When the cold weather starts to creep in and the boiler gets switched on, it is important that you have an eye on the energy bills for the coming months and what you should be doing in order to keep them down. You will want your home warm during the winter months of course but that is no reason to pay more than you have to for your energy usage. Through a smart approach you can make sure that your home heating is efficient and that your bills don’t spiral out of control during the winter months. To help us with some tips we spoke to the guys at South Bay Energy, who offered this advice.

Service

The first thing to do in anticipation of the winter months is to ensure that your home heating system is firing on all cylinders. Whilst it is recommended that you get this serviced every other year, spending the money on an annual checkup makes much more sense and will ensure that your boiler, your radiators and the system on the whole is in good shape.

Windows and Doors

There is little point in having a fully functioning heating system if you are only going to allow that heat to walk right out the doors and the windows. This happens when either windows or doors are not properly sealed and it is important that you get this checked and remedied as soon as possible. Sealing can easily break and split over the course of the year owing to varying temperatures, so be sure that you have resealed all of these areas of the home.

Thermostat

Make sure that your heating is coming on at the right times during the day, and not being used when it just isn’t needed. For example if you are getting up each morning at 7 then you only need the heating to come at 6, not any earlier. Equally if everyone is out of the house by 9 then you don’t need the heating to stay on until 10 or later, make sure it is switched off by 830. The same goes for the afternoon when everyone will be getting home. Don’t have the heating on when you don’t need it.

Isolating

If you have empty rooms in the home then make sure that the doors remain shut on those rooms throughout the winter months, and that you have turned off the radiator in that room. Again there is little point in using heat where it isn’t needed and this will save you a lot of money on your heating bills.

Dressing Up

As nice as it is to have a nice warm house, it isn’t always necessary to put the heating on. For example if you are at home alone, using just one room, then there are better options to keep you warm than firing up the heating system. Wearing extra layers, using a portable heater or putting the fire on will serve you much better than switching on the heating.

Follow these tips and save money on your heating bills this winter.

When picking over potential candidates for a job, there are times when the most qualified ones are tossed aside without a second look. The main reason for this to happen is a resume that is sub-par. It doesn’t matter if you have 5, 10, or 20 years of industry experience, a resume that looks sloppy or doesn’t meet the same standards of the other candidates will greatly decrease your chances of a job offer.

We can’t even begin to tell you the importance of a high-quality resume that stands out from the rest. According to some of the most qualified resume writers in the professional resume writing industry, here is a bit of advice that will help your resume reach its fullest potential.

Utilize keywords from the job posting

This is one of the oldest tricks in the resume writing book, but now it is becoming more of a necessity to utilize job posting keywords and phrases. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. All you have to do is take a look at the job posting of the position you’re applying for. Check out the list of necessary skills, qualifications, and certifications on the posting page. Then, jot down a few of the recurring words or phrases that stand out to you.

These words might include “strong communication skills”, “solid work ethic”, or “leadership experience”. There also might be specific ones relating to the job description, like “must be knowledgeable in WordPress”. Use these general and specific keywords throughout your resume. This will make it stand out and also show that you are highly qualified for the job.

Check out sample resumes from the industry

You can get a solid understanding of what the industry leaders are looking for by reviewing a few sample resumes. Check out ones that are specific to the job title to see what should (and should not) be included. Obviously don’t copy this information, but you can get a good idea of proper formatting and necessary work experience.

Use professional formatting, but add your own personal flair

Your resume should look professional, but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Yours needs to stand out from the other 100 resumes in the pile. The best way to do this is to use a resume writing template and find the one that appeals to you most. These templates help resume writers to put words on the page in an appealing way, rather than just listing everything off.

Include only what’s relevant and essential

There’s no need to write about your ability to juggle on your resume – unless of course you’re applying to the circus or clown school. Only include what is absolutely essential. Try not to include anything from years and years in the past, but keep it relevant with your more recent experiences.

Be active, not passive

Speaking and writing in an active tone shows that you have authority. When you write in a passive voice, you fail to use power words like accomplished, achieved, and completed. With an active voice, you’ll come off as confident and it eliminates “fluff” from your writing.

If you have some tips to add to the above, feel free to comment below or contact us at the Family Ever After Blog!

Although we really shouldn’t, judging a book by it’s cover it’s still something we all do – and gifts are no exception. How many times have you seen an exquisite wrapping job, only to receive another pair of socks. Or maybe you have a loved one that’s a practical jokester and wraps their expensive gifts in a heinous way. Either way, gifts that look personal before unwrapping can make gifts, and the relationship between the giver and receiver, seem that much more special, memorable, and heartfelt. And of course, a personalized gift would make the occasion even more meaningful.

