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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD - GIFTED | If your favourite thing about Easter is the chocolate, this post is perfect for you and you may want to keep reading!

Before we get onto the chocolate, it's important to look at the story behind Easter as it is the one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar. This holiday is simply commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and celebrated with meaningful traditions such as sunrise services and Easter lilies. As well as these, there are some other traditions that have been incorporated into this holiday, with things such as the Easter bunny and giving Easter eggs.


If you're looking for luxury Easter eggs or even Easter hampers for the whole family, Hotel Chocolat is definitely worth checking out for your next Easter egg delivery for your nearest and dearest. You simply wont be disappointed! The founders of Hotel Chocolat wanted to make the start of a revolution in British chocolate, and were on a mission to make chocolate exciting again, and that's exactly what they have done. With plenty of Vegan Easter eggs, luxury Easter eggs, personalised Easter eggs and even Easter hampers, there's so much choice, it'll be tough to decide to to get. With delicious Easter eggs and Easter themed treats suitable for the whole family, with amazing flavours and incredible designs at an affordable price, what more could you want?

FOR THE CHILDREN

Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs

Hotel Chocolat offer a great variety of Easter eggs and sweet treats, perfect for the little ones in your family. The ideas and designs that are aimed towards a younger audience are simply sensational and add a sense of fun into the Easter celebrations. Whether you're looking for Easter eggs for your own children, younger brothers/sisters, or your nieces/and nephews, the products featured here would make amazing Easter gifts. 

Firstly, the Elizapeck Hollow with Tiddly Pot* is the perfect duo gift that any child would absolutely love. This boxed Easter egg features a hollow caramel-milk chocolate chick on top of a pot of mini milk chocolate drops. This adorable chocolate chick was "originally sketched, painted, then hand-carved to create this exclusive treat" - simply amazing! It's not your average Easter egg, it's just cuter and a lot more fun!

If you're on the look out for a couple of smaller gifts, Hotel Chocolate also offer products perfect for that. The Elizapeck Tiddly Pot - 40% Milk Chocolate* is the ultimate chocolate snack for on-the-go and definitely an essential for when there's a chocolate craving. Although small in size, our drops are big in flavour consisting of 40% milk chocolate. Another chocolate treat is the Egg on Toast Lick*. This is a super fun themed Easter treat that is bound to be a winner. A 40% milk chocolate Easter lolly, with a white-chocolate egg that will bring a smile to anyone's face, and is a great alternative to a traditional Easter egg. A child friendly snack that wont cause any mess and you won’t end up with sticky fingers!

FOR THE TEENAGERS

Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs

As well as Easter eggs, Hotel Chocolat also offer a selection of Easter hampers designed to share and are suitable for the whole family, but they are also a great option to buy and share amongst your friends/family. One of my favourites from the site is the Easter Family Favourites Collection*, featuring a great selection of chocolate treats, perfect for any teenager in your family. The 40% Milk Chocolate Easter Egg* would be a firm favourite of mine. This Easter egg has a naturally-coloured decorative yolk, and features right amount of sugar and cream to make this a decadent treat but without detracting from the rich cocoa flavours. 

A slightly more special, yet fun item is the Chocolate Spread Easter Sandwich*. Made with 40% milk praline half-eggs sandwiched with 50% milk chocolate, it's not your average egg-sandwich! To finish off the perfect Easter treat for the teenagers are these adorable White Chocolate City Bunnies*. These 16 little bunnies are the perfect snack-sized chocolate that are deliciously creamy, with a sweet and velvety texture.

FOR THE ADULTS

Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs

Hotel Chocolat also offer luxury Easter eggs and treats suitable for adults. The packaging looks more grown up and has that sophisticated feel to it. Starting with the 16 Milk Chocolate City Bunnies*, perfect for sharing if you're gifting this to parents or couples. The Salted Caramel Easter Egg* is one of the most gorgeous looking Easter eggs I have ever seen, and the combination of milk chocolate and salted caramel is a match made in heaven! Make your Easter egg gift stand out, not only with the incredible flavour combination, but with this sleek and contemporary design.

Finally, The Happy Easter H-Box*; an Easter gift box brimming with 15 chocolate tiddly eggs, perfect for those who aren't fussy and love to try new flavours. This is a truly special gift for your parents/grand-parents, with flavours ranging from sumptuous caramel to a tipsy fruit cake, from Champagne to strawberries & cream, this is an ideal luxury Easter egg treat for your special loved ones!

If you're looking to treat yourself, your family or someone special this Easter, Hotel Chocolat is the place to be! Offering a delicious range of Vegan Easter eggs, luxury Easter eggs, Easter hampers and even personalised Easter eggs, whatever you choose, it's definitely going to be a great chocolate surprise. Be quick and get your Easter egg delivery now!

What are your favourite Easter eggs? Have you checked out Hotel Chocolat?

