Category Archives: General Information

Guide Instructions For Weather Proofing A Mirror

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Mirrors are a stylish addition to any exterior landscape. Homeowner’s have an array of options when selecting a mirror for their outdoor landscaping desires. An obvious choice is an acrylic mirror equipped with weather resistant materials. Many homeowner’s prefer other mirror styles; however, they will need to weatherproof the mirror before hanging it outside. This step by step tutorial will allow anyone the ability to weatherproof their exterior mirror. This technique will protect an outdoor mirror from rusting or blackening due to prolonged exposure to the elements of nature.

Tools Needed For The Project:

*Mirror
*Mirror edge sealer
*Wide edge sponge
*Gloves
*Denatured alcohol
*Goggles

Guided Instructions For Weather Proofing A Mirror:

Step One:
The first step is to purchase a mirror that will look lovely in your yard, regardless of its ability to withstand the elements.

Step Two:
Find your local hardware or big box store and purchase a mirror edge sealer. This particular type of sealer is also widely available online. A mirror edge sealer safeguards the mirror from turning black. This blackening will occur due to repeated exposure to rain, snow and other weather elements. A mirror edge sealer offers protection from cleaning solutions, salty air and pollution.
Application of the sealant is easily accomplished by almost anyone. The mirror edge sealer will be either clear or yellow when applied. The sealant will dry clear. This form of sealer will also offer protection to the mirror backing. It will halt the retention of moisture and prevent damage from occurring due to other outdoor pollutants.

Step Three:
Select a day with mild temperatures and no precipitation. Locate a suitable outdoor work area to complete the project. The work space needs to be outdoors to provide proper ventilation. Locate a large blanket or tarp to place on the work area. The blanket or tarp needs to be bigger than the mirror. Gently place the mirror on the workspace.

Step Four:
Thoroughly read the directions of the mirror edge sealant. Wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from coming in direct contact with the product. Apply the sealant to the mirror. A wide edge brush will likely be included with your product purchase. Utilize this brush to gently spread the sealer over the edges of the mirror. If the sealer is a spray, hold the can a minimum of six inches away from the mirror and release a steady stream on the edges of the mirror.

Step Five:
The mirror must be allowed to completely dry before completing the project. Allow the mirror to stay on the blanket or tarp for a few hours to ensure it is fully dry before continuing.

Step Six:
Use an old washcloth to clean the surface of the mirror. Wet the washcloth with denatured alcohol to clean any sealant off the surface of the mirror.

The mirror is now ready to hang in the outdoor location of your choice.

Author Bio:
This has been a guest post from Mark at Brisbane’s roofing experts. If you require handyman services, check out his directory of services.

All That Glitters…is Gold Mirrors!

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Among some of the most popular styles sold at Exclusive Mirrors is our Gold Collection, featuring a range of decorative mirror styles including wall mirrors, dressing table mirrors and cheval mirrors. All of these are available at affordable prices and can be used to brighten up and add a classic touch to a room.

Gold mirrors are a fantastic choice for your home. Not only will they blend with most styles of décor and colour schemes, but they can also add French style accents and create a luxury feel. If it’s a bold statement that you’re looking to create, this Large Gold Gilt Mirror is a great choice that will look incredibly stylish on the wall of your living room or bedroom, with its stunningly designed wooden frame that wouldn’t look out of place in any palace or stateroom.

Large wall mirrors are a great way to fill up blank spaces and will also help to make the room larger by reflecting light. Whether placed behind a bed or mantelpiece, this gorgeous large wall mirror will make an impressive statement in your home.

As well as large mirrors, decorative mirrors can also make a fantastic impression and by choosing one which features a gold frame, you will have a chic item that not only looks unique and modern, but also looks expensive. One of our most attractive pieces is the Round Gold Antiqued Floral Mirror which features a stunning circular design and adds a simple touch to your home. It’s a fantastic choice for a kitchen or hallway and will easily fit in with the rest of your décor.

For a grander approach, the Small Gold Rococo Mirror is a beautifully designed gold frame mirror that has elements of Baroque inspiration. It is a great wall mirror for bringing French style into your home and is an easy way to add combine both art and design to provide an interesting feature in any room.

