Archives for July 2018

DIY Plastering Step-by-Step Guide

July 21, 2018 by

Plastering a wall is often done by professionals. However, anyone who is confident enough to undertake minor DIY projects can plaster a wall by following methodical steps and using the right tools. If you take time to learn the process and know your way around construction, it is likely that you will be able to succeed in a renovation project that involves plastering.

The first step to the process is to ensure that you have a complete set of tools and materials. Don’t forget some small but essential materials such as brick tape. Aside from rendering supplies and plastering supplies, make a checklist to include some of the most important tools and materials. If you are working outdoors, you may also need a temporary downpipe.

Guide to wall plastering

Once you have gathered all the materials, then you can proceed with the steps to plastering.

  1. Preparing your work area. You need to make sure that you have a spacious and clean area to work in. Move away any furniture that may get damaged in the process. You can also lay dustsheets on the floor and over other fixtures you want to protect. Don’t forget to secure the dustsheet using tapes. You can use any kind of tape like protection tape or duct tape.
  2. Applying bonding agent. The next important step is to apply a bonding agent like PVA to the wall. Bonding agent helps plaster to evenly dry out after application.
  3. Mixing the plaster. You need to take some precautions before mixing plaster material such as wearing a mask. A professional tip is to mix plaster into the water and not water over plaster. The consistency of plaster should be like thick custard. You also have to ensure that the mixture is not lumpy.
  4. Applying plaster. Make sure that you are marking areas for plastering using a stucco tape. This can also guide you in applying the plaster more evenly. When applying plaster, begin at the very top and work your way to the bottom. If you are not an expert in the application, you can start with small amounts until you start to get the hang of it.
  5. This step is done to smoothen the first layer of plaster. You should allow the plaster to dry for a bit before using a trowel or a straight edge to smoothen any bumps or lumps.
  6. This step is considered optional, but this can be done to remove roughness before adding a secondary coat of plaster. Scraping also helps the second layer of plaster to adhere better. You can use a special tool called a devilling float or even a fork.
  7. After applying the second or final coat of plaster, you need to finish up the work by spraying water over the surface then use a trowel to finish up and smoothen the surface. Instead of a trowel, you can also use a wet sponge or brush.

Following these steps should help you achieve a successful plastering project. You can find additional tips online from professional plasterers who are willing to share their tricks of the trade.

Filed Under: Home & Decor

What To Do On a Holiday In Buenos Aires

July 14, 2018 by

Planning a trip to one of South America’s most romantic cities? Buenos Aires is a place with amazing food, history, architecture, and nightlife, so believe us when we say that you are in for a treat.

Below, we highlight the best things you can do on a holiday in Buenos Aires.

1) Eat all the Argentine food

It may not get the billing it deserves, but Argentine food has a richness that pays tribute to its Italian and Spanish roots. Start by snacking on some empanadas – there are many flavours, from queso y jamon (ham and cheese) to carne (spiced ground beef with olives).

For lunch, have a milanesa – made from a fillet of chicken, beef, or pork, it is pounded flat, breaded, and fried in oil. If you have the chance to do so, have a napolitana milanesa, as it is served with a helping of bolognese sauce on top.

At dinner, pick an Argentine steakhouse and prepare for one of the better meals you’ve ever had in your life.  Sourced from the vast pastures of Patagonia, the beef here is cooked over a parilla grill with sea salt and pepper being the only seasonings applied to the meat.

Once you walk out of the restaurant, it will be close to Midnight. Head to the club (or a classy lounge) and enjoy the company of lifelong Portenos. Before taking a cab back to your hotel, grab a choripan – a sausage smothered in chimichurri. This will quiet any hunger pangs so you can finally settle into a restful sleep back at your hotel.

If you choose to retire to your hotel early, though, know there are entertainment options capable of keeping you busy until it’s time to go to bed.

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2) Visit the grave of Eva Peron

A highly influential political figure and a champion of the average Argentine, Eva Peron was loved by many in this country. Succumbing to cancer at an early age, her death was a national tragedy which only cemented her politics as a force in Argentina decades after her passing.

Pay your respects by dropping by the La Recoleta Cemetery. A necropolis which houses the elaborate graves of Buenos Aires’ most famous citizens, it can be easy to miss her final resting place, as it sits amidst a series of equally impressive shrines.

Once there, though, slip a red rose through the grates on the door of her tomb, as this is a tribute many locals pay to this beloved figure.

3) See the Argentine Capitol and the Pink House

Buenos Aires is filled with gorgeous buildings influenced by French, Italian, and Spanish architects. However, its primary political buildings definitely take their inspiration from America’s equivalents, as the Argentine Capitol and the Pink House definitely bear resemblance to their counterparts in Washington DC.

Officially known as the Palace of the Argentine National Congress, tours are run inside but are given in Spanish only (note: take lessons beforehand), but the building is so gorgeous, it won’t matter if you don’t understand what is being said.

