Don’t worry this isn’t as hard as it sounds. There are several simple ways we can reinforce an interest to them, and before you know it, they’ll be dragging you to museums and castles all over the country!

Why bother?

Without history we would be lost. To understand the present and future it’s important we understand our past, and as the wise Santayana once said:

“Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it.”

Bit gloomy for kids, but a point well made! We certainly do learn from the mistakes of the past… I mean without Henry VIII we might still be chopping our spouse’s heads off.

How to get them interested?

The actual process of turning your kid into a history enthusiast is really quite easy. Here are some examples:

Bed time stories

The only incentive for a kid to go to bed; a story! Tell your child some gruesome tales about the past…or if they’re not into that kind of thing, perhaps try and spin a romantic love story for Henry VIII. Maybe a bad example, but I’m sure there are plenty of star-struck lovers from history to choose from.

Re-enactments

There are plenty of historic re-enactments going on everywhere, and they’re a really easy way to get your child interested in history! Even if they’re joining in or just watching, they’ll feel more involved and probably get a bit more understanding of the historical event. Plus the costumes are great, and they might even get to dress up!

Films and Books

The choice of films and books is huge, for example The Sword in the Stone- a film every child needs to see! Also books like Horrible Histories are great, as they have all the gruesome facts and stories that kids love. Their tagline really explains it all: ‘history has never been so horrible!’

5 Day Trips

So now we have the kids interested in history, we need to take them out! Here are 5 great trips that they’ll love that offer great discounts for families this summer.

1.      Galleries of Justice, Nottingham Ng1 1HN

If you ever wanted to scare your child from committing a crime, the Galleries of Justice is the place to do it! This gruesome museum is based on the history of crime and punishment, with actors telling tales of trial and retribution. There are also plenty of exhibitions to choose from, e.g. the story of Robin Hood.

2.      The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD

The Natural History Museum is really targeted towards kids, with loads of interactive displays and games, videos, etc. And they get to learn all about the dinosaurs! By seeing all their bones displayed, it really brings them to life…

3.      The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB

One of Britain’s finest, and it’s easy to see why! You can easily spend a day at The Tower of London, and transport yourself back into history. Have a look at the Crown Jewels, Royal Armoury, interactive displays of the British Monarchs…. And the death of their traitors. After, if you’re feeling brave, wander through the torture chamber. But be warned; it’s not for the faint hearted!

4.      Hampton Court Palace, Surrey KT8 9AU

Back to this article’s favourite guy; Henry VIII. Although he had plenty of palaces, Hampton Court Palace is by far the best to visit. You can tour the inside, which has loads of different displays that will grab the kid’s attention. Or wander round the beautiful gardens and get lost in the infamous maze.  Be sure to look out for the ghost of Catherine Howard….

5.      Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU

Last but not least; Warwick Castle! Here you’ll find pretty much everything you would expect from a medieval castle e.g. secret passageways, mysterious ghosts, jousting, massive towers, rose gardens, etc. And if you’re feeling up to it, you can attempt to be the first person to pull Arthur’s sword from the stone!

If you have any further tips on how to get your children into history, then please feel free to share in the comments below.

Author: Louise Blake is a writer, mother and closet history geek from Bath. She specialises in family life and education articles. 

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There are literally thousands of pubs to choose from that are scattered across the UK, and a lot of the more well known ones reside in our nations capital. Here is a few of the favourites for you to feast your eyes on.

Three of the most famous London Pubs

Punch & Judy

This is certainly not a kids show, this exquisite West End pub is situated in the widely popular Covent Garden and is split into two bars with an upstairs floor that has a simply beautiful balcony where you can kick back and relax with your favourite beverage. The downstairs is more like the old school London pubs you used to get, quite compact but friendly and welcoming. It is one of the busiest pubs in the whole of London and is where it get its fame from, they even play rock and indie music to entice the younger generations. It is open daily and serves plenty of delicious food, making it a perfect place to visit.

