27
Feb 2012
Feb 2012
What are Motorcycle Fairings?
A motorcycle fairing is the shell that goes over the body of the motorcycle, especially racing and performance bikes. The main reason is to reduce atmosphere drag but the fairings also protect the bike in an accident. Some fairings have an integrated windshield which adds to the driver’s protection.
By Susy Wilkins
The fairings on sport and touring bikes is a reduction in energy consumption, the reduced drag enables taller gearing which in turn increases engine life.
Motorcycle fairings are necessary for racing but can also be used to customize a bike to suit an individual’s taste and personality. Fairings come in different colors, styles and designs and everyone will find something to suit their personal taste. We currently have Honda fairings, Yamaha fairings, Suzuki fairings and Kawasaki fairings so no matter which type of bike you have we can customize the fairing for you!
Different types of Motorcycle Fairings
There are various types of fairings to suit different models of motorcycles and different requirements. These include;
Materials
Motorcycle fairings are either made of ABS plastic or fibreglass.
ABS – Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is used mainly because it is light weight strong and flexible. The advantage of ABS over other plastics is that it combines the strength and rigidity of Acrylonitrile and styrene with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber. The fairings can either be made using injection molds or compression molds. With injection molds the ABS is melted and injected in to a mold cavity. It then cools and hardens into the mold. This process insures that the fairings have even, uniform thickness throughout and gives an accurate fairing that fits perfectly. With compression molds the plastic is applied to a hot metal mold, forced to fit and take on the shape of the mold. This technique doesn’t ensure such consistency as injection molding.
Fibreglass is made of woven fibres and fibreglass fairings are commonly used on the race track. Fibreglass is lighter than ABS and more durable and if damaged can be repaired by applying new layers of fibreglass cloth mixed with a polymer, sanding and finishing.
We currently sell a wide range fo ABS motorcycle fairings for most bikes. So upgrade or replace worn out fairings with our new ABS motorcycle fairings and make your old bike look brand new!
25
Jan 2012
Jan 2012
Angry Birds Have Landed – and They’re Mad!
Everyone I know is crazy for Angry Birds: my little boy is a huge fan. So is my husband. My sister in law likes it too. And so does her boyfriend. Oh who am I kidding, I am totally addicted to smashing those annoying little green pigs!!
By Susy Wilkins
They're Here!
Take last night for example, I recently downloaded the Rio version, so now not only am I an expert pig squisher, I am also becoming pretty good at knocking monkeys off their perches!
Bad Pigs!
Everyone has a favourite bird. My 3 year old loves the orange one who puffs up like a pumpkin, my sister in law likes the black one who explodes like a bomb. He was my favourite too, but my loyalties have shifted to the blue birds in Rio who are handcuffed together. I’m not a fan of the white one who drops eggs, mainly because my egg dropping aim isn’t very good!
Puff Birdy?
Here at Virtual Village we have all sorts of Angry Bird goodies for you to celebrate your high scores or show your love for a particular bird! Like these mobile phone charms – who knows they may bring you extra luck when you’re stuck on a level!
Call Me
I also love these money boxes ; you can fill your favourite bird or pig up with pennies! When you’ve saved enough you can either spend them on the newest game or more cute things like these pencil sets!
Write to Me
I will definitely be getting some of these key chain party bag fillers for my son’s birthday, although there may be some arguments about who has which bird!! (I’ve already chosen mine!)
Don't Lose Your Keys with These
I’m not the only one who loves these games; people all around the world have gone Angry Bird crazy! Check out this amazing cake for an example of Bird addiction!
Eat Me if you Dare!
And what about this guy, who has created an Italian base Angry Bird Pizza!!?
That's a LOT of Olives…
It seems that Angry Bird fever is sweeping the world; some people are committing themselves as fans for life!
An Angry Bird is for Life…
I’m not going to go that far – I’ll draw the line at these plant pots – my little boy loves watching the grass grow! Next on my list is the iPad cover….but first I need to wipe the smiles off a few more monkeys’ faces…..
Are You Sneering at Me?!
For all your absolutely essential Angry Birds needs, check out our range of birds and pigs – now all at reduced prices that are virtually guaranteed to not make you mad. We’ll leave that to the game itself. Happy shopping!
