Product review- Phorus PS5 Speaker!

Many of you might not know it but music is a big part of my life. I love to sing and listen to music and there's not a single day that goes by without music in our household. So, when I was offered a chance to try the Phorus PS5, a wireless speaker, how I can resist?

Let's take a look at this wonderful speaker!

The first thing that grabs me about Phorus PS5 is its beautiful, elegant design. Its small footprint (11.2x4.9x2.9 inches) allows me to put this speaker practically everywhere, even in a small surface area. 

What I really love about this speaker is its flexibility and ease of use. It instantly connects to any smartphone, tablet or computer, using DTS Play-Fi (Play-Fi Technology is found in a broad range of brands from ultra-luxury McIntosh Audio to handcrafted speaker company Wren) or premium Bluetooth. 

Setting up the speaker was a breeze. To get started, I just plug in the speaker, download the Phorus app and with a minute or two, I was able to enjoy my favorite music from my YouTube playlist. There's a free Phorus app for Android, Kindle Fire, and iOS and it plays from your music library, Spotify, Pandora, Rdio, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, AM/AM/ Internet radio, Podcasts and more!

Quality wise, it produces a powerful, crystal clear sound at every volume level. I also like that I can adjust the volume setting to a really loud level so when I am cooking in the kitchen (with the loud kitchen ventilator), my music is not compromised.

If you are a music lover, has an existing Wi-Fi network in your home and is looking for a great speaker that lets you stream high quality audio right from your smartphone, tablet, Kindle Fire or PC, the smart Phorus PS5 might be the wireless speaker you are looking for!

Get your own Phorus PS5 here!

*I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Designing The Perfect Back Garden!

This article is provided by Daniel Lummis.

Designing the perfect back garden does not have to take much time or effort- this simple guide has some great ideas which can be implemented quickly and cheaply. Read on to find out more.

Install A Fence

Installing a fence will increase the security of a garden. This is a good way to define house boundaries between neighbours. Always consult with the neighbours before putting any barriers up. This will help to prevent any potential arguments. Fences can be augmented with vines and flowers to make them look a lot more appealing.

Put Up Outdoor Blinds

Outdoor blinds in Perth can be used to give privacy to a garden shed which is being used as a study or a play area. These blinds can also be installed outside any rooms which face onto the garden. Put up Westral’s outdoor blinds in Perth to prevent prying eyes from looking inside. Blinds also help to keep buildings cool during hot weather, as they deflect heat.

Lay Down A Patio

Use decking or paving slabs to create a patio which can be used to relax on during glorious summer days. Decking and slabs can be bought for extremely reasonable prices, so do not worry that a new patio will break the bank. Sometimes patios can be overexposed to the sun’s heat, so grow some plants or put up awnings around the patio to deflect some of the sun’s rays.

Buy Garden Ornaments

Ornaments can bring a garden to life and turn what was a boring backyard into a natural art gallery. Statues can be used to create a striking contrast with the house. Why not install some Greek-style statues next to an art-deco house, or put modern sculptures next to a hundred-year-old cottage? This clash of styles can be extremely appealing to the eye and will get visitors talking.

Put Up A Gazebo

A gazebo will give the family a place to cool off when they are in the garden. Gazebos can also be turned into a bandstand or an area to serve food during a garden party.

Plant Flowers

A garden should be a riot of color. If plants and flowers are dead or dying, dig them out and replace them with vibrant new plants. This will give the garden a much-needed lift and will also attract all manner of wildlife, from birds to bees, to the backyard. If you are unsure what to plant, this guide to growing sunflowers is a great place to start, as these are flowers even the most novice gardener can grow.Vines and creepers on the outside walls can give any house a unique look.

Plant Trees

Planting a tree will give the garden a strong focal point. The tree will become home to all kinds of animals, and can be decorated with lights during holidays and on special occasions. Make sure that trees are regularly maintained because they can cause problems if they get out of hand.

Follow this guide for designing the perfect back garden. Good luck!

A Guide To Interiors: How To Source Good Quality Products!

This article is provided by Samantha Waites.

