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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

Think blogging is just a hobby? Think again! Blogging might start as just a part-time side hobby, but it can actually become another good income source for you once you know the ways in which you can monetise your website and put them in place. We all know that you probably won't be making hundreds overnight, especially if you're a new blogger and this idea is something new to you, over time the money can slowly add up and you will start earning a little extra cash from your online ventures. 

However, with enough patience and dedication to build traffic to your website, grow your social media following and networking with the right people, you'll be starting your journey to blog monetisation before you know it and will be on your way to having a money-making blog in no time. Let's take a look at ways you can make money from your blog in 2021.

GIRL WORKING ON LAPTOP

Blogging Assignments via Paid Blogging Platforms
One of the main ways you can make money from your blog is by finding online platforms that offer paid blogging assignments opportunities. This is an extremely quick and easy way for bloggers to find money making jobs online that are targeted towards their niche and are suitable for their website. These blogging platforms help connect bloggers and brands together, allowing them to collaborate on different jobs and assignments. Many websites differentiate payment amounts depending on your websites Domain Authority or DA. Domain Authority is simply a search engine ranking score and can be based on a number of factors including age of website, internal/external links, and ranking keywords, to name a few. Your DA score can be between 1 and 100, and usually the higher the DA, the higher the payment. 

Recently, I've had the opportunity to find a number of sponsored jobs via websites like Intellifluence and Get Blogged. These types of websites offer a number of blogging jobs over many different topics. To begin collaborating with this blogging platforms, you simple will need to set up and complete your own blogger profile and then you will be matched or can start applying for the many opportunities that they offer online. To apply for these, the brand will outline a specific brief for the assignment and you will be able to submit your own pitch, notifying the brand that you're interested in applying for the opportunity and you can share how you would like to work with them.

Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is something I'm yet to delve into, but it's definitely something I'm looking to explore further and research into as another income stream for my blog. The general idea of affiliate marketing is promoting an affiliate program or network or other people’s services/products in return for a commission from each click or sale. For bloggers, that means you would find a service/product that you like, promote it via your blog or social media platforms to your readers, and earn part of the profit on each sale that is made via your affiliate link. To begin implementing affiliate marketing on your blogs website, you will obviously be including your affiliate links into new and previously published blog posts, adding banners into your blog's layout, and even using pop-up advertising. Websites such as AWIN are a great starting point when looking at affiliate marketing as they have built a global network connecting customers with brands in over 180 countries.

Sponsored Guest Posts and Campaign Work
As a lifestyle blogger, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to work with a number of brands, agencies and PR's on a number of paid opportunities. Whether you pitch your own ideas to brands or they come directly to you, having collaborations on sponsored posts, guest posts or campaigns are a great way to earn some money from your website. From past experience, this type of work can often lead into something more long-term opportunities as you build up better relationships with the companies/clients you work with, and you an often find yourself with repeat work time and time gain. I've worked with a number of agencies who have suppled me a number of guest post articles for me to publish on my blog featuring client links.

Link Insertion Opportunities
Probably one of the quickest ways that I've begun to make money on my blog is  via link insertions into older blog posts. Link insertion is a simple process in which a brand will contact you and pay you for adding a specific website's relevant links to your own existing content of your blog. Another way link insertion opportunities work is via PRs and Blogger Outreach Agencies who will contact you directly to include a client in an upcoming blog post. For this style of work, you are usually supplied with the clients URL and the relevant anchor text that they wish to use. After this, you are then able to create a new blog post featuring the given details from the client.

Google AdSense
Another income stream you can use to help monetise your blog is by using Google AdSense. Google AdSense works by choosing relevant, targeted adverts to your site based on your blogs content and visitor interests or history. Google will pay you a small amount of money for every click or impression on the specific ads you'll display on your website. These ads are customisable to your site, and usually optimized to the recommended sizes to make them more visible, more engaging and to give them more chance to be seen on your page and clicked on. 

FINANCE BLOGS

Prior to this blog post, I asked some fellow bloggers the following question regarding all things money.

 - What is your biggest tip for those wanting to increase earnings of their blog? -

Kayleigh Zara - "Find yourself a number of reliable PR contacts so that you constantly have enough work if and when you need it. Blogging platforms won't always necessarily provide you with enough work to be a full time blogger, and can sometimes pay you way way way less than the going rate. Also, platforms have very dodgy rules on disclosures and you could get a Google penalisation if not careful. Also learn not to undercharge for your work - it's better to say no to a brand and a stupid price than it is to work for way less than you're worth."

Shyla - "My number one tip is to stay consistent and focus on creating quality content on a regular basis. The better quality, length, and purpose of the content the more likely someone will want to purchase something from it via affiliate links. Outreach to companies via pitches can also help open new doors for your blog as well."

Sophie - "My biggest tip would probably be making sure to be extremely patient! It can take a while to build up your earnings, and part of that is learning skills like how to write pitches, and how to use affiliate marketing successfully (something I have not got my head around yet!) Also, read e-books, blogs and learn from people who know what they are doing and have successfully monetized their blogs."