A gold dressing table mirror is also a great way of adding some glamour to a room. If you’re looking to dress up an existing dressing table, a gold framed mirror is a great place to start as it can easily be matched with wooden, black and white dressing table styles an can provide an interesting update without the need to completely change your dressing table. We recommend this Gold Framed Dressing Table Mirror which has a simple but stylish frame that will be a great match for your bedroom’s décor.

Exclusive Mirrors sells a range of wall and decorative mirrors in many finishes. For further details on those mentioned above and for more gold mirror styles, click here.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Mirror Mysteries and Superstitions

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The mirror is a common household object; however, there are many mysteries and superstitions surrounding it. Do you really have seven years bad luck if you break one? Do vampires really have no reflection? We’ll separate fact from fallacy for you in this fascinating article about an item that we all have in our home.

Seven years bad luck
One of the most well known of all superstitions is that if you break a mirror it will bring you bad luck for seven years. It is possible that this idea originally came about in Roman times before mirrors were invented and people used to look at their reflection in a pool. As they believed that their reflection was their soul, someone throwing a rock to ripple the water and disturb the reflection was considered very bad luck. Another more down to earth explanation comes from the Victorian era when mirrors were an expensive item and could only be afforded by saving up over a number of years (seven was considered the average number of years) so it would of course be very bad luck to break something that would take you another seven years to replace.

Vampires avoiding mirrors
Pretty much any horror movie involving Dracula or any other vampire for that matter, will normally have a scene where they pass a mirror and their reflection does not appear. Apparently the reason that vampires cannot be seen in mirrors is because they believe that mirrors reflect our souls and being of the undead variety that do not have any souls. This theory also has its origins in the Roman theory about mirrors and souls but the truth of the matter is that if vampires do actually exist, they would be reflecting all over the place, but that wouldn’t be as scary in the movie would it?

Mirrors in films
Candyman was a classic horror movie featuring mirrors and was based on the legend that The Candyman can be summoned by looking into a mirror and saying his name five times whereupon he will murder the summoner with his hook hand. It is just an urban legend and a movie story of course but do you really want to stand in front of the mirror and try calling his name five times? Thought not.
Probably the most famous movie to feature a mirror in the story is of course Snow White where the Queen possesses a magical mirror and asks “who is the fairest in the land?” It all turns a bit nasty when the mirror changes its mind and because it never lies, it decides that Snow White is actually “a thousand times more beautiful” which is not good news for Snow White or the mirror in hindsight, but the mirror never lies of course!

Just showing off
Leonardo Da Vinci had a pretty neat party trick involving mirrors in that he could draw and write simultaneously and he wrote backwards in mirror writing. It appears that he could command both halves of his brain at the same time. Try writing your name with both hands simultaneously the natural thing to do is to write in reverse with one hand, so he was just showing off really!

Author Bio:
Jamie Parham has been extensively involved in interior design. His articles mainly appear on home design blogs.

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The Little Black Dress of Interior Design

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Glass Framed Mirror

Most women will agree that no wardrobe is complete without the investment of a black dress. Especially at this time of the year – as party season is upon us for many the little black dress is a saving grace. Dress it up, dress it down, add a splash of colour, jewelry, heels, flats; the little black dress is so versatile that if you invest in a good quality one you are sure to keep it for years.

So, the jewel in the crown within the wonderful world of interiors, the little black dress of the design world, the must have item for the home…. has to be a simple but by no means plain, clear glass framed wall mirror.

And here’s why…

Versatility – As these mirrors have no colour or overlying patterns they work well with any interior. They reflect the colours and details of the room and so regardless of your design style a plain glass framed mirror will almost certainly compliment the décor. What’s more, if you redecorate or change the decoration of the space in any way you will still be able to use the same mirror time and time again. The majority of these wall mirrors are also so versatile that they can be hung landscape, portrait, over mantle or can even be used as a leaner mirror.

Timeless – Just like the little black dress, if you invest in a high quality glass framed mirror, provided you have no accidents with it, your mirror will be in your home for years to come. It is not deemed a fashion item that will go out of vogue within a few seasons. It is the stunning simplicity of the mirror that means you will be able to use it, reuse it and enjoy it for years to come. Less is most definitely more in this case.

