Architects all over the world are suggesting adding aluminium doors and windows to your home, for style, energy efficiency and additional value purposes. Regardless of size of house, the benefits are particularly high.

During the past 10 years, the fitting of these types of products into both new and more traditional homes has become more popular as homeowners and developers look at ways to improve the energy efficiency of their new buildings. Since the government made changes to the planning laws and more people are concerned about their carbon footprints and impacts on the environment, any new building must meet strict energy efficiency rating guidelines.

Yet, whilst this is one of the many benefits of adding aluminium windows, and doors such as bi-folding and sliding alternatives, their inclusion in many new property developments is also to help drive up the value of the home.  According to a recent survey conducted by leading house developers, over 40% of all architects believe that adding larger windows and doors can increase the probability of one selling their home. The same percentage also said that adding these to your home can greatly increase the long-term value for any future sale, whether this is in only one year or ten years’ time.

Some homeowners see their houses as a great way to safeguard their finances, by investing in something, which until the recent house price plummet, was always seen as a way of improving investments. The addition of good quality new doors and windows not only enhances its look and style, but also gives an impression of class and status. These are vital when trying to sell a house, and because of their popularity, more and more potential buyers are looking at these types of things when deliberating on purchasing a house.

The changing of doors and windows to aluminium alternatives is quite a simple process and companies across the UK which specialise in this can work closely with builders, architects and other tradesmen to ensure your home looks its very best. A leading provider currently is Clear View Bi-Folding Doors Ltd based in West Yorkshire, who have a reputation for an excellent customer satisfaction rating, working around the clock to meet their client’s demands.

It is not just financial value however where these products provide additional enhancement within your home. Other values include the addition of more natural lighting which is proven to enhance individual morale and productivity, as well as the changes having these can make to your lifestyle. Sliding and bi-folding doors in particular can significantly change the way you use a garden area or lounge, with the ability to move between both areas easily.

Should you be considering ways in which you can add value to your home, both financial and individually, thinking about changes the doors and windows to aluminium alternatives could be a great option. Not only will it enhance how you see your home, but will also make it appeal to others in the future. It is certainly an investment on many levels.

Every house out there needs some redecorating from time to time. You might feel like conducting some works especially if you have lived in one place for a while and especially when it seems that everybody in your family got bored with the current decor. You might want to ask your family members how they feel about the decor in your living space and if something according to them should be changed.

If you are undecided whether you should go for more traditional elements of your decor or rather modern ones, you can still have the best of both worlds if you opt for the type of decor that contains both traditional as well as modern elements.

When you look at the above picture, you can clearly see how easy it is to combine traditional and modern elements in just one carpet as well as in just one room. The Americans use the term “transitional” in rugs which basically means it’s a traditional design with contemporary design elements. In the UK, Zeigler traditional rugs have modern colouring, but at the same time they keep their traditional character. On the other hand, the modern colouring allows them to stay up to date with the latest trends in traditional rugs.

Transitional rugs are a great way to add a completely new element to a room that has previously contained either a traditional or modern rug. It doesn’t have to mean that only those who are undecided opt for those rugs. The combination becomes more and more popular as more and more homeowners out there realise the benefits of it. Such a combination can completely change the atmosphere in a modern room making it just slightly traditional.

What is your opinion on the topic? Would you be willing to make some changes in your living space to accommodate both traditional as well as modern elements? Tell me what you think.

Just about every child was taught not to judge a book by its cover. In other words, a person’s outward appearance does not necessarily indicate who they are on the inside. And while this is true when it comes to aspects of a person’s appearance that were bestowed upon them by nature, when looking at the way a person dresses, one can often get a glimpse into the type of music they prefer. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules, and what might apply to one person may not apply to another. But in modern millennial culture, fashion and music trends usually go hand-in-hand.

For example, fans of electronic dance music may be seen with a bright baseball cap with terms like ‘YOLO’ splashed across the front. A millennial who likes jazz and classical music is often seen wearing elegant clothing, with an elegant style, and usually a few expensive accessories. Cowboy boots tend to indicate a person’s leaning towards country music, whereas high-heeled patent leather boots could indicate a person likes rock or punk. Hip-hop music lovers may be seen wearing baseball caps, the jersey of their favorite sports team, and a style that represents freedom and courage.

