to Lost Connections by Johann Hari, an amazing book all about the true causes of depression and anxiety and how we can go about fixing them.

I came of age as part of the generation embracing the idea of ‘brain chemistry’ as the one stop, magical explanation to depression. Although not depressed myself, I was well versed in the idea that depression is simply down to low serotonin levels, nothing you can do about it, nothing society or the government needs to feel responsible for, just plain old chemistry. View Post

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In today’s digital world, we constantly generate and consume a staggering amount of content daily. From videos and photos to documents and financial records, our digital assets have become an indispensable part of our lives. As a small business, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of data management required as you create, edit and distribute your content. Recent research has also highlighted the need for proper digital asset management to avoid loss of time and money, poor asset accessibility, and so on. Below are the top nine strategies for managing your digital assets.

1. Audit your digital assets

it’s essential to audit your digital assets regularly to ensure that your digital footprint is accurate and up-to-date. Begin by creating a comprehensive list of all your digital assets, encompassing an array of files, accounts, and devices. It’s crucial to meticulously scrutinise each item on the list, evaluating whether they are still relevant, modern, and secure. Eradicate any files or accounts that are surplus to requirements, upgrade passwords and software, and confirm that all devices are fortified with up-to-the-minute security software. 

Integrating digital asset management tools can streamline and coordinate your digital assets more efficiently. By continuously reviewing and auditing your digital assets, you can maintain your organisational structure, safeguard your personal information, and protect your digital identity against malicious activity.

2. Create a digit asset management plan 

To create a top-notch strategic plan for managing your digital assets, you must identify the ones integral to your business needs. Such assets may comprise valuable documents, intellectual property, and financial records. Once you have identified them, the next crucial step is determining the optimal way to store, back up, and safeguard them. You may leverage cloud-based storage solutions, invest in external hard drives, or use high-end digital asset management software. Establishing strict protocols for creating and sharing new digital assets, such as access permissions, standard file naming conventions, and document version control, is essential.

3. Assign team roles

Digital asset management is not a job for one person. You must give distinct responsibilities to your team members and their required rights. For instance, you can create a governance team to help you develop, execute, monitor, and scale your digital assets management system. You can also assign roles to digital asset managers to be in charge of all aspects of the daily operations of your company’s digital asset ecosystem. Remember to train your teams. It will be extremely expensive if your employees cannot utilise the assets or spend longer than necessary keeping and retrieving them.

4. Incorporate DAM in your branding 

Aside from supplying content to the transient audience, branding material can make a ton of difference in gaining your consumers’ trust and loyalty. Make digital assets an integral and consistent element in your brand experience. For instance, you may use them to establish a link between your online and offline operations, such as prospect data collection during exhibits and subsequently using it as follow-up invites to webinars. Your prospects are less prone to go cold if they recognise your brand through digital assets management. 

5. Manage digital assets from a single source

Provisioning your digital assets from a sole source can offer a streamlined and simplified process for managing your digital assets. A centralised platform allows you to access and manage all your digital assets, including files, documents, images, and videos, from one place. For instance, you may easily use platforms like Swissmoney to manage all your digital assets from anywhere. The strategy can also be helpful if you seek ways to boost team collaboration while ensuring every team member works with the most updated asset versions. Moreover, maintaining consistency across all digital assets can make asset management and organisation easier. 

6. Save time by automating workflows

It is undeniable how much time automation can save you by replacing manual jobs. Automating many digital assets management processes, such as tagging and file format conversion, can be time-saving. You may configure the tool to automatically handle and avoid manual tasks, so feel free to consider this. You can automatically apply fresh changes and make needed changes if you deliver your digital assets from the automation system.

7. Implement a dependable security procedure

Protecting your digital assets is one of the crucial steps if your business utilises blockchain-backed investable types such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, asset-backed tokens, and tokenised real estate. Consider the consequences if hackers steal or erase critical digital assets like product photographs or marketing brochures. Your efforts and money spent on generating such items will be lost, and your organisation’s capacity to sell items and create income will be severely affected. There’s also the problem of theft of intellectual property to consider. Unsurprisingly, the UK MoD turned to hackers to identify and report vulnerabilities to secure its digital assets. If malicious actors acquire or exploit them, it can result in severe financial loss and a loss of competitiveness for your firm.