10:00 No comments
AD| When it comes to beginning your wedding planning journey, there are so many things to consider, and it could become extremely stressful making sure you've got everything covered. But once you're ready to start planning, it's very important to take the process step by step, focusing on one task at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed by the wedding planning process. Multiple costs for different aspects of your big day can easily add up way past your initial budget and can come at a significant price that you simply cannot afford.

wedding dress

Firstly, as well as your total budget for the event, one of the biggest parts of your wedding is to consider the amount of guests you want to attend. This can play a huge part in amount of money you'll be spending, it's definitely important to have your friends and family to support you and celebrate your wedding day, but with more guests getting invited = more money will be spent. If you're struggling with the financial costs of your wedding, you could ask for donations instead of wedding gifts. It can be quite overwhelming receiving large numbers of gifts, especially if you know you'll not have much storage space for them at home. You don't have to put a certain figure on the donations, simply set up a donations page and you can just ask your friends and family to make a small contribution to help fund certain aspects of your wedding.

Another factor to consider on your big day is wedding photography. You obviously want to make sure you can collect a selection of great photographs from your big day. Whether you have a hired photographer, gather everyone's photos or have a photobooth available, all of these ideas can help you gather great memories, but can obviously come at a huge cost. However, something you could consider is the Wedding Photo Swap app. This could be an extremely beneficial way to share and collect photographs of your special day from all guests at the wedding if you simply don't have the budget for a professional photographer. Collect and share any photo taken by your guests on your wedding day with our easy to use mobile apps and web albums. It's as easy as that!

For those who are extremely creative, or love arts & crafts, why not get arty and create your own DIY table decorations with pieces such as homemade banners/menus, centrepiece displays and homemade name tags. This can allow you to personalise your decorations, and display your crafty work for all your guests to see. 

wedding plans

We all know that fresh flowers and beautiful bouquets can make a serious dent into your wedding fund. Why not consider using fake flowers and greenery, that can be re-used over and over again. Again, you can choose the plants that you love, create your own colour theme and also put together your own floral displays and bouquets. You'll end up with some beautiful and unique floral arrangements, that you can tell your guests you made it yourself!

Wedding dresses are another wedding expense that could definitely blow your budget dramatically. Not only do you need the brides dress, but you also need to consider the bridesmaids outfits too. One way in which you can save money on dresses for bridesmaids is by looking at prom dresses might suit the occasion. Prom dresses could be a good option for those on a smaller budget, as you can find a great selection of prom dresses for your body type, colour preferences and overall wedding theme.

Having an after-party or evening reception can add some costs to your wedding day that can be extremely expensive. However, there are a few ways in which you can save your money with some easy tips. Firstly, start by creating your own music playlist. This way you save the costs as there is no need for a hired professional DJ! This will ensure you've got all your favourite songs playing, and songs you know your guests will love! Secondly, ask relatives, friends and wedding guests to bring a homemade dishes/desserts to your reception. It's understandably expensive to feed a large number of people, but getting some help with the catering is not only a good way to save some money, but it can give yourself and your guests a chance to try new foods and new cuisines.

Are you currently planning a wedding? What money saving tips do you have?
16:35 5 comments
AD| Wanting to throw a post-lockdown garden party? These garden party ideas will make sure yours is the best gathering of the summer.

With it slowly getting round to the warmer, summer months, and the news that lockdown could be ending soon in the future, it's the perfect time to get your garden ready for summer. Many of us are planning some parties and celebrations with our friends and family, to finally get together after such an uncertain and troubling year. I've compiled a list of additions you need to add to your summer garden party to ensure it's a hit!

garden party

Fun Decorations and Signs
To make your summer garden party super fun and interesting, decorating your garden can be a great starting place for those really wanting to 'wow' their guests. Simple decoration ideas like colourful banners, LED Lights, balloon displays and painted wooden signposts can really bring your garden to life for your party. For all your party needs, check out Dallas Sign Company, who specialise in custom signs, LED lights and graphics. As well as this, if you really wanted to 'push the boat out', you could also set up a garden gazebo or marquee to really amaze your guests. The garden provides the ideal backdrop to ensure beautiful photos, especially when it's been decorated colourfully.

Barbeque and Buffet Tables
Is there anything better than getting the barbeque going on a lovely, warm summers day? Having your nearest and dearest round for some amazing grilled meats and vegetables, pastas, salads and little buffet snacks is the perfect way to have a gathering and spend your afternoon. You could also ask your guests to bring some of their favourite dishes and snacks, giving you the opportunity to try new foods and find some new favourites!

Homemade Cocktails and Drinks Bar
Alongside good food, you also need some ice cold drinks to go with it. For the adults, you could set up an ice cooler filled with your favourite alcoholic beverages or even make your own fruity cocktails to enjoy. For the kids, homemade icy slush puppies are an essential for a warm summers day!

Photobooth Hiring & Roaming Photography
Are you looking for something different at your event? No party is complete without a photo booth, especially one that guests of all ages can enjoy with making GIFs and Boomerangs. The Boomerang GIF photobooth provides a fun and interesting activity for all your guests to enjoy during your garden party. ! Similarly, you can leave a camera out and some fun props to encourage guests to snap away and take some amazing photographs to ensure you capture some special memories. For those who want instant photos, Roaming Photography could be something to consider. Giving you instant digital delivery and instant photo printing, you can view and share your photos in seconds. 

Outdoor Games & Activities
Summer is all about fun, and there's nothing better than relaxing outdoors in the sunshine and getting some fresh air. If you've got some younger guests at your summer party, outdoor games and fun activities could be what you need to keep them occupied, and far from any mischief. Whether you have a game of football, play hide and seek, or even set up an outdoor blow up swimming pool and sandpit area, there's so many options for these activities, you'll be having fun all day long!