If the above mentioned trends gives a person a vague idea of the type of music a person might like, band T-shirts makes it all but obvious. Many people wear their band T shirts as a badge of honor. They purchase them at concerts, online, and in brick-and-mortar stores as a reflection of the music they like and of their personal style.

Something that is very interesting to see is that even though people have different taste in music that is reflected in their clothing style, it is not uncommon to see people who are dressed drastically different hanging out together. Why? Well, even though their taste in music may be different, they all have a love of music in common. For many, their love of music supersedes differences in clothing style, social economic status, nationality, or race.

I’ve been investing a little energy into complimenting organizations lately. This may look like a strange thing to be doing however it is one of the most ideal approaches to get particular, high quality freebies. Why sit tight and wait for a nice freebie to become available from WOW FreeStuff when you can reach the source directly and request what you need?

What Does Complimenting Businesses Involve?

In case you have a brand that you are fond of and use regularly, you might want to contact the brand to let them know of your loyalty and request them if they would be able to send over other samples for you to try. Organizations value loyalty as it translates to better business for them and free marketing via recommendations.

On the other hand, you also feel like reaching out to an organization when they have let you down in any way. This helps businesses to discover problems regarding their products or service so that they can improve themselves. In the later scenario, you may be provided few samples or coupons as a goodwill motion urging you to give the product or the organization another try.
Whether you plan to compliment or complain to an organization, I encourage you to act truthfully. Don’t come up with problems you never faced. If you have an honest complain or a compliment for an organization, get in touch and check if you can get yourself a freebie or two.

Which Businesses Should I Contact?

Get in touch with huge name brands. Imagine Proctor & Gamble (P&G) and Unilever that have a lot of household named organizations. Small setups and organizations presumably would not have the resources to send over the samples to anybody who requests, so huge brands are your best options. Many would have included the expense of sending away samples in their budget.

Try looking for the brands that have their offices in the United Kingdom. Asking for samples from American organization that doesn’t have any branches or offices in the UK usually means that they would not want to send over your sample and pay the postage fee too.

You must also make sure that you have truly used or at the very least tried these organizations. You shouldn’t get in touch with brands that you haven’t used previously; be truthful and adhere to the ones you are aware of.

You would be able to discover contact information by looking for “Contact Us” page. Each company has one. Find the email addresses like “customersupport@ or “enquiries@” etc.

What would be a good idea to say in my email/letter?

Your email or letter should be different. Infuse you personality into it so that consumer service representative going through your letter pays attention.

Maintain professionalism. Double check your punctuation, spelling and grammar before you hit send. You may want to start with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” even though this is not mandatory.  If the email address says the name of the customer service representative, use it to personalize your letter.

Brands value loyalty so let them know what did you like about their product and how frequently you utilize them. While reaching out to Olay and other organizations owned by P&G, you will probably be required to fill in an online PG Consumer Care Form that makes things simpler and better. Select your country, choose “Promotions/Coupons/Samples” as your reason, put in your comments in the box and write the product you wish to try and submit.

In case you write a blog, you already have an edge over others. Ensure that you boast about your blog and that would tip the scales in your favor especially if you are wanting to compose a review of the product and upload it. The more followers you have, all the more gloating rights you earned.

Email is normally the most convenient method and also encourages copy and pasting but writing a letter will give you an edge most of the organizations these days get less post as compared to the amount of mails. But you have to evaluate which method you would like to use and stick to it as there is a cost of stamps and postage.

If you really wish to be different and stand out, think putting up a photo of yourself utilizing the said item. The company will acknowledge that you have invested additional efforts and you were honest about using their product. Try it today and choose a brand you frequently utilize and compose your complimenting mail or a letter.

Here’s a sample, you can give it a go.

To whom it may concern.

I am in big awe of your (product name) and always choose it above all the options available in the market. The cost of your product however stops me from going ahead and trying out other available items in the range. I am hesitant to go ahead and purchase something so pricey only to later find out that it is not suited to me but Id truly love to give it a go.

