● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

GUEST POST | Confidence is key to feeling your best in your clothes. There are many ways to improve confidence, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It can be beneficial to try out many different ways to find the method that works for you. With that in mind, this article will explore some of the most popular ways to help boost confidence, leaving you looking and feeling more confident.

Wear Things That Make You Feel Good

One simple way to boost your confidence is by filling your wardrobe with pieces that make you feel good. This could be a material that you enjoy the feel of colours that bring you joy or a style that makes you feel sexy. It may take a little experimentation to find out what makes you feel the best.

Add Positive Affirmations To Your Daily Routine

Positive affirmations can help you change your mindset and improve your confidence. The way we talk to ourselves matters, and a lot of people are more critical than generous towards themselves. Some people choose affirmations that focus on their strengths, what they like about themselves or noting achievements.

Smile More

No one likes to be told to smile by strangers, but it is worth noting that the act of smiling can help to boost mood. Not only this but smiling at others will often lead to them smiling back, creating positive social interaction. That’s not to say that you should smile at everyone you come across, but taking the time to smile, even when alone, can help bring your mood up and improve your confidence.

Invest In The Right Shapewear

Shapewear can be a great way to help your clothes fit better and more smoothly. This, in turn, can be a great way to feel happier in your clothes. It is crucial to find shapewear that fits your body type and consider the kind of shapewear that is most suitable for various outfits. Take a look at the brilliant shapewear options from Heist to help you choose the right option.

Take Yourself Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Getting out of your comfort zone can help boost your self-esteem, helping you feel more self-sufficient and capable of taking on whatever life throws at you. Knowing that you can handle even the unknown can be an incredible boost.

Throw Out Clothes That Don’t Make You Feel Great

You could consider going through your wardrobe to find items that no longer make you feel good. These could be items that no longer fit well, are no longer your style or that are past their best. You could consider donating or recycling these items so that you can make room for the clothes that make you feel good.

Accessorise Well

Accessories can be the perfect way to finish off an outfit. Even if you’re not feeling your best in something, the right finishing touch can completely change how an outfit feels. You could consider building a good collection of accessories, including sunglasses, jewellery, hats and scarves. These can add more of your personality to your outfit, leaving you feeling brilliant.

How do you help boost your own confidence?

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AD - GIFTED | Love the occasional glass of red wine? Did you know it might have health benefits too?

When it comes to making healthier lifestyle and diet choices, alcohol consumption isn't typically the first thing that you would consider. However, drinking occasional glasses of red wine has been linked to a host a number of positive health benefits that can improve your lifestyle and diet.

There's little doubt that consuming red wine has a number of health benefits, but those benefits will only apply if you drink wine occasionally and in moderation. Consuming large, excessive amounts of alcohol is not good for your body and your health in general, so lets look at 3 health benefits of drinking red wine in moderation.

Can Lower Cholesterol Levels

Red wines are typically known to help lower the bad cholesterol levels in your body. The powerful antioxidants found in red wine may increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol - which is good for you, and help protect the body against cholesterol build-up. The NHS free tools can educate and advise you in aiming to help to cut down on alcohol too - they always advise to drink less, but better quality wines.

Keeps Heart Healthy

One of red wine's most popular health benefits is its effect on your hearts health. Many individuals believe that consumption of red wine can be linked to lower risks of heart/body inflammation and heart disease, as well as a reducing your chances of dying from a heart attack. When red wine is produced, it retains the skin of the grapes used during the fermentation process and this is usually where the beneficial chemicals are located. Red wine typically contains a number of beneficial nutrients that are linked with keeping a healthy heart, including: Polyphenols, Quercetin and Resveratrol - which are all powerful antioxidants with huge health benefits.

Full of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are vital substances typically used for maintaining good health, as they help to protect your cells from damage. Red wine contains powerful antioxidants called Polyphenols. These are what helps protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. The majority of health benefits red wine has to offer are linked to Resveratrol -an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes.

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Independent Wine is one of the UK’s leading specialist in award-winning Italian wine, and the company stocks a large variety of Italian wines that have won some top awards. Recently, I was kindly gifted a couple of bottles of red wine from Independent Wine, to see what I thought and to share online.

1. Siddùra Erema 2018 | Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

This full bodied Sardinian red wine has a deep, dark ruby colour, enriched with aromas of wild berries and cherry, as well as hints of spicy black pepper. A powerful wine with aromas of fresh, spiced berries, made from Sardinia’s signature black grape variety - Cannonau, thought to be the most ancient in the Mediterranean. It is full of powerful and healthy antioxidants, which is a key element of the famous Sardinian diet.

