Primary mental benefits of swimming

Swimming is a fantastic way to exercise your mind and body. It can help improve your mental health and overall well-being by improving your concentration, focus, and balance. Here are a few of the main advantages of swimming for your mental health:

– Improved concentration and focus: Swimming can help you to clear your mind and focus better. The repetitive movements and swimming patterns can help train your brain to think more efficiently and effectively.

– Reduced stress: Swimming can help reduce stress by reducing blood pressure, improving cardiovascular function, and providing a sense of peace and relaxation. It can also be a great way to de-stress after a busy day.

– Increased muscle strength: Swimming is a great way to strengthen muscles and increase overall muscle strength. This can be especially useful for people who engage in physical activities that require heavy lifting or movement, such as tennis or football.

– Improved balance and coordination: Swimming helps improve balance and coordination, which can be important for those who engage in sports such as tennis or golf. This is because swimming requires good balance and coordination to maneuver through the water effectively.

Swimming is a great way to enjoy physical activity while improving mental health. Next time you’re at the pool or the beach, make sure to take some time for yourself and give swimming a try!

How does swimming affect your physical and emotional health? 

Swimming is a great way to get exercise and improve your physical health. It can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, swimming can positively impact your emotional well-being as it can help relieve stress and depression. 

However, regular swimming should be done in moderation, as too much swimming may lead to overexertion or injury. To ensure you get the most from swimming, consult a doctor or a fitness professional if you have any concerns about your physical or mental health. In addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, regular swimming can help keep you feeling happy and healthy. 

How swimming helps you overcome your stress? 

Stress is a state of mental and emotional strain resulting from a demand, task, or situation beyond one’s ability or capability. It can harm one’s health, well-being, and performance. One way to cope with stress is by exercising. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve one’s overall wellness and the mind-body connection. Not only does swimming allow you to release physical tension, but it can also help to reduce stress levels by giving your mind a break from thoughts and worries.

So, how does swimming help you manage or cope with stress? One of the main reasons behind this is the release of endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are hormones released in response to exercise, providing a sense of euphoria and happiness. This can help you feel more relaxed and positive after a swim session, improving your overall mood. 

Apart from that, swimming is an excellent exercise choice for those struggling with chronic pain or with difficulty performing other forms of exercise due to injury or disability. In fact, research has shown that people with chronic pain who engage in aquatic exercise programs report significantly greater improvements in their physical function than those who do not engage in aquatic exercise programs.

Swimming can provide many benefits for individuals looking to reduce their stress levels and improve their overall health. It’s a versatile form of exercise that can be done almost anywhere and is accessible to anyone regardless of ability or fitness level. So why not give it a try?

Does swimming reduce anxiety?

Swimming is a good way to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation. Many people find that swimming can provide an opportunity for inner reflection and stress reduction. It can also be a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends or family.

One reason why swimming can help reduce anxiety is that it requires physical and mental focus. Swimming involves repetitive movements, which can help train the body and mind to focus on specific tasks. This allows people to improve their concentration and decision-making skills.

Moreover, swimming can be a social activity that brings people together. Being surrounded by others while exercising in the water can create a sense of community and support. This can help people feel more connected to others and build their social network.

Why does swimming make me calm?

Swimming is an amazing option to exercise, relax, and de-stress. For many people, swimming is a form of therapy and a source of comfort. The rhythmic movements of swimming can help to distract people from their thoughts and allow them to focus on something else. 

In addition, the water provides a sense of calmness and stability that can help individuals feel more centered and focused. While the reasons for this are unclear, swimming may release endorphins in the brain, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Ultimately, swimming is a great way to unwind and gain some beneficial mental health benefits. 

Final words 

As you can see, swimming can have a significant impact on mental health. Not only is it an enjoyable physical activity, but swimming has been shown to improve moods and relieve stress. Swimming may be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to reduce your stress levels or improve your mental health. To learn more about the benefits of swimming and how swimming help manage stress, be sure to visit our website and schedule an aqua-assisted therapy session. We would be happy to discuss your needs and recommend a swimming program best suited for you. 

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Do most people get motion sick on a cruise?

Cruise ship travel is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. Not only are cruise ships luxurious and comfortable, but they also offer some of the best views anywhere. However, there is one potential downside to cruising: motion sickness.