11
Jan 2012
Jan 2012
Protect Your Home with Virtual Village
The amount of reported home burglaries has declined in the last ten years and this is purely due to increased home security protection, according to the police and insurance industries. However, there is a rise in break ins at this time of year due to the dark winter evenings. Make sure you don’t fall foul of this awful crime by following these simple tips.
By Susy Wilkins
1) Fit outside lighting. The type of lighting that is triggered by movement is good, it will deter wrong doers, and it keeps your bills down but will also alert you if someone approaches your home. Lights such as this one which can be attached to fences, porches or walls will also help you find your way if you get home on a dark evening.
2) Fit burglar alarms that can be seen. CCTV cameras, real or fake, can also be a good deterrent and will make people think twice before attempting to enter your property without permission. Here at Virtual Village we have a huge range of alarms, cameras and dummy deterrents where you are sure to find something that suits your requirements.
3) Ensure any openings to your home such as cat flaps can be secured while you are away or not using them. This cat flap has a four way locking system to ensure that your home is safe at all times.
4) Make sure your doors and windows are locked when leaving the house, even for a short time. These door and window magnet alarms are a good way of alerting you or your neighbours if the doors or windows are opened unexpectedly.
5) Leave a light on and draw the curtains if you are out for the evening. If you are going away for longer periods of time, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property, don’t forget to cancel your newspaper deliveries and milkman.
6) Never let tradesmen, salesmen or strangers into your home that have not been invited or that you’re not expecting. Always call their company for verification and check their ID. If you live in a flat, use an intercom system and never leave your wallet or credit cards lying about.
Why risk your home and loved ones’ security when a little outlay and simple steps can be taken to make all the difference? Visit all of our Home and Garden Security Solutions here and don’t forget to leave a comment if you have a tip to share!
27
Dec 2011
Dec 2011
You Have Been Warned….
Have you ever wondered who writes the warnings on products and if they are actually all having a good old laugh or if they are deadly serious!? In the age of “Where there’s a blame, there’s a claim” the world seems to have gone mad. Like the packet of peanuts I got on an airplane that read “Contains nuts” Well I should hope so! Here are some more utterly bizarre and let’s just say it, stupid, warnings that have been found on various items.
By Susy Wilkins
1 Found on a shirt – “Do not iron while wearing shirt”. Would that not be physically impossible?!
Now How Do I Do This Exactly?
2 Found on a hairdryer – “Do not use hairdryer while sleeping”. Have enough people actually done this to warrant a warning?!
Drying Whilst Sleeping = Bad hair Day
3 Found on a DIY wood drill – “Not to be used as a dental drill”. Open wide!!!
Say "AHHHHHHH!"
4 Found on a dishwasher – “Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher”. But it’s so much easier than putting them in the bath!
Just Stick Him on an Economy Wash
5 Found on a pushchair – “Remove child before folding”. Who’d have thought it?!
"Darling…Have you Seen the Baby?"
6 Found on sleeping tablets – “May cause drowsiness”. Yeah….?
“The MD Will See You Now….”
7 Found on a famous boy wizard’s toy broom – “This broom does not actually fly”. What a con!
Look at Him Go!
8 Found on children’s cough medicine – “Do not drive or operate machinery”. Give mummy the car keys please!
"Where To?"
And finally……
9 Found on a mattress – “Do not attempt to swallow”. WHAT!!???
Hold the Gherkin!
Have you got any crazy warnings to share that you’ve read on packaging? Share them in the comments – we’d love to see them!
16
Dec 2011
Dec 2011
It’s (Nearly!) Christmas!
Are you hanging up your stockings on the wall? It’s that time that every Santa has a ball…
Here are some interesting, funny and downright bizarre facts you may or may not know about Christmas.
By Susy Wilkins
** Kris Kringle does actually exist. And he does live in the North Pole. But instead of driving a sleigh he drives a 1984 Ford Tempo and instead of delivering presents he delivers pizza. And you probably wouldn’t want him dropping down your chimney at midnight…
Hold the Anchovies!
** Instead of turkey the traditional English Christmas dinner used to comprise of a pig’s head served with mustard. Seconds anyone?
Pass the Dijon Please!
** Nineteen people have died in the last three years after eating Christmas decorations that they believed to be made of chocolate…. oh dear.
