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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

GUEST POST | Us British love our decorating. Our sheds, under-the-stairs cupboards and garages are bursting with tins of paint, brushes, and decorating tools because we can’t stop painting, wallpapering and tiling our spaces, whether that’s our homes, our gardens, or our caravans. 

Wait, what? Caravans? Yes, even caravans can be decorated. Caravans may be smaller than the average house, but there’s no reason why you can’t spend as much time dreaming up design ideas as you would for your bricks and mortar home. So, if you’ve been looking at static caravans for sale and found one that caught your eye, but it needs a bit of a makeover, you can still go ahead and purchase it because below are a few tips on how to decorate a static caravan. 

caravan

Wallpaper
Yes, you can use wallpaper in a static caravan. The even better news is that, because you won’t need nearly as much as you would if you were wallpapering a whole house, you can buy fancier, more expensive wallpaper to give your caravan a luxury feel without breaking the bank. Before you get carried away, though, wallpapering a caravan isn’t quite as straight-forward as wallpapering walls in a house. A caravan’s walls won’t be completely straight (although if you live in a period property, you’ll be used to wonky walls!) and there’ll be nooks and crannies you’ll need to take your time over to get a good finish. But with a bit of patience and attention to detail, your caravan can have beautifully wallpapered walls, whether that’s in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen.

Use Light Colours
If you’ve just read the above bit about wallpapering, it might be too late to recommend you use light colours in your caravan, and you’re already in Homebase buying the busiest jungle-themed wallpaper you can find. On the assumption you are still here, although obviously your own style, personality, and preferences will dictate to a certain extent how you decorate your static caravan, because of the compact nature of caravans, light colours will be better. Light, neutral colours such as white, cream, or pastels will help your static caravan feel bigger and give it a lighter, brighter and airier ambience.

Mirrors
Mirrors aren’t decorating, I hear you say. Oh, yes, they are! Mirrors are essential when making any decor decisions, especially when you’re decorating a small space such as a static caravan. Place mirrors cleverly around your static caravan to utilise the sun coming through the windows and the mirrors will bounce light around your (neutrally coloured) walls, giving the illusion of more space.

Of course, there are many more ways to decorate a static caravan, and there are probably entire books on the subject. However, if you don’t want to spend too much time revamping your van, the tips above will breathe some life into your caravan, making it fresh, light and airy and a joy to stay in whether you live in a static caravan permanently or you spend a few weekends a year in one.

How would you decorate your caravan?

22:30 No comments
 AD – GIFTED | With Mother's Day coming up, many people will be looking for the perfect gift for their mothers, and trying to find the best deals available for them. When it comes to gifting, you don't need to spend hundreds of pounds – it's always the thought that counts. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose your ideal gifts. Sometimes you want to think “outside the box” and decide something other than flowers and chocolates. If you're looking for a more unique gift, listed below are 4 affordable and luxury must-have gifts for Mother's Day to give you some much-needed inspiration.

mothers day

For a real indulgent treat, a nice bottle of red wine could be exactly what you need for Mother's Day – not only does it taste great, but there are also numerous health benefits of red wine. From Independent Wines, I was kindly sent over the Massimago Conte Gastone - an 100% Organic and low-sulphite Amarone wine. This delicious wine has aromas of red cherry, rose, mint and cedar wood – sounds like a perfect combination! The best Amarone wines are famous for their intensely concentrated flavours of red berries and spices, high alcohol and medium to high tannins, and this wine is no exception.

independent wines

If you're looking for some accessories for Mother's Day, why not opt for a simple and dainty piece of jewellery to add to her collection. From Wolf and Zephyr, I picked out the Turquoise Gemstone Necklace*, which I thought would be the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This simple necklace features a real turquoise encased in a delicate crown setting. This beautifully delicate gemstone necklace is the perfect gift with a deep, sentimental, and thoughtful meaning behind it. 

“Known as the “master healer”, Turquoise is one of the oldest protection stones; protecting us from negative influences and promoting an optimistic attitude. Turquoise helps us to see that we are the creators of our own luck.”

