Urban Cartography - Mapping your lifestyle

Clearing a House for Probate

May 24, 2021 Urban Cartography 0

Clearing a house for a deceased relative or loved one is never easy. It’s a challenging task but it’s something that must be done before probate. To help you clear out the house during this difficult time, below are a list of tips that you can apply.

Professional help

If you’re unable to clear the house for personal reasons or if you require help, you could look for house clearance companies who can carry this out on your behalf. Make sure to remove any sentimental or important items beforehand.

Hiring an estate agent and a solicitor is something you may need to look into if you’re looking to put the property up for sale later on.

Schedule a date

In some situations, some people took months to start clearing the house as the date was never set in the first place. To avoid the same mistake, it’s important to set aside a time and date on when you want to clear the house. You should only set the date after the will has been read. Once you have a date, you can let other family members and ask for their help.

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Using a Will Writing Company to Make a Will

March 16, 2021 Urban Cartography 0

When it comes to making a Will, many assume that hiring a solicitor is required to make the will legally binding. In fact, you don’t necessarily need a solicitor to make the Will valid; however, a solicitor can help ease the process.

But even without the help of a solicitor, a Will written on your own is still valid. However, be aware that writing your Will can come with potential risk. You will need to ensure your Will is properly witnessed and most importantly worded correctly to prevent issues later on.

If you choose to write your own Will and not hire a solicitor, you could still get some help and advice from a Will writing company. This will ensure your Will is executed correctly.

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Industrial Home Design Tips

September 21, 2020 Urban Cartography 0

The industrial design is still among one of the most popular and timeless styles that many people choose for their home interiors. But what exactly is industrial design, and how can you achieve this look?

The industrial style is often associated with several design elements including exposed brick walls, pipes, large metal windows, rustic decors, concrete walls and floorings as well as the use of raw materials. It’s also about combining old features with the new modern design. Overall it’s a versatile design that can be achieved easily.

Below are some tips on how you can achieve an industrial interior design at home.

Floors

Wood, stone and concrete are usually the top choices for industrial flooring. To select the right flooring, you’ll need to choose a colour and texture that goes well with the industrial theme.

Industrial interiors often give off a warm and old feel to a room. For this reason, choosing a medium or dark shade for flooring is an ideal choice.

Walls

The industrial style is versatile, and there are plenty of wall designs that fit well with this theme. One of the most popular wall designs for industrial themes are exposed bricks. You can incorporate bricks on one side of the wall or have them as your main wall.

Industrial style is also about large spaces. If you have a spacious room, using a natural colour palette for your wallpaper or wall paint can help brighten up the place even more. You can opt-in for neutral colours such as beige, grey, white or cream.

If you prefer a more personalised style, you may want to consider a graffiti wall art of your choice.

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Which is best, granite or quartz worktops?

February 18, 2020 Urban Cartography 0

When you decide to replace your worktop, you’ll soon discover that there are a wide range of material options available. Two of the most popular choices for a modern kitchen design are granite and quartz worktops. It’s not easy to make a decision when you don’t know much about the two. Also, the difference between each worktop can be hard to distinguish, as both are similar in appearance. However, each material has its pros and cons. With that said, the only way to decide which material is suitable for you is by looking at the difference between them.

How are granite & quartz worktops fitted?

When fitting a granite or quartz worktop, precise measurements of the kitchen unit will need to be carried out beforehand. Measurements should include the space around the hob or sink area to ensure the worktop will fit perfectly. Once the correct measurements are collected, the granite or quartz worktops are cut precisely, ready for delivery and final installation.

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What is Metal Fabrication?

August 23, 2019 Urban Cartography 0

Metal is part of our everyday lives and though metal fabrication is a massive, global business, those outside the industry are often oblivious to what it actually is.

In simple terms, it is the process by which sheet metal is manipulated to create structures, products and components. This can include design, fabrication and installation and typically requires both machine engineering and automation as well as manual labour and skill. Creating the finished pieces requires precise work and a portfolio of different skills and expertise as each part has to be made to match the design and specification.

What Does it Make?

Metal fabrication is used to create many of the structures we come across in our daily lives, from handrails on stairs in the supermarket, metal staircases around the outside of a building to fencing around the car park, metal signage for shop fronts, stainless steel planters, bicycle racks and metal playground equipment like swing frames

Architectural metalwork such as metal fencing is also a commonly seen application, with fences in different styles, suitable for different locations like parks, schools and sports grounds. Metal fabrication contracts are often created for larger projects, covering the metalwork throughout a development such as an office block, housing estate or sports stadium. There are also smaller, domestic applications, for example creating garden furniture or bespoke kitchen countertops.

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Most Important Scaffolding Safety Requirements in the UK

March 14, 2018 Urban Cartography 0

Scaffolders in Somerset – Safety Requirements

Recently, a 78-year-old man died falling 15 feet from scaffolding as he was working in the refurbishment of a store in Cribbs Causeway. This is just one incident. Every year there are many fatalities due to scaffold accidents. Construction is a huge industry in the UK that should follow scaffolding safety requirements. There are lots of job opportunities. Though the pay is good the jobs are risky. When the constructors work on great heights for doing building repair works, installing windows, painting, roofing, or other tasks, scaffolding should be constructed so that they can work.

