think green

Dog-friendly life and occupations

Some families seem to step away from the totally brainwashed cities and urban pollution to live a more down to earth life.

It is a chosen lifestyle. Maybe the same way that some individuals decide to become vegetarians or vegans?!

There is no real restriction.

Dog owners are like everyone else, they are after something new in order to have more fun than the usual walk in the park or playing with a ball.

What about running with your dog on a short or long distance? Dog friendly races do exist - check this site http://irondoggy.com/pages/organized-runs for all information and news.

Things can go the other way too; relaxing and yoga classes. Apparently "doga" is about yoga for dogs!

Traveling with your pet is also another option as there are dedicated pet friendly hotels and you can found a list HERE.

Dog friendly holidays are on the rise because no one wants to leave their beloved friend alone or in an expensive kennel for a few days or weeks.

In big cities such as London, dog friendly flats are becoming rare, difficult to find and getting very expensive when available. http://www.letswithpets.org.uk/ specializes in such requests.

 ...Mayfair-based agents EJ Harris say 10 years ago hardly any of their of their London tenants had dogs but today the figure is around 30%... Source

As landlords want to make sure that potential tenants and their dog(s) are well behaved a "pet CV" can be required (precise description of the pet with key facts regarding behaviour, health and grooming).

There is also the high deposit which can reach £25,000. These are for flats located near Hyde Park and Regent's Park.

So, why suddenly people want to get a dog? It is a bit of a trend linked to celebrities. George Clooney's wife for instance has been seen walking little pooches and automatically, people are after the same kind of things.

Whatever is on television and published in magazines, it will attract the attention.  Fans/supporters like to associate themselves with VIP. It gives them a boost and a feeling of confidence maybe?!

Having a dog is fashionable again, which can be rather shocking as an animal shouldn't be considered as an accessory or object. Sadly, the 21st century is all about the look and image.

If you remember a few months back, Prince George was seen wearing Crocs (Crocs Kids's navy blue Crocband shoes) and within no time retailers sold out of that particular model.

It is about being like others who have a comfortable and safe lives. But why can't we be more individualist rather than following what people are doing?

 

 

 

Holidays: getting in touch with nature

Whenever it is time to go away for a break, people seem to struggle to find an exciting destination.

It is not because you are going far that your holidays will be better than a friend cycling a few miles to live in a tent for ten days or so.

It all depends on what you are after.

Some want the sun, others prefer adventure and breaking that routine which is like a comfort zone for most part of the year.

Going back to your roots is sometimes great fun. Putting away electronic gadgets and connected devices to actually live your life without alerts, notifications, emails and irrelevant tags.

All those can be useful but how many minutes or hours a day are you wasting by just checking what other people are saying about celebrities? Will it affect your life if you don't know that such or such person has a new tattoo, haircut, car or mansion with swimming pool...etc?

Also a budget is necessary if you decide to go abroad. However, by staying in your own country (commonly known as staycation), there is less stress related, because everything is at your doorstep.

Exploring and discovering your own County and/or Country is maybe something to consider. Why going somewhere else when in fact you don't even know the region next to yours. There are various attractions to visit and just enjoy a walk through wonderful landscapes. Nature is something unique but it is taken for granted.

As so many people write on Instagram "outside is free", why not go for it. A day on your bicycle will bring you infinite satisfaction and a lot of memories without spending a Pound!

Holiday parks can be another alternative if you do not wish to spend your nights under a tent.

Whether it is cloudy or rainy you will be well sheltered in those holiday homes. Moreover those private parks have, in general, a full structure such as a local news agent, restaurant/canteen and other amenities.

Renting a luxury lodge or even investing into such holiday accommodation to then let, throughout the year, is becoming more popular.

So much so that from 25th to 27th September 2015 there is an exhibition at Beaulieu Home to National Motor Museum dedicated to Holiday Park & Homes Show!

...The show will feature the latest caravan holiday-homes (static caravans) and lodges from nine British manufacturers, with many other exhibitors ranging from holiday parks in the UK and overseas, to decking manufacturers and insurance firms... Source

And why not visit such estate to enjoy other attractions as well - http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/attractions/ - something worthwhile.

Going away from home for a few days with minimum luggage gives a sense of simplicity and suddenly you realise that everything which is on display in shop windows is not that necessary in our lives.

The way items and goods are on show, can be compared with a sort of subliminal message "you need to purchase this".