How do you currently monetise your blog? What other ways would you like to start using to earn some money?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED| On average, we usually spend about a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is an extremely vital part of our daily everyday life, helping to keep us healthy, both physically and mentally. Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as taking up regular exercise, leading a healthy lifestyle and consuming a balanced diet. Recently, I've made a few changes in my daily routine, allowing me to lead a more healthy lifestyle. In terms of getting a better night's sleep, I've recently added the kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow into my sleep routine, using this as a replacement to my normal pillow and I have since noticed a huge difference in my sleep quality. 

By making sure you're getting a quality night's sleep on a regular basis, you can help improve all sorts of problems and help to boost others. Sleep is necessary for us to have a healthy heart, better mood, and a more-alert brain. As well as this, getting enough rest can help you with your exercise and workout routines, toughen your immune system, steady your blood sugar levels and help with weight control. For those looking to improve the quality of their rest and get a better night's sleep, here are 5 things you can do in your daily routine to get you started.
 
GIRL SLEEPING

Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in the world and can have a disruptive effect on your sleep routine. Consuming any caffeine filled product will usually increase alertness and reducing fatigue, which is definitely not what you want when you are trying to go to sleep. By trying to avoid caffeine in the late afternoon/evening, you can help your body to unwind and prepare yourself for bedtime.

Your choice of bed is by far the most important and significant element in getting a good night’s rest, without this, it's just not going to work out. When we are sleeping, it’s recommended that we maintain a good, natural posture to ensure we keep our spine correctly aligned to avoid any aches and pains. There are so many things to consider when choosing your bed and bed accessories. Items such as your mattress, duvet and your pillows are something you should consider researching well and investing in. By ensuring all these factors are taken on board, you'll soon be having the best night's sleep! I've opted to use the kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow which has improved my sleep quality and allowed me to get some much needed rest. If you'd like to read about my experience with the Dream Pillow, continue reading to check out my review!

Optimize your bedroom environment for a better night's sleep. Your body's temperature slightly decreases during sleep, requiring your room to be cool enough to help you settle down and sleep throughout the night. The most ideal sleeping environment is somewhere that is cool, quiet, and dark. This will make sleeping much more comfortable, you'll feel relaxed and be ready to get some much needed rest.

RELAXING BATH

In order to get a better night's sleep, it's important to make sure your body is relaxed and calm. Taking a relaxing bath or shower can help create a small dip in normal body temperature, which can ultimately help get you off to sleep within minutes. For those who struggle with getting enough quality rest, the use of Lavender in your bath, whether that is a few drops of oil, a scented bath bomb or some foamy bubble bath. Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, and is more commonly used for calming and to aid relaxation and sleep. 

By making just a few small adjustments to your daily routine can help you strive for a better night's sleep. Creating a regular sleep schedule might just be what you need to get the best out of your night's sleep. Aiming to sleep and wake at the same, consistent times everyday will allow you body’s internal clock to get accustomed to your new routine and will also help boost your mood and quality of sleep.
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Introducing the Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

For those looking to get a good night's sleep, the kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow,
a fully customisable memory foam pillow, is definitely worth a try. Whether you're a back, side, or tummy sleeper, this pillow was made for you as it is cleverly engineered for all kinds of sleepers, making it a super versatile sleep accessory for everyone. I've never come across a fully customisable pillow below, allowing you to alter the shape to ensure the perfect height, the best firmness, and the right comfort for your sleep position. This helps make the pillow so personal to you and your needs, it's really one-of-a-kind.

Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

Memory foam pillows are renowned for being one of the best options to choose as they offer the best support. The Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow is filled with 100% recyclable shredded microfiber memory foam, and comes with a small travel-friendly sized bag full of extra pillow filling to allow you adjust the firmness of your pillow for the perfect sleep. 

"Every Kudd.ly customisable Dream Pillow comes with a standard 100 OEKO-TEX label, meaning they’re made with high-quality materials tested and approved for human use. They’re carefully engineered with our CLOUDpad™ lining, made of 100% cotton and filled with 100% microfiber for extra comfort and support. It is hypoallergenic, breathable, and filled with 100% recyclable shredded microfiber memory foam."

Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow

Overall, I was incredibly impressed with the Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow. From the very first use, I felt like I was sleeping on clouds. I usually find it quite hard to fall asleep, and find myself unable to fully relax at night - but now, I fall asleep within minutes as my whole body feels more supported, more comfortable and more relaxed. The pillow is super soft to the touch, doesn't irritate the skin and stays cool all night - no need to be turning over your pillow constantly to get the cool side!

I really liked that the pillow was completely customisable, meaning you can personalise it for your body and sleep needs. I managed to get the perfect balance of softness, firmness and support. It took a couple of nights to find the perfect amount of filling that I needed to use for my pillow, but after a few tries, I found my perfect amount and have been sleeping so much better. If you're on the lookout for a new pillow or just want to improve your night's sleep, I'd highly recommend checking out Kudd.ly and the products they have to offer!

Have you heard of the Kudd.ly™ Dream Pillow? What things do you do to get a better night's sleep?
10:00 No comments

AD| Do you find it hard to find a pair of sunglasses that suit you? Are you looking for the best trending fashion eyewear of 2021? Look no further! 

