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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

GUEST POST | When you are considering entering any type of profession, you will need to work to build up your skills. This is certainly true of becoming a tattoo artist, but other elements will significantly affect your eventual success in this field. Let’s check out a few of these steps in more detail right here and now.
 
tattoo artist

Learn How to Draw
It may seem like it is an obvious enough starting point, but you will certainly need to build up your drawing skills, to begin with. You can potentially enrol in different classes to do this, but you can also practice on your own and study the work of some great tattoo artists out there. It would be best if you also considered exploring various art forms, as there are plenty of different designs you can easily find yourself confronted with.

Look for a Mentor and Learn the Trade
Once you have boosted your art skills and taken on any potentially useful qualifications in this area, the time will have come for you to look for a mentor and start learning the trade. In most cases, this will involve taking on an apprenticeship, which allows you to pick up all the necessary skills, so you can not only survive but also thrive in this particular trade. This can be a tough and potentially costly process that you need to be fully prepared to take seriously.

Get Your Licences
Once you have gone through all the steps in becoming an apprentice, you will need to get your hands on all the right licences. These will obviously vary from country to country, so you need to check the different rules and requirements that will enable you to get one of these successfully.

Invest in Equipment
After you have been in the game for a sustained period, it is likely that you are going to want to get your hands on your own equipment and tattoo ink. After all, everyone will end up with their own set of preferences, and it is certainly going to be the case that you need to work out what yours happen to be. You are then taking a very real step and demonstrating your overall sense of commitment to the profession.

Start Your Career
Finally, you are going to want to embark upon your eventual career. This could include working in someone else’s studio to begin with, but further down the line, you may have ambitions to open up a studio of your own as this gives you eventual and total control. Don’t try to run before you can walk though, take the time to work in a reputable studio to see how they function, and learn the best industry practices that you can take with you when you feel ready to take that next step in your career. Many studios rent out seats for set periods, and then take on an artist if they are consistent and a good fit for the team full time, so you should have no problem finding somewhere.

Are you training to be a tattoo artist? What other steps would you need to consider?
19:26 No comments

 AD| Online gaming is extremely popular with players of all ages and abilities – whether you're looking for something to do in your spare time, to learn new skills, or just help improve your everyday life, there are games suitable for everyone.

Most of the time, we hear about the number of downsides to playing online games, including addiction, health issues, and problems with social interaction. However, if played in moderation, and playing more educational themed games, there are some amazing benefits that can help boost your child's learning and improve their skills.

kids on computer

Encourages Problem-Solving
Online gaming is a simple way in which you can learn, improve, and practice your problem-solving skills on a daily basis. There are so many categories of games that you can pick from, but puzzle, strategy, memory, and logic games will be super beneficial to you and to help you improve your skills. These types of games are some of my favourites as they can be very challenging and require you to think hard, but extremely will be rewarding, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you can complete them. 

Games Can Teach New Skills
 Online games can be a way to help support your child’s learning and teach them key life skills, through a range of fun and education activities. These can include mathematics and numeracy, logic puzzles, memory games and problem-solving. These types of games are some of my favourites as they can be very challenging and require you to think hard, but extremely will be rewarding, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you can complete them.

Gaming is extremely brain stimulating. Gaming may help strengthen your cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception. Playing games such as Maths Test, Grocery Cashier and Arithmetic Game, in addition to your child's learning in school, can really benefit their education and help them practice their newly learnt skills in their own free time.

Learn From Your Mistakes
Learning from your failures and mistakes is how we learn in everyday life. Allowing ourselves to repeat tasks until we master them is how we improve and get better. Many online games feature different levels, in which you need to complete each level in order to progress to the next. These type of games allow players to essentially learn from their mistakes, correct them and try again until they complete it.

Do your children use online games to help with their learning? What are your favourite types of games?