For some reasons, there is  a need to have... maybe because it looks good. High-tech and electronic gadgets are driving individuals to buy and buy more. Some people are addicted: they own tablet, laptop, desktop, smartphone and all are synchronized and connected.

Imagine living without those devices? Some have issues to cope. Something is missing and there would be a time to "adapt and adjust".  A kind of jetlag related to our modern era.

Sometimes it is good to disconnect - reading a real book and getting in touch with nature is so easy, yet so difficult!

 

 

 

 

Food: did Jamie Oliver go too far?

A few years back, everyone (or almost everyone) watched Jamie's debut "The Naked Chef".

The concept was new and fresh.

It attracted people who didn't like to spend too much time in the kitchen, probably because recipes where easy fast without fuss.

There was that special touch which brought the ultimate cool thing to do with friends on weekends.

Then Jamie Oliver became more famous; started to publish books about food of course.

He got married and became a Dad as well, with four children.

After opening a few restaurants, He decided to speak openly in various TV and radio programmes about school dinners and the importance of revising what children are eating and the quality of all ingredients. Some pupils don't even know that a chip comes from a potato or that baked beans don't grow in trees!!! Alarming, isn't it?

Sadly, it has been announced that what Jamie wanted to achieve has not worked out. Why? Probably because of our Society.

It is simple though: health and food are directly related.

However, what we see is a mega birth of take-away and fast-food outlets. What is available is generally processed and saturated with salt and sugar in order to minimise wastage.

Winners are all these corporations who want to monopolise our High Streets.

Consumers are becoming sheep: following the trend. A bit like if everybody goes there it must be good. In fact, it is not that good. Portions are huge and people see that they are getting a good deal out of what they get in their plates (or boxes)!!!

Quantity does NOT mean quality! We know this, but it seems that the visual impact is stronger than common sense. Eat more but all of it is not that good for your organs.

So, Jamie has failed to convert parents, teachers, children about his healthy school dinner project!

"...A 500ml bottle of cola has 131/2 teaspoons. What? Half the sugar you consume is hidden in foods. The single largest amount of calories consumed by our children is in sugary soft drinks..." Source

There are two issues:

1. easy to buy ready meals which take a few seconds to be hot by using a micro-wave oven,
2. lazyness of parents who are too 'busy and tired' to spend time in the kitchen to prepare fresh vegetables based meals.

Whatever the County Council allows, it could well affect our health. In other terms, how many pizza, burger places and other greasy spoons do we need?

Jamie didn't certainly go to too far about trying to change (bad) eating habits. It has just been incorrectly received by families.

As he said himself: ...eating well is a 'posh and middle class' concern...

However, local markets can be cheap and bring very good quality ingredients on our tables. Of course, this requires an effort...and even this seems to be 'complicated'. Of course, calling or online ordering a pizza - bucket of chicken wings with french fries and have it delivered is the easy option, without actually caring about sugar and salt intake!

No wonder that the UK Government is worried about obesity of young children. More food and less exercise is what makes the nation fat. Technology such as game consoles and social media are making the future generations lazy.

It will (eventually) change but even more efforts and patience will be required... or is it already be too late?

 

Celebrities babywear outfit for a newborn

Parents and families are going through the same ups and downs - worries and anxieties when having children.

There is a moment which is unique and difficult to share, because it is a personal event: the birth of a son or daughter. Each time it seems to be the same emotion for both parents.

But once the newborn in this World everyone wants to seem him/her or them if they are twins.

At the moment (April 2015), journalists are kept busy and ready for some exciting news regarding two well known individuals.

Let's start with The Duchess of Cambridge more commonly known as Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William (himself The Duke of Cambridge - son of Lady Diana and Prince Charles).

image Source - The Telegraph

Prince George is almost two (in July). It is April 2015 and Kate is due to give birth anytime now. No one exactly know whether she is expecting a boy or a girl. It will be a surprise for of all us.

For some unknown reasons, there have been guesses about the eventual names of the newborn. It is always surprising that people have nothing better to do than anticipating such decisions. In the end it could be a rather unusual name that wasn't even on the "potential" list. Reporters, journalists and other editors like to create a buzz around the private/secret life of The Royal Family!

The second person in the limelight of parenthood is Keira Knightley! Indeed, the actress who was in many costume dramas is pregnant and has not been shy to show it.