8. Keep an eye on your product analytics

Analytics is vital in digital asset management because it allows you to measure performance and acquire insights about how your clients and stakeholders utilise them. Using this knowledge, you can readily find shortcomings and make data-driven judgments to optimise. Do you own an ecommerce business? Top tactics to ensure actionable analytics include defining your metrics, data visualisation, A/B testing, and so on. These approaches enable you to identify the assets contributing more to your bottom line and adjust your strategy accordingly.

9. Consider new technologies

With the present new tech emerging almost daily, you risk losing to your competitors if technology leaves you behind. While all the above are legit strategies to manage your digital assets, you can improve them significantly with new technologies. Technology is the bedrock of every business today, and your industry isn’t spared. You may integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning into your digital management procedures. Meanwhile, several organisations are building AI-powered blockchain intelligence systems for privacy, risk, and compliance, which can assist in improving digital asset security.

 

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It’s not uncommon for people to start a side hustle, especially when they’re a little cash-strapped. In many cases, this can go relatively well. So well, they could consider wanting to turn it into a full-time business. You can be your own boss, after all, and the money could be more than worth it.

Turning your side hustle into a full-time business can be a stressful process and take a lot of work, though. While that’ll always be the case, there are ways to make it easier for yourself, especially with a few specific tips. If you’re on the verge of taking your side hustle full-time, three tips are more than worth focusing on.

Turning Your Side Hustle Into A Full-Time Business: 3 Smart Tips

1. Scale The Right Way

When you’re turning your side hustle into a full-time business, you’ll need to scale things up. That means getting more work, clients, and much more. It’s tempting to try to get as much on board as you can as quickly as possible. That mightn’t always be the best approach, as it mightn’t be sustainable.

Starting off small and growing sustainably can be much better recommended. Not only will you have a consistent income, but you’ll make sure you’re doing everything the right way. It avoids mistakes and lets you do your job properly.

One way you could scale the right way is to find a franchise opportunity that encompasses your hobby. Have a look at some of the choices from franchise local.

2. Know Your Costs

Your side hustle will come with various costs, but these will depend on the hustle itself. You’ll need to know exactly what these costs are. If you’re shipping multiple products, for example, you could need to use a freight class calculator for NMFC codes.

As you’re turning it into a full-time business, you should expect these to go up. By knowing what your costs are, you can figure out how much you need to charge to make an actual income. Your profits will be what ends up staying in your bank account, so make sure you have enough.

3. Avoid Burnout

Burnout is a noticeable risk when you’re running a business, especially when you’re starting it from scratch. You’ll have countless things to look after while also worrying about your costs, income, and multiple other factors. Even when you’re juggling a full-time job and a side hustle, it can be exhausting.

Take the time to avoid burning out, as this has a significant impact on your mental and physical health. It also means your work – and your side hustle – will suffer for it. Avoid the temptation to work constantly and take the time to rest and relax so you can look after yourself.

Turning Your Side Hustle Into A Full-Time Business: Wrapping Up

Turning your side hustle into a full-time business can be a stressful and complicated process, but there are ways of making it easier. Using the right tips makes sure that’s the case. Avoiding burnout, scaling up the right way, and knowing your costs are some of the more notable of these.

With how appealing turning your side hustle into your main income can be, there’s no reason not to put the effort into them.

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Divorce can cause stress and emotional turmoil for all parties involved. Although mothers and children often receive more attention, fathers may also experience significant trauma. In this article, we provide advice to fathers who are undergoing the divorce process.

As with other areas, family law in London can be complex and, in most divorce cases, somebody will inevitably come off worse. While a lot of divorce cases involving children focus on the mother, the process can be devastating for dads and, in this article, we’re sharing our advice for dads going through the divorce process.

Why Is Divorce Hard On Dads?

