5 Tips to preparing your resume and cover letter

September 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Preparing your resume and cover letter for potential jobs should happen before you graduate or consistently if you are already in the workforce. Updating your resume often will make the process run much easier when you find a great job to apply for as it can be very time consuming and overwhelming otherwise. This article will provide some tips for preparing your resume and cover letter if you want to apply for a teaching job in England. There are many teaching jobs across England here that you can apply these tips to.

  1. Make sure the resume and cover letter are tailored to the job you are applying. The easiest way to get looked over is to send in a generic cover letter and resume. A potential employer wants to see that you have done your research and that you can demonstrate on paper and articulate how you can fulfill the gap that they have. If you are unable to demonstrate this in your resume and cover letter, your application will likely go into the discard pile.
  2. Your resume is also called a CV in England. So that there is no confusion, be sure to use this verbiage when sending in your application to potential employers.
  3. If you are a new teacher, show them how you can relate past experiences to the position. Surely you have translatable skills that are attractive to potential employers.
  4. Avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket. We all have hopes and dreams and if teaching at the American School in London is the only position you want to have, you may want to reconsider. While it is great to have aspirations, it is important to keep into perspective what is important. Is it more important to teach at the American School or have the opportunity to teach in England? The choice is yours to make but it is always a good idea to keep your options open and not put all of your eggs in one basket. Even if you interview with a school that may not be your first choice, perhaps they become a favorite after the interview because there is more underneath the surface than what meets the eye.

Always be gracious for the time that was given to review your materials even if you are not selected. Just because you were not selected during this round of candidate interviews, does not mean that you won’t be considered in the future or recommended to another school district that is in need of teachers. Being gracious, kind, and professional in your correspondence with the potential employer will only show that you are a solid candidate that should be considered for a job. If you are not gracious or act in a selfish manner for not being selected, the potential employer may see this as how you are as an employee and will likely write you off forever.

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Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling With These Four Tips

September 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

No one likes getting sick, but feeling under the weather is even worse if you’re on vacation. Especially if it means you have to take time out of your trip to visit the doctor and get a prescription.

If you want to enjoy your vacation as much as possible, you have to avoid getting sick in the first place. Here are four tips that will help you do just that.

Reduce Stress as Much as Possible Before, During, and Immediately After Your Trip

Stress is a frustratingly common problem before, during, and immediately after a trip. Unfortunately, prolonged or chronic stress can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Reduce stress by:

  • Not overbooking yourself the day before or after your trip
  • Planning out the logistics of how you’re getting there and how you’re getting home
  • Giving yourself plenty of time to pack
  • Leaving work at home—don’t check email or voicemail while you’re away

Wash Your Hands

Of course you should wash your hands! However, this piece of advice is even more important when you’re on vacation.

While you’re away from home, you will be coming in contact with strange germs and bacteria that your body may not be prepared for, especially if you’re traveling outside the country. Wash your hands many times a day and bring along hand sanitizer for when a sink isn’t available.

Drink Plenty of Water

When you’re on vacation, you may be tempted to live it up a little, which means leaving healthy habits at the door. Ordering a few mixed drinks and trying a new soda won’t cause a lot of problems, but you should really focus on drinking water as much as you can.

Not only can water ensure you’re fully hydrated, it can help with congestion, and it can help you bounce back more quickly if you are feeling a little under the weather. Just make sure you drink filtered or purified water. Tap water in some areas can actually make you sick.

Get Plenty of Sleep

It’s easy to skimp on the sleep when it comes to your vacation. You may lose sleep beforehand worrying about the vacation itself, and you may lose sleep while you’re on vacation as you try and see as much as you can before you leave.

Sleep can enhance stress and lower your immune system, which in turn will increase your odds of getting sick while you’re away from home. Plan to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, even if it means sleeping in a little in the morning because you were out later than usual the night before.

Don’t shy away from taking naps either! Even if it takes an hour out of your afternoon, a nap can provide you with a healthy energy boost.

Don’t get stuck coughing and sniffling on your next vacation! With these tips, you and your family will be in perfect health so you can enjoy every second of your time away from home.

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Does Your Home Have a Damp Proof Course?

September 25, 2017 by 10 Comments

A damp proof course is one of those things that most of us probably won’t give much consideration.  It is a discreet little black line amid the bricks on the exterior of our home that works away without any effort and we ignore it.  Until something goes wrong and we find signs of damp in our homes – then we turn to see if the damp proof course or DPC is doing its job.  Or we may discover that we don’t even have a DPC in our homes at all.  So what are damp proof courses and how do you know if yours is working?