The Blind Beggar

Famous worldwide, this pub was popular back in the day where east end gangsters roamed London’s streets. When the The Blind Beggar was opened Ronnie Kray (one of the 2 Kray twins, known to be the most famous gangsters in London) was found guilty of the murder of fellow underworld figure, George Cornell. This has made this pub one of the most historical in the country and is almost a pub and a museum at the very same time. It is safe for visitors and it is said that William Booth gave his first ever open air sermon outside its doors, which lead to the creation of The Salvation Army. Unlike the Punch & Judy pub, this bar is a little more quiet so there is no massive influx of people and tourists whilst you are enjoying your food and drink.

The Punch Bowl

Owned by no other than world famous film director and ex husband to Madonna, Guy Richie. The Punch Bowl was built in 1750 and is famous for not only its owner but also its clientèle as famous stars such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Mickey Rourke, Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law and Sophie Dahl have all been for a tipple. Being high quality it is no surprise that the pub is situated in the heart of Mayfair and they even have a private room that is a saloon with not only its own bar but also a wonderfully quaint open fireplace. To top it all off they have a large selection is succulent food that is entirely sourced from Britain and is of the finest quality, certainly somewhere to consider for a special occasion.

By Veselina Dzhingarova

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1930 Beauford’s Convertible

This car is the perfect blend between contemporary and vintage. It has all of the modern mechanics needed to ensure a smooth and reliable journey, yet it has an old school vibe, which is glamorous and elegant. In fact, the car is often associated with being a fairy tale wedding vehicle.  This car can surely make your fairy tale a reality, as it is the perfect icing on the cake to a fantastic and memorable occasion.

Mid 90s Mercedes Limousine

This is the ideal car for those who want something grand, contemporary, and striking. This is the type of vehicle the rich and famous step out of when they attend big events. And the great thing about the Mid 90s Mercedes Limousine is that it can fit up to seven people inside. Therefore if you have several people you want to ride in the car with you (or a really big dress) then this is the ideal car.

Austin FX3

The Austin FX3 is ideal for those who have a taste for quirky vehicles that are filled to the brim with personality. After all, the car is actually a taxicab. During the 1950s loads of these black cabs were built for London use. If you are looking for something different with that lovely vintage quality then the Austin FX3 is a great choice.

1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud

Striking and dazzling; just two words that describe the show-stopping 1962 Rolls Royce. This vehicle is a vision of sheer beauty. The vehicle’s style is unique and is one that instantly captures the attention of anyone who passes by. The silver colour beautifully compliments the style of the car, adding a lavish and extravagant edge.

1930 Austin Laundelette

And last but not the least; we have the 1930 Austin Laundelette! When you see this car you will feel as if you are taking a trip down the memory lane. Most wedding cars boast the vintage quality, yet no other vehicle possesses so much relation to history through the mere design as this one does. Take a trip back in time to the glamour of the past with the 1930 Austin Laundelette.

The five cars mentioned in this article are assured to make a big impression on your wedding day. Just make sure you hire from a company who recognises how important your big day is. After all, it would be nice to be met with a glass of champagne upon arrival!

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Alternative transport – Walking, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading or even going retro with some roller-skates: whatever you prefer. These are all great ways to travel and will save you money in the process. One of the major complaints about London, myself included, is transport costs. Certainly, Oyster cards and ticket splitting can help with this also, but I will get to that. The UK Government are keen to get people cycling and walking, especially within congested areas such as London. They have spent millions on cycle path infrastructure – so use it to your advantage!

Planning Transport – If walking or any of the alternative methods are just not feasible, look into the infamous Oyster Card. Which card you would be eligible for would really depend on various factors, including age. The two main cards are the Oyster Zip for 16- 18 year old students and the 18+ students. Average savings are around 30%, which in times of austerity, is not to be sniffed at! If you live further afield, then try ticket splitting. Basically, you split your journey up and go through various stations to achieve the most economical route. It may not be the quickest of course, but it will cheaper!!

Socialising on the economical side – something that goes hand in hand with being a student is – the social scene: but often it can be expensive! London is a multi-cultural city with lots of free and interesting events, fairs and shows. Keep an eye out in the local papers for free events and goings on. What’s great about doing it this way, is that you are sure to find some real gems. Also, for you serious bargain hunters, there are sites such as Wowcher, 5pm.com, Groupon and other discount deal websites.