Would you happen to have any sample that you can send over which would allow me to try the different products of your range. I’d be truly thankful.

Awaiting your response.

Yours Sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

(Your Email)

Make sure that you include your personal information to make your letter protrude from others.

What Can I Expect Back?

Bear in mind that you won’t get a response from every organization and ones that you do get a response will most probably reject your request. Don’t lose hope. It’s a numbers game, go ahead and send maximum number of emails to as many organizations as possible and you will most definitely begin getting optimistic responses within a month or so.

You will most probably get a sample of a money-off voucher but you can also get fortunate and get yourself a full-size product (which organizations usually send when you lodge a serious complain) or more than a few samples.

I’ve got a number of incredible free samples in the post as a reply to my emails.

I frequently use Blistex Relief Cream and adore it so much that I go ahead and purchase it in bulk so I don’t run out. I encountered a little problem with the packaging so I contacted Blistex via email telling them how much I adore their product but confused why is the packaging that way. I got a fast reply detailing why they chose to change the packaging and also committed to send over a complimentary sample of a different product from the same range.

Superdrug’s online customer service assisted me greatly when I contacted them with the complaint about the fragile container of one of the moisturizers that I got. They requested me to go to the store with the said product so they can exchange it for a new one. I went to the closest Superdrug and got it replaced which they were more than glad to do. Excellent service.

I’ve given a try to a lot of different companies. Couple that I have not received a response from and a couple of organizations that do not have any samples available. You won’t always get the results but don’t lose heart. Continue writing to brands you adore and inevitably you will get results.

Additional Email/Letter Templates:

As you all, my beautiful readers showed a lot of interest, I am providing you with four additional templates. See for yourself which one fits you the best according to your situation and bear in mind to change it up to add personality and identity to your letter.

I Wish to Attempt a Wider Range

To whom it may concern.

I wish to tell you how much I adore utilizing your (product name). I am an extremely loyal consumer of your brand and have been frequently utilizing your products for a number of years and I always go ahead with (brand name) above anything else.

I truly wish to try other products from your range but I worry that it probably will not match up to the level of (product name)that I tried and have loved. Would you have any samples that you can probably send over so I can give this product a try before I purchase it? I would truly value it.

Awaiting your response.

Yours sincerely,

(Your name)

(Your Address)

Too Costly

To whom it may concern.

I adore your (product name) and love utilizing it more than any of the other competitors. However the price tag stops me from going ahead and attempting different products in your range. I am hesitant to invest money in case that it doesn’t suit me but Id truly love to give it a try.

Would you be able to send over some money-off coupons or trial products so I can try different products in your range.

Waiting to hear from you.

Yours sincerely.

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

I Have a Complaint

To whom it may concern.

I trust you are well.

I bought your(product name) and I was unfortunately let down by this product. The (flavor/consistency/value for money/expiration date/odor/function) was awful and I had to trash the remaining. I bought your product after hearing some really good reviews and anticipated tasting it but I must say it was not a pleasant experience.

I am putting this in black and white to request if you can send over some free samples or money-off vouchers so I can try some other products available in your range without having the risk of throwing my money. I trust that my terrible experience was not the measure of the quality of your whole range that I would like to give another try.

Appreciate your time. I am anticipating your reply.

Yours Sincerely,

(Your name)

(Your Address)

I am a Blogger

To whom it may concern,

I am a (topic of blog) blogger and I am fond of your product range. I got to know that you have introduced a couple of new products, how about you send over a couple of samples to I can review them for my blog.

My blog is named (blog name) and gets (#) visitors each day.  I’d love to full and honest review of your latest products and also add high quality pictures of the items.

Kindly contact me if you think it’s something you would like to get involved in.

Yours sincerely,

(Your name)

(Your address)

Good Luck!

Remember I wish to know how you did in the comment box below! Which organizations you received a positive reply from? How many emails did you compose before you tasted the sweet taste of success?

Travel is something that can take really take over someone’s life. However, the majority of people don’t really travel all that often. This is sometimes regretfully because, by and large, traveling is a very enjoyable experience. If you have traveled to a variety of places, whether for business, pleasure or both, you will probably say that you could easily continue doing so for the rest of your life. So why is that? There are actually a number of different reasons as to why people travel.

