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Avalon Waterways is upping its game in Asia, building two new riverboats that will include signature features found on its European vessels.
We talked to Avalon General Manager Patrick Clark about the two 36-passenger "Suite Ships" that will begin sailing next year on the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia and, for the first time, on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar (Burma).
TP: Will these new "Suite Ships" for Asia offer features that other Asia river vessels don't have?
Patrick Clark: The short answer is yes, they will. The cabins will be a slightly larger version of those found on our Suite Ships in Europe. These cabins will be about 245 square feet in size, compared to about 200 square feet in Europe. And they're considerably larger than what we are currently operating on the Mekong, the Avalon Angkor, which has cabins of about 170 square feet.
As you can see, we're talking about a fairly significant increase in space in the cabin, which is going to be very appealing and attractive, luxurious and comfortable.
They'll have the amenities people have gotten used to in Europe, including our Comfort Collection bedding and lovely marble bathrooms. Plus, they will have the Open-Air Balconies featuring floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows measuring 14 feet wide with doors that slide open a full 9 feet.
TP: Why is important that these ships have your signature Open-Air Balcony, which can be closed off when the weather is poor?
Patrick Clark: It helps us establish a brand identity, whether in Europe or in Asia. Our customers have learned it's about space. Some river cruises offer balconies that, while I'm sure they have attractive features, have limited use. It's not like a big cruise ship when you have ocean days and you can get a lot of use out of it.
The river cruise experience is different, and everything is on the side of the river. You want to be in a place where you can see it, but the actual use of the balcony is still limited because you're docking alongside other ships and there are weather issues at certain times of year.
With our Open-Air Balcony, there is more room in the cabin, so you have a sitting area with a small couch and a table if you want to have a drink or food. And in the evening when the blinds are closed, you still have that space to use.
TP: Will you continue to operate the 32-passenger Avalon Angkor on the Mekong River?
Patrick Clark: The Avalon Angkor's lease is up at the end of 2014, so we're turning it in. The new Avalon Siem Reap will enter service on the Mekong in January 2015. The Avalon Myanmar will begin sailing in October 2015.
TP: Why are these new vessels smaller than your river ships in Europe?
Patrick Clark: When we first had a ship designed for us on the Mekong, we opted to have a smaller one. Now that we have a couple years of experience, we've had an overwhelming response from our customers that they love the intimate, cozy atmosphere of the small ship. Within the space of a week, they all know each other by name and it's almost like being a family.
Number two, it allows us to get into places easier than larger vessels. In particular, we can sail into Ho Chi Minh City harbor. The bridge outside the city prevents other vessels from sailing into the harbor. So we're a 10- to 15-minute walk to the InterContinental Hotel. Others have to moor outside the harbor and take an hour-plus coach ride from the city center to where they embark. It's one more little convenience and one more reason that confirmed our decision to go with a smaller vessel.
TP: The renderings show that the vessels will have modern conveniences but a distinctly Asian ambience.
Patrick Clark: We intend to have the two ships as sister ships, although they are being built at two different shipyards, one in Ho Chi Minh City and the other one outside of Yangon in Myanmar. But they have the same blueprint design and the appointments and space will be identical.
It was a deliberate thing to keep the almost Colonial feel with the wood and some of the appointments. We thought it's an important part of the cultural experience. To have a big modern European-style vessel is not capturing a lot of what the location has to offer. Plus practically, it's an extremely humid environment, and if you have a lot of metal you're constantly maintaining and repainting it to keep it looking good because you can end up with rust.
TP: Will your program in Myanmar differ from other itineraries?
Patrick Clark: The itinerary that we're offering in Myanmar is different from what the other companies are operating on the Irrawaddy River. For example, the length of the cruise is similar but we will go much further north. The small ship allows us to sail further north on the Irrawaddy than some of the larger vessels.
We're still going to major points such as Mandalay and Yangon, but we also go to six or seven spots in the north. It'll really give people who sail on this itinerary a true sense of the culture of Myanmar. I think that will be very exciting and make for a magical experience.
TP: Is Asia the new hot spot for river cruising?
Patrick Clark : I think it is, though if you look at the total capacity it's still very small compared to Europe. People repeat and look at different options for river cruises. They're looking further afield, particularly people who are little more adventurous. Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia are still relatively early in tourism development, so you can still see things untouched and not sugar-coated. You can get into villages to see how they live and where they shop. It doesn't resemble Europe at all.
Customers want that experience, but they still want creature comforts and to have a glass of wine at dinner and options if they don't want Burmese food. It's amazing how many people do want to go further afield.
This interview originally appeared on Travel Pulse.com and was reprinted with permission.

