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Putting you in your home

Have you ever walked into a house that is beautifully decorated but has no character? It’s like you’ve stepped into a home furnishing catalogue where everything has been put into place, there are no books or shoes lying around and no memorabilia that tells stories about the owners of the place. Perfect for a photo shoot, but not for a home.

On the other hand, there are houses that scream personality and individuality. There’s no secret as to who can live there because they’re plastered their style all over the place. There’s no catalogue feel to those houses, those are proper homes lived in by very real people.

Having your own place gives you the opportunity to express your tastes and style throughout the rooms and your first step is to know what you like. Your tastes are different to your parents’ taste so if your former house had magnolia walls yet you love bright pink, go for it! Trends change over the years so what was in 20 years ago may no longer be ideal for today.

If you’re not quite sure what style to go for then buy a selection of home and design magazines to get ideas and inspiration. Take the time to go round various shops looking at fabrics, furniture and other items that you’d like to decorate your place with. You might want to take a friend whom you trust with you, someone who knows you well and who will give you advice according to what is best for you. Don’t let people impose their ideas and opinions on you because at the end of the day you’re going to be living in the house.

A simple method to add that personal touch is to adorn your house with photos. Photos of yourself, your family, your friends, your pets, places you’ve visited, anything that holds memories for you. By placing photos on your wall and around the house you get to share these experiences with your guests. Seeing your photos on a daily basis will also help to remind you of these special times.

If you like quirky items that you’re unlikely to find in regular shops then you might want to take your search online and browse eBay. Online shopping can lead to some great finds that you’re unlikely to see in other people’s homes and can often prove to be bargains too. When browsing the listings pay particular attention to the description given as you don’t want to end up buying junk. Also take into account the price of shipping; bringing furniture from abroad can prove to be a pricey venture so it’s best to stick to ordering items that are smaller and/or lighter such as cushions, frames and knick knacks.

Another site for ‘different’ items is Etsy where all items are either handmade or vintage. This isn’t an auction or a bargain site so prices will vary greatly; however, you can end up with some original finds that will liven up your home decor instantly.

If you prefer to keep things local then browsing markets, house sales and car boot sales is a good idea to search for original pieces at good prices. This is especially relevant if you like the retro look but want an authentic piece rather than a made-to-look-retro item (which usually turns out to be pretty pricey anyway).

You can also take a paintbrush to items and spruce them up to look exactly as you want them to. A fresh coat of paint can make something look new and one of a kind.

Decorating a house is a tiring, yet very rewarding, process so have fun it with and make sure that there are elements of you all over the place. If you share the place with someone… well, you may have to compromise on the pink walls.

Style Tips

• Experiment with your favourite colour/s on the walls
• This also applied to fabrics and textures. When it comes to cushions, spots and stripes can live together
• If you adore flowers/cows/cars, then show it. Place them on the ceiling if that takes your fancy
• If you can afford to, hire a designer. Just don’t let him/her impose their style on you
• Decorate with photos and mementos from trips abroad or special events in your life to give the place a truly personal and individual look
• Take advice from people; just don’t compromise on your own vision

(Published in Home and Garden, The Sunday Times – August 15, 2010

Furnishing on a budget

If you’ve just bought a place then you’re probably up to your eyeballs in loan repayments, notary fees and expenses that nobody warned you about, so how can you afford to furnish your new pad?

First know what style you’re after and what you want the place to look like. Once you have a clear picture in your mind then you’ll know what to look out for when it comes to furniture and other pieces. It doesn’t mean that you cannot change your mind, it is important to be flexible; however, having a basic idea of what you want will help you to not buy rubbish and not accept any old bits that get thrown your way.

It’s worth giving up your weekends and braving parking problems to shop around different furniture outlets to compare styles, materials and ultimately prices. We all know that IKEA has good prices and a wide range of products; however, it’s not readily available in Malta so scrap that idea and think outside of the box. Go to as many furniture outlets as possible – don’t pre-judge them before you’ve entered the place because you never know when you might find something on sale from an expensive store or your ideal desk bureau from a hole-in-the-wall shop.

Alternatively you could also look into having furniture made by a carpenter. This is not always the cheaper option though, so do your homework before signing on the dotted line.

If your budget is tighter still then be on the lookout for garage sales and car boot sales. These are great places to find pieces of furniture and other items for your house and you could also try bartering for better prices. Remember the old adage that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Obviously, don’t buy trash because it will just end up in the box room gathering dust and you would have eaten into your budget for nothing, but if there’s something you like that belonged to someone else which is still in good condition then go for it. Don’t be put off simply because it’s second-hand, after all that’s what antiques are – just a lot older.

The Classifieds section in the newspaper can turn out to be a treasure trove of surprises, albeit amidst a lot of junk, but finding that ideal table/desk/sofa at a fraction of the cost will be a great relief on your pocket.

