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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD| Is it just me, or do we seem to spend so much time during the winter dreaming of summer? Summer is 100% the perfect time of year to really relax and indulge in what you really love doing in the garden whether that be gardening, cooking, playing games, outdoor arts & crafts, or even sunbathing on those really warm summer days.

 Especially as the garden really becomes an extension of our homes during the summer, and we spend many hours soaking up the sun outside. It's definitely important to make sure your garden looks well looked after, and the best part about it is that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to have a successful transformation. 

So ultimately, it’s really worth taking some time now to tidy up and prepare for the summer months and here's a few tips to get you started on how to get your garden summer ready!

cute summer garden furniture

First things first, get the lawn mower plugged in and get grass cutting, as this is the first essential job in transforming your garden, especially after a cold winter where it's been left untouched. Mowing is the key to a healthy, fresh lawn, and can help keep your garden looking neat and tidy, as well as keeping out any weeds. Plus, it just makes your garden feel more welcoming and attractive, that you'll be wanting admire it more and spend the summer months in it! An alternative to this is investing in ready to go turf. Turf products are designed to replicate the look and feel of natural grass, all while offering superior durability and minimal maintenance. If this is something you want to consider, why not take a look at Dallas Turf Company.

Now, is it really summer if you don't have the barbecue out at least once a week? Barbecues in the summer are just the ultimate chilled out, culinary experience, and a great way to enjoy great food, great company, as well as great weather. For me, barbecues are a great time to experiment with new ingredients, recipes and marinades. From grilled meats, vegetables and kebabs, to burgers and hot dogs, as well as side salads and pastas, there's so much choice with what to cook, you'll definitely be spoilt for choice! 

During the summer months, we spend a lot of time outdoors, so it's definitely important to have some comfortable furniture at the ready, and easily accessible for when the weather starts to pick up and get warmer. Garden furniture can really help transform your garden, and can make you feel like you're living the dream in some idyllic beach resort, when in reality, it's just from the comfort of your back garden. With the addition of some luxury rattan furniture, you can bring that stunning vacation spot a little closer to home whilst relaxing in style. 

Another quick way to transform your garden is including flowers to bring some vibrancy and colour to your outdoor area. As well as this, they help to make your garden space, however big or small, feel welcoming and they can also help you to feel calm and relaxed, plus they are extremely pretty to look at.

Finally, to give you that real vacation feel, inflatable swimming pools are just a must have! Inflatable pools are the best way to cool off in your garden and enjoy some much needed family fun during the summer. They give you that pool side/beach feeling from the comfort of your garden, without the travelling and the expensive holiday price tag.

What ways will you transform your garden for the upcoming summer months?
10:00 No comments
AD| As a business owner, no matter how big or small, it is crucial to effectively manage your finances to ensure the business remains stable and successful. This requires an education; you will need accounting skills, like how to apply for a loan or how to draft a financial statement. Make sure you’re clued up on all of the finance related terminology, like VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, etc. Important financial decisions will need to be made even before you launch your business and extra resources might be necessary. 

All limited companies are required by law to have a separate business account. Sole traders don’t have to, but it might save you some finance related headaches in the future to have a unique bank account specifically for your business. It’s probably worth investing in some sort of accounting software. Even if you’re running something completely unique, like a farm, there is farm accounting software that can help you keep things in order. Often, this type of software is used in conjunction with a professional accountant to keep on top of your financial obligations on an ongoing basis, like submitting tax returns.  

laptop and finances
 
Keep an eye on your cashflow at all times. You can do so by creating a cashflow statement and forecast. Your accounting software should contain functionality that allows you to download a cashflow report, but if not, they’re not too difficult to make yourself. These statements essentially show how much money is coming in and going out of your business over a particular period, allowing you to ensure there is enough cash to operate your business effectively. You may need to take out a loan at some point. This can be scary, but it will be worth it because it will allow you to buy the equipment you need and hire staff to help you get your business of the ground.  
 
Don’t forget to pay yourself. It can be easy to get carried away and invest any extra capital back into the business to ensure it continually grows. Seeking out opportunities for growth is crucial and you should certainly keep some money aside for this, however, you play an important role in your company and should therefore be compensated accordingly.  
 