subset: commoncrawl


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Kerava's motto is "small but great Kerava". Although the town is small, it has a big heart. Kerava is a lively town that constantly improves its services to benefit its residents. Kerava offers a nice atmosphere – beautiful nature combined with a small-town feel. Kerava is a safe place to live: the city takes care of the environment and cares about its residents. There are many cosy Lumo rental apartments in Kerava, in attractive locations near the best services.
Kerava offers both modern, central homes and one-family housing in more quiet areas. Considering its small size, the population on Kerava is relatively large, but Kerava is still comfortable as a living environment.
The residential areas in Kerava are the centre, Alikerava, Ylikerava, Sompio, Kaleva, Ahjo, Lapila, Koivikko, Kilta, Kannisto, Sorsakorpi, Kaskela, Jokivarsi and Savio. The centre is suitable for people who want to live in an apartment building near services and the railway station. The centre of Kerava is dense and built around an European-inspired pedestrian street. The centre has many Lumo rental apartments. Jaakkola, the residential area in the immediate vicinity of the centre, is also a great choice for residents who appreciate a central location.
Many of the Lumo apartments in Kerava are located in Savio, a more spacious neighbourhood that is surrounded by nature and also has its own train station. The largest neighbourhood in Kerava is Kaleva, a detached housing area popular among families with children. Kaleva offers many cosy and family-friendly rental apartments. Alikerava is known for the Sinebrychoff brewery. The Lumo homes in Alikerava are an excellent choice for residents looking for single-family housing.
One of the reasons for Kerava's popularity is its excellent connections to central Helsinki and the Helsinki Metropolitan Area at large. Kerava is located along the main railway, which guarantees fast connections by train into all directions. Commuter trains stop at Kerava, and central Helsinki is accessible in 25 minutes. Connections to the neighbouring municipalities of Tuusula, Järvenpää, Sipoo and Vantaa are also excellent.
The Lahti motorway is located to the east of Kerava, and the distance to Helsinki is 39 kilometres by car. East-west highways connect Kerava with Porvoo and St. Petersburg in the east or Nurmijärvi, Hämeenlinna and Tampere in the west. Helsinki Airport is within 15 minutes from Kerava by car.
The pedestrian street in central Kerava is the local meeting place. The one-kilometre pedestrian street has been awarded by the Finnish Association of Architects, and it is fully closed from vehicle traffic. The services and business life in Kerava centre around the pedestrian street. The pedestrian street houses frequent events, such as markets, festivals and parties. With beautiful plants in the park, the area offers a nice environment for residents. The pedestrian street was first introduced in the 1960s, in a city plan that featured a ring road around the densely populated centre.
The municipal forests are freely accessible to the residents of Kerava, as permitted by the right of public access. Kerava also has many beautiful parks and green areas for outdoor recreation. Kerava meets the needs of families and children, offering them comfortable and safe playgrounds that are regularly maintained. Popular green areas in Kerava include the central park, Paasikivenpuisto, Aurinkomäki, Salavapuisto and Sompio.
There are many active sports clubs in Kerava, offering a wide range of different sports. The clubs organise both recreational and competitive sports activities. Examples of hobbies available at Kerava are football, ice sports, swimming, track and field, skiing, athletics or budo arts. Sports venues can be found across Kerava, and they are easy to access by foot, bicycle or public transport. Kerava also has a popular outdoor swimming pool that opens every summer. It was built in 1957 and is protected by the National Board of Antiquities.
The jogging trails in Pihkaniitty and Ahjo are the perfect place for outdoor recreation, and Kerava promotes biking by keeping its bicycle lanes in good condition. Kerava has an extensive network of pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and the city has received the Tienviitta award by the Finnish Traffic and Transportation Planning Association for its active promotion of bicycle and pedestrian traffic through urban planning.
The library of Kerava houses frequent concerts. There are two interesting museums in Kerava: the Kerava Museum and the Kerava Art Museum. The summer is the busiest time of activities in Kerava, welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy the diverse selection of urban events. Kerava Manor is a beautiful venue for various cultural events, particularly in the summer. Art gallery Alli is the local venue for exhibitions.Read more ›
Lumo is a safe and reliable lessor that provides tenants with the best possible rental housing and services.
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Absolver Weapons and Powers Trailer 2017
Absolver is an upcoming martial arts-focused action role-playing video game developed by Sloclap, a Parisian indie game developer composed of former Ubisoft Paris employees.
Players control warrior characters who fight other players and computer-controlled characters across the fictional land of Adal to prove their worthiness of joining the Absolver peacekeepers.
The game's story is focused on the human development of the characters as they fight to find their place in the collapsed empire.
The character's fighting moves are customized in a "combat deck" of cards, with each card assigned to a move. Players earn cards, equipment, and weapons by progressing through the game.
Sloclap began Absolver's development in May 2015. Their core game concept was to have fluid, dynamic movement, similar to dance.
Absolver debuted at the June 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo under publisher Devolver Digital and is due for release on PlayStation 4, with exclusive content, and Windows in August 2017.
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Category Archives: Company News
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GKV Treats the Troops
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GKV Brings On Three New Employees
In response to the growing needs of new and existing clients, GKV, an integrated marketing communications firm, announced today the addition of three new employees:
GKV's Campaign for the Maryland Lottery is a Whole New Ballgame.
Let's face it; most of us weren't great ballplayers. In fact, our highlight reels are probably more hilarious than heroic. But that's okay because "Even if you're not quite ready for the big leagues, you can still play Baseball Bucks from the Maryland Lottery."
GKV Mourns Loss of Former Partner
Last week we mourned the loss of our former Partner and CFO, Barbara Wells. She joined GKV in 1982 and played a key role in our growth and financial well-being until she retired in 2007.
Medifast Brings Fun and Health to the Baltimore Harbor
GKV and Medifast brought health to the Inner Harbor this summer with the launch of Medifast's Waterfront Wellness Series in collaboration with the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.
GKV builds on Sprint Animal Kingdom Campaign
GKV continues to build on the success of their "Animal Kingdom" TV campaign for Sprint, and has added new spots to the lineup. The first of three new spots features a frustrated panda bear upset with his dropped calls. To view the hilarious new ad, click here. GKV created the gold award-winning Sprint "Animal Kingdom" […]
Brands Spring to Life with Mobile Marketing
GKV's Experiential Marketing Team Bridges Gap Between Brands and Consumers
GKV Celebrates 'Take Your Child To Work Day'
Take your Child to Work Day celebrated its 22nd year on April 23rd, and GKV got in on the fun. This year GKV invited children ages 8-12 to experience agency life for a day, and just what their parents were up to while they were studying away at school. GKV went beyond the average practice […]
GKV Celebrates 'Take Your Child To Work Day'
Take your Child to Work Day celebrated its 22nd year on April 23rd, and GKV got in on the fun. This year GKV invited children ages 8-12 to experience agency life for a day, and just what their parents were up to while they were studying away at school. GKV went beyond the average practice […]
GKV Takes Center Stage at Coachella
This year, GKV was instrumental in bringing a first-of-its-kind fashion event to life on the festival grounds of Coachella.
Snyder's of Hanover Invites Consumers to "Discover the Pretzelbilities"
America's favorite pretzel brand and GKV client, Snyder's of Hanover, is putting the fun back into snack time. Beginning this March, Snyder's of Hanover is encouraging consumers to "Discover the Pretzelbilities" of the classic pretzel with a new 360° marketing and national advertising campaign.
GKV's Sprint TV Campaign Wins Gold At The Baltimore ADDY Awards
GKV's "Animal Kingdom" TV campaign for Sprint took home a gold ADDY at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Baltimore's annual awards ceremony last night. The agency was also awarded silver ADDYs for work done for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and PANDORA Jewelry.
GKV Named Agency of Record for Network Health
GKV has been named Agency of Record for Network Health, a leading health insurance provider in Wisconsin. GKV will begin work immediately to develop an integrated multi-media campaign for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and its Medicare Age-In Campaign for 2015.
GKV's New DRTV Campaign for Medifast
GKV's first work for Medifast breaks the mold of celebrity product endorsements and body objectification by celebrating how successful weight-loss can lead to a healthier and happier life in unexpected ways.
GKV Share the Warmth Collects More Than 700 Coats
Santa received a helping hand this holiday season thanks to GKV's first annual Share the Warmth winter coat drive.
GKV Invites You to Share the Warmth
Share the Warmth this holiday season, by dropping off your gently used coats on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at McHenry Row.
PANDORA Supports Change for Tomorrow with "Hearts of Today" Program
GKV was honored to work with PANDORA Jewelry to launch the inaugural PANDORA "Hearts of Today" program in 2014 — an initiative developed to celebrate the selfless work that women do within their communities and around the world.
GKV Hearts Fish Oils
The Omega-3 Coalition turned to GKV to serve as the lead agency for a national advocacy campaign, in order to help stem a recent decline in the sales of omega-3 supplements in the U.S.
GKV and PANDORA Party in Pink
GKV and PANDORA Jewelry kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month at Athena Water's "Eat. Drink. Party Pink!" event.
GKV and Snyder's of Hanover Serve Up Summer Fun
This summer we worked with Snyder's of Hanover pretzels to increase the brand's overall social network and drive sales of their core products through the America's Summertime Favorite seasonal promotion. Featuring Hank and Bill, the popular Snyder's of Hanover "Pretzel Guys," the nine-week campaign highlighted the many ways snack lovers enjoy their favorite summertime events, […]
GKV Named Agency of Record for Medifast
We are thrilled to announce that GKV was recently named the Agency of Record for Medifast, a leading United States manufacturer and provider of clinically proven weight-loss products and programs.
Stacey Wynia Joins GKV as Vice President, Director of Public Relations and Social Media
GKV, a full-service marketing agency, named Stacey Wynia Vice President, Director of Public Relations and Social Media. With 15 years of experience in the advertising and PR field, Wynia supervises all PR and social media activities for GKV's clients.
PANDORA Jewelry & GKV Strike a Pose at Fashion Week
We traveled to New York City with PANDORA Jewelry earlier this month to help bring the brand's sponsorship of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) to life.
Baltimore LED Art Billboard Spotlights GKV's Lindsay Petrick
The Baltimore LED Art Billboard is currently featuring the work of GKV's own Lindsay Petrick. A mix of advertising and art, the digital billboard in the heart of Baltimore's arts district aims to inspire people and expose a new audience to the creative talents right here in our own backyard. In addition to being a […]
Advertisers are watching your every move
Check out this great article in the Baltimore Business Journal, quoting our CEO Roger Gray on prominent trends in digital advertising.
GKV Visits Philly for Nice to Meet You Media Tour
Nearly 60 media reps from the Philly/Hilly area found their way to Philadelphia's Overkill Studio last Thursday morning. And it wasn't just for the Bloody Marys. Baltimore's GKV Communications rolled into town to present their "Nice to Meet You Media Tour" with all the energy and enthusiasm of a traveling rock show. The presentation kicked […]
CareFirst appeal to millennials wins "Best Digital Campaign" category at Baltimore Addys
Facing Healthcare Reform, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield sought ways to break through the clutter of messages that were all targeting the millennial population. For many in this audience, healthcare is not seen as a necessity as they have an "invincible" mentality. As part of a communications effort, GKV included a series of pre-roll videos that caught […]
Snyder's of Hanover & GKV's Bold Play
To show just how well Snyder's of Hanover delivers on bold flavor, GKV helped the brand launch a massive effort on ESPN with TV, radio and digital.
Why the social bowl ruined my Super Bowl
Jeff Millman, Partner and Creative Director at GKV, weighs in on this year's "social bowl" and the ad viewing experience.
GKV & Snyder's of Hanover Win AMA Baltimore's Campaign of the Year
We are proud to announce that our Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Pieces campaign was selected by the AMA Baltimore as the Overall Campaign of the Year as part of its 2013 Marketing Excellence Awards.
GKV and PANDORA Turn Up the Romance for the Holidays
GKV turned up the romance this season to position PANDORA as the perfect gift for the holidays.
GKV Welcomes Six New Employees
In response to the growing needs of new and existing clients, GKV announced today the addition of six new employees: Julia D'Esterre, Emily Ellenberger, Rick Hebert, Amelia Miller, Adi Raval and Stacy Smith.
Have a Charmed Holiday with PANDORA Jewelry
This week we launched a new TV spot for our client Pandora Jewelry. The ad positions the brand as the perfect gift for all life's occasions, including the holidays.
GKV Expands Relationship with Shentel to Include Wireless Business
GKV, a full-service marketing agency, adds another advertising client to its growing roster with the addition of the Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) wireless business.
Baltimore-Based GKV to Create a New Medicare Open Enrollment Campaign for Blue Shield of California
Based on its extensive experience in the senior health insurance arena, GKV has been selected by Blue Shield of California to develop an integrated campaign for the 2013 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
A Sign of Good Things to Come
For the first time in its 32 years of existence, GKV is adding our name to Baltimore's skyline.
This week we saw the installation of a 20' long, 5' tall illuminated "GKV" sign on the northwest side of the McHenry Row building between the 4th and 5th floors.
NFL Draft Picks Surprise Their Moms
Just in time for Mother's Day, GKV and client PANDORA selected a handful of top college football players to surprise their moms and thank them for their sacrifices with a new bracelet from PANDORA Jewelry.
GKV Hires Emily Rector
GKV, an integrated marketing communications firm, announced today the addition of Emily Rector to the public relations department.
Snyder's of Hanover Launches Flavorful New Campaign
We launched an integrated television and digital campaign for our client, Snyder's of Hanover pretzels, to show Americans how deliciously flavorful pretzels can be.
Why online games are great for your brand
John Marsh, vice president and director of client digital services, contributes to the Baltimore Business Journal with his article about the online gaming industry.
GKV 2013 ADDY Spotlight: PANDORA Lucky Magazine Insert
Today's GKV 2013 ADDY spotlight is on the PANDORA Jewelry Lucky Magazine Insert, AAF Baltimore gold winner and AAF/District 2 silver winner for Consumer Publication Spread/Multiple Page/Insert.


