Although security is serious and should be taken as so, there are a few kooky devices out there you could use to secure your home, all the while maintaining your sense of humour, and probably catching any intruder completely unawares. Check out this list below.

SmokeCloak

Like something out of a 1980’s pop video, the SmokeCloak works on a very simple but incredibly effective principle; what thieves can’t see they can’t steal.

Sure it’s not the most subtle way to keep intruders out, but hey, even if there aren’t any intruders you could still set it off and do your best Bonnie Tyler impression.

Remote Controlled Locks

Now this is actually very clever; most people know the feeling of leaving the house, heading off to work and realising they have forgot to lock the back door.

But that is a problem that can now be consigned to the past thanks to the Schlage LiNK remote locking system which will allow you to lock and unlock your doors via a smart phone or other internet-enable device. All you have to do is pop a pin number into your phone (fear not, no one can intercept it thanks to bank-level encryption technology). Of course, you probably shouldn’t let your kids get hold of it…

The Mosquito Ultrasonic Projector

A burglar can’t steal anything he can’t get near, right? Although it is a stereotype that most thieves are young good-for-nothing teens, there certainly are a large proportion of crimes committed by undesirable youngsters.

Well that’s where The Mosquito Ultrasonic Projector comes in. First used by shopkeepers to disperse groups of youngsters loitering outside, the little device emits an uncomfortable noise only young people can here. They’ll be so annoyed by it; they’ll be forced to leave your house alone. Genius eh?

Tweeting Laser Tripwire

No, this isn’t science fiction – it is actually possible to set up a device that will tweet on your behalf when the Liquidware laser ‘tripwire’ is activated.

But that’s not all; it will even take a picture of the intruder in the middle of his devious act. You need to set it up yourself and need a bit of programming knowledge, but you will soon feel safe in the knowledge that if someone tries to steal your belongings, the Twittersphere will soon know about it. But not the police….

Rovio Robot Dog

Ok, so we’ve saved the best for last. Say if someone comes into your home while you are away, what are your initial thoughts? Probably not, quick fetch Rovio.

This little guy will beam live pictures back to you through your laptop so you can see what is going on and where the intruder is rather than putting yourself at risk. How do you control it? All you need do is log into Rovio via Wi-Fi and using invisible infra red beams your robot dog finds it way around patrolling your home.

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Charlie Curtis-Jones

He writes for Brentwoodradios.co.uk, where you can find out about the very latest two-way radio technology solutions.

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However, maybe the preppers among us are the ones who are the most clued-in. After all, we can’t even be 100 percent sure what the weather will be like tomorrow, how are we supposed to know what surprise complication might be round the corner? Here are five reasons why it is smart to store extra food.

A Police Lock-down is No Longer an Outlandish Occurrence

If someone had suggested that police lock-down was a real possibility about a year ago, they would have been ridiculed for thinking it. But after the tragic bombings at the 2013 Boston marathon, the Massachusetts town of Watertown was forced into police lock-down, with residents unable to leave their homes for at least a day.

This example only lasted for a day, but if the police had been unable to locate the suspect so quickly, they may have been forced to go days without leaving their homes. If such a situation happens to fall on grocery shopping day, how are you and your family going to eat without a backup food store?

Natural Disasters are Largely Unpredictable

There are certain areas of the world that are more prone to suffer natural disasters. However, that does not mean that, because you don’t live in one of them, you are completely safe. And for the most part, natural disasters are notoriously unpredictable in terms of scope and impact on each area. Whether you are greatly affected by a natural disaster, or the impact is relatively minor, there is a good chance that you may be forced to live off of the food that is in your house for a while.

Financial Trouble Can Happen at Anytime

It is not just natural disasters and police lock-downs that make it difficult to buy food. If the recession has taught us anything, it is that financial difficulties can descend upon a person, nation, or even the whole world, at any time. If you are suddenly hit by a lost job, a sudden huge expense, or something else that may cause you problems financially, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you still have a way to put food on the table?

