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5 Online Activities To Help Pass The Time This Winter

Home / Reviews & Adverts / 5 Online Activities To Help Pass The Time This Winter

21st November 202021st November 2020 by shelllouise

a street covered in snow — Image by misskrume from Pixabay

This is a collaborative post

Oh, the weather outside is frightful!
Well, if it’s not yet, it probably soon will be, unless you live in the Bahamas!
Here in the UK, we may not have snow yet, but there’s a definite chill in the air. So, with that in mind, I’ve found 5 online activities to keep you entertained and your mind active while you’re inside keeping yourself warm and snug.

Sign Up For A Free Online Course

Whatever interests you have, you will most certainly be able to find a free online course to further your knowledge.
There are literally thousands of free online courses out there from many well known and well-respected institutions, like The Open University.

They have hundreds of free course in the following categories:

Health, sports and psycology
Education and development
History and the arts
Languages
Money and business
Nature and the environment
Science, maths and technology
Society, politics and law

Play Online Slots

online activities slot reviews — Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Online slots are very popular right now, which is great, but it does means that there are hundreds of sites to choose from.
It can be hard to know which slot games are best but don’t worry, there are lots of slot review sites to help find the perfect slot games, just for you.

Reading reviews before playing slot games will help give you a feel for the game, see what the graphics are like and also how easy it is to win!

If you’re worried about spending your actual money on gambling games, fear not, we’ve got that covered as well!
You can find slot reviews for free-to-play games as well as paid for versions.

However, if you do fancy a flutter, check out minimum deposit casino India. You could win big for a minimum stake but remember to always gamble responsibly.

Listen To Free Podcasts

As with online courses, there are hundreds of thousands of free podcasts to listen to covering every single topic you can think of.

Head over to the BBC to find podcasts from your favourite TV shows and stars such as Strictly Come Dancing and Graham Norton.
Listen to Joe Wicks asking his friends what one thing is that makes life better for them or settle down and listen to the one and only Gemma Collins, diva extraordinaire!

Learn Meditatation And Mindfullness

massage oil, a candle and white towels — Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay

Are you a Zoom fan? If not, why not?! And if you’ve been living under a rock for most of the year and don’t know what Zoom is, it’s a video conferencing program that’s free to use.

So many of us this year has fallen in love with Zoom because it’s so versatile.
Not only can you get together with family and friends, no matter where they live and enjoy a family quiz night or celebrate a birthday, you can also learn meditation and mindfulness with Brown University.

All the Zoom classes are completely free, you just need to register to secure your place for each class you’d like to join.

Join An Online Book Club

Online book clubs are actually a thing and the massive bookworm in me is very excited to know this!

There are many different clubs to choose from, some run by people you may have of like Reece Witherspoon and Oprah Winfry!
Sam Jordison of The Guardian runs a book club on the first Tuesday of every month. You can even put your own reading suggestions to him.

Maybe you’d even like to start your own online book club. Whichever you prefer, you’re not only going to be reading lots, (yay for reading!!) you’ll be making new friends, possibly from around the globe.

Winter doesn’t mean you have to stop you from enjoying yourself. You’ll just be doing from the comfort of your own home instead.

Why the UK fell in love with Japanese food

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Why the UK fell in love with Japanese food

19th November 202030th November 2020 by shelllouise

Image by Juan Emilio López Gallardo from Pixabay

This is a collaborative post

Over the past decade, we have experienced an explosion of Japanese culture and cuisine in the UK. Ramen today is becoming a lunchtime favourite and exhibitions from Japanese designers are popping up in London. Today the UK appetite for Japanese food has gone beyond sushi.

Today, the Japanese food UK has grown in popularity, it has gone down to the theatre, and it is never getting old. The Japanese cuisine has an abundance of flavours ranging from yummy miso, salty tamari, or the ubiquitous umami, which can arouse your taste buds and uniquely keep them tingling.

The Japanese diet involves fish and fermented food, which are responsible for impressive health and longevity stats. It is true the Japanese have a longer life expectancy that is higher than anywhere else on the globe.