Wolf and Zephyr Necklace

For those looking for a more unique gift, or to expand your mother's current fragrance collection, The Perfume Experience Box* might be exactly what you require. This fragrance library offers a new and different way to discover and try a range of different perfumes, suitable for any time and occasion. All Pairfum London fragrances are natural and handmade, enriched with essential oils. As well as this, they are also vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, making them have such a positive impact on the environment.

Inside the tester box, you will receive 12 mini-sized bottles, which are perfect to stick in your handbag – giving you just the right amount of each to ensure you can try to test it enough. Each perfume bottle contains around 100 sprays – which is probably enough for 2 weeks wear. Inside the box, you also receive 50 paper strips to help you sample or share each perfume before you wear it. This will be such a practical gift for Mother's Day, as your mother can try some new scents and hopefully find one that she'll love.

Parfum London Gift box

If you're looking for something for the home, why not consider purchasing some wall art? Art makes a great gift as it can be so special and so personal to the recipient. You can choose pieces based on their preferences, home theme or colour palettes. Depending on your chosen style, there is a wide selection of art posters and prints to select from the Poster Store, that would be perfect for Mother's Day.

Poster Store print

What are your plans for Mother's Day? What gifts will you be purchasing?


11:30 No comments

 AD| With Mother's Day just around the corner, instead of purchasing any gifts, why not opt for refreshing and restyling your Mother's bedroom to create something special? 

Bedrooms can be such easy rooms to update quickly and affordably. Whatever their preferred home decor and interior style, the bedroom ultimately needs to be a calming and soothing setting, closed off from the busy outside world, for you to be able to relax and recharge after a long day. Decorating the bedroom doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming, as there are a number of quick and easy options to help you give the ultimate cosy and refreshing atmosphere. Here are 6 affordable ways to refresh and restyle the bedroom for Mother's Day.

BEDROOM DECOR

New Paint Colour
Paint is typically one of the most affordable ways to give your Mother's bedroom a whole new look for Mother's Day. By simply giving the bedroom walls a fresh coat of paint can instantly make it feel fresher, brighter and cleaner. Depending on your timescale, you can choose to completely give the entire room a refresh, or just touch up a feature wall in your Mother's favourite colour to make a bold statement.

Flowers and Greenery
Is it really Mother's Day if you don't pick up some flowers or plants as a gift? Springtime is the perfect opportunity to pick up some flowers, as at this time of year they are so vibrant and colourful, they are bound to put a smile on anyone's face. Adding plants to the bedroom will not only help add some colour, but they will also make a focal point. Whether you pick a beautiful fresh bunch of flowers to display on the bedside table, or any piece of greenery to place on the windowsill, it's bound to make a statement.

New Bedding Options
For the ultimate bedroom makeover for Mother's Day, why not opt for some new bedding options to make a cosy, comforting and luxurious statement in the bedroom. Whether you want to purchase a new mattress, duvet, blankets or throws, there are so many options to choose from depending on the bed size you have installed at home. Adding new bedding and accessories to the bedroom can completely change the vibe of the bedroom, and is a really simple way to change up the atmosphere.

bedroom decor ideas


Wall Art and Photographs
Wall art, prints, posters and framed photographs are a really special way of injecting some happiness, personality, and colour into the bedroom space. Wall art and photographs are such a special, sentimental gift that can really help relive old memories from the past.

Home Fragrances and Candles
There are so many benefits to using home fragrances in your personal space, you'd be amazed, and the use of candles is the perfect way to create a welcoming and calm atmosphere in the bedroom. Home fragrance options such as reed diffusers are a great option to consider as they are low-cost, long-lasting and typically come in such a variety of scents, there will definitely be something for everyone. For me, I would probably opt for either a calming/relaxing spa-like scent, something sweet and warming, or even a fresh and fruity fragrance to help fill the bedroom with a strong aroma.


When it comes to candles, again, there are so many options. Candles are a long-lasting option when it comes to filling the room with scent, as they typically burn for numerous hours. As well as smelling great, many candles can be used as decorative accessories in the bedroom, making them a great 2 in 1 gift for Mother's Day.