Various newspapers, magazines have published images either when she is casually shopping or during The Oscars.

image Source Elle Fashion Magazine

There is always a kind of rush to get photographs of pregnant celebrities.

Then it is about the first channel, radio station and magazine to announce the birth with as many information as possible with a lot of "if", because nothing is really clear.

The fashion is also something to take into consideration. For the mother to be but also for the future baby. Everything is observed and scanned very closely, because it is always good to know what these women have been wearing during the nine months previous to the birth of their little one.

It is certain that if it is a boy or a girl the outfit for the newborn will be different. Meanwhile, being stylish is always important, even if the all in one babywear will be too small within a few months. It is about looking good whatever the age.

A good example, remember when Victoria Beckham and her daughter Harper started to appear in public: the toddler was wearing haute couture fashion labels.

Is this not slightly too excessive?

Without a doubt, parents want everything good for their future generation including success in life, comfortable and good looking clothes.

Dressing well is a great feeling whatever the age. Look, even Queen Elizabeth II who will celebrate her 89th birthday on 21st April, will wear an immaculate ensemble with the usual assorted hat.

 

 

 

When your pension becomes cash for investment property

From 6th April 2015, things are changing for anyone aged 55 and over with a pension pot!

Indeed, all the money saved for your old days, can now be released for whatever reason.

This is welcome by many - but can also be dangerous as people could go to an endless shopping spree.

Of course, all depends on the amount available but there is no restriction.

A couple could decide to buy a sports car, go to luxury hotels and get the best meals and stay in expensive hotels throughout the world. Meanwhile, the direction of investment property and the buy-to-let is the popular choice for many. There is no need to rush a transaction whether it is for a car, clothes or travel. The excitement is natural though... because it is something which could change your lifestyle.

A few UK pension companies were ready to receive their clients on Easter Monday - so much so that their offices/branches were open on that particular Bank Holiday! 

The Guardian wrote a detailed article about the pension pot revolution and its danger - see HERE.

Surely, when you reach a certain age you are getting wiser but who knows - especially when suddenly you can get something instantly by unlocking this amount of cash, initially destined to cover your life after work.

The great thing is that most sensible people will think, and then decide what is best. Because investing is certainly a great idea - as long as it is worse it and with minimum risks. It would be awful to see all this financial effort reduced to nothing due to an inconsiderate decision.

...The Association of British Insurers, which represents the big pension firms, has warned consumers not to “panic or rush into making decisions” and to be on their guard...

Nowadays, getting a mortgage whether you are first buyer or not can be hectic and stressful. Now, this important announcement may allow parents/grand-parents to invest for themselves but also support their child(ren) and grand-child(ren) as the deposit is usually the main problem.

We all know that landlords are rather pleased when it comes to adjust their rents because the demand is high and consequently there is (almost) not limit. Renting is expensive but it wins over buying an accommodation.

A mortgage monthly payment is generally cheaper than a rent (sometimes it can be half the actual amount required by the proprietor). The credit crunch didn't help the potential buyers because most banks became careful about who to lend money to. It became a chain reaction or a snowball effect - call it whatever you want but families started to struggle to get through their expenses without asking for help and support.

Financial establishments started to reduce allowances and this triggered a situation where UK housing repossession was involved. It is a serious matter with heavy consequences, where a protocol and procedures need to be followed (read HERE).

Will the pension pot new rules/legislation change the UK economy and the way people deal with their finances?

 

 

 

 

 

Banking goes digital but #Exeter gets the @ExeterPound

We are living in a digital age and we could question why banks still have branches in our High Street.

Some cities like Bristol and Exeter decide to get their own and unique currency.

Recently, the green light has been given to Exeter to have Exeter Pound! There is even a design competition for the various notes.

To follow the social media channel go to @ExeterPound.

This could change the way people buy and visit shops. Of course, mainly and only independent and local retailers will/can sign for it.

It is surprising that in the 21st century people are still interested in paper money when everything is actually digital.

There are already all the online payment methods such as Paypal and starting to be taken seriously Bitcoin!

Also, the bank of the internet is getting more and more popular. It provides quick and easy access with no delay/queue - 24/7 services.

According to BBC News: "Sheffield-based Ffrees offers current accounts without being a bank (but a 75p withdrawal fee)."

There is also Atom Bank in Durham - Fidor in Germany: both establishments are only and just online. You can read about it HERE.

http://www.chartersavingsbank.co.uk/ will be a dedicated online banking service for savings accounts only!