Size – Glass framed mirrors are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes, but to achieve that unique ‘one size fits all’ timelessness we would recommend opting for a simple rectangular mirror measuring 120 x 80cm or there about. This means that your mirror will be large enough to make an impact in a large space, but not too big that it would over power a smaller room if this was also a consideration. This type of sizing would be considered the ‘regular’ standard size of mirror and is a safe bet if you are unsure of exactly where the mirror will be positioned.

Cost – The simplicity of these mirrors usually means they are reasonably priced, but be sure to invest in a good quality mirror to ensure its longevity. A good mirror is made from heavy-duty glass and may have a bevel around the edge. It will be crystal clear and sparkle in both natural and artificial lighting.  At it’s best a clear glass framed mirror makes a sophisticated statement in a classic style often with a modern twists e.g. it may have envelope corners or an overlapping detail but still the beauty is in the simplicity.

Clear glass framed mirrors are the perfect home accessory at any time of the year, but also make terrific Christmas gifts. For a parent, a couple who have everything, new home owners, or as a personal investment; glass framed mirrors are just like that little black dress, a must have essential for the home.

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Mystique & Mystery of Mirrors

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For century’s people have been suspicious of mirrors, their reflective, distortive and infinite qualities and mirrors have featured in horror stories and mythical tales throughout the ages.

A broken mirror is deemed to give the culprit seven years bad luck, a superstition that dates back to the Romans who were the first people to use glass for it’s reflective elements. This curse is said to be derived from a culmination of cultural beliefs with the Greeks, Chinese, African and Indian cultures all believing that a mirror can confiscate the soul.

The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui advises against the use of mirrors in bedrooms due to the amount of energy that they can consume and reflect back into the room.

Even children’s fairy tales depict mirrors with magical powers e.g. “Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all” and stories such as Through The Looking Glass and so forth.

Through various readings from around the world and from across the ages, it cannot be a coincidence that consistently mirrors have been considered a gateway to the afterlife and that a distorted image represents corruption of the soul; or can it? Could it be that for centuries human beings have enjoyed the adrenalin rush that a spooky story can summon, or is there too much history for it to be ignored, only you can decide….



Prints On The Mirror

It was a cold autumnal night and the wind could be heard moaning as it howled down the chimney. Leaves tapped the windows as they whirled from their trees and as the clocks had just gone back, even though it was still early, it was dark, very dark. Living  alone, the lady decided “what the hell it’s cold and I’m tired so I may as well have an early night.”

As she was brushing her teeth in preparation for bed she noticed some smears on her bathroom mirror. She gave them a light rub with her finger but they didn’t even move. She then bent down, toothbrush in mouth and picked up a cleaning cloth that lived behind the sink, but despite rubbing at the marks they still would not move. After she had finished her teeth she looked closer at the marks only to discover that they were in fact fingerprints. She could not remember touching the mirror but leant forward and breathed across the hand print and then rubbed at them again… this time to her horror the fated reality hit her….. the finger prints were on the inside of the mirror!


The Experiment

More often than not when images are distorted, our brain has a natural desire to try to make sense of what we see.

Try this; all you will need is a mirror and a candle.

Make sure that the room you are in is darkened and light a small candle to the side of your mirror to illuminate the glass and your reflection. Gaze at yourself in the mirror allowing your eyes to relax. Do not fight to bring them back into focus, let the image haze and continue to stare at your image. If done correctly your reflection will change shape, mine appears slightly orange, almost demonic.


Sleep Tight

It was a dark, stormy winter’s evening and the man had just settled into bed. A clap of thunder was followed by a burst of bright lightening that illuminated his bedroom in a short burst. The man trying to be brave came out form under the covers where he would never admit to his friends that he was hiding from the awful weather, and following the next rumble of thunder began to count to try and work out the distance of the storm, was is coming for him? After just 2 seconds the room ignited in a flash of lightening. In that scary split second for no apparent reason the man looked across to his wall mirror where he was certain he saw cloud like faces staring back at him!

