Three PC and Mobile Receipt Scanning Software Programs for SMEs

If we’re honest, we’d all like to be more organised than we are. Generally, this isn’t just a trait limited to one set demographic, it’s something that transcends everyone’s life. Ask your colleagues, family, friends or neighbours and the honest answer will probably be something like, ‘I’m organised, I think. But, I could be better.’

Our organisational skills (or lack thereof, in some cases) are highlighted when it comes to keeping track of our expenses. Unless you have already invested in a receipt scanner, the odds are that your professional or personal receipts are stuffed in a drawer, stacked precariously on shelves or have become forgotten, having been left in your wallet.

However, if you’re frustrated and finding it difficult to be organised, don’t despair there is a solution. An OCR receipt scanner can be the answer to your problems, helping you to keep track of your expenditure and better budget for the future.

Here’s a look at three PC and mobile receipt scanning programs that could help you to transform your finances and change your life.

Receipt Bank

Trusted by accountants, Receipt Bank is one receipt scanner that has a superlative reputation. Perfect for SMEs, Receipt Bank has plenty of useful features. Users can scan receipts on the go using the mobile app or transfer files using Dropbox, via email or through a simple drag and drop interface.

Receipt Bank features an OCR receipt scanner that proficiently extracts relevant data from receipts or documents, diligently organises the relevant information and makes it as easy as possible to share data with a bookkeeper or accountant - all you need to do is to take a picture!

Posting your receipts to receipts to the allotted field on the Receipt Bank website automatically synchs each to your accounting software. This can make it very easy to meticulously calculate expenses and reimbursements for your employees and provides you added peace of mind that vital data can be saved, stored and easily accessed.

IQBoxy Expenses (update - this is no longer a recommended option)

A simple and affordable receipt scanner, IQBoxy is also feature-rich. Users can scan, email or upload their receipts, or even dictate information through Apple Watch. Not only that, IQBoxy regularly updates its technology to ensure optimal automation.

Customers can choose either a free account or pay to subscribe and unlock extra features. The free account offers basic receipt scanning and storage capabilities. Subscribes have scan receipts and documents until their heart’s content, track their journey length and expenses with mileage tracking and create expense reports.

Subscribers of IQBoxy Expenses can also fully integrate the software with QuickBooks Online to streamline and simplify bookkeeping.

Xpenditure (update - this is no longer a recommended option)

In addition to efficiently tracking your expenses, Xpenditure has a wealth of features that makes keeping control of your personal or commercial finances a cinch.

The expense management tool can be easily integrated with QuickBooks Online for seamless expense reporting. Not only that, Xpenditure features a meticulous in-built OCR receipt scanner and features the option of having an account for up to 1,000 users.

The basic monthly subscription supports up to 15 users, making Xpenditure ideal for small businesses with mobile teams or field-based employees. Users also have the option of upgrading to Xpenditure Pro for a negligible extra cost per month.

Able to manage the expenses of a larger workforce, Xpenditure Pro integrates an expense approval process that saves time and amplifies the reimbursement process. Perfect for managing the finer details of any business trip, Xpenditure Pro allows users to record hotel and flight reservations with ease.

These are just three examples of superior receipt scanning software programs for SMEs. If you’re looking to tighten your business finances or maximise profit whilst streamline processes, any one of the above software is bound to help.

Update: New Leader of the Pack in Receipt Scanning OCR Technology Tabscanner  

Tabscanner's OCR technology is worth considering if you are a software developer which needs a receipt scanning API. The company claims to be the most accurate receipt scanning technology in the world. See the video below for more details:

Five Cloud Accountancy Statistics to Make You Sit Up and Take Notice

Like it or not cloud accounting is here to stay. It’s universally-agreed that cloud accounting has completely revolutionised traditional accountancy practices, transforming the sector and, alongside receipt OCR (optical character recognition) technology, propelling us towards a new frontier in digital accounting.

Blue-chip and SME’s alike can benefit from cloud accounting. Streamlining processes, providing easy access to vital information whilst bolstering existing security for sensitive information, the benefits to cloud accounting are extensive and penetrating.