Damp proofing basics

Damp proofing is a general term used to describe measures taken within homes and businesses to combat the process of damp and associated conditions.  Damp proof companies will use a range of techniques and treatments to stop damp, prevent reoccurrence and deal with the conditions that occur due to damp such as black mold or dry rot.

There are several different types of damp that affect properties, with three being the most common – rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation.  The measures needed to deal with damp within a property depends on what type of damp is present and how it has gained a foothold in the property.

Damp protection

There are two main ways that damp proof companies will secure your property against damp problems – a damp proof course or DPC and a damp proof membrane or DPM.  The DPC is the most commonly used system and is the one that you can see as a thin black line in the brickwork of your home.

There are a few different types of DPC and some period properties may use older types that are no longer in use.  All have the same basic function – to stop water being absorbed through bricks and entering the interior of the property.  They do this by forming a water impermeable barrier that prevents the absorption and allows the water to simply evaporate naturally.

Damp proof membranes use a sheet of materials such as butyl rubber or polyethylene to create a barrier to stop the water.  The membrane is placed under a concrete floor to stop water seeping up through it then normal flooring is laid on top of this.

Sometimes the cause of damp doesn’t come from the ground but from the sky – penetrating damp is where rainwater is getting into the house and causing damp.  This isn’t associated with the DPC and will require a different course of action to deal with.

Dealing with damp

Unfortunately, most times you don’t realise that you don’t have adequate damp proofing on your property until you start the see the signs of damp in the house.  However, if you do spot any of the signs such as peeling wallpaper, tide or salt marks on walls or even black spots that indicate black mold, getting help quickly is important.

Damp proof companies can take a range of steps to deal with a failed DPC and to remove the damp from your home.  This will involve finding the source of the damp, stopping this weakness and then applying special coatings to walls and floors to make them waterproof.

Being damp free

Most homes will remain damp free and the DPC will continue to do its job.  But if you spot signs that you may have a damp problem or even want to have your DPC checked, then you can call an expert to conduct a survey and ensure that your home has no problems building up and remains damp free for years to come.

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The Best Luxury Treehouse Holidays in the UK

September 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

It’s true that the UK has no shortage of amazing places to stay.  There are ultra-modern hotels and castles, scenic camping sites and stately homes.  But there’s one type of holiday accommodation that is truly different and that’s the luxury treehouse – but where are the best ones around the UK?

South-east England

West Lexham Treehouses and Glamping offers options both for treehouse holidays and for those who prefer glamping.  Located near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, the site has units that can sleep two to six people and has hand-built, rustic treehouses that are insulated, have log burning stoves and even a private BBQ area.  The location is half an hour from the Holkham coast and near locations such as Swaffham and Castle Acre.

South-west England

Lavender Hill’s The Treehouse is probably one of the sturdiest looking treehouses you can image and ideal for anyone who is a little uncertain about the idea of treehouse holidays.  Located near Taunton, the property sleeps four and is a two storey property surrounded by trees that gives the feel of a treehouse while offering the stability of a wood cabin.  It has five star boutique interiors with plasma TV and log wood burner among the features.

Sunridge Treehouse is another that is part treehouse and part wood cabin and gives visitors the luxury experience.  The accommodation can sleep six across three bedrooms and features modern touches such as TVs in every bedroom.  There’s a state of the art kitchen and open plan living-dining room area on the upper floor with amazing views out across Devon’s Yealm Valley.

The Midlands

The Woodlands Treehouse at Hothorpe Hall is near Theddingworth, Leicestershire and is another location ideal for a couple’s getaway.  The treehouse is in five acres of woodland but is also very much a modern, five star accommodation.  It features comfy sofas and beds, surrounds sound music system and even gas central heating so doesn’t be put off if you want to visit in winter – it is always cosy inside.

Northern England

Cleveley Mere Treehouse is close to Garstang, Lancashire and is a spacious and very modern treehouse that includes Hypnos mattresses and a £40,000 kitchen – so is definitely at the top end of the luxury scale!  It also has access to a range of features with its lakeside location including mountain bikes, kayaks, crazy gold and even its own ping pong table.

Scotland

Brockloch Eco Retreat is near Kirkpatrick Durham in Dumfries and Galloway and offers a treehouse with double bed, small kitchen and even a small bath.  It is the perfect refuge for a romantic getaway and spring is a great time to visit as woods floor below is filled with bluebells.  The site is near Dumfries with lots of beautiful villages to explore, hiking trails and the coast to the south.

Tree Howf has been expertly built around an ancient ash tree and has amazing views across Dunblane and the wider Perthshire area.  It is a single bedroom treehouse that sleeps two and has handmade, rustic furniture, stained glass windows and wood burning stove to add to that woodsy experience.  Whether you want to see the animals in spring and summer or stargaze in winter, there is always something on offer here.