Emergency Response Can Only Do So Much

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends storing at least three days’ worth of food for each person in your home. The reason for this is that, after a big emergency, three days is the maximum time that it could take emergency response to reach you. As a result, you will be forced to fend for yourself until then.

A Zombie Apocalypse Could Happen at Anytime

Ok, so maybe not…but the fact remains that food storage is essential, as you simply cannot predict what will happen in the near or distant future. And what you might find, is that you actually come to enjoy creating it. It can be fun to pick food and try out potential menus, so why not get started and have some fun with it?

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Lee Flynn

Freelance writer and all-around food storage expert.

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Skip the hassle this year and cut yourself a break by planning well in advance. In fact, right now is a great time to start. By buying a couple things here and there as they come on sale, you’ll not only save yourself the insanity of last minute shopping, you’ll finally get to enjoy that nice glass of eggnog or mulled cider, warmed with the knowledge that all your searching, buying and wrapping are done for the year.

Deal-of-the-Day websites

Although Groupon has fallen from grace in the stock markets’ eyes, there are still plenty of deals to be found on the site. Sign up for deal-of-the-day websites such as Groupon for limited time offers of 50 percent or more off of daily items and services. Woot.com is another big one day sale site. Others include:

• Living Social.com
• BuyWithMe.com
• Tippr.com
• HomeRun.com
• DealOn.com
• Kgbdeals.com

Most of these group coupon sites offer discounts for items and services in your area as well as national deals. Other deal sites, such as Tipper, HomeRun and DealOn, offer more of a discount as more people buy the product. Others, such as Kgbdeals, offer several deals at once for strictly limited times. No matter what site, or sites, you go with, group purchasing is a great way to get big discounts on gift items year-round.

End of Season Classics

Waiting until the end of the season to purchase gifts isn’t the best idea when it comes to trendy fashion items such as shoes and clothing, but it is an excellent time to purchase classic gifts that never go out of style. As the weather warms up, stores tend to discount most cold weather items such as cozy pajamas, thick blankets, warm socks and furry slippers, all of which make perfect and timely holiday gifts. If you have some friends or relatives who love wrapping up in snuggly items during the colder months, then the spring season is the best time to grab their gifts at discount. Look for these types of deals at department stores and places like Marshalls, Ross, Stein Mart, and TJ Maxx.

Spring Cleaning

Speaking of spring, all those sunny days and warm breezes after a long winter tend to inspire bursts of deep cleaning in most homeowners and department stores. Bargain hunters can take advantage of this habit by keeping up with the yard sale pages in the paper or on yard sale websites such as YardSaleSearch.com and the YardSaleTreasureMap.com. Also, keep an eye on your area’s Craigslist.com for upcoming sales and free items.

Manufacturers’ Coupons

Last but not least, if you find an item you like but is not on sale, it never hurts to check the manufacturer’s website for coupons. Nine times out of ten the product’s official website has some sort of discount that you can print and use. Don’t forget coupons.com, where you can download printable manufacturers coupons.

What are some ways you’ve found for saving on holiday shopping? Where do you find the best discounts on gifts?

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Norman Fong

CEO at BuyVia.com

He is Chief and Co-Founder of BuyVia, an online and iOS App smart shopping service that uncovers great deals on popular products. BuyVia makes it easy for consumers to get price alerts from both online and local retailers for best cheap laptops and other electronics products.

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image courtesy of redfloor

Mother’s day is around the corner and and many you may be wondering what you could possibly get for the mother’s in your life. Whether the mother you are thinking of already has everything or you are operating under a tight budget, knowing what to get for mother’s day causes enough stress to turn even the youngest mother’s hair gray. If you can’t think of anything you could buy at the store then bust out the sewing machine and make something from the heart. Here are a few fun mother’s day (or just summer) gift ideas:

No-sew fleece flowers

These easy to make flowers can be attached to a hair pin, worn as a bracelet or even used as a home decoration. The easiest way to make one of these is to find one of the many patterns available online. Once you have found the one you would like all you need to do is cut it out and then follow a few easy instruction that are specific to each design.

