Articles by David P Walker on ArticleSnatch.com

Alcohol Free Christmas Drink Recipes

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 02:03:05 -0500

Mulled wine and mince pie parties are a staple part of Christmas celebrations among friends and families, but daytime drinking can leave you feeling drowsy and lethargic as well as unsafe to drive home. If you want to avoid binge drinking, alternate your alcoholic beverages with these delicious alcohol free festive drinks to stay hydrated, or go completely alcohol free for a great party, without the hangover. Alcohol Free or Low Alcohol Mulled Wine Mulled wine, the quintessential Christmas drink, is normally alcoholic as it contains red wine and sometimes even brandy, but it needn't be. If you have a stockist of non alcoholic or low alcohol content red wine near you, or have enough time to buy online, this can be a great way to emulate the taste without the potentially negative effects of binge drinking. If you can't find non/low alcohol wine, don't worry, just use cranberry or red grape juice instead. **End Summary** Topics: Non alcoholic cocktail]]> mocktail]]> alcohol free cocktail]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more non alcoholic cocktail recipes visit drinkaware.co.uk. Drinkaware is an independent UK charity which promotes responsible alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Advice: Five Reasons To Avoid Binge Drinking Over Christmas

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:03:33 -0500

Christmas is a magical time of year for the young and old alike, but December can also be a month where we find ourselves unintentionally binge drinking. Work dos, nights out with old friends and family get-togethers can take an alcohol shaped theme, leaving even usually sensible drinkers feeling worse for wear. The obvious answer is to cut down, but peer pressure from vodka swilling friends can make it tough. That's why we've put together some simple and factually accurate excuses for not binge drinking, making it easy for even the weakest of willed to say "no". 1."It's fattening and I'd rather have another mince pie" This excuse is perfect for the health conscious and is impossible to debate. No matter what kind of alcohol it is, it is bound to be calorie laden. Not only is alcohol packed with calories, but they're empty calories too, which means consuming them has no nutritional value. With 88 calories in just one shot of cream liqueur (25ml), you can imagine what frequent binge drinking over the festive season can have on your waistline. Supposedly "low calorie", vodka doesn't fare much better, with 56 calories per 25ml measure. **End Summary** Topics: binge drinking]]> christmas drinking]]> calories in alcohol]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Drinkaware is an independent UK charity which promotes responsible alcohol consumption and raises awareness of the dangers of binge drinking .

How To Keep Your Heating Safe And Efficient Between Boiler Servicing

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:20:10 -0400

I'm sure most of us can think of ways we'd rather spend our cash than on boiler servicing, but unfortunately it's a necessary evil. Professionals recommend you book your boiler in for a service every 12 months, and if you're a landlord this is a legal requirement for every property you let out. But what can you do in between servicing to ensure your boiler is as safe and efficient as possible? 1. Get a carbon monoxide alarm You wouldn't even consider not having a smoke alarm in your home, so why do so many people neglect to think about carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, which is toxic to humans and animals. It causes death by asphyxiation, which is preceded by headaches, vomiting, vertigo and flu-like symptoms. Low level exposure over a longer period can lead to depression, confusion and memory loss. However, it's cheap and easy to protect your family and tenants from carbon monoxide poisoning by purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm for as little as 15 pounds. **End Summary** Topics: Boiler servicing]]> boiler replacement]]> boiler maintenance]]> boiler engineer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Aspect Maintenance are a London based heating and property maintenance company, who offer boiler servicing , installation and repair.

How to Have The Perfect Halloween Party

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:40:05 -0400

Traditionally more popular in America, over the past 10 years Halloween has wormed its way into British culture and is now firmly a part of the UK calendar and not just for the kids either. An increasing amount of "grown ups" are celebrating All Hallows' Eve with fancy dress fun at parties and on nights out. A quick search online brings back thousands of recipes for Halloween themed cocktails and party punch, but beware! All may not be as it seems, or tastes as the case may be. Fruity flavours can conceal a multitude of alcoholic sins, and you may be consuming much more booze than you bargained for. The government recommend that women shouldn't regularly drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol a day (a medium sized glass of wine), and men shouldn't have more than 3-4 units (1.5 pints of beer), so to prevent your evening turning into a horror story, follow these top tips. Avoid poisonous punch Though it might look appetising (or maybe not), drinking party punch is a dangerous game. **End Summary** Topics: halloween party]]> punch]]> cocktails]]> halloween]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Drinkaware are an independent UK charity giving advice about alcohol . Visit the site for more top Halloween tips.

