Brain Wave – Page 19 – Sasha Says…

The Stylish Moroccan Berber Rug

September 23, 2020 No Comments

Moroccan Berber Rugs and Beni Ourain Rug

Moroccan Berber rugs trace back to many years ago. The wealthy class of people used these rugs; some were often used for prayer. The rugs were made by hand from sheep wool, and one could give specifications on how they needed their rug according to the purpose for which it was to be used.

Women made Moroccan Berber rugs since the 7th Century. The women were supposed to weave the rugs in their homes close to their children. The Beni Ourain rug was made from a breed of Ourain Sheep.

The name Beni Ourain came from the Atlas Mountains in Taza. The rugs are woven in an ‘X’ shape to symbolize peace. The designs are mind-based. Some of the designs were; Ancient Berber Alphabets, geometric patterns, and talisman symbols.

It was believed the rugs could chase evil spirits away. Besides, the Beni Ourain rug designs were sometimes linked with some events such as fertility and birth. The Moroccan Berber Rugs were initially made to act as blankets. The wool woven into it helped in warmth retention.

Natural dyes were used in the decoration of the rugs. The shades included; almond leaves, Iron sulfate, henna, and cochineal. This was up to the 20th Century.

The Moroccan Berber rugs are woven in no particular order to follow hence the uniqueness in its production. The Beni Ourain rug had a neutral design that can fit into the modern world of architecture and design.

The rugs helped with warmth in the cold areas of the Atlas Mountains. In the Sahara, light rugs were made to consider the hot temperatures.

With the help of designers such as Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, Moroccan Berber Rug became well known and used today. The Beni Ourain rugs were produced in small numbers hence a bit difficult to get.

The Moroccan Berber Rug are less costly, making them more preferred to other designs. Owing to their low-cost manufacturing process, these rugs are not as expensive. The raw materials used are also easily affordable, transiting this advantage to the final product’s cost.

The rugs are easy to clean. This is with the help of the loop like manufacture. The rugs are also quite durable.

The Beni Ourain rug is beautiful. They are appealing to the eye and give a home a good and attractive look. Their fabulous patterns are eye candy. Also, rugs are suitable for both the cold and warm season. This makes them flexible. Moroccan Berber rugs are easily accessible around the globe.

Due to the use of wool in the Beni Ourain rug, the rug has a shaggy look, which makes it very useful in winter. It is these outstanding features that makes these rugs famous and unique. Visit City Cows London for more information.

Brain Wave, Careers, Freelancing and Self-Employment, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks

Redundancy: It’ll Be OK

August 31, 2020 No Comments

There is no denying that the pandemic has caused a lot of grief. Whilst some have revelled in lockdown and the pleasures it has brought with it; like being able to spend more time with family, getting to know your neighbours and feeling the overwhelming sense of community. The ‘we’re all in this together’ camaraderie has helped a lot of people through. But that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been hard. The world is changing forever as the lockdown has forced many people to adapt. Remote working isn’t just a thing of dreams anymore as big bosses realise it can be done. Offices are staying closed, businesses are being forced to find alternative ways to keep on surviving. With some people being furloughed and others even facing redundancy. It’s a challenging time and if you find yourself in any of these situations then perhaps bopprelawfirm.com can help you.

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Whatever path you might find yourself going down, the first and foremost thing, is to make sure you look after yourself. Being made redundant – during the pandemic or not – can be incredibly stressful. On top of this currently is the added factor of being frightened of an invisible threat. But you have a real opportunity here to step into a life you always wanted but were maybe too scared to go after. It’s a strange time and unfortunately many businesses, through being forced to adapt, aren’t hiring new employees. So if you’re faced with uncertainty and you’re wondering where that next pay check is going to come from just remember you are not alone. The best thing you can do right now for your mental well-being is to look beyond the financial aspect, take stock and think about your long term goals. Check in with yourself and figure out what you really want.

While now may not be the best time to socialise and meet new people, always try and keep your options open by keeping communication open with people. Network virtually, you never know when or where a job opportunity might come up. Or perhaps there’s a company that you maybe didn’t have the confidence to go for in the past or maybe your qualifications didn’t quite match up perfectly. Be ballsy, you’ve got nothing to lose by going for it now. Or just use this time to polish up your CV and do any jobs around the house that needed your attention before but you didn’t have the time for.

