Our most recent trip abroad was to Thailand. We had been planning this one for many months. It was a 3 week trip which began in Phuket, then over to Railay in Krabi, finally we stopped off in Bangkok for a few days.

Phuket

This is an area which really seems to divide travellers. Some say it is paradise, others say it is an overcrowded, overpriced tourist trap. Anyway there are now flights here from the UK and plenty of different beaches to stay, so we decided to try it out.

Kata Noi Beach

I was doing the planning and I decided we would start at a quite beach. One which seemed to look quite was Kata Noi (just south of the main Kata beach). We stayed there for a few days in the Kata Noi Resort. The prices were very cheap compared to the 4 star hotel which takes up most of this beach. If you need a room around the £40 mark then you won’t find better than Kata Noi Resort.

The beach was actually far more crowded than expected and there wasn’t much going on in the area. It was still an ideal way to start the trip for a few days. We did some sightseeing and the beach itself was very attractive. Although the water was dirty at times.

kamala palms swimming pool.

Our next stop was Kamala which is about 30 minutes drive north. The beach here certainly wasn’t as nice. But we used this more central location to do more sightseeing. We stayed at the Kamala Palms which didn’t start well but got better. There was a bad smell in the room when we first arrived and the cleanliness levels weren’t great. That improved though and we loved the fact that out suite was on the ground floor next to the walk in pool- very luxurious.

From Kamala we did various things like the night market (enormous), Patong for a show, mini golf in Bang Tao (excellent) and more. Just 5 minutes away is Surin beach which was far nicer.

Krabi

We took a taxi to Ao Nang in Krabi and then a 10 minute boat ride to Railay West beach. This place looks great with a sweeping bay surrounded by cliffs. We loved staying here even though the hotel could of been better.

We stayed at the Railay Bay Resort who gave us a room which blasted in a strong smell of raw sewage on the first night. We asked to be changed and thankfully they did give us another room. But we never received an apology for the inconvenience. The next day we saw someone else in the sewage room so that really rubbed me the wrong way. I believe they don’t care about customers at all. Also the beds were really hard here too.

Unfortunately bad service seems to be the norm on Railay. All three restaurants had poor service. We also has a problem on walking street at one of the shops, so don’t buy anything there! Very rude service. There are more eating options on the East side but that place is nasty. If we went back we would stay in Ao Nanag and just visit Railay on a day trip. Railay and the nice beach around the corner are overcrowded with day trippers and I think that is what has led to bad service and high prices in general.

Bangkok

I wasn’t looking forward to this last leg of the trip. However we were absolutley delighted with the Chatrium hotel. This was a 5 star hotel only slightly more expensive than the 2 star Railay Bay Resort. The difference was amazing. We were upgraded to suites and treated like VIPs. It was a great experience to stay here and I wan’ted to stay on for another week or two in the hotel.

afternoon tea at the Chatrium

Bangkok was hot and I gave up on the sightseeing within minutes lol. We did enjoy visiting Chinatown and the malls but I really can’t comment on the temples and stuff, just wasn’t my cup of tea in the heat. We enjoyed the city, shopping was best at Asiatique just down the road from the Chatrium. MBK mall was best for buying presents and souvenirs for reasonable prices.

All in all we loved Thailand. We can highly recommend the first and last hotels. The Chatrium was especially good for around £90 a room, don’t hesitate if it is slightly out of your budget, it really is worth it.

My wife has been battling with her weight for years. Jean isn’t really too overweight but she has always been unhappy with her shape. Her latest attempt was the so called virtual gastric band hypnosis. As you probably know gastric band surgery is not something that can be done through hypnosis but these audio sessions claimed to have a similar effect.

What is gastric band hypnosis?

Obviously it is all in the mind and what it sets out to do is limit your food intake mentally instead of physically.  The audio recordings relax you first of all so that you are almost in a trance between sleep and consciousness. Then subliminal messages are fed into your head. I gave it a listen and have to say it is quite a nice experience- very calming. It might be placebo but I didn’t feel hungry for quite a while afterwards.

So, did it work?

Jean tried the gastric band hypnosis CD from Self Hypnosis UK. She chose this one because the recordings are done by a female hypnotherapist with a British accent. I’ve had a quick look at the site and they seem to be well trained in hypnotherapy. There are plenty of mentions of qualifications and certifications.

At first she was a bit mad as she said it wouldn’t work. She emailed Self Hypnosis UK and they gave her some advice. Something along the lines of keeping an open mind and being positive about change. Anyway she persisted and after a few days I realised she was eating less. I asked if it was the CD working and she shrugged and said she just wasn’t hungry.

