● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD - GIFTED | Many people have struggled through lockdown, not only with their day to day working life, but also their dating and social life has been pretty quiet and non-existent, due to the variety of restrictions that were put in place. But with many of those current rules easing, it is now much easier to get back on the dating scene and meet new people, now that we can meet outdoors, go to restaurants and enjoy some drinks at the pubs/bars.

Lockdown has taught many of us to embrace ourselves, enjoy our own company and make more time for self care and self love. There are many ways how we can feel more confidence, more empowered and more sexually confident when starting to connect with others and begin dating again. Now we can finally go out and about and meet with others, you can now practice those new found skills in real life. Those awkward first dates and nervous giggles will be a thing of the past, as your new found confidence and empowerment will shine through.

It might not be something you think about when starting to date, but meeting new people safely can really help to develop your confidence and improve social skills. Dating sites and apps are increasingly helping to 'meet' safely via video calling or voice calling, helping you to grow closer and connect more easily. Whether that's the typical dating sites like Tinder and Hinge, or something a little different like mybdsmhookups or subsanddoms, whichever sites take your fancy, you're sure to meet people with similar interests to you and get to know them in a safe and fun way. Using dating sites before you finally meet in real life can really help you to feel less anxious, less nervous, and more comfortable, helping to increase your confidence levels and prevent those awkward conversations. Meeting safely is hugely important when starting to date again after a long time. You want to make sure the person you are meeting is genuine and that you will feel comfortable in their company. It's also important to meet in a familiar, safe area to avoid any unwanted problems or dangers.

For those prepping for their big first date, we obviously all want to make a great first impression and look our best. Using beauty salons for manicures or pedicures, getting your hair done at the hairdressers, and getting your brows/lashes done can help with body confidence, mental health and self-care.

When it comes to getting ready for your date, I'm sure we've all been there when your entire wardrobe ends up all over the bed because you have "nothing to wear". Picking cute outfits that you feel confident and comfortable in for date nights can give you that mood boost that you will need, especially if you are feeling anxious or nervous.

Socialising with others can help with mental health as lockdown has made many people feel isolated and lonely. Being around people increases your sense of happiness and well-being, helping to boost your mood and mind set, as well as allowing you to express your thoughts/feelings with others.

Is there anything better than new lingerie? It's empowering, confidence boosting and it makes you feel pretty good. Updating your lingerie collection could be exactly what you need whilst pursuing your body confidence journey. feeling more sexually confident by choosing beautiful and flattering underwear, which can also boost self esteem. There are so many shapes, sizes and styles of lingerie to pick from, there will definitely be something for everyone, and you'll be spoilt for choice!

If you usually play it quite safe on date night, it might be rewarding to choose a more unusual idea for your dates instead of something more generic like dinner and drinks. This can help you feel more confident and empowered, and pushes you out of your comfort zone by forcing you into the unknown. Date locations such as theme parks, crazy golf and other outdoor adventure activities might be worth looking into if you want something fun and different for your next date!

Most importantly, it's necessary to make time for some self care and "me time". We all need to take a step away from reality and have some quality time for ourselves, to help relax, destress and clear your mind. I was kindly sent a parcel filled with female empowerment and mood-setting goodies which included the following items.

1. Lavender Pillow Spray* - This pillow spray is infused with Lavender; a powerful scent that is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. This could help to reduce your sexual nerves if used in the bedroom, or to calm your anxiety.

2. Amber Noir Candle* - This candle has the most gorgeous, calming yet sexy scent. Deep, musky and sensual, this could be the perfect ambience setter for those bedsheet moments.

3. Empowerment Print* - By having a deep and meaningful quote to live by, it can help you feel strong, powerful, and overall, can help improve your outlook on life.

4. Wellness Journal and Pen* - Having somewhere to note down your thoughts, feelings and goals is all beneficial for personal growth and confidence boosting. Spending 5-10 minutes a day to make notes and spending time to reflect and grow.

Do you have any dates planned soon? What empowerment or body confidence tips do you have?

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AD| Feeling slightly overwhelmed with clutter and don’t really know where to start? De-cluttering and deep cleaning your home is something most people often dread and put off for as long as possible, until the clutter becomes extremely unmanageable.

