Guest blog- Understanding Offset Print

Printing firms today provide a variety of printing techniques, including offset and digital printing. You can easily print business forms, photographs, and documents using both offset and digital printing.

Offset printing is a more conventional method of completing a project and many customers consider it to be a more cost-effective solution. It is a process whereby an image is transferred from a plate to a rubber roller or blanket before it is printed on the media at the receiving end, which is usually paper. The paper in offset print does not have direct contact with any of the metal plates, making room for the procedure to also be called offset lithography.

Offset printing aids in the production of top-quality output on materials such as wood and cloth. On uneven surfaces, the rubber leaves a very nice output, making it an effective process. Due to its affordability, quality, and consistent output, the process is effective for small, medium, as well as large-scale printing production.

For mass production, the publishing business employs two basic printing processes. One is sheet-fed, which involves feeding each sheet into the machine individually and cutting them before use. Web offset, on the other hand, pulls rolls of paper and prints on them. After that, the pages are cut and joined. Because it is a cost-effective process, this technology is utilized for bulk production of media wherein content changes frequently, such as newspapers.

Benefits of this Method

Ink and plates are used in offset printing to create images and documents. Metal plates are used in an offset press to make room for better production. Here are some benefits to look out for:

Improvements in Image Quality 

Clean and sharp images are provided with this method. During the process, offset inks rarely form streaks or spots. Customers choose this method when they need image quality that is clear enough to serve the purpose.

Color Fidelity

Do you want to customize the colors in your project? Offset printers blend bespoke ink colors to give you the exact look you desire. The provider can even use Pantone colors, which expands your options. If you would like to know what Pantone colors are, check here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantone#:~:text=The%20Pantone%20Color. 

Working with a Wide Range of Stocks

Using this press allows you to publish on a variety of materials without worrying about the end product. This method produces excellent results on practically all materials.

Cost-effectiveness

Finally, if you have a large volume of tasks, offset method is usually affordable in the long term. However, it requires a larger initial investment.

Disadvantages of this Method

The following are some of the disadvantages of this procedure.

1. This method requires more setup time because the procedure includes the additional steps of making plates and completing the transfer. The digital process is the way to go if you need a speedy turnaround, a last-minute job, or any other time-sensitive scenario.
2. Do you want to add a personal touch to your project? Then you will find that the digital procedure is more efficient if you need bespoke pieces like letters, direct mail items, or postcards that require relevant information.
3. The digital process is advantageous for projects that require shorter runs. On smaller runs, the extra materials and time required to set up the offset process are not cost-effective.

Now that we have some information about offset method, it will be apt to look at another option that customers can consider, which is the digital procedure.

Digital Printing

This is the process of printing straight from a digital image to a variety of surfaces. Small-run projects like desktop publishing as well as other digital sources are produced with the use of large-format laser and inkjet printers.

Although this procedure has a greater per-page cost than more traditional offset technologies, this cost is usually balanced by the expense of all the technical steps required to create plates. It also enables on-demand printout, quick turnaround times, and even image change (variable data) for every impression.

The most significant distinction between this procedure and other analog methods such as lithography, gravure, flexography, and letterpress is that digital procedure does not require the replacement of plates, whereas analog methods require the replacement of plates on a regular basis.

You will find that this will result in a faster turnaround time and lower cost, but it also means a loss of detail in most commercial digital methods. Laser printers and Inkjet are the most common technologies which deposit toner and pigment onto materials like canvas, paper, metal, glass, and marble, respectively. For more information on the technologies that use the digital method, you can read this article.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when your business requires offset printing jobs. This article explained some of the important points that you may need to know before making a decision. Feel free to check them out.

Guest blog- offset printing

by Elizabeth Smith

Guest blog: Women’s Summer Clothing: Making The Right Choice

Women’s Summer Clothing: Making The Right Choice

The different seasons of the year bring various activities to mind. They range from shopping for gifts to preparing for family get together. However, no season brings the outdoors to mind like the summer.

In this season, our desire to go out, travel and explore comes to the fore and in most cases we oblige it (if we can afford it). At other times, we simply go about our normal routines bearing in mind that in this season, the sun will be out and depending on the climate of your area, the possibility that it might be very hot. And because of this, you have to dress accordingly.

What Are Summer Clothes?