It has been 3 weeks now and she is eating less all the time. She said she has come to the realisation that the CD has made a massive difference and she feels that she is already loosing weight.

Jean’s gastric band hypnosis review:

“The CD really has worked! I am eating less and eating more fruit than before. Listing to the recording has helped keep it in my mind what I want- to be thinner. Once I opened up to it, eating became less of an obsession and health and happiness became my main focus”

We have just got back from a little holiday in Hong Kong. This is my favourite place in Asia because everything seems much nicer. Most cities are hot and crowded with too much traffic but Hong Kong is airy and pleasant even in the busiest districts.

This time we stayed in Discovery Bay which is very close by to Disneyland on Lantau. In case you are not familiar with HK, Lantau Island is separate from the main island but easily accessed. When you arrive at the Hong Kong International airport you actually land on Lantau. This makes staying in Discovery Bay even more appealing.

The area is a tourist spot turned residential district. I think it was planned as a holidaymakers area but cancelled at the last minute. So it isn’t full of hotels. Discovery Bay is a great place to stay though and I wouldn’t mind living there one day. Anyway it was a quick drive everyday to Disneyland where we had lots of fun.

Hong Kong’s Disneyland isn’t as large as in the States but it is very well run, like most things in Hong Kong. We enjoyed the activities and rides. There was plenty to keep us entertained for 2 full days. We spent our last day relaxing in Discovery Bay which was pleasant. Our local friend also gave us a quick tour of Lantau Island which is worth checking out.

If you have kids then I can highly recommend this Disneyland. It is really easy to get to and very clean/well managed. Click here for their website.

This post is all about money saving tips for anyone that needs a new driveway for their property. This is the sort of job which can be very expensive, so it is best to ensure you have a quality contractor carry out the work. However there are some tips which I have picked up from my work experience in the past as an estimator at a company who did driveways in Manchester. I used to do the quotations so I knew everything about costing a driveway. After a while I could work out massive jobs in minutes in my head, although it took years to get used to all the little costing details.

Firstly the size of the area will effect the price per square metre. If you have a small area, lets say under 50 square metres, then forget about tarmac (asphalt). This is a really cheap option for big areas which is why it is used on roads. On driveways it can work out expensive because it is usually laid by a gang of men rather than a small team. It is bought in batches too, so you are likely to be paying for more than you need on smaller drives. Tarmac needs to be edged with something to hold it in place. The nicest option is stone cobbles, but they cost the earth. They have to be set individually. Even using block paving bricks is a very time consuming task. For a cheap job use simple concrete edgings which are a metre long and consider blocks or cobbles just across the entrance where they will be seen most.

The shape of the area can also affect the price. This is most apparent with block paving. Each brick needs to be cut around the edges, so complicated shapes can take a while. The most common way to lay block paving is in the 45 degree herringbone pattern, basically they are laid diagonal to the house. For square driveways simply turn the blocks another 45 degrees so they are laid 90 degrees to the house. This often means the bricks can simply be cut in half for the edges. This can save a lot of labour on long drives and cuts down on wastage. This doesn’t apply to tarmac, although it does apply to a smaller extent with paving stones.

Choosing when to have the job done can be a big money saver. Contractors are usually quieter in the winter. People just don’t think about getting a new patio or drive when the weather is bad. However this means you can get a better deal. Ask whether there is a winter discount when you get a quote. If you get a quote in summer, ask if it will be cheaper in winter. If the contractor says he isn’t sure, offer a deposit to get a discount in winter.

Finally, consider having other work carried out at the same time. Paving contractors often do other work like erecting fences, fitting gates or laying a shed base. They will often throw these in at cost if they are done at the same time as a big driveway project. Plus it means less upheaval in the future.

Don’t be cheap and use the cheapest quote you get, there are a lot of “cowboys” in the paving world. Use a company you trust and let them make suggestions for bringing the cost down. They may suggest a cheaper paving stone to use, or a slightly different design which cuts down on labour costs. Also ask if they can seal the surface once they are done. This will stop dirt sticking to it and cut down on maintenance costs in future. Alternatively buy your own sealant and check with the contractor when it i advisable to apply it.

There is no doubt that for many people, the Internet is a big part of their daily lives. Social media, networking and other applications are all going to be used in your day to day activities. Many people also like to take it a step further and shop online for various products. Some may shop for groceries on the Internet as well, although this depends on the circumstances. Shopping online for plug sockets and other pieces of equipment can end up giving you a cheaper deal.