Getting rid of old clutter doesn’t have to be a stressful process, especially if you use a waste removal service to take care of all the work. These are ideal for home projects, as they help to simplify your waste disposal, making it easier to maintain a clean and inviting property, saving you so much time and energy. By making sure you have a step-by-step action plan in place before you start and some time set aside, you'll be good to go and start your journey to a clutter-free and tidy home!

Unwanted Clothing Items

Our wardrobes, clothing rails and drawers are often filled with items that we are attached to and simple cant bare to throw out. However, sometimes it's really important to sell online or give clothing to charity that no longer fits, doesn't fit your fashion style or hasn’t been worn for a long period of time. Sometimes you need to be totally ruthless when clearing out old clothing, but when you get rid of bin bags full of items you no longer want, you'll definitely feel much better and a lot less cluttered. Plus, you'll have so much more space, you can treat yourself to a few new items of clothing as a reward!

Be Smart With Storage

Depending on the size of your home, storage space may be quite limited and you may not have the space to store large items. Using shelving units, under bed storage, drawer organisers and personalised built in wardrobes are some easy and creative ways to make more storage solutions for those with limited space. If you are limited with space in your home, looking at places like Magenta self storage could be a great solution for you, where you can access secure, all-inclusive storage for both personal and business use. As well as this, they have plenty of storage facilities across the country, and help to can cater for all sorts of storage requirements you may need.

Tidy As You Go

When you lead a busy lifestyle, it can be very difficult to keep your living space neat and tidy as you're always doing something more important. However, you should make it a daily habit to put things away you have been using where they belong. This will allow you to save yourself time and stress later, as everything will be kept away where it should be, and will help minimise any cluttered surfaces in your home. A few examples of this could be putting your makeup and beauty products away after use, putting away any clean washing or even making sure you to clean and store away cooking utensils whilst cooking meals.

Dispose of Old Electricals/Appliances

Got some old electricals or unused appliances lying around at home? I'm sure many of us have drawers filled with old electricals that we simply don't use anymore and have no purpose in our lives. Items such as mobile phones, cameras, battery-operated toys to games consoles can clutter up much needed storage space in our homes if not used regularly. Nowadays, there are a number of ways you can get rid of these and free up space in your home. You can either sell on to someone else, get your local council to collect larger items or even recycle the lot!

Expired Beauty Products

Makeup bags, beauty product drawers and bathroom cabinets are known for collecting an array of expired make up products, medication, old toothbrushes, empty toiletries and other products you will probably never use. It's important to ditch any dried up, broken or just old beauty products you've had lying around to help cut down on clutter, as well as avoid the potential spread of germs. If you have brand new unwanted gifts or unopened beauty products that you cannot simply throw away, why not gift these items to friends and family, or even donate them to homeless shelters, for those who might need them more than you.

How do you keep your home clutter-free? What other tips do you have?

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AD| Many people find that exercise and other physical activities helps them maintain a positive mental health. This doesn't mean you need to be running marathons daily, spending every day at the gym or doing any activity that you absolutely hate.

There are lots of different exercises and activities you can do to be more active and better your lifestyle. It's important that you are choosing an activity that works for you and for your lifestyle. Having something you actually enjoy will definitely help boost you mood and mental state, as well as having something to look forward to and help you stay fit.

Running is an exercise good for both your physical health and mental health. One of the best and most common psychological benefits of running is stress relief. Endorphins and serotonin are released in your body through exercise, and these hormones are those that improve your mood as well as helping to reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Going for a run of any length, whether that be a few laps round the local park or a marathon, gives you time to think about your feelings or problems, get some much needed fresh air and to escape reality for a while. This form of exercise can also improve a person’s self-esteem, as well as helping you to feel rewarded and a sense of accomplishment.

For those who want something relaxing, calming and an exercise with lower body impact, yoga and meditation might be worth a go. Practising yoga can help to increase body awareness, relieve stress, reduce muscle tension/strain, and calms the nervous system. Yoga may be beneficial for those who find exercise hard, strenuous or difficult, as its a slower pace activity with easier, low impact movements. Yoga has so many incredible benefits, it would be silly not to try it.

Boxing style workouts using a punchbag are great for working out your entire body. Constant movements can help keep you agile, flexible and mobile. Boxing is a sport that can help teach you how to control/manage your anger, to stay focused and keep alert. As well as this, boxing is a great activity for relieving any stress or tension that builds up in our bodies.