16:52 No comments

AD| No matter what reason you have for it, all homeowners require extra space at some point in their property journey. Whether you need to redecorate, you need to move home, or you just need to declutter your belongings, self storage could be a great option for you. There are multiple reasons as to why homeowners consider and love using self storage. The benefits of using a self storage facility are endless. It’s affordable and flexible, as well as accessible, secure and convenient to use, what more could you ask for? 

As a homeowner, you may not have realised how important and useful self storage can be. They could ultimately become your best friend if you are looking to downsize, move home, save money or save space in your home. Here are just 5 reasons to consider using a self storage unit for homeowners.

storage boxes

Renovating and Redecorating Your Existing Home
During the stressful and overwhelming process of home renovation and redecorating, many homeowners find it incredibly useful and convenient to rent a self-storage unit to store their personal belongings. Typically, self storage facilities can be used to store your larger item, such as sofas, beds, tables and chairs, to ensure you have ample space in your home for your renovation. This can help keep your items safe, secure and damage free, whilst building works go on in your home.

Moving Home
If you're looking to move in the near future, decluttering your home now can make sure you only take with you the belongings you actually need. Not only can a good declutter before you begin your move save you both time and energy, but it can also help save you some money. 

Keep Valuable Items Safe
Another brilliant reason to consider using a self storage facility is due to the added security it brings. The facilities are built to be incredibly securer than your typical garage, garden shed or homes offices, and this is what makes them perfectly suitable for storing your items of value. Self storage providers, such as Magenta Self Storage, offer very secure inclusive facilities for both personal and business use, adopting the highest levels of security, including 24 hour CCTV surveillance and alarm systems on monitored sites that are accessible up to seven days a week.

Decluttering for Better Organisation
Decluttering your home can see like a very time-consuming, and overwhelming task, but it can have huge benefits. Whether you find yourself with a home full of personal belongings and you're simply running out of space, or you wish to lead a more minimalist lifestyle, self-storage units can be the perfect choice for those looking at storing items you don’t want to part with entirely.

Downsizing the Home
Over the years, we all collect memories, and storing them in your home can cause clutter and take up too much of your personal space. When looking to downsize your home, it can be extremely common for people to use self storage sites to accommodate some of their larger items they may not have space for. Self storage is an ideal solution for those looking for a smaller home whilst still hanging onto the things you love but may not have the necessary space for.

Do you currently use a self storage facility? What other reasons would you consider using a self storage unit?

17:26 No comments
GUEST POST | Every bride wants her wedding to be an event to remember for her, her partner, their friends, and family as well. The best way to achieve this is to ensure your guests do not get bored during the day. You should stick to the schedule to make sure that everything flows smoothly. Then, you should also carefully plan out entertainment for everyone involved.

You can do so by planning out games or letting guests get to know each other over fun trivia while waiting for lunch. You can also prepare some stations with entertainment where they can come throughout the day. Our list of wedding entertainment ideas will help you ensure that your wedding will be one to remember. Like this, you and your guests will love to keep returning to the day in their memories.

WEDDING

Let Magician Enchant Your Wedding Guests
Bringing magic to your wedding day does not need to be difficult, and you can take it quite literally. Everyone loves to see magic tricks, and if you do your initial research well enough, it can be a success. Websites such as Wedding Supermarket can guide you through picking the right magician for your wedding and other wedding entertainment ideas.

If you have a generous budget and are willing to pay £750 and more, you can hire experienced magicians who know well what they are doing. You will get a professional who knows how to entertain crowds and wow them with magical tricks. This way, the entertainer will give your reception and guests more energy.

Dance The Night Away In The Company Of A Live Band
Picking the right music for your wedding day is a crucial step in any wedding planning. The music that plays at the reception can make or break the atmosphere of the whole day. Hence, you should take your time to pick a good band that will make your wedding guests move to the dance floor.

The band should have a quality sound system, and with a playlist that is well-thought-out, you and your guests will be more than happy to dance the night away. If you take enough time and do your research carefully, you will be able to find a talented band that will be the best fit for your special day.