There really isn’t much more to it than that. However, before you accept this statement as gospel, or if you’re someone that needs cold hard data to back up claims, why not read these five cloud accountancy statistics. They’ll surely make even the most cynical cloud computing and associated technologies, such as a receipt scanner, retractor a believer in the power and potential of cloud computing.

67% of Accountants Prefer Cloud Accounting

If you’re under the impression that accountants are stubbornly remained loyal to traditional practices, refused to employ cloud computing and receipt OCR tech, you’d be incorrect. In fact, 67% of accounts prefer cloud accounting.

Advocates of the technology believe that cloud accounting makes their role easier. Simplifying and speeding up client collaboration whilst improve the quality of service that accountants can provide their clients with, cloud accounting is increasingly becoming the norm in the accounting profession.

58% of Blue-Chip Companies Employ Cloud Accounting

According to Accounting Today’s ‘Year Ahead’ survey, as many as 58% of blue-chip companies have adopted cloud accounting. The percentage tends to fall in accordance with the larger the company, but generally-speaking, it’s apparent that cloud accounting is outstripping traditional desktop accountancy.

This isn’t hard to understand when you consider the benefits of cloud accounting. Receipt OCR technology and cloud accounting can be easily integrated - and given the ease and convenience of cloud accounting it’s not too much of a stretch to say that in the very near future 90%-plus of blue-chip companies will adopt cloud accounting.

53% of SMEs in the US Believe Cloud Accounting to Be Essential to Integrating Accounting, Invoices and Payments

SMEs in the US believe that it makes sense to integrate cloud accounting, invoicing and payments. This is a notable increase on statistics in years past and heralds the dawn of a new era is accountancy.

The concern most often voiced by managing directors, CEOs and CFOs was the issue of security - and the reason why many companies are yet to integrate cloud computing to an all-in-one solution.

Ease-of-use and accessibility were also mentioned as potential drawbacks, however with the increasing prominence and understanding of cloud computing and receipt data extraction technology, those less educated in the process are increasingly seeing the benefits of adopting the solution.

66% of Businesses May Not Be Handling Paperwork Properly

As hard as it may be to believe, as many as 66% of businesses may be putting their financial future in jeopardy just by mishandling paperwork.

Filing cabinets, cupboards and drawers and not an effective means of safely storing vital commercial information. By automating processes and storing client information, invoices and purchase orders to the cloud, businesses don’t ever have to worry about losing paperwork every again. Documents can also be safeguarded, permitting access only to relevant parties.

Moreover, its estimated that it takes companies a minimum, on average, of 5-6 days to retrieve lost documents. 44% of companies said that it can take as long as a week to retrieve their documentation and some even said that it took a month. Documents stored on the cloud take seconds to retrieve.

83% Of Clients are Demanding More from Their Accountants Today Compared to Five Years Ago

Leading accountancy software, Sage has reported that 83% of clients are demanding more from their accountants than they did five years ago. This is a clear indication that accountants need to evolve to provide a competitive level of service to their clients - and thus grow their business.

It also means that its paramount accountants reduce the administrative burden by automating time-consuming tasks, like data entry. Cloud technology and other technological solutions such as employing an accurate receipt scanner are great ways that accountants can free up value time and improve brand authority and client retention rates.

These are just five statistics that should convince any business owner to employ cloud computing. If you’re not already, what’s stopping you?

CSR in the UAE: Why the UAE Is an Amazing Place to Live

The UAE is home to over 8.4 million expats, who make 80% of the total population. They have many reasons to relocate here because it is one of the best places to live in the world.

Nonetheless, in this article, we are going to go beyond the most commonly cited reasons like high-paying jobs and excellent business opportunities. We are going to see how CSR initiatives and sustainability projects make the UAE an amazing place to live.