Wales

Living Room Treehouses offers the classic treehouse design, a single bedroom treehouse that can sleep up to four with the pull-down bunks.  The treehouse has a pod-like design and is ideal if you want a digital detox, away from all that technology.  There is a wood burning stove and you even arrive across a wooden suspension bridge – or via the spiral staircase if you prefer.

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What to Pack for Cooler Golf Days

September 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

There is no escaping the fact that the weather isn’t quite as warm as it was, in fact there is already a distinct chill in the air despite it only being mid-September. There is however no need to let this cooler weather put you of playing, with a little bit of advance preparation there are a few things that you can pack that should help to make sure that the cold doesn’t make your golf game fall under par.

Keep your hands warm

If you have ever played it the cold weather than you will know that once the cold gets into your fingers, your grip on the club is compromised and your rhythm is lost. Whilst walking is undeniably a great way of keeping warm, there will inevitably be times when you need to stand around on the course and it is during these times that the cold can really seep into your fingers. It is therefore important to make sure that you pack something in your golf kit to keep your hands warm. You could purchase a pair of cart mitts for those extra cold days, they offer you a fantastic insulated glove option and many pairs come with the added convenience of Velcro straps that allow you to leave them ready and waiting on the cart handle for when you have finished playing.

Alternatively, you can get hand warmers that stay in your pockets which are perfect for whilst you are standing still, or you could also consider wearing two pairs of gloves.

Cover up

It isn’t just your hands that you want to keep warm, you should make sure that your body is warm as well and the best way to do this is with layers. When it comes to layers don’t choose anything that is too bulky, you don’t want to restrict your ability to make a good swing. Consider using several thin layers than one bulkier one. If the weather isn’t too cold then the combination of a short or long sleeve golf shirt and a sweater; something like a Puma golf jumper that can easily be stored in your golf cart when not in use is the ideal solution. If it is windy you might also like to add a lightweight windbreaker style jacket on top. For really cold weather it might be worth investing in some base layers for added warmth.

Don’t forget your feet, you can keep these warm by adding another pair of socks. Thin ones are best so that it doesn’t make your shoes too uncomfortable.

Add a hat to your golf cart as well in case your head gets cold, there really is nothing worse than being cold because you forgot one of those essential pieces of clothing that could keep you warm and make your game flow better.

Positive Attitude

Be realistic. If you are not a professional golfer then your game may not be as good during the colder weather, in fact it may not be as good even if you are a professional. Don’t go out on the green with the idea that you will be able to shoot under your handicap if the greens are awful and the weather is less than ideal. During the colder weather, you should be prepared for the fact that you may need to add strokes onto par in order to make up for any conditions caused by the weather. Make this change, be positive about it and just enjoy your round of golf without being frustrated by the things that are outside your control.

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How To Get Instant Towing Service

September 23, 2017 by 2 Comments

It has happened to the best of us before – you are on the road and everything is going smoothly, when your car stops running.You are now stranded and you have nowhere to go. If you are close to home or work, you could always call a taxi and get out of there. But you will need to do something about your car, and you may be in a situation where calling a cab is not the ideal option. That is where a towing service can help you.

Find The Best Towing Companies

The best way that you are going to get an instant towing service is by knowing who is offering this service. Even though you could just do a search on your phone when you get into trouble, we recommend making a text file where you have the list of the top five or six towing companies in the area. That will ensure that you can call the likes of Fast Melbourne Towing the second something happens. And since Australia mandates reasonable towing costs, you will not have to pay very much for the service.

Ask About The Waiting Times

A lot of people make the mistake of not asking a towing company how long it will take. They just assume the towing company will arrive in 15 or 20 minutes. When you are calling the first towing company, ask them how long it will take. If they give you a figure over 30 minutes, try a few other companies before you commit to one of them. It may be annoying to make these phone calls, but it could save you valuable time that is being spent waiting for a towing truck on the side of the road.

Sign Up For A Towing Plan

Many of the best towing companies in the area may offer a service where you can pay a small fee each month to receive free or discounted towing services. Not only will this mean that you will get a lower price each time you need a tow, but many companies put these customers on priority over random calls they get during the day. So if you are ever stranded you will know that you can call your towing company and they will send a truck to your location within minutes. So long as you are in or near the city, it should not take them very long to reach you.

Stay Safe

There is no need to take a risk when you are calling a towing company. If it is the middle of the night and you are alone, do not sit by your car on the side of the road. Either get in your car and lock the doors or see if there is a nearby business where you can wait. You can always have the towing company call you when they arrive or pick you up at the location where you are waiting. This is a lot safer than potentially getting robbed or attacked on the side of the road at night.