Lighting
The use of lighting in the bedroom is an easy way to help create a calming and relaxing ambiance. A really affordable way of incorporating soft, subtle lighting in the bedroom is an option for some fairy lights. LED fairy lights are a great option as they do not produce increased heat, they are cool to the touch, and are extremely eco-friendly, so there are simply no risks with using, and they are completely safe to have in the bedroom.

What other ways can you refresh and restyle the bedroom for Mother's Day? What are your affordable home decor ideas?

12:00 No comments

AD – GIFTED| Looking for a unique gift idea for your mum this Mother's Day? Why not opt for something a little more personalised and choose from some stunning wall art, posters, or prints to bring a smile to her face. 

mothers day decor

Personalised Gifts for Everyone's Preferences
Art makes a great gift because it can be so personal to the recipient, and there are a wide selection of art styles to select from the Poster Store. You'll definitely be spoilt for choice. In my opinion, nature and botanical themed artwork is the perfect choice for Mother's Day – think scenic landscapes, soft and delicate florals and beautiful photography. If nature isn't your thing, they have other poster categories such as animals, typography, fashion and vintage, to name a few. With the vast selection of different themes & categories for all tastes, and new poster collections released all the time, there is undoubtedly something for everyone.

Mothers Day Poster Store

Bold and Colourful Addition To The Home
By selecting some wall art for your Mother's Day gift, you can help inject some colour into the recipient's home, and it can help change the whole mood and atmosphere of their personal space. If you know they have quite a neutral and minimalist home, by deciding to pick some colourful posters and prints, you can help them add some vibrancy and brightness into their personal space. Or, if they have quite a colourful, vibrant room, you could opt for something more monochrome and bold, to feature as a focal point.

For my Mother's Day gift, I opted for the “Flowers in Pink Poster”. This poster is an up-close photograph of flowers in different shades of pink. This piece has incredible detail, sharp focus and will really make a statement in the home.

Mothers Day Poster Store
 
A Gift That Can Always Be On Show
Prints are the perfect gift for the home, and always make a great addition to the walls in the living room or bedroom. By choosing wall art as your gift, the recipient can display it in their home, and will remember you each time they see it during the day. It will be a long-lasting gift that can be cherished for years and years.

Mothers Day Poster Store

To complete your posters and prints, there are a variety of high quality frames to purchase in different colours and sizes. I opted for the stylish copper frame, as I felt this really compliments the pinks that are used in the floral image, and offers a beautiful contrast to the poster.

The Poster Store offer a wide variety of sizes for all posters, prints, and frames online – from 13×18 to 70×100, allowing you to pick the best pieces for your Mother's Day gifts or for the size space in your home you have to decorate. The online collection of unique prints will help you create the perfect gallery wall, tailor-made for any home. All the posters are printed on sustainably produced high-quality paper, helping to minimise any damage to the environment. 

 Use code: LAURABLOG45 for 45% on all posters (except Selection Posters and frames). Not combinable with other discount campaigns. Valid from 18th of March to 18th of April.

What gifts for Mother's Day will you be purchasing?

14:30 No comments
 GUEST POST| Do you find yourself wanting to write down your feelings, thoughts and anxieties, but you are not sure where to even begin? You are not alone, but journaling prompts can help you build your confidence.

When you live with anxiety, you can have a million and one thoughts monopolising your brain, and it can be incredibly hard and intimidating to think about writing them down and making them real. Journaling can be a valuable practice that can help self-care and support your mental health. Moreover,  journaling can be an effective tool in combatting anxious behaviour because you can only write one thought at a time, so this practice forces you to physically and mentally slow down and work through them one thought at a time. It can also help you to identify patterns in your thoughts, which can help you find ways to cope. Studies have also shown that writing about how a person feels has the potential to ease anxiety in people who have suffered from traumatic events. 

journal book

Journaling has always been incredibly cathartic for me, and it is something that I have loved doing since I was a young girl. Remember that your journal is for your eyes only, so be open and honest. If you want to start journaling, but are unsure where to start, I have compiled a list of 50 journals prompts that work on taking control of these anxieties and help you to focus on loving yourself.