How CSR Makes the UAE an Ideal Place to Live 

Thanks to Corporate Social Responsibility, companies have the opportunity to help society with different projects that target specific problems. To cite a few examples:

• Help the environment with eco-friendly initiatives 
• Support vulnerable populations (ex: children with special needs) 
• Boost scientific research and technological development 
• Improve the quality of life of society as a whole 

Therefore, thanks to such initiatives and projects, the society of the UAE improves constantly because CSR increases the quality of education, technology and infrastructure. In addition, it improves the security and health of people.

Furthermore, nowadays, thanks to companies like Companies for Good, businesses in the UAE can implement CSR initiatives easily because they can take part in team building activities focused on the most important needs of society.

Sustainability for Better Quality of Life and a Bright Future 

It is smart and wise to invest into the sustainability of society because future generations depend on it. That is why the UAE government believes and invests into sustainable cities and communities, to protect nature and the environment, as well as to improve the quality of life.

A perfect example is The Sustainable City, which is a 46-hectare property development in Dubai. With over $354 million USD in funding, it aims to create an eco-friendly and modern metropolis. One of the unique projects of this kind in the world, similar to Japan’s Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town.

The Sustainable City is the first net-zero energy development in Dubai. It includes:

• 500 villas 
• 89 apartment 
• Plenty of offices 
• Healthcare facilities 
• Multiple outlets 

In summary, it offers all the services and solutions that any citizen could need because the objective of this project is to bring an authentic solution to how normal cities function. Innovation at its best. 

The houses include environment-friendly features like reflective paint to combat the thermal heat gain. Furthermore, they utilize construction waste to build furniture for public spaces. Nothing goes to waste in The Sustainable City.

Therefore, the UAE is leading innovation in sustainable development for the future. In consequence, it makes it an even better place to live because they care about the future generations, which is a crucial aspect when you consider a country to expatriate.

Conclusion 

The UAE is doing great efforts to secure the future of its new generations, thanks to CSR initiatives and sustainability projects. They are making it an amazing place to leave, and in consequence, more people look forwarding to calling the Emirates their new home.

The Best Games to Play at a Family Reunion

As children grow into adults, they’re encourage to spread their wings. In some cases, this ‘taking flight’ sees them soar away from their family - often to different parts of the country, even internationally.

On those occasions when families do reunite, enjoying one another’s company, sharing experiences, reminiscing, playing games and laughing are essential to keeping the affection and security of a family nucleus together. Why? Well, it’s paramount that families know wherever life takes them, however far the geographical distance may be, they’re always a family.

Now family gatherings do vary in style. Some are raucous events, filled with unreserved emotions. Others are more subdued affairs. But, what cannot be argued is that playing family games online, or off help bond families together - and should be a part of any reunion. We recently had a wedding in Portugal and it rained one day, so we decided to give a few modern games a try. Here are some games that you can suggest playing to your nearest and dearest the next time you all are together.

Hot Potato Camera

Who doesn’t like a selfie with the family? Who doesn’t take more than a handful of pictures at a family reunion before posting happy, smiling faces to Instagram?

It’s safe to assume that whipping out your Smartphone to capture that picture of a long-lost uncle, second cousin or even a sibling you haven’t seen in years brings nothing but joy to a family reunion.
 But, why not try something a little different?

Have everyone sit in a circle, set the self-timer and pass the camera around, pointing the viewfinder at everyone’s faces in turn for just a few moments. Let everyone take a picture in-turn and see how long they can hold their smile. The slowest person to take the photograph is the loser.

You could make it even more fun by determining that the person left holding the camera when it flashes must wear a silly hat, do an impression or sing a song - just make sure no-one drops your Smartphone. Like fun online party games, like The Name Game, Hot Potato Camera rewards speed with side-splitting laughter.

Family History Photo Swap

With a little preparation, a family history photo swap game can really pay off. Before your family gathers together for the first time in ages, ask them to bring with them old and new pictures that mean something to them.

When game time comes, spread the pictures across a large table and ask everyone to name when and where the picture was taken. This is a great way to reminisce and reconnect with times in your life that have long since been forgotten.