Make The Night Other-Worldly With Fireworks
Fireworks are one of the more expensive forms of wedding entertainment. However, depending on the season and location, it might be the right thing to make the night more magical. It will brighten up the night and make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.

During the fireworks, you can enjoy the surprise on the faces of your guests. On top of that, you can get some beautiful photos out of the wedding day. The lighting will look different, and the atmosphere of the photos will be unlike other pictures you will have from the special day.

Let Your Guests Have Fun With A Photo Booth
Having a photo booth at the reception allows your guests to take away from your wedding something to remember the day by. Maybe, they made new friends there or spent special moments with people they already know. The photo booth allows your guests to have fun and play around with props.

You can create your photo booth and make your own props. However, you can also hire professionals and, ultimately, the price difference will not be so big. If you hire professionals, you will also be able to have more quality photos that will make your guests remember the day for a lifetime.

wedding décor

Give Your Guests Disposable Cameras And See The Day Through Their Eyes
Placing a disposable camera on each table can be a fun alternative to a photo boot. This way, your guests will be able to be in as many photos as they would like to. Your guests will also have fun trying to be behind the camera and taking pictures of the day the way they see it.

After the wedding, you can have all the pictures developed. Like this, you will be able to look back at the day from a different perspective. Perhaps you will even see some moments you do not remember or have not witnessed yourself. On top of that, disposable cameras are not expensive and will not make a big dent in your wedding budget.

Let Your Guests Bond Over Board Games
Including board games at your reception could be one of the icebreaker activities. This way, guests that are sitting at the same table can warm up to each other. Your guests might get a bit competitive; however, it might lead to funny conversations and new friendships.

Try to put a deck of cards, dominoes or Yahtzee on each table, and you are in for successful wedding entertainment. You might be surprised how much your guests will enjoy these games. It will also make waiting for lunch more bearable, and your guests will be able to get to know each other better.

Make Your Guests Break Ice With Wedding Trivia
Wedding trivia is another way of bringing your guests closer together. Include games that will allow them to get to know each other and break the ice. You can also include some trivia where your guests can compete who knows the bride and the groom the best.

Such games can lead to funny conversations and many embarrassing stories. This way, your guests will be able to laugh together and bond over things they have in common. Such an experience will make the day even more memorable for your guests, and perhaps they will meet new friends for life. After all, humour always brings people together.

Hire An Extra Entertainment For Children
If your wedding is children-friendly, then you must think about how you will entertain them. Most children will not manage to sit in peace for longer periods of time and will want to run around. And when they get bored, they can get fussy and do not enjoy themselves at all.

Hiring a professional will keep the children entertained. They will be able to play various games, and the wedding will be more enjoyable for them. If you do not want to hire anyone, you can bring in colouring books and organise some activities that will keep them involved. And when children are busy, their parents will not need to worry and will be able to enjoy the wedding day more.

What other entertainment ideas would you recommend for weddings?
14:14 No comments
GUEST POST| Imagine how difficult it would be to run your business if you didn’t have a computer of some sort to help you do it. In some cases – in most cases, in fact – this would be impossible. We need computers to successfully run a business in the 21st century.

The interesting thing is that this has not always been the case, and even within living memory, computers weren’t as essential as they are now. This can be why some people are reluctant to use them or rely on them. However, unless you can understand why computers are so important and use them in the right way, your business might not be as successful as you had hoped. Read on to find out more.

computers

Organisation 
One of the biggest reasons to have a good, up-to-date, perhaps even touch screen laptop is organisation. With a laptop, you can keep all your files in one place, tidily filed, so that you can easily find and use them when you need to. In the past, all this information, from contracts to personal details to separate invoices, would have been on paper and easily lost or misfiled. Not only that, but it also took up a lot of room, and that meant having a number of filing cabinets, cupboards, and even separate rooms to keep everything in. Working from home would have been hard.

With computers, all of this hardship is eliminated. Finding files is easy; you don’t need any extra space, and working from home is a simple thing to do as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection.