Benefits of the traditional Japanese food UK

The British medical journal shows that people who stick closely to a diet high in grains, vegetables, and a moderate amount of animal products and soy and who have a minimum amount of dairy and fruit, have a reduced risk of dying early from stroke and other heart diseases. Surprisingly the Japanese also have the lowest rates of obesity among men and women.

Okinawa, the Southernmost part of Japan, has the lowest risk of age-related diseases. It is attributed to their traditional Japanese diet, which consists of low calories and saturated fat nutrients.

What is behind the traditional Japanese diet

The traditional Japanese diet is not similar to the standard Chinese diet, with rice, cooked pickled vegetables, meat, and fish as a staple choice. Since the Japanese live on an island, the resident consumes much more fish than other Asian countries. The Japanese prefer eating the fish raw in sushi and sashimi; most of the dessert is fermented and smoked.

Soybeans are usually in the form of tofu or fresh edamame. Fermented foods play a significant role in developing a healthy digestive system. Therefore, soybeans products like natto and miso are commonplace in the Japanese diet. Natto is served during breakfast, and it has a probiotic action that aids in blood clotting.

The Japanese eat a lot of land and sea vegetables, including seaweeds. Seaweeds are known to have a full pack of minerals that may help to regulate blood pressure. However, the Japanese are also big fans of green tea, especially the matcha tea, which is one of the Japanese food UK growing in popularity at a vast rate. Medically, green tea is known for its high value of antioxidants known as catechins which are associated with fighting cancer, heart disease, and viruses.

Eating behaviours that are part of the traditional Japanese culture

The traditional Japanese way to have a healthy attitude towards food and eating is by having a slogan that says “eat until you are 80% full”. It is common to teach this to children from a young age. The Japanese also serve their meals in different small bowls, consisting of several bowls of rice, miso, some fish or meat, and three vegetables, and the dessert is served communally in a rotation.

If you are looking to buy Japanese food UK ingredients, head straight to the Oriental Mart to make an order of all ingredients you want, and enjoy a discount. Pay and receive your order right at your doorstep!

5 Ways to Attract Natural Light in Your Home

Home / Reviews & Adverts / 5 Ways to Attract Natural Light in Your Home

17th November 202017th November 2020 by shelllouise

woman sitting on a sofa - lots of natural light coming in rom the window behind her — Photo by **Fox** from **Pexels**

This is a collaborative post

Natural light offers plenty of benefits to your home such as saving energy, improving your health, and lifting your mood. No wonder why homebuyers are now considering “plenty of natural light” as a key attribute they search for when choosing a new residence.

Daylight exposure has been correlated with improvements in your health, mood, and in the house. Natural light can make a room brighter and give the impression of more space.

Finding out how you can brighten up a dark and melancholy room is overwhelming when moving into a new home. This is true if there are no big windows in your new place to let natural sunlight in.

A lot of things can be done to attract natural light to your home.

Here are five ways on how you can welcome the sunlight in your space:

Choose the Perfect Upholstery Fabrics

Typically, you choose your sofas, tables, and chairs based on your personal touch and what you think looks best. Having said, you must choose the perfect upholstery fabric.

Do you want the light to enter your room? Get rid of those huge, navy or grey sofas!

A sleek, lightweight sofa in a lighter shade like white, ivory, or beige will make your space feel and look more spacious. More specifically, avoid bed frames, tables, or TV racks made from walnut wood.

Aside from choosing the perfect upholstery fabric, select also the right colours of pillows, throws, and other soft furnishings.

Select the Right Colour Scheme

If you can recall from your art class, colour can either reflect or absorb light. Dark hues will trap light so a dark coloured room with lots of windows will look gloomy compared to a room painted with light grey, white, or light tan.

The lighter shades work like a mirror to bounce light all over the room.

Painting your room white is the most practical way of brightening your home. White makes light bounce all over your room and reflects on other surfaces.

For added décor, think about adding ornamental trimmings to the ceilings or paint a side of the wall with a freshening colour.

Add Shiny Objects and Mirrors

Did you know that installing a mirror to a wall would make the area look more spacious?

Putting a mirror across the window can also multiply the amount of natural light entering the room.

Shiny objects such as metallic light fixtures, silver photo frames, and furniture with chrome accents can help in making your room bright.