This important thing to remember when shopping online is to compare different prices. Consumers will find there is a lot more competition out there simply because customers can compare products easily. By browsing through several websites, consumers can often find prices which suit them. As a result, it is important for the individual to be thrifty especially when looking online.

It is also important to look for local websites when shopping online for plug sockets. This is because, naturally, different countries have different types of plug. There is no point in going onto a US website and ordering products if you are living in the United Kingdom. Always remember to check this out.

Remember to go for quality as well. Many businesses and online suppliers have reviews and testimonials written about them on consumer review websites. Always remember to pay heed to these sites and make sure one has taken all of the advice on board.

Delivery is sometimes going to be free. This depends on the company you are buying from. During different times of the year, individuals may be able to come across a deal as well. Sites will often sell other spare parts as well. When building a home there are a lot of supplies which are needed, so getting everything from the one place is always going to be a convenience.

By bookmarking your favourite websites, it will be a lot easier in the long run. Look for as many websites as you can, read through them briefly, and then bookmark them. Afterwards, the customer can go back and slowly have a look over everything before deciding which company to go with.

In the end, it is important to read all of the terms and conditions. This is a vital step. You need to make sure you will not be charged extra for anything. Keep this in mind when shopping online.

When G2M Technologies partnered with Nokia to conduct market research, it was discovered that there are 6 million lone workers in the UK. The common device that all of these workers have is a mobile phone. Yet calling 999 is not enough to ensure the safety of those out alone on the road.

Employers have a duty of care responsibility to their employees as outlined in the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act. More recently the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act of 2007 has imposed new guidelines. Yet the number of assaults on workers continues to rise. Businesses have struggled to find a solution, up until now.

Alarming Figures Show only Small Percentage of Workers are Protected

Lone worker protection with an alarm and monitoring system is estimated to only cover 300,000 employees in the UK. Now there are new applications which can be used on existing mobile phones. LoneResQ Sentry is one solution which is installed on smartphones. The phones then send monitoring signals to headquarters. In the event of an emergency, an alarm sounds alerting the emergency services.

The NHS Leads the Way

The NHS has a massive number of lone worker employees from volunteers to travelling nurses. They have led the way in embracing this new technology The NHS has taken the issue of worker safety very seriously. They began issuing new devices to lone workers in 2009. However the new applications are offering a far more effective solution, in terms of safety and cost.

The original opinion of the NHS was that mobile phones could be a contributing factor to assaults. However the initial scheme to give out new electronic devices did not quite go to plan. The costs were astronomical and the devices were often ignored by workers. The new applications can cheaply be downloaded onto an existing mobile phone. It is rare that workers are without their phone, which means they can be monitored consistently.

G2M Technologies recently developed the LoneResQ Sentry application and monitoring software. For more information visit Lone Worker Protection.

Choose the UK holiday cottages for let you want to explore. Places that inspire are for let all over the UK. Pick an area by the sea or something closer inland, UK holiday cottages are a special treat. Travel to Devon, Dorset or new Forest and find a lovely place for a holiday. Some cottages are only large enough for a couple and other provide accommodations for eight people or more. In the Western UK find cottages that are lovely with sandy beaches nearby. These cottages sleep at least five people. Give yourself an amazing getaway. Perhaps do a little sailing or fishing. Enjoy lunch sitting in a quaint gardens or breakfast looking at the gorgeous UK countryside.

North Cornwall has a nice selection of cottages these self catering facilities are just the thing for a holiday. Take a cottage in the Lake District and go for walks in the evening air. The Eden Valley holds lovely cottages a nice but some cottages are only rented for a certain time of the year. The Rectory is a cottage located in Biddlestone, very nice but check for amenities. Some cottages in the UK have such popularity they have special names. Most are far away enough for privacy but close enough for convenience. Nurse cottage in the Lake District is one such place.

Cornwall is a location filled with UK holiday cottages which can be seen at http://www.uniqueholidaycottages.co.uk/locations/cornwall Find spots with lovely sunsets and large windowed cottages to watch them from. Some cottage rentals offer welcome packages. These packages are filled with fabulous welcoming trinkets. Perhaps you would like a cosy beach cottage for two or a place to ride horses. Biking is popular and there are lots of UK holiday cottage areas where hiking and biking is easy to do.