1. What are 3 positive things that happened to you today?
2. How does your job affect your mental health? Do you find that environment an anxiety trigger?
3. What do you love most about yourself?
4. Describe some skills you have, or skills that you would like to develop.
5. What are your anxiety triggers?
6. Why am I feeling… right now?
7. The biggest lessons you have learned from anxiety are…
8. List 10 things that make you happy.
9. What are some obstacles that you have overcome?
10. Who truly loves you for you?
11. What brings you peace and why?
12. Describe one of your biggest accomplishments.
13. Where do you feel safest and why?
14. Write down your most re-occurring negative thoughts and why you feel that they keep repeating.
15. Write 4 positive affirmations that inspire you.

journal

16. Make a list of 3 things that you would like to change about yourself. How do think you can accomplish this?
17. What are 5 moments in your life when you can say you were truly happy?
18. List all the things that you’re worried about right now.
19. What are 4 ways you can calm your anxiety that actually work?
20. List 4 things that scare you the most and the reasons why.
21. Describe a time when you felt fulfilled. What were you doing? What about that moment felt gratifying?
22. What’s a quality you love about yourself?
23. What is something you need to let go of?
24. When was the last time I said no to something? When was the last time you wish you had said not to something?
25. Do you notice signs of your anxiety? If so, what do you feel when you notice them?
26. What are 5 things that you are currently accept about yourself?
27. Do you allow yourself to accept compliments from others?
28. What do you struggle to love most about yourself? What can you do to begin to love that part of yourself?
29. What are you grateful for?
30. What is your biggest dream? What can you do today to start making one of those dreams a reality?

journal

31. What is one thing you can, do today, that will make you feel great?
32. What do you love about your mind?
33. What do you love about your body?
34. How can you support yourself today?
35. Are your worries rational and realistic?
36. Who are you grateful for?
37. How can you let go of some of your negative and anxious energy in your life?
38. What makes you feel alive?
39. What do you think self-love looks and feels like?
40. What is a commitment you can make to yourself that will show you love every day?
41. Have you ever had a chance to meet your brain's off button?
42. How do you know when it is time to let go?
43. On a scale of 1-10, how peaceful are you today?
44. Write a letter to your anxious thoughts….
45. List your coping mechanisms when you are feeling down.
46. What quotes inspire you?
47. What are your important values?
48. Write about a moment in your life when you felt in control.
49. The last time you were worried about something, what helped you to stay calm?
50. Write a letter to someone who contributes to your anxiety.

journal

—Benefits Of Using Journaling-

There are so many benefits to writing in a journal that is not just about taking control of anxiety and improving self-love, including:
  • Reduces stress
  • Improves your memory
  • Improves your concentration
  • Can help you achieve your goals
  • Gives you the opportunity to track your progress and growth
  • Improves your writing and communication skills

These are just a handful of reasons why starting a journal today will improve your life, and your mental and physical health. If you want to start journaling, just start! You don’t have to write anything perfect, inspiring or profound. It is about putting pen to paper and writing what comes without judgments. 

Do you write in a journal? Do you use journal prompts?
17:00 No comments
 AD – GIFTED| The thought of getting married is considered to be one of the “best days of your life”, but it can also be one of the most expensive times too. Saving enough money for your wedding day can take months, even, years to finally have the financial stability to fund your big day. But everything you want for your wedding doesn't have to be extremely expensive, as there are many more affordable options for those on a lower or tighter budget.

Many people opt for more affordable, low-cost ways when planning their weddings for options such as decorations, food and drink, flowers and photo booths. This allows you to be more creative, more money-conscious, and can really help you decide on exactly what you want. Listed below are 7 creative, low-cost ways you can personalize your wedding day.

wedding decor

Send Personalised Save the Date Cards
When it comes to weddings, there’s an awful lot of planning to do, but one aspect of this that may actually be the most exciting and creative part – designing your own Save the Date invitation cards. Sending these out to your friends and family to formally announce that you’ve finally set a date for your big day is extremely exciting. It can also give your guests something to look forwards to and ensure they have enough time to plan their outfits, get the time off from work etc. Creating your own personalised wedding Save the Date Cards allows you to have complete control of the design, by letting you to fully personalize your invitations by choosing your own colour theme, layout, and fonts etc. 

