THE INTERACTIVE BLOG

Owning a house in the country is a dream for many people. They yearn for a nice big garden and a quaint house with barn style doors, a rustic kitchen, and a quaint living room with oak doors, a log burning fireplace, and large windows that look out over rolling hills and romantic forests.

While not everyone will be able to have their own mini country mansion, living the country lifestyle does have a lot of benefits that go beyond quaint oak doors and pretty views.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Living in the countryside means that you have the chance to get away from heavy traffic. You don't have to put up with petrol fumes, smells from nearby factories, diesel trucks passing by, and other pollutants. Instead, the worst you have to worry about (most of the time) is the occasional passing tractor, or a bout of hayfever.

Suburbs can be pretty bad for traffic, but in truly rural areas, you'll enjoy fresh, pleasant country air.

Time to De-Stress

People are people, no matter where you go - but in the countryside there are fewer people, which means that there's less chance of hassle. Many parts of the country have retained the true community lifestyle - everyone knows each other, and instead of competing with your neighbours to see who can have the biggest car or the newest gadgets, there's a sense of camaraderie. When the weather is bad, people will help each other by picking up shopping, shovelling snow, and offering other aid if needed.

Getting away from the noise and competition of the big city, and enjoying a quiet time with people that will become good friends can be very beneficial for your state of mind, and ultimately your health.

Accidental Exercise

When you live in the city, you're likely to use your own vehicle, or public transport, to go pretty much everywhere. When you live in the countryside, you're more likely to end up walking places - either because you don't want to take the car down wet country lanes, or simply because you'd rather enjoy the view and get a breath of fresh air.

Better Food

Are you sick of relying on supermarkets? Many villages have their own local butcher, baker, and farmer's market. Instead of paying for over-priced frozen goods, why not pick up food that was grown or bred locally, and enjoy fresh, healthy, inexpensive food that tastes great.

Living in the countryside isn't just a lifestyle - you don't need barn style doors, a thatched roof, and a horse, to enjoy "the country life". Even if you moved to a rural area with terraced housing, you could still enjoy a lot of the benefits of the countryside. Inside your little terraced house, you can have your rustic kitchen, oak doors, and faux wood-burning fireplace if that's the look you want, but what really matters is the outside world. Talk to your neighbours. Go for a walk around the nearby National Trust estate, and buy from your local butcher or market. Leave the city life behind, and enjoy what a real community has to offer.

Article written by Amy Fowler on behalf of UK Oak Doors, experts in oak doors and barn style doors. Image by spentrail.

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I still vividly remember the fashion furor that surrounded the “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” canvas tote about five years ago. People stood in line for hours, stampeded into designated retail stores and paid hundreds of dollars to own the season’s ‘it’ bag. The reason it had become such a coveted fashion accessory was a combination of celebrity and scarcity. As the designer of the bag, Anya Hindmarch, told the New York Times, “To create awareness you have to create scarcity by producing a limited edition. I hate the idea of making the environment trendy, but you need to make it cool and then it becomes a habit.”

The bag was thus included in the goodie-bag given to the stars at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar night party, and was seen on the arms of stars including Keira Knightley and Jessica Biel. It was also reported that only 20, 000 that would go on sale and that quotas of 30 bags per branch and one bag per customer would be implemented. The end result was that “eco-friendly” was no longer a byword for “dull and self-important”. What’s more, the bag was among the products that spearheaded the worldwide movement of green, sustainable fashion.

In 2012, it’s still considered cool for people who care about the environment to (literally) wear their heart on their sleeve. The list below highlights accessories, clothing and cosmetics that help people dress in head-to-toe green.

Urban Renewal

Urban Renewal is a high quality clothing line that has replicated the idea of using second-hand garments in the manufacturing process from pioneers in the U.S. and Canada. The specialised product line renovates vintage clothing and materials into trendy new outfits with an alternative indie look. This concept first originated in Philadelphia and has proved to be successful throughout the rest of America and Europe.

The clothes created in the Urban Renewal product line are made from materials locally sourced, but also imported from numerous international Rag Houses in countries including France, Singapore and the United States. Rag houses are wholesale retailers of materials that receive their inventory from thrift stores, clothing donations and left over stock from clothing factories. The second-hand clothing industry is important as it claims the large amounts of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills throughout the world.

MADE

The accessories brand, MADE, not only uses sustainable materials and limited technology, but is also committed to supporting and promoting trade in Africa. It does so by honouring its “trade not aid” philosophy of producing all of its jewellery and leather goods in a workshop based in Nairobi, Kenya. Materials such as precious metals, semi-precious stones, recycled glass, wood and bits of bone are sourced locally, and men and women trying to make a better life form themselves are trained and produce the accessories.