Redundancy can lead to lots of anxiety, stress and worry about the future and things feel very uncertain right now with the pandemic. Accepting that redundancy is out of your control and that it is not your fault is the first step in moving forward. Once you accept that it is out of your control you can start to focus on things that are in your control. Take care of yourself, keep up with the latest news so you can keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. Figure out what you want to do and when the time is right approach it with a new confidence.

Brain Wave, Health and medicine, Life in general

Leading A More Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle

August 29, 2020 No Comments

With global warming and climate change causing devastation around the natural world, leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is something that many people are trying to achieve. There are a wealth of changes that you can make each and every day which will reduce your carbon footprint and the impact that you have on the natural world, and it truly couldn’t be easier to start your journey today. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips and tricks that you can make the most of now!

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Rethink Your Diet

One of the most harmful aspects of your lifestyle that you may not have even considered is your diet. The foods that you eat can either help the planet or hurt it, so it’s important that you can address your diet in an attempt to make a few positive changes. Eating meat is one of the worst things that you can do for the planet, as dramatic mass deforestation takes place in order to create enough space for livestock to meet ever increasing demand. To add to this, the methane gas that is created by livestock and used in feed fertilisation processes contributes more greenhouse gases that all modes of transport combined. The practice of rearing livestock can also increase the risk of mass extinctions in other species, as well as polluting natural waterways at the same time. Making the decision to cut down the amount of meat that you consume will have a huge impact on your carbon footprint (and your health), and the rise in plant based foods is making this step easier and easier. You can start off slow by taking part in a weekly meat free Monday, or throw yourself in at the deep end and go vegan to experience the full range of benefits.

Go Plastic Free

In recent years plastic pollution has risen to the top of many people’s agenda, as the effects of the near indestructible material have slowly but surely left an irreparable mark on the planet. Oceans are filled to the brim with food packaging, discarded fishing nets, micro plastics and so much more, all of which is likely to be eaten by the sea creatures who encounter it. Coral reefs are littered with plastics, and many endangered sea animals wash up on beaches suffocated by needless plastic dumped into the water. The only way to stop this from continuing on is to find alternative natural materials that do not have a half life of a hundred years; which can biodegrade in a safe and healthy way with as little effect on the environment as possible. One idea that mind just put an end to the problem of plastic is hemp, as hemp products can easily form a suitable replacement. Glass is another reliable alternative, especially when considering replacing plastics used in food storage.

Leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above!

Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks

Showing Your Employees That You Appreciate Them

August 27, 2020 No Comments

As a business owner, you’re likely going to be working with a number of different employees in your business. You’re not expected to get along with all of them, but it’s hard to deny the fact that a healthy relationship with your employees can greatly improve the overall productivity of your business.

One of the best ways to build this relationship is to take notice of any activities they’ve done that warrants a pat on the back. Perhaps they stayed after work for a bit to cover for someone that called in sick, or maybe they’ve pushed new ideas to the business which has resulted in higher profits and more customers.

Whatever the case may be, here are some simple steps to improve your entrepreneur skills and show your employees that you appreciate them and their efforts.

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Don’t hesitate when speaking to employees one-to-one

It’s not every day that your employees get to speak to you on a one-to-one basis. However, there are times when it might be necessary, such as when your employees are struggling with certain tasks or if you’d like to congratulate them for something specific. You’d be surprised at just how much it helps to show a bit of appreciation to your employees throby ugh acknowledging them and speaking to them one-to-one.

Get them something special to commemorate a milestone

A great way to show your appreciation for your employees is to get something special to commemorate milestones. For example, you could have rewards for employees that stay with the company for a certain amount of time. It could start with a rather basic item from specialists like Challenge Coins Ltd. Bespoke collectable coins are a good choice since they can be engraved with a number of different designs and messages. By getting something special to commemorate a milestone, you’re showing your employees that you care about them.

Listen to your employees and ask them regularly for feedback

It’s important to listen to your employees whenever they encounter trouble or problems with their work. They might offer some suggestions on how to change your business to improve efficiency, or they might even talk about things that are holding them back. They’ll likely suggest changes that you could make that might improve their overall productivity as well. At the end of the day, you should always be listening to your employees. Ask them if there’s anything you could improve, if they’re facing any problems and if they have any overall income concerns.