Just Because they’re Brown it Doesn’t mean they’re Chocolate!
** Five people were injured last year in accidents involving out of control Scalextric cars…
A Deadly Weapon in the Wrong Hands!
** Santa Claus is coming to town. Well he certainly is in a town called Santa Claus in Indiana.
I Want to Live Here!!
** On average 7% of department store Santa applicants have criminal records. Now that’d make a fun family film…
It was the One in the Red, Officer!”
** In Maine, USA in 1999 the biggest ever snowman was built. He was 113 ft tall. Now that would have taken an impressively sized carrot…
SO Big he has Christmas Trees as Arms!!
** Nearly 600million Christmas trees are grown in Europe each year. Imagine vacuuming up all the needles from those!
Get the Dyson Out!
Do you know any strange or amusing Christmas facts? Share them with us in the comments below if so!
Oh and…….
14
Nov 2011
Nov 2011
Enter the Virtual Village Christmas Competition!
It’s nearly that time again! Yes, Christmas is a-coming and before you know it you’ll be in the attic/shed/garage, dusting off your favourite decorations and creating a winter wonderland right there in your living room!
Here at Virtual Village we love Christmas and we’d really like to see pictures of your decorations. Our favourite will win a $50 Virtual Village gift card to spend on any product on any of our websites!
So for a chance to win, take a picture of your tree, exterior lights or any other favourite decorations and post it on our Facebook page by the 31st of December. The winner will be announced at the end of the month by email.
Anyone Got Spare Change for the Meter?!
Best of luck!!
26
Oct 2011
Oct 2011
What are YOU Dressing Up as this Halloween?
My sister and I have always loved dressing up and our favourite excuse is Halloween. Some costumes have been better than others; from winning second prize dressed as the creepy sisters from Stephen King’s The Shining to a packet of fish and chips, we’ve been there. And it seems we’re not the only ones….
By Susy Wilkins
As long as there’s Halloween there’s going to be the “sexy” witch/cat/devil costumes that make an appearance every year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for personal choice but at least try and make it “sexy”!!
Meow!
Now I like a bit of Star Wars now and again and think that a well done Darth Vader or a classic Yoda makes a good costume. There are, however, a few characters that don’t work so well as a homemade costume. Jabba the Hutt for example might be pushing the boundaries of mobility and an Ewok would only really work for someone of a shorter stature. That didn’t stop this guy from dressing as everyone’s favourite droid though…
"These are not the Droids you are looking for…"
Dressing up the smallest members of the family is always fun, especially when they’re so young they don’t have a say! But they will grow up and they will see the photos so bear this in mind!!
Lobster Bisque, Anyone?
There’s bound to be an element of escapism in dressing up and becoming something totally different and exciting. The thing to remember when choosing your costume is that it’s still clothes (of a sort!), people are still going to see you and although there may be a bit of drinking involved, you still have to stand there and socialise!! So, keep it covered up and make sure all parts of your costume are safe and unlikely to fall off after a few pints!
Enter the Sandman!
Sometimes less is more and sometimes the best costumes come from everyday objects (no, I’m not referring to the gentleman above!) and that flash of inspiration and a BIG dose of Dutch courage can really make you the centre of attention and win you first prize! Step one – take the pizza out of the box…
Hold the anchovies
And then sometimes less isn’t more and when you see the photos in the cold light of day you think to yourself “WHY!??” But it’s all about having fun, getting in the spirit and embracing that alter ego. Even if you do have to XXL your costume…
My Spidey senses are tingling. Or maybe my suit’s just too tight…
Whatever you decide to dress up as this weekend, make sure you have fun and go for it! There’s no point doing it half heartedly, you’ll feel sillier if you turn up in a witches hat, a plastic nose and your work trousers if everyone else has made a real effort. It doesn’t have to be expensive, with a bit of imagination and a few things from around the house you can look as amazing as these two!! Have fun!!
So Not "Doh"!
It might be too late to order for Halloween now, but if you’ve any other costume parties, hen/bachelorette nights or stag/bachelor do’s coming up, don’t forget to check out our huge range of wild, wacky (and downright weird) costumes and accessories for some inspiration.
And if you’ve got any great suggestions for costumes, why not help those of us who are stuck, out and leave them in the comments!