Today, more people than ever before are choosing to arrange a stay in serviced apartments. The fact that these accommodations offer far more flexibility and comfort when it comes to space and privacy, has helped them increase in popularity amongst holiday makers, the world’s business community, and those looking just looking to re-locate for short periods of time.

As a result, more and more individuals are recognizing the significant return on investment that comes hand in hand with running a serviced apartment in a rapidly expanding sector. Of course, where there is competition, it is important that furnishing professionals offer a unique approach to integrating high quality linen, home comforts and other interiors into  their apartments.

To assist with blending an interior with good quality well sourced products, we have created a helpful guide that all furnishers can use for best effect.

Choosing your linen and furnishings

Although you will be able to find plenty of linen and soft furnishings in high street stores, we recommend turning to a reputable and experienced hotel linen supplier instead. 

This approach will not only allow for the guarantee of quality, solid durability and comfort in linen and soft furnishings, but this will also ensure your guests are able to enjoy the utmost hotel luxury. All of these factors help make an apartment stand out from industry competition.

Build a relationship with your supplier

Forging strong relationships with an experienced supplier is a great way to acquire a lot of insider tips and tricks for catering to guests. The majority of hotel linen suppliers are extremely experienced at sharing  knowledge of different types of linen with you, including the thread counts and weaves they possess, which will effectively allow you to source the very best products for your guests. 

Of course, professional linen suppliers can also help you choose the best products for your brand, regardless of whether your business falls under the boutique or budget category of furnishing requirements.

More choice

One of the main advantages of dealing directly with an experienced supplier is that you will be able to find far greater choice than you will when relying on High Street stores, especially when it comes to luxury or regular hotel bedding, duvets, linen and toweling choices. So whether you are looking for flame retardant soft furnishings or anti allergenic bedding for guests who suffer from allergies, you will be certainly able to find interiors that meet your exact specifications.

Tailor-made products

It is not unusual for many brands to incorporate an identity into individual décor choices as one of the many ways to boost brand identity. And another advantage of contacting a professional supplier is that the products you choose can be tailored to meet your  requirements, which is perfect if you want your apartment to look a certain way regarding  the color scheme, theme and décor you use. 

For example, many suppliers offer a service in which they help you achieve a variety of different appearances. From country chic through to a more contemporary urban feel, many well-established suppliers will even help you to choose the right fabrics and colors based on your vision. 

Blackout lining

There really is nothing more annoying than the sun shining through your window in the morning when you are enjoying a sound and comfortable sleep. And when it comes to purchasing curtains for your apartment, we would definitely recommend opting for curtains that have a blackout lining to ensure the quality of your guests' sleep is undisturbed.

You will be able to find these types of curtains from a hotel provider. If you stand any chance of optimizing the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your serviced apartment, it certainly pays to know how to source good quality interiors that will not let you down when it comes to style, cost and quality.

From connecting and engaging with the right suppliers through to choosing soft furnishings and tailor made solutions that reflect the style of your apartment, there are lots of ways that you can integrate high quality linen, home comforts and other interiors into your apartment.

How to Design Your Home Around Your HVAC Components!

This post is provided by Debra Lewis.

Decorating your home is a fun way to show your unique style and personality. However, sometimes important fixtures around your home can get in the way of that style or be unsightly. Whether it is a metal vent cover, an awkwardly shaped thermostat, or a cumbersome wall unit, HVAC components do not always jive with interior design. You can overcome the rough look of HVAC components with these five tips.

Disguise Vents

Vents should never be covered up because it can cause serious problems for your HVAC system. Your system needs to be able to take in and expel air throughout your home. Blocking these vents can harm your system and make it run less efficiently. However, that does not mean you can not disguise vents.

If you have a vent with a metal cover, you can paint the cover to match your décor or the color of your wall. If you are the artistic type, you may even want to paint your vent cover with a lovely image and put a frame around it. If your vents are low to the ground, consider placing a decorative bench or side table in front of the vent. As long as the vent is unobstructed under the bench or table, you can gracefully hide the vent cover without risking any problems for your HVAC system.