Horse Riding is the perfect outdoor activity for those who loves to get some fresh air and are also extremely fond of animals. Horses specifically. Horse riding is definitely renowned for its benefits to our physical health, as well as helping to lower stress levels and improve your confidence. The study completed by The BHS concluded that "horseback riding stimulated mainly positive psychological feelings, with reducing depression by 30% as well as lowering the chance of dementia by 30%". Researching your local stables or horse riding centre might be worth a look at if you're keen on getting started with horse riding as a new hobby.

Cycling is a great activity for those who love to get outdoors into the fresh air and exercise at their own pace. Many people take up cycling as a hobby for both physical or mental health reasons including to improve fitness, building muscle or losing weight, as well as clearing their mind and enjoying the environment around us. A survey by Cycleplan found "75% of cyclists noticed an improvement in their mental health since getting on the saddle, with 8% even saying it helped with their depression or anxiety". Cycling can also help improve your social life as well, especially if you go with your friends, or even join a cycling club or class, allowing you to meet new people with similar interests to you.

Finally, swimming. Swimming is such an underrated activity when it comes to stress relief and weight loss. Swimming also allows the body to releases endorphin, that can help us achieve a sense of happiness and wellbeing. The benefits of regular swimming sessions are incredible, not only can this exercise help fight depression, anxiety and improve sleep patterns, but it is also very low impact and easy on your joints, making it a perfect activity for those struggling with their weight or the elderly.

What activities or exercises do you do to improve your mental health? Is there any hobbies that you want to take up?

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GUEST POST | Does it feel like your skincare routine could use an update? Maybe it’s no longer giving you the results you are looking for, or perhaps you want to elevate your products and opt for luxury items that use better quality ingredients.

Luxury skincare products can do wonders for your skin, no matter your skincare concerns, but the trick is knowing which products to include in your routine. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of three essential products that you can add into your skincare regime so you can see dramatic results.

It Starts with a Good Quality Cleanser

Skincare routines can differ from person to person; one thing they all need to contain is a good quality cleanser that is meant for your specific skin type. This is what preps your skin for all the steps and products to follow, so the cleanser needs to do its job well. Your cleanser should easily be able to remove any traces of makeup and oil without actually stripping your skin. Cleansers can come in a variety of forms such as gel, cream, balm, and oil and there may be a little trial and error necessary to find the right format for your skin.

Ingredients to steer clear of when shopping for a luxury cleanser are dyes, perfumes, and chemicals. All of these can be very harsh and damaging to your skin.

Targeted Serums – Addressing Your Specific Needs

Then there are serums, which is a pretty massive category. Ideally, you want to take a targeted approach, meaning you pick one specific skincare concern and choose a serum that can address it. While there are certainly serums out there that claim to be an all-in-one solution, more often than not these end up falling short. So, if fine lines and wrinkles are your main issue, pick a serum that addresses aging. If uneven skin tone and dark spots are something you want to fade, then choose that targeted serum.

As for where to slot the serum into your routine, the correct order is:

· Cleanser

· Toner

· Serum

· Eye cream

· Spot treatment

· Moisturiser

· Face oil

· Sunscreen

Facial Oils - a Luxury Experience

While the idea of using oil on your face during your skincare routine is nothing new, it has really hit its stride in the past few years. Facial oils have now become mainstream as more and more people realise just how many benefits they offer. Depending on the oil you choose, it can target such issues as dry skin, dull skin, uneven skin tone, dark spots and pigmentation, and more.

When shopping for facial oil, be sure to look into a high-end reputable brand that is known for using good quality ingredients. For example, Tata Harper is a brand that uses raw organic and plant-based ingredients. The Tata Harper experience is meant to be chemical-free, giving you the ultimate facial oil, among other products.

By adding these essential luxury products to your skincare routine, you can expect to see some beautiful results.

What luxury beauty products do you use in your routine? What products would you recommend?

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AD| When it comes to beauty, many people find the thought of having unwanted hair, hair regrowth and hair removal can be extremely annoying, uncomfortable and is often a very time consuming process. We spend many hours and a lot of money on our beauty regimes since it can help boost confidence, mental health and self-esteem. When it comes to hair removal, there are a number of different procedures and techniques to get rid of unwanted hair such as shaving, tweezing, threading and waxing.