The collection is sold in London’s Top Shop worn and by a string of fashionistas, including Kate Moss. The profits go directly to the producers, and a portion is also invested back into the community projects ad training.   

The Body Shop  

Founder of The Body Shop, the late Dame Anita Roddick, was respected for her creativity, integrity and position on social responsibility in the corporate world. The company’s mission statement outlines the following priorities: activate self-esteem, protect our planet, against animal testing, support community trade and defend human rights. Besides these creditable philosophies, The Body Shop is also loved for its high quality products—from skincare ranges for every skin type to indulgent body butters and fragrances.

In 2006, The Body Shop was bought by leading cosmetic company, L’Oreal, for $652 million, but is still well-known and loved for its natural ingredients and ethical standards. 

Tetlanyo is an aspiring marketer who loves fashion. Whether she's going on kruger park safaris at the Sabi Sands reserve, or walking along the streets of contrete jungles, she believes life is too short to always wear jeans.

Being a human every person want to socialize and make relationships to remain linked with the society. From the list of different relationships, friendship is the special relation that a person can make freely. In order to make new friends, one must need to spend sometime in making good friends with the same kind of understanding and thinking. In comparison to adults, children are quicker in making friends as kids can easily relate their interests and hobbies with others. Basically, if a person to make good friends, then the relationship must be honest and true like a strong bond. Friends play an important role in enjoying the moments of life to the fullest. It has generally seen that people who have cheerful nature can easily make friends and attracting others towards them.

Friends are Very Important in Life

Friends play a vital role in developing warm-friendly relations so that people can think emotionally and socially for them. If you are visiting any new place a smiling face can easily makes to communicate and others feel easy to approach you in comparison to others. The basic principle to follow in making new friends, that always Be yourself what you are actually from within instead of being pretentious in portraying wrong personality. When you behave genuinely with true feelings you can easily reach others to start communication. Your true nature is the simple way to make honest friendship and providing an opportunity to build a long lasting relation you’re your friends.

To make Friends is Very Easy it’s Just take Few Steps

For making friends you must be aware of others attitude, character and personality so that you come to know that you nature complement to their thoughts or not. Even one cannot ignore the necessity of friends in life as it eventually boosts one’s self esteem and making the life comfortable whenever problems originates. Try to be extrovert and outgoing to avoid hesitation or negativity to poster around yourself. Just Remember that if you friends feel comfortable in your company and feels easy to express their feelings, it becomes to build strong bond.  Even the persons who are good listener can easily make new friends because when the conversation is going on your attentive or concerned behavior reflects your caring nature for them.

Friendship will Add Love, Care and Trust Values in your Life

Friends will always grateful and appreciative if you give them proper understanding and interest in listening to their life issues. By showing a genuine interest in this new friendship they have the same vested interest. Every person has different nature and personality and it is important to learn that people can act differently or similar to a particular situation. It is essential to understand others point of view to avoid differences to grow among friends. You can make new friends that have similar kind of values on love, attention care and trust that are necessary in friendship relations.

Friendship is the universal relation which is present everywhere and the people always want to make friends to connect with those who also enjoy doing same kind of activities that you like. If you build good friendship it can be rewarding in many ways as one easily gain confidence, social skills and boldness to face difficult circumstances. Usually, life become easy with the presence of friends as they will give you support, helps in making new finds and increasing the enjoyment level.

An expert decorator and easy renovation expert Jamith believes that it is not the actual fittings like bathroom shower, bath and basin that need to be replaced to give a new look to the interiors. Replacing and getting in new bathroom and shower accessories immediately rev up the appearance.

Even people who diligently brush and floss their teeth can suffer from unsavory things such as bad breath — also known as halitosis — and gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis. One easy step that can help prevent these unwanted conditions from occurring is using mouthwash.

There are a variety of different mouthwashes available, everything from harsh alcohol-based mouthwashes to home remedies — even gin or vodka. Read on for tips on how to choose the right one for any situation. 

Fluoride mouthwashes

In addition to eliminating bad breath and gum disease, many mouthwashes also add fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent by replenishing the enamel layer of the teeth, which is attacked daily by bacteria and plaque build up.

For patients that suffer from dental erosion, using mouthwash with fluoride in it can be an effective way to help prevent tooth decay. Dentists often administer a special fluoride mouthwash when patients visit for teeth cleanings, but there are also several brands available that provide a lower dosage treatment for at-home use. 

Alcohol-based mouthwashes

Many mouthwashes use some form of alcohol, which can make using the mouthwash unpleasant for some people. These types of mouthwash can also leave the mouth dry, which can actually help bacteria grow and lead to bad breath.

