Summer 2008

Enquire Within

This article comes from www.periodproperty.co.uk Peter Thompson of Original Features Restorations Ltd provides a step-by-step guide to cleaning Victorian geometric and encaustic tiles.

When choosing to clean and protect Victorian tiles the householder has a choice between using traditional techniques or modern alternatives which provide a less labour intensive solution. Individuals who want a totally traditional finish can oil the tiles, rather than use an acrylic sealer. But be prepared, they will need re-oiling on a weekly basis. If the traditional method is the preferred solution choose an oil which is colourless e.g. clear Slate Dressing from fireplaces shops to avoid 'yellowing the floor'. Yellowing is a term given when a mixture of linseed oil and beeswax is used on Victorian tiles causing the tiles to yellow over time. Keeping the tiles clean is also made more difficult by the sticky nature of linseed oil which helps to attract dust and grime. Read more ...www.periodproperty.co.uk

Wonderful Websites

Have you ever wondered how much more you would enjoy your summer holiday if it didn't cost quite so much? A comfortable, or even luxurious, but inexpensive holiday is possible if you consider making the most of one of your most valuable assets: your home. With home exchange you can swap your home for another family's, anywhere in the world, free of charge. The aficionados of the home swap system say that not only is this much cheaper than staying in hotels or renting an apartment or villa but it is also a great way to immerse yourself in the real life and culture of a place by living in someone else's home and really experiencing life 'in their shoes'. www.homelink.org has over 50 years experience in this market and has 13,000 listed members in 51 countries. Home swaps will not suit every family but they clearly provide a great holiday experience for some travellers.

The subject of holidays always reminds you of the horror of 'what to pack?' If you are someone who solves this dilemma by packing your entire summer wardrobe, and shoes for every possible occasion, you might like to try the life changing experience of www.travelite.org This site shows you how to take all you need for a two week holiday in a carry on bag. What's more, it really works! The most useful section is the breakdown of clothes that you need to take (helpfully illustrated) to cover a fourteen day break and how you would mix and match your wardrobe over the holiday. This website is a rare find and if you want travel lighter this summer do take the time to check it out.

Holiday packing reminds me of the difficulty of find the 'perfect holiday shoes'. If you suffer from aches and back pain or shoes that make your feet tired and sore the shoes at www.lovethoseshoes.co.uk which feature shoes that are kind to your feet and back might appeal to you. The Earth Shoes range invented by Helen Kelso, and known as 'Kelso negative heel technology', copies how man naturally walks through sand creating correct posture and leading many of its fans to rave about how it eliminates back pain. Earth Shoes have plenty of celebrity followers too suggesting that flat shoes are not just for the 'terminally sensible!'

Summer just isn't summer without the obligatory fete or two whether school, church or village. If you'd like to find out the dates of fetes in your area you could try this 'fete finder' from Innocent Drinks the makers of juices and smoothies. They also host their very own take on an 'Innocent village fete' on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August in Regent's Park, London. www.innocentvillagefete.com