The morning after, despite trying to reassure him self that the images he had seen were simply shadows, to prevent it form playing on his mind the man removed the mirror from his wall and stored it downstairs in the garage.

That night, having had a busy day and forgetting about the events of the previous evening, the man took a shower in his routine preparation for bed. When finished he stepped out of the shower and began to dry himself on a towel when he turned and noticed his bathroom mirror…….written in the steam was a shaky note “Please return the mirror to your bedroom, we enjoy watching you sleep”

 

If you have enjoyed reading these fun Halloween Ghost stories, why not share your own spooky mirror tales with us on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ExclusiveMirrorsLtd

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The History of Compact Mirrors

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Of all of the accessories that a woman may hold and collect, the compact mirror is perhaps the prettiest. The history of compact mirrors goes back many years as the compact itself is considered a vintage and highly design led item.

Possibly the best known vintage name in compact mirrors is Stratton. All of the Stratton ladies’ compacts were designed and made in Birmingham. Laughton and Sons Ltd produced these highly sought after compacts from 1923 and despite losing four of their five factories during the bombings of World War Two the company were determined to continue and by 1945 production had restarted again. Stratton branded compact mirrors are still produced today although not in the UK, yet the earlier designs are what make the Stratton vintage compact mirrors a favourite amongst professional collectors and those who find joy in the beauty of the pieces.

A compact mirror was a must for ladies from the 20’s onwards, enabling said ladies to check their appearance wherever they were to ensure their make-up was intact and hair tidy. While the role of the female may have altered somewhat during the war as women were forced to take on the jobs of their husbands, brothers and fathers while they were absent, the importance of keeping oneself looking good was never lost.

The designs of the compacts varied widely and therefore the range of compacts seen by collectors nowadays is vast. Many incorporated the Art Deco design that was so prominent throughout the twenties and thirties and which included bold colours and designs, while others favoured a more muted or traditional design, which while less striking were certainly no less attractive. Art Nouveau designs which pre-dated Art Deco as the Nouveau era started around 1890 and ran until the 1920, made for similarly attractive designs. The design and type of the compact that any lady carried was dictated purely by their own personal sense of style.

Many assume that the compact mirror was made from metal and came in a circular design however the materials used to make a compact mirror, which would house the all-important crème powder or loose powder, varied greatly as did the shape. It was not uncommon to see compacts in the shape of an oval, square or rectangle or even in a shell-like design.

Bakelite, enamel, and even gold were used to make and decorate the vintage compact mirror, all of which are hardy materials. The compacts themselves were certainly made to last which is why so many are seen in such good condition nowadays.

The compact mirror was a must for any lady away from the home just as was her dressing table mirror in her boudoir. Starting the day at the dressing table, dressing hair and applying creams and make ups as required was and remains the very best way to start the day in terms of a beauty regime. The dressing table mirror, being larger and more able to capture and best use the light of the room would provide the perfect platform from which a woman could make herself look her best, and the portable compact mirror enabled her to continue checking and preserving her look throughout the day. While the compact mirror was no substitute for the dressing table mirror, it did what it was produced to do and did so in a beautifully designed way.


This article was written on behalf of “i like chickens” who sell homeware and gifts depicting chickens, by Guest Author Jessica.

Reflect Your Personality With Your Interior

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Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Who’s the fairest one of all?

It used to be that eyeglasses were only worn for function.  Nowadays, eyeglasses are used as both an aid to better vision and a fashion statement.  This is so much so that even people who don’t need glasses for improving sight choose to wear them as a fashion accessory.

Mirrors have traveled down a similar path.  Although there were always a variety of frames, mirrors were seen primarily as a functional item.  Nowadays, mirrors are also seen as an interior design tool and a great way to express one’s personality.

Personalities who are always sunny and exuberant can use light capturing mirrors.  Such mirrors are really wall art made out of pieces of mirror, for example, a “shatter” mirror which is a construction of long pieces of shattered glass.  There are also multi-faceted mirrors in the shape of a sunburst, the rays being beveled mirror pieces.  More choices for “Always sunny” include a variety of mirrors whose frames are complex constructions of mirror pieces such as overlapping bubbles, jigsaw pieces, and tilted blocks or tiles.  The light caught in these mirror pieces creates a sparkly effect, mimicing the vivacity and sparkle of the person who chose it.