Have everyone sit around the table and in-turn choose a picture that they believe speaks to them. Share stories and discuss what you all were feeling at the time. Unlike some family games online, the family history photo swap doesn’t encourage competitiveness, but it does bond everyone together - and after all, isn’t that what a reunion is all about!

Water Balloon Toss

This is a great game to play in the soaring heat, especially for playful families with young children. Certain to put anxious smiles on everyone’s faces, water balloon toss is not for anyone who hates getting wet!

Separate the family into teams of two: brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, aunties and uncles are fine - whoever you feel will work the best as a team. Form two parallel lines with teams facing one another.

One person starts by tossing the water balloon to his or her partner. Once it has been successfully caught, each person moves a step back. Then again. And again. And again. The team who manages to catch the water balloon from the greatest distance is the winner - but be careful! Catch the water balloon too softly and it’s likely to slip from your fingertips. Catch the balloon too firmly and you’re likely to get wet!

Tug of War

A good-natured tug of war is a great way for families to bond. Unlike online party games that need an internet connection, mobile devices and a reliable family member to organise and mediate the game, you only need a rope (and maybe a set of gloves) to have some rip-roaring fun with everyone in the family!

Separate your family so into two, making sure that each team has members of equal physical prowess, grab a strong rope and after a 3-2-1 count get everyone pulling. Now, this isn’t the best game for elderly family members, nor is it for young children, but if your family are dedicated to physical fitness, it’s a great game to test everyone’s strength and resolve.

Why not make the contest a little more interesting by having a battle of the sexes, or battle of the mum’s or dad’s! You may discover that your cousin Joe is far stronger than you thought!

These are but a few of the different types of games that you can play with your family when you all come together for the first time in what seems like forever. If you’re considering which of the family games online is sure to get everyone excited, ecstatic and energised, you really need only consider The Name Game. Visit Joinup.TV and sign-up today to make your family reunion one that you’ll hold onto in your memory for years to come!

How I Sold My Car Last Week For a Great Price

My car is a real wreck, damaged almost beyond repair. The car was a gift to my son and after just 1 month he had crashed it. Thankfully all my nagging about using his seatbelt paid off and he was unhurt. But the car was a mess.

I managed to drive it home but it was stuck on the driveway looking like an "eye sore" and my wife has been on my back about it for the past 3 weeks. Anyway, to save anyone else this nagging, ooops I mean having a broken car on your driveway, I thought I would share how I sold it really fast for a great deal after weeks of no interest.

Initially I did what I would usually do and put it in the classifieds. I quickly realised the people who buy cars on these sites don't want an accident damaged car, they want one which is running. So I lowered the price. Still no joy. I added it to a couple more websites and still nobody even contacted me to make a single inquiry.

Then a good friend of mine (thanks Phil) told me about Sell The Car USA and the next day I had sold my car. Well technically it was the day after that I got paid and gave them the car, but it was agreed on that first day. Amazing!

Anyway if you want to sell a broken car give Sell The Car a shout. They are awesome. I believe they operate across The States. Basically they want cars which they can repair then sell, or recycle. They actually paid me more than I was putting on the classifieds websites, which was even better.

I fully recommend Sell The Car USA to sell any damaged, non running or broken car. The staff are nice, the service ultra fast and the price they paid me (direct into my bank account) was very reasonable.

Visit http://www.sellthecarusa.com/ if you need a quote and they will give you a valuation within a day.

3 of the Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

Earlier this year I got engaged and we are busy planning the wedding. Well actually my better half is doing much of the planning and one of my jobs is organizing the honeymoon. It was such as fun task that I decided to blog about it.

Firstly I had to decide on the destination. A friend who works for a company offering Maldives honeymoon packages told me that the Maldives was the best seller. They also sell packages to other top honeymoon destinations like the Seychelles and the Far East, but Mike told me that the Maldives was the top dog. I enjoyed browsing the different countries and ended up agreeing that the Maldives would be the best place to go for a romantic break.

At the moment I am still in the deciding process. I have nailed it down to 3 resorts in the Maldives. These are all 5 star and very luxurious- we are going to splash the cash this time. The resorts each have their own merits- namely awesome villas and amazing beaches, with turquoise clear water.

