Luckily, you can get around this, should it ever happen to you. If you’re shopping for leather jackets online, and find that what you want is no longer available, you can email us, and hand over your vital measurements. We’ll not only check that there’s really, truly no more in stock, we’ll check what we do have to make sure there’s nothing else that will suit your measurements.

The measurements needed have to be exact – no fudging to hide that Christmas pudding you’re carrying. Remember to measure wearing what you’ll normally wear under the leather jacket – a t-shirt or jumper etc. The chest should be measured around the widest part, as too, the waist. Throwing in your shoe size will give an indication of how tall you are, and your frame. However, telling us how tall you are will help, too! Let us know your build (don’t be shy) – are you large, small, thin? What size do you normally take? And lastly, tell us how you want the jacket to fit: fitted is 1" larger than your chest, semi-fitted is 2", comfort is 3 and loose is 4. Oh, don’t forget the actual jacket you saw – the name of the style, the colour and the kind of leather you’d like it in.

By sending in these details we can see if there’s something that you might like, if we don’t have the actual jacket in stock. Bear in mind, however, that with sale stock it’s generally what we have at the time. Usually, there’s no more and so once that particular style, colour or whatever is sold out, that’s it. Having said all that, clearance and sale items are a great way of picking up cheap leather jackets that will boost your wardrobe with a piece that can be worn anywhere, with anything, and by anyone. Whether timeless and classic or modern and hip, a decent leather coat is something that everybody should own.

Ethical thinking now radiates through every aspect of business practice from alternative energy sources to sustainable manufacturing materials to reducing pollution. Even corporate ethical gifts are replacing the usual offerings to incentivise or congratulate the workforce for a job well done.

The ethical business

With the general population organising their lives in a more ethical way and seeking eco-friendly alternatives in their lifestyles, so businesses are researching and initiating new environmentally ideas to help keep them ahead of the competition. From huge corporations to small start-ups, using green practices throughout day-to-day operations can provide huge gains.

The idea of a company towing the environmental line was once met with derision among the business community, but those who took the initiative earliest are now watching as the sceptics play catch up. The change in attitude among consumers and business alike has increased the interest in all things green.

While many corporations have a vast challenge ahead of them to convince the public that they are putting the environment first, there are definite changes being made. Office buildings are being constructed to maximise energy efficiency and occupying such a premises not only offers a better public image but also the potential for long-term savings. Even companies that are seen as traditionally eco-unfriendly are now committed to better environmental practices. What these businesses are seeing by going ‘green’ is better public relations and significant ways to improve their bottom line.

Most environmental initiatives stem from demand by clients and consumers. The pressure is on businesses to meet this demand because if given the choice between one product being environmentally friendly and the other not, the majority of consumers are choosing the greener option.

We’ve come a long way in the past twenty years – in the past consumers would struggle to name any green brands but now they have become the starting point when deciding on lifestyle choices. It is imperative for survival and growth that a business increases consumer and employee reaction by instigating wide-spread environmentally friendly practices.

Ethical gifts for the workforce

Anyone who has worked within a team of people will at some point have contributed to, or been a recipient of, a gift. A birthday, departing colleague, promotion or just a hearty well done are all reasons to show someone at work that you appreciate them.

For businesses to make a real effort in going ‘green’, a great show of intent is for everyone involved to buy gifts that are ethically sound. Whatever the reason, buying an ethical gift for employees or an ethical gift for the boss is a great way to increase awareness within your company about the importance of green issues as well as giving a present that has lasting impact on the recipient.

Some great bargain buys can be picked up in clearance sales. Cheap leather jackets are now being sported by the younger generation due to their versatility and low cost. They can be worn with anything, and their affordability makes them attractive to the younger crowd. They can be seen to and from work (and even some schools), in town with pals or out with families.

Leather blazers, on the other hand, scream expensive – but need not be. A well-cut leather coat can look like it cost a packet but actually cost very little; it all depends on where you source it. Of course, having one tailor-made might run up the price, but it’ll fit you like a glove and no doubt look like it cost far more than it actually did. And if you don’t put on too much weight as you get older, a leather jacket made to your measurements can be worn well into your twilight years!

Leather biker jackets are huge at the moment, especially with the current tattoo trend. It seems everyone these days is sporting ink somewhere on their bodies, and what better way to compliment the look than with chunky, belted, zippered, low-slung leather coats. Designed to be functional and practical, a biker jacket will ensure your back doesn’t get too cold while you’re motoring down the highway with your gal (or guy) riding shotgun. And slung over the bike when you pull up, you can still maintain the look as you show off your tatts.

Classic ladies’ leather jackets are indeed timeless. Whether made-to-measure or off-the-shelf, a women’s leather jacket can be teamed with jeans, a skirt, or trousers. In an emergency it can be worn over a formal outfit and not look too out of place. It is equally at home on a picnic or out at dinner.