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The Happy Tugs site is the handy work of the Reality Kings Network. This site has a theme that is pretty amazing in my eyes, because it is themed around massage and handjobs, how handy is that! Unfortunately, this site does not update too often and I mostly know this because I have been a member of this site for over a year now, and there are only 54 scenes in total, even though the site has been a part of the network ever since the year 2011. However, I do keep busy by going through the other sites that the network has to offer its members.
Happy Tugs Good Features
There are some really good features to the Happy Tugs site, even if it is severely lacking in the quantity department. One of the great aspects of the site is the exclusive reality themed videos and pictures. This site gives members access to some really great massage themed content where there is always a happy ending for everyone. Even though most of the scenes are going to take place in a similar location, it still gives members that reality feeling when they are watching, simply because the videos are shot in a massage room. Of course, the videos start off giving off a feeling of teasing, simply because the men start of with their areas being covered, but they eventually end up naked and getting the steamy hot blowjobs, handjobs and sex. Another great aspect of this site is the HD flash streams and loads of downloading options that are offered to members. Of course, members are able to choose what quality they want their videos to be in with the flash streams, and there are many options to choose from in the quality department. Also, the videos feature something called Jump to Action, one of my favorite features with this site, and this allows the members to go forward to any part during the video using keywords and also using preview thumbs such as cumshot and blowjob. The next best aspect has to be the Reality Kings Network access, where you get access to over 30 different niche sites. Also, the browsing is easy going on members, and that is a huge plus. Members are able to search through categories, such as hardcore or blowjob.
Happy Tugs Bad Features
I have only found one real bad negative for the Happy Tugs site. That negative is the fact that the site only has 54 scenes and they do not update often.
Final Thoughts on Happy Tugs
There are a lot of great aspects about the Happy Tugs site, and I believe that the Reality Kings Network did a really great job with the site. However, there is one rather large negative with the site, and that is that the site does not see many updates and only has 54 scenes in total. Although, I can see how they would forget to update one site, simply because they have over 30 sites within their network that members get access to.