Cover Thermostats & Wall Units

Flat, rectangular thermostats are easily covered up with a little elbow grease. By adding a hinge to the back of a lovely picture or framed mirror, you can create a sneaky little hideaway for your thermostat. Wall air conditioning units may seem impossible to hide, but by removing the back from a small wall cabinet and hanging it in front of your wall unit, you can create a cute decorative element in your home. When it is time to turn on the AC, just open the cabinet doors and enjoy.

Garden Around Outdoor Meters

Outdoor meters and HVAC components can be a distraction from your gorgeous landscaping. You want everyone to see how hard you have worked on that luscious lawn and those beautiful rose bushes- not to see the ugly gray contraption alongside your home. Put your gardening skills to work by hiding your air conditioner unit with an attractive, breathable siding or by planting shrubs around the base. As long as the unit has proper air flow.

Create a Collage

Sometimes bulky thermostats, vents, or other HVAC components can not be covered up. In that case, blend these unattractive items in with a lovely collage of framed pictures, art, mirrors, and other wall décor. By surrounding a thermostat or air vent with personalized wall decorations, you will draw attention to your charming mementos rather than to that unsightly HVAC component.

Upgrade Old Components

Older HVAC components may be big and bulky. The next time your HVAC system is getting a tune-up during its regular maintenance plan, ask about newer, smaller components. Smaller items are easier to hide and can be more easily incorporated into your lovely home décor. 

Just because your home needs these uncouth HVAC components to function properly does not mean they can not be made over. Get creative by using these great design tips for hiding the HVAC components around your home.

Four Benefits Of A Geothermal HVAC System For Your Home!

This post is provided by Debra Lewis.

In today's world of constantly evolving technology and miracles of engineering, there is always a better way. The latest developments in home heating systems are leading homeowners towards the use of geothermal HVAC systems. A geothermal HVAC system is based on using the earth's constant temperature rather than the varying temperature of the air. If you like the sound of saving money and making your home a better place, read on.

Save Money

Everyone likes to save money, right? Wouldn't your home be a better place if you could spend less money on utility bills and more money on building a quality life and happy memories with your loved ones? A geothermal HVAC system is more than four times as efficient as a gas furnace. Rather than creating heat like a furnace does, a geothermal unit transfers the heat from the earth to your home. This means your unit will consume less energy and work easier with a more efficient process, which translates into big savings for you.

Keep the Peace

A happy home is a peaceful home, full of comfort, safety, and love. There's nothing more disturbing on a quiet weekend afternoon than hearing the rumble of a noisy HVAC system. With a geothermal unit, however, you can be sure no conversation is interrupted, no children are woken up early from naps, and no Netflix session needs to be enjoyed with the volume cranked up to deafening. A geothermal HVAC unit is as quiet as a refrigerator, so you never have to bother with the obnoxious sounds of a traditional system clicking on and ramping up.

Help the Earth

According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal systems are the very best in environmentally friendly home heating systems. Traditional home heating systems emit greenhouse gases that can harm the environment and draw costly amounts of energy from local power supplies. All this adds up to a heavy carbon footprint. A geothermal heating system uses the natural heat stored in the earth without emitting any greenhouse gases and by drawing much less power. If you like the idea of reducing your carbon footprint, consider switching to a geothermal unit.

Prevent Dangerous Accidents

If not properly installed and maintained, a gas or electric furnace could pose a hazard to your home. Traditional heating systems use a combustion process to generate heat to warm your home. If something goes amiss, there is the potential for a fire to spark up. However, with a geothermal system, there is no such combustion process, so your heating system will be safer for your home and your family. Another risk of gas furnaces is the potential for gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. A geothermal unit removes this threat since it requires no gas to efficiently heat your home. Geothermal units are gradually gaining in popularity as more people become aware of this amazing way to harness the earth’s natural heat. Save money, help the earth, and enjoy a safer, quieter home with a geothermal heating system.

What is all the fuss about engineered wood flooring?

This article is provided by Becky Knowles.

Move over solid wood, there is a new wood in town and its call engineered. For centuries solid wood, with its authentic natural beauty, and durable nature has been a true favorite when it comes to flooring. Now, with a solid wood top and a plywood (or HDF) base, Engineered Wood Flooring has come into the mix and there is simply no competition. 