Divorce can be emotionally challenging for both men and women, but some factors can make the process particularly difficult for men. Sadly, society still has certain expectations of men, and one of them is to be strong and stoic in the face of adversity. Consequently, a number of men end up suppressing their emotions instead of seeking support. These actions can lead to feelings of depression and isolation.

Despite the fact the courts are becoming increasingly gender-neutral, mothers still tend to be granted primary custody of children more often than dads. This can be hard for fathers, who may feel like they are missing out on their children’s everyday life.

Advice for Dads Going Through the Divorce Process

Don’t withdraw

During a divorce or separation, many fathers believe that taking a step back after leaving the family home will help to smooth the transition for everybody. In reality, this can cause separation anxiety both for the children and the dad – particularly if they have been used to seeing each other every day.

Young children in particular will find it difficult to comprehend what’s happening and they need the reassurance of seeing both parents. If a court has not yet tackled the custody of the children, it will be up to you and your former spouse to come to an agreement on visitation arrangements in the meantime.

Don’t play the blame game

If a divorce has been acrimonious, either parent may be tempted to be hostile towards their former spouse. However, doing so in their children’s presence can be a deeply traumatic and distressing experience for your kids, so it is important to resist the urge.

Listen to the pros

A lot of couples with parents believe that they can hash out divorce and custody details between themselves – but this rarely ends well. When emotions are running high, mediation can help both parties to focus on the facts, and on what’s best for the children.

At the same time, you should always make sure that you secure the services of a good family law solicitor who will be able to advise you on your rights in terms of custody, the marital home and much more.

The support network

Going through a divorce as a dad can be extremely isolating and it’s incredibly important to surround yourself with family and friends who are going to offer practical and emotional support – not just opinions.

Speaking to a therapist can also be an important step in the healing and recovery process, and can help dads build a stronger and more fulfilling life post-divorce. Attending therapy can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to work through any difficult emotions.

In addition, it’s a good idea to speak to your boss just to give them a heads-up regarding what you’re going through. They may be able to offer additional support including, and in some cases time off.

Don’t go it alone during a divorce..

As mentioned in this article, it is important for dads to prioritise self-care and love during and after a divorce proceeding. This can include seeking emotional support from family, friends, or a therapist, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet, and taking time to engage in hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Dads should also make an effort to communicate openly and honestly with their children, and work to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship with their ex-spouse. By taking care of their own well-being, dads can better navigate the challenges of divorce and emerge stronger on the other side.

Image credits:

1.)  https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-carrying-a-baby-286625/

2.)  https://www.pexels.com/photo/father-talking-to-his-son-4260094/

3.)  https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-dress-shirt-and-black-skirt-sitting-on-gray-couch-4098224/

 

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We may now have pop-up ads, and on-site advert panels, and there’s even been a push to put adverts in triple-A video games, but one of the most effective forms of advertising to create brand awareness is the humble TV ad. However, with the rise of streaming platforms and the fast-forward button on remotes, traditional TV channels have seen the state of play change drastically, meaning that ads need to adapt.

To try to compete with viral videos and even become one, ads are getting shorter and punchier, as relayed by the Investopedia TV report. Easily the clearest way to quickly cut through to audiences on TV and make for a shareable, memorable online ad is with comedy at the core of the short video. This is the approach taken by online gambling platform MrQ, who’ve recruited the services of a proven advert-enhancing comedian.

MrQ’s new television ad leans into the fun of winning or losing

Opening with a distinctly British, moustached chap spinning around in his chair like so many typically English movie villains of the past, you get informed that in life, “you win some, and you lose some.” From there, the MrQ TV Ad takes you on a whirlwind tour of the chap winning and losing, and then sometimes winning in the face of a loss.

He wins a quiz show, fails at pottery, loses at chess, produces the “13 of Diamonds” card to get a win, has some loo roll escape in him in the stalls, and later wins at chess by smashing away the opposing king. All of these quick-cut comedy skits are to tee the audience up into the mood for having fun.