Rewards don’t always have to be fun and games

Many companies offer rewards that are based around having fun, entertaining yourself or even sending you off on a holiday. However, there may be times where an educational gift could actually be more interesting. For instance, if your employee has shown that they’re willing to go the extra mile for your business, you can return that loyalty by offering them training courses to learn new skills. It’s a reward that is based on their career and will give them more opportunities in the future.

Brain Wave, Life in general

Why Experts Are A Must For Piano Removal

August 27, 2020 No Comments

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Piano removals happen every day, and for every successful move, there is one that ends in disaster. Why? Because the piano owner decided that they didn’t want or need expert movers to move their piano. Don’t learn the hard way; read on to discover why you should always use an expert piano removal firm.

One of the main reasons why piano removals should always be undertaken by specialist movers is the weight of the instrument. If you slip while carrying a heavy box, you may break the contents and possibly breaking or bruise your foot if it lands on it. However, a piano is a great deal heavier, and should it fall during moving it could cause serious injuries to those involved.

As well as the health and safety of the individuals involved, there is the piano itself to consider. If it is damaged during the move, it is not just the external look of the instrument that will be affected. Even a slight knock could affect the intricate internal workings; breaking strings and damaging hammers, and that’s just the parts you would be able to see.

The other concern when it comes to moving a grand piano is whether it should be taken apart to be moved. While removing the legs may seem like a great idea, if you get it wrong, your piano may never sound the same again.

If this isn’t enough to convince you, then consider your insurance; the easiest way to invalidate any insurance is to do the work yourself. A piano’s insurance is no different, and may even stipulate the need for a specialist removal company.

Cost Is Just One Consideration When Choosing A Service

The cost is, of course, going to feature in any final decision you make about how best to move your piano to its new home. However, the price cannot be the only determining factor in your decision as to who your trust your piano removals to. Follow this guide to hiring the right specialist piano removals service.

When you bought your piano, you would have had it delivered by professional movers. The reason for this was to ensure that it arrived at your home in the same condition that it left the store. If the business you purchased your piano from arranged or controlled the delivery, then this is the best place to start looking for a professional mover for your piano. Even if they cannot complete the move, they may be able to recommend another excellent specialist in moving pianos at a reasonable cost, such as North American Van Lines. If you go down this route, then ensure that you check recommendations and references carefully. You want to check that the company has the experience, not only with your grand or upright piano, but also your building type. Check that the company has the equipment and the number of people needed to complete the removal safely.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about any aspect of your piano’s move, including whether the company you are looking to use has insurance, and what exactly this insurance will cover. It’s no good finding out after the move that the insurance didn’t cover accidents while the piano was being transported in their vehicle.

Brain Wave, Life in general, Money matters

3 Financial Tips For First-Time Car Owners

August 27, 2020 No Comments

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When beginning to drive for the first time, no matter if that’s when you’re eighteen years old or fifty, it’s easy to feel worried about the financial cost of operating a vehicle. Of course, you have nothing to fear (not really). Vehicles do require maintenance and sometimes they do break down, but if you are willing to look after the pennies, it’s possible to run a car without having to pay over the odds for the privilege.

That being said, financial wisdom applies to all areas of life, and running a vehicle is no different. For those who wish to save as much as they can, or rather spend in the areas that are most important, it’s worthwhile to know what your options are. Thankfully, you don’t have to learn these tips through trial and error, instead, you can come to rational conclusions based on worthwhile tips and tricks you deserve to know.

So – what do you deserve to know? That’s a great question in itself. Let’s move forward and share all we know about financial guidance for first-time car owners:

Consider Financed Options Or Loans

Financed options or loans can help you achieve a vehicle that is more reliable, more affordable in the long run, and more worthwhile. New Roads Auto Loans can help you secure a car you’re looking for, because ultimately if you purchase a sustainable vehicle (or one that can operate well without proprietary repairs), you are saving money in the long run. No matter if you buy a gas-guzzler or a tiny hatchback, the same principles apply. This way, you’re more likely to benefit.

Understand The Basics Of Maintenance

If you’re able to change a tire, check and change your oil, and understand the basics of maintenance, you can avoid having to call someone out for the privilege each time a difficulty springs up. Something as simple as checking tyre pressure before a journey or replacing brake fluid can help you avoid nasty callout charges. At the very least, invest in great insurance so that you are covered even if there’s something you can’t fix. This will help you avoid issues (and financial holes) in the long run.

