by Stephanie Roper |  The summer holidays are upon us. Endless glorious days stretch out ahead of you: time to cross all those jobs off the list, time to get away, relax and unwind. The only thing is with the kids off school your time isn’t your own and neither is your money; sometimes your bank balance can feel like its slipping away faster than quick sand. 

How to entertain the kids on a budget? Can’t help you there I’m afraid but I can help you save and even make some money from your clothes. Let’s start with purchasing clothes: consumers spend £38million a year on clothes but most of it goes in landfill. So you are in the fitting room and you are not sure. My first tip is Trust your Taste. This is simply about instinct, sometimes when you shop with other people you can feel pressured to purchase especially when you have three kids demanding ice-cream and uttering those fateful words “have you finished yet?” when really you’ve only just got started. If you can’t immediately meet your eye in the fitting room mirror or you tug excessively on a garment you are trying on simply keep your cash. If in doubt, leave it out. Your wardrobe and bank balance will thank you. 

But you still want some new clothes! My second tip is Clothes Swaps. Clothes Swaps are an awesome way to refresh your wardrobe for free! Organise one with the other parents who have been saddled with summer childcare duties. Go outside your normal networking and link up with some parents from other social groups – this casts the net wider for a more awesome swap. And by more awesome I mean more choice of clothing. And as the host who should get first dips? You. Chuck the kids in the garden with a swingball set and swap til the wine has run out.

But after wearing your free clothes and steering clear of the shops for a bit, your wardrobe has had some hardcore wear. Time for a clear out? Before you start did you know 1.2m tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year? My third tip is Clothes can be recycled too. Clothes that really are past the point of repair can still be recycled at charity shops. In fact 80% of charity shops accept clothing which is bobbled, full of holes and torn. Just label the bag(s) ‘Rags’ and the charity shop can sell it on to a rag man. See the Charity Retail Association website for more details (http://www.charityretail.org.uk/).

On the clearing out side of things – kids are uncannily stylish in their own little way and give them half a chance they will be brutally honest about what they do and don’t like you wearing. So make an afternoon of it – give them a fashion show, pull out all the items you bought on a whim, spent too much on and have never worn. Get some (free) Trinny and Susannah style advice in the form of your little cherubs. More often than not, they’re right.

The Wardrobe Angel
Stephanie Roper

Time saved, money made ...always something to wear with The Wardrobe Angel

Phone me: 07542 825740
Email me: [email protected] 
Visit me: www.wardrobeangel.co.uk
Twitter me up: @wardrobe_angel

by Isla Wilson | 
So.... you've packed the sunscreen, your flippers and your flip flops..... can you squeeze just one more book into your holiday suitcase? We've raided the Business BookWorms archives to recommend some business-related holiday reading, if you really can't bear to leave work behind all together.

If you..... hate to sell but know you need to get your head round it before you return to work

Read: To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink 

Of the 4 books recommended here this is the "heaviest read", but it's so well written and the message is so strong that we hope you'll forgive it. This book gives a review of the very latest research thinking about sales and selling and helps you to ditch the habits (and fears) that you may have picked up from populist views of who salespeople are (Hint: It's all of us, yes, even you there on the sun lounger)

Paperback:

Kindle:

Audible:

If you..... can't stand your boss and might be ready to take the plunge into working for yourself

Read: The $100 Startup,  by Chris Guillebeau

The relentlessly upbeat and encouraging tone of this book might do your head in if you try and read it on the daily commute to work, but read it on the beach with a cocktail in hand and it'll feel about right. Packed full of genuinely useful tips and insights, it may be the boost you need to take the plunge. Just make sure you take a few notes of what you want to do, or your inspiration will fade faster than your tan.

Paperback:

Kindle:

Audio:

If you.... like your input to be bite-sized

Read: Rework, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Reading a business book on holiday can be a perilous business.... not only may your loved ones disapprove but you run the serious risk of dozing off mid chapter. Worry no more, not only does this book not look like a business tome, but inside every chapter is a tiny chunk of inspiration or genius – you can dip in and out no matter how short your attention span.