If you're looking to get some inspiration, Aura Print offer a number of printing options for those looking for creative ways to personalise their wedding day. The website offers a wide selection of designs for products such as Save the Date cards, invitations, RSVP cards, as well as wedding sample packs to help you get select which options you like the best and get organised for the big day ahead. Aura Print offers a fast turnaround for deliveries, which is perfect for those who have either forgotten to order something, or those who are extremely last-minute and in a rush. As well as this, the quality of the products you will receive are 10/10. So professional and luxury, without the heavy price tag.

aura print wedding stationary samples

Create DIY Wedding Centrepieces/Name Cards for Tables
Something that might be forgotten when it comes to decorating your wedding venue is table decorations. DIY Wedding decorations can help you save time and save money – you just need to be creative. Table decor ideas such as filling old jars with candles, flowers, rocks, marbles etc, is a simple and effective way to put a finishing touch on your wedding guests tables. You can also design your own name cards and seating plans for your guests, by selecting matching colours, fonts, and designs, that co-ordinate with your decor theme.

Make Your Own Wedding Favours
The traditional idea of distributing small wedding favours to your wedding guests is hundreds of years old, and many couples still make something special to help guests remember your wedding day and why you got married. Putting together your own wedding favours can be a quick and easy task, which can save you money, as well as allowing you to give a small gift as a gesture of appreciation to those who attended. Things such as chocolates and sweets, homemade baked items, thank you notes, wooden plaques and name tags, are all great examples of low-cost wedding favours.


Have Your Guests Create the Music Playlist
Hiring a DJ for your wedding can be extremely expensive, and it can be a hard task to track someone down who plays your favourite styles of music. Why not consider allowing your family and guests to pick songs for your wedding playlist? 
You can simply ask your guests to submit their song requests to a group playlist. Once all the music has then been added, you will end up with a wide selection of music for your wedding day, and you know that all your guests will enjoy what's being played.

Use Fake Flowers for Bouquets
By opting for fake flowers, not only do they last much longer than fresh flowers and are a much more affordable way to create your floral bouquets, but you can probably find them in any colour that you want. You can personally pick exactly what types of flower you like, e.g., roses, tulips, lilies, and as they are fake, you can pick any colour to match your wedding theme and decor. Another benefit of using fake flowers is that they are unlikely to get damaged during transportation to your wedding venue, meaning you can buy them early and store them easily, without any problems. You can also make small bouquets for table decor using fake flowers to add some colour and vibrancy to your guests tables.

Decorate The Wedding Venue Yourself
Instead of looking at hiring an interior decorator for your wedding venue, you can opt for being creative and decorating the venue yourself, with help from friends and family, in a way that suits your personal tastes. This allows you to have 100% creativity as you can decorate however you like – with items such as balloons, lights, signs, banners, photographs etc.

Make Your Own Fun Photo Booth with Props
Finally, no wedding is complete without a photo booth – but these can be costly. Why not set up your own photo booth in a corner of the venue, so yourself and your guests can take photographs to remember your big day. You can simply grab a digital camera or a smartphone and place on a tripod. Make sure to create an area in your venue with a simple backdrop or create your own flower wall. 

To add a fun factor to this, you can put together a collection of props to use, that you may have in your home. Opt for items that might be fun to use – e.g., coloured sunglasses, fancy dress accessories, hats, inflatables, or you can buy things cheaply in pound shops or discount stores.

Are you getting married soon? What other creative ways can you personalise your wedding day?
10:00 No comments
 GUEST POST| The romantics amongst you will undoubtedly say the only reason to get married is luuuuurve, baby. And you’re probably right. After all, getting married without being in love with each other is probably asking for trouble. And when I say ‘probably’, I mean, ‘definitely’.  But there are many reasons to get married other than love. Reasons that aren’t good enough to be the only reason to get married, but reasons that are simply the icing on your wedding cake. 