Student Accommodation in London – Seeking low priced accommodation and is one of the best ways to keep down costs. For the maximum benefit, if at all possible, live with other students. All students are entitled to council tax exemption which can be upward of £1,700 per year! Seeking residence within halls or dedicated student residence apartments are also two great options!

Shopping at markets – London is full of markets, and these are always an ideal place to find a bargain or two! One of the most famous, and probably the most highly respected of markets is: the Camden Market. Camden has everything you would ever need! Clothes, household-goods and furniture. There is an amazing little stall that has some awesome handmade lamps – go check it out!

TV Licence? – If you look closely at the guidelines, then it is possible to watch TV without having a TV licence. This is not  only applicable to students, but to anyone who owns a TV. You are legally allowed to own a TV and you are free to watch it as much as you like, as long as you are not recording or watching live TV.

Cheap Books – Information from books is often re-cycled. Publishers need to generate income, somehow and you can only write a book so many times, so they just release updated issues. Normally they just update case-studies, or add a few new graphics. Purchase old books from Amazon and you will find some great bargains; but my best advice within this field though, is – “Google Book ”

Google Books is a completely legitimate resource, and a fine resource it is. Completely free as-well. As long as you reference everything properly you will be fine. The best thing about it is, that you can gain lots of quotes from a variety of different resource without even opening a book! I have provided an example of a simple search on brand equity:

As you can see, your keywords are even highlighted! “What about referencing” I hear you cry! No problem:

Take what you need. It is so simple and it is free!

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Clean it

While it is not all about the looks when it comes to used cars, cars that look maintained will surely fetch a higher price than those that seem neglected by their owners. So, in order to compete with all the professional car dealers who have their cars looking superbly all the time, you have to clean it well. You can consider having it checked, cleaned and detailed by a professional. They will certainly do a good job, while saving you time.

Under the hood

The buyer will also be interested in the state of things under the bonnet. When you open it, you do not want the buyer to be put off by oil stains, lots of dust and rust on your engine and other essential things. This is why you should also spend some time on cleaning and refurbishing the inside of your car. The engine should look impeccably, with the other things like wires, plugs and other visible things following close by. This will give the buyer the impression that you have really cared about your car and that you have not damaged it in any way. It is always better for a car to look clean and maintained than to look like it has been through three wars and four Paris-Dakar rallies.

Fix what you think needs to be fixed

If your car is damaged in any way, it is usually recommended that you fix the problems before showing the car to the potential buyer. Most of the damages will affect the price of your car, because the buyer will suspect lessened functionality. Since buyers are usually looking for a functional car, there is a great chance that a damaged car will repel them from following with an offer. So, go to your mechanic and have him see what needs to be fixed in order for the car to fetch the full price. However, you should be aware that any major repairs will usually make the buyer suspicious. Repair only the things that will really increase the value of your car.

In the end, all that I can say is “Good luck!” Car selling is a tough job, because you have to compete with all those used car dealerships that are professional in their work. With these few simple tricks that will take a little time, you will be able to stand up to them and be on par with their offers. Hopefully, you will find a buyer soon.

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In a scenario, when countries like the US are facing a tough period of recession, people are reluctant to invest in real estate. However, they find it relatively beneficial to invest in a self storing business. Did you know why?

• Being recession proof, a self storage business offers you an assurance of reliable profit margin.
• Also this kind of business does not involve any kind of risks.
• Even during worst financial crisis, maintaining a self storage facility is pretty simple.
•  During the current economic downturn, most businesses are being forced to shut down due to mounting losses. However, the self storage industry seems to be untouched by the economic recession.

Here are a few reasons why investing in self storage pays off largely during rough economic conditions.

One of the major benefits of devoting a good amount of money in self storage business during tough economic times is that this kind of business involves low monthly maintenance costs. Other reasons include:

• Self storage business offers you high profit potential and you can also enjoy simplicity of ownership by investing in this kind of business.
• Being distinct from other commercial interests, storage facilities do not need any kind of costly inventory. Storage units also require the least work force.
• Investors can easily boost the profit margin of his/her facility through advertisements, as only a minimal workforce is required at the facility.