Why Traveling Is Important

• Seeing new things and enjoying new experiences. It doesn’t matter how often you have seen the sun set, it will always be a new and wonderful experience. A sun set over Western China is completely different than one over the Australian Alps, and you will probably want to see them all. Then, there are things like the Taj Mahal, Route 66, the Northern Lights, Macha Picchu and so on.
• Experiencing new cultures. There are so many different cultures on our planet and they all have so many interesting things to teach us and share with us. When you learn about these cultures, you will learn things about the world and even about yourself. It is, however, very important that you go on a truly authentic cultural vacation to truly experience this. When you book on Globus Tours trips, for instance, you will be able to really get to know a country the way the locals do.
• Celebrating important days or life events. Why not take a river cruise on a European river for someone’s 30^th birthday, for instance? Celebrating something important in somebody’s life in a new and vibrant location is a great way to make that special event even more memorable.
• Enjoying food from different cultures. Culinary experiences are becoming increasingly popular. Some trips are even organized specifically for it. Try eating palak paneer in India, Philly cheesecake in Philadelphia, salami rolls in Italy or croissants in Paris, for instance. If you are a foodie, the world truly is your oyster (by the way, you can eat oysters raw in most places, or barbequed if you are Vietnamese).
• Discovering yourself. For many people, traveling is about getting to know yourself. It is about learning what your likes and dislikes are, and where your spiritual soul is. You can find out who you are in the quiet of a paddy field in Cambodia or in a meditation circle in Goa, for instance. Many people do find that these types of spiritual journeys are best had in India and other Asian countries.
• Reconnecting with friends and family. As it is becoming more common for people to move to new places around the world, it is also more common for people to travel to visit them. Visiting friends and family is an opportunity for you to spend time with people you love, but also to experience new cultures, foods and more.

It doesn’t matter what kind of traveler you are, so long as you travel!

The FDA has recently approved a new gastric balloon device. It is designed specifically for adults who want to lose weight. The dual gastric balloon is made up of two separate balloons that are inserted into the stomach and are then filled, without any surgery being necessary. It is a temporary measure that can stay in place for around six months. Removal is also non-surgical.

The ReShape System

The FDA believes that the system works by filling up a space in the stomach, thereby making the patient feel full. It does not understand exactly how this works, but because it does not change any part of the stomach’s anatomy, the FDA has decided to approve it. The system has already been used successfully in other countries for some 17 years.

In order for the balloon to be as successful as possible, patients must also follow a diet and exercise plan. They must do this when the device is in place, and for six months after removal as well. The procedure itself takes only about 30 minutes and is done under local anesthetic on an outpatient basis.

The Procedure

The balloons, which are deflated, are inserted into the stomach through an endoscope in the mouth. Once in place, the balloons are filled with saline. The endoscope is then removed. Removal of the balloon is done in a similar fashion.

Candidates

The balloon is suitable for specific candidates. This includes:

• People over 18; and
• People who have a BMI of between 30 and 40 kg per square meter; and
• People who have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through conventional measures; and
• People who have at least one comorbidity illness like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Results

In trials, the average weight lost achieved after six months was 13.4 lbs, which equates to 6.8% of their body weight. The control group, who had a mock endoscopy and hence did not know they did not have the balloon inserted, lost an average of 7.2 lbs, or 3.3% of their body weight. After removal, the group with the balloon was able to keep around 9.9 lbs off their original weight.

Some side effects do exist, however. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Indigestion
• Stomach ulcers
• Abdominal pain

Some rare but severe complications include:

• Allergic reactions
• Infections
• Tearing of the esophagus
• Heart attacks
• Breathing problems

The device has not been approved for people who have had any type of gastrointestinal or bariatric surgery in the past, or those who have specific types of gastrointestinal illnesses. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or those who take aspirin daily.

Physicians have welcomed the FDA approval, stating it ‘fills a significant gap’ in the market. It is a method that allows for far greater weight loss than diet and exercise alone, while being much less expensive and dangerous than full bariatric surgery. The treatment is seen as truly revolutionary and it is hoped it will make a significant difference to the obesity epidemic that continues to plague our country.