Sunglasses are a super popular fashion accessory and also a great way to protect your eyes. Shopping for new sunglasses can be a very difficult, especially since there are so many different styles, shapes and sizes, it can be hard to find your perfect match. Just like fashion trends, this also applies to sunglasses and fashion eyewear. These trends can change year after year and if you want your look to be relevant, you need to keep up. 

Shown below are some of the newest and latest trends in fashion eyewear, and also a number of useful tips to consider on how to care for your eyes whilst looking good. As well as all of these tips, it's super important to make sure to get your eyes tested and check by professionals to ensure your eyes have the best protection possible, whatever eyewear you choose. Oodo Optical have a number of helpful articles online from eye examinations to buying spectacles and even remedies for dry eyes - all essential article reads for those wanting the best health for their eyes.

FASHION SUNGLASSES

Aviators are always a popular choice for sunglasses. Aviator-styled sunglasses have a very distinctive design - making them such a staple fashion accessory. These are a classic style of eyewear that are always on trend and look good all year round. This versatile style of eyewear is a great allrounder and a perfect addition to anyone's sunglasses collection, as they will work on most face shapes, as well as all genders and all ages.

For those who are looking for more of a stand-out, statement style of eyewear, cat eye sunglasses are a popular choice. These style of glasses come in a variety of different sizes, so they can easily fit to any face shapes. Cat eye sunglasses are quite a sassy and sophisticated style, so if you want to stand out from the crowd, this might be the style for you!

For those who really want to "go all out" with their choice of eyewear, opt for some colourful futuristic styled frames. Choosing bold frames will definitely take you out of your comfort zone, so you need all the style and confidence to rock these. This Instagram style of eyewear is seriously hot right now, and the perfect way to take your basic outfit from 0 to 100!

With the online world becoming increasingly more popular, blue-light style glasses are a must-have accessory for lovers of the internet. These style of glasses are simply designed to protect and ensure our eyes aren't damaged from the blue light found in all of our devices, such as laptops, smartphones and iPads. Not only are these glasses good for your health, with benefits such as enhancing your focus and productivity and reducing any eye strain, but they can also be a great fashion accessory, as there are so many chic and stylish frames to choose from.

FASHION SUNGLASSES

- Tips for choosing your next pair of eyewear sunglasses -

- Choosing glasses is a lot trickier than people think. You can't always just pick up styles you like as they simply might not suit you. Before you start looking, it’s important that you determine what your face shape is, so you can select the right size and style to complement your face.

-  Make sure your chosen sunglasses are comfortable and fit your face properly. By doing this, you'll be more inclined to reach for them on a daily basis and wear them for long periods of times whilst outside.

- Make sure that your chosen sunglasses block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses are not always an accessory just for summer time. Make sure to protect your eyes all year round - even on those cloudy, sunny days. This is probably the most important thing to consider when looking at new eyewear and getting your hands on a new pair. When it comes to eyecare, you can’t be too careful so make sure to opt for glasses that offer 100% UV protection to make sure you're getting the best protection. Maybe opt for bigger frames or oversized glasses. These eyewear styles will give you much more needed protection and help to minimize the amount of UV rays entering your eyes.

What sunglasses are you loving right now?
10:00 No comments
AD - GIFTED | Many people choose to take part in workout classes, exercise and other physical activities to help them maintain a healthier lifestyle and have a positive impact on their mental health. Whether you're looking to get fit, a new user of the gym or you're someone who attends for multiple sessions a week, sometimes the day after a tiring workout can be quite a struggle. 

If you're currently committing to at-home workouts, attending gym classes or getting outside for your workouts, there are plenty of ways in which you can aid your body post-workout. The amount, intensity, and length of your workouts all play a huge role in determining how exhausting it is on your body. Also, things such as your physical body type, stamina and fitness levels are key factors in determining the best way to recover and the length of time necessary. Let's look at 7 ways to help aid body recovery for everyone to consider after your next workout.

WORKOUT ROUTINE

Stretching after you've completed your workout for the day can have so many short and long-term benefits. It would be incredibly stupid not to spend at least 5-10mins after every session to work on stretching - it can also double up as your cool down to help slowly get your body back to a normal, resting state. A number of benefits include helping to increase your flexibility, prevent risk of future injuries, and helps to relax muscle tension in your body. 

Consuming enough nutritious foods will give your body the much needed energy, fuel, vitamins and minerals it needs to perform day to day bodily functions and to recover quickly post-workout. Diet plays a huge role in helping the body to recovery after strenuous exercise and tiring workout sessions. After any workout, your body needs time to repair and recover. Making sure to consume enough protein in your diet, especially after your intense workout, can begin to start repairing the muscles.

Consuming enough water before, during and after your workouts helps to control and regulate your body temperature. Making sure to rehydrate is essential for those who have exercised /worked-out intensely or have broken into a sweat. Drinking water and other fluids are essential for your post-workout routine and to aid your recovery. Hydration after a workout is a vital step in your road to recovery. If you’re simply not hydrated enough, your body will not be able to perform at its highest level.