It is important to think of future businesses as being visible and accessible online. Potential customers/clients don't want hassle - they usually want a service straight away with as little questions as possible.

Browsing the internet is nowadays something "natural" for most of us whether you are just looking for something particular/specific or jut bored of what is in the newspapers and on television.

Online updates are live, fast and streamed from around the world: this is what people like about social media, for instance. There are no actual limit as you can even look for interesting vacant property listings from your tablet or smartphone at anytime. 

Some are consequently questioning if the Exeter Pound is a viable project or just... a waste of efforts and papers.

...Exeter Pound will be a local currency to support local traders by diverting more of the money currently spent in chains, and then encouraging those traders to spend locally as well... Source

Of course, there always are sceptical individuals when a new idea is submitted, but it might well be worth the investment to put Exeter on a city map with that little thing which can change its profile within the existing community.

 

 

Mobile garden available near you using a skip

A few  years ago, people would spend their weekend either reading books, gardening or walking in the British countryside.

The technology has changed a lot of things: habits, hobbies, occupations, jobs.

Now, when there is spare time available, most individuals take their touchscreen devices and browse endlessly looking for everything and anything. But what has happened to real interaction and communication around boardgames, green spaces or other social gathering?

People are constantly stressed when it comes to apps, firmware upgrade and other digital releases such as latest iPhone, iPad or anything to do with Apple.

What about a real apple and a garden? Learning the beauty of nature and a breathe of fresh air wouldn't hurt and it would be a bit of a change.

New generations seem to be all about smartphones and tablets and activities asking for a bit of effort are almost rejected instanty.

Thankfully, The Global Generation Skip Garden is a "A community garden with a twist!"

"...We focus our projects on the three interdependent themes of  ‘I, We and The Planet’..." - Source

You can have a good day out without going shopping or sending copious amount of SMS or sharing a selfie on a social media network.

Source infographic

 

This is what The Skip Garden Cafe is about - read more HERE.

Recycling and upcycling is the current trend that everyone likes. Making new use of old products.

Some recycling experts (located in Devon but covering most of the South West of England) are also helping homes and businesses to get waste collected rather than dumping everything in landfills. The only thing you need is a skip which can be hired.

Will families disconnect for a few hours and enjoy the contact with earth/compost and other plants to actually create something real instead of maintaining endlessly their online status and informing the world of what they have done, seen or eventually bought?! What counts in a lifetime?

Have people lost the real sense of life and what about all values which go with it?! Everything seems to be too hard or tiring except going online. It is important not to become "slave of our devices" and keep in touch (face-to-face) with our real friends. This is what Global Generation is about: create a sustainable world for the future!

Being part of this community will without a doubt help our Society to be/get better as electronic data exchanges will never be as good as a real chat around a table...or a garden skip!

 

Technology towards a sterile world

It seems that our World is changing faster than expected and technology is taking over like never before.

Of course, we have seen the birth of social media and the network is expanding rapidly: who isn't on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram?

The communication is all through touchscreen devices from tablets to smartphones and eventually (possibly) the upcoming smartwatches.

Passwords will also disappear to give us a more secure way of accessing our various online circle of friends.

When creating an account for whatever you wish to register for, there is the "scary field" titled "password".  Never easy to create something strong and easy to remember at the same time. To facilitate this is the science of biometrics.

According to BBC News Technology:

...The simplest way to log on might be through facial recognition - or "authentication by selfie," as Dr Allan calls it...

A straight forward action: looking at the screen of the computer/mobile phone using the integrated webcam.

In parallel, a new library has recently been opened at a university in the US...and there are no physicak books. Florida Polytechnic University's facility is effectively bookless! To be more precise there are 135,000 e-books available. In this case again, it is very minimal and almost clinical.

The Guardian reported:

...A budget of $60,000 (£36,000) has also been set aside for students to read ebooks that the library doesn't already own. Once a book has been viewed twice on this system, it will be automatically purchased...

It is about getting what is needed rather than having it to have it. The need versus the want. It will generate substancial savings and as it is just a file which is needed & a lot of free space too. Such libray can expand without worries of storage and extra shelves.

Also, delivery drivers could be a thing from the past according to more tech news: Google X and Project Wing is testing the drone options as a way to deliver goods directly to us. Amazon having already been on the case: the service is called Amazon Prime Air!