As a business owner, one thing you should definitely start doing is planning ahead. There will always be random, unforeseen issues, so it’s crucial to keep your finances in order so that these issues can be dealt with, with limited repercussions. You could even create a “rainy day fund”, savings that mean you don’t have to rely on things like credit cards or overdrafts to cover unexpected fees. 

Ultimately, managing your finances should not be an afterthought, especially if you want to survive long-term.  
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AD| Staying connected with others is extremely important, especially during the current times of living during a global pandemic, not only for maintenance/growth of your relationships/friendships, but also for your mental health and wellbeing. Trying to stay in touch can be quite difficult during the current lockdown, but technology is saving us and we are able to get online and try to maintain a normal lifestyle.

 Hosting a virtual date during lockdown is one way of staying connected with significant people in your life. It allows us to interact on a more personal level and is a way of having fun things to do together that can help you to keep your close relationships, without being together. 

lockdown virtual dating

Long distance/being way from a partner, friends or new potential love interest can be a hard, but you can also make it an easier and more fun experience by coming up with cute and creative virtual date ideas. So whether you're dating in your local area, London dating, Hampshire dating, or anywhere else in the UK, or even if you just want to share these ideas with your close friends, these date ideas can help you stay connected and together during the current lockdown.

1. Movie Nights - The first virtual date idea is to watch the same film at the same time. This can feel like you're together but you're not. You can experience the same thoughts/feelings whilst watching, and you can even share the same snacks to make it feel more real. You could also make it really cosy in your homes, some fairy lights and chunky blankets would be perfect! This type of date can be done at anytime of the day, plus you can both choose your favourite genre of film, so it's a perfect online date to see you through lockdown. 

2. At Home Date Nights - Another creative virtual date idea would be to have a dinner and drinks night from the comfort of your own homes. For this, you cook together, order the same takeaway or even order food for each other all via facetime/video calling. If this is something you do every so often, you could even get glammed up and make the date night super special and as normal as it can be whilst still in lockdown.

3. Take Up New Hobbies - From learning new skills to flexing your creative talents, using your time in lockdown to engage in your hobbies can be great for your mental health. Sharing hobbies like painting, drawing, and reading for example, can be extremely calming and relaxing during such uncertain times with lockdown. It's also a great way to explore and enjoy different activities that you may have not tried before or simply just didn't have no times for in your normal daily routine.

4. Play Games Online - To add some excitement into the long lockdown days, playing games online can be a really fun way of killing some time. Especially if you're really competitive, you could make this a regular thing in your weekly schedule and play for prizes or treats, just to keep things fun and uplifting during quite a tough time for everyone.

5. Netflix - Now, would it really be lockdown if you aren't binge watching some new shows or series? Why not share this viewing time with someone else, and watch the same shows together. This will also give you a chance to talk in depth about what you're watching and allow you to see what the other persons likes watching. You never know, you might find something you wouldn't usually choose to watch, and really enjoy it!

What ways have you been staying connected during lockdown?
10:00 2 comments
With my first recipe post of 2021, I wanted to start focusing on sharing some of my favourite, "healthier" recipes to help inspire those looking to try out new things. With the start of the new year, many of us are looking to change our lifestyle habits, change our diets and improve the way we eat. Rather than making drastic changes to our diets, smaller and more maintainable adjustments can be better overall, as we are more likely to stick to them and they are a more sustainable way of living. Something I'd like to focus more on in 2021 is creating new recipes and using new ingredients in order to branch out my culinary skills and to try new foods. 

Luckily for me, I'm not very fussy when it comes to trying new things and there isn't many foods that I actually don't like, so it's extremely easy for me to find a new recipe and follow it. But for this post, I wanted to share a favourite of mine for when you're lacking inspiration and want to make something super quick, doesn't require many ingredients and is pretty tasty too! 

For me, avocado toast is a great alternative snack for when you're in a hurry or struggling for new ideas come breakfast or lunch time. If you need your meal ready in under 10 minutes, this is your go-to recipe for sure! There's so many options for additional toppings, you'll be spoilt for choice. Sometimes I like to have it plain as shown in this recipe post, other times I can enjoy it with smoked salmon and boiled eggs, with chargrilled vegetables and balsamic glaze, but you can make it over and over again, and the recipe will never always have to be the same. If you're looking for a super quick and easy healthy snack option, look no further. Bursting with flavour, give this lightly spiced and super garlicky Avocado And Feta Toast a try and tell me what you think!