Fleece throw blanket

Here’s another craft idea that doesn’t require any sewing. Find a patter that you like and then cut out the size of blanket that you would like. If you would like to turn the throw blanket into a regular blanket than that is easy too. All you need to do is cut out a section of fabric that is identical to the first. Sew the two pieces of fabric together and then, using a needle and thread, attach buttons or bows in a grid pattern (about six inches to a foot apart) across the fabric.

Fleece Scarf or shawl

Just like the blanket, the hardest part of making this project is selecting the fabric that you want. Once you have, simply cut out the size that you’d like. For scarfs you should leave about an inch and a half of fabric on both ends to cut into strips. Once these strips have been cut, tie them around themselves and viola! the scarf has tassels.

Perhaps the best thing about working with fleece is that the fabric does not unravel or fray so you do not have to worry about finishing seam edges. Although this can still be done for decorative purposes if you would like. Because of this, you do not have to worry about leaving too much space for a seam allowance, which can help cut down on bulk. This also means that you do not have to worry about hemming any edges unless you want to.

Fleece fabric is great fabric to work with and wear. The end result is something than any mother (or any person) can enjoy. Perhaps the best part is that these projects are just as fun to make as they are to use. It is soft and cuddly, lightweight, and fairly easy to work with and take care of. I read that fleece was developed to use as the alternative to wool. It is supposed to keep you just as warm as wool without the itchiness, shrinking, and absorbency of wool.

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Paisley Hansen

She is a freelance writer and expert in fleece fabric, and health and beauty. When she isn't writing she can usually be found reading a good book.

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Potential homeowners can hire specialists to design and build energy efficient homes for them. Those who already have homes can adjust or upgrade them for greater energy efficiency. The average building relies on various features like air conditioning to maintain certain comfort levels. Older homes probably did not have so many alternatives when they were being constructed. Older homes need to be upgraded while new one can be adjusted for energy conservation. In any case, home improvements should be made with a long-term perspective.

1. The Living Room

Consider reducing the size of the living space. This can be done by subdividing larger homes in such a way that they accommodate several households. Close off rooms that are not in use and grow the household to fit into available space.

2. Insulation

This can be done on new and older homes. Homeowners with older houses can insulate from the inside while those with newer homes can insulate from the outside. Apply the insulation consistently throughout the house to maximize the effectiveness of the insulation. For instance insulating a wall with an open window is not effective. In such a situation, use foam board insulation instead of the structural plywood. Foam board insulation sheathing does insulation and moisture control.

3. Air Leaks

Cover all areas and ensure that the home is airtight. This is not an undertaking that many homeowners can successfully implement. Consider hiring a specialist for this job. Seal all windows and doors allowing air inside a house. One way to check for leaks is by holding a ribbon near the edge of a door or window. If the ribbon flutters, then there is a leak and heat is getting out.

4. Windows

Consider installing quality windows. Some of the window options available to homeowners include low emissivity coated windows and argon filled double or triple glazed windows. These can be obtained from a buildings supply store. If possible, reduce the size of the windows to reduce air loss and warm the house during winter.

5. Landscaping

In many regions throughout the U.S, people can easily predict the location of the sun throughout the day. Those with homes in areas with tropical climates may consider planting trees to shade their homes during the hottest hours of the day. Those with homes in wintry areas can plant deciduous (leaf shading) trees. Such trees will protect the house during summer.

6. Appliances

Buy and install energy saving appliances including water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners. Look for appliances with energy efficient labels including tankless water heaters, condensing furnaces and SEER air conditioners.

7. Electric loads

Address electric loads in the house. Find appliances that put a strain on electricity use in the house. Determine when to switch off such appliances especially when they are not needed.

8. Fluorescent Lighting

Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Homeowners who have not had any experience with fluorescent lighting should give it a chance. The technology for making fluorescent bulbs is continually improving. Those who do not want to get rid of their incandescent bulbs completely can have a mix of fluorescent and incandescent bulbs in their homes. The two types of bulbs can deliver beautiful lighting in a home.