Buy Fuel On A Credit Card

Buying fuel on a credit card is useful. It helps you pay for your gas wherever you need it, without having to overly worry about the exact penny cost to your limited debit account funds. This can also grant you the means of paying off your expenses later on, building your credit score, and ultimately helping you secure a better option (or better insurance) next time. When you know you can afford fuel no matter what and pay it back at a later date, you will have peace of mind on the roads, and feel very comfortable as a result. That’s a greata place to start.

With this advice, you’re sure to manage the 3 best financial tips for first-time car owners.

Brain Wave, Health and medicine, Society at large

How Lockdown Is Affecting People’s Mental Health

August 27, 2020 No Comments

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The Covid-19 pandemic has kept at least 2.6 billion people in some form of social isolation. But how does that affect people mentally? Well, according to experts, the Covid-19 lockdown has caused some of the most major psychological challenges the world has seen in recent years. And now there are deep fears that towards late 2020, an outbreak of burnouts could hit the globe as a result of lockdown.

Covid-19 mental challenges are real

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s health facilities have been overwhelmed as a result of the upsurge in new infections. Nations scrambled to erect tents and temporary healthcare centers to treat infected patients. For example, in the United States, field hospitals were put up in Central Park when the COVID case counts and death toll shot to the roof. Unfortunately, what’s conspicuously missing in the world is the lack of psychological help centers for people grappling with the effects of social distancing protocols and quarantine. If the world is to come back stronger post-COVID-19, then nations shouldn’t be ignoring the mental health dangers posed by people being torn away from their loved ones as a result of unprecedented lockdown. There is a good reason why experts are tagging the Covid-19 pandemic as the “biggest psychological test” the world has seen in a long time. With a third of the global population living in isolation, that cannot go on without sparking psychological effects.

Effects of lockdown on mental health

Around February 2020, The Lancet reviewed 24 studies on the impact of lockdown on mental health. Insights from that study revealed what may be going on in the millions of households that have been hit hard by the pandemic. As expected, the results showed that quarantined people have a high likelihood of developing a broad spectrum of symptoms characteristic of psychological disorders. These include anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, stress, and anger, among other traumatic experiences.

But in particular, it was observed that low mood and temper irritability stood out among the psychological effects of Covid-19 lockdown. Moving to China, the origin of the virus, researchers also confirmed mental health challenges springing from the coronavirus pandemic.
In cases involving the quarantine of parents and their kids, the toll on mental health was much more pronounced.

Some studies found out that close to 28% of parents in quarantine showed trauma-like symptoms relating to mental health abnormalities. Meanwhile, healthcare workers can’t be left out. Nearly 10% of hospital workers experienced severe symptoms of depression. In the face of these difficulties, healthcare workers have a high tendency to engage in risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse and self-medication. In some cases, health practitioners avoid making contact with patients due to the fear of being infected.

The lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) also explains why doctors shirk their basic responsibilities of catering for the sick. The big question is — if doctors are closing their offices for fear of their lives, what happens to Covid-19 patients and those with non-communicable cases such as hearing losses? Well, that means Covid-19 patients may lose their lives needlessly, and the hearing-impaired won’t have access to an audiogram to diagnose their conditions.

How to overcome coronavirus-related mental health challenges

Call for help

This is not the best time to hide your poor mental health situation. Speak it out, and you will get help. For example, make a consultation with a psychologist and seek help before it’s too late. As trained mental health professionals, doctors and psychologists can offer you advice and even medications to improve your condition. Explain your feelings to them, and follow their recommendations to restore your positive mind.

Socialize with friends online

The internet is serving the world perfectly in the course of the pandemic. Even though lockdown can tie you to your home, don’t allow it to cut off your communication with family and friends. Of course, in quarantine, you may not be able to attend parties with friends, but you can connect with them online through platforms like FaceTime, Facebook, and other platforms.

Find a flexible job

The Covid-19 crisis has affected people’s sources of income because the pandemic has dealt with businesses a big blow. To lessen your financial worries, you need to find a flexible job during the pandemic. Think about how you can work from home to make some money and meet your household needs.

The pandemic has affected the psychological state of people. But if you take the above measures, you can mitigate the negative impact of lockdown, and have your full mental health back.

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