Investing in self storage during the worst financial crisis would be the most profitable investment you could ever make.

When it comes to investing in property, most often investors consider the necessary monthly expenses connected with the procedures of that particular business.

Whether investing in or renting self storage and removal services in London, you will need to find out about the kind of self storage company you deal with. Devoting money on self storage business is best as it does not require huge recurring monthly expenses.

One of the most important things an investor generally takes into consideration when investing in other businesses is the knack of getting a large profit margin. Investors believe that more money can be got from the property if the profit margin is immensely large.

There has been a significant rise in the number of people investing in self storage units. This is mostly because investors are paying due attention to important things the self storage businesses can do during times of recession.

It is because self storage facilities offer investors a comparatively little amount of monthly maintenance costs, large profit margins and effortlessness of ownership. It is by taking these few things into consideration that devoting money on self storage facilities are believed to be the best and most lucrative opportunities for everyone.

Author: John Smith – Follow him on Google+.

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Bring the Nature into Your Home

Recently, natural home design has become very popular among people who try to reconnect with the surrounding them world. This hasn’t changed in 2013, and natural motifs are still on trend.

Use unrefined, unorthodox materials to give your bedroom a raw yet unique look. As for the colour scheme, consider shades of green and blue. Focus on more soft hues. This will create a comfortable and warm environment to relax in. Open-plan storage made of natural woods will match perfectly the relaxed colour scheme.

Unique Design

Instead of going for a popular theme that can be seen in many bedrooms, go for unique one. Combination of different styles and accessories is the key to an outstanding look in 2013, according to many designers. They suggest using modern and old designing elements together into one conception to avoid clichéd designs, and achieve uniqueness. Also, focus on things with long-term value and design to place in your bedroom. This way, your room will not only be modern in 2013 but the years ahead, as well.

Soft Contemporary

Living in a traditional house doesn’t mean you can’t transform your bathroom according to the new trends. There are many warm and soft lines that will allow you to turn your bedroom into a modern piece of art while keeping the original style of your home.

Break the traditional white and cream décor by implementing dark highlights into your bedroom design. A sliding wardrobe is another great addition to a traditional bedroom. It will maximize your storage options and keep the space looking clean and clutter-free.

Floral Themes

Floral themes were very popular last year, and it seems they will remain as such through 2013, as well.

You can turn your bedroom into a designing ideal very easily using a variety of floral-designed materials, form bedding to wallpapers. If you are not keen on an all-floral design, you still can  make your bedroom looking stylish by using just a few colourful floral accents.

Black and White

Black and white design never gets old, and is always on trend. You may find it hard to nail this style, but if you succeed, the results will be amazing. Professional designers recommend using white as basis and back for details: side tables, lampshades, simple clocks, pictures’ and mirrors’ frames and so on.

Surely, 2013 will offer many designing alternatives, but it seems these five will be the main trends through the year when it comes to bedrooms. So, keep them in mind when planning a bedroom renovation.

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The Theme

The way your property looks can play a huge part in this tale. Being able to customise your home as and when you please can make a significant difference to the way you feel about living there. It has been said that certain colours can directly affect a person’s mood. For instance, many people believe that the colour yellow evokes feelings such as generosity and light heartedness, whereas the colour red is thought to be enticing and exciting. Others believe that the way you place things in and around your home can also affect the way you feel. This is known to the masses as feng shui, and is practiced by many people from around the world.

The Location

The town you choose to live in will always be a major factor here. For many, their place of birth, or place of heritage, will always be their home and most people never fly too far from the nest. For those who have grown bored and seek to explore new lands and cities there is many a town that could please all their curiosities. Some of the more luxurious and friendly locations in the UK include Beaconsfield, Sevenoaks, Docklands and Ipswich. If you are not happy in the town that you are in, then it might be time to look for somewhere new to spread your wings.