Seated Picnic Areas
If you've spent lockdown renovating your outdoor space, and making it your dream garden, you'll definitely want to show it off to your guests. Having a relaxing area in the garden is best way to enjoy some of the glorious sunshine and soak up some rays. I'd opt for a cosy and cute picnic area with benches, and as well as this, I'd also set up lots of blankets and cushions on the grass for a really chilled vibe.

Evening Garden Lighting
If your garden party is planned to last all afternoon and into the evening, it's definitely worth researching into some outdoor garden lighting to help keep the warm and welcoming atmosphere. There are so many options for lighting depending on the vibe and ambience your party falls into. You could set up some cosy tealights and candles, or some cute and fun string fairy lights and paper lanterns, or even some garden floodlights if you want something a little brighter and more safe.

Are you planning any summer garden parties this year? What are your essential must-haves?
11:30 No comments
AD| Did you know that the chewing gum habit that many of us have can actually be good for your teeth, if you choose the right sort of gum? 

You may have always been under the impression that you should not chew gum because it is full of sugar and is extremely bad for your teeth. However, this is not the case as you can still enjoy sugar free gum as a replacement. Chewing sugar free gum comes with a number of extremely positive benefits for your oral and dental health. As well as this, did you also know chewing gum has loads of health benefits too?

chewing gum

Oral Health
One of the main benefits of chewing sugar-free gum is improved oral health. Chewing gum improves oral health in some many ways you'd be surprised, from increasing saliva flow in the mouth, strengthening the teeth by restoring the depleted mineral content and neutralising plaque acids. Increased saliva production is important for preventing tooth decay as it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Research by the Department of Dentistry at King’s College London in 2019 found "that people who chew sugar-free gum develop 28% fewer cavities than those who do not. The equivalent figure for fluoride toothpaste and other supplements was 24%."

Stress Busting
Chewing gum can have a calming effect on your mood, as well as on those suffering from both anxiety and sickness. People that feel nervous, anxious or sick are usually looking for something to do in order to take their mind off their problems, to calm nerves and keep nausea at bay.

Concentration Booster
Gum can help to increase brain function and alertness, in order to improve overall productivity, performance levels and personal safety. Chewing gum can help you stay focused and improves concentration levels by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and cerebral blood flow.

A 2017 study found: “Under experimental conditions, gum was associated with higher alertness regardless of whether performance tasks were completed. Rate of chewing and subjective force of chewing did not alter mood but had some limited effects on attention. Chewing gum during the workday was associated with higher productivity and fewer cognitive problems, raised cortisol levels in the morning, and did not affect heart rate. The results emphasise that chewing gum can attenuate reductions in alertness, suggesting that chewing gum enhances worker performance.”

Helps With Weight Loss
For those on a weight loss journey or looking at a lifestyle change, chewing sugar free gum could be something worth looking at. Over-eating and snacking isn’t just bad for your waistline; it’s also not good for your teeth, especially if you're indulging in the wring kinds of foods. If you’re diet is filled with high sugar foods, you’re creating the perfect environment for dental problems including tooth decay, plaque build up and cavities. So curb those craving and suppress your appetite with some sugar free gum instead.

Fresh Breath On The Go
Chewing sugar-free gum can help protect your teeth and gums especially when it may not be possible to brush them properly in between meals. This is extremely convenient for those who travel a lot and are constantly on-the-go as sugar free gum has great anti-viral properties. This will to help clear away food debris and rinse away any bacteria that can cause bad breath after eating and drinking.

Break Bad Habits
 Is your overall dental health being ruined by bad habits such as smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco? If the answer is yes, chewing sugar free gum could be your best friend for those wanting to give up the bad habits and get your oral health in better condition. By chewing gum, this can help to reduce any cravings and helps with nicotine withdrawal for people who cannot smoke for whatever reason.

Is chewing gum one of your daily habits? Have you considered the sugar-free alternative?
10:00 No comments
AD| When it comes to home renovations and refurbishments, there are so many tasks to consider when wanting to improve both your indoor and outdoor spaces, it can be hard to decide what you want. Many people want the interior of their home to be absolutely perfect, but may forget the about the exterior spaces, which is also a very important feature of your home. 

Something worth considering is installing outdoor lighting in your home. Outdoor lighting helps to make the most of your outdoor space, and it's particularly useful in the summer months. Outdoor garden lights are also one of the most efficient types of lighting you can install to add extra brightness to your house exterior. A great lighting design will improve your home in a number of ways from security purposes, safety and the overall aesthetic of your home. As well as this, outdoor lights are usually waterproof and extremely durable, which makes them long-lasting, affordable for any budget and they will require a lot less maintenance which makes them a good long-term investment. 


SECURITY
One of the main reasons to consider installing outdoor lighting in your home is simply for security purposes. By placing lights around your home, with products such as floodlights and motion sensor lighting, can be a simple, yet effective security measure, to reduce your properties risk from attempted break-ins and burglaries. Having a well-illuminated and lit home is a safe and secure home that won't cause you any worries. You can find a variety of outdoor motion sensor lights in different styles that fit your budget and will be suitable for your home. 