Equally, each roughly two-second clip of a win or a loss could very easily be taken from the video and converted into very shareable gifs. The 13 of Diamonds card reveal is the prime example of this, as is the chess board win. With free online converters readily available and gifs being all the rage in online messaging, the MrQ TV ad is very well positioned to reach further than its 30-second slot.

It’s only the final 13 seconds of the ad – less than half of its runtime – that are committed to selling you on the MrQ casino directly. It’s at this mark that you see the ever-popular Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead slot in play while the host details that there are over 900 games to play and that all winnings are paid in cash. It neatly wraps in the site’s selling points and somewhat covertly after the initial flurry of comedic clips.

Can’t lose with Charlie Partridge right now

You’ll almost certainly recognise the star of the MrQ TV ad from other popular and memorable ad campaigns: particularly the Manscaped pool table ad. Again, the comedian Charlie Partridge is the centrepiece of the ad, being distinctly British and moustached while talking directly to the audience with fun skits mixed into the ad.

Of course, as CampaignLive details, he does a lot of talking about one’s balls, but through the lens of a pool player. It even gets to the point where he’s holding two very pink pool balls, proudly presenting them as his balls, saying how they “glisten in the light,” to not-so-subtly emphasise the quality of the below-the-belt grooming devices.

Given that the MrQ brand is closely associated with a non-nonsense approach, bravely going where other platforms won’t, clear-cut, and rather British, Partridge’s showreel made him the perfect choice for the new comedic TV ads.

Amidst gambling ads emphasising offers and bonuses, MrQ’s certainly stands out as more memorable with the help of the comedian Charlie Partridge.

 

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At the beginning of the month Belle and I ticked off one more item of my list of 50 things to do before 50 when we spent the night on Burgh Island.

That makes it sound a bit like we are Famous Five wannabees, and rowed over to a deserted island to sleep in a cave and watch for smugglers, but it was about as far away from cave camping as you can get. Burgh Island is cut off from the mainland at high tide, but it’s also home to a luxury hotel. Less ginger beer, ham and tomatoes and more champagne on arrival and smoked salmon open sandwiches.

Staying at the Burgh Island Hotel was on my list for multiple reasons. Firstly, it’s a gorgeous art deco building, with lots of original features and furnishings, and that’s one of my favourite periods for architecture.

Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island

More exciting though is the Agatha Christie connection. Christie came to Burgh Island regularly to write, and two of her most famous crime novels are set here – And Then There Were None and Evil Under The Sun. The ITV version of Evil Under The Sun is filmed here too, so you can wander around saying things like ‘Oooh this is where they met on the stairs’ and ‘this is the restaurant where Poirot and Hastings have dinner’. It doesn’t get much more exciting than that. View Post

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It can be very tempted to feel like you can do all the painting and decorating in the home. While there will certainly be a number of jobs within the home that should definitely be within the remit of most people, there are a few that should, ideally, be carried out by a professional if you have the resources to hire one. There are many advantages to hiring a professional painter and decorator, which we will look at within this article.

You’ll Benefit from Their Professional Expertise

You might think that paint is paint, but you would be wrong. There are actually a lot of different forms of paint that provide different finishes and are better suited to different jobs and even different rooms of the house. The different paints may also require different methods to prime the surfaces before application. Truthfully, this is a lot to navigate if you have other responsibilities or even just a timeframe that you want to work towards. By hiring a local painter and decorator – that you can find on MyBuilder – they do all of the hard work for you, and they know what form of paint to use and how to achieve the best finish.

They Prepare the Walls

Often, a lot of people just get right down to the painting immediately without having prepared the walls properly, but this really does affect the finish. When you hire a painter and decorator, they know how to prep the space to achieve the best finish. This often means filling any holes or cracks, cleaning the walls, priming them and smoothing them down. This prep work takes time itself, which is why if you are short on time, it will make sense to hire someone who can take this off your plate.