Everything You Need To Know About Post Office Credit Cards

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:19:24 -0400

The Post Office is a British institution and an increasingly strong competitor when it comes to insurance or travel money, but one area not generally associated with your local postie is credit cards, with people generally preferring to go with their existing bank or their primary supermarket. However, the Post Office offers a couple of different cards with a multitude of pros and cons, the first being the variable APR credit card, while the other is a prepaid card. This article will focus on the pros and cons of the variable rate credit card. What are the pros? The Post Office credit card offers some interesting benefits which are hard to find elsewhere. The most notable of these is the option of two different APRs. One is for everyday purchases, which is variable, and one is for larger purchases of between 500 pounds and 2,000 pounds. The latter allows you to contact the Post Office and transfer the balance to a fixed rate payment plan. This credit card is a strong contender if you're looking for a card to use overseas. **End Summary** Topics: Credit card]]> credit cards]]> post office]]> 0 percent interest]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Credit Choices gives impartial, comprehensive advice on credit cards , loans and mortgages. For more information about Post Office credit cards visit the Creditchoices.co.uk site

Locksmith Advice: Eight Tips from a London Locksmith

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:38:19 -0400

The vast majority of burglaries involve a door or lock being forced open by the intruder. Ensure your existing door is safe by following these property maintenance tips from a London locksmith. 1. Buy a secure door If you're buying a new door, make sure its specifications make it secure. As any London locksmith will tell you, a door lock is only as secure as the door in which it is housed. It's important to make sure the door is at least 44mm thick; otherwise it is not fit to house a lock. Similarly, the door should not be hollow; otherwise it is vulnerable to being forcibly caved in and can also be a fire hazard. 2. Get the right hinge The other important aspect of door security from a property maintenance point of view is the door hinge. It must be hung on three four-inch hinges. If possible, use screws of the same material as the hinge, or corrosion may occur. 3. Choose the best lock for your door In terms of locks, there are many different combinations of locks you can have. **End Summary** Topics: london locksmith]]> door security]]> property maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare instant loans online. Whatever your individual needs for a personal loan, we can help you find the best deal.

How to Pay Less for Christmas - Top 5 Tips

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:44:20 -0400

What with all the gifts you have to buy this December, along with the necessary stocking up on festive food and decorations, Christmas can be expensive. But there is a whole range of ways to make your Christmas budget go further this year, without missing out on all those glittery extras. Rather than waiting until you run out of money and splurging on applications for instant decision credit cards or instant loans at the last minute, make use of these top five tips for Christmas budgeting and enjoy a Christmas without the horror of excessive repayments come the new year. 1. Use discount vouchers Forget ideas about Scrooge, these days there are a huge range of top-name discount vouchers available at the click of a button, and all the smart kids are using them. Discount vouchers can help you take a good chunk off your Christmas present costs with minimum effort. It's a sensible way to cut your overall bills by upwards of 10 percent, and you won't be limited on choice as so many major brands and high street chains are doing it. 2. **End Summary** Topics: credit cards]]> christmas credit cards]]> instant loans]]> instant decision credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare instant loans online. Whatever your individual needs for a personal loan, we can help you find the best deal.

Five Simple Ways to Banish Binge Drinking at Christmas

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:13:40 -0400

As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder our thoughts move away from beach bodies and turn to mince pies and mulled wine. While it's a great excuse to have fun and let our hair down, we shouldn't forget that there are serious consequences to binge drinking which go beyond a killer hangover. Follow these 5 top tips to ensure you have a great party season, without doing any permanent damage, and remember, the government's recommended daily limit it 2-3 alcohol units for women and 3-4 units for men. 1.Eat before you go out... Or get something to eat over the course of the evening. It's easy to do this if you're going out on a weekend, but the after-work drinks tends to catch a lot of people out, where "a quick pint" can easily descend into an evening of unplanned binge drinking. There's also the inevitable hangover the next day, which feels horrible, but more importantly, binge drinking is likely to damage your long-term health and possibly your career if it happens too frequently. **End Summary** Topics: binge drinking]]> calories]]> alcohol]]> units]]> hangover]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information about the effects of binge drinking or the amount of calories in alcohol visit the drinkaware website.