 

Timelessly chic personalities will happily blend form with function.  Most important for them is surely a cheval or full-length mirror for a head-to-toe view.  “Timelessly chic” can choose from rectangular or oval, framed or frameless mirrors.  This personality can choose the frame that suits their dress style such as minimally modern, rich and regal, country cosy, and daringly dramatic.

Some people just have to be noticed.  If they are not the center of attention, they are miserable.  “Notice me” can decorate with mirrors which have bold, attention grabbing frames.  These include black glass, black and white tiles that look like a crossword puzzle, ornate embossing, and complex etching.

Mirrors can express one’s personality in any room of the house.  Mirrors can also be used as an exterior focal point. The only real restriction is that there should not be any wood in mirrors used in the bathroom as the steam can cause warping and other damage.

Speaking of bathrooms, beyond the traditional “over the sink” shaving or makeup use mirror, you can use additional mirrors to bring your personality into the bathroom.  “Always sunny” may like to place oval “window” mirrors to look as if one is looking outside.  “Timelessly chic” can create a stunning focal point with mirror, plants, and spotlight.  “Notice me” may wish to use mirrors to create a “never ending bathroom” effect.

Of course, other personalities will find mirrors that express themselves, too.  From mirrors that are only functional to those that are only decorational and all the stages in between, today, there are mirrors for everyone.

Here’s looking at YOU, kid!

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This blog was brought to you by Carole Winston who works with Ream and is associated with Exclusive Mirrors.  These two professional companies have bathroom designs and mirrors for every personality.

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A Buyer’s Guide To Shopping Around On The Internet

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Flick through any lifestyle magazine and you are sure to find articles on designer products versus their high street equivalent. These articles often include consumer reviews, price comparisons and ‘where to buy it’ solutions to help you, the end buyer, find great deals the next time you go shopping.

However, such useful information is almost impossible to find when it comes to tackling the World Wide Web and if we do find it, how do we know whether or not to trust it? Most of us these days consider ourselves to be Internet savvy (or at the very least we can get by) and we all know that great bargains are to be had – IF WE CAN FIND THEM! That’s where this article can help. Follow the 7 easy steps as a guide to shopping around and you’ll be enjoying those bargains in no time.

1. Find the product of your dreams

Whether it is from a magazine, in your favourite shop or on the Internet already; the first thing you need to do is set a benchmark for your product. Whether it is a designer label or a tin beans, the same concept applies.

Take note of:

• The product name
• The product description
• Any codes or references that the product may have
• The size of the product
• The exact colour of the product
• The price!

2. Do your research

This is where you can really make the Internet work for you and use it to learn about your product. Online retailers market their products by using keywords, and good sellers will use these terms in their product name and description.

Your next task:

• Identify the ‘keywords’ from the product you have already found. Pay particular attention to words used as an industry standard, not words that you may use in everyday life. For example; The industry standard for describing a full-length mirror or bedroom dressing mirror is to call it a ‘cheval mirror’ this is certain to be one of the keywords that mirror sellers use to list this type of mirror in their online shop.

• Brainstorm. Take a scrap piece of paper and scribble down any words that you would use to describe your product.

• Once you have your list of words, prioritise them and chose the top five to ten words that you feel best describes and are most relevant to the product.

3. Start your search

Armed with your list of keywords and product reference codes, we recommend that you invest as much time as you can spare into searching the web for your product. Type different combinations of your keywords into search engines and see what results come up. You will quickly identify the keywords that don’t work for you. For example; if you are looking for flying lessons and have identified one of your keywords as flights, it is highly likely that when you search using this keyword in isolation that you will only find lists of holiday companies or airlines trying to sell you commercial flights. You would therefore look to be more descriptive in your search or not to use this term at all.

Likewise, your search results may bring up blogs or articles about the product or similar products. In some cases it is worth reading these as often people are able to assist your search and point you to online stores you might not have otherwise found, or they may often advise and feedback about buying the product. Quite regularly the best advise on the Internet comes from other customers.