They Have All of the Best Tools

You would be forgiven for thinking that a roller or a paintbrush is enough to get the job done; for the most part, it is likely to be adequate, but again, it is all about achieving the best possible finish, and you need the right tools to do this. A professional has all of the best tools and the knowledge on how to use them correctly. If you were to do the painting and decorating yourself, you would need to purchase all of these tools, which would then languish unused after the job, which isn’t necessarily cost-effective.

You Don’t Have to Do it

Realistically, one of the biggest benefits of hiring a painter and decorator to do your painting for you is simply that you don’t have to do it. Most people today have a number of personal and professional obligations which take precedent. This means that a lot of people don’t have the spare time to dedicate to their redecorating efforts, which often then leads to jobs being half finished for weeks on end while people try to find the spare time to do the next step. By hiring a professional, you get to just sit back, relax and let them do the work, and they are also likely to get it done far quicker than you would.

Longevity

You would be forgiven for thinking that it is hard to go wrong with painting; surely, it is pretty straightforward and, therefore, difficult to mess up. However, this is not always the case. Without the proper knowledge and technical skill, you could find that the paint cracks or chips or that any wallpaper that you have put up starts to peel back within a few weeks or months. This just doesn’t happen when you hire a painter to do it for you. They usually offer guarantees for the standard of the work and how long it will last.

Saves You Money in the Long Run

While you will need to pay someone to do this service for you, it will likely be cheaper in the long run compared to if you had done it yourself. If you are a total novice and you need to buy all of the paint samples, the paint you want to use, the prep equipment, and the painting instruments, not to mention the cost of fuel from running all over town to get these things, in short, paying a painter and decorator will likely work out to be cheaper. You do still need to pay for the cost of the materials as well as pay them for their labour, but this is likely to be at least comparable.

To Sum Up

You will achieve a much better finish, and it is just far less hassle too, if you hire a painter/decorator to do the hard work for you. There are a number of benefits to hiring someone to do your painting for you; obviously, in the end, it is your decision, but it is definitely worth considering if you have the budget, of course.

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I am very much the sort of person who takes pleasure in the small things. I will often go to bed and find myself actively looking forward to having a coffee in the garden the next morning, I spot and look at buds on tree branches, I love it when the dog wags her tail in her sleep – that’s the sort of level we’re talking here. It’s one of the things I love about myself as it means I’m very easily pleased and basically a cheap date, which is no bad thing what with the cost of living crisis.

The more I thought about it, the more I realised how many of my small pleasures revolve around food and drink, especially coffee. As a nation we’ve definitely embraced the ‘coffee as a treat’ phenomenon, which is why I think coffee would make an excellent gift this Easter instead of boring old chocolate.

I’m not suggesting just handing over a jar of Tesco’s finest freeze-dried, I’m talking about something a little bit special from The Brew Company.

The Brew Company make premium, speciality coffee, with a focus on sustainability, provenance and an authentic connection with coffee farmers. They choose specialty coffee beans from small independent farm-holders from all over the globe, hand-roasting and slow-crafting them in small batches in their artisan micro-roastery in Middelfart, Denmark.

(And yes, I admit I laughed at the name Middelfart, because Small Pleasures remember.)

The great thing about coffee from The Brew Company is that you can take it anywhere. Their premium coffees come in individual coffeebrewers – patented, portable bags that make your coffee for you, creating an experience somewhere between a cafetiere and a French press. All you have to do is pour hot water into the bag, and bish bash bosh, give it a few minutes for your coffee to brew and you’ve got a premium coffee wherever you happen to be, whether that’s at work or in the middle of a field.

Brew Company coffee bags View Post

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As parents, we all strive to give our children the best education possible – however, that doesn’t always call for expensive private schools. Instead, with a bit of ingenuity and commitment, you can arm your child with an exceptional educational experience right at home! Here are eight easy ways to provide your child with an educational boost without leaving the house:

1. Encourage Reading: 

Reading is a cornerstone of any child’s education and development. Not only does it open their minds up to new adventures, but it also helps them grow in terms of language knowledge and comprehension abilities. To get your child reading, designate time each day for you two to read together or go on regular library visits where they can pick out books that appeal to them most. Afterwards, ask questions about what they have just read – this will spark more interest in the text!