However, many brands that used to use alcohol — sometimes more than 25 percent of the total mixture — now offer varieties that are alcohol free. 

Alternatives

Some people who want to use mouthwash do not because they seek an all-natural alternative. Most mouthwashes contain numerous chemicals and artificial sweeteners that make them unattractive to some customers. Fortunately, there are several alternatives. Some dentists recommend using a salt water mixture, which can treat the mouth for infections.

This can be created by dissolving a teaspoon of salt into warm water. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as mouthwash as well and will help destroy bacteria, but it does not have the breath-freshening effect that many people using mouthwash come to expect. Before the advent of off-the-shelf mouthwashes, many people used various spirits, such as vodka or gin, to kill bacteria in their mouths.

This can obviously be problematic, as the user will smell of alcohol for some time after he or she rinses their mouth. One other option is the use of salvadora persica, which is known as the toothbrush tree. However, the use of this product can lead to discoloration, so it is not the best option.

Robert Seitzinger is copywriter for Pacific Family Dental, a general dentist in Sherwood. Learn more ways to brighten a smile from this Sherwood dentist.

In tough economic times, everyone is looking for ways to cut costs. It makes sense to review all household expenses, including car insurance. There are some ways a person or a family can potentially save dollars on what they pay for car insurance.

Review Car Insurance Policy

Many times people just let their car insurance policies automatically renew. If a person has had the same insurance policy for a few years they should realize that the car has gotten older each year and if their insurance agent is not making adjustments to reflect the age of the car, they should start comparing car insurance quotes. It is very easy to do online. By answering a few basic questions quotes can be obtained from major car insurers in a matter of minutes. Even if a person is happy with their current automobile insurer they should use these quotes as leverage to get lower rates, especially if they have not filed any claims with the insurer and have a clean driving record.

Raise Deductibles

One quick way to lower car insurance costs is to raise the deductibles. The deductible is the amount the person who is insured has to pay before the insurance company pays their portion of any bills from accidents. The higher the deductible, the lower the insurance rate. A person that has had multiple accidents may not benefit from this tactic, but a safe driver can take the risk and raise their deductible to save money.

Multiple Insurance Lines

It does not make sense to have house, car or any other recreational vehicle insured by different companies. By bundling the properties to be insured with one company the person can get a multiple rate discount. This can save a significant amount of money on insurance.

Credit Rating

Many automobile insurers are now reviewing credit ratings before quoting rates. Paying bills on time and keeping a good credit score can help lower car insurance rates.

Drive Safely

A person with no accidents and no tickets will get a better insurance rate than a person who drives recklessly. It makes sense to be a safe and sensible driver and keep the driving record as clean as possible. Several car insurance companies have a first accident forgiveness policy for people who have a very clean driving record. That means that the insurer will not increase rates for an accident, but only applies in instances where no claims have been filed previously.

How Car Insurance Rates are Determined

Insurance companies have several variables that will influence the rates that a person pays for car insurance. Women generally pay less for car insurance since statistics show that they have fewer accidents and drive safely. A person’s marital status will also influence rates; married people pay less for insurance than single people.

Where a person lives is another factor for car insurance rates. City dwellers will pay more than suburban dwellers. This has to do with the density, or number of cars in cities versus more rural areas. Zip codes that have higher accidents, crime rates, car thefts and car repair rates will result in higher insurance premiums. People who like living in these areas should just be aware that they will pay more for car insurance for the convenience of city living.

The person that works behind a desk all day will pay less for car insurance than the sales person. This is due to the number of miles driven each day. The more a person drives, the higher the likelihood of being involved in an accident. If employed in a job that requires daily use of a personal car, make sure the company reimburses for the miles driven. This money should be used to pay for the increased car insurance as well as maintenance of the car.

Teen Drivers

Most teen-agers can’t wait to get their drivers license. Most parents dread the increase a teen will add to their automobile insurance. There are ways to keep the rates for teen drivers lower.

•Good grades – many insurers will give discounts if the teen gets good grades in school. Discounts for maintaining a B average or above can be significant.

•Driver safety programs – if the teen takes a driver safety program, watches certain videos or participates in other programs they can often get a discount on insurance. Ask the insurer if there are any programs available and how to qualify.

•College – inform the insurance company if a child goes away to college and does not take the car. Usually premiums are lowered but the child will still be covered when they are home on breaks or the summer.

Most importantly, ask the car insurance company for discounts. There may be defensive driving classes or other ways a person can qualify for discounts on car insurance. Before purchasing an expensive car, consider the cost of insuring the vehicle.