9. Washing Machine

Consider buying energy efficient washing machines. Some of the options for homeowners are the Energy Star horizontal-axis and front-loading washers. The two help to reduce water and energy loss significantly. Homeowners should ensure that they buy washing machines with good Energy Star ratings.

10. Laundry

Air dry laundry. This method makes clothes to last and reduce a house’s energy demands. Use indoor drying racks in colder climates or during winter. Those who live in places with warmer climates can line dry their clothes. This helps to keep the clothes fresh and eliminates the need for ironing.

11. Technology

Various technologies such as home solar panels, gas turbine cogeneration and home windmills create energy for many homes. Some people produce enough energy for domestic use and even sale back to the power grid. These technologies are expensive but they pay up through reduced energy bills.

12. Appliance Maintenance

Consider changing or cleaning heating filters every month or so. Dirty air filters obstruct airflow, which raises heating costs. In addition, service the furnace each year during fall. Homeowners should consider having a technician check, adjust and lubricate their furnaces. This will help save on heating expenses.

13. Time showers

Though this may seem like an extreme measure, many people think they take short showers when in fact they use gallons of water and stay in showers longer than they think. Hot water showers have to be heated. This can result in substantial energy consumption for most families. By setting timers, people save water and energy.

Adjust the temperature of water in the heater. The temperature adjustment can be done using a thermostat. Setting the temperature at around 120 degrees will not use too much energy and would still allow an individual to enjoy a nice hot shower.

14. Eliminate phantom load

Phantom load is the energy that is pulled into electronic devices plugged into sockets even when the devices are turned off. It is also known as vampire load. People with appliances that are plugged in all the time such as TVs, computers and cell phone chargers may be losing a lot of energy every month. Unplug all appliances that are not in immediate use.

15. Purchase a Power Strip

One way of eliminating phantom load is by purchasing a power strip with surge protection. Power strips allows people to turn off appliances that are not in use.

Energy conservation helps people save a lot of money on their energy bills. However, this is not the only incentive for conserving energy. Saving energy conserves the planet and reduces the effects of global climate change, which are a reality.

Stewart Graham, who runs Australian online blinds store Super Blinds Mart. You can find Stewart on Google+too!

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After all, newborns don’t have an opinion on how their living space should look. Not so with pre-teens and teens. To make decorating your child’s bedroom an easier process, solicit your child’s suggestions for how he wants his room to look.

One option would be to ask your child to go to her room and decorate, promising that you’ll come in later and offer suggestions to enhance the room. The overall objective of the process is to let your child express herself through the decorations she chooses, independent of your input, to liven her sleeping space with. You may discover that your child prefers a solid color of painting or wallpaper. If your child is a sports enthusiast (a soccer, track and field or tennis lover, perhaps), she may want to hang curtains that are covered with sports figures or sports equipment. By hanging different designs of draperies each year or every other year, you could also keep the room interesting and welcoming.

In fact, kids’ curtains are an accessory that is generally low in price and easy to change. After all, changing curtains is as simple as removing the fabric from rods and replacing them with new, stylish curtains, a process that takes a matter of minutes. Calypso, sheer, Chadwick, Chambray and Daisy curtains are types of window treatments you could hang in your child’s room. Other options open to you are floor length and window length curtains. For a heavier feel (and added privacy) consider hanging drapes with intriguing designs.

Other tips that you can incorporate into the process of decorating your child’s room include keeping storage bins at a height that makes it easy for your child to store his supplies. This could encourage your child to clean up after himself, staying organized. Design wall space that allows your child to hang favorite pictures, postcards and trinkets. To add zest to the room, use different types of lighting in your child’s room.

If you let your child play a key role in decorating her room, you could make the entire process of giving the room a facelift easier. You could also send your child the message that you value her opinions and want her to enjoy her sleeping space, the same place where your child might spend hours talking with their friends, playing games and studying.

Christina Rubendall is a mother of 2 and interior decorator.

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With UK housing market in its current state the prospect of home improvement is ever popular. Homeowners are now choosing to invest in their existing properties. Keep reading on for some of the most cost effective ways of adding value to your property.