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We recently purchased a farmhouse on a small farm built in 1908 and the first room I wanted to tackle was the living room downstairs. I wanted to at least have one room close to being finished while we work on the rest of the house because I tend to have decorators ADD. What is that you ask? Well it goes a little something like this.
I start painting one room and then move to another before finishing. At the same time I start sanding floors and hanging new light fixtures. To put it simply, I never really finish one before starting another! Drives my husband crazy but that's what marriage is right? Annoying that one special person for the rest of your life all while yelling "what?!" from the next room 15 times a day?
Here is the room before
Not my cup of tea.
Anyway, I wanted to update you guys on the progress we've (clears throat..I've) made so far on the living room.
I purchased some new furniture from Joss and Main and OH MY GOSH was I excited to finally have new furniture after 10 years! Hubby set a spending limit but we all know you can't put a price on beauty and comfort. If you guys could relay that message again it may save us from marriage counseling. (kidding! sort of) However, the price on these was beyond reasonable. I compared so many slipcover sofa and chairs and I really am glad I ordered these.
I painted all the walls in "Cameo White" by Behr in their Marquee line and it's my favorite color in the Behr line. It's a great color and I love how neutral it is all while providing great coverage. I painted the trim, moldings, ceilings and baseboards in Behr Premium "Pure White". Semi gloss is usually the finish I choose because I live with
pigs a hard working husband, a busy 5 year old and a lazy dog.
Sneak Peak of the Living Room Floors Being Painted
The wood floors were painted for a few reasons. Mainly that any major repairs aren't in the budget and the wood on these floors had been sanded down so many times that they were too weak to withstand another sanding. I used the Behr porch and patio paint in "Pacific Fog". It's such a great neutral gray. Just make sure to follow the directions. I will do a blog post soon on how we painted the floors.
We changed out the ceiling fan to this one found at Home Depot. It's the Trudeau from the Home Decorators Collection and I now want one in every room!! Has so many blades and puts out so much air. The light is LED and requires no bulb! What?!! It also has a remote to control both the fan and light. I don't like to admit my laziness but not having to get off the couch to turn off the light has my name all over it. It's like they read my mind when making this fan.
Trudeau Ceiling Fan in the Living Room
The rug was found at Rugs Usa and is called Bosphorus Floral Ornament BD21 Rug. It's a little darker blue than the online image but I love it! AAANNNND for 15% off you can use code "junquecottage". So nice of them to offer a discount to my readers!
New Living Room Rug
The couch and chair were ordered from Joss and Main and I am so happy I decided to order these! I went back on forth as it can be scary ordering living room furniture you've never sat on. My husband is like the Goldie Locks of furniture. It's either too hard or too soft. I have a feeling he will love this set as much as I do.
I ordered the Everton Sleeper sofa and the matching arm chair. The color is "Bull Natural". These are made in the USA and are down filled so they are very heavy. They also have deep seats which is a plus for me because I am almost 6 feet tall. If you're very short or don't like deep couches then you may not want these specific ones but they have so many great slipcover sofas to choose from.
New Living Room Furniture
Here is the couch and chair affiliate links to order and view them. The couch linked is not the sleeper as most people don't need that function and it costs a little more. If you'd like the sleeper as well, here's the link.
This post contains affiliate links and you can read my full disclosure here.
If you're looking for an ottoman to go with, I found this one from Wayfair. I don't personally own this one so I like to read reviews prior to ordering!
The coffee table was an antique find at a local antique mall and I love it!
I ordered these super cute pillow covers from Amazon and you can find them here!
The end tables I picked up for less than $20 at estate sales and the wood bench was left at this house by the previous owners. These amazing throw blankets I got from Stein Mart here after seeing a post by Farmhouse on Boone.
Vintage Inspired Throw Blanket
I still have some more painting to do in here and I am not finished with the decor in the living room but wanted to give you guys a quick update!
If you have any question please let me know and thanks so much for stopping by today!
To Check out the living room makeover on our previous home you can see that here!


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The carpets hold together the home and give comfort to the feet and body as it allows lying down in peace.
|Carpet cleaning
|Small room
|One bed flat
|Three bed flat
But repeated use of carpets and negligence in cleaning them frequently will deteriorate their conditions.
Residents of Queensbury NW9 also seek peace and this is where Magic London Carpet Cleaning comes in to make their lives easy.
The experienced and well trained technicians are ready with chemicals and allow free trials before going for the full treatment of house carpets and rugs.
The prices are fixed and certain to attract customers as the value provided by Magic London Carpet cleaners in Queensbury NW9 for the amount charged can be seen as a profit.
The steam cleaning is efficient method of extracting dust and dirt lying in the base and hidden regions of the carpets.
Chemicals not only remove stains but also neutralize foul smell and rare service of upholstery is provided by Magic London Carpet Cleaning in Queensbury NW9 for attractive prices.


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Story Cures for Scholastic
One of the things books can bring to children is the realisation that they are not alone – and that they're not the only ones who feel the way they do. In their book The Story Cure, Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin recommend which books are best to give to children aged 0-18 as they ride the ups and downs of childhood, from tummy aches and tantrums to falling out with your best friend or getting stressed about exams. Here they suggest books for the sort of ailments all children feel from time to time.
Ailment: Lonely, feelingCures: Beegu (Alexis Deacon)
Varjak Paw (SF Said)
The Northern Lights (Philip Pullman)
When a child feels lonely or left out, a book can be a truly wonderful thing – offering instant, unconditional companionship with no strings attached. For small children, Beegu is a delight. The story of a three-eared rabbity creature who appears to have landed from outer space, it shows Beegu being rebuffed each time he/she tries to make friends with the strange creatures on Earth. And then, suddenly, he/she finds a playground full of children who don't find anything wrong with having three ears at all… It's also a great book for encouraging small children to extend a friendly hand themselves next time there's a new child in town.
For chapter book age kids, introduce them to Varjak Paw, the Mesapotamian blue cat who is scared of stepping into the big wide world outside by himself. Until, that is, he acquires a range of martial arts-inspired skills, such as 'Open Mind', 'Slow-Time' and 'Shadow-Walking.' A child needing to pluck up courage to go to a party or start a new school will be inspired to borrow some of his tactics.
Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy is a must for lonesome children, introducing them as it does to the concept of the personal 'daemon' – an animal spirit that keeps you company at all times. Lyra, the books' heroine, has a pine marten named Pantalaimon for a daemon. Not only is Pantalaimon always there, but he sees truths that she cannot, and even shares her pain. Ask the lonely child in your midst what their daemon would be.
Ailment: Give up, tendency to:
Hatchet (Gary Paulsen)
Whether it's the 500-metre race on sports day, learning to play the violin, or just that day's maths homework, the temptation to give up when the going gets tough is hard to resist. Examples of indefatigable heroes and heroines really come into their own at such times. Flat Stanley provides an excellent model of what perseverance looks like. Kids will love discovering the myriad ways in which Stanley makes the most of his new, wafer-thin shape.
Older kids may find their role-model in 13-year-old Brian, who's marooned in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet when the pilot of the single-engine plane he's flying in dies of a heart attack. In this utterly gripping story, Brian spends the first few days being eaten alive by mosquitos, vomiting up sour berries and hiding, terrified, in a cave. Not surprisingly, he's soon reduced to tears and helplessness. But then he has the realisation that crying isn't going to help him survive. Instead, he starts making full use of all the things his mind and body can do – as well, of course as his hatchet. A really inspiring read, this one – and not just for the kids.
Ailment: Losing your favourite toy
Cures: Dogger (Shirley Hughes)
Knuffle Bunny (Mo Willems)
Almost every child undergoes this dreadful calamity at some stage. It's worth having one of these trusty picture books on hand for when it happens. Shirley Hughes's classic tale of a teddy bear going missing at the fair shows children they're not alone – and how a big sister can come to the rescue of a distraught younger brother in inspiring ways. Knuffle Bunny shows what happens when a beloved bunny gets mixed up in the laundry pile and is especially good for those children inclined towards tantrums. Both books have a happy ending, of course; and though they might not bring your child's loved toy back, they can help to soften the blow. And, of course, they distract while the attending adult has a look for the toy once again…
Ailment: Run away, wanting to
Cures: Meerkat Mail (Emily Gravett)
Fireweed (Jill Paton Walsh)
It's a fantasy most children entertain. Exploring the thrill of running away vicariously can help wear out the desire to do it for real. Picture-book-age kids will be intrigued by the dark undertones of Meerkat Mail. Sunny the meerkat decides to go visiting his cousins in various exotic global locations when his own home becomes overcrowded. Inevitably, the lure of home turns out to be stronger than the need to get away.
Older kids will fall in love with Fireweed, the story of two teenage runaways during the London Blitz who set up home together in a basement. Harking back to a time of powdered eggs, candlelit evenings in air-raid shelters and the sense of freedom that comes from having no parents around, the story shows how the lack of adult intervention is at first exhilarating. But as winter draws in, the teenagers realize that life on the streets is tough, especially when bombs are falling. Packed full of action, this is a book that asks all the right questions about running away while spinning an unputdownable tale.
Ailment: Different, feeling
Wonder (RJ Palacio)
We all know how it hurts to feel different, and how strong the urge is to blend in and be one of the crowd. With anti-bullying week just passed, it's a good time to focus on the celebration of difference. One of our favourites for early readers is the irresistible Giraffes Can't Dance, in which our giraffe hero is at first mocked for his apparent inability to join in with his jungle community's dance. But then he discovers that he can dance to his own, different beat – and soon everyone loves him for it. Gorgeously illustrated and a must for every small child's shelf.
Elmer is another character who stands out from the crowd – this time for his rainbow-coloured hide. He spends a lot of time wishing he was drab and grey like all the other elephants – but we of course can see how much more glorious he is.
And no cabinet of cures would be complete without Wonder by RJ Palacio. The heart-stopping story of boy born with a cruel facial deformity ("Whatever you're thinking," he tells us, "it's probably worse") we see August and his family as they struggle through his belated start at school, having to cope with the stares and awkwardness of pupils and teachers alike, and his first forays into friendship. Just when it seems all is hopeful and positive, August experiences a betrayal which cuts deep. The entire school community gets an education in accepting difference in this ultimately uplifting read. As a way of showing kids they're not the only ones who find it hard to fit in – as well as why it's important to be empathetic to those who are different – this one's hard to beat.
Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin's book The Story Cure: How to Keep Kids Happy Heathy and Wise is on sale through all good book stores. Go to Waterstones to buy it.
Their book The Novel Cure: an A-Z of Literary Remedies, which gives novels as cures for ailments, is also available here.
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Discover the favourite children's authors and illustrators of all time!
The votes are in! Find out who was voted as the favourite children's authors and illustrators of all time in our recent poll.
Enjoying the dark humour of children's books
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- Books for under 7s
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Community Volunteers
Every Christian school needs support from parents, community volunteers, and local churches to thrive.
If you are in our community and able to give of your time, talents, or treasure then we'd love to have your help! You can assist with one of our rummage sales, campus maintenance, or many other needs. Please contact us if you're interested in serving in any capacity and fill out a Volunteer Application as soon as possible!