Cover Floors with Bright Rugs

Putting a bright rug on your bare floors can brighten your room. Aside from making your floors glow, it can also add some texture and comfort to your floors.

Pick ivory, white, or yellow when choosing a colour for your rug. Ensure that the rug is large enough to help increase the visual area.

Use Light Window Treatments

Window treatments have altered throughout the years to suit more simplified patterns.

Put out brocade and heavy curtains and replace them with airy sheens.

Remove those Roman blinds that block light even when they’re not shut and welcome the daylight in. Pick sheer curtains in a single panel so you can pull them back to enjoy the stunning view outside.

Blinds are another common choice because they allow you to adjust the amount of light you prefer and you can angle them any way you want with a twist of the wand.

This recommendation may seem simple but cleaning your glass doors and windows on both sides will ensure that optimum sunlight will penetrate through the glass.

Like your sunglasses with smudges, dirt can restrict visibility in the windows.

Heating Repair Tips: All Homeowners Must Know

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Heating Repair Tips: All Homeowners Must Know

16th November 202020th November 2020 by shelllouise

This is a collaborative post

Your HVAC system is one of the largest and most complex mechanical systems in your home. In fact, heating your home can account for between 30% and 50% of your total energy costs during the cold months of the year. Every homeowner should know a few key tips that can help to keep your system running efficiently throughout the fall and winter.

We have put together a list of suggestions that may not only help to improve your system’s efficiency and performance but also to improve its longevity. Please read on for the top five heating repair tips that all homeowners should know.

Tip # 1: Professional Servicing and Maintenance Are Important

You should have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your furnace, heat pump, or other HVAC equipment at least once per year. However, for best results, you may want to consider two visits each year, once in the early spring, before you switch to cooling and again in the late fall or early winter before you try to heat your home for the first time.

During these checks, your HVAC professional can help you identify worn out parts and replace them before your system has an unexpected issue. They can also help to clean debris or other contaminants out of the system and check that your vents are delivering consistent airflow throughout your home. To get instant help regarding finding the best HVAC contractor, check this website.

Tip # 2: Replace Your Filters Regularly

As the homeowner, there are also steps that you can take to ensure that your system operates at peak efficiency. Most, if not all, HVAC systems have filters on the air handler, furnace, or other critical components. These filters help capture dust, dirt, pollen, and other debris before getting into the system.

These filters can only remove so much dirt, dust, and other contaminants before they begin to lose efficiency. Most furnace manufacturers recommend that you check and replace your filters regularly. Depending upon your system, you may want to install new filters every three to six months. However, some furnaces may need more frequent filter replacements.

Tip # 3: Clean Your Air Ducts

Your home’s air ducts are a critical component of your furnace’s ability to heat your home. Even with regular maintenance and filter management, debris, allergens, dust, and other particles will still pass through your furnace or air handler into your ducts.

At that point, your HVAC system’s fans and the airflow in your vents will carry these particulates throughout your house. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris will build up in the ducts and restrict the airflow throughout your home.

Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home can be a sign that you have dust and other particulates restricting the flow of air through your ducts. Any loss of air pressure and flow can cause your furnace to have to work harder to heat your home. This extra effort to compensate for the loss of airflow can shorten the useful life of your furnace’s components.

Many HVAC professionals recommend that you have your ducts cleaned at least once every seven years to remove any blockages and improve airflow. At that time, the technician can also check for air leaks or any other issues that may be negatively impacting your system’s performance.

You may be wondering if it is possible to clean your ductwork. While it is possible to clean your vents and certain areas of your home’s ductwork yourself, it is strongly recommended that you contact a professional to do so.

Your heating system’s ducting goes throughout your house. You will likely need specialized equipment to access and completely remove blockages from the runs and vents. Furthermore, improperly cleaning the ducts could result in damage to them or your furnace. Rather than removing debris, it is possible that you could send dirt into the furnace and damage its heating element.

Tip # 4: Install a Smart Thermostat

Many of the smart thermostats today will provide you with important insights into your system’s performance. For example, you can track the number of hours each day that your heating system is running. In addition, some thermostats will tell you if your furnace or heat pump had to turn on its emergency electric coil to provide sufficient warmth on, especially cold days.

