Style Blog

If you’ve decided you and your family need a tumble dryer then there is a whole world of choice in front of you. When looking at the vast range of tumble dryers on the market you may not know where to begin and there are a number of questions you should ask yourself. Here are the key questions and their answers so you’re already armed when going to look for your dream dryer.

Do I need a washer-dryer?

This is something many people consider and basically, if you already have a quality washing machine why would you replace it? Similarly, a combined machine would be much less energy efficient than your two separate machines. They generally have less features and are more time consuming, so you can only have one load in at a time.

Will it send my electricity bills sky high?

If you use your tumble dryer and completely forget about your washing line, even in the sun, then you can expect increased bills. However A and A+ models are proud to be energy efficient and therefore choosing one of these means that of course they will add to your bill but it won’t be an unmanageable amount.

What types of dryer are there on the market?

There are two main types of tumble dryers currently available:

Vented

Vented dryers do what they say on the tin –  they use an air vent so they don’t overheat. They need to be placed against an outside wall with a hole drilled out so the hose can be pushed outwards. The hose removes the hot air creating during the drying process and releases it outside. Some people choose to put them out of the window but this isn’t really a long term option.

In Spain, be sure to check out 'chiringuitos', beachside bar-restaurant-cafés. These great local places serve up excellent tapas and 'raciones' for good prices and with attentive staff, so you will be served whether there are two clients in the establishment, or hundreds!

Favourite dishes of mine are grilled sardines, chipirones (fried baby squid), and lomo (thinly sliced pork).

@jsmithwriter

Jewellery making is supposed to have begun thousands of years back in India. This is the reason why India is known to have a wide collection of jewellery styles and designs. Just by looking at the design, you can say the category it belongs to. The jewellery that you come across in India will have a certain type of uniqueness that differentiates it from the rest. Due to the fact that this nation was overflowing with different kinds of precious gems and metals, they were effectively used as ornaments, beautifying each body part. This was one of the crucial reasons for people from other nations visiting India. The kings and queens of the earlier days wore jewels to show off the amount of wealth in their possession and also their power and prestige. However, with the passage of time, it became a symbol of investment and financial security. Jewels have always retained their aesthetic appeal and financial worth all these years and are hence seen as an ingenious expression, which is comprised of design and workmanship. Jewellery in India is developed different kinds of raw materials, which includes gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones, emeralds, rubies and semi-precious stones, such as opal, turquoise and many more. You’ll find a wide variety jewels for both humans and gods. Each region in the nation is famous for different kinds of jewellery design that is exclusive to that particular area. For example, dainty filigree work, which is composed of silver is unique and a favorite in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Delhi is famous for Kundan jewellery, which is made from both precious as well as semi-precious stones. Jaipur, in Rajasthan, is acclaimed for meenakari work, which makes use of enamel while designing jewellery. Nagercoil is famous for temple jewellery.

Meenakari jewellery, temple jewellery and antique jewellery have a massive fan base not only in the country, but even in foreign shores. Temple jewellery is very often associated to dancers, who perform classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. These designs are intricate and are dotted with semi-precious stones in colors of green and red. The set is composed of necklaces, anklets, earrings and pieces that beautify the hip, hair, feet and hair plaits. At present, antique jewellery designs are in huge demand. Very often they are present versions of jewels made from gold and silver but with a faded appearance. Meenakari and Kundan gold jewellery items are seen to have been impacted by the Mughal craftsmen and rulers. These jewels are very much renowned among people residing in Northern India. They rope in enamel painting besides including precious stones. This kind of jewellery design is ideal for designing chokers and necklaces. This particular art form involves flowers, motifs of plants, vines and also animals.

Toe rings and anklets are known as “Bichuas” and “Payals” respectively in India. They add beauty to the feet and are made up of silver. These are usually worn by married women or girls who will be getting married shortly. Sometimes, they are also used as fashion jewellery.

There are so many different subcultures these days that sometimes it can be hard to keep up with them all. Indies, Goths, Emos, Hipsters, Punks and more make up our modern world. A lot of designer labels take inspiration from these sub cultures and use their clothing choices to influence their latest collections. This then descends to the catwalks and then on to the high street, where people will then pick up these pieces and add them to their wardrobes. You may not realise it, but there is sure to be something in your closet that has been influenced by a popular sub culture.

A lot of famous designers have made their name by creating collections inspired by these sub cultures. Vivienne Westwood is one example, she first started out by producing collections inspired by bikers and later went on to create pieces centred around punk rock trends. This propelled her to fashion fame and she is now one of the most well know clothing designers in the world.

A photo from an early Vivienne Westwood collection. Image source – http://fashiontimeline-fashionista.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Another well know sub culture that inspired a generation of fashion is Mod. Many designer labels started out by creating clothing for the young Mods. Since the 1950’s, the Mod sub culture has been centred on having a particular look and style which is achieved by choosing certain clothing items. Doc Martens, khaki parkas, check shirts, polo tops, denim jeans and narrow ties were all seen as Mod wardrobe essentials. Designer labels including Lambretta, Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent have all been part of the Mod style at one time or another. Today you will still find many recognisable clothing items which resemble true Mod fashion. 

It's amazing the wildlife you see in and around a marina.  Yesterday it was a small viper, and swifts darting around, and today a special treat, about 30 Honey Buzzards migrating above our heads from North Africa into Europe.

What will tomorrow bring?

@jsmithwriter

Vivek Oberoi Reveals His Childhood Crush On Bollywood Actress, Juhi Chawla

At many of the events and shows, many of the actors reveal their childhood crushes and so has Bollywod actor, Vivek Oberoi. He has declared who his childhood crush was. In ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’, talent hunt show he divulged the name of his crush during childhood. Vivek reveals that after watching the film, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, he had a big crush on Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla. Vivek expressed his admiration for Juhi when she came for promoting her upcoming movie at a show. Vivek was not able to hold on to his emotions and right before her, he opened out his heart. He told her that after watching Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, and watching her shake a leg to the famous song – Gazab Kah Hai Din from the film he had started having a crush on her. The film has now completed 25 years.

On hearing about the crush Juhi Chawla laughed aloud and said that, it meant that Vivek had a crush on her when he was just about ten years old. Vivek recollects that having watched the film as a kid Juhi became the ultimate woman for him. He says that most boys of his childhood fell in love with her enduing cute smile and vivacious ways. He said this at a reality show where he has become a judge. Juhi was also at the show for the ‘Hum Hai Rahi Car Ke’ upcoming film promotion.

Imran Khan Gets Pricey For His Next Film Ouatima

Imran Khan, the chocolate boy is the latest Khan who is signing films for crores. He too has joined the bandwagon like the rest of the Khans who also sign films for crores. For just one single film Quatima, he has demanded a whopping 11 crores. So far many of the Khans and Kumars, like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahrukh Khan and Amir Khan have demanded crores for their films, but the latest grapevine is that even Imran Khan has demanded 11 crores for ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai 2’.