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Simple tips for healthy eyes this #EyeWeek
Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Here are a few simple steps to maintaining healthy eyes:
Having a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure how healthy your eyes are, and how good your vision is. In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.
During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, your eye care professional places drops in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil to allow more light to enter the eye the same way an open door lets more light into a dark room. This enables your eye care professional to get a good look at the back of the eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or disease. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you're seeing your best.
Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It's important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity.
Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
Wearing sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
Are you experiencing eye problems?
If you have a recent problem with your eyes – such as sore eyes, red eyes or visual disturbance – you can be assessed and treated by our local Minor Eye Conditions service. document Download this leaflet for a full list of services. (180 KB)
Have your say about eye services
Ophthalmology Services, or services that take care of your eyes, are provided in a secondary care setting, like a hospital, or in the community, like your doctors surgery. When the service is community based it is aimed specifically at providing care closer to home. A community service is provided to patients suffering from a range of eye conditions and is intended to be a triage and treat clinic.
The Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) would like to gather the views from people who have used these services, or people expected to use these services, to find out what is important to you when access ophthalmology services. We invite you to share your views on an online survey - https://tinyurl.com/SAS-Ophthalmology-Survey.


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Aren't computers great? At least when they work! I've been having computer troubles and my son had to wipe my laptop clean and start all over again. So here I am...haven't written for a while, but wow is my computer so much faster now! I bought an external hard drive to put all my files on and hopefully that will make it stay faster. I really had a lot of stuff on here. I didn't even realize just how much until it came to transfer it over to the Fantom drive (that's the name of the external hard drive). I still can't find one of my programs that I use for photo editing, but I have most of the others back on and everything is working fine. I was beginning to think I was going to have to have a new computer, and I can't afford one right now. My husband is still out of work and that's not good.
|Deer in our backyard!
In fact, this is going to be a really short post, because I need to go to the OregonWorkSource website and peruse the job listings......again! Then I have to look at the want ads in the paper. And I'm going to try Monster.com to see if they have anything available. 7 months without work is more than can be handled. So, I will be back soon with a project for you. Don't give up on me. I'm just trying to juggle a lot of things right now and not doing too good. Thanks for reading. May you all have jobs and socks that match! Gramma G.P.S. We got into a house! We now live in Gold Hill, Oregon, right across the street from that VW van pictured in the last post! How funny is that?