Awards

Concours International De Lyon 2021 – Silver Medal (2019 vintage) | Sakura Awards 2021 – Silver Medal (2019 vintage) | Gilbert & Gaillard 2020, Gold Medal (2017 vintage) | Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 – Bronze Medal (2016 vintage) | Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – Double Gold Medal | International Wine & Spirits Competition – Bronze Medal | James Suckling – 91 points

2. Feudi di Guagnano Pietrafinita | Primitivo di Manduria DOC 2019

Old-vine Primitivo wine has a very luxurious and rich flavour, with hints of blackberry and liquorice. It has quite a remarkable depth of flavour due to the particular winemaking process used to make this wine. The Pietrafinita wine again has a deep ruby colour, with strong aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and liquorice. Since it’s made from passito grapes, this wine has a elements of dried raisins, dates and prunes, followed by notes of coconut and cinnamon.

Awards

Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 – Bronze Medal (2019) | I Vini di Veronelli – 2 stars (2015 vintage) | Luca Maroni – 91 points (2011 vintage)

Are you a red wine drinker? Did you know consuming this drink can have positive health benefits?

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AD| Whiskey is a drink that divides people. Not in the literal sense - when friends gather together to enjoy a dram of a good whiskey, it encourages conviviality and a good feeling. No, what divides people is talking about whiskey, specifically the different kinds, the good and the bad, the technicalities of what even constitutes a whiskey. In fact, as we’ll come to see, even the spelling of the word can lead to differences of opinion.

Below, we’ll approach some of the different kinds of whiskey from the point of view of a beginner and show what the differences are, which whiskeys will work for whom, and where the different types come from. Learning something about these differences may help you when discussing whiskey with someone whose opinions may differ from yours.

Scotch Whisky

As you will have noticed, Scottish versions of the beverage carry the name “whisky”, without the “E” that is usually included in the word when it comes from another country. The word is from a Gaelic translation literally meaning “water of life”, and when transliterated by Scotch distillers, “whisky” was how it was spelt. It’s not just the spelling that differs, though. Typically, whisky is made from malted barley and aged in oak casks, ideally for no fewer than three years. Whether a single or blended malt, single or blended grain, or simply a blended whisky, the Scottish form of the drink has an earthy, smoky flavour seen by many as the ultimate version.

Irish Whiskey

Known for having a smoother finish than Scotch whiskies, the Irish form of whiskey is often made from a yeast-fermented grain mash or a blend of cereals. Like its Scottish counterpart, Irish whiskey is also aged in wooden barrels, though no specific wood is prioritised. The ageing process lasts at least three years, and Irish whiskey can best be differentiated from its neighbour across the sea by the absence of that tell-tale peaty, aromatic tone. Irish whiskey is produced all over the island of Ireland.

Bourbon Whiskey

The most famous form of whiskey produced in the United States, bourbon looks and tastes markedly different from its Celtic cousins - you’ll recognise it by its fiery red colouring and its sweeter taste. The production method is different too - Bourbon is made mostly from corn and fermented in charred oak casks, ageing for up to ten years. Many people believe that Jack Daniels is the most famous bourbon, but it isn’t - it’s actually a…

Tennessee Whiskey

Similar in many ways to bourbon, the big difference with Tennessee whiskey is that it is steeped in charcoal before it is allowed into the casks for fermentation. This allows it a smokier, almost treacly taste which will be familiar to many drinkers.

Rye Whiskey

The alternative to corn-derived whiskeys, this kind is produced using a mash of no less than 51% rye along with other grains before ageing in charred barrels for no less than two years. The different production method bestows upon it a taste that can variously be described as “fruity” or “piquant”.

There are, of course, other sources for whiskey, but these are the main ones exported worldwide. Which you prefer is a matter of personal taste, although Scotch is generally favoured by the connoisseur thanks to its more complex flavour profile.

Do you like to drink whiskey? What is your favourite type?

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AD| Love online shopping? Need ways to save money? Looking for the best deals? This blog post has you covered! The online world is constantly evolving, and as a result of this, it has made many things in life that little bit easier – including shopping. Online shopping is incredibly convenient, easy, and can save so much time and money, why wouldn't you want to shop this way? Nowadays, you can simply order anything online to be delivered right to your doorstep, including clothes, home appliances, food and drink - the list is endless!

Searching for the best prices online can seem like quite a tedious job, but if you have the right knowledge and know what to look out for, you'll be saving yourself some money. So, if you’ve looking for the bests ways of how to save money when making purchases online, then you will need these simple online shopping tips and tricks for the next time you fill up your basket and head to the checkout.