Top 5 Christmas Property Maintenance Tips

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:56:04 -0400

When it comes to good property maintenance, getting ready for Christmas requires a slightly different approach to the work you might be doing during the rest of the year. For example, your central heating will be a priority and if you have a fireplace then you will need to ensure this is properly kept. Plus, with all the gadgets and equipment you might be using during the festive season, it's more important than ever to make sure your electrics are in safe working order. Here are the top five property maintenance tips for making your Christmas home as safe and secure as possible for a genuinely stress-free Christmas. 1. Chop wood in preparation Many people like to have a fire going during the Christmas period in addition to their central heating. If this is the case in your home, be sure to prepare enough coal or properly sized logs of wood in advance so you don't have to trudge around in the snow or other inappropriate weather condition in a last-minute struggle. 2. Get your chimney swept Another property maintenance priority for those with working fireplaces will be to clean the chimney. **End Summary** Topics: central heating]]> christmas central heating]]> christmas maintenance]]> winter maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Aspect Maintenance offers a fully-skilled workforce who can handle all property maintenance issues, from the central heating to the drains to the roof, and anything in between.

Credit Card Advice: Top 4 Tips for Christmas Credit Cards

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:55:17 -0400

When it comes to Christmas, most people find themselves spending a lot more than they thought they would. The result can be a rush to secure instant decision credit cards or instant loans as it dawns that the money available for the Christmas shopping just won't stretch far enough. While instant loans and instant decision credit cards can end up costing a huge amount in interest repayments and take a long time to pay off, there are ways to make credit cards work in harmony with your finances at Christmas, instead of the other way around. Read our top four tips for Christmas credit cards and make the most of what's available to help you budget this festive season. 1. Use a cashback credit card Believe it or not, credit cards really can earn you money - if you're very careful. Cashback cards can offer you cashback on purchases made while you work your way through that Christmas list. If you apply for one now you will have the card ready in time to do your shopping. **End Summary** Topics: credit cards]]> christmas credit cards]]> instant loans]]> instant decision credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare instant decision credit cards and instant loans online. So, if you still need a little extra for your Christmas shopping, we can help you find the best deal.

7 Bathroom Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:09:47 -0400

Tiles are the most obvious part of your new bathroom as they cover the most surface area in the room. Bathroom Tiling 1. Make sure the colour of the tiles is warm, but not dark. The last thing you want in a cold bathroom is cold-coloured tiles (such as bright white or aquamarine). At the same time, don't go for dark brown or navy tiles, as this will make the room seem dingy - and watermarks tend to show up more clearly. Depending on your taste, you could try light, earthy colours like terracotta and beige; this will at least make your bathroom look warmer in the frosty winter months. 2. The quality of tiles can make or break a bathroom. Colours aside, make sure the tiles you get are fully waterproof; and just because the tile is polished, that doesn't make it's fully waterproof (porcelain is 99.5% waterproof, and marble less so). Also, floor tiles which have been filled and polished may look good new (and be economically priced), but they won't look so good in a year or two after the filler has worn away to leave holes. 3. Great tiles require quality workmanship. **End Summary** Topics: property maintenance]]> plumbing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Aspect Maintenance is a specialist London plumber offering a variety of property maintenance services.

A Beginner's Guide to Instant Decision Loans

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:54:29 -0400

So your boiler conks out, your car breaks down or your pet needs an emergency operation. All of these things need to be paid for, but you just don't have the cash. Saving up isn't really an option, so what do you do? Well for many people the answer to take out an instant decision loan, but what exactly is an instant decision loan, and why should you take one out? What are 'instant decision loans'? An instant loan does exactly what it says on the tin - you apply for a loan and you get a decision... instantly. That decision might be "yes", or it might be a less desirable "no". As loan companies aren't going to have lots of time to do their research on you before deciding, their decision will be heavily based on your credit rating. Because of their time sensitive nature, instant decision loans are usually applied for online or over the phone. Am I eligible for an instant decision loan? As mentioned above, whether or not you are accepted for an instant loan will depend greatly on your credit rating. If you have a good credit score, chances are you will be accepted. **End Summary** Topics: instant loans]]> instant decision loans]]> loans]]> loans advice]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare instant loans online. Whatever your individual needs for a personal loan, we can help you find the best deal.

Mortgage Advice: What Is Mortgage Protection?