 

 

 

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5 Tips to Selecting the Best Vaporizer Pen

September 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The vaporizer market has consistently been growing since being launched to the public a few years back. With regulations and health concerns on cigarette smoking, many shifted to vaporizers for freedom of use, health benefits, and convenience among many others. One variation of vaporizer devices that is taking the current market by storm are vaporizer pens. The simplicity of the design is highly appealing to many, unlike other bulky vaporizer devices. As well, high quality vaporizing pens like those found in http://www.vaporizerchief.com/vaporizers/vape-pens offer an excellent experience that many users are going after.

 

On that note, it is very important to choose the best vaporizer that feeds your needs and preferences to get optimum experience. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a vaporizer pen:

 

  1. Look For High- Grade Materials

Not all vaporizer pens are created equal, some are built and designed better than the others. The huge difference among these vaporizer pens are the materials used on them. Highly recommended vaporizer pens are those made of titanium, although some are made of titanium alloy, which is less decent in quality and durability. Make sure the materials used in your vaporizer of choice is of high quality.

 

  1.     Do Not Be Deceived By Low Prices

It is hard to resist anything that could help you save money, but be wary of products with low prices and claiming of excellent quality that is too good to be true. Well- made vaporizer pens that provide a great experience and are safe to use don’t come cheap. So if you want to get the best value out of your money, buy one that is sure to last a long time.

 

  1.     Check the Battery Life

While there is a standard battery life for vaporizer pens, do not be quick in purchasing one without making sure that its battery offers you the best experience time. Some low- cost vaporizers are equipped with batteries that easily run out of charge. This reduces the convenience of using your vaporizer pen, which is a very important factor in using any vaporizer device.

 

  1.     Get to Know the Limits of Temp Control Technology

Some vaporizer pen brands claim to that their vaporizer batteries offer a great degree of temperature control than it actually does. Real batteries that can tolerate high degrees of temperature without affecting the taste and experience can be tricky to find. However, there are some brands that actually offers this and still ensures a great performance after continued use.

 

  1.     Check the Accessory Inclusions

Some vaporizer pens come with the basic accessories while others come in a package with more. Make sure to check the accessories included in your purchases and see if it adds great value to your money. Some vape pen products offer packages of accessory inclusions for a good price than buying the accessories separately.

In buying vaporizer pens, you need to be critical and meticulous. After all, it will spell most of the experience and satisfaction you get from your vape pen.

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Do I need a Land Survey before I buy a house?

September 19, 2017 by 1 Comment

The obvious answer to this question is yes, but there are so many more questions to consider when buying a house that we should probably start at the beginning. The first step, even before you begin house shopping, is to look at your budget. Does your life style allow you to purchase a house yet? Next in line is the amount of money you can borrow. This depends on how much debt you have and how good your credit is. Once you have an idea of the amount of money you are working with, you can start visiting banks and financial institutions to negotiate a mortgage. Only then can you seriously look at houses that are within your buying range.

Study the market, look at the selling prices, don’t be blindly seduced by the first house you like without comparing it to others. In this fluctuating interest rate period, play conservative and stay within your means. Once you find a house you like, complete all the building inspections, including a land survey. Then, following the legal proceedings in your selected area, make an offer, and wait. If you are lucky and the stars align, you will soon move into your new house.

Throughout this process, you need to remember that buying a house is possibly the biggest purchase you will ever make. Therefore, you must protect your investment by making sure the house of your dreams does not become a money pit. Your best protection is prevention and this is done through thorough inspections. Money spent on termite inspections, building inspections, drainage surveys, mining surveys and land surveys, completed by a licensed land surveyor, will save you money down the road on expansive repairs or boundary disputes.

Take a minute to consult your local council reports and services as they already have flood maps and bush fire zones you can use to make a sound decision about the house you buy. You might have to consider hydro excavation depending on the drainage condition of the house you selected. If that is the case, use reputable companies that guarantee their work.

Although all these steps might appear tedious and overwhelming, they are considered due diligence when you are ready to take the big step of buying a house. Whether you plan on living in the city or the country, you should know what you are getting into before you commit for the next twenty-five years. From soil or groundwater contamination to land boundaries, you want to avoid unpleasant surprises. Respecting planning controls and building permits will save you time and money. Also, as a buyer, you have rights. Know them well and use them to make your purchase the most positive experience it can be.

When moving day finally arrives, you will be able to enjoy every minute of it. You will spend your time moving furniture around, painting and decorating rather than worrying about all the unknown. That will be the best feeling in the world and you will get there because you stopped and wondered: “Do I need a land survey?”

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