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- one large cucumber
- one large tomato
- two small red onions
- one cup of apple cider vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
- large bowl
Tomato, Red Onion, and Cucumber Salad
Now that the farmers markets are open - it's time to make all those wonderful refreshing summer dishes! One of my favorite summer side dishes is tomato, red onion, and cucumber salad. This side dish is super easy to make, cheap, and can go with so many things! I love it with grilled chicken, or steak.
9 comments:
- AnonymousJune 9, 2014 at 9:09 PM
Ooh that looks absolutely delicious. I will have to try that sometime.ReplyDelete
thank you!! it was really easy, and it's a great side to any summer grilled dish :)Delete
it looks really fresh!ReplyDelete
Bonjourchiara Facebook Page
Mmmmm yummy xxReplyDelete
Don't forget to check out my MAC lipstick giveaway! Click here!
Such a great dish! Just made it! Thanks for posting!ReplyDelete
xoxo Gabby
that's awesome! glad you enjoyed it! :)Delete
That looks super delicious! Will definitely try this week!ReplyDelete
XO Chloe - A Latte Lipstick
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بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم ۔ کیا آپ نے اس شخص کو دیکھا جو سزا و جزا کو جھوٹلاتا ہے ؟ یہ وہی ہے جو یتیم کو دھکے دیتا ہے- اور مسکین کو کھانا کھلانے کی ترغیب نہیں دیتا- پس ایسے نمازیوں کے لئے ہلاکت ہے- جو اپنی نماز سے غافل رہتے ہیں- جو ریاکاری کرتے ہیں- اور< ضرورتمندوں کو> معموملی چیزیں دینے سے بھی گریزکرتے ہیں۔ {سورہ ماعون} بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم ۔ کیا آپ نے اس شخص کو دیکھا جو سزا و جزا کو جھوٹلاتا ہے ؟ یہ وہی ہے جو یتیم کو دھکے دیتا ہے- اور مسکین کو کھانا کھلانے کی ترغیب نہیں دیتا- پس ایسے نمازیوں کے لئے ہلاکت ہے- جو اپنی نماز سے غافل رہتے ہیں- جو ریاکاری کرتے ہیں- اور< ضرورتمندوں کو> معموملی چیزیں دینے سے بھی گریزکرتے ہیں۔ {سورہ ماعون}
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01 Jul 2013
National Peace Convention: Khanwada-e-Shohada Say 'No' to 'Negotiations' With Terrorists.
National Peace Convention - a joint initiative of the Sunni Ittehaad Council and Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan received tremendous attention in the terrorism ravaged country earlier yesterday .
Sunni Ittehaad Council - a conglomerate of nearly thirty mainstream Sunni parties and organizations adhering to the majority Barelvi muslim school of thought ,joined hands with the second largest religious majority of the country - the shia muslim school of thought -in a comprehensive show of strength and unity ,completely isolating the takfiri terrorists of the proscribed organizations and their patrons within the deep state.
The event went ahead as a much needed breeze of fresh air , even the minority communities such as the Hindu ,Christian and the Sikh Community leaders were seen ,whole-heartedly embracing the noble cause of peace against the takfiri terrorists ,whose barbaric attacks have spared no place of worship , education , public place ,procession ,congregation ,institution , no gender and no age group .
All the blood shed, ironically, has been done , in the name of Islam ,with claims to establish 'emirate' or hollow rhetoric of supposed implementation of 'Shariah'.
Nothing ,nothing but a famous quote from Imam Hussain [AS] can put it best ... "wa alal Islam Assalaam.." 'Peace' to Islam ,when the likes of yazid[LA] entangle the ummah "
The event was convened to forge stronger unity between the two largest majority muslim populations of the country as well as for reach out to fellow citizens belonging to minority community who have faced some of the most horrible and devastating attacks on their places of worship and strongholds ,at the hands of takfiri wahhabi beasts .
The event was not given the No Objection Certificate sources privy to the organizers were quoted as saying and hence the workers of the event managing committees worked hard untiringly to install the tents and make the arrangements on the changed venue of D-Chowk ,just at a stone's throw from the parliament house ,in freezing cold nights of January in the federal capital .
Speakers belonging to various Shia and Sunni organizations as well as the civil society spoke on the occassion and paid glowing tributes to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives while fighting the menace of takfiri wahhabi terrorism raising a lot of skeptical questions on wide ranging issues related to terrorism . The heirs of martyrs also presented their views on the sidelines of the program .
The participants unanimously said an unequivocal NO to the idea of 'negotiating' peace with terrorists and instead raised concern for bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crimes to book.
They also lambasted those at the helm of affairs for their connivance with terrorists and overt patronage of proscribed organizations.
Takfiri wahhabi terrorists have declared war against the Shia muslims in Pakistan ever-since the draconian dictatorship ,bartered 'peanuts' for the so called 'jihad' .
Lately however for last some years, the same rag tag militias have come to haunt ,every one else too ,making it abundantly clear ,to all and sundry ,what goes around comes around.
The continued victimisation of the two highest majority religions' adherents has resulted in fostering a natural alliance .Much to the dis-may of takfiri terrorists , not just Barelvi and Shia muslims ,rather the minority non-muslim communities also have garnered strong support to the noble cause of bringing peace and chasing away the takfiri wahhabi terrorists from our pure lands.
On the special request of the organizers some 50 plus families of Khanwada-e-Shohada-e-Millat-e-Jaffaria Pakistan
belonging to
different areas ,turned up on the occassion.
Central Committee ,Shaheed Foundation Pakistan also along with a select group of area coordinators and working members joined the occassion . A small exhibition of shohada picture was managed in a make shift manner. Many heirs brought the photographs of their beloved martyrs on this occassion , which brought tears to several eyes .
There where pictures of child martyrs ,some as as young as 3-4 years of age asking the society " Bi Ayyi Zambin Qutilat"?
Central Committee on this occassion met the families ,extended regards and goodwishes to the families on behalf of Shaheed foundation Pakistan and thanked them for their gracious presence. The families were also enquired of their health and well being . Families also shared about their current challenges and Central Committee instructed the corresponding area coordinators for assisting the noble families of beloved martyrs .
Some of the participants also shed light on the importance of arranging these events on a sustained basis .
The organizers seemed convinced and indicated their intentions to hold public gatherings with diverse participation at grass roots levels ,so as to foster stronger goodwill .
Shia leaders also vowed for massive participation and hosting the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Julus as well as offering services like sabeel arrangements etc for the congregations marking the birth anniversary celebrations of the final prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa [SAWW] which falls on 12th of the lunar month of Rabi-ul-Awwal .
Slogans of Labbayk Ya Rasool Allaah and Labbayk Ya Hussain kept reverberating throughout the duration of the program.
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Facts about scuba diving
We are already aware of the fact that a human body is not meant for surviving under water. The aquatic creatures and their life under have always fascinated us to such a great extent that we are even ready to dive deep into the seas and oceans just to find out more about them and free your soul. Scuba diving is one such underwater sports activity that allows us to go deep down under and explore the hidden underwater treasures. There are some people who indulge in this activity not only for the sake of fun but also for research purposes.
With your new certification card tucked proudly in your wallet, you are anxious to plan your first exciting scuba diving vacation. Where do you begin? Maybe you will only call the local travel agent and tell them to book it – or you could customize your very own adventure of a lifetime!
Pick a destination. This will have a lot to do with the budget you have allotted for the trip, as airfare is a lot more expensive the further you fly. Whether you will be driving to a nearby dive spot or flying half way around the world, it is important to research the destination. Great tips can often be gained from the dive school where you were certified. Instructors and clubs affiliated with the school or shop can provide a wealth of information, personal stories, and even photos from numerous dive destinations.
Will you take your personal dive equipment or use rental gear on location? Bringing all of the gear is only practical if you are driving; it is simply easier and more convenient to let the local dive shop outfit you in another country. The only supplies you will need from home are your certification card, a dive log, and maybe your mask. Don't let a leaking mask ruin an otherwise perfect dive opportunity!
Research the local dive shops or scuba tour groups you will use. Ask for referrals before booking anything! Try to arrange discounts on rental gear for reserving several boat dives. Ask for advice on what dive spots are appropriate for your level of scuba certification.
Find out what lodging options fit your budget and style. Ask about scuba packages that may be available at a preferred rate. Find out if any units have kitchens so that you can save money by preparing a few meals on your own.
Non-scuba activities are also crucial to assess. Do your interests include golf and tennis? Sailing or kayaking? Do you want to relax on a beautiful white sand beach with a great book while not under water diving? Do you want to be around lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants for exciting nightlife or would you prefer to relax on a remote stretch of sand? If you plan to do some of your cooking, check to see if there is a grocery store convenient to your hotel.
With the planning finished you now have months or weeks to savor the anticipation of a fantastic scuba diving trip. If it's been a while since your last dive, plan to brush up your skills in a refresher class before the trip. Have a great time!