2. Use Educational Videos: 

Keeping your child’s attention can be quite a feat, but educational videos are an excellent way to stimulate their interest and teach them something new. From elements for kids to coding for preteens, there is no shortage of options when it comes to online sources of educational content. Moreover, YouTube channels dedicated exclusively to age-appropriate learning materials make finding the right video easier than ever!

3. Take Educational Field Trips: 

Field trips are a great way to give your child an immersive learning experience in real-world settings. Visit places like museums and zoos with your child and discuss the different animals or artefacts they encounter along the way. If you cannot leave your home, virtual field trips are becoming increasingly popular, with many museums now providing online tours of their exhibitions. You can also invest in VR headsets to experience the world 360 degrees right from your living room.

4. Introduce Arts & Crafts: 

By engaging in arts and crafts, children can learn fundamental skills such as cutting and glueing paper shapes while simultaneously stimulating their creativity. Furthermore, art activities allow them to express themselves through artistic means. To begin crafting projects with your child, start off small by introducing drawing exercises before progressing onto more intricate tasks like constructing models or fabricating paper mache sculptures!

5. Incorporate Games: 

Games are an entertaining and effective tool for teaching your child many skills. For example, board games like Monopoly or Scrabble teach the fundamentals of financial management, while card games such as Uno assist in developing counting and deduction prowess. Even video game titles can be used to hone their minds – modern releases come equipped with engaging puzzles, mini-games, and more that will challenge them mentally.

6. Practice Writing: 

Writing is a crucial skill that every child should have, and it will prove to be valuable in upcoming tests or assignments. To help your kid build up their writing proficiency, give them various daily prompts for penning down ideas. For example, you can ask them to write about their day or describe a special event that recently occurred. Then, as they get more confident in their writing, assign longer essays and reports for them to tackle.

You could even suggest they maintain a journal to record their emotions and musings. Journalling is a fantastic way for kids to practise their spelling and grammar while simultaneously exploring their inner thoughts and feelings.

7. Attend Online Classes: 

If you’re searching for additional guidance to bolster your child’s education, sign them up for virtual courses. The web provides an “ocean” of educational encounters that can be tailored to meet their individual needs and interests. From mathematics, English, and science as well as music lessons, cooking classes, or coding exercises – there are many suitable classes available, so you can surely find something perfect for your child. 

8. Reflect and Celebrate Progress: 

Don’t forget to reflect on your child’s accomplishments every couple of weeks. Reassess their progress through questionnaires or even just chat with them about what they have learned lately; a bit of recognition will go far in boosting their motivation! And make sure you celebrate all milestones reached – it is these moments that are the most rewarding for both parent and child.

Giving your child an educational boost from home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With the right combination of activities, you can give your child a quality education that is tailored to their needs and interests. So why not start today? After all, it takes more than just sending your children off to school for them to receive a good education – it also requires proper guidance and instruction from home. So with that in mind, it’s time to start on the path towards success! 

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Adding a skylight to your roof is a great way to transform your living place and bring your home to the next level. However, skylights or any other types of roof openings are not suitable for every home. First of all, it goes without saying these are only suited for houses and rooftop loft apartments. Yet, adding a window opening to your roof can bring new challenges and improvements to your home. 

Therefore, there are a few important considerations that you need to take into account. In this blog post, we will look at all the things to consider before adding skylights to your roof and how to figure out if they are right for you. 

Can I fit a skylight?

Does it add value?

When considering adding a skylight to your roof, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether it will add value to your property. The answer is a resounding yes! Skylights add a unique aesthetic to any home and can even increase the resale value of your house. Skylights add an element of visual attraction to the property, making it more valuable in the eyes of buyers. It is important to note that adding skylights does not necessarily translate into a price increase in the real estate market. However, buyers looking for unique architectural designs and features are willing to make high price offers for skylights. 