Below I will list the 3 resorts and add some photos (taken off the Only Exclusive Travel website). If you have any preferences or recommendations; please leave a comment below to help me decide. I still have a month or so before we will be booking. They are in no particular order:

1. Soneva Fushi
This is a very well rounded island in terms of facilities, amenities and the paradise island factor. They have gone for a natural vibe with traditional architecture which has a lot of individuality and character. Some of the villas look quite large so I wonder whether this one is better for families and groups?

Soneva Fushi - a picture of paradise

2. Jumeirah Vittaveli 

Check out the photo below, which is what made me almost fall in love at first sight with Jumeirah Vittaveli. Who could resist the villas on stilts over the water? You are guaranteed privacy at this resort and I would expect the water ripples to reflect off the ceiling- this is one of those little things I love about accommodation near water. 

I was leaning towards one of the water villas with a sunset view- should be magical. But the Ocean Suite Villas are the ones in the photo and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't try one of those. The company does bespoke packages so I am sure they will be able to give use a few days in one and a few days in the other. The villas on stilts are only accessible by speedboat, so I think 3-4 nights will be enough. Then we can stay on the island to make more use of the facilities like the spa and beach.

Jumeirah Vittaveli with their romantic floating villas

 3. Amilla Fushi

This resort struck a cord with me because of the minimalist design. I have been getting into Feng Shui and minimalism in my work life e.g. less clutter. Therefore the photos of the well appointed, modern villas were very attractive to me.

At Amilla Fushi you can choose a villa with it's own infinity pool (see photo below). I adore infinity pools, especially if it was just outside our room and private. I just seem attracted to all the other photos too- as a Brit I like the way Fish and Chips is advertised at such an opulent resort. The ground seems to be sand in most places, which is great as it looks very white. Plus the way the sunbeds are spaced out and everything else makes me think that this would make a very comfortable place to stay as a couple, without feeling isolated.

Amilla Fushi villa with infinity pool

Which one would you choose? Have you been to another luxury resort in the Maldives for a honeymoon or romantic break?

Fishing, Cleaning and Sunbathing

This month has been glorious weather in England up north. Usually we get more rain and cold in August. It has been overcast but warm: perfect for me. No need for suntan lotion or a hat, or worrying about wearing black.

I have been taking this opportunity to go fishing. Below is a photo of a relative taken the other day:

Unfortunately this time it wasn't to be. I have had a bit of success this summer but all pretty small fishes in the nearby rivers and lakes. Nothing compared to the best I photographed below on my last holiday abroad:

This would be my dream catch

There have been a couple of sunny days which I have used for a spot of sunbathing. We even broke out the BBQ and crochet set one afternoon. I tend to get eye bags and a tan is the ideal way to get rid of them.

I am not very good at sunbathing - it is just so boring. So after 10 minutes or so I need to do something. After the usual chores like trimming the shrubs back and mowing the lawn, I decided to clean the paving on the patio and side path.

What a boring job, but certainly less boring than just sunbathing. The problem is that you tend to slouch over when jet washing paving, which meant it did nothing for my tan. Anyway I whizzed through it and then applied a paving sealer in the hope that will stop me needing to clean it again anytime soon. Apparently it should help keep the paving clean for many years. Lets see.

The sky is threatening rain today so it is touch and go. If it brightens up a bit I shall cycle to the shops. We have an old bike with a rock hard seat. I found a seat cover for less than £3 on eBay (including postage) which has made an amazing difference. So I am eager to use it when I can. I do not do rain though, so I have to be sure hehehe.

In the meantime I have been reading about how dogs and cats are eaten in countries like Vietnam and China. I am certainly in support of the campaign to ban dog meat in Hoi An as it is a lovely place we have visited. I can't believe there are actually restaurants that have signs up advertising dog meat. I am in support of cat and dog meat being banned in all countries.

Anyways that's my little update, signing off for now. Hope everyone is also having a good summer.

2 Jobs for Introverts and those with Social Anxiety

What are the best jobs for introverts?