A recent study found that 15% of people experience seasickness while onboard a cruise ship. This number jumps to as high as 30% among those on multiple cruises. Why do so many people get sick on these trips?

One theory suggests that constant movement makes it harder for your body to adjust to its new environment. Other factors that may contribute to this include:

• Being in an enclosed space with a closed atmosphere.
• Eating foods high in salt (sailors often eat salty snacks and meals).
• Drinking alcohol or taking medications that cause drowsiness or nausea. 

If you’re concerned about getting sick during your next trip, take precautions beforehand by reading up on seasickness symptoms and avoiding things that make you nauseous or dizzy. Also, remember to bring medication with you if needed, and drink plenty of fluids throughout your voyage. 

What is the best place on cruise ship to avoid motion sickness? 

If you plan to cruise this season, be prepared for some motion sickness! Cruise ships move around a lot, and it can be tough to avoid feeling seasick. However, there are several things that you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick:

– Choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. This is usually the best location on cruise ship for motion sickness, which will minimize the movement you experience during your voyage.

– Drink plenty of fluids (especially if you’re prone to dehydrating), and take antinausea medications before boarding the ship.

– Be patient. Motion sickness usually worsens during the first few days at sea and eventually subsides. Don’t try to rush through your trip to get rid of nausea as quickly as possible; it’s more likely that you’ll only make it worse by doing so.

– Avoid eating foods that are high in salt or sugar before sailing; these items may increase your risk of developing seasickness.

– If you’re vomiting, drink a lot of water, avoid caffeine, exercise regularly during the voyage, and rest when possible. 

By following these tips, you should be able to manage your symptoms without resorting to medication or doctor visits. 

How are you preventing motion sickness on a cruise? 

Motion sickness is a serious problem that can affect anyone, even those who are typically relatively immune to seasickness. You can follow a few tips if you want to enjoy your cruise without feeling ill. 

The first step is to avoid exposure to the sea during the early stages of your voyage. This means avoiding boarding the boat and getting on board as soon as possible. It’s also important to refuse drinking alcohol or eating large meals before heading out on the water. These activities will increase your chances of becoming sick later in the trip.

Once onboard, make sure you take frequent breaks throughout the voyage. This will help reduce overall stress levels and keep your body functioning at its best under adverse conditions. In the end, be prepared for anything by taking along appropriate medications (prescription or over-the-counter) if needed. Once you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to sail away nausea free. 

What is a good motion sickness remedy for cruise? 

Many guests turn to medication such as Dramamine or Bonine to help them fight motion sickness on cruise ships. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best remedy for each individual may vary depending on their symptoms and the type of ship they are traveling on.

Some people find that Dramamine helps reduce nausea and vomiting, while others find that it makes them tired. For those who experience more severe symptoms, Bonine can be a safer option because it doesn’t have any side effects other than causing a mild headache in some cases. 

Remember: always consult your doctor before taking any medications if you are unsure whether they will interfere with any prescription medications you are taking or cause further health complications.

What naturally helps with motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a common problem on cruise ships, and there are many ways to minimize it. Some of the most popular methods include drinking ginger ale or chewing on ginger candies or gummi bears. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its effectiveness against seasickness symptoms. On the other hand, peppermint tea is one of the best natural remedies for motion sickness. 

Peppermint is a natural decongestant that helps relieve symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain. Drinking peppermint tea before sailing can help reduce your chances of getting sick by soothing your stomach and helping you avoid seasickness. Some people also find that chewing on a piece of candy or drinking mints helps keep their stomach settled while on a cruise ship.

So if you’re anticipating any problems with motion sickness during your cruise, make sure to drink a cup of peppermint tea. 

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Underground fiber optic cable repair: A step-by-step guide 

Repair is often the best option when a fiber optic cable is damaged. By repairing fiber optic cable, we mean either splicing or socketing the broken line. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to repair an underground fiber optic cable.

The first step is to locate the crash in the cable. This can be done by tracing the cord from its endpoint back to the source of the problem. Once the issue has been located, it is time to begin repair work.

Splicing is likely the most reasonable solution if the breakage is clean and there are no loose fibers. To do this, you will need to insert a splice sleeve into each end of the breakage. Next, you will need to fusion-splice the fibers together. Finally, you will need to insert the splice sleeve into a protection tube and fill it with joint compound. Once everything has healed, your repair should be complete.