There are homes in Derbyshire for let. Some of these cottages have interesting family histories. Chatsworth is one. The Stable is another. Some cottages are rented by private owners and others by Realtors. There are listings for both private owners and real estate companies and their locations; so, for let cottages are not difficult to find. Remember, some rentals are seasonal, rentals are self catered or the fridge can be fully stocked. With some properties the cottage can be warmed up for you before you arrive. The arrangements are up to you. Cottages can be as rustic or as luxurious as you choose; UK holiday cottages are filled with options.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Hong Kong with my partner. She has been on at me for ages about visiting so I finally booked. I must say it is a great place for a short break. This is a really pleasant city compared to most in Asia. The air feels clean and the transport situation is excellent. We started in the busy shopping area near our hotel and really enjoyed the sights, shops and museums. We have been having some relationship issues and a friend of mine recommended we stop buy a counsellor in Hong Kong. We travelled across the channel and met Dan who works in the expat area.

Dan is a British expat who lives in Hong Kong. He runs a counselling service called Integrated Way. He said that most of his clients are expats. He specialised in mens counselling but also works with females, groups and couples. We only stayed in Hong Kong for 5 nights and only planned on seeing Dan for a session once. However we ended up seeing him 3 times, with the last session being a double one. He was very easy to get along with and he seemed to know both of us straight away. He was able to pick up on our problems very quickly and offer advice.

We immediately felt that it was helping and practiced his suggestions. It has been a few weeks now and our relationship is really better than it was before. We will book some more sessions next time we are in Hong Kong. We plan on going back early next year. It is a great city and the expat area is full of great bars and restaurants. Visit marriage counselling Hong Kong for more information.

If you are like many golfers seeking to go on a vacation these days, the choices are practically endless. However, in today’s economic times one location has stood out from among the rest, and that is Florida. There are many great reasons to visit the great state of Florida for your next golfing vacation, and this article will provide you with three of the best to consider.

The Weather
First and foremost, when it comes to golfing vacations weather matters, and it is truly difficult to find a location with better weather than the state of Florida. It is not as if you can only play during certain months of the year either; in Florida you can play year-round in fantastic weather, regardless of whether you are in the northern or southern part of the state.

The Courses
That’s all fine and dandy, you may say, but California also has great weather year-round as well. While that is a true statement, what makes Florida better than California as a golfing destination is the golf courses that are offered and the tremendous variety that they have. There is the famous island green at TPC Sawgrass, the Blue Monster at Doral, the finishing stretch at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, the list goes on and on. It is difficult trying to find two golf courses that play the exact same way in the state of Florida, and that is what makes it such a great golfing destination.

The Prices
Another difference between Florida and other destinations such as Arizona or California is price. Florida is the place to visit when on a budget, as hotels have constantly slashed prices in the hopes of luring more people to the state, along with other attractions and so forth. Now is the absolute best time to go on a golfing vacation to the state of Florida, as there are also many golf packages available that are tailored to those on practically any budget. Golf lessons Pembroke Pines is one link you could try for a reasonable rate. If you have ever wanted to go on a dream vacation or just get away for a bit and relax, consider going with Florida as your next golfing destination. You certainly won’t regret it!

Taking a vacation to ski the slopes is probably something that you have been planning for some time now. I have enjoyed going skiing with my family for many years now, but I did not know that it takes skill to get the most out of the experience. Once you have planned a vacation that involves skiing, you many want to think about ski training that would include exercises to help you improve your endurance and all around performance when you are racing down the slopes. Even if you have never tried your hand at this sport in the past, you will need to work on some basic things before you can do as well as you would like to. Training will help to make sure that you are not having trouble breathing while you are racing down a course. Additionally, you want to make sure that you know what you are doing before you set out to take part n something that can be a difficult challenge. Learning to ski is something that you probably have had some interest in for a long period of time, you can now accomplish that without having to worry about spending too much money in the process.

It is hard to think about taking part in this sporting activity without the benefit of ski training, you would be able to improve your condition and vastly improve your performance as a result. When you are taking part in any sporting activity, knowing what you are doing is a big part of being able to do very well. When you have the benefit of training, you will help your mind and body to get ready for the challenges that you will face. If you have never been skiing in the past, you want to look into some basic exercises that will reduce the amount of strain that is placed on your body when you do this as a pass time. If you are not worried about feeling tired on the slopes, this will allow you to focus on having more fun with your friends and family. Training can help you to avoid feeling as if you are going to die. Proper ski training can be very helpful in allowing you to discover all that awaits when you take part in this activity. I train for this sport on a regular basis in order to make sure that my skills are sharp.