Loft Conversion

A loft conversion can be one of the fastest ways to add value to your home. Loft conversions in the UK costs an average of £20,000 to £30,000 but are likely to increase the value of your property by an average of £20,000. With the average house price difference of £90,000 when moving from a three to four bedroom house, the prospect of a loft conversion is actually a very cost effective way of adding an extra room to your home without having to move.

Extension

Increasing floor space in any home is another key way of increasing the value of your home. On average a single storey extension will cost around £23,000 and £76,000 for a double storey. The added value can vary depending on the room created. Adding a bedroom for example may increase your property value on average by 12%. Adding a second bathroom can also add a further 6% to the value. In most cases if you increase your floor space by 30 square metres you are likely to increase the value of your home on average by 23%.

 Bathroom

A second bathroom is another favourite for homeowners trying to maximize the value of their home. Typically an extra bathroom will add 6% on average the value of the house. So it’s something to take into consideration that more value could be added elsewhere in the property. That being said, it may just be enough to convince potential buyers to settle on your property instead of another.

Conservatory

Conservatories are ideal for homeowners looking to quickly add value to their homes. In most cases they will not require planning permission making them a more attractive option than a full extension. On average conservatories can add 7% to the value of your home and are likely to cost from £5000 to £30,000, making them cheaper than a full extension, while adding a similar amount of value. It’s important to remember to make a conservatory feel part of the home so it may be an option to invest in some appropriate conservatory furniture to match the rest of the property.

Kitchen

Kitchens are also areas where improvements can be made and ultimately add value to the property. It’s important to concentrate on the Sink, Fridge and Cooker ensuring they are up to date as possible and are of equal value to the rest of the property. An outdated kitchen may in fact lower the price of your property. A new kitchen can add on average 4.6% value to your home and may also be an important factor for potential buyers when viewing your home.

Garden

It’s important not to forget the exterior when adding value to a property. It can be a huge selling point for your property, so it is worth spending a bit of time making sure your garden is tidy and perhaps investing in some garden benches and outdoor furniture. It is important to remember that potential buyers may not be looking for a high maintenance garden, so where possible make sure to keep your garden simple and tidy which should help showcase your garden to any potential buyer.

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1. Great customer service

This is nothing to do with juggling plates, although maybe that’s a fun activity for the waiters, and everything to do with getting the waiting service right.

• The best service is appropriately attentive, not overly fussy or self-conscious and definitely not ingratiating.
• It’s great to catch a waiter’s eye when you need to, but when staff hover around the dinner table it’s distracting.
• Friendly service is fine, but most people don’t want to engage in too much conversation with staff.
• Timing is really important – there should be a sufficient gap between courses for people to digest their food without it feeling like they’re being hurried, or waiting for ages.

2. Positive atmosphere

Most people are looking for a seamless dining experience and it’s a fact that we often only notice when something isn’t working – such as poor quality service.

• It’s best to eat in a restaurant that is just busy enough to have a pleasant ambiance. Most people do not want an atmosphere that is eerily quiet or so full of people and noise that you can’t hold a civilised conversation with your companions.
• Feeing de-stressed and unhurried is good.

3. A wine list

A wine list should be imaginative and offer plenty of choice, without being overpriced.

• Some thought and work should go into a wine list so that it provides something for everyone – meaning that whether you’re eating oysters, steak or dessert, you have the right wine to accompany it.
• Mature vintages of fine wines are much more impressive than inferior vintages of famous names.
• The glassware is important. Even a relatively humble house wine will taste much more interesting if it’s served in appropriate, generous-sized glasses.

4. Food for thought

Was there something else?  Oh yes, the food! Lovingly prepared food with great quality ingredients is essential to any restaurant experience. With so many styles of food to choose from often the somewhat British restaurant is overlooked, yet the menu at many is the perfect example of delicious simple cooking.

If you like to finish your evening meal with a good cigar and a tot of fine Scotch whisky, the well-informed staff at Boisdale of Bishopsgate“deliver ‘really good’ service – particularly when it comes to admirable whisky-and-cigar pairing suggestions”, according to a recent review by online restaurant guide Square Meal.

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