If the breakage is dirty or there are loose fibers, then socketing is likely to be a better choice. To do this, you must strip away a portion of the jacket and buffer from each end of the break. Next, you must cleave the fibers and insert them into precision sleeves. Eventually, you will need to install an expansion dome over each sleeve and apply pressure until everything is secure. At this stage, your fiber optic cable repair must be completed.

No matter which repair method you choose, testing your work before considering the job complete is essential. Otherwise, you risk dealing with future problems down the road.

How long does it take to fix a broken fiber optic cable? 

As you may know, fiber optic cable transmits data at high speeds. The wires are made up of thin glass or plastic strands and encased in a protective coating. When the cables are damaged, the data transmission can be disrupted. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may take some time to repair the line. In most cases, a technician will need to splice the broken ends of the cable together. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the breakage and the number of wires that need to be repaired. Once the splicing is complete, the specialist will need to test the repairs to ensure that data flows smoothly. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace sections of the cable altogether. However, with proper care and maintenance, fiber optic cables can last many years without needing repairs.

How to minimize damage to an underground fiber optic cable? 

There are many ways to minimize damage to an underground fiber optic cable. One is to repair any breaks in the line as soon as possible. This will help to prevent water from seeping into the cable and causing further damage. Another way to protect the cord is to bury it using a method known as horizontal directional drilling. This involves drilling a hole parallel to the cable, through which the line can be passed. This method helps to protect the cable from being damaged by construction equipment or other objects that may be buried nearby. After all, it is essential to inspect the cable for any signs of damage regularly. If any damage is found, it is vital to fix it immediately to prevent further deterioration. By following these steps, you can help to minimize the risk of damaging underground fiber optic cords. 

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Do you struggle to decide on a color when buying a new duvet set, wholesale butcher block, comfy sofa, or a rug etc.? Always reach for beige accessories – or do you buy everything that’s pink and lovely? Answers these 5 questions and find out what your color personality in the home is.

1. If you could buy new scatter cushions for your living room today, what would you buy?

A:  A stylish beige or hessian type fabric 

B: Cheerful florals or polka dots 

C: Bright stripes or graphic designs 

D: Something with diamante buttons or sequence piping

2. What curtains and blinds do you prefer?

A: Neutral and plains for curtains, and white or wooden blinds for smaller windows 

B:  Soft pastels or cream for curtains, and floral roman blinds for smaller windows 

C: A Stunning bright curtain or two, and blinds with stripes or brights for smaller windows 

D: A layered look with a shiny sheer in front, and stainless steel blinds for smaller windows. 

3. What flowers do you like?

A: A beautiful bunch of St Josephs’ lilies or greenery 

B: A large bunch of mixed daisies and roses 

C: Bright orange-red gladioli or shocking pink roses 

D: Gold thread on a bunch of flowers as adornment

4. What sofa and chairs do you prefer?

A: A large brown leather sofa and chairs covered in beige fabric 

B: A plain cream sofa, but chairs covered in cheerful rose or polka dots 

C: One focal sofa in bright red or purple and accompanying chairs in a contrasting color 

D: Two black velvet chairs with diamante buttons and accompanying the sofa

5. What’s your wardrobe like?

A: Mainly black, beige or white, etc. 

B: Pinks, pale blues, greens, white, etc. 

C: Clothes that make a style statement such as a purple dress or red-striped sandals, etc. 

D: Black, silver and white with shiny buttons and sequence, etc.

Mostly As: Earthy and neutral

The colors that are not in the color wheel – white, black, beige and cream – are what we call the neutral colors. These colors often create a peaceful, earthy look – and any decor that draws its inspiration from neutral colors will always have a feeling of sophistication. Add different shades of beige, cream and off-white together to add depth. Remember, it’s crucial to also add warmth to a neutral room by using scatter cushions, rugs, lampshades and books or art to create texture. A neutral color scheme can also be easily lifted with the addition of a few accents, such as a few green scatter cushions.

Mostly Bs: Pastels and roses

If you love pastels, then the feminine cottage or shabby chic look is for you. Soft whites, light blues, pale pinks, and faded greens work together to create atmosphere, while dots, florals, and stripes also add warmth and coziness to a room. Keep the background a soft shade and also use an accessory or two in bold primary colors such as bright pink. Place a bunch of different flowers and colors in a vase or enamel jug – the combination of fresh flowers and floral prints has a special charm.