The scaffold is one of the riskiest areas in a building to work as there is a high chance that you may fall or slip. When constructing a scaffolding structure it is necessary to maintain all the basic scaffolding regulations and rules. It is recommended that you must hire a professional for the job. You must ensure that the professional you hire adheres to the government rules and has the proper insurance to cover accidents of workers. You will find some good scaffolders in Somerset.

Scaffolding Safety Precautions and Inspection

Scaffolds are platforms temporarily made of wood, tube, clip, etc. so that the workers can access the area of their work. These platforms are also needed to hold the supplies that are required for the construction job. As the workers have to work in great heights, it can be dangerous to work. The scaffolding companies need to take safety precautions and do regular inspections to ensure that the scaffold is safe and secure.

Precautions

When you work on a scaffold you should be aware of the laws and regulations. These laws can vary from one city to the other and also from one job to the next. Any employee who is working on a scaffold must be trained about the nature of the hazards involved, usage of the materials and procedures undertaken to deal with the various hazards. The workers can have protection system for falling objects or their personal fall arrest system.

Inspection

Any company building scaffolds in construction sites must adhere to the Scaffolding regulations. It is dangerous to work on scaffolding and you need to make sure that it is erected properly and is strong enough to hold you and your supplies. Scaffolding inspection is needed once every weak to ensure that the scaffolding is in good shape. Approved inspectors carry out the inspection and give their remarks on the scaffolding inspection report. He or she is responsible for identifying and noting down any defects found that can be risky. The inspector will also suggest any action that is necessary to ensure complete safety.

The inspection of scaffolding should start with a survey of the site. The inspection professional must prepare a scaffold inspection checklist. Any hazard should be noted, like debris, ditches, unguarded openings, high tension wires, etc. Steps must be taken to get rid of these hazards. Then the inspection professional … Read more!

Top 5 uses for a UV lamp and ultraviolet light

December 14, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

The ultraviolet light is very useful. It has many applications in the commercial, industrial and healthcare sectors. Ultraviolet light is a kind of electromagnetic radiation. Its wavelength is close to that of X-rays and light.The LED technology is improving and so the UV LED lights are becoming more available in the market. The UV light has higher energy compared to the visible light and so it is more useful. Here we are going to discuss the various uses of UV lamps.

Tanning and skin treatment

UV light is used for tanning. It can be used to imitate the impact of sunlight on the skin. For indoor tanning, use of UV light is very common. In fact, many people prefer indoor tanning to sun tanning. The rays of the sun are not uniform, so it may cause sunburn at times. You also need to be under the sun for a longer period of time to get the tan. The indoor tanning, on the other hand, requires only about 20 minutes. Another disadvantage of sun tanning is that the sun contains both UVA and UVB beams. The UVA beams are responsible for the tanning, but the UVB beams are harmful as it might affect your DNA. The UV lamps used in salons for indoor tanning doesn’t contain any UVB beams. So, it is safer. Ultraviolet light is effective in treating smallpox lesions. UV phototherapy is effective in treating vitiligo and psoriasis. It can also prevent the growth of certain type of skin cancer.

Fluorescent inspection

UV lamps can be used to inspect various materials and surfaces. Materials react in different ways when they are exposed to the UV light. Some substances absorb the UV light’s energy and change it into visible light. It is called fluorescence. For example, the ink of a highlighter pen has fluorescent dye. So, the dye glows in the dark. UV lamps can provide efficient lighting in homes and offices. These lights are used to decorate nightclubs.The UV beams emit a black light. This black light is useful in many ways. It can be used to inspect splits, breaks, and various defects. You can view certain things using the UV light that are not visible to the naked eye. So, it is also used as an analytic tool. This light is used by the detectives and other companies for inspection of documents, forged bank notes, etc.

Disinfection and germ control

The ultraviolet light can inactivate the small creatures in the water. So, it is used for disinfecting drinking water. This process is absolutely chemical free and can effectively destroy bacteria that have a wavelength of 240 to 280 nanometers. The light destroys the bacteria’s capacity to reproduce. So, no more bacteria grows in the water. UV light is widely used in water treatment facilities. This method of treating water is a lot more efficient than boiling water. The UV light can also get rid of chlorine and chloramine from water. Another use of the UV lamp is that … Read more!

Get Your Garden BBQ-Ready

September 1, 2016 Urban Cartography 0

Summer is the ideal time to host a barbeque, especially with plenty of friends and family to join you. In fact, you can get away with it for much of the year as long as it’s not raining. People may blame the weather for not having a BBQ regularly, but often they’re hiding a secret – garden shame. It doesn’t have to be a nightmare preparing your garden for an outdoor party, though. In fact, just a few easy steps should get you completely ready to host the BBQ of the summer!