Now, as we all may be aware of, these techniques can be time-consuming and you often find yourself repeating the procedures time and time again. Now, for those who are looking for ideal permanent results and the first procedure that comes in the mind is laser hair removal. Many find that this technique works so effectively and results can be seen from the very first session. However, many people who are going for consultations or their first laser appointment find themselves stuck with so many misconceptions and find themselves unsure if the procedure is right for them.

Is it quite painful?
The thought of having a laser used on your body sounds incredibly awful, but the process of laser hair removal shouldn't feel too painful. You may experience different types of sensations, varying in pain, but this will vary from person to person. Therefore, it is indeed tricky to find out how you are supposed to feel, as not everyone will experience the same feelings and have the same pain tolerance. Talking about the majority, they experience a slightly tingling sensation after having laser hair removal, but isn't anything too uncomfortable. Many individuals feel that it does not hurt any more than waxing, since the laser procedure is categorised into many different sessions over a period of time. It can be an extremely safe procedure compared to waxing, if carried out by a trained professional. You would not have to bother about any bleeding, ingrown hairs or rashes, and will begin your journey to being hair free!

Probably expensive procedure?
The price? This is another one of the most common misconceptions about laser hair removal. The reason behind this misconception is that this procedure revolves around advanced technology, and is carried out over a period of time. This beauty procedure is quite accessible for anyone and you can find treatments to fit any budget. The pricing for this can be extremely reasonable, especially if comparing the price you would pay for regular waxing/shaving for the rest of your life. You could be saving thousands of pounds over your lifetime through going ahead with laser removal. There are so many different price packages of laser hair removal that works is available to go with your price range, depending on the company or treatment you decide to go with.

Can cause more hair to grow?
Many people do not agree with laser hair removal for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is they are thinking that it will probably lead to more hair growth, but this is not 100% true. Experts say that our bodies are constantly changing, and keep changing as we age. Some people are supposed to lose body hair while some probably have more hair in a new places. This will obviously differ from person to person, so each individuals results will be different, so don't compare your own to someone else.

Laser does not work well on dark skin?
As per the advanced laser technology, this is nothing but a myth only. Over the last few years, laser hair removal has become quite advanced and has been developed further to work for many more people. Today, laser hair reduction can be done on individuals with all skin tones. However, the amount of time and number of sessions you will require for this may vary, solely based on your skin tone and hair texture.

Overall, laser hair removal is extremely helpful for those who want to get rid of unwanted hair for good. Instead of believing the misconceptions, it would be better to make sure to do your own research before you make any decisions. If you have any questions or further queries, you should consult with a health expert in case you have more doubts regarding this, or are looking at getting laser hair removal yourself.

Have you had laser hair removal? Is this procedure something you have been considering?

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AD| Traveling and going on holiday abroad can be extremely expensive if you fail to do enough research and come up with a detailed, planned itinerary. With many of us browsing online and looking to start booking summer holidays and trips away now some travel is allowed, you can already start saving some money before you've even left you're own home. There are so many decisions to make and things to consider when holiday searching, and sometimes you just don't need the added stress of everything happening all at once.

Before even thinking about going on holiday, the most important thing is to save up enough money to be able to afford the trip. You obviously want to make sure you are financially stable, and can actually afford to go on holiday. Make sure to set a budget for the total cost of the holiday, as well as for each day of your trip, will help you when it comes to planning and saving money. By having a set budget, this will help you when searching for your perfect getaway, as you have a price range to work with.

It's also really important to make sure to research your destination so you know what to expect when you get there. You will need to decide where you want to stay, the length of your trip and also find out what the weather conditions are like before you go. You can also look online to find recommendations and reviews of places to go and stay. This allows you to get real peoples thoughts and opinions, and you'll also be able to see where you should be spending your money.

A big way to save money when booking your holidays abroad is by being as flexible as possible with your travel dates. Traveling during off-peak times can be a lot cheaper than during the busiest times of the year, so if you have the time flexibility, it's worth looking at cheaper dates. You can also have a look at special offers and deals that travel companies offer that are scheduled for specific dates, so if you have full flexibility, this could be something to look out for.

When you have finalised your travel dates and destination, you'll then want to go ahead and begin to book your flights and accommodation. During this stage of your booking process, you'll be able to research and find out if booking your holiday in a package or separately will be cheaper for you. I'd recommend using price comparison websites that can search the internet for flights and hotels, suiting your dates, time and budget.