CREATES A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE
 Make sure to take advantage of your entire property, as your outdoor spaces are just an extension of your home, and can be the perfect place to spend some time in the sun. Installing some much needed decorative lighting can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your outdoor space, making it more inviting both day and night. They add a lovely warm glow to your garden, and are an perfect feature for those who enjoy evening entertainment. This can also be useful for those who have spent a number of hours redesigning their gardens and want to use lighting to draw interest to specific focal points in the garden, such as sheds, water features or ponds and patios/decking areas

INCREASE HOME VALUE
Outdoor lighting is an easy and inexpensive way to increase the value of your home, for very little effort and maintenance. By adding outdoor lighting to your homes exterior, you make it stand out both day and night, making it appealing to others that pass by. This can be an essential idea to consider when you're looking to sell your home, as you want your property to look inviting at all times of the day.

GARDEN EVENTS/HOSTING
One way that you can increase the amount of time you spend in your garden in the evenings is to install outdoor lighting, which is perfect to illuminate your outdoor space during the darker evenings. Outdoor lighting enables better visibility, making outdoor activities easier at night. During the summer months, it's nice to host outdoor picnics, barbecues and have your friends/family rounds for some drinks, and having the perfect choice of lighting can help you enjoy your outdoor space. Whether you opt for patio lights, decking lights or just some cute decorative lights, there is a huge range of possibilities to suit your outdoor space.

SAFETY 
Finally, outdoor lighting can be an extremely useful safety tool in your home by illuminating any dark areas of your property. For example, for homes with garages, garden steps, paths and alleyways, or even outdoor areas that may become slippy/flooded due to bad weather, installing lights can help make these areas easier to navigate and safer to enter. This can be extremely useful for young children, elderly relatives, anyone that suffers with mobility issues or even those who are unfamiliar with the layout of your home.

Do you have any outdoor lighting installed in your home? Would you consider it in the future?
10:00 No comments
AD| Since the recent Facebook data privacy fiasco, more people than ever are concerned about how their information is used by third-party services. And they are right to be concerned. While you may think that these services are free, you are paying for them on the back end with your data.

Many people would be terrified at the type of information entities like Facebook and Google collect and then sell to the highest bidder. As an internet user, you should know how to avoid getting your information mined and sold to who knows who. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to protect your privacy online.

laptop user

Pay Special Attention to Messaging Apps
Messaging apps can get so much information about you and apps like WhatsApp can collect all sorts of information you may not have been aware of. It can even collect things such as purchase history, payment info, and approximate location. The worst part is that it’s all written in their terms and conditions. So, you can’t say that they didn’t warn you or blame them since you’ve agreed to these terms by using these apps.

The good thing, however, is that there are many other apps besides WhatsApp out there and many cater to those who want more privacy. One example is Signal. If you want to know more about this app and how it compares, check out this Signal vs WhatsApp comparison from Setapp. It runs down all the different information that WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram, another popular communication tool, are gathering compared to Signal. They also explain why Signal is by far the most private option out of these. Setapp curates apps, so you can find the productivity apps you need quickly and easily.

Another thing you have to pay special attention to is what type of encryption they use. You want to make sure that the provider uses end-to-end encryption. When they say that messages are encrypted, many mean that the message is encrypted on its way from the user’s device, but communications are still stored on their servers. This means that someone could get their hands on them if it gets hacked.

So, make sure that the app uses this form of encryption and decide whether you need to use a special feature for that. Telegram and Facebook Messenger, for instance, require that you open a secret chat to do so.

Use a VPN
VPNs used to be popular in the hacker and dark web world, but they’re now becoming mainstream. And quite frankly, everyone should be using one if they truly care about their security. VPNs allow you to connect to a remote network through a secured connection and navigate from there. So, if your server is located in another country, it will appear as if you are connecting from that location.

This allows you to protect things like your geographical area, for instance. But it’s especially important if you routinely connect to public networks. Your connection will be encrypted and there will be no way for it to be intercepted either by a malicious party or the network provider.

Check Your Privacy Settings on Social Media
Another thing you have to do is head to your Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and any other social media account you have and check your privacy settings. You may not be aware of it, but these networks collect tons of information about you - Facebook in particular. You may be exposing a lot of your personal information to the public by not adjusting those settings, so we suggest you do it immediately.

social media apps

Don’t Trust Public Storage with Personal Information
While services like Google Docs and Dropbox are relatively safe, you cannot trust them with sensitive information. You should never store things like passwords or financial information on those. So, if you want to keep sensitive data somewhere, do it in cold storage, or you could compile them in an encrypted archive before uploading them.

Protect Yourself from Cookies 
Cookies are one of the best ways for third parties to keep tabs on you. Cookies are used to store things like form information which can be good, but they can also be used to check your browsing history. Retailers also have some sneaky ways to use cookies. For instance, some will use a cookie to identify someone that was shopping for a certain product. If you don’t make the purchase, you might be presented with a special deal next time. Some might even increase the price because you showed interest by coming back multiple times.

If you want to protect yourself from these, you have to routinely erase your browsing history. You can also use incognito mode if your browser has it. This will erase cookies at the end of every session. The issue, however, is that cookies store valuable information. You may not like the idea of having to constantly enter your bank card number or email every time you want to log in. So, you can decide to keep the cookies for the sites you use often.