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Putting all your eggs in one basket has never been a good idea. So trusting the storage of all your photos, videos and music in one tiny piece of plastic and metal is setting yourself up for a tragic afternoon one day at the park, the pool, or even your kitchen sink.
Accidents Happen
Though you may consider yourself the most responsible person in the world, with a thick cover on your phone and not so much as a nick in the screen, accidents definitely do happen. That thick shell will only make your phone sink faster to the bottom of your kitchen sink on that fateful day when it slips out of your hands. All those moments when you could have backed up your pictures and videos will flash before your eyes and lead to a deep feeling of regret.
But I Didn't Mean To…
Going through and deleting incriminating pictures from your phone isn't a bad idea. But going through them too quickly and accidentally deleting treasured photos and videos of your child's first birthday is a horrible feeling. Luckily, photo recovery has come a long way in the past few years—enough to get that deleted video back along with the incriminating pictures if you wish.
A Matter of Financial Security
While amateur photographers might be worried about losing a sentimental selfie, professional photographers are worried about losing critical client photos. Perhaps the bride calls you back and decides she actually did want the bridal photos she thought she looked fat in, or you accidentally deleted corporate event photos before sending them. Well, now you can breathe a little easier knowing that the bride's, corporate partner's, or any other client's photos will be safe.
So whether you smash, drown, burn, or perform any other kind of destructive verb on your phone, you can start to feel a little better right now about preserving all the memories you've stored solely on your main mode of communication.


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We provide a full range of Family Health Care services including:
Cervical Cytology - we recommend all women between 25-65 have a cervical smear test every three years or as advised by your doctor.
Family Planning - services provided by your doctor during normal surgery times.
Maternity Medical Services - provided by all doctors during surgery hours.
Child Health Surveillance - development checks between birth and the age of five by a doctor and health visitor. By appointment at the surgery or at your child health clinic. You will be invited at the appropriate time to attend.
Minor Surgery - A range of minor surgical procedures is carried out by the doctor during surgery hours in addition to the regular freezing clinics.
Health Promotion - the doctors and nurses are available to discuss any aspect of health promotion. As a general rule we recommend you keep your tetanus and polio immunisation up to date.
Some services are not covered by the NHS and a charge is payable - eg:
Sports, Pre-employment and HGV Medicals
Passport Signing - an appointment may be necessary
BUPA Verification
PPP Verification
Other Private Certificates
Sick Notes for First Week of Illness
Prescription for Medication to be Taken Abroad
Vaccination Certificates
A list of BMA-recommended fees is available at reception.
Several of the partners see private patients by appointment.
Specimens to be tested at the hospital at the request of your doctor must be brought into the surgery by 12.30pm.
If you have any doubts about any of the immunisations please speak to either your doctor or one of our health visitors.
An NHS certificate is not needed if you are off work for less than seven days (including weekend); this period is covered by a self certificate - available from your employer. You need to see the doctor if the absence is for longer, or if your employer requires a private certificate for which a charge is payable.


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tools #3 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
The cost of converting a box trailer into a camper using new or salvaged parts is likely to exceed the price of buying a used travel trailer. However, if you have a box trailer that is surplus to requirements and enough of the necessary appliances and fixtures on hand, your conversion can give a new lease of life to otherwise wasted materials. You will also have a camper that was built exactly to your own requirements, and you can chose any standard of provision from basic shelter and storage to sumptuous accommodation. Most box trailers have double rear doors, so they lend themselves well to conversion into toy haulers. Always have the weight of your improvements in mind as you go about planning your project.
Determine how basic or luxurious you want the finished camper to be. You can go from an air bed on the floor for a bedroom to a futon or a platform bed that takes up half the trailer; you can have a camping stove and a cooler as a galley, or fit a full 120-volt household kitchen. Spend some time at salvage yards that have accident-damaged travel trailers and RVs in stock to give yourself ideas, and then purchase what you feel you can use.
Sketch out a drawing of your project, transferring the actual measurements onto the plan to see how everything will fit together. Graph paper works well for this. If you are buying a box trailer specially for your conversion project, your plans should be finalised before you make the purchase so you know how large it needs to be.
Fit your windows and roof vents first. The windows should not be in your sleeping area; good places for roof vents are above the kitchen and bathroom areas. Next glue sheet insulation material to the inside of the walls, then line the box trailer with lightweight sheets of wall panelling screwed to the structural uprights. Use a heavy floor covering to decorate your camper and double as sound and heat insulation.
Install wiring circuits, balancing what is available against budgetary constraints. A 12-volt deep cycle battery powering a basic lighting rig and one or two power outlets can be enough for a trailer used as a hunting cabin, or you could install a 120-volt system with a shore power cord feeding a circuit breaker box and a full array of household appliances. The plumbing is equally a matter of personal choice, with a simple gravity-fed sink for cooking and washing as one extreme and city water hookups to a full-size shower and toilet as the other.
Build interior dividers from lightweight plywood to give the inside of your box trailer some separated areas, then fix cabinets and shelves to them. Hang curtains from curtain rails for privacy, if the size of the trailer limits the space you can divide. Locate storage near the doors, and if you are using the rear of the trailer as a toy hauler remember to fix heavy-duty hooks where you will need to attach the ratchet straps that hold the machine in place while you are under way.
Most recent
- Too much weight at the front of the box trailer can increase tongue weight and cause the tow vehicle to lose steering traction, and too much weight at the back of the box trailer can make it fishtail at surprisingly low speeds.
- tools #3 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com


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There are few things more annoying than a lawn that won't stay green and lush throughout the spring and summer. It's during these times that we want to be able to enjoy our lawn without having to worry about dry, brown, and sometimes patchy lawns. Your first instinct may tell you that it's brown because it hasn't been watered enough. Although this certainly could be the case, it's not the only cause of brown grass. In this blog, we're going to look at some of the most common reasons that your lawn isn't holding up to the lush green standards that you have for it.
One of the most common reasons for brown grass is heat or drought. When exposed to periods of extreme heat and low humidity, grass goes dormant. Once the the temperature drops again and there's more rain, the grass will regain its color. One way that you can check to see if it's drought or hot weather that's causing brown grass is by checking for prematurely dropping trees. This may mean that they're dried out and in that case, your grass will be as well. If you want to brighten up your lawn a bit during this time, apply water to the affected area for about an hour ever 6-7 days.
Watering too much
However productive it may seem, watering too much can also turn your grass brown. You may over accommodate for dry weather by watering too much and drowning your grass. This will cause your grass to have a short root system and be more open to infestation, weeds, and other diseases. Instead of watering a little bit each day, try watering heavily for one day and leaving it for a week or so to establish a deep root system. Many people will water too frequently and not realize how much they're actually doing it.
Lawn Grubs
Lawn grubs or white grubs include Japanese beetles or European chafers. They are soil-inhibiting larva that eats roots and other organic substances in the soil. If left untreated, they'll cause your grass to turn brown and become dry. So how will you know that it's lawn grubs that causing the brown grass? You should cut out one square-foot of grass and if there are larvae underneath, allow your grass to dry out before watering it again. You may need to apply insecticide if the issue is bad enough.
That's right, weeds aren't don't just look terrible growing out of your lawn or garden, they're actually turning your grass brown in the process. Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied in the spring to prevent them from growing out of control in the summertime.
Lawn disease will often cause it to change to a more black, red, brown, or white color. If you believe your lawn may be diseased, you should contact a qualified lawn specialist to learn about possible courses of action. Other lawn maintenance techniques like aeration and thatch management can help to prevent lawn disease. Speak with a lawn specialist about creating a maintenance routine so that this problem doesn't arise again.
Contact Cedar Mountain Tree and Lawn Care
Cedar Mountain Tree and Lawn Care is your Top Rated Local® Tree and Lawn Care company in south-central Wyoming. If your grass is turning brown and you can't figure out why, you need to call a reputable lawn expert that you know you can trust. We have over 30 years of experience working with homeowners and business owners in the area. If you have any questions or you're ready to get started, contact us today.