Do tell people that you’re looking for furniture – you never know who’ll offer to introduce you to a carpenter, tell you where they got their great bargains or even offer you a piece of furniture that they were thinking of getting rid of. If the latter does happen, don’t be afraid to refuse it if it’s not your style and can’t be revamped. Thank them for their generosity and just explain that it won’t suit the style of the room. Helping people get rid of their unwanted furniture by taking it for them will not solve your furnishing difficulties, it will just give you less space and more clutter.

Remember that you don’t have to buy everything at once! If you can only afford to buy art for one wall, then stick to that and be creative with another wall. Frame some of your favourite photos and hang them up; you can get them blown up if you want to cover more wall space.

Furnishing your home should be a fun and creative process where you can express yourself and throw your style at every wall in the place. Be creative and be flexible with your ideas. Sometimes you won’t find exactly what you’re after; however, if you keep an open mind you might find something better.

Style Tips

• Upholstery can be expensive so use throws and cushions to brighten up an old sofa.
• Buy design and craft magazines to get inspiration and ideas that you could implement. They’ll also teach you tips and tricks such as how to spruce up old furniture.
• Art is lovely but not always affordable. Prints, however, can be just as lovely and so can their price. If those are still out of reach, then select your favourite photos and adorn your walls with memories.
• Plants give colour and life to a room. If you invite people over, ask them to bring you a plant rather than a box of chocolates.
• Do browse online stores for good deals – just make sure that the charges of shipping won’t end up costing you more than had you bought from a local shop.
• Be creative! If you don’t have a vase for your fresh flowers, grab a jug or a pint glass from your kitchen cupboard,  fill it with water, place your flowers and voilà, a just-as-good-as vase at no cost.
• If your place needs a paint spruce up, gather your friends with the promise of pizza and beer, give them a paint brush each and get them painting. Best to keep the beer till after the painting is done!
• Remember, less can indeed be more. Furnish slowly, carefully and have fun with it!

Choosing a Bed

Rooms in a house all have very clear, descriptive names; well, except for the kitchen which really doesn’t explain much at all. However, your living room, dining room and bedroom all explain the basic function of the room. In fact, when it comes to the bedroom it’s evident that the most important piece of furniture in this room ought to be the bed, but with so many different styles, shapes and sizes on the market how can you be sure which is the right one for you?

First know the size of the room where the bed is going to stay and calculate accordingly. A bed that’s too large will overpower the room and make getting around a nightmare; a bed that’s too small will look out of place. Apart from fitting the room, the bed must also fit you – comfortably. Don’t compromise on comfort when it comes to sleeping. This isn’t a pair of high heels that you’ll wear for a couple of hours one evening and then put away in a shoebox; you’ll be spending an average of eight hours every night on this bed recharging your body.

A good quality bed should last 8-10 years so it’s a worthwhile investment to make on a piece of furniture that is going to be used daily. If changing the bed is not an option then it’s important to replace the mattress as wear and tear can affect its stuffing, springs and firmness. However be aware that a new mattress on an old support will still not give you the ultimate comfort.

A bed is one of the few household items that it’s best not to scrimp on. While everyone loves a bargain, especially if you’re doing up the entire house, a bed should not be something bought at a second-hand shop – even if the price is super low. It’s important to realise that dust mites could have easily set up happy families in there and it’s more than likely to be worn down (remember, 8-10 years?)

When it comes to styles, shapes and sizes the choice can be overwhelming so think about your choices. Do you prefer a single bed, double, king-size or a luxurious queen-sized one? If opting for the latter you need a large room and a penchant for your own space as it measures 180cm × 200cm! Note that I’m talking about UK sizes here because in the US the king-sized bed is larger than the queen! With all these differences, it’s no wonder that confusions abound.

Having decided on the size of the bed you then have to decide on the material of the structure. Do you want it wooden, wrought iron, upholstered, leather, metal? Once more, plenty of options. Wooden and metal beds are probably the easiest to maintain and clean; a leather bed can look very stylish but needs more care and maintenance while an upholstered bed would require regular cleaning because of the dust that it would gather. It’s also advisable to keep away from leather and light-coloured upholstery if you have young kids and/or pets. Chocolate stains will not look like part of the design.

If you really want your bed to be the focal point of the room (and have the space and height) then you could opt for a four-poster bed which has an imposing presence, though if you live in a dusty area remember that the material above the posts is prone to gathering dust which will only be breathed in by yourself while you’re asleep.

Once you’ve settled on the structure of the bed then you need to look into mattresses which, once again, come in various types to offer support for all. You can choose between a spring mattress, foam or latex; however, it’s all about the comfort, support and durability regardless of which material you opt for. When going to buy a mattress it’s important that you test it properly – don’t just sit on it. You need to lie down on it, move around, adopt your usual sleeping position and see how it feels. If you don’t sleep in this bed alone, then go shopping for the mattress with your partner to find one that suits the pair of you.