- Use Vouchers and Discount Codes -

Many online retailers offer their customers various vouchers and discount codes when shopping online. There are several ways to get these, for example - signing up to newsletters, seasonal discounts, and installing browser extensions.

Sign Up To Newsletters - Many online stores and retailers will usually reward you for subscribing with a some form of deal, voucher or discount code to use online. This can be extremely useful if you are a new customer to the brand and once you’re on their newsletter mailing list, from time to time, you may receive vouchers or discount codes to your email inbox for other sales and seasonal discounts on their websites.

Seasonal Discounts - Throughout the year, many brands offer seasonal discounts to sell out the old stock in order to offer the customer something new. As well as this, many brands will offer discounts at certain times of the year such as Christmas, Black Friday and end of season sales. These are great opportunities to save money on your online shopping and get the best deals. This is also a great chance to be organised for getting gifts ready for Christmas and birthdays, as you can shop ahead to ensure you find the best online discounts and save as much money as you possibly can.

Installing Browser Extensions - A new way of finding the best deals and saving money online is to download and install browser extensions such as Honey and Pouch. These online plugins will automatically search online for any relevant voucher or discount codes, and apply these to your online basket to lower your total spend.

- Use Cashback Sites -

As well as searching for voucher and discount codes, another money saving tip is to check whether you can earn cashback when shopping online. Websites like My Money Pocket and Top Cashback allow you to earn a small percentage back of the amount you spend online once you complete your purchase through a tracked link. My Money Pocket is a free, money-saving site that offers a number of online discount codes and allows you to earn cashback at over 4,500 brands - including Asos, Superdrug and even Just Eat, to name a few. Cashback websites can seem like a waste of time, and it may seem like a small amount of money to get back if each store only offers 1 or 2% cashback, but over time, this can add up and you could soon be rewarded with 100s of pounds for simply choosing to shop online.

- Use Price Comparison Sites -

To get your product, utility or service at the best price, you might have to visit a number of different websites in order to get the best price comparison. Today, there are a number of reliable price comparison websites with integrated search functions that make it easy to help you find the lowest price. Price comparison websites work by scanning the internet and gathering the total costs from multiple retailers or providers, to ensure you the best rates for products and services you require. You can usually find good deals on utilities, holidays, hotel rental, flights and insurance using websites such as uSwitch, Go Compare and Expedia to name a few.

- Look For Websites Offering Free Delivery -

Many online retailers will usually offer customers free shipping on their orders if you spend a certain amount of money on there store. A great money saving hack would be that if you realise that you are only a few pounds away from qualifying for the free delivery, adding a few more items to your order and spending that little bit more on products can actually help you save some money overall.

And if the items you added as extras are not suitable or what you expected, most of the time you can easily send them back for a refund. Another option for saving money on delivery costs is to order your items for click and collect in store, or even get them delivered to the post office, local convenience store or your nearest pick up point, as many retailers offer this for free and will save you a few extra pounds.

Online shopping is extremely easy and accessible - but the hardest part about it is trying to remember all the various ways you can go about finding the best deals and saving your money. Once you get the hang of using specific cashback sites and looking for discount codes, you'll be doing it every single time you shop online and will eventually be rewarded with incredible money saving results!

How do you save money when shopping online? What other tips and tricks do you have when looking for the best deals?

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GUEST POST | Not only does the approach of winter mean we’re more likely to reach for the thermostat to turn up the heating, the current energy crisis has caused our utility bills to rapidly rise. This obviously isn’t good news for our bank balances but putting the heating on isn’t good for either our wallet or the planet, so here are a few ways to keep warm without putting the heating on.

Layer Up

Putting more clothes on sounds like an obvious way to keep warm but instead of reaching for a thick, chunky jumper, put layers on instead. Thick, chunky jumpers look warm and cosy and while they’ll undoubtedly help to keep the chill out, layers are the way to go. Layers will keep heat trapped in between each layer, therefore more layers = more warmth trapped.

Stop Draughts

If you live in a brand-spanking-new posh and trendy London development, you’ll hopefully have draught-free doors, floors and windows. However, for the rest of us mere mortals who may be in older properties with original features from the Victorian era, we might be living with draughts coming in through the doors, floors and windows.

Block those gaps with draught excluders at the bottom of doors, heavy curtains at the windows and rugs to stop draughts coming through the floorboards. Also, if you’re lucky enough to have an open fireplace, if you’re not currently using it, plug the opening with a chimney balloon. Obviously, if you do choose to use your fireplace, remove the balloon first!