1) Tame the lawn

If your garden consists mainly of grass then you’re perfectly suited to a BBQ party. You just need to get it under control so it’s comfortable for people to walk around on – wading through knee-height vegetation to get to the food isn’t ideal, plus in the summer you can expect insect bites all round. Cutting the grass neatly can make an incredible difference, and probably only takes about half an hour maximum for a large lawn.

2) Fix up paintwork

Fences, gates, decking, seating and even your garden shed probably need a new coat of paint every few years at least. If the paint is looking a little tired, this doesn’t even have to take long to get sorted. Pick out a brand new colour and freshen up your garden furnishings with bright colours if you feel you need an extra bit of excitement in the garden.

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Cutting Summer Electricity Bills

April 27, 2016 Urban Cartography 0

In the summer your home will become unpleasantly hot and the vast majority of us will immediately resort to turning the air conditioning or fans on for 8 hours a day. The electricity used up by cooling your home is obviously significant and the bill from your electricity supplier will be large too if you do not find a way to cut back on usage. This article considers how you can reduce your electricity, and thus your bills, in preparation for the summer.

Create Isolation Points

Cooling your entire home is a mammoth task and it is a move that will greatly increase your electricity bills. There is no need, however, to cool your entire property during the day if you will not be using all of it. For most people the vast majority of the home will be unused throughout the day, so paying large amounts to cool the whole property is unnecessary. By creating areas that can be isolated by closing an insulated door, you can make it so that you need only cool one room instead of trying to reduce the temperature of the other 90% of your home that you are not using.

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Planning a Dinner Party At Home

January 25, 2016 Urban Cartography 0

Planning a dinner party is lots of fun and a great way to spend time with friends. You can make it as fancy as you like and you can even have a theme! If you are planning to entertain, here are a few dinner party theme ideas to make your party sparkle.

Hawaiian Luau Party

Hawaiian Luau dinner parties are fantastic ideas for summer and entails lots of grass skirts, bikini tops, Hawaiian shirts and bare feet. Use lots of flowers and lays for decorations and you can also hand them to your guests as they arrive!

What to serve? Lots of dishes featuring sweet potatoes, salmon, mangoes and pineapples. Don’t forget the tiki torches – or the cocktails!

Rustic Dinner Party

A perfect dinner party idea for winter, a rustic dinner gathering is all about simplicity and tradition. Use candles to create a warm and cosy feel in your home and if feasible, use wooden furniture to produce that ‘rustic’ feel. Dried, hanging herbs make great decorations, as do small potted flowers and plants.

What to serve? Cheese and wine are excellent rustic options, but if you are going the full three-course meal, consider doing soup as an entree, a roast with vegetables for main and a traditional cake for dessert. Yum!

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Finding Money to Repair a Work Vehicle

August 16, 2013 Urban Cartography 0

As sure as death and taxes, cars will break down. While it is inconvenient and stressful, it doesn’t mean you still can’t hold down a job to make money to fix the repairs. It will take some adjustments, but before you know it, you’ll be back on the road again.

Here are some options to consider:

Take Public Transport or Hire or Borrow a Car

If your car is only going to take a day or two to get fixed, jump on the bus or train. It may be easier than you think.

Some jobs rely on using a car to get to business meetings, so public transport isn’t going to cut it. Ring around all the local car rental and hire car companies. Some do fantastic weekly deals, and if you explain the situation, they may offer a further discount. Also, make sure to read all the fine print, so you know exactly how much you’ll be up for.

Ask around family or friends if they can loan you their car, until yours is fixed. Some families have a second car that is rarely used, so front up.

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Unique Craft Ideas with Flowers

July 9, 2013 Urban Cartography 0

Flowers have been used in craft and decoration for a long time. From pressed flowers to candles, there is something for all crafty people. Just remember to pick flowers that are appropriate to the task you plan to undertake and don’t be scared to experiment. Trial and error can pay big dividends in the end. Here are some crafty ideas to get you started.

Dried flowers

These are very popular because you can let your creativity run wild. Not only that, but dried flowers are easy to make and can then be used in many different ways. Flowers can be dried by hanging them upside down in a wardrobe or cupboard for 2 to 3 weeks until ready. They can then be used in bouquets, arrangements or almost anything else crafty that takes your fancy. Don’t be scared to mix and match different types and colours together. Dry them as a bunch for the best results

Pressed flowers

Just like dried flowers, these are very simple to make. All you need to do is lay them flat between sheets of paper and leave them to dry completely before removing. They work best with some weight on them, so placing them on white paper in the middle of a telephone book would do the trick. Just be careful when drying flowers as some of the colour will come off. Don’t use one of your prized books for this task just in case. Dried flowers can then be used for all manners of craft, but one of the favourites is placing them in a picture frame.

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Home Renovation Trends in 2021

August 31, 2021 Urban Cartography 0

Since covid, our daily lives have been impacted in many ways. Many people are now working from home, and homeschooling has become the new norm. We’ve also had more time spent indoors, and many people seem to have used this time for home improvements. Since the beginning of covid, it’s been reported that home renovation has risen tremendously.