Are we going to reach a world and society similar to the one portrayed in Gattaca?

Clones aren't a thing belonging to science fiction. Will everything be digital and will we lose the actual feel of reality such as face-to-face communincation and having friends like in the 20th century when all online social media outlets were not that popular?

In other words, are we going towards a superficial future? We are already using e-passes to enter an office space, which replaces the precarious & unsecure digicode/electronic lock.

Will we have to wait for the computer's answer before stepping into our homes, cars, factories or even local shops?

When recycle becomes vintage

With the past but still present recession, families have been working hard to get the ball rolling.

Recycling has become something more natural than ever. Keeping and re-using clothes or even transforming objects in order to give them a second life...because retail prices have gone up but wages haven't and interest rates for saving accounts have dropped dramatically. The economy is on  standstill.

Everything can be recycled. Of course, the first things which come to mind are the packages of milk, water bottle, tin food and junk mail too.

Regarding recycling there is also the increase of a fashionable movement: when recycling becomes vintage.

Items can be so old that they become rare and in fact have a high value.

The main products concerned are:

• cars
• motorbikes
• bicycles
• watches
• vases
• suits and dresses
• musical instruments.

The word "vintage" is becoming a genuine trend in the 21st century - where everything should (normally) be so modern and high tech. Almost a parallel world of fashion with a crowd following everything about it, whatever the relevant detail which could enhance the visual aspect of it.

For some individuals, the past is better than the present. They like to live surrounded with music from the 50s, 60s or 70s... some want to be Elvis Presley, others spend time and money on reproducing and redesigning specific patterns for a coat, jacket or dress.

What comes around goes around - but there is never a lack of interest even if that Elvis impersonator has been seen fifteen times. We know what to expect but there is a kind of magic around that performance.

In France (in Anjou) as well as in England (in Devon) cyclists gather to have vintage bicycle rides - tweed being always welcome.

But more and more events are taking place throughout the United Kingdom: Goodwood Revival, being the main one. But there are also smaller and more regional congregations.

Sometimes it can almost feel as a VIP gathering, because it is by "invite only" or the selection can be strict. Nothing more normal after all, otherwise anyone could attend especially when there are terms and conditons such as a dress code.

The organisation is never that easy for such day or weekend: it is not just about having people meeting and talking, but something has to bring a certain buzz such as live music and/or particular type of food. The theme must be carefully and nicely present throughout. It is and should be a day to remember for all guests and organizers too.

The other main point for any fair (whether large or small) is the necessity of a budget to put all things together and tick the boxes. Sometimes sponsors are interested to be part of in and to contribute financially. That's a win-win guaranteed. Alternatively, the cost can be reduced if the people behind the project are able to auto-finance most of it. For instance, if it is on a private property the investment needed will be smaller. This is what commercial property consultants Turner Locker Barnfield are planning for 7th September 2014.

All these vehicles, whether with two or four wheels, will create a unique and fun activity for Exeter and Devon. The setting is superb and getting a community of old engines lovers in the same place is without a doubt a good example of hard work to go from recycle to vintage.

 

Going Zero Waste in your bedroom

In general, we buy and accumulate items, clothes and furniture.

We are becoming too materialistic (some of us).

However, it is possible to live with less products around us and reduce unnecessary spendings - which will give us a healthier lifestyle and available cash; thank you to our savings account and consequently, able to focus on valuable expenses such as food.

Zero Waste an be seen as a real challenge, but it is certainly not that hard. It is all about willing to achieve something good for our planet and future generations.

First thing, why do we buy so many clothes, shoes, newspapers and packaged (not so fresh) food?! It is essential to purchase what we need rather than what we want...a major factor influenced by constant advertising, making us believe that we truly need to get the latest tablet, smartphone or other trendy garment.

A bedroom should not be cluttered - in fact, it should be as minimal as possible for a peaceful and healthy life and resting nights.

Reducing the amount of furniture in the bedroom is always a good point because  you don’t need more than a bed, a light, and possibly a wardrobe. Less objects means less to clean, or replace when it breaks.

When clothes reach their end of life, donate all wearable to your local charity shops or homeless centres - you will make other people happy.

When you shop make sure you have a specific list of items to hand. This will limit the likelihood of compulsive buying. Get one of these reusable shopping bag. Usually once too old, the retailer will exchange it free of charge for a new one too.