Monitoring your HVAC system’s utilization may help you identify potential issues. For instance, if your furnace normally runs for only three hours on a 40-degree day, then you may have a problem if it turns on for five or six hours on a day with similar temperatures.

Similarly, if you see that your system has to turn on its emergency heat coil on a day when there isn’t extreme cold, then your furnace may not be operating at peak efficiency. Identifying these issues early can help you to avoid unexpected breakdowns and more expensive heat repair costs.

Smart thermostats also allow you to set schedules for your heating system. You can set lower temperatures during the day while you are out at work and then turn the system on shortly before you get home to warm up the house. These features can not only save wear and tear on your furnace but also lower your electricity, oil or gas costs as well.

Tip # 5: Conduct an Energy Audit

Many energy companies can now provide comparisons of your home’s energy usage in relation to other, similarly-sized houses in the area if you notice that your home uses more energy than other homes or if your heating bill increases unexpectedly, you may want to have an HVAC professional conduct an energy audit.

During the audit, a technician will look for areas where air can escape from your home. For example, these professionals often look at the insulation in your attic, the age of your windows, the weatherstripping around your exterior doors, and other maintenance areas that could impact your energy usage.

The energy auditor normally prepares a report with his or her findings and recommendations on how you can reduce your home’s energy usage. Eliminating air leaks and heat loss from your home will allow your system to run more efficiently and will typically reduce the load on its components.

Conclusion

The five heating repair tips above are only some of the ways that you can improve your HVAC system’s performance and reliability. We hope that you have found them useful. We will love to hear from you if you have any other tips or tricks that you use to maximize your furnace’s performance.

Winter Fun In Canada – Don’t Forget The eTA

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Winter Fun In Canada – Don’t Forget The eTA

9th November 20209th November 2020 by shelllouise

Canada log cabin by a lake - register for an eTA Canada — Image by Ewa Urban from Pixabay

This is a collaborative post

With the coronavirus travel restrictions at the moment, we’re not able to get away, but that doesn’t stop us planning a wonderful holiday for next year.
If, like me, you love having snow in the Winter, but you’re not fortunate enough to live in a snowy climate, you can’t go wrong by planning a trip to Canada.
Before you start your plans, however, you need to get the paperwork in order and the first thing you need to do is to apply for an eTA Canada.

What is an eTA Canada?

An eTA is an electronic Travel Authorisation that allows you to travel to Canada by plane. It’s valid for five years and allows you to stay for up to six months.
The eTA form is a digital form that is easy to fill in and can be done online early to make sure your paperwork is in order before you fly.
You can use one eTA form for multiple travellers. Make sure you have the passports to hand for each traveller.

The Canadian government uses information from the digital form to see if you could pose a threat to the country.
When your application is approved, the eTA is then linked to your passport.
It’s important to remember that if you apply for a new passport during the five years, the eTA will expire and you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Let The Fun Begin

Once your paperwork is all in order it’s time for the fun part; deciding where to go and what to do.
Are you a thrill seeker or a quiet nature lover, a lone traveller or a family group? No matter what you’re after, there’s a place in Canada that can fullfil your dreams.

Skiing

cable car above snow covered trees — Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

Canada has some of the best ski resorts in the world including the iconic Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, Mont Tremblant in Quebec and Banff Sunshine in Alberta, to name a few.

Snowshoeing

If skiing isn’t your thing, you could try Snowshoeing. This Winter sport is growing in popularity because you don’t have to be an athlete to take part. It’s an excellent way to see the country and the only equipment needed is snowshoes!

Snowboarding

For something a bit more adventurous, how about giving snowboarding a go?
Snowboarding is all about using the edge of the board and using your heels, toes and balance to control your direction. It can be challenging to learn but is very rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Something For Everyone

Snow lovers will be in their element in Canada. Here are just a few more activities to choose from:

Ice skating on frozen lakes and rivers
Ice hockey
Dog sledging
Curling
Lacrosse
Snowmobiling
Snowkiting
Snowtubing
Ice Climbing

Christmas Snow

Eggnog drinks and Christmas cupcake — Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

If you want to relax and experience a white Christmas, you can rent a log cabin in the woods or next to a beautiful lake. You can sit by a roaring log fire watching the snowflakes fall and enjoy a glass of eggnog!
It will feel like you’re in your very own Christmas movie!