If you’re one of the many people looking to renovate your home this year, you may want to consider the following renovation trends in 2021.

Fresh Paint

Home renovation doesn’t have to cost a lot. Many people have only opted in for a new fresh of paint for their home interior and exterior to give their homes a new makeover. A new colour of paint can have a big impact on your living spaces.

Adding a new wall colour to your home can help liven up the atmosphere. Blue and green is currently the latest trend that many people are implementing in their spaces.

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The best health and fitness apps in the market

December 20, 2019 Urban Cartography 0

Fitness is an essential part of living healthy. Today, fitness and living healthy has become even more popular due to social media influence. Fitness methods have also evolved, and there are more ways to fitness. It includes yoga, Pilates, bodybuilding, Cross Fit and many others. Technology has also played a big part in fitness. For instance, we can now access all kinds of fitness tutorials on various apps on our mobile phone. If you’re looking to start your health and fitness journey, we recommend starting with an app. Below is a list of fitness and health apps that you can try.

8fit

8fit is a popular fitness app as it allows you to customise your workouts and meal plan based on your fitness goal and your current stats. Another great thing about this app is that you can track and log all your workouts from the first day you start.

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal allows you to track your calories based on the meals you’ve had. It logs in every nutritional information from the ingredients on your meal. The app can also capture and log nutritional labels from all kinds of foods.

Happify

Happify can help improve our overall wellness and emotional health. The app provides various exercises and games to help tackle negative thoughts and stress. It can also offer some forms of meditation to fight off stress and anxiety issues.

Edo

Edo helps users to understand what exactly we’re consuming based on the food labels provided. This smart app can provide you with a full list of items that are available in supermarkets. It also provides you with all the nutritional information from all food products available in the store.

Freeletics

If you’re on a budget, you can start with Freeletics. This type of exercise doesn’t require gym equipment. The app is filled with various workouts that only requires your body weight.

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A Guide on How to Write your First Autobiography

October 17, 2019 Urban Cartography 0

Writing an autobiography is ideal if you wish to keep a copy of your life story in a book or have it shared with the rest of the world. Don’t worry if you’ve never written an autobiography before. In this article, we’ll be giving you some advice on how to get started with your autobiography.

Look for a reference

To get an understanding of how an autobiography is written, start by finding a popular autobiography from someone you admire. Once you’ve read through the autobiography, you will be able to get a basic understanding of how an autobiography should sound and written on a book. You may also want to incorporate something you like from the reference and add it to your autobiography.

Revisit your past

The next step is to revisit your memories and try to remember any important events or experiences that made a significant impact on your life or have helped you shaped the person you are today. Once you have recollected your memories, you can divide them into categories and have them listed on a paper.

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The Best Places To Travel In 2019

January 31, 2019 Urban Cartography 0

A new year is creeping in and if you’re thinking where to plan your next holiday then look no further. We’ve gathered a list of places recommended by travel experts all around the world. To accommodate everyone, we have a variety of destinations that will fit every budget.

Pantelleria

Pantelleria is a beautiful island situated in Italy. The island is filled with luxury venues and restaurants. It’s currently popular for celebrities and millionaires like Giorgio Armani. So if you’re looking for a luxurious vacation and a perfect getaway, Pantelleria is the way to go.

Rwanda

Rwanda is situated in Africa. The capital is called Kigali which has a reputation of being one of the cleanest city in Africa. If you’re into jungles and wild trips, this destination would be ideal. Furthermore, new renovations are being built this coming year. One that’s expecting to get a lot of attention is a lodge called ‘One & Only Gorilla’s Nest’. The venue is offering both accommodation and attraction where guests can stay in a luxurious and comfortable room with a spectacular view of the outside park.

Cambodia

Cambodia is currently improving their tourism and infrastructure, and it’s expected to attract a lot of travellers this coming year. The country is making big waves as they work on improving the roads and access throughout the country. It will make it easier for locals and tourist to explore different areas of Cambodia. Furthermore, they’ve opened a number of national parks which are open to the public.

Jordan

Jordan is located in the middle east, and it’s one of the safest countries in the area. Jordan is filled with astonishing cliffs and mountains views. It offers plenty of temples and attractions including the rift valley, mount Nebo, dead sea and Wadi Rum. Their valleys, temples and mountains are filled with pink sandstones which made the place known as ‘rose city’.

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The Best Books To Read This Year

November 15, 2018 Urban Cartography 0

New books are emerging every year, and if you’re a book lover, know that many exciting books are coming out this year. To help our readers, we’ve done our research and picked out some of the best books that you should look out for this year. No matter what kind of books you like to read, there’s one that will suit everybody’s taste.

Circe

This book is currently one of the most popular read this year. Written by Madeline Miller and based on Greek mythology, the story involves a young woman called Circe. Circe is a powerful woman known as a daughter of a god. Although she came from a godly background, she possesses the power of witchcraft. Due to having a dark force, her father exiled her away from their world and into a deserted island. Having spent years in an island by herself, she came across humans seeking for shelter, and by the end of it, she began to understand and appreciate the life of humans who she has crossed path with on the island. Now she must choose between her mortal identity and her godly family.