At the east end of Avenida de Mayo, you’ll find the Pink House, which is the official residence and workplace of the Argentine president. Want a tour of the interior? They are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays – register online beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Filed Under: Travel Destinations

Why Shower Cubicles Are a Sensible Choice

July 6, 2018 by

One of the most popular innovations in bathroom design and construction is a shower cubicle. These come pre-fabricated and easy to install. For homes with limited space, it makes more sense to have a shower cubicle than a built-in bathtub.

There are other considerations when it comes to deciding whether you need a shower or a tub. Is it for a family home with elderly and with kids? Do you live a fast lifestyle where you don’t necessarily have time to take long baths? Do you live in a small flat with an equally small bathroom?

While a shower pod is certainly a sensible option, there are still some factors to consider before jumping into making a purchase.

Available space

It is important to emphasize that cubicles are suited for bathrooms with limited space. There are shower pods that can fit into a corner giving enough leg room for the toilet, vanity, and other fixtures. A shower pod is also ideal if there is more than one person who will use the bathroom at a time. While someone is taking a shower, another person can make use of other bathroom amenities to save time.

Ease of maintenance

If you live a busy life, you are less likely to have a lot of time for cleaning and tidying up your home. Shower cubicles are easy to clean and maintain. You only need to wipe it down with detergent and keep the floor free from scum and debris. Make sure that you are buying a shower pod made with good quality glass that does not accumulate stains from personal hygiene products and water.

Convenient and efficient

Most shower cubicle models come with built-in storage area within the pod. This is a space-saving feature and saves you the time of having to go in and out of the shower to get what you need. You can also find custom shower pods with additional features such as water jets and steam. If you want to afford a bit of luxury and style, you can choose a pod with some of these features.

For someone who is looking to save on the cost of shower installation, you may be tempted to buy a cheap shower cubicle. There is a danger in choosing the lowest price point as the quality of the materials may be compromised. It is better to look for mid to high price points to ensure that you are making a wise investment.

There are a lot of suppliers out there, and choosing from among them can be overwhelming. If you have the time, try to inspect the product personally before making an order. You can also ask for advice from a contractor or an expert installer so that you know exactly what you get. You should also be aware of the existing plumbing in your home and if it will be compatible with the mechanisms of your purchase. Ideally, the shower pod should be installed easily without requiring you to make any adjustments to your plumbing.

Filed Under: Home & Decor

Things You Need To Know About Before Having An X-Ray

July 6, 2018 by

An X-ray is commonly used to provide an image that will help healthcare providers to detect their patient’s medical condition. It helps them to picture what is currently happening inside the body without surgery. Let’s find out the things you need to know before having the procedure.

Why is an X-ray done?

An X-ray is performed to look at an area where the patient is feeling pain or discomfort. It is also used to assess the progress of a disease after it has been diagnosed. Finally, X-rays are used to determine if the treatment and medication provided is working well for the patient.

Why have an X-ray?

An X-ray is the first procedure to be requested by a physician if you have a fracture, bone cancer, breast tumour, enlarged heart, or any other condition that affects the digestive and respiratory systems. You may also need to undergo an X-ray due to the following conditions:

  • Blocked blood vessels
  • Respiratory conditions such as tuberculosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • Tooth decay
  • Swallowing a foreign object that cannot be digested

What are the side effects?

Technically, X-rays expose you to radiation but in a very small amount. The amount of the radiation an X-ray emits is not harmful to normal adults but is unsafe if you are pregnant. If you have a fracture or are in a lot of pain, then it might worsen during the procedure.

Another factor that you may need to look into is the ingestion of a contrast agent before an X-ray procedure. If you have ingested it, then you might feel a little nauseated with light-headedness and itching. The contrast dye may also cause an allergic reaction which is similar to an anaphylactic shock.

How should you prepare for an X-ray?

There is no special preparation for an X-ray to be conducted. All you have to remember is that you need to wear loose clothing or probably a hospital gown. You must also remove any metallic items like jewellery before the procedure. Let the radiologist know if you have any metallic implants similar to a pacemaker as this may block the X-rays from penetrating your body, which will hinder a clear image.

Fasting is only required if you are undergoing a digestive X-ray. Some patients may need to take medications to empty the bowels to make sure that there is a clear picture of the entire digestive system.

If you undergo a private X ray in London, your doctor may request that you stay in the hospital for a while, otherwise you can go back to your everyday life. Your doctor is then tasked to review and study the images created by the X-ray machine. Depending on the result, you might need to undergo additional exams to properly conclude a diagnosis. Your doctor might request an ultrasound, a CT scan or blood tests to ensure that they will be able to provide you with the right course of treatment.

Before anything else, make sure that you ask your doctor for as much information as you need to understand your condition and the procedures and treatments that come along with it.

Filed Under: Health