In simple words, they are those clothes that are more suitably worn in warm weather which is during summer. You can read more on it here. These dresses allow for passage of air to the body and are easy, free and light on the body. The reason for this being that the weather is mostly warm if not hot at this time of the year thus, heavy clothing is not ideal for this season.

However, this is not and should not be an excuse (especially for ladies) to look shabby or unkempt. It is important that you understand that you can look good no matter the season of the year it is. You only need to update your wardrobe with the necessary (which should also be fashionable) things to wear every season.

Tips On What To Wear This Summer

There are various ways of getting your wardrobe ready for this warm season. However, the choice of material or dress that you pick up really matters as they contribute generally to your appearance. The following are some tips that you might find helpful when making your choices.

Choose Light Colored Clothing

The primary reason for this tip is because, light colored clothes reflect the sun’s rays as opposed to absorbing them. This reduces the chances of your body getting all sweaty which wouldn’t look good on you.

Go For Sleeveless Dresses

The idea here is to as much as is possible (or comfortable) allow for airflow to your body. Now there are various ways that you can do this stylishly; for example you can wear camis that are sleeveless, Button up short sleeves. You must not go strapless (which almost everyone does these days).

Do Not Wear Tight Clothing

This season is not the time to wear tightly fitted clothes rather, you should go for clothes that are loosely fitted as they usually leave room for air passage to your body. Again, with loose clothes, your skin can release heat that will not be entrapped by a tight dress. This also has the advantage of allowing for proper blood circulation in the body.

Wear Cotton Fabrics

For those who do not know, the best fabric for the summer is cotton. The reason for this is because cotton fabrics can absorb moisture and the warm (or hot weather depending on your place of residence) season will definitely make you sweat. It also allows for passage of air to your body in fact, it literarily is the best fabric for summer. You can read more on this at https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-for-summer#9-fashion-tips-for-styling-summer-outfits. 

Jeans Are Not the Best

In this season, jeans are not the best dress option especially tight jeans because they make the inside of your thighs and your private parts sweaty and itchy in the heat. It is better that you wear light cotton pants and other dresses of the sort. 

Get Leather Sandals

You thought flip flops was your best option? It is only if you are going to the beach. For regular outings leather sandals are the best and it comes in various designs that are both stylish and comfortable on the feet.

Wear Less Accessories

This season is not the time for much accessories like necklaces bangles or chains as they can get sticky (on your skin) in the heat. Rather, you should opt for one statement accessory (hoop earrings for example) per time per occasion.

Where You Get Your Clothes Is Important

It is important to note that where you buy your clothes really matter. For this reason, it is important to make your purchases from reputable sellers who have the type of clothes that you need. For instance, Pampelone has the Pampelone resort wear which is the category of clothes you need for the summer. 

Buying from the right source will make it easier for you to get your money’s worth.

Conclusion

Just like every occasion has a dress code most suitable for it, so too does every season. The difference here though is that while a dress code might be enforced, your dressing style for the season is not.

However, it is important that a woman be comfortable in the dress she puts on. These fashion tips show how this can be achieved in the summer.

Inspired by- Marion Joy Torreros

by Elizabeth Smith

Guest blog: Understanding The Basics Of HIFU Skin Tightening Treatment

Understanding The Basics Of HIFU Skin Tightening Treatment 

Aging is one thing that every living being must undergo. The human body goes through its fair share of changes as the years go by. Many people have learnt to live with it, while others have a hard time of it. 

One of the signs of aging is loose skin. However, that is not to say that there are no other reasons why one can have this condition. Click here to find out other causes of loose skin

Different Options For Treating Loose Skin

Even though there is nothing one can do about aging, there are lifestyle changes that can help one age gracefully. This therefore means that there are things one can do to mitigate the effects of aging which includes saggy skin. 

Additionally, since we have established that there are other factors that cause this apart from age, let us look at the options for treating it. 

Exercise

When people lose weight or get pregnant and give birth they would experience saggy skin. In this instance, exercise is one sure way of treating it. There are many exercise regimens that can help in this regard and they include Pilates and resistance training. 

It is recommended that you embark on this journey with a skilled trainer especially if you are a novice in this department. 

Adopting A Healthier Lifestyle 

It is commonly said that water is life; this is because of its role in keeping man healthy. One sure way of having a firmer and healthier, fresh skin is by ensuring that you remain hydrated. 