BODY MASSAGE

Many individuals, especially athletes and regular gym users incorporate massage into their recovery routine in order to reduce any muscle soreness, easing any of your aches or pain and improving your overall flexibility. Massage also can help to decrease your stress levels, reduce any inflammation, improve circulation in the body and also can help boost your mental health. If you're looking to get your hands on a personalized massage gun, you may want to keep on reading and find out my experiences using Actigun.

Getting enough good, quality rest is easily one of the most effective ways to recover after an intense workout. Sleep is so essential and a plays a key role in your daily bodily functions. Sleep allows your body to slowly repair its muscle tissue, and by making sure you're resting enough each night - 8 hours is a good time-frame, you'll also be reducing your chances of any future injury and struggling with fatigue. It's also essential to ensure you have both a comfortable and support pillow and mattress to ensure your body holds a correct posture all night long.

Not only will a nice cold shower will help you cool off after an intense, sweaty workout, they can also help benefit your body in a number of other ways. Cold showers can also have some amazing effects on your well-being and health. Cold showers help to improve circulation in the body, increase your alertness, speeds up muscle recovery and improves your immunity.

Another vital way you can aid your body into recovery after your workouts is to incorporate rest days into your weekly routine. Rest days are just as important in your routine as exercise is. Obviously, the main reason for this would be to allow your muscles to recover from any strain or damage from previous workouts. It’s needed for muscle recovery and repair, preventing injury and fatigue, and will help to increase your overall performance. Letting your body recover after exercise and getting good, quality rest is the best thing you can do for your body and your fitness goals.
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Introducing Actigun

ACTIGUN ACE MASSAGE GUN

I was kindly sent the Actigun Ace to test out for myself and to see if this massage device could aid my own body recovery post-workout or for when I'm feeling any aches and pains in my body. You may be thinking, what even is Actigun? Well, Actigun is a personalized massage gun installed with an AI Chip - it is made for your physical needs and applicable to all your body parts. 

"Once Actigun is started, the AI chip will react to the condition of your muscles and provide the exact percussive strength you need with a humanized-interactive experience. "

ACTIGUN ACE MASSAGE GUN

The Actigun is extremely lightweight, at only 1.5lbs, it's incredibly portable and travel friendly. It also comes cord-free and tidies away nicely with a sleek carrying case. You'll be able to bring your Actigun Ace anywhere you go - especially as it has around 4+hours of battery life! Some massage guns can be notoriously noisy, Actigun features a brushless motor and will probably be the most quiet massage tool that you will ever own.

Using the Actigun is incredibly simple. Complete with an ultra HD LCD touch screen display, you can easily see what speed setting level you are using - 30 adjustable speed levels to accommodate all body needs, and also the remaining battery life. You can also easily alter the speed level to your liking with the simple + and - features, depending on your needs. The Actigun also comes with a variety of replaceable massage heads which come in handy when working on different parts of the body. Each massage head is designed to massage differently and get deeper into the muscles to relieve any pain. 

ACTIGUN ACE MASSAGE GUN

Over the last month, I've been using the Actigun twice a week on various part of my body - mainly my back, shoulders and legs. From the first use, I felt such an improvement with how my body felt. So calming, pressure and pain relieving, it's hard not to use it for hours on end. Even after a long day at work, using this for a few minutes just helps calm and destress the body within minutes. 

The ergonomic, non slip design makes it incredibly easy to use and to reach anywhere on your body with no problems at all. Even with the chosen speed, percussive strength and the vibrations, it's really comfortable to hold and easy to direct to the places you feel any tightness, pressure or pain. With an affordable price tag, a number of ways in which it can be used and such a versatile, high quality product, what's not to love!?

Have you heard of the Actigun? How do you relieve aches and pains after workouts and aid your bodies recovery?
10:00 No comments
AD - GUEST POST| Wearing a toupee helps bald men boost self-confidence and level up their look but buying for the first time can be complicated. Limited knowledge can make you end up with a toupee that doesn’t fit your hair goals. That’s why we decided to create this first-time buyers guide!

Here’s a quick guide to buying the perfect toupee!

MENS HAIRCUT

Head Size
Imagine you are going to order a suit for yourself. The tailor can’t make a well-fitting suit without taking the measurements, right? Of course not! That’s why the size and dimensions of your head play a major role in ordering a custom toupee. Take precise measurements of your head with the help of a friend. This will help you to order the perfect toupee!

Face Shape
There are hundreds of toupee hairstyle options available online which makes it hard to choose the right one for the first time. Many hair system companies have in-house cut in services to cut the hairstyle for you. Analysing your face shape will help you in choosing the perfect toupee hairstyle. Oval, round, diamond, square, heart, and pear are some of the most common face shapes in men. Make sure to determine your face shape and the best hairstyle suited to your face shape before ordering!

Hair Type
Human hair and synthetic hair are two major types of hair used to design a toupee. While both have their share of pros and cons, the majority of men buy toupee hair replacement systems designed with real hair to get a natural look. Many toupees are designed primarily with human hair, and synthetic strands of grey are added to create a more natural effect, especially for older wearers of hair systems. The grey is also used as with synthetic hair, it does not change colour through washing and wear. It should be noted that the lifespan of synthetic hair toupee is longer in comparison to real hair.