Some reasons in this article won’t apply to you if you’re already living together – which you probably are, seeing as it’s not 1950 and ‘living over t’brush’ is no longer frowned upon. But if you’re not living together yet, a couple of these reasons might edge you nearer the living together stage of a relationship. 

marriage

You Get A Day Out At A Beautiful Venue
This is possibly a shallow reason to get married, but who doesn’t love a day out at a beautiful venue? You can of course simply have a quickie marriage at a registry office, then go home for a cup of tea and a Rich Tea biscuit in front of Emmerdale if that’s your idea of a perfect day. For those of you who like a bit of pomp and ceremony, though, you’ll need to get married. You could get married at a castle, a safari park, a field full of sunflowers or a beautiful wedding venue in Essex. 

You Automatically Inherit Their Assets
People like to think they get married for love, not money, but inheritance is an important issue. For example, you could live with someone for thirty years but, if you’re not married and something happens to your partner, you’ll receive nothing. There’s been a long-held myth that common-law marriage kicks in after a certain amount of time, but there’s not actually any such thing as common-law marriage in the UK. (You can draw up a cohabitation agreement, but that’s something for another post.) 

What this means is, if you’re not married and one of you dies, the assets will go to the next of kin. Whether that’s a very much-loved parent, a needy niece, or a greedy sibling you haven’t spoken to for decades. However, when you’re married, if one of you dies, the other automatically inherits everything. Yay. 

Someone On Hand To Fix Stuff
Perhaps you don’t need anyone to fix stuff, and can fix a leaky tap or build a fitted wardrobe by yourself perfectly well, thank you very much. If you live on your own though and your DIY skills are lacking, marrying someone who’s good at that kind of thing will save you a fortune. As well as this, it's by far more convenient than waiting in for tradespeople to turn up (or not turn up, as the case may be). Even if you are good at fixing and building stuff, having someone around to help move the furniture out of the way when you’re decorating or putting a new floor down always comes in handy. 

MARRIAGE

It’s Cheaper
Another financial reason, and another reason that won’t apply if you’re already living together, is that it’s cheaper. You may have heard the saying ‘two can live as cheaply as one’ and to a certain extent, it’s true. You’ll save money by sharing the utility bills and, although you’d think feeding two people would cost twice as much as one person, it doesn’t seem to work out like that and your weekly shopping bill will go down.
 
Help With Pets 
I’ve left the best reason until last. Anyone who has ever lived alone with a cat will know what I’m saying here. An extra pair of hands to help get a cat into a basket when it’s time to visit the vet is always welcome. Trying to get a cat in a basket by yourself usually only ends up in tears – yours and the cat’s.  What is also welcome is someone to help out with the feeding, exercising and cleaning up of your pet’s various bodily functions. 

Reasons to get married other than love – As I said at the beginning, getting married purely for reasons other than love is just asking for an unhappy marriage that will probably end in divorce. But there’s nothing wrong with taking other factors into consideration when deciding whether to tie the knot. 

Are you considering getting married in the future?

10:00 No comments
 AD| Streaming concerts have picked up out of necessity over the last couple of years, but there's no reason to fear that live shows are going to be replaced forever. Although you can more easily visit a digital concert, these are the top reasons why viewing these performances in person will always be king.

live stream

The Human Connection of the Crowds
When you're in a huge crowd of people who also enjoy what you do, there's a human connection that you can't get from just a chat room. You get to talk to others, feel a human link in person, sing along with the more popular songs as a group, and enjoy the rush of knowing that you're part of a community in person. Although you can be in a community online, seeing it in person makes it feel more real. Two thousand people in a live stream is nothing, but two thousand people in a stadium singing along together can feel emotionally powerful.

The Audio Quality of Music in Person
When you listen to a live show online, your sound experience is controlled entirely by whatever recording equipment they use and whatever speakers you have at home. This can be very limiting. At live concerts, you get to listen to them sing through fantastic speakers, or sometimes without any audio equipment at all. Although you can find musicians for hire outside of concerts for this experience, getting to see it with your favourite celebrity is unique.