Put Rugs Down

Speaking of rugs, as well as stopping draughts coming through the floorboards, rugs will also prevent heat escaping through the floor. Rugs will trap the heat, keeping it inside the room and also keep your feet much warmer than they would be if you were walking directly on hard floors.

Move Around

When we get cold, we tend to sit around more, moaning about how cold it is. This makes us colder though, because what we should be doing to keep warm is to move around a bit. We’re not suggesting you get on an exercise bike for a full-on spin session - this will actually have the opposite effect. While that much exercise will of course get you hot and sweaty, the sweat will make you lose body heat, causing you to get colder than you were before you started. But if we’re to keep warm, we must move, so do a bit of cleaning, DIY or light exercise to get your body moving and warmed up.

Eat and Drink

Although a glass of wine and a slice of cake will probably cheer you up more when it’s cold rather than something healthy, alcohol and sugar will only give you a brief respite from the cold. Put the kettle on and have a cup of tea to warm yourself up from the inside - add ginger to take advantage of its natural warming properties.

When it comes to food, food that takes longer to digest is ideal - e.g. porridge, potatoes, whole grains and lentils. We know that’s not as exciting as cake, so if you do make a cake, keep the oven open when you’ve finished baking to let all that lovely heat into your kitchen.

Get a Pet

Pets feel the cold just as much as we do and when they feel cold, they turn to the nearest source of heat - i.e. us. Your pet might think it’s using you for heat but in fact, they’re earning their keep by keeping you warm too.

When To Put The Heating On

We’re not suggesting you never put the heating on. Not only is this unrealistic but it can also cause damage to your property. Each year pipes burst due to them freezing, which isn’t something you want to happen to you. With a few tweaks to our homes and lifestyle though, we can save on our heating bills and still keep ourselves warm.

How do you keep warm without putting the heating on?

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AD| Looking at enrolling onto an internship but not sure where to start? Unsure what career path you are looking for?

Changing your career path or finding a new job can be quite the challenge, especially if there are many other individuals applying for similar roles or you simply don’t have the necessary experience. Internships are a very popular option for those individuals looking to gain valuable work experience, research experience and discover possible career opportunities for future employment after graduating from college or university.

Enrolling onto internship programmes allows individuals to gain valuable work experience and industry-focused learning. Internships offer hands-on work experience, where new skills are learnt and taught "on-the-job", making this incredibly invaluable and nothing like just being taught in the classroom. Being able to learn the specialised skills can help interns prepare themselves for life in a working environment. These skills simply cannot be obtained in a classroom, making this probably one of the most important benefits of enrolling into an internship.

Internships come in all shapes and sizes, and this allows individuals to explore a variety of career paths to find out which direction they would like to head towards in life. Many people may have already established a career path in mind, however in certain circumstances, they may end up changing their minds and would like to focus in another area.

Internships allow you to acknowledge both your own personal strengths and weaknesses, and allow you to develop and refine skills. Whilst some internships programmes are very strict in what you learn, other programmes may enable exposure to people in various job roles or working departments, allowing you to meet new people and learn from others. Internships allow for others to share feedback and constructive criticisms about your work, giving you a great learning opportunity whilst taking part in your internships. Whilst building up your personal skills, it's also important to make sure you ask for help, ask any questions you may have, and ultimately learn from any mistakes you make along the way.

Have you enrolled onto an internship before?

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AD - GIFTED | Looking for something more statement or looking to choose something more cute and dainty?

When it comes to rings, everyone has a different tastes. Gold or silver? Chunky or dainty pieces? So much variety to choose from! Rings are an easy and perfect way to help accessorise your outfit and really elevate your overall look. Whether you opt for a statement piece or get stacking your rings up, they can change the whole vibe of the outfit and add that extra special touch.

Consider Your Choice of Metal

When it comes to jewellery, you may have preferences to which type of metal you like to accessorise with. Gold? Silver? Rose Gold? If you're one of these people who just like to style with one colour of rings, this can help you coordinate your look and give off more of a polished finish. However, mixing metals is a great way to change up your look and make more of a statement. For rings, mixing metals could be perfect for those who like to stack and layer jewellery, as this can help create a more statement and more noticeable accessory. It's important to make sure you find the right balance between your mixed metals, to make sure you look isn't too over the top and complicated.