Avocado & Feta Toast Recipe

Prep time: 8 minutes               Cooking time: 2 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes                                   Serves: 1


Ingredients:
2 medium slices of bread
1 ripe avocado
dried chilli flakes
garlic granules
salt
black pepper
lemon juice
2 tbsp feta cheese
Olive Oil
Optional extras - smoked salmon, eggs, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives or chargrilled peppers

Avocado & Feta Toast Recipe

Method:
1. Cut your avocado in half and add into a small bowl. With a fork, slowly start to break the avocado down.
2. Sprinkle over the garlic granules, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon juice and mash until chunky.
You can also add a splash of oil olive too if you prefer it creamier.
3. Place your slices of bread in the toaster, cook until golden brown.
4. When toast is ready, spread avocado mixture over each slice. Add your optional extras here. 
5. Top your toasts with crumbled feta cheese.
Add a drizzle of Olive Oil, and an extra sprinkling of chilli flakes for that extra kick!

Avocado & Feta Toast Recipe

Enjoy your Avocado And Feta Toast!

What are you current go-to breakfast and lunch recipes?
10:00 1 comments
Until 2020, many of us had not even have heard of the term 'furlough' before - but due to the coronavirus pandemic, many individuals have had to stop going to work and stay home for the foreseeable future. Being placed on furlough may come as quite a shock, a lifestyle change bringing with it many anxieties and uncertainties about your future, but you shouldn't let that worry you and try to make the most out of your time out of work. 

Everyone will definitely use this time off for different reasons, some choose to better themselves and learn new skills, some may take up some new hobbies or even just a time to have a total reset and switch off from work life. Whatever you choose to do shouldn't be an issue, and you shouldn't feel like you need to do better in life, as living during the current pandemic is hard enough. But here is a small list of 7 things you can do to feel productive, less stressed and motivated during your furlough period.

Cosy Bedroom Interior

1. Reach Out To Friends and Family
Speaking to others during this time is the best way to share your current feelings and thoughts, as the majority of the people around you are all in the same boat. Even if your friends/family aren't furloughed, we are all living under lockdown rules and regulations, so during these uncertain times talking with your loved ones may help calm your anxieties and help with any mental health issues you may currently be dealing. Texting, calling, facetimes or a 2020 favourite of a zoom call can help ease loneliness and isolation fears, ensuring you have some social contact, even if it is virtually online, will make you feel a lot better and will also kill some time during your time off. You never know, by reaching out to someone could be the highlight of their day and just what they needed to lift their spirits.

2. Pick Up/Start New Hobbies
Use your furlough time to fall back in love with a hobby of yours that you simply didn't have time for whilst working, or even start something new to fill the hours in your time off. This is the perfect opportunity to use your furlough period wisely and take some time out of your normal daily routine to enjoy something that you love or something you want to get into. Whether it's arts and crafts, sports, cooking or learning a new language, the opportunities are endless!

3. Declutter
We’re all stuck at home in lockdown, so now is the time to do that spring clean that you’ve been putting off for months and get rid of any clutter/rubbish that's currently in your home. The quote "tidy house, tidy mind" is very relevant here and a phrase we all know, but having a tidy living/working environment can really help channel some positivity into your daily life during these uncertain times.

4. Exercise
Exercise is super important for your overall wellbeing but also your mood and mental health. It can also help you to destress, feel less anxious, tone up and lose weight. There's so many different types of exercise you can do, and especially with the lockdown rules, going out for daily walks or working out from home has become extremely popular. Another thing you may consider looking into is browsing YouTube and finding a whole variety of workout videos and routines, suitable for all ages and abilities.