Lifestyle
There is a large difference between the lifestyle of a sportsperson and a corporate professional. Before ordering a toupee, it’s good to consider how you will spend most of your time. Will you hit the gym every day with a toupee on? Will you do a lot of travelling with it? Considering your lifestyle will also help you in choosing the perfect hairstyle and hair colour for your toupee.

MENS HAIR CUTS

Hair Length
The length of hair plays a major role while buying the perfect toupee. Buyers often purchase medium hair toupees to get them trimmed according to their needs. Some toupee companies offer haircut services at a small cost to provide their clients ready-to-wear products.

Online-Store
The next step is to find the right supplier for your toupee. Check product reviews and quality to buy your first toupee from a reputed hair system company. Browse through the catalogue of shortlisted stores to check out product quality, pricing, offers, warranties, and shipment details.

Customize
A lot of suppliers give customers the option to customize the toupees according to their tastes and preferences. After selected the toupee you want, you can choose to customize it according to your styling needs. As we mentioned above, the measurement of your head and personal style preferences will help you in customizing the hairpiece.

Review and Order
If you have gone through the above steps carefully, we are sure you will have found the perfect toupee. But wait before hitting the order button! Check shipping options and discount coupons since many companies offer discounts to first-time buyers, especially if you register an account.

The above beginner's guide will help first-time buyers shop for the perfect toupee. Let us know what you think about our quick toupee buying guide! Have questions in mind? Drop them in the comments to get a quick reply from hair experts.

10:00 No comments
AD| Over the last year the pandemic has seen the majority of workers across the world begin working from home, turning kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms into office spaces. This new way of working has led to many organisations adopting a hybrid working approach, or completely shutting down their offices. With working from home definitely here to stay, it is important to make sure you switch off after the working day to ensure your mental and physical health is not affected. 

Here’s 4 ways to switch off when working from home, allowing you to make the most of your home life; from exercising to socialising, there’s plenty of ways to unwind.

WORK FROM HOME

1.Get active
Once the working day is over, unwind by getting active. Whether you hate the thought of working out, or simply can’t find the motivation, push yourself and find the time to unwind after working. Exercising can be very beneficial if you work from home, as it gets your body moving after being stuck at a desk all day. It also increases your endorphin levels, resulting in a positive effect on your mental health.

If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to get started, you'll find plenty of workout videos available on fitness apps and YouTube. Alternatively, get a gym membership which will give you the opportunity to get out the house and socialise, providing more benefits in regards to your mental and physical health.

2.Enjoy the outdoors
After a long day you may be tempted to settle down on the sofa and watch Netflix for the evening, but you’ll feel much better by going on a walk to enjoy the outdoors and taking a break from your screen. One of the key benefits of working from home is the lack of commuting, so as soon as you finish work, put on your walking socks and grab your boots to step outside for a lovely walk with your loved ones and take advantage of the fresh air. Alternatively, take a stroll at lunch time to give yourself a break in the middle of the day or in the morning before work to wake up and refresh your mind for the day. Challenge yourself by using a step counter on your phone or smart watch to push yourself even further.

3.Create a workspace
It can be difficult to switch off when you work from home, especially if your desk is located in a room where you spend most of your free time whilst you’re at home. It’s highly recommended that you set up a home workspace away from your bedroom and living room so you have a healthy balance between work, sleep and play. You should also set up a sustainable working environment by treating yourself to a comfortable chair and spacious desk which is suitable for your needs.

4.Be sociable
If you spend the whole week working from home, it’s important to socialise as you’re missing out on the social interactions of office life (apart from the occasional video chat!) Ensure you plan activities to look forward to each weekend, no matter how big or small they are, so you’re spending time with other people. Planning activities of an evening can also give you something to look forward to at the end of the working day and help take your mind away from work. 

If you're looking for evening activities, try going to the gym or an exercise class, video chatting friends or family and going out for dinner. During the weekend you could go out for a meal and drinks, take a trip to the cinema or do something different and host a garden party to enjoy the sunshine with your friends and family.

Start following these tips today to help plan your life so you can switch off and relax outside of your working hours and make the most of your evenings and weekends.

How do you switch off if you are currently working from home? Do you have any favourite hobbies or activities?
10:00 No comments
AD| Are you looking to promote grow your brand or business? Then you need to get your hands on your own business cards ASAP! Whether you're a business owner or even a blogger, most of our marketing and networking methods are all based online and would generally include websites, social media platforms, emails, tweets, or contact forms, but it's still so important to keep those "old-fashioned" business cards at the ready for when you meet people offline and in real life. But the question is, are business cards relevant in 2021 and do they have still a place in a online, digital world?

Business cards are extremely effective marketing tools. Using business cards can help to give a great first impression of your website or brand, before even visiting the homepage. Not only can they make a great first impression, you are able to produce all the relevant contact information into your potential future client’s hands in a matter of seconds, no Google searching required. Making sure to have a bold design, the correct information in place and an eye-catching colour theme can really be beneficial in building your brand, making it memorable and attracting new clients and connections. It can also show others that you're very serious about your work, it shows just how professional you are and can also lead to new opportunities you may never have thought about. But now, let's discuss 4 reasons why you still need a business card in 2021!

