Things that Pop into my Head

Thinking About Christmas Hampers

Source: hazel eyes
Thursday 2nd September 2010, 12:38pm

Its nearly that time of year again when we start to think about Christmas gifts.

As we most definitely move into the latter part of the year, our thoughts turn to what we might want for Christmas and along with that, ideas for present giving.

Presents for family, at least mine are fairly easy - we either agree not to bother, or if there's something someone particularly wants, put some cash towards it.

For corporates, however, its a little more complicated. The reward must fit the relationship and whilst gift baskets containing wine and chocolates are a firm favourite, times have changed. Individuals are more likely to receive an iPod or experience day for example.

The same can be said for clients or customers. A well thought out gift should expand a relationship and acknowledge their business and loyalty. Letting the intended recipient choose from a list avoids many potential pitfalls. Giving a gift to someone that doesn't celebrate Christmas, meat to a vegetarian, or wine to a teetotaller are some of the easiest ways to cause offence and potentially damage business relations.

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Plastic Bag Usage Falls by 4 Billion

Source: hazel eyes
Friday 27th August 2010, 12:19pm

The use of plastic bags in the UK has fallen by a dramatic 4 billion over the past four years, but its still not enough.

Supermarket single use carrier bag useage has dropped approximately 40% since 2006 to 6.1billion according to the British Retail Consortium. In 2006, an estimated 10.7billion bags were handed out by the major surpermarkets.

Although the signs are that people are permanently switching to reusable bags, they still pose a significant environmental problem.

Plastic bags take 1,000 years to decompose on landfill sites and have an everage life span of 20minutes. Not a very good payoff. Landfills also produce a lot of methane, which is highly contributory to global climate change.

Wasting materials such as plastic bags causes massive amounts of energy to be used to extract and manufacture natural resource replacement materials. Reducing material use through waste prevention and increasing material efficiency through product redesign have the greatest beneficial impact on climate change. Recycling adds further to greenhouse gas savings by reducing the need for energy-intensive resource extraction.

DEFRA is currently reviewing the UK's waste situation. One policy being considered to further reduce plastic bag use is to charge 7p per bag from next spring. Profits would go to charity, including those involved with the environment.

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Striking Furniture

Source: hazel eyes
Friday 20th August 2010, 3:04pm

Making a room look interesting isn't just down to the decor. The furniture can make a big difference.

A room can showcase individual moments of your life through unique pieces of furniture from different eras.

To make the room gel however, there must be one visual element that is common in most of the pieces such as clean lines, a modern look or within the same colour range. Chairs could be reupholstered or painted to be of the same palette.

One mistake with furniture is to use two colours that are very similar, but not identical. Instead, make it a definite choice, pair olive green with red, dark eggplant with yellow, or a warm chocolate brown with cerulean blue.

To avoid making the room just look like a herd of elephants crashed through it, just have one item of furniture that is very different and to add life to an uninspiring room, get rid of unecessary furniture to make the remaining items stand out.

The best thing to do is to have furniture that fits your lifestyle, how you work, eat and play and go from there.

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ADIB and Etihad Launch New Co-Branded Card

Source: hazel eyes
Thursday 12th August 2010, 11:32am

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Etihad Airways have launched a range of so-branded and covered cards with added benefits to customers of both parties.

Members of Etihad Guest will receive up to 50,000 Etihad Guest Miles upon signing up for one of the new cards, which can be then used on flights to the UK, flights to India, or other routes operated by Etihad. It is available in Classic, Gold and Platinum versions and additional miles are earned when making purchases.

ADIB-Etihad Guest cardholder benefits also include airport valet parking, a dedicated ADIB travel desk service, upgrades within the Etihad Guest loyalty program and options to earn free companion tickets. High net worth customers of ADIB will be eligible for a VISA Infinite Card for the first time.

James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "We are delighted to partner with ADIB, a leading bank in the region, and an organisation that shares Etihad's commitment to providing the very best of customer care."

Tirad Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of ADIB, said: "We are proud to partner with Etihad Airways. The coming together of our strong and respected brands creates a unique platform for building an exceptional value proposition that appeals to a wide cross-section of customers. Our customers can look forward to a very attractive offering that will integrate their banking, shopping and travel into a more rewarding experience."

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Pakistan Floods Worsening

Source: hazel eyes
Tuesday 10th August 2010, 11:34am

the situation in Pakistan is worsening with 13.8 million people affected. The UN has said it is worse the the 2004 tsunami.

The British public has so far raised £6 million for the Pakistan appeal according to charities, but it is estimated billions will be needed to help the country recover.

The Sukkur Barrage is now exceeding danger levels, the highest it has ever been. If it gives way the damage will be far more widespread.

So far, it is estimated that the floods have destroyed 30% of the cotton crop and 20% of the rice crop. 50% of the tomato and chilli crops and 70% of the onion crop has also been damaged.

Chief executive of the DEC Brendan Gormley said: "With further monsoon rains expected over the next few days, it is clear that the situation for millions of people in Pakistan is going to get worse before it gets better.

"We are very concerned about reports that the Swat valley has been cut off by mudslides which will hamper the relief effort.

"We urgently need the public's help to save more lives."

As with the Haiti disaster, people should beware of fake websites asking for money, emails that falsely use the name of genuine charities, and appeals from fake charities. Anything suspicious should be reported to the police.

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