Even the not-so-humble red leather jackets are still being seen (how can you miss them!). Can be worn to revive an old outfit or set alight a new one, a red coat can make you stand out in the crowd – it’s just up to you how much and how good you’ll look while doing it!

Giving your family dog a bath – not a problem. More than likely cleaning your dog’s teeth wouldn’t be an issue. But trimming doggie’s nails, no way! Ok, listen up. This can be done. It’s not nearly as challenging or terrifying as it appears.

Claw trimming in dogs can be done easily enough if you understand how. It may be beneficial to watch someone else (vet, groomer or friend) who is skilful in nail trimming demonstrate first. Some dogs won’t need to have their nails trimmed. Many will naturally wear the nails down or the dried up ends of the nails will merely flake away without you even being aware. But certain breeds, in particular Basset Hounds and Dachshunds may need your assistance with keeping the toe nails moderately short. As much as you’ll never want to, you might as well just count on cutting a nail too short on occasions. It just happens at times, even with experienced groomers. The nail will bleed if you cut it too short, so just be ready for that eventuality.

Get yourself a good pair of dog nail clippers. Ask a veterinarian or the staff in the pet shop which sort they suggest. Place the primary part of the trimmer in the palm of your hand and the moveable part is controlled by your fingers. You need to be able to see the small cutting blade which slides when you squeeze the handle.

Ensure that you aren’t cutting from the top downward; but rather from underneath. Slide the opening over the end of the nail whilst staying in the whitish part of the claw. The pink region of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout. Ideally you should be able to see where the pink part starts.

If your pet has dark nails you may not be able to see any pink to recognise where the live part of the nail starts. Simply do a bit at a time with the dark nails. Examine the end of the nail. The dead area generally is whitish and when you cut further into the end of the nail you will start to see a dark area. That dark area is where the live part starts.

When you’re ready to cut, and you are sure you are not at the live, pink part of the nail make a smooth, quick squeeze on the handle while holding the trimmer steady. Don’t try to "pop" the end of the nail off; it will fall away by itself. You can file the edges or just let your dog wear the nail smooth. Taking your dog for a walk on the street can help them file down.

Understand that at some time you will cut too short. When this happens, position a tiny piece of tissue paper firmly against the end of the nail and hold it for a couple of minutes. Better yet, have some cornstarch or flour available and put a small quantity against the bleeding end of the nail and hold it there with your finger. This works right away. Or you can do nothing and the bleeding should stop in about 5 minutes. If it persists in bleeding much more than that, give your vet a call.

You can do this!. Play with your canine’s feet first to get them used to the idea. If you do it once a week, it won’t seem like such a tragic event. If you can only do one paw daily, that’s alright also. Man’s best friend needs you to do it for him. Relax and enjoy your dog!

Europe leads the way in ethical skincare

In 2007, the UK, along with France, accounted for 74 per cent of all ethical beauty product launches proving that as a country, we are trying to align our environmental outlook with our shopping habits. Choosing to buy products that are produced using natural sustainable materials, that do not harm animals in the testing process, and are manufactured in a way that reduces the negative impact on the environment, shows the market is gradually being driven by the ‘green factor’ and not by profit margins alone.

What ethics do we look for in our beauty products?

The largest group of ethical beauty products bought in the UK is cruelty free goods i.e. not tested on animals. Over half of women in the UK say this is what they look for when buying skin and hair care products. That’s great progress given that within the space of twenty years, this has gone from being a niche market into a mainstream requirement.

More good news is that the fastest growth group is for products packaged in an eco-friendly way. This demand has led to manufacturers focusing on packaging that is made from recycled materials and can be recycled after use. The next stage is to reduce packaging to an absolute minimum.

Skin and hair care products that are termed ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ are also a huge growth area for ethical beauty and in France this is the top priority for female consumers. The ‘organic’ label is an interesting topic as some manufacturers have strayed into the grey areas of the term. To be sure, you should buy products that are certified by independent bodies such as ECOCERT or the Soil Association and don’t just rely on the manufacturer labelling the bottle ‘organic’.

While organic beauty is proving popular, there has been even bigger interest in the use of fair trade ingredients. Ensuring the planet’s survival is imperative, but the rights and fair treatment of people in impoverished communities who are affected by the cosmetics industry is equally important. Given that Fair Trade skin care is such a big growth area, it shows that as consumers we care about the people within the environment as much as the environment itself.

Buying your ethical beauty products

It’s not difficult to find ethical skin and hair care products these days because supply is now meeting demand. What you must be mindful of is the tactics employed by some of the less credible manufacturers and suppliers who will bend the rules to suit their needs. A good way to ensure the products you buy have met the right ethical standards is to use an online retailer that specialises in eco-friendly goods. Websites such as www.greentulip.co.uk stock a wide range of ethical beauty gifts.