Not only do they make your home more visually appealing, but they are also associated with increased well-being. As such, they can dramatically improve your interior even if there is no significant change in decor. Many homeowners associate roof openings with freshness, cleanliness, and healthiness. It is a massive psychological improvement in a home. So where is the value in psychological boost? As surprising as it might sound, feeling better and healthier in your home can boost your household income as you are less likely to splurge on comforting options such as junk food or unnecessary shopping.

Finally, there are also measurable advantages to skylights that can positively impact your energy bills, electricity, and even your physical health. 

Is it suitable for your roof?

When it comes to determining whether or not your roof is suitable for a skylight, there are a few important factors to consider. The most important thing to consider is the type of roof that you have. Generally, flat or low-sloped roofs are best suited for skylights. However, there are other types of roofs that can also accommodate skylights, including gable and hip roofs. 

It is important to ensure that your roof’s structure can handle the weight of a skylight before installation. Adding a roof opening also increases the weight your structure needs to carry. With this in mind, it is best to consider a full audit of your structural features, especially for older properties. 

You should also ensure that your roof has adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture and humidity, which can cause rot and damage to your roof over time. Skylights can increase humidity levels in roof structures already affected by moisture buildup and poor ventilation. Take the time to consider your under-roof health and resolve existing problems before adding an opening. 

Should I get a skylight?

Finally, you should take into account the weather conditions of your area when selecting a skylight. Make sure to select a skylight with an

It will transform your lighting needs

Installing a skylight in your home can be a great way to let in more natural light. Skylights bring in significantly more natural light than traditional windows, which means that you can potentially reduce your lighting costs significantly. 

When installing a skylight, you should pay attention to the amount of sunlight that you allow in. Depending on the size of the skylight and its location, too much sunlight can cause unwanted glare and heat buildup. To prevent this, it is important to choose the right type of skylight for your needs. For example, you can install a skylight with a special coating that reduces the amount of sunlight that comes through. You can also choose to install automated blinds or shades to control the amount of light that comes through. 

Adding a skylight can also help to create a more pleasant atmosphere in your home. Natural light is known to improve mood and reduce stress levels. It can also bring warmth to any room, which is especially useful during the winter months. 

Cleaning them

When you add a skylight to your roof, you will want to ensure it stays clean and clear. Over time, the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris can obscure the view of the sky and reduce the amount of light that enters your home. That’s why you need to consider how to keep your skylight clean and the best cleaning strategies.

One easy way to keep your skylight clean is to use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt and dust from the surface. This should be done from both the outside and the inside. You may also want to use a mild detergent and water solution for tougher spots. Make sure that you dry off any liquid solutions with a soft cloth so as not to leave any streaks.

Depending on the location of your skylight, you may also need to get up on a ladder and clean the glass with a squeegee or window-cleaning tool. Some skylights can also come with self-cleaning glass technology. 

It’s also important to note that some skylights come with special coatings that require additional care when cleaning. These coatings can help keep out UV rays, reduce heat loss, or provide other benefits. 

Different design options

When it comes to adding a skylight to your roof, there are two main design options: a flat roof opening and a pyramid-shaped skylight. Flat roof openings are the more traditional choice, and they can easily be integrated into your existing roof without major modifications. Pyramid-shaped skylights, on the other hand, offer a modern aesthetic and more light diffusion than flat roof openings. Regardless of the shape, all roof openings will require professional quality glazing bars that provide a waterproof seal. It is worth investigating professional solutions, such as those from Clear Amber Shop, to figure out the best approach for your design. 

Flat roof openings are ideal for small spaces, such as bathrooms and hallways, as they can be installed in tight and dark spaces to increase natural light. They also don’t require any extra structural support, and they offer greater control over the amount of sunlight that enters the space. 

Pyramid-shaped skylights are usually made of glass or acrylic panels, and they offer a contemporary look that’s perfect for larger rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. These skylights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can customise them to fit your specific needs. They also diffuse light better than flat roof openings, so you can get more natural light in your space. 

Different types of skylights offer different benefits, and the right one for you will depend on your unique needs and preferences.