Gain Knowledge 
There is a lot to learn when growing a business. Business owners have to constantly work at making their business bigger and better and to do this, they need to keep up with all the latest technology and new ways of working. It is much easier to do this when you have a computer to help you.

One way to keep learning about business is to read industry blogs and watch videos, and this can be done from a laptop at your convenience. Plus, you might choose to go back to school and gain some kind of formal qualification; this can also be done from your laptop, thanks to online classes. When you sign up for a class like that, whether it’s for a formal qualification or just information, you can use your laptop to attend class virtually, saving you time and money.

Self-Sufficiency
In the past, when computers weren’t so common or couldn’t do as much as they can today, business owners would have had to outsource a lot of processes. With new computers being so useful, with the right programmes and apps, business owners can often do everything themselves, saving money and making the business a lot more self-sufficient.

Of course, it can still be a wise choice to outsource some elements of your business, especially if you’re not confident in doing them yourself. However, computers have given business owners the choice, and that’s an important thing to understand.

Why else are computers influential for business?

18:43 No comments
GUEST POST | The topic of sexual abuse is not something that people want to talk about openly. As such, there is a lot of misinformation or confusion surrounding what happens during a sexual abuse case, especially from a legal sense.
A lot of the public gains their knowledge of court proceedings from T.V shows that are often dramatised. However, these cases rarely include such a sensitive subject. 

As a result, many victims of abuse, or their family members, are unsure about how to proceed during a case that goes to court, and that can make the situation feel even more intimidating. Therefore, this article will look at some fundamental parts of a trial like this, so you can be more informed about the process.

legal room 

Length Of The Process
The first thing that you will notice during a case of this magnitude is that it can take a long time for the trial to take place, even if the decision to move the case to court has been made. The reason for this is that a sexual abuse trial is an extremely serious case; therefore, both parties need to gather as much evidence as possible to make their case as solid as possible.

The maximum sentence for a person found guilty of such a serious crime ranges between fourteen years to life in prison, which is why courts must be thorough with their judgment. This means that the trial takes longer to prepare, which is why you may have to wait close to a year for a sexual abuse trial to start.

Pre-Trial Therapy
Sexual abuse is a traumatic event in someone’s life, and it can be extremely difficult for the victim to move on from the situation. Unfortunately, a lengthy trial can cause specific memories to resurface, causing the trauma to worsen. Most courts will allow the victim, and anyone affected by the case, to engage in pre-trial therapy. These therapy sessions aim to provide the victim with comfort and help them overcome the feelings associated with the abuse they have suffered. Sometimes, these therapy notes can be used in sentencing cases if the accused is found guilty.

Pre-trial therapy is nothing to be concerned about, and it is normal for these sessions to continue throughout the main trial. Its main purpose is to provide people with a comforting space away from what they have experienced.

Special Measures
There is a lot that special measures can refer to in a case like this, but be advised that you can ask for these at any time. The aim of these measures is to make the trial easier for the assumed victim, and they should be provided during all abuse claims. One such measure that can be requested is giving a pre-recorded testimony that will be played in court. This helps anyone to make a sexual abuse claim stay removed from any proceedings that may further their trauma, especially if the accused is present in the courtroom.

Another special measure that you can make when discussing the case with your sexual abuse solicitors is that any evidence you provide is given anonymously. This measure is put in place to protect anyone related to the victim, and you can learn more about sexual abuse compensation cases at Hugh James. This company can also brief you on some other special measures that you can request during a case of this nature.

Anonymity
Of course, the most important special measure in a sexual abuse case, especially one of child abuse, is anonymity. It is normal for most criminal trials to be made public, which means that journalists and other members of the public can openly report on what happens during a court case. However, due to the sensitive nature of what is discussed during an abuse case like this, all children’s identities are kept anonymous. In fact, it is illegal in the UK for anyone in the press to leak or report the details of any child that is the victim of an abuse case. This anonymity should cover the child from the moment the crime is reported to a member of the police, and should continue after the case has concluded.