If you are wondering why engineered wood flooring is so good? Here we will talk about the benefits of engineered wood and why it is the way forward for wood flooring. 

Looks like solid wood!

With a solid wood surface, engineered wood looks just as authentic and striking as a solid wood board – you would not be able to see any difference once it has been laid! 

Structural stability

Wood naturally expands and contracts throughout environmental and seasonal changes. If a solid wood floor is not laid correctly or the environment is not stable enough it could warp or lift. By bonding plywood layers horizontally to the solid wood veneer a structurally solid board is created. With excessive heat and humidity fluctuations experienced in a conservatory and kitchen, wood flooring has previously been a no go due to the high potential for damage. However, with engineered wood’s ingenious construction the boards are less reactive to humidity and heat fluctuations than solid wood, barely moving throughout these changes and can therefore be laid in these rooms. Plus, unlike solid wood, engineered wood can also be laid over underfloor heating.

Wider boards

Wide flooring boards are much rarer than narrow boards due to the need for older and thicker trees to be harvested. On top of this, solid wood boards can only be made to a certain width as the wider the board the more susceptible it is to bowing. With the added support of the plywood back, bowing is no longer a problem and engineered boards can be made much wider. Plus, as only a relatively thin veneer is needed more boards can be made with a small amount of wood! 

Choice

Just like solid wood, engineered is available in a huge range of finishes, colours, grades styles and sizes available so you can pick the perfect wood for your home and lifestyle.

Durability

One of the best things about a wood floor is its longevity and its ability to gain more character as it ages. Engineered boards are incredibly durable and their ability to handle heavy footfall means they can last a lifetime. Over time wood can start to look tired (after around 10 years) and scratched but this can be solved by simply sanding and re-finishing it. Engineered wood can sand be sanded once every 1mm veneer, so long as 1mm remains (a 5mm veneer can be sanded 4 times). 

Cost = Investment

Although wood flooring is considered to be expensive, the longevity of the flooring as well as its timeless beauty and ability to add value to your home makes it much more of an investment. Besides this, with suppliers like www.directwoodflooring.co.uk offering a huge range of engineered and solid wood all at amazing low prices, wood flooring will no longer break the bank. A wood floor will add class and style to any room and with all the benefits of engineered wood you can get a naturally beautiful floor with an abundance of character combined with the valuable qualities provided by its effective structure. So if you are thinking of getting a wood floor, you might want to have a look at engineered wood as an option! 

If your neighbor builds over your boundary line what should you do?

This article is provided by Jesse Hughs.

Most people tend to get on with their neighbors, but from time to time there can be differences of opinion. One of the problems you can have with a neighbor is if they encroach on your property by building over the boundary line. The problem with this is that it can be difficult to establish exactly where the boundary line is. The only way to legally establish where the boundary is, is to hire a building or land surveyor. Once the boundary has been marked then it is illegal to build over it. 

You can see why it is so important to hire a professional to establish the boundary between two properties. If you do not establish where this boundary is then it is not possible for you to take action against a neighbor for encroaching onto your property. We are going to examine why establishing the property boundary is so important and what happens if the boundary has been crossed. 

Why do you need to know where the property boundary is?

If you think that your neighbor has built across the boundary of your two properties then you are obviously going to want to do something about it. If you want to take any sort of action you need to be able to prove that the boundary has been crossed. It follows that you can only do this if the boundary has been legally established. This is why you need to hire a qualified professional to do the work. Once the boundary has been established it is not legal for your neighbor to build across it.

What happens if the boundary is built across?

If your neighbor does build across an established boundary line you can take the matter to court, if no amicable solution can be found. It is possible for the court to make several different findings. It may state that any structure which has been built should be removed, it may make an award of compensation in relation to the encroachment or it may make an order for the land involved to be transferee or leased to the person who has encroached. It is not possible to say what decision will be made if you have a problem with a neighbor building over the boundary line; every case is different. 