Getting to Be in the Same Room as Stars
There’s nothing as incredible as getting to be in the same room as the stars you love! Even though a concert hall is often massive, you can sometimes get within a few hundred feet of a celebrity, and that can be thrilling. This is especially fun if it's someone whose career you've followed for years! It gives you the chance to see they're a real person putting their all into their career.

live music

The Incredible Adrenaline Live Shows Offer
The average person experiences a sublime rush of adrenaline during a live show. This is why some people cry at concerts, even if they're not sad. You get an intense swelling of emotion, and your chest can feel like your heart is going to beat its way out of your ribcage in excitement. This is something you can also experience through streaming concerts, but it's not as common an experience through a stream as it is in a show.

The Unique Memories This Creates
Streaming can give you the chance to create memories, but none are as unique or interesting as creating memories of a concert in person. You can grab dinner before you go, take your seats, and say that you saw a performer you adore in person! This is unique and incredible beyond any stream.

Streaming is Fine: But Live Concerts Rock
Of course, you can stream if you can't attend concerts right now! It's more than recommended for the average person. Still: it's a good idea to remember the joy of live shows and know that they're not going to leave for good, even if you can't attend one right now.

Do you enjoy live music shows? Who are your favourite bands/artists/musicians?
14:00 No comments
  AD| 2022 has finally arrived! Start your new year the right way by getting your hands on some of these super-useful tech gadgets and accessories. There are so many various gadgets and accessories out there, that can be used for just about anything in your life, it's hard to keep up with new releases and must-have items. 

From fitness accessories, to homeware, to computer and smartphone items, or even gadgets helping you to de-stress and relax, they are all available out there! Below are some of the most necessary, must-have tech gadgets and accessories that you should get your hands on to see you through 2022.

smart watch

- Smartwatches -
Smartwatches are definitely an accessory that everyone will have a use for. They can tell the time, count your daily steps, track your health and sleep habits, and can help you reach your fitness goals. As well as all this, smartwatches are perfect for those wanting to keep up-to-date with their social media notifications messages and phone calls whilst commuting and travelling. 

Most smart watches are available in a variety of styles, sizes and colours, as well as having multiple strap options that’ll be suitable for all ages. If you're looking for some luxury Apple Watch straps, I'd highly recommend browsing online at The Watch Strap Co - who offer an amazing range of watch straps, my favourite would certainly be the black leather watch straps. A leather watch strap is simply sophisticated, timeless and prestigious. It can help make your smartwatch that bit more luxurious, and make it feel like a more high-quality, high-end timepiece. But if leather isn't your preference, they also offer other materials from woven to stainless steel to silicon and many more, the options are endless!

- Massage Guns -
2021 was the year I was first introduced to massage guns, specifically the Actigun. Massage guns are a recent innovation made to help muscle recovery, injury prevention, joint stiffness, increase blood flow throughout the body and improve your flexibility/range of motion. Massage guns are also a unique gadget to own ad only you're in charge on the amount of pressure and time you use to pinpoint on any tense areas of your body. 

- Amazon Kindle -
If you're an avid bookworm, or just someone who wants to take reading up as a hobby for your New Year's resolutions, picking up an Amazon Kindle could be extremely worth it. A Kindle reader can store an insane amount of books offline, we're talking thousands! - making it an incredible solution for those wanting to read on-the-go, or taking with them whilst travelling on long flights or switching off on holiday whilst relaxing by the pool. The Amazon Kindle is also incredibly lightweight, small and fits into even the smallest of bags - no more carrying around those heavy books!

ipad

- iPads -
Apple's iPads are probably the most popular tablet in the entire world and there's definitely good reason for that - they can do just about anything and can be used by anyone of any age! Whether you're studying, taking photos/videos, watching videos, playing games, browsing the internet or keeping in touch with relatives, the iPad has it all from the touch of a button, and that's what makes it so fast, so reliable and so accessible. iPads are also incredibly lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry with you day-to-day - much more compact than your regular laptop, so they can be useful for taking to school, to university, to work, or even to be used on your daily commute on public transport or a visit to a local coffee shop.