Sticker Tags

One of the most important parts of your gift is often the last thing you put on it – the gift tag! Obviously the person you’re giving it to needs to know who it’s from. For a fun and unique gift tag, try making one out of a custom sticker. A custom sticker of your recipients name, customized Visa gift cards, monogrammed initials, or even date of the special event can not only elevate the gifts personalization, but makes for a super fun and unique added bonus as well. A custom sticker can be used to decorate notebooks, water bottles, laptops, cell phone cases, or anything your loved one can think of. Best part is, everytime they look at their sticker they’ll be reminded of you and your awesome gift giving skills.

Stamped Paper

Tired of wrapping your gifts in generic wrapping paper? This hands on DIY is a great way to get the whole family involved and all you need is some kraft paper, paint, and a set of hands! Paint you and your family’s hands complimentary or seasonal colours and stamp away on some plain kraft paper for a totally one-of-a-kind and personal wrapping paper! This idea is great for gifts that are from the entire family because literally every family member had a hand in creating it.

Cloth & Patches

A great way to gift presents for the eco-friendly friend in your life (or maybe you are the eco-friendly friend) is to use reusable and waste-free cloths as wrapping. Patterned cloth makes for unique stand-out wrapping that the recipient can then use as they desire. To take your cloth wrapping up a notch, attach a custom printed patch as a tag that your loved one can use as a cool personalized accessory. You can find it in Stickeryou.com. Make a patch of your friend or family members favourite character, saying, initial, or photograph and even merrow the border in a complimentary or favourite colour. This way your friend not only gets a sustainable gift, but also a thoughtful added bonus.

Map Wrapping

Maybe you have a friend who’s moved far away, or you and your special someone met somewhere you don’t reside in currently. A super personal way to wrap gifts is to do so with a map! Maps are still relatively inexpensive and can be found at most tourist centres or even online. Wrap a gift for someone from a map of where you met, or wrap separate gifts in maps from the place you live and a map of the location your friend or family member has moved to. This lets loved ones know that no matter where you are in the world, your relationship knows no bounds.

Get Magnetic

This gift wrapping idea is a little out of the box – literally. For a totally one-of-a-kind wrapping idea, forgo the gift boxes and paper and opt for a tin! Perfect for smaller gifts, tins that mints come in can be found at convenience stores, and plain reusable ones are readily available at a lot of dollar and craft stores as well (of course mint tins can also be decoupaged with patterned paper if you don’t want them to think you’re pulling a fast one on them). To up the ante, include a gift card that’s actually a custom magnetic name badge. You can make the name badge something related to the gift or something that symbolizes your relationship. Magnetic badges are a cool accessory because they can be easily removed and repositioned from any article of clothing, accessory, or kitchen appliance. Magnetic backed badges make for an incredible personal gift that lets others knows just how attached you are to them.

If you’re in the process of revamping your home and are looking to replace your home’s flooring, you may want to consider opting for modern moduleo floors or checking out Lifestyle Flooring UK for alternative options.

Moduleo Floors an Excellent Alternative to Laminate: Key Reasons to Opt For Moduleo Flooring

1. You’ll be able to selection wood look and stone look options

If you love the look of solid wood flooring or stone flooring but can’t justify the high cost of wood flooring options and stone flooring options, it’s well worth considering moduleo flooring. As there are a wide array of wood look options and stone look options which look and feel like the real thing but are a whole lot cheaper than real wood or stone flooring options.

So if you’d like to purchase flooring which looks more expensive than laminate and which gives the same look as solid hardwood floors or stone floors, it’s well worth seriously considering opting for moduleo flooring.

2. Moduleo flooring is made to be durable

If you want to install a flooring option which will look just as great as it does 5 years after you fit it as the day you fit in into your home, there’s no need to look any further. As moduleo flooring is known to be extremely durable and can withstand the weight of heavy furniture as well as heavy traffic and excitable pets such as cats and dogs.

As an added bonus, as Moduleo flooring is so resistant to wear and tear, you won’t have to worry about your flooring developing scratches, scuffs or nasty dents. That will ruin the look of your home’s flooring!

3. Moduleo flooring is just as easy to clean as laminate flooring options

In fact, while you may need to use laminate specific cleaners on laminate flooring, you can use virtually any type of flooring cleaner to clean moduleo flooring. Just remember never to use flooring wax on your floors as while wood flooring may need to be waxed a few times per year, moduleo flooring never needs to be waxed.

4. Moduleo flooring is waterproof unlike laminate flooring

One reason why most individuals shy away from using laminate flooring in their bathrooms and kitchens is that laminate flooring is not waterproof. However, as most types of moduleo flooring have been designed to be waterproof, you’ll be able to use moduleo flooring in areas of your home which are prone to getting wet. Like your bathrooms and kitchen.

5. You’ll be able to install your moduleo flooring yourself

One of the key reasons why moduleo flooring is becoming extremely popular is that as it clicks into place, it’s extremely easy to install. Which means that you should be able to install your home’s flooring on your own, over a couple of weekends or with the help of a few of your DIY inclined friends and family members.