If you're going to be exploring your destination by bus/tube/train etc, it may be more cost effective for you by buying travel passes for the duration of your stay. Depending on what you have planned for your trip, having a travel card already purchased can save you a lot of time and money, so you have more time to go sightseeing and and exploring. It can also be worth having if you decide upon some unexpected last-minute plans and venture out of the local area.

If your accommodation allows you to have access to a kitchen, that is an extremely easy way to save money once you're away. You can pick up your ingredients quite cheaply from local supermarkets and make your own food. However, if you are looking at eating out most of the time, why not get some recommendations from locals and enjoy local food and drinks. Many restaurants, pubs and bars are situated in very popular, tourist areas, and visiting these locations may be quite expensive. Many destinations will have places to eat and drink that are super popular with the locals and residents, so it may be worth asking around for some ideas of places to enjoy your meals.

If you're visiting somewhere where you want to take sightseeing at your own pace, looking at car rental services might be a good option to save you money on public transport and taxi fees. Many rental companies have special offers and discounts when booked in advance, and offer a variety of sized vehicles for your own personal needs. If you're looking at island holidays, for example, such as Santorini, Ibiza or even Cyprus, I'd highly recommend looking at hiring your own car to help you get about and explore your next holiday destination.

Exchange rates for currency are always changing and are in constant fluctuation everyday. Obviously as a buyer of currency, we want to get the best deals and prices when looking at getting foreign currency. Probably the easiest and cheapest way to buy your foreign currency is going online, and comparing banks and travel agents, to make sure you get a good exchange. By making sure to organise and collect currency before travel, you can save yourself some money by not purchasing at the airport, or at your final destination, as the conversion rates are usually not great.

Finally, when you're on holiday, you may want to look at finding some day trips or visiting attractions, as these can prove costly if not pre-planned and booked ahead. If you to fill up your travel itinerary, it might be worth researching some free excursions and activities that your travel destination has to offer. Many tourist destinations will have plenty of parks, museums and shops that you can visit for free. You could even ask in your hotel or accommodation centre if there are any activities going on during your stay that you might find interesting.

How do you save money whilst travelling? Have you got any holidays planned soon?

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AD| If you are starting to look at planning your next UK summer vacation but want something a little different, why not consider a caravan/motorhome-style holiday?

Caravan and motorhome travel can be extremely exciting and if planned well, can be so much less stressful than your typical holiday abroad. You can take your journey at your own pace, take more direct routes to your destinations, as well as making some super amazing memories and having an awesome adventure with your friends and family.

Obviously, one of the most important parts of planning your getaway for your first UK caravan holiday is to completely make sure that you’ve carried out all safety and security checks on your car/caravan/motorhome. By doing this, this ensures your vehicle is fit for purpose and you won't come across any breakdown issues on your trip. You'll want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road, checking tyres, fuel and other fluid levels, and also making sure your have a safe and secure tow-bar for your caravan to attach to.

Before you set off on your trip, it would be very useful and informative to check any driving regulations for caravans/motorhomes, as suggested in The Highway Code. You’ll need to switch up your driving style when you are towing a caravan, as it will feel completely different to a normal car. You'll need to consider things like vehicle weight, conditions of your brakes, as well as considering your stopping distance, vehicle speed and room needed for manoeuvres. You may even opt for a special driving course for caravans or motorhomes to make sure you are fully confident ahead of your summer trip.

Making sure you go online and check that you have the correct insurance for your caravan/motorhome trip is extremely important. It's not ideal to be spending extra money on something that isn’t necessary, so finding a good deal on your insurance is extremely vital. If it's your first caravan/motorhome travel holiday, it’s probably a good idea to take out some insurance in case of any unplanned issues. This could include breakdowns, repairs or even theft. By researching ahead of your trip, the touring caravan insurance you need can be found at a lower price, allowing you to make sure you’re getting the best quotes and deal for what you require for your trip.

Obviously, journey planning is one of the biggest steps in researching for your caravan/motorhome holiday. You'll ideally want to make an itinerary of how long you wish to spend travelling, places you want to visit, and of course, the route you're going to take for your journeys. There are plenty of online resources that can help you to help plan your trip, giving you the best routes and letting you know the timeframes you will need. I would also recommend setting up a sat-nav, as well as bringing a map, just in case of emergencies. Doing all this planning beforehand will help you to feel less stressed and anxious, and allow you to also to come up with contingency plans if there are any issues on the road ahead.