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:45:54 -0400

Mortgage protection is an optional policy which ensures your mortgage payments are fulfilled if you cannot pay for certain reasons. Depending on your personal financial circumstances, gaining mortgage protection may be a good idea for safeguarding your home should difficult times occur unexpectedly. Why is mortgage protection necessary? In 2009, as the UK economy struggled to recover from the recession, 46,000 homes were repossessed, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Falling into arrears with your mortgage can mean that you are in real danger of losing your home, and protection can provide you with a safety net to prevent that happening. If you do fail to pay your mortgage for a number of months, it is quite possible that your mortgage provider will start repossession proceedings. This is many people's worst nightmare and worth the extra monthly cost of mortgage protection payments. For others, though, there is less risk of financial difficulties and repossession, and for them the extra cost may not add up. How does mortgage protection work? If you choose to take on a protection policy, it will mean paying out a monthly sum on top of your usual mortgage payments. **End Summary** Topics: mortgage protection]]> mortgage protection offers]]> natwest mortgages]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare mortgage protection offers, including NatWest mortgages , online. Whatever your individual mortgage protection needs, we can help you find the best deal.

How To Get The Most From Your Air Conditioning Service

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:27:31 -0400

When you turn on your air con on the first hot day of the year it can be frustrating to find that your unit is struggling to cool the room, or worse, not working at all. While it's recommended you get a professional engineer to complete an air conditioning service as part of your yearly property maintenance, there are also a few simple checks that you can do in between to keep your air con running smoothly. Keep your air con unit clean Most air con faults are caused by lack of cleanliness, but just dusting the vents regularly can make a huge difference to the life of your unit. Another simple thing you can do to improve the hygiene of your air con system is to remove the filters, spray them down with antibacterial spray and rinse with warm water. The cleaner you keep your unit, the less often you'll need to have an air conditioning service. Change or clean the filter The reason your air con system has a filter is both to protect the mechanics inside, as well as keeping the air clean inside your home or office. **End Summary** Topics: air conditioning service]]> air conditioning system]]> property maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Aspect Maintenance are a London based property maintenance company , with a dedicated team of air conditioning engineers. They have experience dealing with all kinds of systems and will do anything from installation to a routine air conditioning service .

Top 5 Tips for Roofing Maintenance

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:23 -0400

Taking care of roofing may be the most important property maintenance job you do all year. A damaged roof will only get worse over time, and could end up costing big money if it's not taken care of. To prevent long-term and costly damage, follow these top five tips for roofing maintenance. 1. Inspect your roof regularly If you can see your roof from the ground, it's sensible to take a good look at it from time to time, probably at least twice a year, so that you will notice when something starts to go wrong. Binoculars may be useful, as can taking a look from a neighbour's property. Look out for loose or missing tiles in particular, and see if the roof is suffering from wear and tear. Check that the chimney flashings are intact and that there are no missing sections to the guttering. 2. Look out for problem vegetation Vegetation such as moss growing in the guttering can cause real property maintenance problems over time. **End Summary** Topics: roofing]]> roofing maintenance]]> london roofing]]> property maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Aspect Maintenance offers a fully-skilled workforce who can handle all London roofing and property maintenance issues, taking the hassle out of looking after your property.

Top 5 Reward Credit Cards

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:56:16 -0400

If you're going to get a credit card, you want the one which is going to work the hardest for you. Therefore it makes sense to choose one with a reward scheme, where you'll get something back for your spending. And the more you spend, the more you get back! So let's take a look at the top 5 types of reward card. 1. Airmiles Reward Cards Every time you spend money, you accumulate more airmiles. Airmiles don't translate exactly into actual miles and how much they're worth can vary from card to card. You don't have to use airmiles on flights, you can also save money on hotels, car hire, theme park tickets and activity dates. As with all these cards, the more you spend, the more rewards you get, so use your card to pay for big purchases as well as day to day costs and your points will build up faster. As with most reward cards, if you don't pay off in full each month you may be charged more in interest than you're earning from rewards, so make sure you read the terms and conditions before signing up. 2. **End Summary** Topics: Reward credit card]]> reward card]]> credit card]]> charity card]]> football card]]> loyalty card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare interest free credit cards and instant decision credit cards online. Whatever your individual credit card needs, we can help you find the best deal.