Mostly Cs: Bright and bold

Those who love bright colors in the home have courage, as it is shamelessly provocative. Just consider a bright red sofa in its place of honor against the largest wall in the room. Keep the look fresh by keeping the background clean and use it as a basis to add bright colors to accentuate and liven the space. View color as a variable item in your home, because you can often adapt the color scheme – or tone it down.

Mostly Ds: Bling

Forget about the recession; when you’re at home, you want to feel and live like a king – and why not? The combination of black and white with a dash of metal and diamante buttons remains a hit. Play with softer shades in this color scheme and don’t forget the sophisticated glam of lamps and chandeliers. Try your hand at dramatic wallpaper with embossed gold and silver print – it creates an excellent background for furniture and also serves as a focal point on its own.

The post Color Personality Test as a Tool for Choosing the Ideal Furniture appeared first on oilspillwildlife.org.

You see, nowadays, there are numerous sites on the web that provide customers with an ideal venue in which to rate a service provider or company. Therefore, if you need to get something off your chest – log on and make sure the whole world shares the experience with you. Similarly, where you have received some excellent service — rate that too and send new customers in their direction. 

Whether you are buying a product or using a service for the first time, it is important to obtain some unbiased, informative details prior to parting with your hard earned cash. This information can best be gained by reading platform reviews completed by an individual who has knowledge or experience of the product or service you are considering right now. This way you will not be swayed by any sales pitches as well as diverse promotions designed by the company selling or offering the service you require.

For example, review sites are the easiest, cheapest and most reliable way to get the information you need for nearly any vehicle. Popular sites offer expert reviews, opinions, vital statistics, and pricing information. What should you look for? Generally speaking, the larger more popular sites will offer more options. 

And while expert reviews are great, it is also important to find a site that can let consumers and owners post their own comments. After all, a test drive can only tell you how the vehicle runs when it’s brand-new. But how well will it ride after ten, twenty or fifty thousand miles? It is not at all surprising then that consumer ratings tend to be a bit lower than editor’s ratings. That is why it is very important to make sure you read over all the reviews on the cars you are interested before you visit your local dealership. 

The same principle applies to search for apartments in foreign cities. Just as you find with hotels, apartments are now also being subjected to the opinions of past customers through online review sites. This is really perfect for anyone who may be trying to decide between a few different alternatives and means that they can plug for the one that people have rated as the highest.

As you see the importance of customers reviews is immense helping others to find what they exactly need and be satisfied with the quality of the recently received service or products. And at the same time, it is beneficial for companies and business, increasing their brand awareness and level of trust. Positive reviews are necessary to build credibility of any type of business and attract more customers on a regular basis.

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Crystals are usually used to meditate. A lot of people around the world practice because they believe in the high power of crystals. So, how to meditate with crystals? What are the best crystals for meditation? Keep on reading to get to know the answers and learn more interesting information about meditation stones.

What does Crystal Meditation Mean?

First of all, it is necessary to know what people meditate for. According to various researches, meditation maintains spiritual health and physical state of a person. Moreover, meditation helps people to keep calm, control their feelings, merge with nature and find peace of mind. 

Sometimes it is recommended to use individual chakra meditation stones. The most popular one is Clear quartz. It stimulates and cleans your chakra. Also, it is commonly used to absorb all the negative energy, which may appear around you. This chakra meditation stone works everywhere. You should hold it on your right hand to get a positive effect. A lot of people all over the world sincerely believe that meditation is the best way to make the spirit stronger.

Best Crystals for Meditation

Most powerful meditation involves the usage of individual crystals for meditation. There are several meditation stones, which will help you to relax, clean your mind and head. Let us consider some of the most popular and efficient meditation crystals.

•    Quartz Crystal is considered to be one of the best crystals for meditation. It is usually used to clear the mind. It helps to be more focused on one’s dreams and intentions. Also, Quartz Crystal is a universal crystal because it can be programmed according to the type of meditation. 

•    Selenite clears the mind and helps to be more relaxed. Although the main benefit of this crystal is its healing properties. Meditating, Selenite will protect you from negative energy which may appear anywhere. It just blocks it, preventing its evil influence. 