Secondly, take a lot of vitamins and organic foods and reduce intake of artificial substances. Another thing is to stay away from excessive alcohol and smoking.  You are sure to get a good result if you combine these with exercise. 

Finally, ensure that you always apply sunblock whenever you venture out in the sun. 

Adding Supplements To Your Diet

If your skin sagging is as result of age, then you may do well to add some supplements to your diets. There some harmless oral supplements that contain ingredient like hyaluronic acid and collagen. These have been proven to reduce the effect of age on the skin thereby making it tighter.   

Surgery 

This is considered a necessary step if one has excess loose skin after drastic weight loss. This procedure is also known as body contouring and it is under cosmetic surgery which by the way is not covered by many insurance policies. So you have to be prepared to spend a pretty penny to get it done. 

HIFU Skin Tightening Treatment

HIFU stands for High-intensity focused ultrasound and is a somewhat new cosmetic procedure. It is considered a pain-free and non-invasive alternative to face lift surgery. This procedure employs ultrasound energy to boost collagen production in the body which eventually tightens the skin. 

Generally, HIFU treatment aims to do any of the following and more:-

1. Remove fine lines and reduce wrinkles
2.  Reduce fat in the stomach and tighten it. 
3. Rejuvenate the skin 
4. Reduce double chin
5. Improve muscles by tightening and making them firmer.
6. Face lift and contouring
7. Enhance the epidermis layer 

This list is not exhaustive because this treatment would take care of any part of the skin that is sagging. 

Side Effects Of HIFU Treatment

It goes without saying that this treatment has many benefits top of which would be an enhanced body image. But is this worth the trouble? Are there no side effects that one should be wary of?

These are surely question that one would ask before taking this treatment.  Thankfully there’s been some research on this issue. 

 The results of these researches show that this procedure is largely harmless. However, some people have been known to experience a little discomfort and pain after the treatment. 

Other issues that may occur include:-

• Redness of the treated area
• Some swelling 
• Bruising and/or a purplish looking rash
• numbness

However, these issues have been reported to have alleviated after a maximum of 4 weeks without any treatment. 

Conclusion

HIFU skin tightening treatment is a welcome change for people who do not want to go under the knife as is the case with traditional cosmetic surgery. Many people are opting for it for this reason and also for the convenience and recovery time. If you are still undecided and want to know more about this treatment, check this out: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695420/

Finally, despite the fact that this treatment is certified harmless, it is important that you consult your doctor before you embark on it. It is not safe that you have the treatment in just any facility. Ensure that whoever is to administer the treatment is qualified to do so. 

Guest blog

by Elizabeth Smith

Guest blog: Self-Care Beauty Tips for Better Health

Self-Care Beauty Tips for Better Health 

Finding the time to practice self-care can seem impossible at times. However, it should be a vital part of your daily routine so that you can be left feeling refreshed and revitalized. Self-care can help improve your confidence, but it can also protect your skin and help you look younger for longer. What’s more, the right self-care beauty tips do not have to be as time-consuming as you are led to believe. Once you know your skin type and the best products for you, ten minutes after the shower and before bed can be enough to keep you looking and feeling radiant. 

Look After Your Skin

Your skin protects your body and battles the elements each and every day. However, it is also put under a lot of distress each time you shower, bathe and shave. Be sure to invest in lotions and balms that can help soothe your skin and keep it nourished and moisturized. For instance, Aesop is a luxurious Australian self-care label renowned for creating products that are rich in aromatics and ingredients that will care for your body.  You can explore their latest beauty range at SSENSE and see their vast array of products that were designed to care for your skin, such as the Geranium Leaf Body Balm Moisturizer and Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion. Your body is sure to thank you for caring for it with such wonderful products.

Deep Condition Your Hair

We put our hair through a lot of stress each time we wash, brush, dry, straighten and/or curl it. So, it comes as no surprise that our hair will tend to get dry and brittle from time to time. The best way to counter this dryness and to bring your hair back from the dead is to deep condition it so that you can reclaim any moisture it may have lost. Deep conditioning your hair can also protect it from any further breakages for a while. However, deep conditioning your hair can only work for so long. A trip to the hairdressers and having the dead ends cut off is a must when it comes to caring for your locks.

Go Through Your Makeup

Do you tend to forget about the makeup products you have? If so, you’re most likely using products that may be out of date and in need of being thrown away. Out of date makeup can become dry and crumbly; the colors may also lose their pigments, making it look dull and less vibrant. What’s more, expired makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria that can damage your skin. 