Make Sure You Pick The Correct Size

When choosing your rings, it's always a good idea to get an exact ring measurement before purchasing, to ensure it is the correct size for you. When wearing your rings, they should fit comfortably and snug around your finger without leaving any marks, indents or bulges.

Have A Statement Piece

Statement pieces are usually big and bold - definitely pieces that gets attention and you'll get questions about. Some people may wear statement rings for fashion reasons, whilst others wear them for something more personal - it could be a symbol of your religion, your passions, your creativeness or even your family history.

Consider Stacking or Layering Your Rings

By stacking up or layering your rings together, this is one simple way to make a statement with your jewellery. More dainty and delicate style rings are perfect for stacking as they aren't too chunky or bulky on the fingers. When you choose to begin layering or stacking your rings, this will draw attention to your hands, as well as helping to accessorise and complete your outfit. Just remember, less is more - you don't want to over stack your rings or wear too many.

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I was kindly gifted some stunning pieces from Daisy London, to help me build my jewellery collection and help me to accessorise with my outfits. For those not familiar with the brand, Daisy London is British jewellery brand known for beautiful, everyday jewellery with meaning - their brand message is "We create pieces that are missing from our own jewellery collections and put them in to yours." Whether you're after stacking rings, signet rings or even rings to give as a gift, Daisy London is a great place to start looking.

Isla Shell Stacking Ring 18Ct Gold Plate - This ring is the more statement piece of the three that I picked from Daisy London and ultimately channels summer beachy vibes. This ring is such a simple and classic piece to add to my jewellery collection, and is perfect for everyday wear. It can be worn alone or stacked together, making it such a versatile piece to add to my collection.

Figaro Ring 18ct Gold Plate - This chain ring is such a different and unique piece - something my jewellery collection was definitely missing. The Figaro ring is extremely dainty but gives off such edgy and elegant vibes. The chain design is unlike anything I have ever seen before and is incredibly stylish - unlike your standard type of ring.

Stacked Rope Ring 18Ct Gold Plate - The Stacked Rope Ring is a must-have for all ring lovers. This ring features a classic rope design that can help to elevate your look. The design is so cool and effortless, and gives the ring some texture - it'll look so stylish stacked up with other rings.

Daisy London is the perfect place for jewellery lovers - with a huge selection of necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, there is something for everyone at an extremely affordable price!

Have you shopped at Daisy London? What are your favourite types of rings to wear?

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AD - GIFTED | Looking to purchase a housewarming gift for a friend or family members new home, but not sure what to get? Why not opt for some posters or prints that they can decorate their new personal space with!

Decorating your home can be an incredibly expensive job - especially if you've just moved home or you're someone who changes their mind quite often or you enjoy updating your space with the current home décor trends. A quick and easy way to update your homes look is by interchanging some wall art displays to help add some character and a personal touch to your space. If you're looking for some gift inspiration for upcoming housewarming parties, and want to browse through a wide selection of styles, head over to the Poster Store - offering an endless choice of wall art posters and prints at an affordable price.

When searching for the perfect housewarming gifts for your friends and family, you always want to pick something special that doesn't cost a fortune. Choosing posters and prints can be a great option for those seeking affordable items. The Poster Store have new collections posted each week on the website, and have a range of stylish posters, frames and art prints from just £3.95 - what a bargain!

Posters and prints can be a great choice of gift as there are such a range of categories online to choose from, you can make them have such a personal touch. Posters are such a perfect tool to help personalise the interior in any room of your house, and make it feel "more like home". Whether the gift recipient likes nature, photography or even like minimalistic black and white wall art, there is something for everyone online at The Poster Store!

When picking out gifts, you'll want something that the recipient will be able to use, see or have access to all the time - this is why posters and prints are a great everyday use gift. Once hung up on the walls, the wall art is there for viewing 24/7 which will make it a perfect reminder.

I was kindly gifted some prints and frames from the Poster Store, and I am absolutely in love! I opted for some gorgeous travel photography themed prints, and think that they pair together really nicely and will definitely add some interest to an empty wall in my home. These trio of Italian themed prints are all A3 sized - 30cm x 40cm, with wooden oak frames, featuring the Amalfi Coast and Seaside, and Venice locations. The colours used in all 3 prints are simply stunning, and placed together as a trio of wall art, looks absolutely amazing and is the perfect combination!

The Poster Store offer a variety of sizes for all posters, prints and frames online - from 13x18 to 70x100, allowing you to pick the best pieces for the size space you have to decorate. The collection of unique prints online will help you create the perfect gallery wall tailor-made for any home. All of the posters are printed on sustainably produced high-quality paper helping to minimise any damage to the environment.