The GDPR also did a lot to improve transparency when it comes to cookies. While it is a European piece of legislation, many websites have decided to comply with it to avoid trouble when dealing with European users. You’ll notice that many websites will ask you to agree to cookies somewhere on their homepage. Take the time to check the list of cookies, and only agree to those that are beneficial to you. You should also have the option to refuse them all.

Use Robust Passwords
Last, but not least, you have to learn how to create strong passwords. Hackers use software that can generate thousands of passwords in seconds to crack yours, so make sure you don’t use generic words, phrases, or series of numbers. You also want to make sure that it’s long enough (12 characters at least) and uses a combination of lower- and upper-case letters, symbols, and numbers. If you’re worried about memorizing passwords, know that there are plenty of safe password managers out there. These will keep your passwords on your device and secure them through encryption.

As you can see, there are plenty of things that can be done to increase the level of privacy online. The most important part of this is staying informed of the most recent threats and taking the steps necessary to protect yourself.

How do you stay protected online? What privacy and safety methods do you currently use?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | Are you planning on a homemade hamper this Mother's Day, but unsure on where or how to start?

A DIY Mothers Day Hamper is guaranteed to make any Mum feel extremely spoilt and loved! Sometimes a homemade and personalised gift can be super special and just as thoughtful as a ready-made present. The reason I think a DIY gift is better is simply due to the fact you can personalise and include some gifts that you know will be loved. Personalised hampers don't have to cost a lot. There are so many gift ideas out there, that you can still put together a gorgeous hamper on an affordable budget, or if you really want to make a luxury hamper, there's also the opportunity for that.


Pretty packaging and presentation can really take your DIY hamper go from 0 to 100. This will be helping to make your gift look more spectacular and special, and can even help to personalise your gift to your receivers preferences. 

Firstly, you'll want to decide what hamper you want to go for. Depending on your budget, you could put together a more relaxed modern style with a decorative gift box/bag or opt for a more traditional wicker hamper. I'd recommend looking online, in local garden centres, homeware stores or charity shops to find a suitable container for your homemade gift hamper. It may also be worth finding one that can be reused over and over again, as something decorative or as a storage solution.

Affordable Mother's Day Hamper
Affordable Mother's Day Hamper

For those who are looking for a low-cost, affordable DIY hamper, the products I have featured in the photo above could be some really great options for you to include in your homemade gift. First up, who doesn't love receiving some chocolates?! I've opted for Maltesers as I know they are a favourite and will definitely go down a treat. Face masks and foot masks are the ultimate pamper, and for me, are an essential for any DIY hamper. I picked these up from Superdrug as they have such an affordable and extensive selection. 
Not only is ALDI a good place for food, but they also have a stunning range of candles and reed diffusers, extremely similar to those from Jo Malone. My favourite scent is definitely the Pomegranate range, a super luxury and affordable fragrance to add to your home.

A handbag must have from Benecos is the Orange Lip Balm*. Packed with natural and organic ingredients include Organic Orange Oil along with Organic Shea Butter, it's an essential for soft and smooth lips. Lavera is a great brand if you want some high quality and natural beauty/pamper products, perfect for Mother's Day. First of all, the Soft Purity Shower Gel*. The natural gentle, soft foaming, cleansing ingredients doesn't strip your skin of it's natural oils. Formulated with Organic Algae and Organic Water Mint thoroughly and effectively cleanses and nourishes your skin leaving it feeling refreshed and silky soft. The Hydro Sensation Gel cream* gives intensive moisture to your skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth with a youthful radiance and a perfect glow.  Finally, the Very Berry Hand Wash*. The perfect addition, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic. Formulated with a delicious aroma of organic goji berry and organic acai, these moisturising and nourishing ingredients will leave your hands pleasantly soft and smooth

Luxury Mother's Day HamperLuxury Mother's Day Hamper

For those wanting to go that extra mile and really push the boat out with a more luxurious DIY hamper, the products I have featured in the photo above could be worth including in your personalised gift. Starting off with the gorgeous Giorgio Armani Si perfume. This scent is chic, sultry, intense and soft at the same time, with deep aromas of fruity and floral notes. Heyland & Whittle is a great brand for those who love room fragrances and scents. I picked up the Clementine & Prosecco fragrance gift set as I think this is such a delightful combination; the fragrance is light and sweet, fruity and sparkling, perfect for a happy and uplifting Mother's Day gift. Again, chocolates is a must have, and these delicious Milk Chocolate selection box from Marks & Spencer looks exquisite. Also from Marks & Spencer is the Normandy Apple sparkling juice, an alternative for those not wanting to add a bottle of champagne, prosecco or wine. 

Finishing up with some beauty products to help with the perfect pamper evening on Mother's Day. Soap & Glory are my ultimate favourite brand when it comes to skin and body care. They have such a vast selection of products and ranges that you'll be spoilt for choice. Faces masks scream relaxation to me, and this Miracle Moisture Mask is one of the best ones that I've tried. So refreshing, hydrating and moisturising. Finally, a newer brand I've discovered; Million Dollar Facial. Two of the best selling products that I would recommend would be the Million Dollar Medi+ Hydrating Elixir* and Medi+ Glyco Wash*.