Insulation considerations

When installing a skylight, it’s important to take into account the possible insulation issues that may arise. A skylight can significantly decrease the efficiency of your insulation, making it essential to ensure your new skylight will not affect your home’s energy efficiency. 

The most effective way to prevent insulation issues is to ensure the skylight is properly sealed and insulated. This includes checking and improving existing insulation features before the installation. Additionally, you should use high-grade sealing solutions, as explained above, between the frame and the roof decking. 

Noise considerations

When considering the installation of a skylight, it is important to consider noise pollution that can come from outside. It is also important to be aware of the noise you might experience inside the home with a skylight.

Noise from outside can include traffic, aircraft, or other external sounds. These sounds can travel through a skylight and into the home, creating an unwelcome distraction. This is a problem for skylights that can be opened for ventilation. But it can also affect your household even when the roof openings are shut. To reduce this noise pollution, homeowners should ensure that their skylights are properly sealed and insulated. In addition, window treatments can help absorb sound waves and block out some of the noise.

It is important to consider whether the occupants of the home are more vulnerable to noise pollution, such as children, pets, or those with hearing impairments. If so, it may be necessary to avoid skylights altogether or use noise-cancelling earplugs if you are concerned about external noise. As a rule of thumb, roof openings are not designed to let more noise inside your home. However, due to their nature, they can be less soundproof than traditional roof structures. So, if you have a skylight inside your home office or bedroom, noise-cancellation tools may be a great addition to your everyday comfort! 

In conclusion, while skylights can be a fantastic addition to your home architecture, it is essential to prepare for them. They can be advantageous in cutting lighting costs down. However, improper preparation can drive high energy costs and affect your comfort. 

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summer gardening tips

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it can only mean one thing — summer is on its way! With more outdoor gatherings and backyard BBQs coming up, now is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor living space. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for transforming your backyard or patio into the perfect spot for summertime fun.

Give Your Patio or Deck a Thorough Cleaning

The first step in getting your outdoor space ready for summer is to ensure that your patio or deck is clean and free from any debris. Start by sweeping away leaves, dirt, and other debris, and then give the area a thorough scrubbing. Use a power washer or high-quality deck cleaner to remove any built-up grime, algae, or other unsightly stains. If your wood deck is looking particularly worn, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint or stain to help protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance.

Invest in Comfortable Outdoor Seating and Add Shade

Comfortable seating is essential for any outdoor living space. Before the summer season begins, take the time to test out your existing outdoor furniture and replace it if necessary. Look for durable, weather-resistant furniture that is also comfortable and inviting. This can be accomplished by investing in a sturdy umbrella, installing a retractable awning, or building a pergola. Shade is not only essential for keeping yourself and your guests cool but also helps protect your outdoor furniture from fading under the harsh sun.

Set Up a Dedicated Area for Outdoor Cooking and Dining.

If you enjoy al fresco dining, take advantage of the warm summer months by setting up an outdoor cooking and dining area. Invest in a high-quality grill or consider building a permanent outdoor kitchen complete with a built-in grill, fridge, and countertops. For dining, opt for a sturdy outdoor dining set that can accommodate your family and guests comfortably. Incorporate a decorative centerpiece or hanging lights to create a welcoming atmosphere for casual meals or more formal gatherings.

Make Sure Everything is Running Well

It also pays to make sure all the amenities are running well. A hot tub is a great source of relaxation and leisure, but if the heating is faulty then it won’t get much use. Make sure to bring in hot tub maintenance just in time for summer. Not only that but facing a cold night in front of your fire pit becomes so much more pleasant with a roaring fire that sweeps away any chill in the air. However, you need to check regularly that fuel bricks or charcoal briquettes aren’t running low so that you can keep said flame burning.

Create Ambiance With Lighting and Decor

Nothing sets the mood for a relaxing summer evening quite like soft, ambient outdoor lighting. String lights are a popular and affordable option for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hang them around your seating area, wrap them around trees or fence posts, or line the edges of your patio or deck for a stunning effect. Also consider adding colorful outdoor pillows and cushions to your seating arrangement, as well as a few potted plants or flowers to bring life to your space.

 

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