Use discount code: 35/LAURA for 35% on all posters (except Selection Posters and frames) - Not combinable with other discount campaigns. Valid from 20th October to 20th November.

Have you heard of The Poster Store? What styles of wall art do you like best?

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AD| Need a new hobby or something to do in your spare time? Why not try online gaming as an escape from reality!

Nowadays, online gaming has become extremely popular with players of all ages. Not only is playing games fun and exciting, but gaming can help improve multiple aspects of your life – including learning and problem-solving, promoting positive mental health, as well as preventing mental illness and suicide. Online gaming can also benefit people of all ages as it can be an escape for those suffering with life problems – work and school stress, maybe you're recovering from an injury and need something to take your mind off things, or you just need a break from a busy day. Here are 6 benefits of playing online games for all ages, including young children, teenagers, adults and elderly people.

One of the main benefits of playing online games is the ability to learn new skills or play new games that you may never have heard of. Every day, we are learning new things and finding new games to play – it will also give you the chance to improve your skills and become better at playing certain games. Many games require good memory skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and time management skills in order to complete them. By playing online games regularly, you can improve your own personal skills, as well as learn some new skills, and find yourself improving day by day.

Gamers require a lot of patience and focus, no matter what type of game they are playing. Games including components such as puzzles, memory games, quizzes, and problem-solving are great for increasing cognitive functions and keeping your brain healthy. These types of games are incredibly useful and have a positive benefit on older players, as this could potentially slow down the ageing process and prevent medical conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer's. Some games that I've played online recently include word searches and hidden numbers games. Both of these games have challenged me and have allowed me to use a number of my skills to complete these games.

Nowadays, many games you find online allow you to connect with other players located all around the world. This has great social benefits as you can communicate, play in team games and make new friends online. The rise of multiplayer online games has allowed us to connect in another way, allowing us to socialise together to complete tasks and solve problems. Making new friends online can also help boost self-confidence for those who struggle in social situations, suffer with nerves or anxiety, or just find it hard in general to make friends in real life.

Online games come in all shapes and sizes. Cartoon and animated games, card games, puzzles, role-playing games, you name it, you can find it online. There are so many types available, there are always games suitable for all ages and abilities. One game in particular that I've really been loving and is something I think would be suitable for anyone is Candy House. Candy House – similar to the ever so popular Candy Crush, is a matching game that is really easy to play but can lead to multiple hours of fun. It’s an incredibly easy and relaxing game that you can play in your spare time, or when you need a break from your work/school life.

What are your favourite online games to play? What other benefits are there?

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AD| So you’re in the market for a new home. Should you go for a traditional lived-in house or purchase a new build property from a developer?

At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preferences and individual circumstances. But let’s take a look at the benefits of buying a new build property to help you decide.

You Can Have Input Into the Design

If you opt for an older property, you will generally have to buy it as seen. Any changes you want to make to the décor or layout, you’ll have to undertake after moving in. When you buy a new-build home “off-plan”, that is, before it has been built, the developer will offer you choices about how the property is fitted out. You can choose the fixtures and fittings that suit you, including the bathroom suite, door handles, kitchen units, flooring and more. If you’re keen to have a “move straight in” property and avoid the disruption of completing home improvements after moving in, this makes a new build an appealing option.

There is No Property Chain

Property chain problems are one of the leading causes of delays and failed sales. In a chain, multiple house sales are reliant upon one another, which means that if one transaction falters, it could cause concerns for buyers and sellers further along the chain. Failed sales can cost those involved thousands of pounds, not to mention the stress and disappointment of losing a dream home sale. If you’re buying from a house builder, no chain minimises the risk of issues, delays and associated costs.

More Financial Support and Payment Options

First-time buyers can take advantage of the government’s Help To Buy scheme. You can combine Help to Buy equity loans with a deposit and a mortgage to help you buy your first home. The scheme is only available for people wanting to buy a new-build property. The loan can be as much as 40% of the purchase price, which offers a real leg up for first-timers on a strict budget.

Many property developers offer house part exchange schemes for homeowners seeking to sell their home and buy another. This allows homeowners to sell their existing property and buy a new-build home in one swift transaction. The developer buys their customer’s property and knocks its value off the new home’s purchase price. Housebuilders generally offer a slightly below market valuation, but part-exchange can be a Godsend for anyone struggling to sell their property on the open market. This also applies to someone who wants to avoid the stress and waiting of a traditional house sale.