Don’t forget that search engines often bring up more than one page of results. Once you are confident that the keywords you are using are relevant for finding your product, try looking at pages further down the Internet ranking. It is common practice for larger companies to invest a lot of time and money into ensuring they show on page one of search results, which is great if you don’t have a lot of time during your search, but you may find that some of the most competitive prices come from smaller, less well known companies who are simply unable to compete with these retail giants and so appear further down the ranking. This does not mean that they are any less able to service your needs and indeed sell you a great product at a great price.

4. I’ve found my product on multiple websites – now what?

It may be that your search discovers no, or very limited results and it is dependent on your patience as to how long you continue searching. In some instances it may be that your product is not for sale online. You may also find that the price is protected as with branded products, retailers are often forced to charge a set price.

On the flip side, you may have found multiple websites that are selling your product at competitive prices – DO NOT JUST BUY FORM THE WEBSITE THAT APPEARS TO BE THE CHEAPEST! Again you need to invest a little more time into research, ensuring that the website you are looking at is authentic.

This is especially true if you are looking at an item that is similar to the one you originally chose. Just like the product comparisons you see in magazines, it may be that your keywords have brought up search results for items that are similar but not identical to the product you want. It may look the same in the photograph, but make sure that you read all of the descriptions as quite often the cheaper replicates are made from different materials, are slightly different sizes or colours and are not the same quality as the original product. This is fine if you are searching for a designer alternative, but be conscious of it otherwise. It is really important that you know what you are buying.

As online stores have much lower overheads than conventional shops, for some products we can almost expect to find a good price on the Internet. Although be cautious, more often that not if a price seems too good to be true, unfortunately it usually is.

Check list of things to look out for:

• Auction sites. Make sure that the product you have found is brand new and is not second hand or has be used before.

• Ensure the product is not listed at a discounted price because it is a slight second or has been returned. End of line or limited stock items are fine.

• Be wary of pop up or temporary shops. Where they may be able to sell you a product at a great price, if anything is wrong or you wish to return the product for any reason, you may have problems if the shop no longer exists. If you are unsure about the longevity of a website, use the contact us details and make a call or send an email asking for verification.

• Delivery costs! Find out what the delivery costs for your item are. Your product may look like a great price initially, but by the time delivery costs have been added it may be that you are actually paying more for your product than if you had brought it else where.

• Delivery times! As online shops are not tangible, it is not unusual for them to sell items that are not currently in stock. Therefore before buying online, if it is not stated in their product description, always contact the seller and ask for an estimated delivery time. It is all very well bagging yourself a bargain, but if you have to wait months for your item, you have to question if the few pounds saved is really worth it.

• That the website uses a verified payment gateway. Ensure that you feel confident in the security of the website before entering any personal or financial details. If anything during the process seems unusual or a bit suspicious then cancel your transaction.

5. If in doubt ask!

If you are unsure about anything during your shopping process do not be afraid to contact the seller and ask questions. Whether it is for answers about the product itself, the integrity of the website or payment, if an online retailer is worth buying from then they will be more than happy to help.

6. Look at the positives

It is very easy for us to always look out for the negatives when shopping online and although we should be cautious, there are also many positive things to look for.

• Dedicated websites. It is not unusual to find websites that sell just one type of product. This is extremely positive for a consumer as 9 times out of 10 it means that the seller is an expert in what they do, increasing trust levels enormously.

• Use your credit card and rest assured that if anything does go wrong during the sales process, that the majority of credit card issuers will protect your payment and will give you your money back.

• Customer reviews. Good quality websites have real and honest reviews and not just five-star all singing and dancing reviews either. Retailers know that they can’t please all people all the time and so good reviews should show a range of feedback. If reviews are available make sure you read them and learn what real people have experienced with this product and company and not just the sales pitch from the seller!

7. Price promises – golden in finding a bargain

Now that you have done your research and have shopped around, you will know the cheapest places to buy your product. What you may not know is that many online retailers are happy to price match. This means that if you find the product cheaper else where but are not 100% confident in buying from them or if you simply like the feel of another website, that they will adjust their prices if you can prove it is being sold else where at a more competitive price.