Everything Here is Beautiful

The novel revolves around the life of two sisters who both have a completely different personality to each other. As being the first born, Miranda has always been responsible out of the two sisters while Lucia, on the other hand, is more carefree but struggles with her mental health. The story tells us how both sisters cope after the death of their mother.

The French Girl

The French Girl is an exciting thriller story where a group of friends came back from a week-long getaway only to find out their next-door neighbour has gone missing. The police had no lead to the investigation, and the case eventually closed. A few years later, the group of friends has led separate lives however someone from their past came knocking back, and this has led to a suspicion that one of their friends may have to do with the missing girl’s case.

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How to Choose the Best Criminal Defence Solicitor

September 6, 2018 Urban Cartography 0

When you find yourself in trouble with the law, the very first thing you should be thinking about is getting the best possible criminal defence solicitor, capable of providing you with legal expert advice on your situation, as well as representation in court, all geared towards getting you the ideal outcome in your situation.

When it comes to choosing your criminal defence solicitor, you first need to understand the fundamental differences between criminal and civil law, what offences criminal defence solicitors represent, and what to look for in your defence solicitor.

While that might all sound like a lot, it’s actually all a lot more straightforward and logical than it seems. Here’s how to pick the right criminal defence solicitor.

What is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Law?

Criminal and civil law may seem similar, but there are some key differences that set them apart. Criminal law essentially sets the boundaries on general acceptable conduct in the UK.

This covers everything from littering and spitting in the street all the way up to taking someone’s life. Breaking criminal law is frequently seen as an offence against society as a whole, with the state often prosecuting, and giving out sentences such as imprisonment, fines or community sentences.

Civil law functions to protect individuals from each other and the state. By setting out everyone’s duties and rights, civil laws aim to make society as fair and balanced as possible. Sometimes, in individual cases, both civil and criminal law can arise.

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What is a Physical Therapist?

August 16, 2018 Urban Cartography 0

Physical therapy is all about maintaining, optimising and restoring people’s optimum movement, strength, and physical ability. That can involve dealing with factors such as injury rehabilitation, aging, disease, as well as various disorders and conditions.

Physical therapists are qualified and trained experts that can help you re-attain previous levels of strength or mobility, and restore your quality of life.

Home Rehabilitation

Home-based rehabilitation is a great option for individuals with practical concerns when it comes to getting out of the house. Home rehabilitation takes away the stress and hassle of travelling to a practice and allows you to sit back and await a visit.

On top of this, they can help you adapt to difficulties around the home, and recommend changes or modifications that’ll make things much easier.

This is a great option when it comes to securing a higher quality of life and greater independence for older or frailer patients, and can be ideal for those with injuries and conditions that make it painful or awkward to travel.

For some patients, this can make it possible to stay in their own home and avoid having to go into care. Physiotherapists work with the patient, family and carers to build a holistic approach that covers all bases and has solid, achievable goals that help to rebuild quality of life and independence.

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Top Destinations For A Caravan Holiday in Scotland

February 24, 2018 Urban Cartography 0

When considering options for a great summer holiday, or a trip during any time of the year, many people consider lavish beach destinations with ritzy hotels and a wide variety of pampering services that will help them forget about their daily jobs, their obligations at home, and all of the reasons that they booked a trip in the first place. An equally large number of people, though, are just as interested in going out and being among nature for the duration of their holiday.

Caravan holidays are some of the most popular options for tourists who visit Scotland, largely on account of the stunning areas of rolling countryside and scenic destinations that make Scotland a fun, engaging, and memorable choice for families and individuals of all types. These caravan homes have basic amenities much like a lodge accommodation. The house is double glazed and centrally heated, with a small patio decked with folding chairs, tables, and other furniture fits for outdoors. Various types of portable heating are also available for rent. This includes cabinet heaters, oil fired heaters, and radiant heaters.

Some even have luxury wooden hot tubs that whole families can enjoy. For those who like being out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of some of Europe’s most popular destinations, there are a few great options for caravanning that will make memories and impress visitors throughout the duration of their stay in the country.

The number of potential destinations for a caravan holiday is pretty large, and it can be hard to choose just one location. Luckily, there are a few destinations that stand out among the competition as the most inviting, scenic, and engaging locations in the entire country. For those travellers planning an upcoming getaway, be sure to check out these locations for great scenery, activities, and relaxation.

1. Craig Tara

Located in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, this unique caravan experience is more than just the typical caravan and RV park that is most often found throughout Scotland. Indeed, those who choose to holiday at this unique location will find a multi-level indoor theme park that has all kinds of fun and exciting diversions for people of all ages. Because it’s entirely enclosed, it’s the perfect option for a rainy day or a chilly day that might not be good for sightseeing and local travel.