•    Palm Stone is considered to be an efficient and useful crystal for meditation. Furthermore, it would be the best choice for beginners, as this crystal is a little bit bigger than the others. It helps to keep calm and feel the power of this meditation stone.

Conclusion

There are a lot of crystals for meditation. However, it is essential to choose one, which would be the most efficient and suitable for you.

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1.    Simplicity is Key

A common mistake while budgeting is to make it too complicated and distinguish too many categories. You do not have to involve buying a new soap or a magazine. Categories should be simple, like groceries, salon, bills etc. The fewer, the better.

2.    Set Goals 

Set money limits for yourself. If you want to renovate, focus on one thing at a time. You don’t have to paint and get the furniture at the same time. Set incremental goals; you can cut your groceries from $500 to $400 and then another hundred the next month. 

3.    Adjust Your Budget for Every Month

Knowing how to follow a budget after making is essential as well. Keeping a large portion for a specific category can be very problematic during the month. Developing a smart budget makes you realize your excessive expenditures as well.

4.    Shop strictly from the List

One of the most basic budget guidelines is to shop from the list. Going out of the record is very tempting while you are shopping but sticking to the list instead of buying that tub of Nutella will save you a lot of money as well. 

5.    Save Now, Spend Later

Saving money and spending them the next month is one of the most damaging mistakes that you can make. One of the standard budgetary guidelines is to save money for months or even years and then spend it thoughtfully (not all). This way, you will have a more significant margin of the expenditure yourself as well as inner satisfaction. The first few months will be tough, but the rest, convenience.

6.    Set Monthly Automatic Transfer for Savings

These days banks offer you automated transfer option that transfers your set amount of money to your savings account. This is especially helpful for people who cannot resist spending every penny in their accounts.

7.    Make Separate Accounts for Your Savings and Expenditure

Studies suggest that separating your savings from your spending into different accounts is one of the most effective ways of budgeting and saving. You can even draw out percentages to manage the accounts and automate the process with the help of banks.

8.    Cancel Newsletters, Catalogues and Subscription Boxes

A lot of people are used to subscribing to magazine issues, newsletters, latest fashion editorials, all that add up to your budget and become irrelevant after some time. These things can add up to a considerable amount of money, which you can utilize for other things as well. Try to lose the catalogues, subscription boxes and newsletters; this will help you a lot in following the budgeting guidelines.

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In South Africa, the term classic gardens refer to gardens with the most prevalent type of design with crushed stones and planting. We developed our traditional way of gardening from the principles laid down when the British Empire ruled. The British went through many gardening phases: from formal to landscaping and back to Victorian ways. The Edwardian period significantly affected our country’s style of gardening. The cottage gardens of England are also popular.

Modern Minimalist Gardens

They originated, together with the stark, stripped and geometric architecture, after World War II. Planting and lines are simplified in these empty gardens. Less is more with fewer varieties and plants. The overall design, paving, and texture becomes as important as the plants. Trinkets have no place here. Many principles of minimalist gardens come from the East. According to these principles, the interior and exterior of the house and garden are connected and flow together. Open space is largely accentuated and is important. In this kind of garden, there is less seasonal work because many of the plants are self-sufficient and without flowers. Ponds, beds, paving, ornamentation, and partitions are as important as economical design. Minimalist gardens do not mimic nature and are at home in the city. Because the plain, unpretentious lines of this kind of garden can enlarge a space, it works well on even the tiniest patch of earth.

New Formal Gardens 

Formal gardens are stately, structured spaces that are often meant to convey a calm, green dignity rather than a playful paradise of flowers. This kind of garden is inspired by the way nobility cultivated during the Renaissance. Courts, state buildings and palaces still often boast the stately simplicity of a formal garden. They come from the days when gardens were made to keep the wilderness and natural dangers at bay. The gardener is in charge and divides the earth into neat compartments. Nowadays, we still see many strictly formal elements in small gardens. The symmetry and manicured beds work well, yet there is a growing tendency to use elements of formal gardening combined with the simplicity of minimalist gardens.

Flower Gardens 

The gardener’s delight in the colors and aromas of blossoms, buds, and petals leads to great variety in gardens. In well-planned gardens color and cut flowers abound right through the year.