Post-Trial
Once the trial has concluded, the defendant will receive a verdict of guilty or not guilty. In either case, the victim will continue to receive therapy due to the 
stressful nature of the events discussed. The anonymity of anyone will remain in place, no matter the verdict. However, a guilty defendant may also have certain privileges revoked in the future as well as serving a prison sentence.

Conclusion
It is understandable that anyone who must face something as traumatic as a sexual abuse case will have plenty of questions. The important thing to remember is that there is always help out there when you need it. The legal system is designed to aid anyone with the trauma that comes with a sexual abuse trial.

What other ways do they differ?
12:28 No comments
GUEST POST | There’s no escaping it – driving is expensive. For young drivers or people with limited driving experience, driving-related costs can be even higher than expected. However, there are things that you can do to reduce your costs as a driver, and if you combine even just a few of these tactics you can find yourself saving hundreds of pounds a year. In this article, we’ll give you our top five tips for saving money as a driver, so that you can put your hard-earned money to good use elsewhere.

driving car

Go For An Economical Vehicle
One of the easiest ways to save money as a driver is to make sure that you’re not overpaying for a vehicle that is out of your budget. Although it can be tempting to go for a flashy car that will impress your friends and family, one of the best ways to keep your costs low is to prioritise buying a vehicle that is economical to run, and there are some great guides available online to help you make a suitable decision around buying a fuel efficient car.

Make Sure Your Insurance Offers Value For Money
The next thing to consider when trying to save money as a driver is that your car insurance should be offering you value for money, rather than draining your wallet. No matter what car you drive, QuoteZone can offer competitive prices by comparing over 110 insurance providers, so you can find a quote that works for you. If you’re looking for VW Beetle insurance, for example, you can save up to £290 on your annual price and access cashback and rewards, so prioritizing the right VW Beetle insurance is really a no-brainer when it comes to saving money.

Get Breakdown Cover
Regardless of how new your car is, or whether it’s in tip-top shape, you can never guarantee that you won’t run into difficulties. Cars are complex machines that depend on a range of different technologies to run smoothly, so it’s better to avoid taking any risks. Investing in breakdown cover is a great way to give you peace of mind and save you the high cost of hiring a roadside recovery service if you were to break down.

Search For Cheap Fuel
Another top tip for saving money as a driver is taking time to search for the cheapest fuel in your area. Fuel stations price their fuel by considering the wholesale price, distribution costs, and their own specific profit margins. This means that prices can vary across different petrol stations. To make it easier to work out where the cheapest nearby station is, there are some great apps or online sites that can help you.

Keep On Top Of Car Maintenance
Finally, an often overlooked element of driving where costs can pile up is car maintenance. Servicing your vehicle regularly is a great way to monitor any potential faults or issues, and if you can catch problems early on, you can save money in the long run and reduce the risk of your vehicle running into a bigger issue that will be costly to fix.

While the price of driving can add up, by following these top tips, you can bring your costs down and make life a little easier. By choosing an economical vehicle and sourcing the right car insurance, as well as keeping on top of any necessary maintenance, you can be certain that your wallet will thank you!

How do you save money as a driver?
22:04 No comments
AD| By building an eco-friendly home, not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but you’ll also enjoy reduced energy bills. In recent years, there has been more emphasis on how we can reduce the speed of global warming and making eco-friendly choices, and it's important to make changes within our homes. After all, every little helps. However, what makes an eco-friendly home is open to interpretation, so you’ll need to decide what it is that you want to achieve before you start your project. For example, do you want to reduce your energy bills, create a more sustainable way of living or build a healthier internal environment for your family?