It’s a Blank Canvas

There’s something special about building a home in a building where no one has ever lived before. Your new home is a completely blank canvas that you can turn into your perfect living space. On a practical level, there’s no need to decorate over-loud wallpaper or rip updated and dirty carpets. You can even think about what style flooring you wish to opt for – new carpets, laminate, or even Engineered Wood Flooring, there are so many options to choose from!

New Build Homes are More Eco-Friendly

If you care about the environment, a new build property is a purchase that will not play on your conscience. New buildings are mainly more energy-efficient than older properties. They have better insulation, and you won’t have to worry about drafts coming through ageing windows and doors. Some developers specialise in creating green, “smart” homes. These may have features such as solar panelled heating systems and living walls or roofs. What's more, a green house will be much cheaper to heat and light – you could save hundreds of pounds a year by opting for a new build property!

A Warranty Will Cover Your Home

If you buy an older property and something goes wrong after you purchase it, in most cases, it will be down to you to rectify the problem. Developers of new build homes offer a building warranty, typically for 10 years from when construction is completed. If any structural issues arise during this time, your warranty will cover the cost of repairs. For the first two years, you’ll also be able to claim for less significant issues with the building, such as leaking windows. If you buy off-plan, as most people do, you’ll also be able to claim a refund of your deposit if the developer goes insolvent before they can complete your home.

The Best Safety Standards

Developers have to meet certain safety standards when building new properties. This includes installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Any appliances that the housebuilder fits will also be compliant with current safety standards.

Buying a new-build property has many advantages, but it won’t be the right choice for everyone. With the information above, you can weigh up the pros and cons and decide what’s right for you.

Are you looking to buy a new home? Would you consider a new build property?

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AD| Are you currently move house? Or are you looking to begin your moving home journey, but don't know where to start?

Moving to a new home can be a very exciting chapter in your life, but at times, it can feel very scary and overwhelming. There's so many things to do and so little time, it can be a very stressful journey if you haven't planned your move properly. There are so many things to consider when you begin your moving house process, and it can be extremely easy to forget many important jobs along the way. Listed below are 4 of the most important things you need to consider before moving home, and some great tips to help you keep on track.

Declutter Your Belongings in Advance

Making sure you begin clearing your home of any unwanted or damaged items before your move will save you a lot of time and any unnecessary stress. Any unwanted items could end up being donated, recycled or simply throw away. By removing things you don’t use, want or need, you’ll be reducing the amount of your personal belongings that you actually need to move. Not only will this create less work for you, but you'll be using less boxes, you'll probably need a smaller van and you'll require less help from your removal team.

Book Your Removals Service

Picking your removals service might seem like the easiest part of moving home compared to all the jobs need during this process, but if you don't book this in early, you could be facing multiple problems come moving day. Whether you're looking for removals in London or any other area of the UK, it's worth checking online for company reviews or get recommendations from friends or family, to make sure you're in professional hands with a reputable removals team. Many companies make this part of moving home so easy for you, by offering quotes and valuations for customers to make sure you get the best services for your money, and you get the right sized van for the job.

Make a Packing Plan

Packing is definitely one of the more boring jobs when it comes to moving house an it always takes longer than you think. It's definitely important to start as soon as possible and create a packing plan to help you keep on tip of things. By starting with the rooms you use the least, you'll be able to pack up the items you use the least and this wont be too disruptive on your day-to-day life.

Another top tip is to make sure you have enough boxes and storage containers to make sure you have plenty of space to pack up your belongings. When you begin to label your boxes, try and be as specific as possible. By doing this, you'll know exactly what is inside the boxes and once you move home, you'll know exactly what room they need to be placed into. During the packing process, try not to overfill you boxes - you don't want your boxes being too heavy or falling apart.

Store Important Documents Safely

Another thing to consider before moving home include keeping all your important and personal documents together in one place. This could be for paperwork such as insurance policies, and for passports and any housing documents you may need. These should be kept safely together and should be placed somewhere you have easy access too and where you will not lose them.

Are you currently planning to move home? What other moving tips do you have?

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AD - GIFTED | Do you love perfume? Are you constantly buying new fragrances for your collection, or are you looking to try something new and unique?

Many of us have that one signature scent that we go back to time and time again, but sometimes it's a good idea to have some extra ones just as a backup. Owning more than one fragrance in your collection gives you a number of options to use and to reflect your feelings, your mood and the occasions you're wearing the fragrance for. Just think of your fragrance as a final accessory to your outfit, and you can match your scent choice to your outfit vibe.