Top 5 Tips for Taking Out a Loan

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:50:08 -0400

There are many reasons why you might want to take out a loan, and there are just as many types of loan, from instant loans to homeowner loans and car loans. Knowing what to look for according to your needs could help you save hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Here are the top five tips if you are thinking of taking out a loan. 1. Look at your credit report Before choosing a loan you will need to be aware of a number of facts about your own circumstances. Firstly, check your credit report. This will show how lenders will see you as they will be checking it as well, even for instant loans, and depending on the strength of your own report you may wish to look at certain types of loan in particular. For example, if you have a particularly poor credit report, some of the cheaper loans may be unavailable to you, but you could still benefit from an adverse credit loan. 2. Make a budget You will also need to find out exactly how much you need to borrow and prepare a budget to work within once you have taken out your loan. **End Summary** Topics: instant loans]]> loans]]> instant decision loans]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare instant loans online. Whatever your individual needs for a personal loan, we can help you find the best deal.

Credit Card Advice: Reward Credit Cards

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:30:03 -0400

There is a huge range of credit cards available on the market today. From interest free credit cards and instant decisions credit cards to adverse and prepaid cards, but reward points cards are one type of card which can actually earn you money, or other privileges, if you are suitably financially disciplined. What are reward cards? You can find credit cards which will reward you in a number of different ways, for example in air miles, charity payments, football club donations, supermarket savings or cash. In a reverse to the usual system, where banks make money on the interest paid on people's credit debts, reward cards are the opposite in that the user, as long as they are careful, can make money or accrue other benefits by using their cards. Cashback cards, for instance, reward the cardholder each time they spend by paying them back a percentage of the payment made each time, often this occurs for a set period of time. How to choose a reward card The reward card which will benefit you the most will depend on your individual needs and interests. **End Summary** Topics: interest free credit cards]]> credit cards]]> instant decision credit cards]]> reward credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare interest free credit cards and instant decision credit cards online. Whatever your individual credit card needs, we can help you find the best deal.

A Beginner's Guide to Instant Decision Credit Cards

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:40:41 -0400

What are 'instant decision credit cards'? It's a card you apply for online, where the provider gives you a decision about whether you have been accepted for the card very quickly, usually within 60 seconds. Credit providers make these decisions using an automated check, which is why it is so quick. If you meet the requirements exactly you can be accepted instantly, but if your credit rating is very bad then it is highly likely that you will be rejected. However, many people won't fit neatly into either of these categories, in which case your application will have to undergo further checks and will take a little longer. Am I eligible for an instant decision credit card? Normally you will need a very good credit rating to be approved. You may still be approved if your rating is not 100% clean, but it's unlikely that this decision will be instant, as your application will have to be reviewed further. Additionally, you will be required to have fully functioning bank account, be over 18 years old and be registered on the electoral roll. What are the benefits of an instant decision credit card? It does what it says on the tin. **End Summary** Topics: Instant decision credit card]]> instant decision credit]]> 60 second credit]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare instant decision credit cards online. Whatever your individual credit card needs, we can help you find the best deal.

Credit Card Advice: Do You Make These Mistakes With Credit Cards?

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:12:04 -0400

Credit cards can be very useful in the right circumstances, but if you're not careful they could also end up being very expensive. Here are some of the costly mistakes many people make with credit cards - are you making them, too? Making cash withdrawals Credit card cash withdrawals are becoming more and more expensive, but many people do not realise the true cost each time they make a withdrawal. Once you've checked the charges and fees it'll probably put you off doing this. Cash withdrawal fees, also known as 'cash advance fees', can be particularly steep when making credit card withdrawals abroad. Not knowing your credit card limit If you don't know your card limit then you're far more likely to go over it - and incur large penalties as a result. Always keep track of your credit card limit and balance and, for most cards, try to pay off any outstanding balance before the end of each month where possible. Not being aware of the different types of credit card There is a range of different credit card types, and you should choose according to your particular situation. **End Summary** Topics: credit cards]]> interest free credit cards]]> instant decision credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare different types of interest free credit cards and instant decision credit cards . Whichever sort of credit card you need, we can help you find the best deal.

Using Credit Cards Abroad

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:47:00 -0400

When you are planning a holiday, there is a huge amount to arrange, and one of the most pressing things for most people is planning a budget and arranging spending money. The array of different options available to you for making payments abroad can seem overwhelming. You will also be wary of the added fees attributed to making certain kinds of payments in other countries, although knowing exactly what they are and how to avoid them is another matter. When you are on holiday, you can make use of credit cards, debit cards, Prepay cards or foreign currency from cash machines or foreign exchange bureaus, and in different situations, different methods of payment will be appropriate. Using credit cards abroad There are a number of benefits to using credit cards abroad, but also some drawbacks which you should be able to avoid if you are aware of them. Also, there are many credit card offers on the market which can help you to spend without racking up additional costs. **End Summary** Topics: Using your credit card abroad]]> paying on card while abroad]]> using your credit card on holiday]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare interest free credit cards , such as credit cards abroad . Whatever your individual credit card needs, we can help you find the best deal.