Happy Halloween!
24
Oct 2011
Oct 2011
Customize your Car with Virtual Village’s HID Lights
Are you the kind of driver who likes to stand out on the road? Are you thinking about ways to make your car more eye-catching? If so read on as we’ve got 10 great reasons why just upgrading your existing headlight bulbs could be enough to satisfy your cravings!
By Eve Jones
If, like the majority of cars, your vehicle is fitted with regular halogen bulbs then upgrading to HID Xenon lights is a great decision. HID (that’s short for High Intensity Discharge for those who like to know what their acronyms mean!) bulbs are brighter, longer lasting and make driving at night or in gloomy weather a far safer experience.
So how do they work? HID bulbs use Xenon gas instead of a filament. When exposed to high voltage, the gas is ignited and produces a beam of light that’s around 3 times brighter than your regular halogen bulbs. So, without further ado, here are 10 reasons why you should upgrade today:
1 HID lights are 3 times brighter than standard halogen bulbs – that means you get 3 times more visibility when driving at night or in bad weather
2 You know you’re a great driver, but it’s the other road users you need to look out for, right? Increase your safety with HID bulbs and make yourself impossible to ignore
They'll See You Coming!
3 Ok, so they say you should never judge a book by its cover, but the simple fact is, Xenon headlights really do look way cooler than halogen ones！
4 Not only are HID lights better looking but they outlive halogen bulbs, lasting up to 10 times longer meaning less time and money spent at the garage
5 They’ll also save you cash when it comes to running your car as they consume much less power than regular headlight bulbs
What's Not to Love About That?!
6 Take your pick: HID lighting comes in different colour temperatures so you don’t have to stick to just the one boring shade of yellowy-white like before
7 HID xenon headlights are closer in colour to natural daylight which means that they light your way more effectively and safely
8 Thinking of selling your car? Upgrade to HID lights and upgrade the perceived value of your vehicle to potential owners…and increase the sale price too, naturally!
Looking as Cool as The Hoff not Guaranteed
9 Do you live somewhere where the weather, quite literally, isn’t always so hot? HID xenon headlights are a must have for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel in dark, overcast, rainy or snowy conditions. No need to name countries here but if you live somewhere like this, you’ll know what I mean!
10 Many kits can also be used on motorcycles, so it’s not just the 4-wheeled drivers that get all the fun – you bikers can have a piece of the action too！
2-Wheeled HID Action
Halogens are all well and good but if you want a brighter beam that not only looks good but is far safer when driving at night or in overcast conditions – and saves you time, money and running costs then HID xenon lights are clearly the way forward. Throw in a new Motorcycle Fairing and you got your self a new bike!
Want to see what you can get for your money? Check out our HUGE range of HID vehicle lighting here – and grab yourself a deal today!
09
Oct 2011
Oct 2011
Have a Crafty Christmas with Virtual Village
I’m sure you’ve noticed that the shops are already filling up with Christmas cards and gifts; my local supermarket even has a tree up! Before you know it, it’s that time again, standing in queues and wrestling with other shoppers for the last pack of cards on the shelf. So why not have a go making your own cards and gifts this year? Here at Virtual Village we have all you need to give Christmas the personal touch and your purse strings a rest!
By Susy Wilkins
Quick! Get all the Buzz Lightyears!!
If you’re a dab hand at crocheting or knitting, then what better way to put a smile on the faces of the youngest members of your family than by making them a cute teddy, rabbit or even a lovely warm jumper? The novelty of receiving something that doesn’t need batteries or mains electricity will please parents, while the personal touch will delight even the smallest child. My sister and I still have our handmade crocheted collection of mice, teddies and dolls. You can even make some cute tree decorations, garlands or stockings. Check out our huge range of knitting needles and crochet hooks and get your creative juices flowing! With less than three months until the big day, you’d better get started!
Who Wouldn’t Love a Christmouse?!
My friend makes beautiful handbags and gives them as presents. She finds a fabric that she knows you’ll love and then adds handles, buttons and gorgeous decoration. They look fantastic but (she assures me) are so simple to make. This year I may return the favour and make her something special, and we have a great range of handles, clasps and decorative studs to really make a bag to be proud of. Why not have a go, with these gorgeous red studs or beautiful bamboo handles you’re sure to find something to suit everyone, from your best friend to your mother in law. If you’re new to sewing then this easy to use sewing machine is a perfect place to start.