- Bluetooth Speakers -
A Bluetooth speaker is probably one of the most versatile types of speaker that you can own, and the benefits of owning a one of these speakers are endless. One of the main benefits of these is that you can connect any to device via Bluetooth, whether it be your laptop, phone or tablet, and what's more useful, you don't need an internet connection for use. Plus, you don't need to use them just for music, they can also be used during work conference calls or even personal phone calls.

- AirPods -
Is there anything worse than reaching into your coat pocket or cluttered handbag, in search for your headphones, and finding them in a complete mess? This is why you need to get yourself a pair of wireless earphones to avoid all the stress. Products such as Apple AirPods, are an extraordinary, hands-free, technology gadget, perfect for those who are always on the go. Whether you're travelling, exercising, or just catching up with your friends on the phone, they are definitely a must-have accessory you need to invest in.

Do you already own any of these products? What are your must-have gadgets and accessories for 2022

10:00 No comments

 Completed all your last minute Christmas shopping? Need some inspiration for low-cost gift wrap ideas? Look no further!

Christmas present shopping is expensive enough - there is simply no need to spend a lot of money on your gift wrap ideas either as there is so many low-cost and affordable options out there - you just need to be imaginative and creative. Most wrapping papers will get binned or recycled as soon as the Christmas gifts are exchanged and opened, so realistically, you don't want to be spending loads of money on fancy wrapping paper, gift bags or decorative accessories. Let's take a look at 5 last minute, low cost gift wrap ideas for Christmas presents that will look amazing and won't break the bank!

christmas gift wrap ideas

1. Gift Bags
Gift bags are the ultimate lazy option when it comes to wrapping presents, but they can also be extremely affordable. They are also the perfect choice of gift wrap for larger items, or items with irregular shapes that may be difficult to wrap in wrapping paper. Using gift bags is also extremely useful when you are carrying/transporting your gifts. Whether you're going to a friend or relatives house, or they are coming to you, the recipient of the gift has a pre-made bag to take their present home in. Reusing and recycling your gift bags is good for the environment and a sustainable way of gift wrapping your gifts.

2. Brown Paper and String
Brown paper is a very simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional-styled wrapping paper. You can pick up rolls of brown paper very cheaply from a number of shops and supermarkets, making it a great substitute that is widely available for purchase. It's also a great choice for those would want to be more eco-friendly, as brown paper is recyclable and reusable. Once your gifts are wrapped, brown paper tied up with string is such a simple, cute and effective way to decorative your loved ones gifts. This low-cost gift wrap idea is very traditional, can make your gift stand out, and makes it look like you took a long time to wrap your gifts - when it reality, it didn't!

christmas gift wrap ideas

3. Ribbons and Bows
To add some extra decoration, extra sparkle and to give your wrapped presents that extra little something special, using ribbons and bows can take your gifts from 0 to 100 in no time at all! A nice ribbon or bow simply adds a nice touch to a finished package. It also can help you when attaching a gift tag or card to your Christmas gift, which helps you remember who's gift is who's.

4. Decorative Christmas Accessories
For those who really want to make their Christmas gifts stand out and look spectacular, adding some decorative Christmas accessories is the way to go. If you've decorated your gifts with ribbon or string, this will be an easy way to incorporate some additional decorative accessories to your gift. I'm thinking candy canes, pine cones, fake plants and greenery, and even some small wooden ornaments.

5. Homemade Wrapping Paper
For those of you who like to be creative, have artistic talents, or even have a little spare time on your hands, making your own homemade Christmas wrapping paper is a great way to make your gifts more personalised and more special. This would also be a great festive activity for those with young children in the house at Christmas time. All you need is a few rolls of paper and some arts/crafts materials, and you're good to go! Some of my favourite homemade wrapping paper design ideas include;
- Using stencils and stamps
- Painting on Christmas shapes and patterns
- Calligraphy and Typography designs

These affordable, simple and easy Christmas gift wrapping ideas will help you save money on gift wrap, and you will be wow-ing all your friends and family members with your creative and imaginative designs.

How do you wrap your Christmas presents? What low cost gift wrap ideas do you have?

10:00 No comments
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