If you know someone who hasn’t yet altered their buying habits then a gift is a great way to get them started. How about some natural lotions and body creams, organic bath and shower products or natural soaps? Not only will they love receiving a gift, they’ll also see there are alternatives available which equal, if not better, what they already use, but with the minimum impact to people and the planet.

How ‘green’ is chocolate?

For most of the world’s population chocolate can never be truly local because cacao beans can only be grown in tropical and equatorial climates. Ultimately this means that chocolate manufacture is going to involve shipping at some point and that increases carbon emissions. That’s the downside, the upside is that cacao beans, like coffee beans, are produced within infrastructures that allow fair trade bodies to oversee the agricultural process and so ensure that communities receive a fair price.

What to look for when purchasing ethical chocolate

Is the chocolate fair trade?

As with coffee, cacao plantations have been exploited for many years with child labour or forced labour used as a way to produce cheap cacao. To prevent this, look for the fairtrade logo which is your indicator that farmers are being paid a fair wage and the workforce is afforded basic human rights.

Chocolate made from beans that come from small co-operative plantations in countries such as the Dominican Republic and Peru have strong social structures that re-invest in local society and ensure the agricultural process is sustainable.

Is the chocolate organic?

If your chocolate is certified organic it’s a guarantee that cacao production did not involve the use of pesticides or chemicals. This is an important factor for chocolate. High-yield plantations have to resort to fertilisers, insecticides and fungicides to make sure the harvest is bountiful. The smaller fairtrade certified plantations grow organically. In the UK and across the world, the Soil Association mark is one guarantee of high organic standards.

Where was the chocolate made?

While cacao beans have to be shipped, the manufacturing process can be carried out in the UK so look for a local company who ensure their production is carried out in an environmentally friendly way such as reducing packaging, minimising landfill waste and buying electricity from ‘green’ energy suppliers.

Buy your ethical chocolate online

Using an ethical website to buy your chocolate treats is a great way to simplify the process. Why? Well, they’ve done the hard work for you. Sites such as www.greentulip.co.uk source all their chocolate products and gifts from suppliers who have displayed the ‘green’ credentials we’ve explained in this article.

Companies such as Montezuma and Cocoa Loco who are based in West Sussex produce delicious chocolates that are certified organic and have ensured the price paid for the cocoa is high. Montezuma even give their advertising budget to charity each year rather that spend it on ads.

Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut & Cocoa Nibs Bites	Montezuma’s Mini Bar – Butterscotch in ‘Dark’ Milk Choc

So, what are you waiting for? Ease your guilt and buy ethical chocolate. Your waistline is your own problem though!

All of these appliances drain electric, gas and water which ultimately costs money and has a major impact on the environment. Here are some tips to make your kitchen more ‘green’ plus some Ethical and fair trade kitchen products for cooking and serving your food.

Ethical cooking tips

• Cook several dishes in one go – If cooking vegetables on the hob, use a tiered steamer rather than lots of pans. If using the oven, use all the shelves.
• When using the oven, try to avoid opening the door too often as the temperature drops by 15°C each time making your oven work harder.
• If cooking with pans, keep the lids on as this will use less gas. When bringing the pan to the boil, adjust the flame to the pan’s diameter to avoid heat wastage.
• Use a microwave to save time and energy.
• Don’t buy too many gadgets – Labour saving devices may look like a good idea but six million end up in landfill each year. If you don’t really need it, don’t buy it.

One product every kitchen needs is a chopping board to prevent damaging your kitchen surfaces when preparing food. The best boards are made from wood but as a natural resource, wood is depleting fast so buy fairtrade bamboo chopping boards. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and therefore endlessly renewable.

Medium Bambu Cutting Board

For tasting, stirring, serving and eating, ethical kitchen utensils made from organic bamboo look great and will serve the amateur cook in your house for many years. Fairtrade serving bowls made from lacquered coiled bamboo are a stylish and colourful way to present salads and pasta dishes.

‘Give It A Rest’ Utensil Collection

Ethical washing tips

• Wash clothes on cooler settings – For most people that’s 40°C although newer machines will now wash at 15°C. A 40°C wash will use a third less power than one at 60°C.
• Prewash settings are not necessary so don’t use them.
• If you need to buy a new washing machine, choose the smallest one possible for your needs and make sure it has a hot water inlet.
• Dishwashers can be economical if used correctly. A full load on an economy setting can use less water than hand washing although bear in mind the electrical usage. If you’re considering buying dishwasher ask yourself if you really do need one.
• Rather than buying expensive and chemical-laden cleaning products to remove scale from your dishwasher or washing machine, use a cupful of vinegar on a full cycle (without any clothes or dishes inside though!).