Whilst planning your trip, it's also wise to make sure you have saved up enough money to last you the length of your trip, but also essential to budget for any additional costs. This could be for things such as food/drinks, parking charges, road tolls, just as a few examples. Having put aside some extra money can help you if anything unexpected comes up and catches you "out of the blue". This money can also cover costs if you want to take detours from your original journey plan and visit other places along the way that were not pre-planned before the trip.

Have you considered caravan or motorhome vacations before? Where would you like to visit?

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AD| Real estate can be one of the most profitable businesses to get into. Even if you're buying a home for the long term and are just curious about how much of a return you can eventually get, there are things everyone can do to increase their equity.

Make A Large Down Payment
The larger your down payment, the more equity you have in your home. Instead of making the minimum down payment, plan on paying off a significant portion earlier so that your monthly payments may be lower or your mortgage can be shorter. Every cent you put into your down payment turns into equity, so don't be shy about pouring a lot of money into it.

Increase Property Value
The simplest way to gain equity without paying off your home faster is to update your home itself. If you add value to your home, all of that value will be equity. The updates that increase value the most are kitchens, master bathrooms, and master bedrooms. When people look at Vancouver homes for sale, they’re considering how much work they will have to put into a property. Having updated spaces that are functional and pretty from the get-go has a lot of value in it.

Pay Higher Than Due Every Month
Following along the lines of making a sizable down payment, you'll be in a better financial position if you pay higher than your monthly set payment. Not only does paying off the debt faster lower your interest total, but it also ensures you start gaining equity faster. Do the math on how much you owe, what percentage above your monthly payments you can currently afford, and how much time that shaves off of your mortgage.

Have Patience Beyond Five Years
If you’re making the minimal house payment, the first five years of it are more than likely just covering the interest. Although it can be annoying to think of, this is the territory that comes with buying a home with a loan. After those first five years, all money you put into your property can be considered equity and make your home your own.

Spend One Partner’s Entire Salary
This tip is only for couples who don't have kids or significant financial obligations outside of their home: or who make enough that they can afford to do this easily. Many couples will earmark one of the partners' incomes solely for house payments. If both people in the pair are making around $50,000 a year, this could mean the couple pays off a $200,000 home in just under five years after interest.

This plan does have its fall-backs since it means that half of the income is gone, but if a couple is capable of living frugally, it's possible. After taxes take around 20% of their income, the couple would have to survive off around $3,350, which isn't impossible in most cities! This option should be thoroughly discussed and only used by couples who know and trust each other financially.

Have you considered real estate? What other ways can you grow equity?

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AD - GIFTED| Are you a major fan of the matching loungewear co-ord sets? Then this post is for you!

Now the warmer weather is definitely on its way, lockdown restrictions are constantly being lifted and we can finally go out and socialise with friends, everyone will be looking for outfit inspiration that would make a change from loungewear sets we've been wearing at home. However, loungewear is a must-have essential on spring days, as the weather can easily shift between cool and warm in such a short space of time, it's good to be prepared with wearing something that is suitable for both temperatures.

FemmeLuxe loungewear has definitely been some of my favourite matching sets to wear throughout lockdown, and on those days where I just want a simple, easy and effortless outfit to throw on and go. Loungewear is so versatile, dressed up or dressed down, there's so many ways to wear it, and still look stylish yet comfy. Loungewear is such a wardrobe staple, all year round. Hoodies, sweatshirts, crop tops, joggers and leggings are all perfect items for everyday wear when you're putting together a super casual outfit.

Chocolate brown was definitely the colour of the autumn/winter season, and it's definitely something that's here to stay throughout the springtime. This Oversized Chocolate Loungewear set* simply screams comfort! You can't go wrong with an oversized sweat and some joggers for the perfect casual everyday outfit. On this occasion, I've gone for something slightly different as I would never usually go for this colour, but I'm extremely glad that I did. I find browns super flattering for all skin tones and this tracksuit set is the perfect outfit when you want something easy to through on.

To add some neutral tones to my wardrobe, I picked up a Cream Oversized Hoodie & Jogger set*. This loungewear set has a relaxed fit, making it extremely comfortable and perfect for layering underneath or over the top. Cream is a great colour for those who love a neutral colour them in their clothing, as you can pair it with pretty much any colour and it will match perfectly.