5. Learn To Cook/Bake New Things
Spending more time at home means you have additional time for things like cooking and baking. I know during my time off, I've loved experimenting with different ingredients and recipes, to help expand my culinary skills. Even if you're not so great in the kitchen, being on furlough will allow you to spend time on learning to cook, trying new foods and recipes, and just giving you that time to boost your cooking skills. Cooking something can give you something to look forward to, and gives you that sense of achievement when it turns out great. The internet is full of delicious recipes, I tend to browse the BBC Good Food sight when in need of inspiration, so if there's a particular dish or cuisine that you would like to make for yourself, the time is now!

6. Make Time For Self Care
Many of us were already feeling isolated and struggling with the lockdown, but being furloughed might have taken it to another level and cause many worries for lots of people. But it's definitely important that this doesn't affect your health and mind too much. Practising self care is definitely an essential at the moment, and even the little things can help to improve, refresh and re-focus your body/mind. I recently wrote a post about lockdown beauty hacks that may be worth a read if you're looking for something new to try during the current lockdown. Similar to this, I've also written a lot of content about pamper nights and products I would recommend when you're in the need for some relaxation.

7. Online Courses
Have you ever wanted to learn something new or improve your life/career prospects? Taking up an online course is a great way to use your furlough time productively, it allows you to study from home, helps you learn something new, and can be a beneficial addition to your CV. There are so many courses out there that I'm sure there will be one suitable for everyone. Many website also offer incredible discounts at the moment, or even some free qualifications which is perfect for those on a reduced furlough wage.

What things have you been getting up to on furlough?
10:00 3 comments

AD| Have you ever thought and dreamt about how your dream home would look? I know I certainly have. I've always been one to browse online homeware stores or look at Pinterest boards, and fall in love with so many things that I would love in my dream home. And I've thought to myself that the first step in making your dream home a reality is making a plan and figuring out exactly what it is that you want.

Dream Home Kitchen

One feature of my dream home would definitely be a large kitchen and dining space. I enjoy cooking and having friends/family around, so having a spacious kitchen is something I would have to have. My dream kitchen would have a very modern and minimalist feel, whilst have plenty of storage space and a large kitchen island. The kitchen/dining area would be a large focal point of the house, and would be one of the areas that would be used for cooking, eating and entertaining guests. In terms of flooring options, I would consider using a real wood floor that will enhance the feel and value of an open-plan area of my home. Engineered Wood Flooring is a most popular wood flooring options due to its long-lasting nature, moisture resistant, and its quality finish.

Another feature I intend of having in my dream home would be a cosy conservatory. Building a conservatory is a great way to add extra space, as well as extra value to your home. This space in the house would provide some much-needed piece and quiet, as well as a place within your home where you can completely relax. As conservatories are primarily made of glass, they are a great for producing natural lighting and a way of enjoying a bright room from all angles. They can also be made super welcoming and cosy during the darker nights, adding some fairy lights, warm blankets and comfortable sofas. When designing and planning your conservatory layout, it's important to work out what materials you'll need. Heat soaked glass can be used for a number of applications, and could be perfect to use in conservatories where you'll need additional strength glass to help combat extreme weather conditions, as well as potential break-ins.

One selling point of any home would be a spacious garden. Large gardens, especially during the warmer summer months of the year, are just absolute goals. Some features that would be involved in my garden makeover plans would include a patio area with seating that's perfect for barbecues, a well-kept grass area with plenty of flowers, maybe even a hot tub too! I would really love it to be super simple and maintainable, yet still colourful and vibrant all year round.

Finally, a cinema room in the house would just be the ultimate dream. This space in the house would just be the perfect chill-out zone from when you want to relax and unwind. I'd definitely keep this room quite simple, but I would definitely love a darker coloured room, preferably navy, and some gorgeous panelled walls. I think this could be super stylish yet minimal. Not forgetting to make sure to have a super comfortable sofa, some ambient lighting and not forgetting a drinks/snack bar for when you get hungry mid-film! 

What features would you plan for your dream home?

10:00 No comments

Stuck at home? Me too! We're back in lockdown again, but that shouldn't stop you from taking time out of your day and do some things to help pamper and look after yourself. Self care is a must have and extremely valuable in this current climate of a global pandemic, and is definitely something to incorporate into your daily routine. Feeling isolated can really get you feeling low, unmotivated and start making you feel a little unhappy, but doing something to make you feel better, no matter how big or small, can really boost your mood and cheer you up during these uncertain times. 