Natural Gardens 

Although they live in small city gardens, many contemporary gardeners yearn for nature. Regional gardens, forest gardens, succulent gardens, and indigenous gardens often have owners with a green consciousness. There is little clarity on what an indigenous garden should look like, but we see wonderful new combinations of bark texture and shapes in such gardens – seeds, pods and thorns that amaze us – with species that are thrillingly different.

Container Gardening 

This is a happy compromise between indoor and outdoor gardening. If you tend these areas well, you gain both a room and a garden.

Stoep Garden 

You create an atmosphere by cleverly combining furniture, shelves, trellising, plants, textiles, paving, carpets, and ornaments. Often a stoep is a covered recreational area overlooking the garden, so it makes sense to link it thematically with your house and garden.

Balcony Garden 

If you love plants and a balcony garden is your lot, you’ll have to put on your thinking cap. You’ll surely need comfortable seating. Next, decide which plants you want most, always keeping in mind that growing plants on balconies can be tricky, especially if they’re exposed to the elements. Choose fairly hardy plants: a sign of toughness is a grey color or hard leaf texture. Indigenous succulents or certain herbs are good choices. Hanging baskets are another great option for the balcony gardener. They hang from the ceiling and so provide growing space where there wouldn’t otherwise be any. Plants with a cascading or hanging growth habit are ideal. When the basket is above eye level, the beauty that hangs down is all you see. plants for windowsills include the above-mentioned cascades that also suit baskets and a few upright plants. Apart from the traditional geranium, you can try almost any combination.  Pots  On a small balcony, you may prefer to have two large pots with accent plants rather than lots of small ones. The bigger the pot, the more easily the plants will grow: plants love a meter of soil under their roots.

Roof gardens 

Having a roof garden gives you an exceptional outdoor room. Roof gardens consisting mainly of potted plants and containers, furniture, carpets, mulches, and paving feel like gardens but are really outdoor rooms. Many of the principles of balcony and stoep gardening apply here too. The difference lies in the degree of exposure to the elements. Sun and scorching temperatures demand special plants. Pergolas, vines, and awnings can provide shade by day. You shouldn’t attempt a roof garden without expert advice. Waterproofing, draining, and irrigation are complicated and expensive, and choosing hardy plants with suitable roots is crucial.

Another Country

Inspiration often comes from other parts of the world. If your house resembles a dwelling in another part of the world, it is tempting and easy to create a garden to match.

The Mediterranean 

We have much to learn from the way people around the Mediterranean Sea garden. It seems they work less in their gardens, using them for convenience and not as a showcase for glorious plants.

Southern France 

The natural limestone of the area is often used for paving, garden walls, and buildings. Plants that can withstand more sun, wind, and drought are favored. Steel trellises and rounded steel lean-tos with reed covers offer shelter from the sharp sunlight. Sometimes some of the natural vegetation of the environment is retained. 

Climbers have free reign on the walls.

Northern Italy 

During the Renaissance, enormous formal gardens with a great deal of sculpture and complicated water fountains were made in those parts. Currently, you can still find remnants of the formality and beauty of that time reflected in some of the villa and castle gardens of Northern Italy.

Spanish influences 

The Arabian conquerors occupied Spain for more than seven centuries, and the legacy of the Moors distinguishes Spanish gardens all over the world: a legacy of sophisticated and intricate Islamic design. The Moorish influence can be seen in the geometric beds and layout, the octagonal fountains, and spaces enclosed by hedges or walls. Courtyards with central water features provide protection against the fierce sun, and water channels running through them keep gardens and courtyards cool. Paving, often marble, also features intricate stonework or tiles bearing Islamic designs.

Oriental Gardens 

The major difference between Oriental gardens and Western gardens is the departure from the design principle of symmetry. Oriental gardens are asymmetrical and contain far fewer plants. Rocks, water and bridges, entrances and raked sand are used symbolically, with Eastern philosophies and thoughts expressed in them.

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Shopping list   

Supawood (for the moulds) cut to: 

• two 482 x 300mm (outside end); 
• four 466 x 3G00mm (outside sides); 
• four 384 x 300mm (inside side); 
• two 350 x 300mm (inside end); 
• four 66 x 300mm (ends) two 500 x 500mm; 
• (base) two 350 x 400mm (shelf); 
• 1100 x 650 x 6mm glass adhesive to glue the shelf and rubber strips to the concrete

(We used Alcolin Fix All and Alcolin MS37 1000 Uses, respectively) thick 1200 x 50mm rubber strips (the weather strips found underneath outer doors fit perfectly). Plus wood glue 40mm chipboard screws primer cement fine river sand 13mm gravel 5mm steel rod (eight lengths of 1200mm). 