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Welcome! I'm Rachel. So glad you came to see what's stitching.
Sewing is to me a privilege (oh, the fabrics!), a rejuvinating hobby and a way to benefit children in poverty. I've founded a virtual sewing group do. Good Stitches {a Charity Bee} with three sewing circles – Love, Hope & Faith. Especially for battings and backings, I love to use thrifted and repurposed supplies. It just makes sense! My favorite fabric designer – by far – is Anna Maria Horner.
If you have a passion for stitching or would like to encourage me in my work, please follow along on my journey by subscribing to Stitched in Color. And, please leave your comments – I'd really love to know you stopped by! You can also contact me by email.
I'm mother of two little ones that keep me busy, but not too busy for nighttime creating. I have two webstores (www.EuphoriaMaternity.com and http://www.EuphoriaBaby.com) and we homeschool too. Phew! It sounds more exhausting than it is.
Actually, life is wonderful – sweet, beautiful and changing everyday. A big "thanks!" to all the inspiring bloggers who share this friendly space with me!
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10).
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The real reason that I travel so much, as I confessed to my dinner companions last night, is to be able to eat my way around the world. They contributed to my journey by taking me to Room 39 in Kansas City, where there is a focus on seasonal, local food and a great wine list.
Room 39's frequently-changing menu has a nice twist: it starts with a "featured farmer" – currently Green Dirt Farm of Weston, Missouri – including a loving description of the farmers, the farm and how Room 39 uses what the farm produces. This is followed by a list of the 10 other farms that are featured on today's menu, before any description of the food begins: a great commitment to putting the local producers first, literally.
The chef started us with an amuse-bouche of devilled quail eggs, which has to be one the cutest things I have ever eaten, although I was struck by the idea of how fiddly it must have been to prepare them. Each was topped with a tiny sprig of dill that enhanced the devilled egg flavour without overpowering it.
Having spent sufficient time in French restaurants, I'm accustomed to seeing a cheese course at the end of the meal (either before dessert or instead of it), but here in the Midwest, dairy farms are a way of life and cheese comes first. I can live with that, especially when we start with a sample of each of the four cheeses that they have on the menu: a Montasio cow's milk cheese from Friuli, Italy; a Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog goat cheese from Humboldt County, California; and two delightful sheep cheeses from Green Dirt Farm, the Dirt Lover and the Bossa. I fully intended to snap a photo of the cheese plate, beautifully adorned with clover flowers and honey, but we fell on it like starved animals, and I didn't think of it until only a few scraps were left. It was awesome, with the Green Dirt cheeses very reminiscent of those that I have tasted from Fifth Town.
We all decided on the four course tasting menu, which allows you to select one each of a soup or salad, an appetizer or pasta, an entrée, and a dessert; these are smaller portions than when ordered separately, but gave a great opportunity to try out more of what the chefs had to offer. Also, at $39, a steal. They provided wine pairings with each course, some different for each of us even when we ordered the same dish, all nicely paired. I have to confess that I wasn't paying a lot of attention to the wines since the food was so great, but I have tried to reconstruct what I was served based on their by-the-glass menu.
First up (for me) were local spicy greens with prosciutto, strawberries, shaved grana padano, almonds & balsamic vinaigrette. The greens were very spicy, with a bit of bitter thrown in, making a nice contrast with the sweetness of the cheese and fruit. One of the greens was raspy in texture, possibly a mustard leaf of some type, which had a bit of a weird mouth-feel. This was served with a lovely chilled rosé, but I couldn't find one on their wine list so I have no idea what it was.
For the appetizer course, I had mussels steamed in white wine with sopressata, lemon and shallots, served with grilled ciabatta. The mussels were plump and tasty, and the broth wonderful: I absorbed as much as I could with the ciabatta, and wished that I had had a spoon since it was much too early in the dinner to be drinking directly from the bowl. The sopressata could have stood to be diced a bit finer; I found the chunks too big to match the dish, somehow, although the flavour was well-suited. This was well-paired with a white Côtes du Rhône (I always think of Côtes du Rhône as red, so this was new to me), presumably the 2010 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc that is on the wine list.
The main course was a huge decision for me: after pondering the crispy veal sweetbreads, I settled on the grilled Berkshire pork chop with Rancho Gordo good mother stallard beans, pancetta, roasted tomato, preserved lemon, sautéed local greens and hazelnut romesco. The pork was perfectly pink, although a bit fatty as tends to occur with the heritage breeds, with the wonderful taste that I have come to associate with Berkshire pork. After cheese, salad and mussels, I was happy to see that the entrée course was, as promised, a smaller version of a main. The sides were really good, especially the beans, and the roasted tomato puree on the plate was a good contrast to the sweetness of the pork. This was accompanied by the 2009 Ridge "Three Valley" Zinfandel, which struck me as an odd pairing for pork, but went really nicely with the Berkshire and its assertively-flavoured sides.
I haven't been eating a lot of desserts lately and have lost some of my taste for sweets, making the savory cheese panna cotta (from Green Dirt sheep cheese, of course) with a black pepper tuille a good choice. However, I found the panna cotta a bit too firm and cold; both the texture and flavour would have been greatly improved from sitting at room temperature for a bit longer before serving, although since dessert orders were not taken until after the entrées were finished, that was scarcely possible. The black pepper tuille was delightful, and a nice contrast to the creamy, almost cheesecake taste of the panna cotta. I had a glass of ruby port with this, although I don't think that it was the 2003 Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Ruby Port that was on the menu due to some discussion about various things being out of stock; also served a bit too chilled.
Except for a few minor points, this was an outstanding meal, served in a lovely older building in Kansas City's funky and historic 39th Street district. I really liked the focus on the local ingredients, especially at this time of year when nearly everything can be local if chefs make an effort. In addition to the amazing deal on the tasting menu, wines by the bottle (plus the tasting menu pairings) are half-price on Mondays. Expecting to eat nothing but barbecue while in Kansas City this week, Room 39 was a delightful surprise.


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Sedici Close Thermic Base Balaclava is designed to keep the rider warm and dry on those really cold days. The unique combination of two performance fabrics help create the perfect base layer. The Close Thermic outer layer is a tri-layer laminate that blocks incoming wind while a semi-permeable layer allows perspiration vapor to escape. The four way stretch fleece underneath traps heat against the body while molding to the rider for excellent mobility. When worn under the helmet and jacket this balaclava creates a barrier to keep the cold air out. While the Sedici Close Thermic Balaclava was designed with riders in mind it will perform equally as well in any situation where extra warmth is needed.
Sedici Close Thermic Balaclava
Features and Benefits
- 100% windproof to help to keep your core temperature up by reducing wind chill
- Water resistant to help keep you dry
- Antibacterial treatment to help neutralize odors
- Multidirectional stretch fleece for warmth and comfort
- Moisture wicking material to keep sweat off and maintain temperature
- Microfiber collar and eye-port for comfort


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Time reporting in farmerswife is as easy as the click of a button. Users receive reminders to enter their time and any expendables used during a session can be added while time reporting as well as breaks or comments.
It is even possible to print hard copies of time report sheets or save them as PDF files to attach to email.
Operators/Artists that are Web Users can either use the Web Client, the Mobile Web Client (for Android) or the iOS app to time-report.