If you’re building for the ground up, you are in a unique position to consider the structural elements that will impact your global footprint. For instance, pile foundations are usually an eco-friendlier option than concrete because they are quicker and quieter to install and can also be reused if the house ever gets knocked down. You’ll also have more control over the types of doors and windows that are installed. Here are some more tips for building an eco-friendly home…

ECO HOME

Get a Water Softener
If you live in a hard water area, your home is constantly being damaged by limescale. Hard water contains minerals that, when heated and evaporates, leaves behind limescale in your heating system, appliances, kettles and more. Anything that heats the water will see a build-up of limescale. This build-up reduces the efficiency of your home, causing all those mentioned above to use more gas and electricity, costing you extra for things you use daily. Installing a water softener will remove these minerals, making your home limescale-free. It will also eventually dissolve any previous limescale build-up, improving your home's efficiency, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money.

Invest in Solar Panels
The sun is undeniably a powerful energy source, which can be harnessed using solar panels. Unlike other sources of energy, we cannot run out of solar energy, making it a truly renewable option. Solar panels are fairly expensive to install, but will save you money on your energy bills. They are also diverse; in that they can be used to generate electricity and/or heat. They can also be integrated into the building materials and are cheap to maintain.

Install Adequate Insulation
Insulation is important for regulating the temperature in your home. Without it, heat will escape during winter, and you’ll have to turn up your thermostat and keep it on for longer. Not only is that expensive, but also a waste of energy. Insulation also keeps your home cooler during the summer months, meaning you’ll be less inclined to use fans or air conditioning. Bear in mind that you can insulate your roof, floors, walls, and windows.

eco home

Ensure Your Windows are Double Glazed
Like insulation, double or even triple glazed windows are great for regulating the temperature in your home because they allow you to retain heat in winter and keep it cooler in summer. They are also great for reducing noise pollution, so are ideal if you live on a busy street.

Consider the Lighting
When it comes to windows, you should also consider their location to ensure there is plenty of natural light in your home. Without it, you will have to keep your lights on, which is neither goo for the environment, nor for your wallet. LED light bulbs are better for the environment than their incandescent alternatives and tend to last longer, so you shouldn’t have to replace them as often. While the upfront cost might seem a lot, you’ll make your money back in a matter of months by saving on your electricity bills.

Use Recycled Materials
Things like doors, carpets, and hardware can be reused, so consider installing second-hand materials where possible rather than producing raw materials. What’s more, it’s worth considering using locally produced materials because they require less energy to deliver.

Consider a Green Roof or Living Wall
There are many benefits to having a green roof/wall. They purify the air, regulate the temperature indoors and provide a rainwater buffer. When done properly, they also look beautiful, so are great for aesthetics. They are lightweight and require very little maintenance.

What ways do you use to make your home more eco-friendly? Which of these tips would you consider starting to use?
10:04 No comments

 AD – GIFTED | Are you currently looking to redecorate your bedroom and need inspiration? Do you require ideas for a bedroom shelf display? Why not consider some new decorative accessories, posters, or prints for your home?

In our home, we all aspire to have those display shelves that look so effortless, clean, and minimalist, without being too cluttered and messy. Obviously, when you start to redecorate and use decorative accessories in your home, you'll often want to display personal items such as your favourite photographs, prints, ornaments, and books. A simple way to update your bedroom's look is by interchanging your shelf displays to help add some character, some colour and a personal touch to your personal space. 


With a wide range of options for objects to feature in your shelf display, whether you choose ornaments, books, posters, prints or sculptures, the possibilities are endless. If you're looking for some inspiration for selecting posters and prints, head over to the Poster Store – offering an endless choice of wall art at an affordable price. Listed below are 3 simple tips for creating a minimalist bedroom shelf display in your home.


bedroom shelf

Choose A Colour Scheme
Incorporating too many colours into your shelf display can typically create a messy, distracted and overwhelming look to your room. This will ultimately create the opposite outcome of that you are looking for. I made sure to leave some “empty space”, as this is necessary for achieving a minimal style display. Leaving some empty space on your display will make your shelves look bigger, cleaner, and tidier. If you want to follow a minimalist style, you don't always need to choose a monochrome theme. Why not opt for something tonal, which uses similar colours to really make an impact.