If you want to try and avoid boundary disputes with neighbors it is usually a good idea to get boundaries legally clarified when you first move in. This may sound a little harsh and formal but it can help to prevent problems down the line. Of course there is no guarantee that your neighbor will not encroach on your property anyway, but at least you will know where you both stand should this ever happen. If it does then hopefully you will find the information we have provided useful in bringing the problem to a successful conclusion. 

Bring bathroom to a shine with a LED illuminated mirror!

This article is provided by Edwin Jackson.

As sunlight gives us energy, similarly, light bulbs work, that emits blue light waves and produces serotonin, which helps us to be focused, alert and awake. On the other hand, our brain produce melatonin when bulbs do not emit blue light waves, which makes us drowsy, relaxed and ready for a (good) sound sleep at night. So choosing the best LED illuminated mirror in your bathroom is more important than ever.

Why LED white bulbs are the best to use:

LED white bulbs in a bathroom save energy and money in the long run. It could be placed on the smaller base, on a surface or could be adjusted one that takes up less space. 

A dimmable light mirror is good to see your makeup in various settings. It is portable and could be asserted as handheld travel vanity mirrors. Before going out, you get ready by looking at yourself in the bathroom mirror with lights focusing on your face and body. The ceiling light is not an appropriate one and lighting should be emitted from around the mirror. Bright lights always ensure that you do not mess up your make-up or miss spot shaving. Use the larger globe bulbs with a style that illuminates the fixture placed above or around the mirror.

The total brightness level should be: 4,000 to 8,000 Lumens

The total color temperature should be: 3000-6000K

Clever and smart use of the backlit mirror creates the illusion of being more spacious than it really is. Illuminated mirrors include stemming free heated pad, an infrared sensor, ambient lighting with a shaver socket. So save some money to get the standard mirrors that comes with good features:

LED mirrors: We all know that lighted vanity mirrors are energy saving and waterproof. They are stylish and environmentally friendly, a great addition to a bathroom. Their long running time also makes them cost effective. What is more, this type of mirror can light up your bathroom with its lights.

Fluorescent backlit mirror is one of the popular mirrors where there is a use of fluorescent light tubes that are fitted behind the mirror teamed with glass etch so that it may allow the light to be emitted through. The backlit mirror gives a sufficient light that makes it easier to apply makeup or shave.

Infinity mirrors: It came up a few years back, where angled LED lights create an effect of never-ending series light with an impressive, stylish and modern look. The reflected view is not clear so before you get one, please keep this in mind.

Shaving socket mirror: This kind of mirror is meant for a modern day gent. It typically offers a perfect lighting option   with LED or fluorescent, teamed with shaving socket mirrors and having the facility of charging or operation of an electric   shaver. Also used for an electric toothbrush.

Heated demister mirrors: To avoid the swirling cloud of steam after a bath or a shower, this heated  demister steam has a thin pad that gets heated up, which is placed behind the mirrors and it has the tendency to stop the steam and condensation building up. 

None illuminated mirrors: Tile to half height behind the bathroom, install by adding a large mirror on the top half. If the whole wall is covered in a small bathroom then it looks bigger and better.

Vanity bathroom mirrors: It  comes in different varying   degrees of magnification, and is usually in the form of extendable ‘scissor’ arm that guides and makes it easy to give an exact position where required. It is also good for a close up view whenever you need.

Mirror cabinets: For extra storage these mirror cabinets are the best and worth, includes LED, shaver socket and fluorescent with a grand array of sizes and shapes. The mirror cabinets are the double sided mirror door, manufactured from aluminum and has movable internal glass shelves. These mirror cabinets are the infrared sensor that turns off and on.

Properties to be considered: Always check the mirror magnification option and 5x magnifications are the right one while you can select the higher, depends on the preference. Make sure you select a good size, especially when you buy a swivel mirror. 

Ensure the correct dimensions that fit in your   bathroom and always check how tall the base is and know whether it will fit in the space with a limited height.

5 Ways to Improve Natural Light in Your Home!

This article is provided by Izzie Shaw.