When an indoor park is not on the agenda, Ayr itself offers plenty of great experiences for travellers. The town itself is quite historic, with a population of just under 46,000 people. Local attractions are numerous, but the real sight to see here is the coastline and the great views that accompany the park’s location. There is simply nothing more relaxing than Ayr’s prime location and its stunning surroundings.

2. Caolasnacon Caravan and Camping Park

Perhaps Scotland’s main attraction to visitors is its famous highlands, which are the subject of numerous folk songs and countless scenic photographs. Caolasnacon Caravan and Camping Park is located in a central part of … Read more!

Activities to do in Scotland

December 17, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

Scotland is generally a pretty diverse country in terms of its landscape and attractions. The weather is relatively uniform across the country, though, with temperatures changing based mostly on a person’s elevation. The summer months are sunny and particularly good for going to the beach, while the chillier months of spring and autumn are prime time to visit the Scottish Highlands and participate in more gruelling outdoor activities.

Without a doubt, the most popular thing done by most travellers during holidays is simply unwinding and relaxing in the country’s scenic settings. When something must be put on the agenda, though, the best activities vary by locations. At caravan sites like Seton Sands, the most popular activity is definitely lying by the beach and enjoying the rhythm of the waves.

Converting a van to a campervan for your holiday

Buying your own caravan, park home or motorhome can be expensive, while the options available can be pretty standard and may not be suitable for your requirements.

One way to save money and get exactly what you want is by using a van to camper conversions company. This option allows you to convert your van into a campervan or motorhome, and add bespoke extras such as elevating roofs, your choice of upholstery and different types of windows.

Conversions are relatively low cost at just £5000 for the basic option, and as everything is bespoke you can even add additional features at a later date if you’re on a budget.

Camping in Scotland

At parks located within the Scottish Highlands, hiking and nature walks are particularly popular with travellers. So, too, are more academic pursuits that take advantage of the natural setting for research and other hobbies.

Camping is one of the top activities for travellers in Scotland. You can join organised campsites or go wild camping to some of the remote areas in the countryside. To camp safely and responsibly, here are a few guidelines as noted in Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code:

– Leave no trace of campfire and leave the area as you have found it

– Carry a trowel and properly bury any waste

– Never cut down or damage trees

– Always have a survival kit in tow in case of emergencies. Supplies should include: flashlights, a fire starter, a metal whistle, a folding knife, a waterproof blanket, and more. These can be typically bought in a ready package from outdoor supply stores.

– If unsure, always ask the landowner for advice.

Because it is such a small and compact country, sightseeing in major historical centres like Edinburgh is always at the top of every to-do list, especially for those who are visiting the country from particularly far-off international locales. Golf, too is one of the most popular activities for those on holiday. Golf did, after all, originate in Scotland!

A Prime Holiday Destination for All

The country is diverse and historic, scenic and enjoyable, and always relaxing. The number of great activities that can be done by … Read more!

Why You Should Stay In A Serviced Apartment

October 9, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

Whether you are prepping yourself for a long spate of international travel or you have work that needs to be done across the country, you’ll find that the issue of your accommodations must be addressed very quickly. There are many places to stay no matter where you are going, but if you want to make sure that your head is clear and that you can be very comfortable while you work or play, it is time for you to follow the trend of serviced apartments. An apartment of this sort offers you a stay that is very different from what can be offered at a hotel, and you may find that this is exactly what you need.

At the most basic level, an apartment of this sort is an apartment that works like a hotel. However, instead of having the limits of a hotel room, it gives you all the comforts of home while you are on the road. Not only do you have a kitchen area to work with, you’ll also have all of the utensils that you are used to enjoying at home. When you are planning to be on a long stay, simply being able to prepare your own meals can be quite grounding, offering you a chance to settle into a routine that is not completely dependent on other people. On top of that, you’ll also save quite a bit of cash when you not eating out or relying on the hotel itself for every meal.

More and more companies have decided to adopt this model by creating corporate apartments when they know that their workers are going to be in the area on a routine basis. Corporate apartments can help their workers feel significantly more at home, increasing their productivity and helping them deal with being away from their own houses and lives, whether they are having a short stay or a long stay.

One thing that sets the serviced apartment apart from merely being a furnished apartment is the amenities that are offered. When you are on the road doing work or having fun, you might not want to deal with the day to day realities of home. For example, more and more apartments of this sort are adding services like laundry and housekeeping to the amenities offered. If you are working at a foreign location for eight or ten hours a day, one of the last things that you want when you get home is to be confronted with a tall pile of dirty laundry. Instead, you can simply set out a bag of your laundry, and then when you get home, you’ll have your clean clothes folded and ready for you. This kind of convenience can keep you focused rather than having you becoming increasingly frantic and busy.

A full-service apartment can be handy even when you are going to be on a short stay, like for a holiday. When you are on vacation, you, of course, want to enjoy … Read more!