Here are 5 lockdown beauty hacks that I've been adding into my day to day life and are 5 things I recommend you do to!
  
at home pamper essentials

Since we're all staying at home, one thing that is super important is letting your skin breathe. None of us are really wearing any/much make up and this gives us the opportunity to focus on our skincare goals and make some sort of routine. For me, I've made sure to really try and stick to a skincare routine, cleansing properly, exfoliating my skin and weekly face masks to keep my skin glowing throughout the colder months.

A goal of mine in 2021 is to take much better care of my hair, keep it in healthy condition, and ultimately attempt to grow it longer. Throughout the previous lockdowns, weekly hair masks have been a thing, and will continue making an appearance into my haircare routine, in a bid to keep my hair healthy, soft and shiny, even during this extreme cold weather. During the winter months, coconut oil has become my best friend. I like to use this as an overnight treatment, massaging the oil from root to tip, in order to deeply condition and nourish my hair, and simply rinse out in the morning.

Coronavirus and lockdown has us washing our hands countless times a day followed up by hand sanitiser gel, walking outdoors to get our daily exercise, but all this will definitely take a toll on your hands and fee. It's super important to take care of them also! Moisturising hand creams and cuticle oils are the perfect combination to keep your hands looking and feeling nourished. And for the feet, I've been opting for moisturising foot masks and luxurious lotions to keep my feet soft and smooth.

Another lockdown beauty hack I've been using is skin dermaplaning. This is something that I've been doing every 3-4 weeks to improve the appearance and texture of my skin. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that removes peach fuzz and dead skin with the tiny scrape of a scalpel. I like to make sure my skin is well moisturised before treatment to help the blade glide over my face, without causing any injury. For this, I simply use a hydrating facial oil to keep my skin lubricated throughout. I picked up my dermaplaning tools from Amazon, and have noticed a big change in health of my skin. From the very first use, my skin was definitely softer and smoother, more radiant and glowy.

Finally, body care. Body exfoliation and moisturising can be quite the chore, but with a lot more time on our hands during lockdown, it's definitely something we should consider to help lift our spirits during these times. A simple beauty hack of regular exfoliation increases the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start. There are so many benefits from a couple minutes scrubbing in the shower, and of course you'll be left with the silkiest, softest skin possible! Followed up by your favourite body moisturiser or lotion, and you're good to go!

What lockdown beauty hacks are you using? Will you be adding any of the beauty hacks mentioned above into your daily routine?

10:00 1 comments

If you've not heard of Estrid then I don't know where you've been hiding. It's the sustainable razor subscription service that EVERYONE'S been talking about, and I just had to give it a try. After reading a whole load of amazing reviews, I decided I needed to see that all the fuss was about. I wanted to see why Estrid was so popular and why everyone was raving about the subscription service. 

No fuss! No cuts! No more bad shave days? You got it!

Vegan Razor Subscription Estrid

"Hair removal should be optional. Great hair removal shouldn’t. That’s why we’ve created Estrid." 

First of all, the Estrid razor is pretty sharp. Featuring 5 blades for a closer, smoother finish. From the very first use, I was super impressed and my legs had never felt softer. The blade itself features a completely vegan moisturising panel, encased in Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera & Shea Butter, helping to avoid any shaving rashes or bumps too. I found that the cartridge was super easy to clean, and any hair that was removed didn't get stuck within the blades like it can with some disposable razors. The steel handle is made to such a high quality without the expensive price tag. It feels heavy in your hand, and makes me feel as though I have greater control over my shaving and the direction of movement from the razor. No cuts, no scratches and definitely no razor burns.

Vegan Razor Subscription Estrid

In terms of cost, the pricing for the first subscription is super affordable. The £7.95 starter kit includes; 1 steel handle, 1 wall holder and 2 razor head cartridges. Then by continuing with the subscription, you'll get sent four replacement cartridges for £9.95 in the post as often as you want. No strings attached - cancel anytime! This is the perfect razor service as I'm so forgetful, and never seem to purchase new razors when I need to, so the fact they come direct to my door is game-changing!