If you’re after something different and fun, then you might even want to consider getting a waterbed although you’ll be restricted with the styles and sizes of the beds available for this kind of mattress. This would also go on the ‘avoid list’ if you have pets who like to jump on the bed as a waterbed can, and will, burst if not properly treated.

Now that you chose new bed and mattress don’t forget to buy new bed linen to dress it up.

Whatever you decide on, ensure that you love your bed. It’s the place you retire to at the end of a gruelling day at the office; it’s also where you may share intimate moments with your loved one. You spend a third of your life in bed so don’t make a hasty decision.

Published in The Sunday Times – August 1, 2010

How Website Copy can be a Source of Success (or Failure)

Nowadays when people are interested in a company, product or service they’re likely to log on to the Internet and do their research to figure out where to go for the best deal. It’s the reason why your company got a website in the first place – to help people find you online and gain clientele. Just an online presence, however, is very 1999. It’s your website copy and presentation that will help prospective clients decide whether to do business with you.

First impressions can create a lasting impact and, when it comes to websites, this can work in your favour; however, it could also work against you. Far too many local businesses take the step to reserve their spot in cyberspace, yet never bother going beyond “Under construction”; or else they simply put up an image and their company’s particulars and leave it at that. It’s proof of the misconception that just “being” online is enough to reel in the business that you usually would using traditional media. However the missing element that can help you drive your business forward online is your website’s content.

Your website is the online face of your company the shop window on the high street. In the same way that you (ought to) have a standard professional greeting messaging when answering an incoming call, your website needs to maintain the same professional standards in its appearance and text. If I come across a website that has bad grammar and worse spelling I’ll break out in a sweat, start hyperventilating and direct my now badly shaking hand to the red X in the corner. Now that might be exaggerated, but the fact is that a poorly written website will have a negative effect on your company’s reputation.

Stuffing your company website with useless bits of information that are irrelevant to your business is not the solution to gaining more clients, but, well formulated content that pertains to your company and its products or services could set you apart from your competitors, both locally and abroad.

Your website content needs to read well as much as it needs to look good. You wouldn’t use a very small font on your site because it would be difficult to read and browsers would get annoyed and just move on to another site. In the same way, badly written text is also difficult to read and the consequences will be the same. Whether you prefer your website to have huge chunks of text or to be sparse with its content – there are various opinions about this – the important thing is that each word and sentence is correct and does not distract your potential customer. Mixing up words like their and they’re does not help your company’s reputation. If you can’t give your website the finishing touches that it needs, just how thorough are you with your services? Clients are a demanding breed who will nitpick and make assumptions based on what they see.

Your website is your 21st century marketing channel; your chance to tell people about your company, your products, your services. What makes you the preferred choice? Why should they fill in your contact form? Why should they download your brochure? The fact that people can get information from the comfort of their homes without having to visit your offices is a convenience that they want to take advantage of. However they need to be convinced that they are not wasting their time by visiting your site, and the way in which you can do this is through the words that you choose to use. Make their visit and informative and entertaining one; don’t allow them to stumble over any errors. Ensure that all information is kept up-to-date and show prospective clients that your company is current and cares about their customers.

If your company has a funny startup story, relate it in the About Us page. It will help lessen the gap between you, as the business and the web user, as the potential client. By making your company sound more friendly and less austere you are creating a relationship with your website browsers. Naturally, if you are an investment firm, relating a story about how you gambled your shareholders’ money in order to win more money would not be the best path to follow. Any anecdotes or quotes always need to conform to the values of the company and need to be well-written.

The process taken for a prospective client to become an actual client (who has traded their money for your product/service) goes through several stages; in a nutshell it involves the client deciding that they need the product/service to researching what’s available on the market to actually paying for it. Optimizing your website copy to suit the needs of prospective clients will improve your chances of being their supplier of choice, thus resulting in more sales.

Solar Power – Top Beach Gadgets

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to a sandy beach on a hot summer’s day where you’d find a suitable area halfway between the shore and the ice-cream van, not too close to that noisy family; erect your umbrella, lay out the deck chairs and place the cooler strategically in the shade. Once that was done it was either go straight into the sea or sunbathe listening to the accompanying beach sounds of chatting, laughing and the waves lapping on the shore. At a certain time you’d get out your small radio to listen to the Sunday football results – the only gadget that you needed to take with you.

Fast forward to today’s beach trips where the hand-held radio has seen its demise to be replaced by mobile phones, iPods and laptops (yes, even where there’s sand!) Gadgets are our constant companion as we want to be connected, we want to capture the moments, and we want to be entertained by technology.