Tools

• drill pencil; 
• measuring tape; 
• combination square or tri-square spade and bucket or wheelbarrow paintbrush or foam roller bench vice (optional)

Project notes 

We used just over half sheet (1220 x 1220 x 16mm) supawood to make the two moulds. If you have a 350 x 300mm offcut stored away, you’ll only need to buy half a sheet to do the same. Have the panels cut by your local timber merchant – simply take along the cutting list. 

Take your time constructing your mould so it will be perfect when you’re ready to pour the concrete. The drying time for this project is longer than usual as concrete needs to cure for at least 14 days. Have the edges of the glass smoothed and use safety glass if you have kids. Incorporating texture by mixing hard and soft decor elements adds interesting layers. 

This cement and glass coffee table will get the mix just right. The U–shaped cast cement bases can be positioned in a number of different ways we chose the ‘yin-yang’ approach. When extra floor space is needed, each cement base can be turned on its side and used as a side table. 

Get started 

1 Use the pencil and tri–square (or one of the side panels) to mark lines 16mm from the each side of all the end panels (two 482 x 300mm and two 350 x 300mm) and at one end of the four outside panels (466 x 300mm) and the four end pieces (66 x 300mm). 

2 Use your drill and combination countersink bit to drill pilot holes between the edge and the lines marked in step one. Then start by fixing the outer part of the U-shaped mould together, using glue and screws. 

3 Now construct the inside framework. After applying the glue, use the square to check that the joints are at 90o angles before screwing them together. 

4 Lay the inner and outer mould sections onto the 500 x 500mm bases and begin marking the outline using a pencil and drill pilot holes between the outlines, as shown. Then turn the bases over and countersink these holes (from the other side). 

5 Once the basic structure of the mould is complete paint the entire ‘inner’ surface areas with primer. This will not only prevent water damage but will also help the concrete to dry slower (which helps it to reach its maximum strength) and also prevent it from sticking to the mould when you disassemble it. 

6 Once the paint has dried, coat the surfaces with a silicone lubricant and fix the two U-shapes to the base and also to each other – the 66 x 300mm ends fix to outside panels from the side, as shown. 

7 The key to building a strong base is to reinforce the concrete with steel rebar. All concrete cracks as it cures, but the reinforcing rebar will keep any hairline cracks from spreading. Use a bench vice to bend the 5mm steel rods at right angles 400mm from each end. 

8 First thoroughly mix the cement aggregate in a dry state in a ratio of 1-2 parts cement: 2 part sand : 2 part stone before adding water. The mixture should be fairly ‘sloppy’ as it needs to be poured into the moulds, but not overly watery. Mix the water carefully in stages, a little at a time. 

9 Pour the mixture into the moulds in five stages. 

10 After each stage (roughly 50mm deep) agitate the cement to help remove any trapped air pockets. Then place one of the U-shaped steel sections on top of the wet cement. Pour more concrete and repeat the process until you have filled the entire mould. Then smooth and level the cement flush with the top of the mould using a straight edge or a plank. You can also smooth the cement along the top of the moulds with a trowel or spatula to ensure a neat end result. 

11 Let the concrete cure for at least 48 hours before removing the mould. For best results, allow the concrete to cure for at least 14 days. This will result in a stronger end result and, as the concrete would have shrunk slightly during this time, it will also be easier to remove the shapes from the moulds. Then undo the screws holding the components of the mould and carefully separate the edges. 

12 Use a sanding block to remove any high spots (especially the meniscus along the outer edges) or rough sections. Brush the resulting powder off with a brush. 

13 Use a strong, rubber-based adhesive paste to adhere a shelf midway inside the U-shape base. 

14 Adhere thick rubber strips to the bottom of each base to prevent these from damaging your floor. 

TIP 

If you are working in hot or dry conditions, cover the concrete with plastic while it cures to slow down the curing process and increase hardness. The slower the water in the mix evaporates, the stronger the concrete will be. 

TIP The cement shapes can then be sealed with a clear concrete sealing product if you wish, to prevent any flaking or ‘powdering’ – but this will darken the colour of the cement. You could also apply a layer of wax polish.

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