I have always been one of those people who finds it hard to socialize. Books such as Quiet: The Power of Introverts..., The Introvert Advantage and The Rise of the Introverts have also given me confidence to embrace being an introvert. It started when I learned from a great TED talk that introverts have energy taken from them when socialising and extroverts gain energy from being with people.

Therefore, it makes sense for introverts and people who have the more serious but rarer social anxiety (fear of people), to avoid jobs where you have to interact often and do team work. For me teamwork is just the biggest turn off. In sales jobs team work building is a big thing. Great for extroverts but for me a nightmare. Avoidant personality disorder and other social phobia issues leave a lot of us with limited choices.

I failed a course at school because there were presentations in front of the class. I just didn't go to classes. I thought that was just me, but reading the books above and seeing the TED video made me realize it is more common than we think. So here is my first post of advice with others. At 40 years old I have got to a fairly comfortable stage with social phobia and being introverted.

So lets start with what I do:

Working Online is a Great Job for Introverts

There are a hundred plus things that you can do online. It means less contact with the real world and if you get into a situation like I am in, I almost never have to communicate with people other than by email.

This may sound like heaven but think about it, we are supposed to be social creatures. Therefore unless you are very happy being alone and have a supportive other half, be careful. You don’t want to be one of those overweight bachelors or spinsters who never leave their home and just order take out food all the time.

Working online is great but if you are single especially, make sure you get some human contact. This is easier said than done but I believe if you hide away and work online without a partner and ideally friends to socialise with, you will end up lonely and unhappy.

Teaching is actually quite good for some introverts

As a member of various organisations for introverts and those with social phobia, I find it baffling how many people are teachers. My Mum has some similarities with nervousness around others, but she has been a happy teacher for many years. She started in primary schools, moved on to secondary school (apparently that was more stressful- sounds like my worst nightmare). Now she teaches smaller groups at an English language school in Manchester teaching IELTS courses.

Anyway this is not something I could ever do, despite numerous attempts from my Mum to get me to to it. However it seems to be a case of facing your fear, which I believe is a great way to overcome problems. I just couldn’t stand in front of a class of 20-30 kids.

Teaching can be done in many ways. My Mum taught from toddlers up to those getting ready for college. She also taught those with issue like dyslexia for a while; I think this would be a great first step for introverts as they were tiny group sessions. She now simply teaches English. You can teach a subject you are interested in. You can teach around the world. It is seems to be a very flexible job when you consider the many options. So if you can see yourself doing it, certainly have a think. My Mum said her most rewarding moments were at the end of the school year when young children would do sweet things like say “thanks you are the best teacher” with a gift.

My friend is also an introvert who is an expert programmer. He moved to Japan over 10 years ago and has a wonderful family. He needed to get a Certificate of Eligibility in Japan.  Luckily his wife is an immigration lawyer there, so he was able to get it easier than most. I am sure you can understand it would be quite daunting without a lawyer's help. 

Whilst mentioning the orient, one bonus I have found is that locals don't expect you to know the language. Which is great if you suffer from social anxiety, whereas when I visited South America everyone thought we were local a tried to speak to us in Spanish. Asia is certainly easier for dark haired people. 

Bonus tip: Blogging has helped me "get out there"

I did a little vlogging and blogging for a tea which has amazing health benefits for people with social anxiety, check out the recipe below. Update: this tea has coincided with a really productive time in my life with far less depression cause from being introverted and socially anxious. But I have also made an effort to change my mindset and be more positive, so I can't be sure how effective it is. I didn't appear on camera, but at least I spoke. It was a boost.

Bonus tip: hobby which is therapeutic for social anxiety and avoidant personality disorder AVPD

I have to share this as it has been an amazing help to me. It is street photography. I quickly got into it and now have a street photography blog. This is where I share my photos. You can also share them on Facebook and other places online. 

Street photography is something anyone can do, you don't even need a camera, I started on my phone. It forces shy people to be around people and gets you used to interacting with them. You can choose how much interaction there is. You can pretend to be shooting past people, or you can have eye contact and offer a thankful gesture once taken the photo, or even talk to people. 