Touring Holidays

Another way to experience this beautiful country is to rent a motorhome and take a touring holiday.
A favourite destination for a touring holiday is the Canadian Rockies. There’s a mixture of snowcapped mountains, thick forests and wide-open spaces which means there’s something for everyone.

Once In A Lifetime

Because the eTA lets you visit Canada for up to six months, you can take your time and enjoy everything this gorgeous country has to offer.
Start planning your trip today and enjoy your once in a lifetime holiday.

Why botox clinics are more popular than ever

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Why botox clinics are more popular than ever

3rd November 20203rd November 2020 by shelllouise

This is a collaborative post

You may have noticed there are more Botox clinics in London and across the UK than ever before.

It’s no coincidence, Botox and other non-invasive cosmetic treatments have been rising in popularity for a number of years.

Whether you’re considering a treatment or are just interested in the aesthetics treatments market, here are some of the reasons why this industry is booming:

Non-invasive treatments are safer than invasive cosmetic procedures

Non-invasive procedures, such as Botox, fillers, and chemical peels offered by most cosmetics clinics have been on the rise for years.

There are a number of reasons for this. Most of which revolve around non-invasive procedures being exactly that, they are non-invasive.

This means there is less discomfort, pain, and risk involved than with an invasive cosmetic procedure. They aren’t always able to achieve the same results, but the trade-off against an incisive procedure is worth it for most patients.

Going under the knife for a cosmetic procedure has a much harder toll on the body and has a longer recovery time. When similar results can be achieved without a surgical procedure, more people are willing to try it.

Combined with the other reasons listed in this post, it’s no surprise these types of treatments are more popular than they’ve ever been.

Facial aesthetics is popular with celebrities

Celebrities have a huge impact on the facial aesthetics, cosmetic, and beauty markets. In some cases, celebrities and influencers are paid to promote particular brands. This has a direct impact on sales and the treatments they’re advertising.

In other cases, just seeing how someone in the limelight looks after a certain treatment is enough to encourage others to book the same treatment.

With Botox and other non-invasive treatments going hand-in-hand with celebrities wanting to look their best in front of the camera, it doesn’t look like this trend is going to change any time soon.

The results are visible within days

Generally speaking, people want fast results. Especially with treatments designed to reduce wrinkles and give them a more youthful look.

An invasive procedure typically involves a good deal of planning, hours on the operating table, and days to weeks of recovery time before the results can be seen.

Most non-invasive producers, on the other hand, can be carried out by cosmetic clinics in a matter of minutes. The effects of which, if you take Botox as an example, will be seen within days.

There is also the convenience of being able to enter a clinic and have most procedures administered with nothing more than a needle.

Treatments are non-permanent

Most treatments, such as Botox and lip fillers are non-permanent. This means repeat treatments are needed to maintain the look and feel they give a patient.

For example, Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, and lip fillers last anywhere between 6-12 months. This contributes to the continual increase in the number of people visiting Botox clinics in London and everywhere else across the UK.

It’s also a testament to how effective these types of cosmetic procedures are. With women seeing the desired results from a treatment, they are very likely to return and have a repeat treatment.

Going back for repeat treatments isn’t a big downside. It gives people the chance to adjust their treatment, and in the rare case that they were not happy with the outcome, it’s only a matter of time before the effects fade.

Ways To Trick Dad Into Dressing Better

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Ways To Trick Dad Into Dressing Better

3rd November 20203rd November 2020 by shelllouise

This is a collaborative post

There is no doubt that some Dads dress like they are either stuck in the past, or they just don’t understand fashion. If your Dad needs some assistance in sprucing up his clothes closet, there are ways of doing this that won’t be such a shock to his system. If you do it correctly, he may even enjoy the journey. Here are some easy tips to follow that will help you to help him to dress better – only you may have to be sneaky with how you present a few of these ideas. Just be careful that you don’t push him into anything.