Top 5 Redecoration Trends This Year

August 23, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

What’s one thing that will never go out of style? Changing your style, of course! When it comes to the home, there’s nothing really more fun than completely revamping a room, but we don’t just do it for fun. Functionality really has to be accounted for, although we have to leave some room for innovation and a little fun. Technology is also finding new ways of sneaking into our homes all the time, which necessitates regular updates. Overall there are certain trends emerging for 2017, and here are the top 5 as far as we can tell.

Environmental Efficiency

With major redevelopments, it usually makes sense for people to focus on highly efficient appliances, water and heating systems. Not only do these save money in the long run on energy bills, but high tech developments have made them more affordable from the outset compared to older, less environmentally friendly systems.

Low Maintenance

This trend is being especially popularised by the young adult demographic. Millennials who are moving out into their own places are steering away from housework as much as possible, which puts the focus on low maintenance furnishings and fittings. Simple surfaces that look smooth, resist scratches and are easy to clean are favoured over fussy, awkward designs.

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Finding the right company for office refurbishment

July 3, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

If you’re looking to refurbish your working space area, you’ll need to make sure that you hire the right company who will do the job for you. Some factors would need to be considered when choosing to hire a refurbishment contractors. Let’s take a look the following checklist.

Accreditation

It’s important to check if the company is accredited or not. An accredited company will ensure that they provide a quality work throughout the project.

Experience

An ideal company for your project should have plenty of experience in able to fulfil the job. A reputable company are likely to showcase their previous work on their website or provide them for you when requested. They should also have a team of constructors and planners that have the right skills and experiences to carry out the job. You may want to ask them for some of their previous work that is similar to your project so that you can take a look at an example and results.

Insurance

Make sure that the company are insured with the three most importantinsurance including the public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance and the contractor’s insurance.

The public liability insurance is used to protect the clients who enter a building during a refurbishing work. It will be used to cover any damages caused by the refurbishment contractors. The professional indemnity insurance covers the contractors and the business in case of claims made by dissatisfied clients. The claims can involve the quality of your work or any mistakes or damage made that has cost your customer money. The contractor’s insurance will cover any cost equipment that was used on the job. This includes the machinery and tools.

Communication

Look out for companies who dedicate themselves into communicating well with their clients. Communication is essential when it comes to completing the project between the company and the client. Great companies will regularly communicate and update you with what’s going on with your project.

They should also be able to listen well to what you need or expect from the project.

Reviews

Find out about the company’s reviews by their customers. Nowadays, you can easily find customer’s reviews online or on the main website. Look out for what their customer says about their service. Word of mouth and recommendations are also a good way of looking for a suitable company that may be able to meet and exceed your expectations.

Budget

Depending on your budget it’s worth considering looking at prices and quotes from different companies and see who can provide you with the best value for your money. You might find that some companies offer the same level of service for a much lower price. Refurbishing projects are often costly so make sure to stick to a budget.

Health and Safety

All companies should have their health and safety in place to protect their employees. The constructors should be knowledgeable in the health and safety regulations so that they take the correct steps against any risks.

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Basic Home Decor Tips & Ideas

June 13, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

When it comes to interior design, you should always let your creative instincts guide you and experiment with different styles. There is no right or wrong most of the time, so feel free to do whatever suits you when designing your own home! That said, some practical tips will apply to almost everyone and potentially make the process a lot easier. Here are a few of our top pointers.

Create a central focus –

Having a focal point that your design is centred around will make your room look like it’s been designed professionally every time. Whether this is a feature wall with a different paint colour or premium wallpaper, an impressive fireplace or even a particular work of art, the right focus can make everything else in the room look better.

Choose your paint last –

It may seem rational to select the colour of your walls before you do anything else. After all, the room needs to be empty so you can paint it, then you add the furnishings after. Unfortunately this makes no sense when you think it through, and once you get the furniture in you might regret your choice. Buy your key furniture first and decide on the rest of the décor, then go back and paint your room when you’re ready to commit to a shade.

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Weight Loss Diets To Try

April 2, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

There are so many diets out there that most people looking to lose some weight are overwhelmed with information. It’s not just a case of looking at some simple facts and making a choice – you’re presented with strong opinions on whether a diet is good or bad for you wherever you turn. Hearing stories about dangerous diets can be very worrying, and it’s true that some should be avoided given our current medical knowledge, and you should be wary about trying too many different extreme diets. However, there are a few straightforward ones that have been tried and tested by many people with positive results, and you might consider these.

1) The 5:2 Diet

One of the most popular diets of the last few years, this involves fasting or restricting your calorie intake to less that 500 calories on two non-consecutive days each week, and eating regularly for the other five days. The focus is on being more sustainable than a non-stop diet, something most people find difficult. This diet requires some caution and plenty of exercise to supplement it, but it’s very manageable and effective for many people. This diet is also popular for people that want to take advantage of the health benefits associated with intermittant fasting.

Intermittent fasting is not a form of starvation but a way for you to time your meals to maximize your body’s ability to burn fat.