What gifts will you be gifting on Mother's Day? Have you thought of compiling your own hamper? What would you include?
10:00 No comments
AD| While the current coronavirus restrictions continue, it means that we can’t go on traditional dates like we previously once did. However, with social distancing guidelines still in place, some dating ideas are still allowed whether that be a romantic walk, having a cute picnic in the local park or even some gaming date ideas that you can do at home. Whether you live with your partner, or you’re currently in a long-distance relationship, or even just missing your close friends, playing video games together is a fun way to have a date during lockdown.

Gaming and virtual dating can be a great and enjoyable way to bring couples/friends together and stay connected during lockdown, whether that be in real life or through playing online. Video gaming has become increasingly popular as a way to pass the time during lockdown, and below are just a few of the benefits that gaming dates can have whilst we're all staying indoors at home.


Escaping Reality
More and more people have been turning to gaming as a way of coping and dealing with the current COVID-19 lockdown. Using this in hope to take their minds off the current pandemic, having it as a distraction from chaotic day to day life and to help improve their overall mental health. Playing games with your loves ones, family or even online with others, can give you that much needed time out from real life, let your mind wander into the gaming world, and give you that escape from reality that is definitely much needed at this current time in life.

It's Fun and Enjoyable
Taking some time out of your hectic day, especially if you are working from home, can be just what you need to relax and de-stress. There are so many games out there to play and could be the perfect opportunity to indulge in some gamers dates with your friends or partners. I would probably recommend trying out some online escape room styled games, where you are required to solve a variety of puzzles in order to complete the game. These types of games encourage you to work together as a team and for everyone involved to put forward ideas in order to solves the challenges.

Meet New People Online
There is such a variety of dates for gamers, whether that be playing video games, card games or board games, there's something out there for everyone to enjoy. Gaming online also has the benefits of you being able to meet and chat with people via various online games sites who you would have never of met but have things in common with and similar interests to you. This can be very important for those who are feeling lonely during lockdown, or those who may struggle to meet or find friends in real life.

Creating Competitions
To add some excitement into daily life throughout lockdown, playing competitions and tournaments, with your loved ones at home or online can be a really fun way to spend some of your free time. Especially if you're really competitive, you could make this a regular part your weekly schedule where you play each others favourite games and play for prizes or treats. This will just to keep things super fun and uplifting during these current circumstances. One of my all time favourite games to play is definitely Mario Kart; the ultimate fun racing game to bring out your competitive side.

What other lockdown date ideas for gamers do you have? What other benefits are there from gaming?
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AD| Retirement needs just as much planning as any other up and coming event or period in your life. The younger generation often tends to turn a blind eye to retirement. It is either too far on the horizon to be taken seriously or it is a vision they would rather not contemplate. If the push-button 21st century is all about living in the now, it only follows that if we want to create a great retirement, we have to start thinking about it…now.

So here are some top tips for getting on track for making your later years the best years of your life.


Visualise your retirement
Visualise what your ideal retirement would look like. What dreams will you have on your bucket list? Who will be around you? What will your living surroundings be like? Of course, nobody knows what the exact future may hold for us but think about what family and friends you would want to be close to, which creature comforts are essential, all those places you would like to explore and how much time you would need for those favourite hobbies.

Keep healthy
There is no escaping from the fact that in the autumn of our lives we are not going to be as healthy as in our youth. But medical science advances every day. As lifespans increase, new medicines and therapies are found to deal with everyday ailments and illnesses making retirement more and more like a pain free zone. Give your body something back every day by taking part in sports or just simple keep fit and then, even in your 60’s, it could be ready to spring into action in order to make your dreams a reality.

Prepare financially throughout your life
You are going to need money to finance your dreams. When you first start working you may be opted-in to the company pension. This is good as your employer will contribute a percentage towards it as well. Get an idea of what the pay-out from the pension will be. It could be in the future you may want to contemplate starting a private pension, starting your own little savings pot or upping contributions to your work pension. Monitor your pension savings – don’t forget them!

Monitor your State Pension
Keep up to date with State Pension pay-out and any changes to governmental policy. The latter is constantly changing. For instance, as well as aligning male and female retirement ages, the government is also constantly putting back the retirement age. Changes such as this are likely to have a real effect on your plans. Also, you may not receive the maximum pay-out if you do not make sure you have made maximum contributions all through your working life. You can check what your State Pension will look like on the government website.

Pension freedoms
You may not receive your State Pension until the official retirement age but you can in fact retire at any age. Even more reason to prepare appropriately. The new pension freedoms allow you to draw on some work and private pensions from the age of 55. This could offer a new form of income when money may be a little tight in your later years. But you need to be very careful that you have enough money to last for your whole retirement.

Access professional financial advice
Throughout your life – and especially if you are going to consider the pension freedoms route – you are likely to need expert and professional guidance to ensure your money is invested in the most beneficial way. Regulated financial advisors are authorised by the financial conduct authority and will give you independent guidance in terms of your specific needs.

Before looking at options for your pension, consider using a regulated financial adviser like Portafina or, view the guidance info at Pension Wise.

Have you got a pension set up for the future?
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 AD| Everyone has different requirements when running their own business whether it is big or small and we like to ensure everything runs as stress free as possible. However, we are prone to experience some instances that can make our businesses a painful experience to get through, and sometimes it can be having the wrong person for the job or someone who is inexperienced in the area that you require them to be.