GIRL ON LAPTOP

- Affordable way to promote your brand -
Business cards can usually be bulk ordered for a relatively low cost depending on the company you use for their services. Prices for bulk ordering will obviously differentiate depending on number of business cards you require as well as some design elements; including the quality of the paper, colour, layout and size. Many online companies offer a great range of special offers or deals when it comes to business card printing, where whether you need 100 cards or 1000, you are bound to find a great offer whatever your budget is.

- Easy to distribute to others on a daily basis -
Networking is about making lasting, genuine, personal connections with new people to potentially grow a long-lasting relationship. Business cards are an extremely convenient marketing tool to use as they contain all the required contact information that you wish to share others. Instead of scribbling down your contact details on a scrap piece of paper, it’s so much easier, quicker, more professional to simply carry business cards with you to distribute to people you meet on an everyday basis.

- Can be designed and personalised to your brand -
Business card designs have evolved over the years, and nowadays, there are so many more business card design options than ever before. When it's time to design, remember less is more when to comes to business card designs. A well-designed business card will convey all of the relevant information your potential clients need to know, with personal details like your name, website URL, phone number and email address. As well as these details, your business card are a brief introduction into your brand/company. Your design is a vital component of your business card. Make sure your business card reflects your brand well, make it bold, eye-catching, and highlights your brand message.

- Travel friendly size so convenient for networking on the go -
Exchanging your personal business cards in person with new people/clients is one of the most direct and effective ways of introducing yourself, you can share business cards in a as little as a second. Due to their size, you can hand out a business card to almost anyone at any time of the day with no problems whatsoever, you will never know where you’ll meet a potential customer, so it's important to carry your cards with you when you're on the go. Your own business card is a mini advertisement for your brand, company or organisation, and allows others to see in seconds what you and your brand are about.
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Does your business card need a refresh? Are you looking to create your own business cards for your brand? Then you need to keep reading. 

AURA PRINT BUSINESS CARDS

Aura Print kindly offered to help me design, create and print my perfect business cards with their easy business card printing services. I was kindly offered the chance to receive 250 business cards featuring my own ready-made design, to ensure I am ready for any offline encounters, where I want to promote my brand and network with new clients. 

Aura Print are a boutique printer who specialise in creating fantastic business cards that promote your brand and give amazing first impressions to whoever you distribute your cards to. They take extreme pride in curating and producing some of the best custom print jobs, with a huge range of design templates with customisation options that other printing companies simply cannot match.

AURA PRINT BUSINESS CARDS

For my personal business cards for my blog, I wanted to design something fun, bold and colourful, but keeping it as minimalist as possible. At the end of the day, that saying "less is more" is really relevant here. I wanted a double-sided business card that featured a simple, modern design - similar to my blog aesthetic of a bold, minimal website, and to make sure I include the basic contact/personal information that I thought was relevant for me and my brand. 

The printed business cards arrived extremely well packaged. All my business cards stored away in small, clear plastic boxes, perfect to slip into any bag for on the go travel. There was so much care and detail taken with my order, it was simply so professional, I couldn't recommend enough.

AURA PRINT BUSINESS CARDS

In terms of style, I opted for the 700 silk, gloss finish laminated business card printing as these were best suited for colourful designs with bright tones. Just what my design needed. The protective gloss coating bounces light causing reflections that catch peoples eye and makes them stand out. The gloss laminate also offers a bit of extra strength and toughness to your card giving it a more durable, sturdier feel. 
For the layout, I chose to have my business cards printed landscape, with a size measurement of 89mm by 51mm. For me, this is the most ideal and practical size, as this makes the cards more travel friendly and able to fit into most wallets/card holders safely and securely. 

Throughout my whole experience with Aura Print, I was kept informed and updated with my order ideas every step of the way. From helping with design tips, to viewing printing proof to helping with crops and bleeds on my design, and even contacting me once my order had been processed and despatched. I cannot fault the customer service at all!

Have you heard of Aura Print? Do you use your own business cards for promoting your blog, company or brand?

10:30 No comments

 AD| Online dating has definitely become the new normal, and hundreds of singles are signing up to websites and apps in search of love. Over the last few years, the dating scene has been somewhat disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the future of dating will most likely follow a more uncertain path as we all get our heads round the lifting of restrictions and getting life "back to normal". 

Nowadays, most people believe online dating as a great way to meet someone new and to form new connections and relationships. Meeting people online - whether that's via a UK dating site or the latest online dating app can be extremely nerve-racking, especially for those who haven't dated in a while, but it can also sometimes be dangerous, especially if you aren't 100% careful and making sure to follow certain precautions. But overall, online dating has definitely become more socially acceptable, more common and more normal than ever before. Here are 6 dating tips to help you be more successful in the online dating world.

ONLINE DATING

It can be very hard to know exactly when you'll be ready to date again. Especially just after a breakup from a previous relationship or from being single and spending lots of time alone. Before you even think about engaging in the dating world, the most important thing to consider is that you make sure you are ready to start dating. You need to make sure that you're in the right head space and mind-set to be meeting new people and opening up to others about relationships and dating. You should ideally try to be as open minded as possible as well as be mentally and emotionally prepared to get back on the dating apps. The quote “love yourself first and everything else falls into line" is so relevant here.