Vegan Razor Subscription Estrid

"Every purchase makes a difference. Estrid feels different and makes a difference, too. For every purchase you make, we donate a portion to Kvinna till Kvinna, Medica Mondiale, or the Fawcett Society, all of which work to support women and gender equality around the world."

Have you tried Estrid yet?

10:00 No comments
AD| New Year? New Me? It’s that time of year again. How many times have you heard that phrase being thrown around when New Years Resolutions are made. Many people hope to make a change in their diet and exercise habits but find it incredibly hard to get started and maintain over a long term period. 

However, with these 10 top tips, you're bound to kickstart your lifestyle change in 2021!

Workout Exercise Tips

1. Trainers
For me, a good, durable and comfortable pair of trainers is a definite must have for anyone who is looking to get into exercise and beginning any fitness workouts. Investing in quality footwear can help you to prevent injuries, mainly foot and ankle damage, and make your workout a more pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable experience. Whether you're going for long walks, jogs or runs, it's super important to make sure you have correct fitting and supportive footwear. My personal favourites are Nike and Adidas!

2. A Sports Bra
As a women, having a comfortable, supportive and well fitting sports bra is a must for any physical activity as continuous movements can result in soreness, pain and sagging of the breasts. In general, your sports bra should feel slightly tighter than your regular bra, however, you should still be able to breathe deeply and comfortably. They also come in a range of styles and types of support, depending on the amount of impact your workout requires.

3. Tracksuit Bottoms/Leggings/Shorts
You want something that is going to be comfortable, practical and suitable for your desired exercise or workout. You don't want something that is too tight and restrictive, as this can stop you from performing well, as well as making you feel uncomfortable and isolated. Tracksuit bottoms or leggings are my preference! They are super comfortable and warm, and perfect for day to day wear and perfect for any weather type.

4. Yoga Mat
A yoga mat can probably be the most beneficial for those doing floor exercises or stretching. It's also great to help increase flexibility and keep your body relaxed. For many people, pressing their bodies onto the bare ground or floor can be painful and sore, especially on the palms, knees, elbows, and vertebrae of the back. The yoga mat offers some light support and cushioning which can help avoid any injury.

5. Water Bottle
A water bottle is another must have item. Whilst exercising, you are constantly losing water from your body, through breathing and sweating, so it's important that you keep hydrated and keep up your fluid intake. There's such a variety of amazing bottles out there, where you can track exactly what you're drinking, or even infusing your drinks with some delicious fruits.

6. Baggy T Shirts/Vests
Whilst working out, you don't want clothing that feels tight and uncomfortable - this just makes you feel slightly insecure and makes you lack confidence, especially if you are wanting to lose some weight. Choosing loose fitting tops is perfect for exercise, they aren't too tight, breathable and for me, I think they are perfect attire for a workout.

7. Routine/Schedule
Creating a workout schedule or routine is a great way to begin getting fit and healthy. By sticking to your schedule, this gives you something to stick to, be committed to and doesn't allow you to "cheat". Even if you choose to go running once a week or exercise at home everyday, sticking to this will boost your confidence and give you that encouragement you need to stick to your routine. However, you need to listen to your body and if you don't feel like working out, you're feeling tired or just lacking motivation, use this time to relax and reflect on how you can achieve more!

8. Music Playlist
Having an upbeat, motivational music playlist helps to your keep focused and keep your mind on your exercise. Music can also help you to enjoy exercise a lot more and also make it fun! Along with a music playlist, you need a good set of headphones to keep those tunes playing and keeping you on track for your workout. Similarly, it's super important to keep your ears healthy and make sure you don't suffer any hearing issues through life, so it's important to have regular check ups just in case. 

9. A Notepad/Diary
Keeping a fitness diary/log is a great way to record your progress and see how far you've come! You can also use this to set your fitness goals and targets, and give yourself deadlines for this. It's also a great way to record your weight loss, your exercise routine or even how far your running/swimming/cycling each week! You'll be able to see how you're improving and progressing, to get to the place you want to be at the end!

10. Hairbands and Clips
A must have essential! Whilst exercising, the last thing you want is your hair flying in your face, getting in the way, getting sweaty and just annoying. Hairbands and clips are just needed to keep your hair back and out of your face.