Around the end of the financial year you may begin to find that your bookkeeper may not be line with your requirements, but what are the warning signs that you're not getting the service you are paying for?

bookkeeping

Lack of Response
Among the large tell-tale signs that things are not as they should be is that simple requests take a long time to get answered, or they don’t get answered at all. Naturally this concern grows to worry that your professional bookkeeper may not be in line with your business needs or could be hiding something or simply not caring about your business. Either way it’s a worry that you shouldn’t be paying for. If the bookkeeper is too tied up to give a response to when they will be available to you or have too many clients to move around, then you may need to take your business to other bookkeeping services in Manchester.

Running Behind
The last thing you want to hear from a bookkeeper is that they are seriously behind on workload, leaving your books needing to be closed right up to a deadline. Solid and professional bookkeeping services are all about making time to get caught up and maintain deadlines, ensuring that your business can grow. When you work with a bookkeeper it is important that deadlines for work are set and they keep things on track to meet those deadlines. If they cannot work to set deadlines, then you need to find small business bookkeeping solutions that will.

They Cannot Explain Terminology
If your bookkeeper doesn’t know what the term ‘reconciliation’ means, then that red flag should be waving like a storm is coming. Every bookkeeper should know the standard terms when it comes to bookkeeping, from cash and accrual-based accounting, assets, accounts payable/receivable and so on and so forth. If your bookkeeper does not use the terms or, even worse, cannot competently explain them to your level of understanding then you need to find common ground with a bookkeeper that can and will.

It is important to feel that every aspect of your business is running the way it should with the right people on board for the growth of the business. If your current bookkeeper shows signs that they are not right for you, then there are other alternative bookkeeping services in Manchester who fit the bill perfectly.

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AD| By now, you have probably heard the term 'glow up' a million times. A glow up is basically the same thing as a makeover, only it is exponentially more intense. Instead of just getting a new wardrobe or a fresh haircut, a glow up is a total physical life transformation. It is a pledge you make to yourself to stop making excuses not to invest in yourself. Glow ups can range from the mild to the extreme, but they all have the same thing in common. When you embark on a glow up, you become more self-aware and start letting that true inner beauty you had hidden away shine through. 

Next up, learn the steps that have to be taken first before you can have a totally guilt-free glow up.

beauty spa glow up

How can Your Beauty Routine be Improved Right Now?
A lot of women end up getting to a point in their lives where they have a daily basic beauty routine that they complete each day, no matter what. Of course, you probably take a little more time to do your hair and makeup when you know that you are going to attend a special event. However, your everyday look should have you looking great as well. In short, if you aren't doing more than washing your face and putting on a bit of Chapstick, then your regular beauty routine definitely has to be improved upon. Remember that having a daily beauty routine doesn't mean that you have to start your day an hour early. You simply need to prioritise taking care of your appearance and gussying yourself up so you always look amazing when you step out the door.

Realising It Takes Effort to Look Good
Do you want to know how some people look effortlessly amazing every single day? By putting in a lot of effort. After all, where do you think the "no-makeup" makeup look originated? From your nails to your wardrobe, to the fragrance that you wear, every part of your look should be calculated and purposeful. In order to effectuate a real glow up, you need to start thinking about yourself and all of your self-imposed beauty standards more deeply. Glowing up is not about becoming vain or preoccupied with your looks. Making yourself over and sticking with it is about addressing the reasons why you aren't putting your all into looking and feeling your best. Once you get into a steady rhythm of preparing to face the day by way of putting your best foot forward, you will not want to go back to neglecting your self care needs.

Why You've Put Off Investing in Yourself
As people go through life paying bills, saving money, and doing their best to stay afloat financially, they tend to become more comfortable with cutting out splurges. If you can't stand the idea of springing for a cup of coffee while you're on the go because you have a coffeemaker at home, you probably have put off investing in yourself.

Tackling Your Teeth
Braces cost in the UK is no steeper here than anywhere else in the world. At the same time, if you don't have a habit of investing in yourself, it is fairly easy to see why you wouldn't have given the idea of straightening your teeth any real consideration. Whether you treat yourself to a new pair of shoes every month or go to your preferred professional hairstylist every six weeks, you deserve to invest in yourself.

The first thing that most people are going to notice about you is your smile. If you have a wide, white grin, you can capture minds and win over hearts, just by flashing those pearly whites. Regardless of how perfect or imperfect your smile may be, it is important to know about the different types of teeth straightening braces. Straight My Teeth has comprehensive information on teeth alignment options and affordability. This company can help you to deal with any teeth straightening issue you are concerned with, and at a price that is likely to leave you smiling. Knowing how “much do braces cost UK” will also give you peace of mind before you start thinking about that final bill. Between tooth whitening and alignment, the very first part of your official glow up will be complete.

womens clothes wardrobe

Developing a New Wardrobe
You simply can't have a glow up unless you get a matching wardrobe to go with your brand new and improved appearance and demeanour. Changing your wardrobe might mean that you buy some daring pieces for the first time in your life. It could also mean that you finally tone things down and begin dressing a little more maturely. It doesn't really matter what your new wardrobe consists of, as long as you like it and the clothes you wear are flattering for your size and shape.