Just ask. If a website does not promote a price promise but you would rather buy from them, then don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or a price match. This is also true if you are buying multiple products; ask for a multi purchase discount. The World Wide Web is an extremely competitive selling platform and once they have you on their website, online retails will do all they can to convert you into a sale.

So overall, there is no doubt that if you shop around online you can most certainly find a good deal. As with all transactions there are elements that deserve caution, but if you shop sensibly there is a whole world of bargain shopping out there.

Some people are nervous of buying over the Internet, especially if the item they are buying is of high value or a large investment to them. They may also like to touch and feel items before they buy. It would be such a shame to pay more than is necessary. Either they can actually visit a physical shop and see the item in real life and then verify that a product is exactly the same before purchasing online. This would also mean that they do not loose the shopping experience. Alternatively, they can take advantage of their customer rights. As with all shop purchases, when buying online customers reserve their statutory rights and are completely within their rights to cancel their order at any time or return their item after purchase if they are not satisfied with their order or if they simply change their mind. If you are unsure about entering your payment details online, many any Internet based stores also offer the opportunity to purchase over the telephone. That way you can talk to the company, verify any questions you may have and achieve the best price at the same time.

The golden rule to shopping around online therefore has to be to ask.

Ask blogs, forums and customer reviews for directions, thoughts and opinions. Ask about the product being sold in comparison to the original one you found. Ask about the company you are considering to buy from. Ask about delivery costs and times. Ask for a price match or discount.

ASK.

Exclusive Mirrors is a specialist online shop that sells just mirrors. With over ten years experience they consider themselves to be experts in the mirrors industry.

The Exclusive Mirrors price promise means you will get the best mirrors at the best prices.

Staycations in good old Blighty

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The UK weather has been at its worst over the last couple of months, with many parts of the UK seeing exceptional rainfall levels. This might be good for the country’s depleted reservoirs, but not so good for anyone who is planning on holidaying in the UK.

With household budgets tight, more and more people are holidaying in the UK and actually enjoying staycations – which is where they spend their week off at home and plan activities with or without the family.

Staycations can actually work extremely well, especially if you find yourself rushing about at work all week and only just getting on top of the household jobs at the weekend. Because of this, most of us don’t actually get to appreciate any quality time at home.

You can make a staycation anything you want it to be. But it’s important to plan your week in advance and don’t just laze around.

• Monday might incorporate a trip into town, with lunch out at a chic boutique restaurant.
• Tuesday might be a visit to a relative who you don’t spend enough time with during the rest of the year and an afternoon of pampering at a local spa
• Wednesday might be a shopping trip to buy new decorative items, such as designer mirrors, for your home.
• Thursday might be a trip to the seaside and a bracing walk along the coast.
• Friday might be spent in the garden enjoying the rest of your week off.

Whatever you decide to do, a staycation can be a fantastic way to spend your time. All you have to do is make sure you plan ahead and stay organised. If you don’t, the week will pass and you’ll wonder what you’ve actually done with the time.

Decorative Arts Society (Art Deco) Mirrors

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The United States and Europe had a tough time during the 1920s and the 1930s. Europe was faced with the mammoth rebuilding task, both physical and emotionally, after the First World War and the U.S. had to totally rebuild its economy after the 1929 Great Depression.

However, contrary to the seeming gloom portrayed in the history books, the 1920s and 1930s did have a lot to offer, and shaped the way we now live our lives.

In Paris at the turn of the century a movement was taking place which changed the way art and design was viewed by the wider world. In Paris ‘La Societe des Artistes Decorateurs’ was being formed. It wasn’t until the 1920s and the 1930s that the movement came to light however, as it did in all its splendour at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Art in the French capital in 1925.

It wasn’t long until the ‘Decorative Arts Society’ movement gathered steam and its famous curvilinear designs started cropping up in places such as the Paris Metro and the famous Chrysler Building and Radio City Music Hall in the U.S. The Art Deco name didn’t really become popular until the late 1960s, when the phrase was coined by Bevis Hillier in his popular “Art Deco of the 20’s and 30’s publication”.

The Art Deco style has gathered somewhat a revival in recent years, which can be seen in some of the amazing Art Deco mirror designs currently available.