To switch up my loungewear style, this Grey Ribbed Loungewear Set* is the perfect addition to my wardrobe. This loungewear set has more of a slim fit to it, helping to flatter the body, and is a change from wearing big, baggy lounge sets. Grey is an extremely versatile colour so you can pair this with so many things for a cute outfit. I would simply through on an oversized puffer jacket for an everyday outfit.

To help inject some colour into my spring wardrobe, I've opted for another loungewear set in this absolutely stunning pale blue colour. This Slogan Oversized Loungewear Set* is super relaxed and very comfortable. This set is really unique and different compared to the ones already featured in this post. The slogan back is a really cool added detail, and the bold text really makes it stand out and get noticed.

So whether you're looking for some spring outfit inspo, WFH clothing or are simply on the hunt for some comfy and super affordable loungewear, I hope this post has given you that much needed inspiration. I know I definitely want to fill my wardrobe with loads more loungewear sets. You can never have too many! FemmeLuxe is a great online place to shop. Super affordable, a huge variety of clothing, good quality and fast delivery, what more could you ask for?

Which outfit is your favourite? Have you shopped at FemmeLuxe?

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Is radiant, glowing skin something you dream of without the need for expensive holidays, luxury skincare products or facials? If the answer is yes, you may just want to keep reading!

Getting bright, glowing skin is definitely achievable for everyone regardless of your skin type and skin concerns. Getting to know your skin type is the first and most important thing you can do for your skin, in order to achieve your 'glow-up'. Using the wrong products with the wrong ingredients could ultimately lead to making your skin worse, and we obviously don't want that happening now. With a few simple lifestyle changes, skincare tips and the right products suitable for you, you can start your journey to get radiant, glowing skin all year round.

1. Increase Water Intake

Staying hydrated is vitally important to keep your skin looking fresh & healthy from the inside out, as well as helping to maintain your skin's elasticity. Your body is made up of over 70% water, so ensuring you're drinking enough water everyday can help you combat a variety of skin issues, keep you focused, aid concentration and generally keep your mood boosted.

2. Include Exfoliation In Your Skincare Routine

Aside from removing dry and dead skin from the surface, including regular exfoliation in your daily skincare routine increases the skin's radiance, texture and appearance. Exfoliation helps to both smooth and nourish the skin, which leads to promoting a healthier, more glowy complexion.

3. Consider Dermaplaning

Something fairly new to me, but something that has become a regular part of my skincare routine is dermaplaning. I briefly mentioned dermaplaning in my lockdown beauty hacks post. To keep it brief, dermaplaning is an effective and safe exfoliation treatment that promotes a number of skincare benefits including more radiant and smoother skin, as well as deeper product penetration. The removal of dead skin and soft facial hair that traps dirt and oils is beneficial in promoting glowing skin, evening skin tone and boosting radiance in the complexion.

4 - Central Heating

"This might not be very well known, but central heating can play havoc on your skin! Naturally, when it's so cold outside we want to make sure we're warm & cosy inside. Central heating can dry the air inside your home causing further dehydration & increase the amount of free radicals in your home. Try reducing the heat a little or wear an extra layer if you need to reduce the core temperature without relying on the central heating. As an extra little tip try opening the windows for 30 minutes per day to reduce any harmful pollutants in the household environment - but turn the heating off first!" - comment from Jenna Unwin, Founder of Million Dollar Facial

5. Include Vitamin C Products

Choosing the right skincare products for you skin type is extremely important and is definitely something worth researching before making the purchase. If you're suffering with dry, dull and tired skin, your skin may need some added hydration and radiance, to help change the appearance and texture of your complexion. For me, the addition of skincare products infused with vitamin c have helped me to get glowing skin all year round, leaving my skin looking bright, revitalises and detoxified. Vitamin C is one of the strongest antioxidants out there and can really help protect your skin from environmental damage.

6. Cleansing Is Your Best Friend

Making sure to cleanse your skin both day and night is one of the easiest and most simple steps to add into your daily routine. Cleansing is a skincare must, to help remove makeup, dirt, oil and to gently exfoliate the skin. Products like hot cloth cleansers are a must have, and can help achieve your glowing skin goals instantly. The muslin cloth that comes with most cleansers helps to maintain heat efficiently when run under warm water. This then helping to deeply cleanse and open pores more effectively, resulting in a fresh and dirt free appearance to the skin. By cleansing properly, you will be left with a thoroughly clean base for you to apply your skincare products and treatments.