Being completely honest about what you want and who you are makes it more likely that others will want to match, begin talking to you and end up meeting with you if things are going well. It's important not only for yourself, but for others to be aware of knowing what you want and what you're looking for. Make sure to be 100% genuine, real and honest with others, and especially with yourself. State your intentions clearly to ensure you're doing what is best for you and to make sure you don't lead anyone on. Whether you're using online dating to build friendships, looking for love, dating for professionals or just testing it out, make sure you're honest with yourself and who you are talking to.

Find the best dating site for you. Choosing a dating site that's perfect for you takes time and research, as there are so many out there right now catering to so many different people; whether that's by age, location, religion or sexuality - whether that's dating in your local area, single parents looking for company or over 50's dating - there is something for everyone. Sometimes you won't strike lucky from just joining one app, it might take signing up to a few to get yourself eased into online dating and to meet people who share common interests with you.

DATING APPS

Everyone knows that beginning dating and starting a relationship isn't something that usually happens overnight. Taking your time and being patient is probably the best direction to take when looking for love online. You'll want to make sure your dating journey runs as smoothly and naturally as possible. Spend time getting to know people both online and off. This allows you to see if you have that initial spark, those things in common and if you sense any chemistry between the both of you. There's simply no point rushing into anything too soon, it can become stressful, overwhelming and can making your love life not enjoyable.

Create a good online dating profile. Your dating profile should give a short and sweet overview of who you are as a person and make you stand out from the crowd. There are so many people these days logging on to dating sites and apps, so use this opportunity wisely to express your personality, share your hobbies and what you're looking for etc, allowing people to see an understand who you really are and what you're about. When writing up your profile, make sure to include short, to the point sentences - not paragraphs. People don't have all day to be reading essays, save the in-depth information for when you meet up outside of the dating app. If you want to share your playful, humour side, include emojis to make it fun and make you stand out from the competition.

Not only is a good dating bio essential in being successful online, choosing your best photographs will also help in building a great online profile. Making sure to use some of your most recent and relevant photographs - choose images that are visually interesting and reflect who you are and what you like. Whether you love to travel and have some great holiday snaps or you're into sport and have some amazing memories from previous competitions - be sure to include them as this helps others get to know you better online, before you meet in real life. For those who love a good selfie, pick smiling selfies as these make you look more approachable and friendly helping you to increase those online matches. And finally, when choosing your photographs for your profile, try to avoid using all group photos - this can make it very difficult for potential matches to know exactly who you are, and may put people off from connecting with you as they are unsure.

Are you currently using any dating apps? What other tips would you recommend for those looking for love online?
11:30 1 comments
AD| Moving in with a partner is an exciting milestone in any relationship. It also has its challenges as you both learn about each other’s idiosyncrasies and quirks – and argue about who’s turn it is to do the dishes! One of the most enjoyable elements of living with a partner for the first time is decorating your place together.

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms to get right. It is a space where you will need to be able to relax and unwind together and ensure that you have space for all your belongings. Here are some of the essential things to buy for your first-ever shared bedroom.

BEDROOM INTERIOR

Storage
One of the most crucial elements is ensuring there is enough storage space for both of you. This can get tricky if you’re both shopaholics! At a minimum, you will each need your own space in a wardrobe and chest of drawers. Whether you can share one of each between you both is the next question. If you have limited space in the bedroom, it may help to consider different storage solutions. For instance, you could get some boxes to store clothes under the bed or use in-built storage to save space.

Curtains 
Curtains are essential for both privacy and getting a good night’s sleep. It is important to choose curtains that appeal to both of you, so it may help to go window shopping to get an idea of how your home décor tastes align. You could choose from many different kinds of curtains, from insulating curtains to blackout or lightweight curtains. It can help if you’re both on the same page about what you want from your curtains and do your best to compromise when you disagree.

Lighting
Lighting is all-important in the bedroom. Bedrooms are typically multi-functional rooms where we do everything from folding laundry to packing bags for holidays to sleeping. Therefore, it can help to invest in lighting of varying types so that you will always have the best lighting for the situation. You could consider a dimmer switch that will allow you bright clear lights when doing housework and mood lighting for evenings in bed. Bedside lamps are also a must for any couple who tend to have different sleep schedules.

Mattress
Your first mattress with a partner can make a big difference to your quality of sleep. It is crucial that you are both satisfied with the mattress you choose – this is one thing that it can be detrimental to compromise on. While mattress shopping can sometimes be tedious, there are ways to make the process easier. For instance, you could use an online comparison site to get an idea of the options out there and make a shortlist to try out in person. Check out this list from The Mattress Guide that answers the question: what is the best mattress?

BEDROOM INTERIOR

Pillows
Pillows are often simpler to buy as a couple, as you can each choose the pillows that suit you and your needs best. It is helpful to test out different pillows to find the ones that will provide the best support and enable you both to get the best sleep possible.

Mirror
Mirrors are a great way to help make a small room look larger, bring in extra reflected light and, of course, get ready in front of. You could consider a wide hanging mirror that has plenty of room for both of you to do your final preparations for the day in front of, or choose a full-length mirror to help you both decide on outfits.