What are your fitness essentials? Do you use any of these? Will you take any of these on board and include them in your 2021 workouts?
10:00 No comments

AD| Can you imagine a world where you don’t need to stress about money? You know there is enough to cover your bills, and if an emergency was to crop up, you have savings to tackle it. As well as being able to live the lifestyle that you want? If you make the effort to become financially stable, you will be able to do just that. Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do to achieve it: 

financial business

Make Sure Finances Are Personal 

It essential to make your finances personal to you, and this doesn’t mean avoiding talking about them. To make your finances personal, you just need to stop concerning yourself with others and making a comparison. Focus on your own situation rather than concerning yourself with another financial situation. 


This is one of the most vital parts that will help you achieve the financial stability you’re after. We are all guilty of comparing ourselves to others, but it’s important to concentrate on your finances alone. Try not to concern yourself with the new car your neighbour has bought, or the holiday your sister is going on, chances are you have other things to spend your money on. Maybe you are looking for a house for sale and you need to save for your deposit, or you are paying off your debts to become debt-free. 


Make a Budget

Budgeting is likely something that you have heard before. And they aren’t as bad as they actually sound. It should be used as a tool not as something to restrict you or make you unhappy. It’s definitely the best way to manage your money and ensure things get paid when they need to be. There are always essentials that need to pay, so make a plan to do this on time every month. If you find that you are overspending on your essentials, you need to look for ways to increase your income or reduce your spending. However, the problem usually lies with other spending when it comes to failing on a budget. When you have a budget, you can also identify where you may be able to save money for a good financial future. 


Always Live Below Your Means

This is again, something that you have probably have heard before. You most definitely heard about people living to their means and then struggling to afford luxuries or extras. You should make sure you make a budget and create a living expenditure that is below your means instead of spending right to the mark. If you live below your means, you can almost guarantee that you are covered if you need to tackle any emergency, or if you want to save. 


Build an Emergency Fund

As well as thinking about your future such as retirement or paying off your debts, you should also make sure you build an emergency fund. Having an emergency fund is your way of protecting yourself against anything unexpected. You never know when something bad might happen, losing a job with a regular salary can really hinder someone financial security if they have no emergency fund. 


Pay Off Your Debt 

If you have any debt, it will likely stand in the way of you having financial security. Once you are aware of how much you are able to comfortably spend, using your budgeting, and when you have built an emergency fund, you can focus on getting rid of any debt. You should pay credit cards and other high-interest debts first, it’s best to avoid any future debt on these while you are trying to clear them. Bear in mind that if you have signed a contract for a term, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t pay it off sooner. If you want to keep on top of the debts that you have, it best to track your credit score. You can do this for free, and doing it can you the best chance of getting straight with your finances. 


Financial security is where you will have the freedom to live a life where you don’t need to worry about how you will pay the next bill that comes your way. For some people, this may seem like an unachievable dream but it is something that everyone is capable of achieving. 


These tips should help you on your way to becoming financially secure, just remember it does take a little effort but once you are in the swing of it it will become second nature.


Do you have any other tips that you are using to help you get you there? 

10:00 No comments

AD| It’s that time of year when people vow to be more active and dust off their gym gear in a bid to work off the indulgences of the festive season. Exercise is one of the best remedies for improved physical and mental health. If you’re embarking upon a new fitness regime, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results. 

workout routine


Set realistic targets

Setting targets is an excellent way to increase motivation, but it’s essential to establish goals that are achievable. If you’re a beginner, and you’ve never trained before, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to run a marathon in a month’s time. Set goals that are relevant to your aims and consider your fitness level. If the end goal is to run 26.2 miles, break it down and start by ticking off a 5km run, followed by a 10km route and a half marathon. Celebrate each milestone and be ambitious. As you build your fitness and stamina, you can modify your goals. 