2) The Keto Diet

The keto diet is currently gaining popularity across the world due to its rapid results. Followers of the keto diet prefer to refer to it as a new way of eating rather than a diet as it is a change that is carried forward permanently instead of for a limited time. The science behind the keto diet is that you switch your body from being a carb burner to a fat burner by increasing your natural fat intake, eating a moderate amount of protein and restricting carbs to less than 20g per day. This new way of eating is supposed to keep you feeling fuller for longer, one reason that many followers tend to combine it with intermittant fasting for additional benefits. Once fully keto adapted, many people reduce their food intake to 2 meals per day, usually within a 6-8 hour window.

Although there are many who consider this diet to be unhealthy, many followers have reported medical improvements, and there are a growing number of doctors that are backing this way of eating including Dr Berg. Maria Emmerich, another well-known advocate of the keto way of eating, has written several books and offers advice on her website.

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Benefits of Volunteering Abroad

February 21, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

For many people from all walks of life, something that greatly appeals to them is the idea of volunteering abroad. Offering your time and skills to help vulnerable people in other countries is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, so it’s no surprise that so many people aspire to take part in one of these programmes. There may be more options available then you realised, so it’s worth considering all the potential benefits and looking into it for yourself.

Firstly, throwing yourself into something completely new is always a great way to gain life experience. You’ll be meeting very different people and be able to share experiences with them that will probably influence your later life for the better. Practically everyone who takes part in an overseas volunteering programme describes it as one of the best times of their life, and something they would never regret doing if only for the new perspective they gain. Travelling to see more of the world is something that naturally appeals to almost everyone, and this is an exciting and rewarding way to do it.

Not only that, but you can actually gain relevant skills and experience in the field you’re interested in as a career through volunteering abroad. If you have a unique skill set that’s valuable to a charity or organisation, they’d love to recruit you. Teaching English in schools, working on environmental projects and providing medical care are some of the most popular areas that may interest you. All this helps you build an amazing CV that will get you further in your later career.

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Designing Pharmaceutical Packing

January 3, 2017 Urban Cartography 0

The design work that goes into the packaging every product we see on shop shelves is often overlooked. This is certainly true within the field of medical packaging, as this tends to look deceptively simple. In fact, carton packaging for medicines always needs to fulfil many essential requirements, so careful design is crucial.

High standards are imposed by the government and other healthcare organisations which explain how packaging for medical supplies, including cartons, bottles and other types, must be presented. Specific accreditations which ensure these high standards are met include the following:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• PS 9000 Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials
• BRC/IoP Global Packaging and Packaging Materials

Due to the serious health implications of using most types of drugs inappropriately, usually by accident, following strict health and safety regulations is a serious matter when it comes to the presentation, promotion and sale of those products. Vital information must be conveyed clearly, including all the language used to describe the uses, limitations and potential side effects of any drug which must be explicitly set out for consumers.

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Flooring Guide for Homes & Businesses

December 23, 2016 Urban Cartography 0

Flooring choices can be confusing. Most people might not put that much thought into it, especially after the project has been completed, but it’s one of the only elements that’s essential in every room in some form or another. Finding high quality commercial flooring that’s suitable for you may mean something that’s extremely practical and cost effective, while in the home you may be looking at something that emphasises the best features in your room and might make more of a statement. Here are some of the benefits and features of the main materials you may be considering to help you decide.

Concrete – A simple but very effective as a flooring solution in some cases, concrete can be suitable for ultra-modern homes or businesses alike. It’s a top choice for people who are installing underfloor heating, too, because it conducts heat well. The main drawbacks are the high cost (since it has to somehow be poured into the flooring area and set) and the fact that it’s not exactly comfortable to walk on, let alone fall over!

Tiles – Easy to clean and maintain, tiles made from porcelain or ceramic are a classic choice for bathrooms or kitchens that can be used fashionably today, with a bit of clever styling. Expensive marble or granite tiles are available at the higher end of the market, or you might choose slate or terracotta for a more rustic feel that’s also more affordable to install.

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Are Quick Plumbing Courses A Waste Of Money?

November 21, 2016 Urban Cartography 0

Training providers in the UK have been criticised recently for advising people struggling to find work to take fast-track courses to become plumbers. In reality, the training offered on such courses tends to be inadequate or entirely irrelevant, leading to disappointment, debt and no additional income. In some cases in Scotland, trainees discovered they were paying to complete a course that doesn’t even exist.

Experienced tradesmen and firms, meanwhile, have a better understanding of the kind of work that’s really available and what typical customer requirements are. We spoke to one of the leading professional plumbers in Edinburgh, Fast Plumbing, who offer a range of plumbing services including emergency drain, shower, boiler and central heating repairs among others. They explained the disconnect between the benefits offered by fast-track courses and the requirements of a real job in plumbing.

“People sometimes have a misconception that these skills are easy to pick up, and a basic qualification will get you started,” they told us. “In Scotland you can’t even complete the NVQ level 2, which some people think they’re getting at the end. They wouldn’t even be able to register as a plumber, let alone find work. It’s not fair of these companies to make promises and fail to deliver.”

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