Once a month, be sure to go through your makeup and throw away any products that are out of date. Makeup that has expired can be the cause of acne and an increase in oily skin. You should also remember to clean your makeup brushes regularly. 

Finding the time to care for yourself doesn’t have to be as difficult as you are led to believe. Spend the time looking for the right products and remember to set a time in the morning at night to pamper yourself. You could also schedule an hour of pure relaxation every Sunday if that works out better for you. 

Guest blog

by Elizabeth Smith

What Are the Main Ingredients in Your Hand Sanitizer?

The beauty industry has come under lots of scrutiny over the past few decades, mainly because of all the complaints that consumers have been leaving on their review comments and posts when trying out new products. This could be due to many reasons, either the ingredients inside of the products are harmful or the consumers are using the wrong types of products for their skin types. 

Whatever the reason behind liking or disliking a product, wisdom is to be acquired in knowing what’s in that face cream your putting on your cheeks every night or that hand sanitizer your applying to the palms of your hands every time you touch something. 

It is no surprise that the sales of hand sanitizers have gone up tremendously since the emergency of the COIVD-19 virus that has hit the world. One of the recommended ways to keep hands clean and sort-of germ-free, by the US government and health departments, was to use this product every couple of hours on your hands, to kill or at least minimize the presence of certain viruses.

Does Sanitizer work and How?

So, let's look at how this works. According to the University of Toronto’s Professor James Scott, after looking at the research that has come out through the public and clinical tests, the conclusion is that it does work in reducing the number of bacteria on your skin, and sometimes depending on the one you use, even more so than using soap and water on your hands.

The added benefit is that it seems to be less damaging to the skin as well. Some of the consumer-brand soaps sold at stores are not made to clean your hands-off dirt and grime but rather filled with perfumes and fragrances to make your hands smell nice, that’s all.

When skin dries out due to overuse of washing it with soap and water, according to the professor, it is prone to be exposed to bacteria. Although it is a point to note that hand sanitizer does not necessarily replace soap, and you must wash your hands the first chance you get. The universities website has more on this which you can further read here 

How it works, is by killing certain cells on the human skin, these are known as ‘microbial cells’, and because most liquids are supposed to have up to 70% alcohol in them, as by law, to make them efficient, this concentrated rubbing alcohol does the trick of killing the bacteria.  Of course, the stronger the alcohol content in the product the more effective it is, for instance, pure alcohol. 

What is Your Bottle?

So, the question remains, do you know what’s in your bottle of hand sanitizer? We take a brief look at this. In most liquids of this sort, the main ingredients as mentioned above need to be alcohol, however, besides this, some other additives are harmful to your skin, and you, as a consumer should be made aware of when buying them. 

This is so important in fact, that the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) updates its website continuously to inform consumers of these ingredients that are not meant to be used: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates...consumers-should-not-use

Let’s look at a list of the harmful ones:

Triclosan: Does not have enough power to kill germs and should not be included.

Fragrances: Should not be included as they don’t do much for killing germs or bacteria of any kind and can be harmful to the skin causing cancers.

Parabens: Commonly used in cosmetics, and even some foods, can cause some types of skin cancers and irritations.

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate): Help soaps form and are also associated with health risks and skin and lung irritations.

What Ingredients Are Safe?

Having known what’s bad for you, let’s add a positive spin on things and list what you should be using instead. Sanitizers with these ingredients are safe:

Ethanol: Not less than 94.9% is safe to use.

Glycerin: This is a harmless additive and also a necessary one.

Sterile Water Is water so it’s safe.

Essential Oils: This a good type of fragrance, it's natural and has no harmful chemicals in it, ethical companies such as those that have the BeMoxe ingredients in them, are safe to use as they are in the category of non-synthetic fragrance oils from a natural derivative. 

With this list of ingredients, do’s and don’ts we hope you’re off to a safe and clean journey!

Guest blog-

by Elizabeth Smith

Guest Blog: What Shoes to Wear for Long Day Construction Work?

Construction sites can be very dangerous. That’s why construction workers have to wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep them safe against any unforeseen accidents. Construction sites are filled with heavy machinery, heavy building materials, power tools, and other temporary structures.

Each construction site has specific rules and regulations either set by the company itself or by the government’s health and safety department. These rules should be enforced and followed by everyone on the site to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.