Eat well

When you increase your activity levels, and you’re pushing hard in training sessions, it’s crucial to ensure your body has sufficient fuel and that you’re eating the right foods. Focus on good nutrition and make sure your diet is balanced. You may need to increase your calorie intake if you’re burning a lot of calories and you want to maintain your weight or gain weight. If you want to lose weight, reducing your calorie intake in a controlled manner can help you drop pounds in a safe way. Training puts a strain on your body, and it’s beneficial to allow time for rest and to aid recovery. If you’re thinking of taking supplements, such as hyperade supplement, ask your doctor or a personal trainer for advice before changing your diet. As well as embracing healthy eating, it’s also critical to stay hydrated. If you lose fluids through sweating, you’ll need to replace them. Carry a bottle of water with you and aim to consume at least 2 litres per day. 


healthy avocado spinach toast


Introduce competition

Humans are naturally competitive, and many of us lift performance levels when there are competitors around. If you want to push yourself, introducing some friendly competition is a great idea. You can do this by joining exercise classes or group training sessions or getting involved in virtual races or competitions. You can also work out with a buddy. This will help you get the best out of the session, and it may also be more fun. 


Make training enjoyable

Many people will roll their eyes when they hear others talking about going to the gym or going for a run. If you’re sceptical about the fun factor, and exercise has always been a chore, it’s an excellent idea to vary your workouts, try new activities, work out in different places and get friends and family involved. 


cycling


If the start of a brand new year has inspired you to get fit, it’s natural to want to see results. To get the best out of your workouts, set achievable targets, eat well, stay hydrated, make training fun and unleash your competitive side.

13:14 No comments

 Happy New Year!

2020 may not have been the year we had hoped for and it is definitely one we wont forget. This year seemed to be full of negativity and uncertain times, with Coronavirus, multiple lockdowns, working from home and staying indoors, it's definitely been a rollercoaster year. But one positive for me was managing to continuously work on improving my finances and working towards a savings goal which I'm extremely happy and proud about. I'm hoping that this will continue in 2021, in an attempt to reach an ever bigger goal of mine financially, and here's 6 ways I'm going to use to help me with my targets and get on top of my finances.

money and finance

1. Savings Account - I mentioned that in 2020 I was lucky enough to reach my savings goal of 5 figures. This was mainly due to the multiple lockdowns, where I wasn't spending as much money as I would usually. This may not seem like a lot of money but having somewhere to direct that money to definitely helped. Every month, I would deposit an amount of money from my wages, along with an money I had earnt through sponsored posts and advertising. This method really worked for me as I was able to physically see how much each month I was putting away to be saved, yet still leaving enough money in my main account for the month ahead, and whatever I have left in my account before payday, that money also gets transferred to my savings.

2. Spend On Essentials - This is definitely something that I've been working on over the last few months. I've been quite strict on myself when it comes to spending, and making sure that I only purchase necessary and essential items. A few ways I've managed this is by trying to use up my beauty stash, re-wear and re-style clothing items for example. It's definitely been important for me to use what I already have in order to save some extra pounds.

3. Use Discount Codes and Vouchers - I'll admit it, I always seem to be on the hunt for discounts and vouchers, especially when shopping online. I always check my emails for discount codes, or simply have a quick google sometimes strikes lucky. I've also got both the Honey and Pouch extensions added to my internet browser, hoping that one of them will give me some savings when taking my shopping basket to the checkout. You may only save a few pounds each time, but it definitely adds up over time, and I can assure you, the money is better in your pocket!

4. Sell Unwanted Items - This is perfect for decluttering your home and getting rid of unused, unwanted or unworn items, and giving them a better home somewhere else. I've been listing unwanted clothing, shoes and other bits and bobs on eBay recently, and it's definitely helped me save a few coins whilst emptying my wardrobe.

5. Save Up Spare Change - This is a really quick and simple way to add some extra funds into your life. Every time you get change or find some money laying around in your coat or handbag, add it to a money jar or money box. It may only seem small to begin with, but over the year it will definitely add up. I've done this previously a few years ago, and had just over £100 in change!

6. Find Cheaper Alternatives - This doesn't have to be for everything, as many of us will definitely have holy grail items or products we just cant live without. But if you're on the hunt for something new, definitely try out cheaper brands/products, as you may really be surprised with what you can find. There are so many brands offering such affordable but high quality products, you'll definitely be able to save some money by testing them out, and you never know, you may repurchase in the future!

What ways will you be improving your finances in 2021? Do you have any money goals?

09:00 No comments
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