Go online to Kanetix.ca today to compare quotes to see which provider offers the cheapest rates for car insurance Ontario for your particular automobile. Kanetix Auto Insurance uses its innovative quoting engine to compare the rates offered by over 40 insurance providers in just a matter of minutes. Switching providers can often times save you several hundred dollars every year.

Desk? Check. Computer? Check. Yourself? Check. If you have all these three things, you have the barest-bone home office ever. As an entrepreneur, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your home office making things happen and growing your business. Because of this, you need to make sure you really have everything you’ll need, beyond the basics. Here are seven must-haves for every entrepreneur’s home office.

Whiteboard
If you have the wall space, hang up a large, dry erase whiteboard. This will be so helpful to you in more ways than one. It’s an excellent tool for visualizing your ideas and tasks. You can map things out, use it as a reminder system, or any other creative use you can possibly think of. Buy dry erase markers in multiple colors to help you organize your notes or drawings.

Family Photos
Don’t forget to personalize your office with a few good family photos or pictures of your kids. Hang them near your computer or put them in some decorative frames. No matter how you display them, they’ll serve as a constant reminder why you’re working so hard.

Potted Plant
No matter what it is, bring in some kind of plant life to your office. You can have a tiny bamboo shoot on your desk, or a large flowering bush in the corner. Keeping a potted plant will help bring some life into your office – literally. Not only will a large plant help improve the air quality of your room, it will be a nice, vivacious addition to your décor.

Window
Like the potted plant and family photos, a window in your office offers some important benefits. It will help bring natural light into your office, making it easier to work and reducing your need to rely on harsh artificial lighting. It will remind you about the world outside your office, and you can even use it to let in the refreshing flow of outside air. Pick a room that has a window to be your home office.

All-in-One Printer
When you’re running a business, you’re going to have to frequently make copies, print things, or scan something to your computer. If you have an all-in-one printer, there will be no need for you to have a large, industrial copier, and you don’t have to run to Staples every other day

Filing Cabinet
Good organization is absolutely essential for all entrepreneurs. It may not be enough to rely on a stack of papers, folders, and overflowing inboxes and outboxes. Purchase a good-sized, sturdy filing cabinet that will help you maintain order in your office and keep important files and backup papers in line and close at hand.

Comfortable Chair
You’re going to be doing a lot of time sitting, so you should definitely invest in a comfortable desk chair. This is not a place to skimp on, because a chair with proper support will keep you from developing back problems and other pain and health issues associated with sitting at a desk for long periods of time.

Stella Brown focuses on functionality and comfort in her home office. As a professional freelance writer and consultant, she saves time editing with help from the web's best grammar checker. New writing ideas come from her involvement in business networks.

Hosting a housewarming party is one of the most enjoyable things about moving into a new rental home. Whatever type of party you’re looking to hold, you may start to wonder if your rental apartment is big enough, or suitable enough to be the host. While holding an event inside a smaller space poses some challenges, it’s certainly not impossible. So long as you’re willing to do some careful consideration and planning, you’re likely to create an excellent environment where your friends and family can thoroughly enjoy their time.

Eliminate Mess and Clutter

The first thing that you want to ensure before hosting a party in a small space is that there will be surfaces to put things down on, and space to move. If you’ve got a tendency to be a bit on the messy side, you may need to dedicate more time and energy to cleaning and organizing your space. Depending on how many guests you’re expecting, there may be people in every room in your house. Hosting a party is a fabulous opportunity for you to get rid of unwanted items and put away things that don’t need to be shown.

Seating is Key

Comfort is key to a great get-together, and it’s your job as the host to provide adequate seating for all involved. From folding chairs to new age pillows and cushions, the choice is all yours. Offer your guests places throughout the house where they can sit and enjoy themselves.

Your Food and Drink Plan

One of the most important aspects to a great party is the food and refreshments that are offered. You may want to host a potluck style dinner where everyone brings a dish, or you might just offer appetizers to your guests throughout the night. No matter your choice on the food, take the time to set up a central food and drink station where people can serve themselves, and find all the accoutrement that comes with eating; napkins, cutlery, condiments and others. Keep your food station away from any area that might be high traffic, like the door or the lineup for the bathroom.

Party Proof Your Home

Your own items and artifacts are important, and they need to be protected. If you have an expensive collection of Faberge eggs, you may want to place them away from where the party people will be mingling. Mistakes can be made and accidents can happen, so protect your prized posessions from theft or damage by removing them from common areas. Always make sure that you have adequate renter’s insurance coverage for prized items, which will eliminate some of the worry from your life. This type of policy will also financially protect you if one of your guests gets hurt.

Allison writes with RentersInsurance.com, where you can find more information about picking up the perfect policy.