Beginner's Guide to Interest Free Credit Cards

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:25:43 -0400

If you're new to the world of credit, the vast array of cards can be daunting, so we have put together this quick guide to interest free credit cards to explain the basics. 1. There are two main kinds of interest free credit card The very first thing you need to know about interest free credit cards is that there are two kinds, 0% interest on purchases cards and 0% interest on balance transfer cards. With a 0% interest on purchases card you don't pay any interest on your purchases for a limited time, normally 6-12 months, but can be as much as 15 months, depending on your provider. If you choose a 0% on balance transfers card you don't pay any interest on balance transfers you make for a limited time, but you are normally charged an initial fee of around 3%. 2. What are the benefits of an interest free credit card? 0% on purchases: - You can stagger the repayment of large purchases - Any purchases between 100 and 30,000 pounds are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. **End Summary** Topics: Interest free credit card]]> interest free credit cards]]> 0% interest]]> balance transfer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can compare interest free credit cards , such as 0 balance transfers , online. Whatever your individual credit card needs, we can help you find the best deal.

Top 10 Property Maintenance Tips

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:40:28 -0400

There's more to keeping your home up to scratch than the occasional lick of paint. Making sure you stay up to date with essential property maintenance work might not be at the front of everyone's mind, but it can save huge amounts in money and time in the long run. While you shouldn't have to worry about these issues year-round, a proper check-up once a year ought to keep you on track. Here are 10 top tips to help you stay on top of property maintenance throughout the year. 1. Check the electrics Getting an electric check from an electrician will ensure that your home's electrics are safe and in a good condition, and alert you to any problems which need fixing. 2. Replace light bulbs Replacing old light bulbs in lamps, indoor and outdoor lights with energy saving light bulbs will save you money, as well as helping with the environment. 3. Take a look at the roof If it's not carefully looked after, a roof can end up costing big in terms of property maintenance. Stand back from your roof and take a good look so you can spot any missing or wonky tiles. **End Summary** Topics: Property maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Drinkaware - for the facts about alcohol . Drinkaware provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles.

The London Dating Guide: Who's Your Perfect London Guy?

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:24:53 -0400

In a city known for its diversity, it's no surprise to find a variety of micro-cultures, but which one is your ideal man? Dating the... Shoreditch Indie Kid If you're unfamiliar with the type of man who inhabits Shoreditch, think Agyness Deyn in male form. The Shoreditch man is heavily into his music and has a unique fashion sense, which he uses to display his individuality. His creative mind means he's likely to be an artist, designer or musician. If you're into gigs in grungy pubs and modern art, this may well be the man for you. But watch out, that knitted, age 8 reindeer jumper you donated to Oxfam may come back to haunt you in the form of one of his "looks". If you're dating him, look forward to cool underground clubs and bohemian cafes, but expect to pay your own way, he's far too liberal for chivalry. Dating the... City Banker If your idea of dating is being wined and dined, the city banker is for you. He's well dressed, well spoken and well educated. **End Summary** Topics: Dating]]> London dating]]> London men]]> shoreditch]]> banker]]> micro-culture]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Match.com is the UK's biggest dating site. With thousands of new members joining everyday you won't have a better chance of finding love online anywhere else.

Top 5 Predictions for the Future of Mortgages

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:27:06 -0400

In the last few years there have been big changes within the mortgage market. As the property bubble got bigger, lenders were willing to offer ever more risky deals to customers, such as 100% mortgages. When the banking crisis occurred and the housing bubble burst, not only were these special deals removed from the market, so were most of the tracker mortgages and other potentially cheap deals which were formerly available. Now that the economy is a bit more stable, banks and building societies are lending again, if at a far more restrained level than they were in the boom years - there is still no sight of those 100% mortgages of old. So what will happen for the future of mortgages? As time goes on, the needs of borrowers are changing, so we can expect lenders to respond to this by developing some innovative new mortgage products over the next few years. Flexible mortgages In response to the growing number of self-employed people, mortgage experts are predicting a range of more flexible mortgages. **End Summary** Topics: mortgages]]> 100% mortgages]]> mortgage]]> future of mortgages]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> At Credit Choices you can find out more about 100% mortgages and compare mortgage deals online. Whatever your individual mortgage needs, we can help you find the best deal.