Show Him How To Wear Fewer Colors

Hey, we get it. Some Dads are fond of wearing bright, bold colors. Some like to wear them all simultaneously. And that’s perfectly okay in some settings and with some items of clothing. However, if that is the only style your Dad has, you are going to have to work on toning it down a few notches. You do this by showing him that if his goal is to go out on a business meeting or some other work-related activity, those bold colors are hard to build a complete outfit around. They are fine as accents to the outfit but wearing a bright orange t-shirt and trying to build a look around that, you are not going to get very far. By reducing the intensity of the color and the number of colors being worn, you stand a better chance at fitting into the crowd at the social gathering or business meeting than you would by being distractive in bold and vibrant colors.

Show Him How To Wear Fewer Patterns

Patterns are about as distractive as bright, shiny colors. Only the main difference is instead of having a look that blinds people, patterns just confuse people. Too many patterns in a single outfit can cause more than just headaches for you. It can create the visual that causes some individuals that get near you to develop migraines. This can completely derail any plans you may have had if the purpose of getting together with others was related to business. There is nothing wrong with wearing patterns but the best way to pull this off is to stick to a single pattern per outfit. Plus, ensure that the pattern you have chosen has no more than two different colors in it and that those colors do not clash. You want to avoid looking like a television test pattern but still stand out with your individual sense of style.

Show Him How To Follow The Dress Code

It isn’t always all that easy to match a wardrobe to a setting. However, if the event Dad is going to is being identified as formal or semi-formal or casual, he should pay attention to that designation when choosing his outfit. This means having all the right elements in his clothes closet so he can pull out the staples to match the dress code and accessorize from there. It also means that something Dad may think will pass for semi-formal needs to go through another filter to be sure (that would be your job). Help him to discover what his closet contains that will and will not work depending on the dress code. Also, make sure he understands that a dress code is often just a guideline. However, for some events, it is a requirement to attend the activity being hosted. And while some items will pass more than one dress code, trying to fudge something that doesn’t may not be wise at all.

Show Him The Power Of Quality Accessories

We’ve talked about cutting down on colors and patterns. We’ve mentioned that accessories are essential. But what exactly do these statements have in common? As it turns out, one way to improve how your Dad dresses is to introduce some life to his sock drawer. Socks make an excellent accessory that can tie together the rest of an entire outfit. It also means that socks can be as bold, vibrant, and as loud as you’d like without distracting from the rest of the outfit. Socks can truly make a statement and turn an otherwise dull looking outfit into something with loads of personality – just like your Dad. For example, if your Dad is always wearing worn-out gym socks with holes, maybe treat him to a few quality pairs of dress socks (No Cold Feet, for example, has gift sets) and see if he takes to it.

Show Him How To Use Layers To His Advantage

Layering is a wardrobe secret weapon. Women have been doing it for centuries and can turn a handful of clothing items into multiple outfits as a result. This can also work for your Dad just by following the same rules. Start with several solid staples and build from there with many different accessories. Mix and match whenever possible and you can create a new look each day by using the same basic clothing items. It not only saves you a lot of money from having to have completely new outfits each day, but it saves you money when all you need to do to liven up an outfit is add a new accessory or a different staple item. Plus, your personality can help guide you as you create your style (within reason) with this approach to clothing.

In Conclusion

There are many ways to help Dad clean up his look and you don’t have to make it out to be a major chore. By carefully planning each step and using logic as your measuring tool, you should be able to get Dad on track with his wardrobe. Just don’t force the issue and ease him into some of the things that have been outlined above. Sooner or later he will see the benefits of following your advice and he’ll be on board. Remember, although he may think you are trying to change him, you are just trying to make him a better Dad when it comes to what he wears and how it wears it.

The Finer Details to Consider When Planning Your Wedding

Home / Reviews & Adverts / The Finer Details to Consider When Planning Your Wedding

28th October 20206th November 2020 by shelllouise

This is a collaborative post

If you are engaged and planning your wedding then firstly huge congratulations to you, we know how exciting it is to be engaged and be able to finally plan your special day. Many people have dreamed of this for their whole lives so understandably there is a lot to organise, and because it is such an important day you’ll want to make sure that there isn’t anything you’ve forgot, however it can be easy to become overwhelmed with the bigger things which can lead to you struggling with organising the finer details.