So if you’re looking for a stylish, durable, fuss-free flooring option to give your home a revamp, you can’t go wrong opting for moduleo floors over laminate floors.

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If you’re interested in learning a few DIY stain hacks, that will make removing difficult stains a little easier, simply continue reading to discover three of the hardest stains to remove as well as 3 tips to remove them.

Three of the Hardest Stains to Remove and How to Remove Them:

1. Ketchup

Chances are that you’ve spilled ketchup onto one of your favorite items of clothing in the past. If you’ve always struggled to remove ketchup stains from your clothing, you’re in luck as there is a relatively simple way to rid your clothing of unsightly ketchup stains.

Firstly, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of completely removing your ketchup stain if you remember to place your clothing item under running water for a few minutes, as soon as you notice your stain. After a few minutes place your clothing item in a sink or plastic bucket filled with hot water and use a sponge that has been squirted with dishwashing liquid to wash your ketchup stain out of your clothing.

2. Red wine

Next time you accidentally knock over a glass of red wine and manage to stain a white shirt or your carpet, don’t worry simply use the following tips to remove any trace of spillage.

Firstly cover your stain with a handful of salt. Although if you have managed to spill red wine over a large area of fabric or carpet you may need to use more salt. After a couple of minutes, you should notice that the salt which you covered your stain with has started to absorb your red wine and that your salt should start to turn pink in color.

Next, fill your laundry basin with cold water and place your clothing item in your basin overnight to soak with a special enzyme detergent, which will remove all traces of red wine from your clothing. However, if you’ve managed to stain your carpet you’ll need to periodically sponge the affected area with water and your enzyme detergent every couple of hours.

3. Pen marks

If you’ve ever got pen marks on your clothing and thrown out your clothing, as a result, stop what you’re doing and write down this handy trick. So that you’ll be able to effectively remove pen marks from your clothing in the future.

To remove pen marks from clothing simply place a regular paper towel underneath your clothing item and start spraying your affected item with hairspray. Until the fabric is thoroughly soaked. Then let the hairspray soak into your material for a couple of minutes before using a second dry napkin to lightly pat your fabric dry. Repeat this process a couple of times before washing your item in your washing machine with an enzyme specific detergent.

So if you’ve thrown away dozens of clothing items over the years as they’ve been stained by pen marks, ketchup or wine, you’re in luck as the next time you notice a clothing stain, you’ll have the tools and tips to help you rid your clothing of unsightly stains!

Whether your dad has plenty of old ties which he no longer uses or you think you can easily find two dozen silk ties at your local thrift store, it’s well worth experimenting with using old ties to create a brand new, fashion-forward skirt.

If you’re interested in making a beautiful skirt using old ties but have little sewing experience, continue reading to discover how to make a skirt out of ties with minimal fuss!

How to make a skirt out of ties, the simple way:

1. Acquire as many old silk ties as possible

It’s well worth asking your dad, grandpa and male friends whether they have any spare silk ties which they never wear and which they are comfortable donating for your DIY fashion project. Although you can also find inexpensively used silk ties at your local thrift store or on an online auction site such as eBay!

2. Iron each of your silk ties using a delicate silk-friendly setting

Make sure to iron each of your silk ties, so that they don’t have any nasty wrinkles or creases before you start your DIY fashion project. Just be sure to set your iron to a silk-friendly setting before you start ironing as you don’t want to burn or ruin your silk fabric.

3. Start cutting each of your silk ties in half

In order to ensure that your cut each silk tie accurately, simply fold each tie in half before cutting it in half.

4. Trim your tie pieces so that they are all the same length

As the last thing you want to do is to end up wearing a skirt which has a jagged or uneven hemline it’s definitely well worth trimming each of your silk tie pieces so that they are all roughly the same length. This step is crucial as it will ensure that your end product looks professionally sewen instead of like a child’s home economics project.

5. Next, line your tie pieces up and pin them so that they are tacked together and slightly overlap

Next, you’ll need to line up and pine up your silk tie pieces to that they are tacked together. Make sure that each tie overlaps the next tie by at least 2 inches.

6. Use your sewing machine to sew each tie piece to the next

As you’ve already used pins to tack up your skirt, start to sew each tie piece to the next until each of your ties has been sewn to the next tie. At this point, your tie skirt should look like a semi-finished skirt.

7. Create an elastic waistband

You’ll need to measure your waist in order to sew an elastic waistband which will be the right size for your waist.

8. Sew your elastic waistband to the top of your tie skirt

The final step in sewing your tie skirt is to sew your elastic waistband to the top of your DIY tie skirt!

So if you love the idea of sewing your own tie skirt, it’s well worth following the steps listed above in order to ensure that your tie skirt looks professionally sewn!