Making Your Skin Look Amazing
Large pores, crow's feet, acne, hyper pigmentation, and even scarring can negatively impact your face and the overall appearance of your skin. Of course, you are encouraged to embrace aging as well as your unique beauty. Focusing on skincare is not about trying to look like someone else, or even about becoming perfect. If you are prone to acne breakouts, you will probably still experience having a pimple or two from time to time. All you want to do now is streamline your skincare routine so that it is manageable, and also so you start seeing some results. So, look to try out new under-eye creams, face peels, and moisturisers until you discover that perfect combination.

Laying Out Long-Term Beauty Goals
Embarking on a glow up may mean that you end up making more changes in the future. Some women are keen to schedule "mommy makeovers," so that they can feel and look as vivacious as they did before bringing life into the world. You might have plans to completely overhaul your closet, tossing out all of the inexpensive clothes and replacing them with luxury items. Even still, your long-term beauty goals could just end up changing and evolving as much as you do. Stay open to all new ideas, especially as they relate to your glow up.

Keeping Up with the Changes
In very short order, you can change up your look and execute an impressive glow up. The only problem comes in when a few weeks have passed and you start falling back into your old habits. Some days, you simply will not feel like curling your hair. In other situations, you will want to forgo accessorising your outfits expertly because you are getting close to running late for work. Maintaining the changes and making your glow up permanent is no different from making healthy life choices, such as if you are dedicated to losing weight. If you want to look and feel good, then you have to put in the work each day. Go easy on yourself when you are under the weather or didn't get enough sleep. However, you don't want to fall off the bandwagon and go back to not caring about how you present yourself.

Any woman who wants to have a glow up should be able to do so, guilt-free. It doesn't matter if you are saving to go on holiday or if you have some upcoming expenses that you want to save for. Glowing up isn't expensive, but it is an action that you have to be fully committed to.

What things would you do to have a "glow up"?
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AD| Blogging and influencer marketing has become extremely popular over the last few years, and has become increasingly prevalent during the recent coronavirus pandemic. Having your own blog and space on the internet, whether that's as a hobby, part-time or full time job can be extremely rewarding in a number of ways. In terms of my own success, whilst I have been furloughed, I've used this time to really put some more time and effort into my site, and have recently began to make a small income from a variety of opportunities via brands/websites/PR's.

But for some people who are newer to blogging or brand work, it can be a little confusing and daunting as to how exactly brands and bloggers can work together through collaborations and sponsorships. As a lifestyle blogger, I don't particularly focus on one topic on my blog, I simply prefer to write content about a variety of subjects of which I'm interested and passionate about. I know from my experience as a lifestyle blogger, I've had some extremely successful opportunities recently revolving around a number of topics, and have been able to form relationships with brands who I have been able to work alongside on multiple occasions.


GIFTED ITEMS AND PRODUCT REVIEWS
One of the most common ways brands and blogger work together is via sending products out in exchange for a review. This could be for new launches, new collections or just to gain some exposure of the brands/products involved. Bloggers will be able to test the products gifted to them and follow this up by writing an honest, in-depth review. These reviews are usually accompanied by photography, URL links back to the brand’s website and honest opinions for their audience to view/read about. 

SPONSORED CONTENT
Something that I have begun finding out more about is sponsored posts and content via brands. Many brands/PR's reach out to lifestyle bloggers for a number of collaborations or sponsored opportunities. This type of work usually consists of paying a blogger to host a pre-written sponsored blog post or asking them to write an article featuring their brand/products. 

Get Blogged is a brilliant blogger outreach website with various blogging assignments that connects a variety of brands with bloggers across a range of niches, including beauty, lifestyle and business to name a few. Depending on your blogs Domain Authority, it's also a great solution for bloggers wanting to begin monetising their blogs, and for brands wanting to outsource their outreach in a cost effective way. The Get Blogged Marketplace can help brands achieve their goals faster by placing assignment opportunities, and asking bloggers to submit idea proposals based on the brief provided. I've had a really positive experience via Marketplace, and have managed to get a variety of collaborations through this.

LINK INSERTIONS
Another way brands can work with lifestyle bloggers is through link insertions for new or pre-existing content on your blogs. This sponsorship style usually involves the brand or blogger pitching or suggesting a pre-existing post/new relevant content ideas on your blog that is related to subject of collaboration, to make sure that would be a good fit.


FIVE LIFESTYLE BLOGGERS WORTH FOLLOWING

Kayleigh Zara - A blogger I have recently found over the last few months during the current lockdown. Some of my favourite posts from her blog include blogging tips and income reports, as well as her e-books that she has to offer.

Olivia Jade @ Dungarees and Donuts - Olivia's blog is one I have followed pretty much since I began blogging. Always featuring relevant and engaging content on a variety of subjects, making it a great all-round lifestyle blog to follow.

Hayley @ HaySparkle - Another blogger who I have been following for a while now and whose content is incredible. Hayley has a gorgeous food and lifestyle blog that needs to be on your reading list ASAP.

Life of Luce -  A newer blog that I've recently been loving. A blog heavily focusing on beauty, fashion and lifestyle topics. I really love the fashion outfit posts and styling tips.

Reinventing Neesha - Another blog that I managed to come across during the current global pandemic. This blog is great for those who are looking for advice on blogging, money-saving and money making.

What are your favourite lifestyle blogs? How have you been working with brands recently?

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Welcome to lthornberry.co.uk, my personal corner on the internet where I write about all things lifestyle.

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