This one might be a bit of an acquired taste!
They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and if your family likes nothing better than a nice, rich fruity Christmas cake, a light fluffy sponge or beautifully decorated individual cupcake, then we have all you need to satisfy everyone! Our gorgeous heart shaped baking tins will give a traditional cake a pretty twist, this beautiful Bundt ring will make a gorgeous teatime cake for boxing day and our silicone muffin trays will make sure that everyone has a bit of something they fancy. Not forgetting the all important decoration! We have icing bags and nozzle sets so you can even create beautiful biscuits to give as gifts.
Don’t forget to leave one out for the Big Man!!
If you fancy making your own cards or gift wrap this year then check out our artistic supplies which are just the thing for getting your artistic streak flowing. And with 44 wells this paint palette is perfect for acrylics, oils or even inks. If you’re feeling creative then why not paint a picture for your friends and family as a great Christmas present? And to add the finishing touches to your gift wrap we have gorgeous satin ribbons in a range of colours to suit every theme.
So, why not get creative this Christmas, save some money and have fun at the same time?
Have a very crafty Christmas from Virtual Village!
03
Oct 2011
Oct 2011
How to Have a Happy, Haunted (and Safe!) Halloween
18 easy safety tips that will help make sure the spookiest night of the year is scary for the right reasons only!
By Eve Jones
Danger-Free Dressing Up
* Props such as knives, swords and axes should be flexible, non-pointed and short: small children can easily trip over long items
* Incorporate reflective tape or EL wire into costumes. It’ll look great and make the wearer much more visible to motorists
* Make sure masks have decent eyeholes and good peripheral vision. Trim if necessary and fill in the eye area with face paint to match the mask
* Yes, it’s cute, but does your pet really want to be dressed as a pumpkin or as Spiderman?! He’s likely to be stressed enough with the noise from the street and the doorbell ringing
Do I LOOK Happy?!
Trustworthy Trick-or-Treating
* The dark, masks and the excitement may make it hard for your child to spot your car. If you’re on taxi duty, place a battery operated lantern like this one on the dashboard to make it easier for them to find the right vehicle
* Younger children should always trick-or-treat with an adult. No exceptions.
* Ensure older kids who are trick-or-treating with friends have a set route and that you check in with them regularly by phone
Stick Together in a Group
* And a set route means no short cuts through alleys or across playing fields!
* No matter how old and wise (!) you are, if you’re heading out to a bar or party, tell a friend or roommate where you’re going, who you’ll be with and what time you’ll likely to be back
* Driving at night is bad enough, especially in poorly lit areas. Stay alert and watch out for anyone crossing the road in a dark costume or people having too much fun to pay attention to traffic
* Take a flashlight and a cell phone. And make sure both have fully powered batteries!
* Easier than it sounds, granted, but encourage your kids to bring home their treats for you to check before they eat them. Care should be taken with home baked goodies too
* They may roll their eyes and say “We know….” But it’s always worth impressing on older children and teenagers that they should NEVER enter a home or a car to accept a treat
* Walk facing the traffic and stay on the inside of the sidewalk
Peril-less Partying
* Keep Jack-o-Lanterns and candles away from doorsteps, stairs, curtains and pet’s tails!
Now I have 2 Tails to Look Out For!
* If you live in a friendly area, instead of letting the kids hit the streets, why not organize a block party? Or serve treats and drinks for friends and neighbors from your front yard. That way you’ll know where everybody is
* Serving a spooky dry ice punch bowl? Place the dry ice and hot water in a large bowl with a smaller bowl placed inside for the punch. Be careful not to mix: dry ice can cause damage to internal organs if swallowed
* Finally, when carving your Jack-o-Lanterns make sure small children can still join in the fun – knife free. Get them to draw their face on the pumpkin with marker pen so that you can carve it for them
Scared Yet?!
Still struggling to find a costume? It’s not too late – check out Virtual Village’s range of Halloween clothing and accessories and party decorations in our Haunted Store. Now ALL with 50% OFF!!
Do you have any other safety tips for this time of year? If so, please share them in the box below.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