The Company

The company you keep will almost always affect the way you behave, act and feel. Living with your family, for example, carries many pros and cons. As much as they look out for you and are always there if you need help, than can get on the wrong side of you after a while, even if you get on well normally. Also, if you find that you have more friends in other towns rather than your own, it can make you feel a bit distant and detached. You should surround yourself with people you love and care about to make you feel cosier and give you a sense of belonging and peace.

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1)      Presenting informative content: There is no substitute for filling your web pages with the content which is very relevant to what the users would be looking for. Beside this, several websites would come forward to provide a backlink or accept it if they believe that you have the unique and most relevant information on your website. This further helps the search engine ranking of your web site go up.

2)      Research on the key words: Search on the internet for the most common keywords that your target customers are using and looking for. Zero-on the best ones and use them in your web pages.

3)      Content format and usage of keywords: Keep in mind that it is only the web pages, but not the websites that the search engines rank. So, please fill each page with relevant content and good keywords. Use keywords in a variety of places like image titles, page titles, web links, etc. Do not repeat them in every page as this will make your content to be considered as spam by engines.

4)      Dynamic Content: Do not stick to particular keywords blindly only because they worked for a particular span of time. Research continuously, as the search trends change rapidly, like the social ones search engines do have updates in it frequently.

5)      Advertise on Social Media: Create a profile for your business and allow people who like it to follow and share it. Use pictures of your products followed by beautiful content to lure the visitors to your site.

6)       Design a smooth page-to-page Connectivity: Ensure that the visitors move from page to page with minimum effort and ensure that they find relevant and intelligible content. This brings more traffic even to the sparsely visited areas of your web site.

7)      Maximum number of links pointing to your site: The Google Page Rank algorithm considers many parameters to rank a page, but one of the main constraints is the number of links that point to your web site. There are several directory sites where your web site can be submitted. Also, if you own a blog, you can create links not only for your web sites, but also for others from whom you can get your pages pointed to as an exchange of favour.

8)      Creating a sitemap: A site map makes the navigation of your web site easy. Place a link for it from where the visitors can find all the pages in a hierarchical manner.

9)      Keep Track of the Statistics: Constantly keep an eye on several stats like number of visitors, popular pages in your site, backlinks, visitors from a particular platform, bowser, etc.

10)  A good ‘About’ page: Any visitor who visits your site for the first time will be curious to know what exactly you offer in your web site. So, create a solid ‘About’ page then clearly describe all other contents and also the purpose of your web site.

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Some major metropolitan destinations, however, don’t have to do much at all to bring the holiday-makers flooding in. One such city is London, the UK’s stunning capital and one of the most popular destinations in the world. Here are four familiar aspects of life here that most visitors hope will always stay the same.

Public transport

The superb red buses have been a symbol of London for many decades now, and even though their design has been updated over the years they remain an intrinsic part of the city’s overall look. Sleek black taxis are also part of the landscape and, beneath the ground, you’ll find a stunning collection of tube stations and trains, all of them resplendent in a magnificent art deco styling. Getting from A to B in a city has never been more enjoyable – or more iconic – than in London.

River Thames

Many of the world’s major cities were built on a river, of course, but few waterways have such a casual air of majesty as the Thames. At around 215 miles in length, it’s not a particularly long river, but it has been synonymous with London for hundreds of years. If you’re planning to visit the city for the first time in the coming months, be sure to indulge yourself with an organised sightseeing cruise during your stay, because the views from the water are especially impressive.

Open spaces

A large proportion of cities developed from small towns to large urban sprawls quickly and unrelentingly, and in many cases the planners forgot to retain areas where the people could enjoy fresh air and some much-needed tranquillity. Thankfully, this isn’t the case in London, where the city fathers included a number of beautiful parks and gardens in their plans. Even in the very centre of the city you’ll see there are plenty of places in which it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a concrete jungle.

Rich heritage

It goes without saying that London is home to a huge number of historic buildings, monuments and landmarks. A few days spent in this awesome city is never enough to see all of the sights, so you may want to consider staying for longer. From the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square to the London Eye and the Natural History Museum, there really is something for everyone in the UK’s capital, so if you’re coming to see the place soon you should consider drawing up an itinerary.

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