Paperback:

Kindle:

Audio:

If you..... prefer to read stories

Read: Who Moved My Cheese, by Dr Spencer Johnson

Written as a novel, this is an oldie, but kind of a goody. An allegorical novel about change which should allow you to reflect on your own approach to change in work and in life. Be warned the cheese isn't just in the title, but don't let that put you off, besides...... we can all see that straw donkey balanced on your suitcase, a teeny bit more cheese won't hurt.

Paperback:

Kindle: Not available.

Audible:

Get stuck in, and when you get back from your hollibobs we'd love to hear what you thought of them over at www.businessbookworms.co.uk

Isla Wilson in an entrepreneur, and founder of Ruby Star Associates – the UK's Ooomph tank. Ruby Star Associates also run The Accidental Business School (training for people who want to make a living doing what they love, without having to dress up in pinstripes) and Business Bookworms (a free online business book club). www.rubystarassociates.co.uk @RubyStarTweet.

To hear Lisa Raynes talking with Kelly-Ann Davies about setting up in business, practising as an architect, juggling family and career, Women in Property and more click here: http://www.mixcloud.com/scarletladies/scarlet-ladies-12th-july/ 

Scarlet Ladies Presenter: Kelly-Ann Davies
Broadcast: Friday 11am - 1pm
Sponsor: www.forwardladies.com

Scarlet Ladies on RedShift Radio is broadcast live every Friday from 11am – 1pm

An all female panel brings you chat and fun from a female perspective. Sit back, listen and enjoy a couple of hours with the glamorous girls of Cheshire; no men allowed!

The sponsor of Scarlet Ladies is Forward Ladies, the networking organisation that inspires women to realise their professional potential.

by Advanced Cladding and Insulation Group | 

CE marking of all metal-faced sandwich panels becomes mandatory in the UK from July 2013. Don’t worry we have been ready since 2009!

In 2006, a committee of European experts, chaired by EPIC, developed a standard covering the use of panels for external roofs and walls, and internally for walls, ceilings and partitions. The standard EN 14509, was formally accepted by the Member States in 2006 and is the basis of CE Marking of all metal faced insulated panels.

CE Marking is mandatory for all harmonised construction products in most European Countries. The CE Mark is a label fixed to the product, packaging or accompanying documentation. It contains information provided by the manufacturer that declares minimum guaranteed performance values for the principal characteristics of the panel as set out in the harmonised standard EN 14509.

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) has been adopted by the European Commission and UK Government and replaces the Construction Products Directive (CPD). From 1st July 2013, it is mandatory for products within the scope of harmonised European Standards (hENs), to carry CE Marking if they are to be placed on the UK market. 

T: 0161 231 0001 
F: 0161 231 1005

[email protected] 
www.advancedcladding.com
www.admastercompositesupportsys tem.com
Raynes House, 3 Stokes Street, Manchester, M11 4QU


 

by Helen Taylor, Hosta Consulting | 

Environmental interaction is essential to human needs and is dependent upon biological and psychological processes and influenced by cultural factors.  

Biophilia is the term used to describe the physiological and psychological benefits derived from the intrinsic attraction of humans to nature. 

Biophillic design is the promotion of progressive interactions between nature and people within built environments and can foster feelings of place attachment and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space. Human welfare and development is dependent upon the fundamental role that nature provides.  

Opportunities for contact with nature have been forsaken as the natural environment has become degraded by the actions of humans.  Air and water pollution, fragmented landscapes, habitat loss and reduction in biological diversity due to climate change and resource depletion are all threats to the function of nature in supporting the emotional, intellectual and moral development of humans. Any opportunities for the reintroduction of valuable human interaction with nature within the built environment will have significant positive physical and psychological effects. 

 The current heat wave has created an environment within our cities that is at best uncomfortable and at worst, a threat to vulnerable members of the community. Cities are known to be approximately 2-6 degrees C higher in temperature than rural areas and this is known as the urban heat island effect.  This is caused by the gradual build up of solar energy within the fabric of a built environment and its release during the night. Urban construction materials have different thermal and radiative properties to natural surfaces and alongside the close arrangement of buildings in cities creating ‘street canyons’, reduce the opportunity for heat loss. The urban heat island effect has a significant impact on city dwellers:

Increased water consumption, increase energy consumption, pollution, fatigue, irritability, respiratory disorders and allergies are examples of how people are affected. Disruption of the normal seasonal function of animals and plants can increase pests and diseases and damage biodiversity.