Working around all of these objects should only be done by workers who have been properly trained and who are constantly implementing different safety and security regulations. Read this information by Princeton University on safety precautions to take at a construction site.

Ranging from shoes to hard hats, construction workers aren’t allowed to operate heavy machinery or power tools without this gear. If you are wondering what kind of equipment construction workers should wear, read along for all the inside information.

HARD HATS

It’s extremely important to protect your head against any building materials that might fall from the sky. No one is allowed to enter a building or construction site without protecting their head with a hard hat. Hard hats are usually made from a very tough and durable plastic that can withstand hard hits.

Interestingly enough, hard hats come in many different colors; yellow, red, white, blue, brown, and orange. The color of the worker’s hard hat will indicate the different positions they take on while working. The color code is as follows:

Yellow – indicates the ground workers or moving operators
Red – indicates a Fire Marshall
White – indicates that of a site manager, operative, or vehicle Marshall
Blue – indicates that of a visitor or someone less experienced
Brown – indicates someone working with high heat application like welding
Orange – indicates the slingers or signalers

EYE PROTECTION

Sand, dust, cement, and fire sparks can severely and permanently damage the construction worker’s eyes. It’s important to wear the right graded safety goggles. Either these eye protectors cover the entire eye area like that of a scuba diving mask, or they are worn as regular sunglasses. Depending on what job you are performing, you should get the right kind.

WORK SHOES

Probably one of the most important aspects of PPE is proper construction work shoes that are comfortable as well as sturdy. In the past, to provide extra strong protection, work shoes were heavy, warm, and uncomfortable. Recently, manufacturers have started to use high end technology to create lightweight yet durable working boots.

There are many different types of work shoes available and depending on what construction you are working at, or what job you are performing, there is a type for every industry.

Ranging from steel-toe boots to waterproof boots, construction workers have a choice between a variety of different types. If you are specifically working in construction, you should consider purchasing a rubber outsole boot.

Soles are usually made from rubber not only for durability but also to create a kind of insulation between the worker and the floor. Especially when working in areas where there is live electricity, it’s important to create an extra barrier between your feet and the floor.

The soles should also feature a slip-resistant design to ensure your feet stay stable on the ground whenever there’s an oil spill or when working on slippery surfaces.

For those workers working in construction sites with heavy materials like steel rods, slabs, and temporary constructions, it’s advised to purchase a steel toe work boot. The steel toe boot is perfect for heavy duty kind of jobs and provides the ultimate protection. They are perfect for maintenance men, plumbers, electricians, and mechanics.

Other factors to consider are whether the boots are waterproof? Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and allow for ultimate comfort even when working in wet weather conditions. When your feet get wet, you can be prone to getting painful blisters. Look for a boot that has a waterproof exterior and that doesn’t allow for any water leakage. It’s advised that you purchase a pair that covers the ankle for the ultimate coverage.

Some shoe designs even feature a pressure relief system that helps prevent foot fatigue. When you are on your feet the whole day, you are going to have to invest in a decent pair that provides flexibility, support, and comfort.

GLOVES

To protect workers against cuts, burns, and scratches from different materials they have to work with, workers should wear protective gloves. These gloves are usually designed with added grip to help workers lay bricks, weld warm steel plates together, work with iron structures, pick up and move broken building materials, and mix cement.

Protective gloves are also available in a variety of different types ranging from riggers, thermals, heat resistance, and anti-vibration.

PANTS

Many people working within construction usually wear tough jeans or denim. This is because they are comfortable, stretchy, and very tough. Pants should always allow the person to move around freely without being constricted. Especially when they have to quickly move out of harm’s way. Protective pants can be made from ripstop fabric, waterproof material, and anti-stain or anti-wrinkle material.

Learn more about different safety equipment needed and personal protective gear that workers should wear here:

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/construction_ppe.html.

OTHER

In many cases, workers should also wear safety vests that have reflective panels sewn into the back and front. This is to allow them to be seen in the dark.
For those working in a construction site where there is a lot of dust or allergens present, it is recommended to wear a protective industry-standard face mask. Knee pads are also worn by those who have to bend down and work on their knees a lot.
As long as you invest in a decent pair of work shoes and other PPE from high-quality manufacturers, you’ll be able to go about your daily construction duties without experiencing foot fatigue.

by Elizabeth Smith