With the sun out in full bloom we tend to have the windows and curtains open, blinds up, and as much sunlight entering the house as possible. Truth is, you really can not beat natural light. How much natural light you get will depend on how big your windows and doors are, where they are facing and what is around you. If you feel like you can not quite get enough of the outdoor sunshine in your house, here are a few things you can do to try and help. 

1. Use mirrors carefully.

Mirrors are great, they can make rooms feel bigger and help you to bounce some of the natural light you are getting around the room. Try to place them on a wall adjacent to a window, this will give the illusion of actually having another window and reflect the light across your space. Plus, you will get the same great views. 

2. Get patio or french doors.

This option is a little more expensive (and only really works downstairs) but can hugely increase the light you will get, especially if your garden is south facing. Companies like Oakwood Doors have an extensive range to choose from, some of which will completely transform the room. Choosing something which is majoritively glass will obviously have the best results. You could also replace any interior doors for doors with glass panels, allowing the natural light to spread from room to room. 

3. Choose the right colors for your walls and ceiling.

If you have white or off white walls, you will have to go for a flat white ceiling. If your walls are darker or more rich shades then try to have your ceiling a little lighter or a nice off white. Glossy paints can help to spread light, but quite often people do not want what appear to be shiny walls, so go for something with a nice matte finish. This would not necessarily be reflective but can help reflect light. 

4. Let the light in! 

This may seem a little obvious, but you really need to let as much of the light in as possible. Keep windows which get a lot of natural light to them free of any plants or picture frames. Also, try to make sure your curtains are hung wider than the window frame, so no material covers the window. 

5. Move your furniture around. 

Most of us focus on making the most of the space within a room, so push all out furniture flat against the walls. When you have furniture next to any kind of window or glass door it is going to limit the amount of light which can spread past it. Try to keep everything a foot or two away if possible, or rearrange the room to maximize the light that can enter. 

Nine Outdoor Living Tips for Your Home!

Flow

An emerging trend we are seeing is the natural flow from your home to your outdoor space. To achieve this, it is essential to align your outdoor area with the architectural style of your home. Consider all the elements here, like your selection of outdoor furniture pieces, surface colors, and other accessories such as plants and rugs. The styles and materials in general should complement each other and not conflict.

Consistency

Consistency is key when setting the right mood for your outdoor area. Try to avoid mixing and matching too much as this will hinder your ability to create a theme. It is really important to keep in mind what you are trying to achieve here to avoid confusion when selecting the right outdoor furniture and accessories. 

Get Inspired

If you are stuck for ideas or feeling a little overwhelmed, take a break, make yourself a coffee, jump on the computer and start searching to get inspired. There are a myriad of blogs and other design websites that have ideas and resources which have been created to help you. If you are still a little uncertain, then you may need to contact a design consultant to help out. 

Patterns

When planning for paved areas, it is important to work the patterns out to scale, to see if there are any obstructions or obstacles. If you decide to use brick, then a simple weave pattern will blend in quite nicely. The slightly more detailed herringbone pattern is also a great choice for many outdoor spaces.

Native Flora

As a general rule of thumb, native plants to your region will thrive as opposed to exotic plants. They also tend to attract local fauna such as birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. In addition to this, most native flora has already become accustomed to growing in your region, meaning less irrigation and general upkeep. 

Reflecting Elements

Water features are a great way to enhance your outdoor living area. Bringing this element to your existing space can add powerful effects and enhance the overall mood of your setting. Water movement is both calming and intriguing, depending on whether you are relaxing or socializing. On sunny days it can also act as a natural mirror, reflecting the beautiful blue sky as well as other beautiful aspects of your garden.

Sensory Experience

When planning your outdoor space consider all five of your senses. Our sense of vision is for obvious reasons the most powerful, however, by adding other little nuances to trigger our other senses (sound, touch, taste and smell) you will enhance your overall experience when relaxing or entertaining guests. 

Be Yourself

Probably the most important step is staying true to yourself. Your outdoor living area should evoke a sense of belonging. When planning to create this homely getaway, be sure to incorporate the natural landscape of the region. This will create a certain style that reflects a sense of place. It is highly important to incorporate our personality and what we love into the overall design and planning to maintain that personal touch. And last but not least, remember to have fun with it!