The National Planning Policy Framework published by The UK Gov. Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012, provides guidelines for the provision of green space, enhancing opportunities for biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change such as flash flooding within the built environment.

How urban green space can mitigate the heat island effect:

Any physical cooling of the environment by the effects of green infrastructure will reduce the heat island effect and facilitate a restorative environment enhancing the quality of life for city dwellers.

Pockets of well designed green space provided by qualified horticulturalists can help create green corridors within cities that encourage normal movement of wildlife and increase opportunities for biodiversity, reduce localised flooding, cool buildings and connect people with nature.

Green roofs can cool roof top temperatures, reduce run- off and provide habitats for biodiversity and aesthetic benefits.

Urban trees offer significant benefits in mitigating the heat island effect but careful attention must be given to species choice, tree pit size and relationship to nearby structures.

Green walls can cool buildings, provide habitats for wildlife and aesthetic appeal but require regular maintenance and irrigation. A green screen or hedge can provide a similar effect that is more cost effective.


Helen Taylor
BSc (Hons) Environment Design and Management
FdSc Horticulture
Hosta Consultinghostaconsulting.co.uk
[email protected]

by Josie Teubler |


 The Manchester International Festival is held every two years and this year, 2013, was the biggest and best yet.  Featuring stars of stage and screen, such as Williem Dafoe, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Maxine Peake, Francesca Annis and Massive Attack.

The golden ticket, and the one hardest to bag, was to see Macbeth with Kenneth Brannagh, the internet had a slight nervous breakdown coping with the demand with people, as far away as the US, trying to gain an audience with the Shakespearian poster boy. The ‘surprise’ of the festival and the ticket that passed us all by was The xx In Residence – I barely gave that a second thought yet apparently it was astounding, I won’t tell you what happens except that I really really wish I’d seen it.

For me there have been many highlights. The Old Women with Williem Dafoe and Mikhail Baryshnikov meant I personally crossed a ‘must do’ off my bucket list (Baryshnikov dance on stage; tick!). It was an absurdist piece of theatre, at turns beautiful, maddening, strange and confusing, and I loved it. I loved the fact that someone commissioned it and that two exceptionally famous actors agreed to be in it, risk taking in the arts always gets my vote.

Massive Attack Vs Adam Curtis was a cool, inspiring and loud work of art. One of the most exciting moments was at the start, walking into the gigantic warehouse holding a can of beer, the air was thick with anticipation. I couldn’t work out why it was called ‘versus’ rather than Massive Attack and Adam Curtis – but when it started I understood. The two mediums Curtis’ film and Massive’s music vie for your attention – I was conflicted did I want to dance or sit back and enjoy the film? In the end I didn’t really do either –however I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience (and the beer).

I took my youngest to see ‘Once Upon a Time’ a dance, mime and acting piece about fairy tales – the genre was experimental and my five year old lapped it up – it was so refreshing for children to be treated to something that little bit different.

The Masque of Anarchy was an exceptionally atmospheric, powerful and thought provoking piece set in the beautiful and newly discovered Albert Hall. Maxine Peake recounting Shelley’s poem about the Massacre at Peterloo in 1819 lasted for about 25 minutes and you could hear a pin drop. In a long white nineteen century dress and night cap on a stage ablaze with candles – it was quite an experience. Shelley lines urging ‘the people’ to rise like lions after slumber, ‘shake your chains to earth like dew, which in sleep had fallen on you – Ye are many – they are few’ I was ready to take to the streets with pitch forks and flaming torches.

However I didn’t, I went on to Festival Square and Rob Da Bank. It was a great atmosphere, people friendly and smiling (the warm balmy night, admittedly, probably helped with this – might not have been so much fun in the pouring rain) my friend and I lunged from DJ tent, to clubbing tent somehow winding up in the town hall and the Artists Party – with a free champagne bar and dancing until 2.30am….it was definitely worth the headache on Sunday.