Beaches, boats and the sea can hardly be considered a gadget’s best friend but if being away from technology has you stuttering and breaking out in a rash at merely the thought of it, there’s no need to worry anymore as technology has become summer-proofed!

Here’s a list to help you keep up with all the latest tech gadgets while taking in the rays.

1. Kodak Playsport Video Camera – This particular video camera comes with the following specifications: waterproof up to 10ft, 1080p video recording, 5.0 MP still photos, 16:9 widescreen capture and playback. So no amount of jumping into the sea is going to keep you safe from a camera this summer!
2. If you prefer your snapshots to your video then there’s something for you too… the Casio Exilim EX-G1. With 12.1 megapixels it’s waterproof up to 10 feet, shock resistant from up to 7 foot drop and has 38 MB of internal storage. With this baby you’ll never miss another action shot again.
3. You’ve already got an iPod and/or iPhone but you don’t want to stuff in your earphones and lose out on the conversation around you? Well, that’s not a problem anymore with Logitech’s Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 speaker dock. Compatible with both the iPhone and iPod it has a 10-hour battery life, charges your iPod or iPhone, has one-touch shuffle and repeat controls. It’s good for the beach, but don’t try swimming with it.
4. We all know about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure; however, how do you know when prolonged is too long? The Oregon Scientific EB612 UV Monitor calculates the recommended exposure time based on skin type, sun block SPF level and comes with countdown timer to alert you to move into the shade.
5. If it’s practicality that you’re after then the Juice Bag Solar Beach Tote could be the thing for you (assuming cost is no option as this retails for a juicy $230). Comprising durable cotton and nylon construction, this stylish tote has a solar panel with which you can charge your gadgets using your bag! The solar panel is removable so the bag can be cleaned as needed.
6. Looking, and feeling, cool on the beach is the prerogative of many so the Rolling Cooler/Audio System will help you do just that. The outside has an AM/FM radio with two 3-watt speakers that fit into a removable nylon sleeve; meanwhile, the Igloo cooler holds up to 58 tall cans (yes, that’s a lot of beer!) and the whole thing is on wheels for hassle-free portability.
7. Let’s capture some more beach images using the Digital Hero 3 which is a 3.0 megapixel camera that is worn on the wrist and can submerge to depths of 100 feet and can take up to 54 minutes of video and last for over three hours of continuous use.
8. Although you love your iPod you know that it’s not waterproof so perhaps you need something like the Freestyle Audio Sport 1GB MP3 player that for $130 lets you dive down to 10 feet while staying charged for 30 hours. It comes with waterproof ear buds and even floats.
9. Of course if you’re absolutely attached to your iPod and would never cheat on it with another MP3 player like the one above then you could always opt for the Ego iPod Waterproof Sound Case. Complete with battery-powered speakers, the $150 Ego is shatterproof, waterproof and has a rubber membrane that lets you control the player.
10. You wouldn’t go to the beach without a beach towel, so why not get the Hi-Sun Beach Towel with built-in speakers? This towel has a 3.5mm universal jack for your iPhone, iPod or any other type of MP3 player out there.
11. Relaxing on the beach with a good book is like heaven on earth for some, but, which book? Funny, serious, fiction, fantasy, biography? With the Kindle you can have a whole library at your fingertips without the risk of wetting the pages.
12. Whatever gadget you decide to take with you to the beach it’s important to keep it protected from the sea and sun, and Aquapac’s 100% waterproof cases do just that. Available for your camera, be it a point and shoot or an SLR; your iPod, whether you’re a shuffle or a classic-type; your mobile phone, iPhone or Blackberry it doesn’t care and various other gadgets.
13. Another great device for music-lovers out there is the Elima waterproof Bluetooth speaker. All you need to do is keep your MP3 player close by and the speaker will start belting out tunes. Completely waterproof this is ideal for pools or even the sea as waves won’t affect it… unless it floats away!
14. A somewhat pricey gadget but sure to provide hours of fun is the Reef Rider underwater scooter that can go 3.5 kilometers per hour, dive down to 3 meters deep and work for 50 minutes. The Reef Rider can be charged on your car or boat and weighs a trivial 5kg. This bullet of fun will set you back €189.95.
15. Want to keep your hands free while diving? Then an underwater digital camera mask is just what you need; there are several brands available with their own specifications ranging from about 3 to 5 megapixels able to reach depths from 15 feet to 130 feet. As a diver and someone who enjoys snapping pics this is definitely something that I would seriously consider.
16. Finally, if you’re after something that doesn’t actually do anything apart from providing some fun and relaxation then the Floatable Sofa is just the thing! Choose between single, double or big and forget about deck chairs and lilos, this sofa does it all!

Enjoy the technology of summer; just don’t forget to actually swim every now and again!

Published in TECHNOLOGY SUPPLEMENT, The Sunday Times – July 25, 2010

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