We thought it might be a good idea to put together some of these finer details you may want to consider when planning a wedding so you can relax knowing that you’ve got everything covered. These little touches will also help to ensure that your big day is personal to you and also different from any other wedding that your guests will have attended before.

Invitations / Stationary

The first thing that will set your wedding apart from anyone else’s is the invitations. This is the first glimpse that your wedding guests will have of your day, and will reflect your personal style and tone you want to create on the day. You may choose to have an elegant, sophisticated style which can be represented with gorgeous invitations, elegantly written in calligraphy and perhaps with ribbon or satin on there too. Alternatively if you’ve decided to go with something completely different such as a themed wedding or even a wedding abroad, then the invitations can show this. This is a chance to be creative and there are plenty of fantastic stationery suppliers who would love the opportunity to create something unique.

Not only are there your guests’ invitations to think about, but why not create some unique personalised cards to give to your friends who you’d like to ask to be your bridesmaids or even your best man. Some people choose to do this with personalised cards or you could even include a small gift in there too. This is not only thoughtful but also something that they will keep and remember forever.

Entertainment / Music

The music or entertainment you choose to have on your day is important as this will set the tone and create the ambience for the day, it’s also something that a lot of people tend to forget about or do last minute. When choosing the music for your day think about your personal style and again the tone you want to set for your day. If it’s an elegant affair then you may decide on some elegant live music such as a pianist or a string quartet. This will really enhance your walk down the aisle and definitely evoke emotions too!

Something that many people don’t think about is also the ambience for during the wedding breakfast. This is when you and your guests will be enjoying your meals together so you don’t want something too overpowering, however it’s a nice idea to again think about having some live music rather than putting on your playlist on your phone, as it will make it more special and

also many musicians can learn and perform your favourite songs too. Sometimes it makes for a nice talking point too, so guests can listen to the music and guess the title of the songs.

Decoration / Lighting

The décor of the venue on the day is often something that people don’t plan or think about in too much detail, but it will provide the backdrop for your photographs and again set the tone for your day. Some venues are beautiful in their own right and may only need a few elegant touches, whereas some are more of a blank canvas and this will allow you to be creative with what you choose.

One of the finer details to think about and that can create an elegant touch is by incorporating candles and low lighting into your day. This could be in the form of candles in lanterns placed down the aisle, or even having hanging tea light holders adorned around your venue. Obviously the time of year may affect the impact of these, for example, if you are having a winter wedding then candles would work really well.

Favours

When thinking about your wedding breakfast too, it’s a good idea to think creatively about how you can decorate the tables and what centre pieces you’d like to have. Again there are plenty of options out there for you such as flowers, plants and candles, but you can make things personal too, but choosing to have personalised table favours for your guests. This is something that will be a nice keepsake for them too of your day.

Speeches

Not everyone decides to have speeches at their wedding, although this is a tradition that is usually done by the father of the bride, the best man and the groom. Sometimes the maid of honour or even the bride may want to say a few words to her guests too. A fun way to help break the ice between guests on the tables and help them to interact whilst enjoying their meals is by having some games or quizzes on each table. Usually, many people who are seated together might not know each other, so it will help create a better atmosphere in the room and also help to ensure your guests have a good time too

Blood Pressure: What is it and how is it measured?

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Blood Pressure: What is it and how is it measured?

26th October 202026th October 2020 by shelllouise

This is a collaborative post

Keeping an eye on your personal health is absolutely vital. And while it’s useful to enjoy daily exercise, drink lots of water, and eat one of your five-a-day – finding a way to regularly check vitals like your blood pressure without medical intervention can be incredibly helpful.

But what exactly is your blood pressure and what can you use to help reliably track it yourself?

What is your blood pressure level?

Simply put, your blood pressure tracks the amount of effort (or force) that is required to push your blood around your body. Constantly in use, your heart is a vital muscle and if your blood pressure is too high or too low, it can result in complications, issues, or other problems.

As standard, your doctor will track your blood pressure when you pay a visit to the surgery. This is where a practitioner measures your blood pressure, with an ideal blood pressure being measured as 90/60mmHg – 120/80mmHg.