Ethical appliance tips

• All new appliances by law must display an energy rating. This is displayed on a scale of A-G with A being the most energy efficient (an ‘energy plus’ model is even more efficient still). If you’re buying a new appliance, always make sure you’re aware of the rating and the materials used in the manufacturing process. Look for CFC and HFC free fridge/freezers and ones with an "R600a" hydrocarbon coolant label.
• When disposing of old appliances, check with your local council for a disposal depot which will reuse, recycle or recondition certain parts. This reduces the amount going to landfill.

The Canaries

The Canary Islands are a top choice for year round sun-worshipping. Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the most commonly visited islands and all offer dazzling coastlines and varying degrees of action and adventure. Each enjoys a warm and dry climate with well over 300 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures usually remain comfortably over 20°C so the concept of peak season has been slightly distorted here.

November to mid-December and April to June – avoiding Easter – are good times to enjoy fewer crowds and low prices, whether you’re seeking self catering apartments in Lanzarote or luxury hotels in Tenerife.

Egypt

For something completely different head to the Land of the Pharaohs, Egypt. The country is packed full of both desert and sea treats making a visit well worthwhile. Peak season runs between October and May so to avoid crowds choose June or September.

Maximum temperatures in Cairo average over 30°C during these months so be prepared to take it easy. Heading to the coast will help you to keep cool. Sharm el Sheikh on the Red Sea a popular choice. Go out of season and you will find plenty of Sharm el Sheikh hotels offering comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a good early spring option thanks to its favourable Mediterranean climate. Peak season runs from June to September, so avoid these months to experience the slightly quieter side of the isle.

Visit in April and May and you can enjoy average maximum temperatures of 22°C and 26°C respectively while you laze on the beach, explore historic sites or indulge in some of the country’s delicious cuisine. Temperatures remain high into October and November, but heavier rainfall makes these months a less appealing choice so avoid them if you want to get the best mix of affordable Cyprus hotels and good weather.

Another area you can save money is by cutting back on the amount of maintenance you do around your property. Imagine simply enjoying your home and not planning the next painting job – and who actually likes taking doors off their hinges, painting them, and then the arguments as you try to re-hang them, lining up the screw holes and the attempts keeping the door exactly this many inches off the floor while you do it. UPVC (or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, as opposed to PVC, or polyvinyl chloride), is gaining popularity in the construction industry, particularly UPVC doors and windows, especially when double glazed windows are installed (or, in older buildings, when single glazed windows are replaced with double glazed). UPVC is also being used in the production of fascias and soffits, meaning less upkeep. And the big plus is that they won’t warp, rot or flake, so what you get is what you’ll have in many years’ time.

You can get quotes to have your older fascias and soffits replaced with newer UPVC, and they come in a range of colours and finishes. Ensure that when you call for a quote, though, the company sources their products locally and not from overseas (especially the states) as this will help keep costs down. And the time and place has to be convenient to you. It would be best, and it would make sense, if the sales person came to you, so they can measure up and give the best price – not something they make up on the phone. They will also be able to answer any questions you have on the spot, which only goes to demonstrate their expertise!

So, how can your dog speak to you without saying a word? Unless you are Dr. Doolittle, the barks are just noise, but how he moves when he barks is the clue.

• Wagging the tail – When your dog is happily wagging his tail and his tongue, he is in a playful mood. He may even lower the front of his body to the floor and raise his little hind end in the air. He is probably full of energy and ready for play time.

• Ears standing up – Something has caught his attention. He may stop wagging his tail and even lean his head to the side to pay closer attention to whatever is catching his eye. This is not necessarily a call to alarm, but that he has found something new.

• Bearing his teeth – This is considered a show of aggression. He may do this with strangers or when confronting an animal that he feels threatened by or that may be threatening you.

• Lying on the ground with tail down when he greets you – This is a way of greeting you that shows loyalty also. When you walk into the house, your canine companion may lower himself on the ground. This pose is also referred to as an “active submission.” He doesn’t feel threatened or fearful. It is an act of friendship, realizing that you are the boss and a friend.

Now, your dog makes other noises besides barking. Barking can have many meanings in itself, so we are going to talk about other sounds that your dog may make that you kind of want to be aware of.

• Growling – Your dog shouldn’t be growling at you, but he may growl at strangers. It could also be in response to his sensing that you are uncomfortable with someone. If your dog does growl at you when you take something away from him, it could be a play for the alpha position.

• Whining – This is such a cute gesture. Unfortunately it can also be annoying if you are trying to get him to do something that he doesn’t particularly want to do, like go to the vet. In these times, ignoring the whine lets him know that it won’t get him out of doing his duty. Whining can also accompany their show of loyalty and greeting.

Are any of these gestures and sounds familiar? If they are, now you can communicate with your dog more effectively. You can “speak” his language.