The last piece I saw was The Machine, a newly commissioned piece by the Donmar Warehouse. Arguably on paper this was the least interesting – unless you’re really into Chess - Garry Kasparvo, the Soviet world champion, undisputed King of Chess taking on Deep Blue a chess computer in NYC in 1997. However it was completely compelling, creatively staged and wonderfully acted with a sublime Francesca Annis.

This sums the Manchester International festival up, commissioning compelling, risk taking theatre music and dance. Pieces with bite, character and flair. It’s the dare devil stunt man of festivals, who likes to jump through fire hoops in drag. Sometimes it works and takes your breath away, and other times not so much but your glad you saw it anyway.

I can’t finish, however, without a word about the unsung hero of the festival - Manchester itself. The venues are daring, creative and use spaces many of us city dwellers have never seen or been in before. The city opens up in a way that is exciting, interesting and inventive - it makes me very proud to call Manchester my home.

Josie Teubler

Head of Marketing
Baltic Holidays

Blogger & Labour campaigner - Politics, Culture & Fashion 
www.josiespoliticalshoes.com 

We have great universities and a lot of students reside here until they return home at the end of the academic year. Should a property becomes vacant in the summer it’s a much more likely to let quickly as there are lots of people looking to find a city home for the next year.  Local people tend to get the bug to live in the city when the temperatures become nice and warm, and the thought of sitting on your balcony or taking a stroll to a bar down by the canal becomes very appealing. What we find here at JP Hay Sales and Lettings is that my great staff are run off their feet with viewings and it’s always much better to show an apartment that has glorious sunny views across the city rather than grey skies. 

City living is very popular with the professionals of Manchester, who want to be able to get out of bed and stroll to work and not have the stress to battle with public transport.

Sunny climates a great advantage to the business as we get a lot of lovely people who stroll into our office to have a chat and a look at what we have available.

Castlefield is a great area for this time of year as you are very close to the ship canal and all of the great bars and restaurants that are located along the waterside.

Where we are located in The Northern Quarter is an extremely popular area especially for the professional sector that enjoy the trendy bars and the short walk to the main shopping area.

Overall summer time is great for the Manchester lettings market; although my obvious love of Manchester, wonderful staff and brilliant customer service have something to do with our success this season continues to be thriving when it comes to the world of lettings.

Samantha Hay – Managing Director
Tel: 0161 376 3276
Email: [email protected]
www.jphaylettings.co.uk

by Polly Clements |

 I made a decision to study architecture about three years ago. During my last couple of years at school, I was a mathematician, a physicist, and a philosopher, but most importantly an artist. I loved creating paintings and sketches within the rectangular frame of a canvas, but looking into the profession of building design through the pages of books and magazines, I realised that it was possible to create pieces of art as spaces in which people could daily live. 

Honestly however, I believe that I aspired to be an architect from a young age without even realising it. From a family of six, we grew up making forts, building sandcastles, playing lego, and of course, dangerously attached to the computer games, the Sims and Rollercoaster Tycoon. My dad’s job, as the manager of the holiday home company, Rural Retreats, took us all over the UK during school holidays to beautiful lighthouses, secluded cottages and grand manor houses. As kids we would run around these places as if our own giant play houses. I was fortunate to be constantly inspired by beautiful spaces and was always naturally designing and creating.

So I have recently finished my second year of study at MSA, and today I am in the midst of a month of placement with Raynes Architecture. I start working at about 9 in the morning, after a cycle to the lovely area of Chorlton. I have done a good deal of admin work but more interestingly have been involved in the building projects, which means I am designing spaces, and observing meetings where I introduce myself as ‘Lisa’s Shadow’. This is my first experience in an architect’s office and I suppose the question is, is it living up to my high hopes?

I am an idealist and as much as anything, the industry is not some kind of perfect dream factory, everything is a process. But Raynes Architecture does bring the dreams of individuals to reality in the world and it is an amazing place to be.  It has been incredible to design in real life situations, as well as to work alongside others with more experience towards the same goal of making the world a more beautiful place.