7. Make Time For Weekly Face Masks

A face mask once or twice a week can do magic to your skin, especially if you're picking the right type of mask for your current skin needs. Regular use of face masks in your skincare routine help to keep your skin surface clean and pores unclogged from dirt and oil build up. The benefits of using face masks are usually seen with instant results from the first use, left with softer-feeling and smoother-looking skin, and you’ll also notice a radiant glow and more refreshed appearance.

8. Make Diet and Lifestyle Changes

This is crucial for your overall skin & health if you want to look and feel your best. The foods you eat and what you drink all play apart in how you skin looks and feels, so it's important to have everything in moderation. Having a well balanced and nutritious diet is key for supplying your body with vitamins and minerals, which are needed to help boost that beauty glow.

9. Vitamin D

"This hero vitamin can only be made with moderate exposure to daylight & with our exposure to daylight being at an all time low this will lead to a decrease in mood, an acceleration in skin ageing & more pigmented skin. Daily supplements can help this." - comment from Jenna Unwin, Founder of Million Dollar Facial

What ways do you achieve glowing skin?

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Lifestyle blogs are probably one of the most popular types of blogs you will find on the internet these days, and many bloggers/influencers are expanding their niches and building content on a more lifestyle-based theme, in order to grow their websites. The content featured on lifestyle blogs can be extremely versatile, as you can choose from a wide range of topics to feature and post articles on, which can help attract a large amount of readers.

With my own lifestyle based blog, I like to create content on a variety of topics, and I regularly post on topics such as beauty, home, fashion, business and finance, and travel, to name a few. I feel that with having such a broad amount of topics, it can help you gain a wider audience, as well as keep your site up-to-date with current affairs, and keep it relevant and engaging for your audience. Throughout 2020 and so far in 2021, I have been putting a lot more time and effort into growing my lifestyle blog. I was placed on furlough from my regular job on and off until April this year, so this left me with much more time on my hands and I decided that it would be a good decision to go more full-time into my blog and expand my content further.

Probably one of the main factors that has helped me to grow my lifestyle blog throughout lockdown has been increasing/expanding my content and starting to write about a number of newer topics to feature on my website. For example, I have now begun to include articles themed with subjects such as relationships, business and finance, and home and interiors. Not only have I focused on my written content, but I have also focused on the visual content of my website. To help improve my website further, I have also been working extremely hard on the overall appearance of my blog, including changing the theme and design, format and layout of my blog posts. I've opted for quite a bold and eye-catching theme, with quite a minimalist layout, to keep my website looking as clean as possible.

Over the last year and a half, I've been extremely lucky to form and maintain some great relationships with agencies, PR's and brands, which has helped me to expand the success of my lifestyle blog. I've recently worked on an increased amount of sponsored posts and collaborations, which has allowed me to begin to monetise my website and start to earn a second income alongside my main job. There are so may different ways you can start making money with your blog, from affiliate links, link insertions, campaigns, and sponsored/collaborative posts, you just need to find which works best for you. I've also signed up to a number of blogger/influencer websites that can help you seek paid work and assignments, which has also allowed me to work on a number of campaigns and collaborations on a number of different topics, that I may not have written about and published previously.

Social media plays a huge role in the growth of your blog, from gaining increased page views to getting new followers and readers. Throughout the lockdown period, I've been lucky to interact and converse with a number of bloggers and influencers, that have also helped me to develop and grow my lifestyle blog. By sharing blog posts and articles online, this allows you to target and reach a larger audience from all over the world, getting your content seen by people you may not even know. This is something that makes sharing your work online is absolutely incredible.

From my own personal experience, the social media sites that helped me to generate the most readers/traffic to blogs include Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest and LinkedIn. Once you start getting views from social media sites/organic searching, you’ll be able to analyse the traffic, I use Google Analytics to determine what your readers like, where your site is getting viewed from and what type of content is the most popular on your lifestyle blog. This helps you to plan ahead and schedule new content for the future, as well as produce articles that you know are going to be suited and popular with your audience.

What are your favourite lifestyle blogs? What are your favourite topics to read about?

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