As your heart is one of the most essential organs in your body, taking time to regularly check your blood pressure and undertake actions to address it is essential. Thankfully, checking your blood pressure is not only straightforward but painless and simple.

How is it measured?

Unsurprisingly, your blood pressure is measured through the use of a blood pressure test. This involves applying an inflatable cuff to your arm to track your current health. This is normally done as standard but can help identify issues such as hyper or hypotension. If your doctor isn’t available, you can also head to your local pharmacy or at home if it’s a particular concern.

The test is extremely simple and involves the following steps-

1. After rolling up your sleeve, your arm is extended level and the pressure cuff is placed around your bicep.

2. Once secure, the cuff is pumped enough to slightly restrict the flow of blood in your arm. Once this is complete, the cuff is deflated a little and a stethoscope is used to check your pulse.

3. This value is then recorded as the blood continues to flow into your arm, giving your reading.

Is it something you can measure yourself?

Yes – in fact, in some cases, this can be used to provide a more reliable reading as individuals are more relaxed with taking a reading in the comfort and safety of their own home. This can be facilitated by picking up a digital blood pressure cuff from a reliable supplier. Being able to test your blood pressure when and where you need can be incredibly useful for sufferers of a range of conditions.

These units can be picked up from a number of reliable providers and are designed to be discrete and portable for when they are needed most. If you are unsure about how you use a cuff, checking out a reliable guide can help you use the device safely and get an accurate reading fast.

Different Cosmetic Procedures to Consider to Get Rid of Your Post-Baby Body

Home / Reviews & Adverts / Different Cosmetic Procedures to Consider to Get Rid of Your Post-Baby Body

24th October 202024th October 2020 by shelllouise

Mother and baby - cosmetic procedures to consider post-baby — Image by Satya Tiwari from Pixabay

Cosmetic surgery offers various benefits to people of all ages. Cosmetic surgery, also referred to as plastic surgery, gives people the chance to feel good in their bodies again by fixing an aesthetic issue that the person may not have been able to fix on their own. With that being said, women who are done having children often turn to cosmetic procedures to improve their post-baby bodies. After having children, it’s common for women to need extra assistance getting their bodies back to the way they used to be. Many women struggle with losing the baby weight, as well as getting rid of excess and sagging skin.

If you are a mother that is struggling to get rid of your baby body, cosmetic surgery may be the answer you have been looking for. Below is a short guide to cosmetic surgeries you may want to consider.

Plastic Surgery for Moms

There are various kinds of plastic surgeries that are especially great for mothers, such as a “mommy makeover” or a BodyTite procedure. Mommy makeovers include a tummy tuck, a breast lift with or without implants, and liposuction depending on where you get the procedure done at. BodyTite procedures, specifically bodytite in London, on the other hand, are minimally invasive procedures that aim to contour the body. In addition to these outstanding plastic surgeries that are fantastic options for mothers, there are a few more particularly popular surgeries which are detailed below.

Cosmetic Surgeries on the Breasts

A woman’s breasts are often disfigured after hanging children, especially after breastfeeding. Women’s breasts often sag due to the loss of muscle and tissue elasticity after carrying babies. Some solutions to this issue include:

Breast implants
Breast augmentation
Breast lift
Breast reduction

Liposuction

Some women struggle to lose excess fat in their midsection after bearing children. Women that can’t get rid of excess fat after trying multiple diets and exercise plans should think about getting a liposuction procedure. Liposuction can be used on most parts of the body; however is mostly used on the stomach.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks are another great option for mothers that can not get rid of the extra fat in their midsection after having babies. A tummy tuck will remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and will allow the person, in this case a mother, to have a tighter and more attractive midsection.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

After delivering babies vaginally, many mothers lose vaginal tightness which can lead to various health and comfort issues. Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are a version of vaginal corrective treatment.

Feel Comfortable and Confident in Your Post-Baby Body

Having children is one of the most incredible blessings that a woman will get to experience, and it’s important she gets to enjoy her time as a mother by feeling comfortable and confident in her own skin. If you are a mother that is seeking ways to be comfortable in your skin, cosmetic surgery may be worth looking into.

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.