Give street photography a try if you have social phobia, shyness, AVPD etc... It is very helpful and addictive. I have been doing it for about a year and my interest just gets stronger and stronger, especially when visiting new places. Markets and airports are ideal places to start as people are busy doing things.

Update 2021: Vlogging without showing face on screen:

I finally managed to make a video for YouTube as there wasn't one of the same topic. It's very simple but maybe a start.

Care Industry One of Biggest Growers

The British elderly care industry is booming right now. Massive investments are leading to a whole new generation of companies. Companies like Safe Harbor who began with just one nursing home in the Midlands now have 5 in the region.

These once small firms are simply reacting to the market as more and more elderly people seek quality care. The rise of the internet generation has ensured that standards need to remain high. One bad review online can make or break a business so quality care needs to be adhered to at all times.

People want their family members to reside in smaller homes with a sense of community and homeliness. This is why it is the smaller companies who are gradually making their mark rather than bigger ones with hospital-like accommodations which offer unpleasant and “cold” feeling accommodation.

Care homes like Agnes and Arthur (pictured) offer small, homely environments for their residents. This makes the transition much easier for residents when moving out of their own homes. Many elderly people have a fear of hospitals, so using converted large mansions or small apartment blocks is the trend.

Bringing nature into your living room with nature videos

Nature Videos on TV

These days we are all guilty of spending too much time glued to the TV, computer or smartphone. One company who is offering a way to disconnect from these electronic devices is Uscenes. The 2013 start up of the year has set its mission to stop people watching so much TV… but putting a video background on the TV instead.

The idea is simple. To record high quality still camera footage of nature and certain other scenes. Then give people the change to use their TV as a window to the scene. The idea came to head videographer Michael years ago whilst watching Back To The Future 2. The movie featured a Scenery Channel and Michael never forgot what a great idea it would be.

update 2021: Uscenes now has 100 4K videos and 55 Full HD videos, which can also be bouht as Windows screensavers.

Fast forward many years into the future and Michael has helped to set up Uscenes. They have around 50 scenery videos so far with plenty more on the way. Michael says “We have an infinite number of amazing scenes to film around the world. Since we started the sales have gone really well, so we are already funnelling the money back into the project to fund new shoots.”

One example was last weekend when Michael flew to Portugal for a few days to film some new video backgrounds. One example from the trip is the beach scenes in the clip below. He also filmed atop cliffs and captured some sunsets.

Nature TV Screensavers

Click here for a sample video beach scene

Uscenes has decided not to offer DVDs or Blu Ray discs as they see these mediums as a dying breed. Instead all products are downloaded from the website. Not all of us have a media streaming device or media player yet but this seems like a great reason to get one. 

For those not quite up to date with the latest tech you can record the videos onto DVD or enjoy them on your computer. The videos all come with screensaver apps too.

DIY Nature Videos

If you want to film your own nature videos Fujifilm cameras are the best. The best lest for taking videos is Fujifilm 50mm f2 or Viltrox 56mm f1.4. But there are cheaper options too like their very good 16-50mm kit lens, which can typically be found for around $100. 

It lacks the bokeh (blurry background) of the other two, but gives you a wider range. If you have the money their 16-55mm lens is stunning. If you have even more money then Fujifilm medium format cameras and lens would be spectacular for nature videos and photos.

How To Clean Your Driveway Without Ruining The Concrete

Most of us buy a power washer from our local hardware superstore. These machines are also known as jet washers or pressure washers. They basically send a high powered stream of water out of the nozzle to blast away dirt. The problem with using these machines on a concrete driveway or patio is that they will take the face off the surface.

Most concrete driveways have a top layer which is different to the inside. On pattern imprinted driveways this has a protective coating and coloured dye. Ornamental paving slabs also have a coloured outer layer. Repeated use of a power washer will wear this layer away.

If you are cleaning your concrete regularly the surface will become rougher which means dirt will stick easier. The finish will also deteriorate meaning loss of colour and eventually the inner aggregate stone will show.