Choose Your Signature Scent

Many people have that one fragrance that they use over and over again. A signature scent is simply a fragrance that truly reflects and defines you as a person. For me, my go-to signature scent is definitely YSL Black Opium. This scent is so deep and musky, it's definitely a favourite of mine that I have repurchased multiple times. Having a signature scent something about yourself without saying a word, and helps to make a lasting impression. It also helps to reflect your individual style, and allows people to remember you when they smell the same fragrance elsewhere.

Consider Having Day and Night Fragrances/ Special Occasions

Having a selection of different fragrances can be useful, as they can be worn at different times of the day. Daytime fragrances are typically more energising and awakening, using light, fresh and airy notes, and featuring more sweet, fruity, floral and citrus scents. Nighttime fragrances are usually stronger and sexier, using deep, musky and spicy notes.

Special occasions call for special scents. Having a specific scent to remind you of previous important memories is something that is so special. Whether that's a certain holiday or your wedding day for example, having a special fragrance just for these occasions can help us remember the memories from that day.

Change Up Your Scents Seasonally

Like you would change up your fashion style each season, you can also switch up your fragrances to reflect the season ahead. For Spring, you may opt for fragrances packed with fresh, floral notes, as this will reflect the blossoming plants and the crisp, fresh air. Summer is all about sweet and fruity notes. The warmer weather brings a happier, more upbeat atmosphere, so think about fragrances with juicy berries, coconut and sweeter florals. When Autumn arrives, this will then bring the more musky and seductive aromas into your fragrance choices - maybe something warming like amber or sandalwood. And finally, when Winter hits and the colder weather starts, you'll generally opt for something warming and crisp. Mix these with sweet and spicy notes of vanilla, cardamom or cinnamon for that perfect winter scent.

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Pairfum London Fragrance Library - The Ideal Perfume Experience

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

Inside the Fragrance Library, there are 12 mini-sized bottles - giving you just the right amount of each to ensure you can try and test it enough. Each perfume bottle contains approximately 100 sprays, which is probably enough for 2 weeks wear. Inside the box, you also receive 50 paper strips to help you sample or share each perfume before you wear it. The 12 perfumes are in the following scents;

Bergamot, Basil & Patchouli

Black Cherry & Oolong Tea

Cardamom, Tonka & White Oud

Ginger, Elemi & Vetiver

Grapefruit, Pepper & Black Cedar

Mandarin Blossom & Sandalwood

Neroli, Musk, Orange Blossom

Pink Rose & Sensuous Musk

Scarlet Rhubarb & Oakmoss

Sea Salt, Sage & Amber

Spiced Coffee & Oaked Vanilla

Spiced Rum, Lime & Guaiac Wood

Each one of the perfumes included in the fragrance experience box shares a unique story about London and represents various areas of the capital. This aspect of the fragrances makes them so unique, so special and so niche, it's definitely a luxurious and exciting way to try new scents, and experience something so different.

"From the Royal Palaces to the Village Greens, from the Magnificent Parks to the Cottage Gardens, London is a bustling metropolis that has at its heart the sense of a village community. Our Inspirations come from the Orangeries and heady Flowers of Kew Gardens, the Victorian Bath Houses and Spas, the exotic spices and herbs in Fusion Cuisine, Afternoon Tea by the River, Strawberries and Cream during Wimbledon, the green aroma of Columbia Road Flower Market, the wonderful roasted coffee around St Katharine Docks, the smoky incense of Camden Town, the sweet antique woody note of the National Portrait Gallery and the richness of the spices floating on Portobello Road Market."

I've been using the Perfume Experience Box to change up my day-to-day fragrances, and this has allowed me to explore a variety of unique perfumes that I may never have got the chance to test out. By including Pairfum London fragrances into my perfume collection, this has given me a whole new approach to fragrance with many advantages. Not only have I been able to try new and unique scents, I have also experienced new fragrance combinations, and I have been able to interchange these fragrances on a daily basis, allowing me to see which scents I like the best.

Out of the 12 fragrances included in the Perfume Experience Box, the perfume I gravitated towards the most was the Black Cherry & Oolong Tea - an intense Eau de Parfum scent. This fragrance has a beautiful balance between being sweet, fruity, floral and smoky - a great combination of notes suitable for the Autumn/Winter season. This unisex fragrance is very crisp and fresh, and gives off a very elegant, sophisticated and empowering energy - a great everyday perfume, but also a good option for those who want a new evening or date night scent, with something very fruity, sexy, sensual and musky.

Have you heard of Pairfum London? Would you be interested in trying the Perfume Experience Box? What fragrance would be your favourite?

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