Dressing Table
A dressing table can be the perfect addition to a shared bedroom. If you have space, you could invest in a large dressing table designed to fit two or choose a more traditional dressing table that you can each use in turn. The dresser could contain makeup, aftershave, cufflinks and jewellery – essentially any of the finishing touches for when you’re getting ready for an event.

Colour Scheme
Choosing a colour scheme that you both like can be a challenge. It may help to choose a neutral theme so that you can both incorporate decorations and ornaments in your favourite colours. White, beige, pale blue and grey are all great colours that contrast nicely with most other colours.

Fragrance
The scent of a room is an often under-utilised element of home decoration. Our sense of smell is closely linked with emotion and memory, meaning that the right scent can play a massive part in creating a relaxing and enjoyable bedroom environment. Again, it is crucial that you choose a fragrance that both of you enjoy. You could consider experimenting with different scents or using essential oils and room sprays to make your bespoke home scent. It is vital not to use fragrances too heavily as an overpowering home scent can end up being the opposite of relaxing.

Do you currently share a bedroom with your partner? What other home décor essentials have you included in your living space?
12:30 No comments
AD| Beauty is in clear, healthy, and glowing skin. Clear and healthy skin is a reflection of your overall health and wellness. Beautiful skin needs exceptional skincare. Start your day with a healthy skincare routine to enhance the glow and natural beauty of your skin.

You feel embarrassed if you have skin with flaws or spotty skin. Occasional pimples, blemishes, adult acne, and hormonal acne are pretty stressful. Flawless skin doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires effort and commitment. Plan a skincare regime and stay committed to following it regularly. If you have spotty skin, don’t stress yourself. Instead, try a few remedies that can help you achieve glowing skin.

SKINCARE FACE MASK

1. Oats, Lemon, and Honey
It is vital that even before you try any remedies, you follow a strict hygiene regimen. You should act like a germaphobe and keep your skin clean to avoid any infections. The natural properties of oats make it a great skincare product. It treats blemishes, skin spots, exfoliates the skin, and is a natural oil absorber. Lemon contains vitamin C and citric acid and has natural antibacterial properties. Honey contains antioxidants and acts as a mediator that binds oats and lemon. As a result, it creates the best anti-inflammatory exfoliating skin brightening mask.

Take a handful of oats in a bowl and add a half teaspoon of honey. Add a few drops of lemon to the paste of oats and honey. Blend all three ingredients well and apply the mixture to your face. Rub the oats gently on your face, move your fingers in a circular motion as if exfoliating. Areas having dark spots and blackheads need more work. Let the mixture on your face for 15 minutes. Then wash off with warm water.

2. Tea Tree Oil, Honey, and Yogurt
Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective against dark spots and acne. A combination of tea tree oil, yoghurt, and honey do wonders. Take a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of yoghurt in a bowl. Mix 5-7 drops of tea tree oil to the mixture of honey and yoghurt. Apply this mixture all over the dark spots on your face and let it rest there for 15-20 minutes. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water.

3. Baking Soda and Lemons
Baking soda is effective against dark spots on your face and body. It works to dry the excess sebum from the skin and lightens the dark spots till they disappear. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a little water. Apply this mixture to areas having dark spots and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, wash your face or other body parts with lukewarm water. In addition, you can also add a few drops of lemon into the mixture of baking soda and water. It will become an exfoliating scrub. Rub this mixture gently onto the dark spots in a circular motion. This way, it removes the dead skin cells leaving your skin clear and spot-free.

4. Turmeric and Olive Oil
Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to bring out the natural glow and evens your skin tone. Olive oil helps to moisturise the skin. Take a pinch of turmeric in a bowl and add one teaspoon of olive oil to it. Apply this on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water. You will notice the dark spots have become lighter.

5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is naturally extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. Jojoba oil is a natural waxy substance. This waxy substance heals wounds, acne lesions and repairs damaged skin. The compounds in the jojoba oil reduce swelling around pimples, redness, whiteheads, and inflamed lesions. Take half a teaspoon of jojoba oil in a teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, cream, or clay mask. Apply this on your face gently and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water. You can also take few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad and rub it gently on acne spots.

6. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is one of the natural products for skincare. It contains probiotics, vitamin A, and vitamin D that are useful for skin regeneration. Yoghurt targets pimples and acne spots and moisturises your skin as well. Don’t go for flavoured yoghurt, rather a plain natural yoghurt. Take a little quantity of yoghurt and apply it to your pimples or acne spots. Leave it there for 30 minutes, and then wash your face with lukewarm water. See the wonder it does by drying out your pimple and soothing the oily skin.

7. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a plant extract and acts as an astringent. It reduces acne inflammation, clears pores, and targets excess oil. Witch hazel is an excellent treatment for spotty skin. You can also pair it with other acne fighters. Raw witch hazel can be applied like a toner to your face. Pour drops of witch hazel on a cotton pad until it gets moist. Gently tap this cotton pad on your face. It will cleanse and brighten your skin. For spotty skin, apply witch hazel directly on your acne spots and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water and notice the wonder it does. 

What are your favourite skincare products?
10:00 No comments
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