Dan from Sale Exterior Restoration is a driveway cleaning specialist and he recommends either letting a professional company like his do the job, or follow the steps below. He says;

“a company like us will only need to do this job every 5-10 years, depending on the surface type and location. Using a cheap power washer twice a year or so will just ruin your surface.”

If you want to do the job yourself follow these steps:

1. Hire a good quality power washer instead of buying one. The top of the range machines omit a much stronger jet of water. This makes the job much faster and eliminates “streaks” from areas missed or rushed.

2. Once cleaned, sweep off any dirt which has gathered in puddles. Then leave the surface until it is bone dry. Whilst waiting purchase a suitable sealant for your driveway. Be aware than some sealants have a subtle matt finish and others have a glossy finish which can be very shiny.

3. Brush the surface with a medium brush. Then apply the sealer. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Usually 2 coats is required. Once applied you can sit back and relax for the next 5-10 years because the sealant will protect the concrete from the elements and from attracting dirt. Using a sealant will help prevent cracks in concrete which are most common in areas which freeze up in winter.

Note: if you decide to DIY check that your black waterproofing damp prevention sheet is at least 2 bricks above your paving. If not I recommend speaking to waterproofing companies to check if the water could cause damp.

UK Self Hypnosis website actually works

Now I am as sceptical as anyone when it comes to thinks like hypnosis. Self hypnosis sounded even more unrealistic than seeing a real life hypnotherapist. But I’ve been getting overweight over the past few years and my efforts to diet and exercise haven’t brought lasting results. After a friend saying it had helped him I decided to give it a shot. For just £15 I thought what the hell.

After checking out reviews online I chose the most legit looking site (Self Hypnosis UK) and ordered their virtual gastric band download. The hypnotherapist has a slight northern accent and was female which were pluses. The download was quick and came with instructions. I was soon lay on my back with my eyes closed.

It is quite a nice experience and very relaxing. You just follow the voice of the hypnotherapist as she gets you to relax. Then the surgical part of adding the gastric band (lol). To be honest I haven’t really noticed much of a difference yet but I do feel that it could help. I have noticed a few times that I have been eating smaller portions. I’m going to try a few more listens and hopefully the messages will really start to sink in.

My thinking is that even if I cut down on my eating a small amount then it is well worth it. So far I’m not sure if it has just been a temporary placebo effect so we’ll have to see. I did keep an open mind and have tried to be mindful of the messages on the recording. I’m hoping that it will have long term results. I’ll post again in a couple of months or so to let you know how I’m getting on.

Hypnosis is being regarded as a new method in treating certain diseases and ailments.  Having the knowledge and understanding of this practice is critical, so that the decision-maker is filled in and knowledgeable.  People in this position usually carry a tough educational achievement, like an online healthcare administration degree because this information is not covered in basic classes.

The easy way to improve ski technique

Skiing is one of those activities that participants often just manage once or twice a year. That means it can be impossible to stay “slope ready” unless you live close by to an practice slope. There are a few ski simulator machines on the market but they cost large amounts of money, which means they aren’t worth buying for most people. The good news for skiers of all levels is that SkiA Designs Ltd launched a great little ski gadget last year, which is the ideal solution.

SkiA Sweetspot ski training block

The Sweetspot is a ski trainer which can be used anywhere. The blocks are attached to the bottom of your boots and designed to give you that “sweetspot” feeling you get when balancing perfectly. At just £45/$72.50 per pair this represents good value for anyone looking to learn how to ski. It is also said to be useful for experts who need to hone their technique, or those undergoing rehabilitation from a ski injury.

The Sweetspot improves balance by giving users the feeling of being on real snow. It is also able to improve other aspects of ski technique such as control, turns and posture. Some ski coaches have advised their students to use the Sweetspot to practice at home. There are instructional videos and a free ebook available on the SkiA website at www.skia.com. Skiers in the USA can visit http://www.skia.com/nam/. There are also online stores for Australia and New Zealand.