Don't Overcrowd Your Space
When you begin to compile your shelf display, it's important to declutter and get rid of any unwanted items. It may take you a few attempts to get your perfect composition, and ultimately something you are completely happy with. Make sure to leave empty spaces, as these will be your best friend for helping you create something clean and minimal.

Opt For Different Object Sizes, Shapes, and Textures
Lastly, using items in your bedroom shelf display of different sizes, shapes, and textures can really change the whole vibe of your display. It will help add interest and to draw attention to your shelf display. Using big items will help create a statement, and be the stand-out part of your display, whilst smaller items can help fill spaces and bring the entire look together nicely.

BEDROOM SHELF

For my own minimalist bedroom shelf display, I wanted to get creative and have a more summery vibe to my space. I made sure to keep things clean, minimal and neutral, to help keep things balanced and not go over the top. The main colour scheme for this shelf display was warms neutral tones of creams, browns and oranges, which is perfect for the summer months, and something that is very calming and welcoming.

For me, I think illustrations and abstract poster artwork is the perfect choice for the home, as they are so minimal, so simple, yet so stylish. For my feature display shelves, I chose both the Abstract Landscape Poster and the Abstract Lemon Tree Poster. Both these posters feature warm tones of yellows, oranges, and browns that help bring a calming, summery feel to my personal space. I picked both posters in A3 size, as I wanted to make them a statement feature of my shelf display, in order to create a focal point to the shelves.

poster store

poster store

There are a variety of sizes for all posters, prints, and frames online, making it easier for you to be as creative as you want, depending on the space you have to fill in your home, as well as your budget. The collection of unique prints online will help you create your own gallery wall tailor-made for your home. All the posters are printed on sustainably produced high-quality paper, helping to minimise any damage to the environment. 

For those looking to invest in some high quality, affordable posters and prints, make sure to check out the Poster Store and use the discount below to save some money on some beautiful wall art.

Use Code: 45LAURATHORNBERRY for 45% on all posters (except Selection Posters and frames) Not combinable with other discount campaigns. Valid until the 24th of July!

Have you heard of the Poster Store? Are you looking to add some new wall art into your home?
21:18 No comments
 GUEST POST| The Southwestern United States is a diverse and exciting place to visit. It offers many landscapes, climates, and cultures. The region is mostly made up of desert-like areas, with some mountain ranges in the north, such as the Rocky Mountains. The region also has some of the country’s best food, arts, and music. Popular sites include the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Las Vegas in Nevada, San Diego in California and New Mexico's White Sands National Monument.

If you’re interested in making these sites part of your back-door view, you’ll need a reliable home base. So, check out this list of these amazing Southwestern cities to check out now if you want to see more in this incredible part of the United States.

US states

El Paso
El Paso, Texas, has a lot to offer. It is known for its temperate climate, vibrant culture, and rich history. El Paso was founded in 1680 by Spanish colonizers in the New World. The city’s location on the Mexican border makes it an ideal destination for those who want to explore both sides of the country. It also has some good things going for it is as well, like its low cost of living and high-quality education system.

This is a great time to pick up one of the El Paso houses for sale and settle into the city to work, because El Paso offers plenty of resources and opportunities while still being affordable.

Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico that is known for its high-quality restaurants, art and culture. Santa Fe has a lot of great things to offer its residents and visitors, but one of the best things about Santa Fe is the food. The food scene in Santa Fe is one of the best in the country and provides visitors with a wide range of options from traditional Mexican dishes to fine dining.

Santa Fe has also been named as one of America’s “most liveable cities” by Forbes magazine, which puts it on par with other popular destinations such as Austin, Portland, and San Francisco. Basically, the city is temperate for much of the year, it’s got a great look to it with its Spanish influences, and there is plenty to do outdoors. Worth checking out, for sure!

Sedona
Sedona is a beautiful place in the state of Arizona. It is known for its red rock views and opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more! One of the best parts about visiting Sedona is the beautiful scenery. There are so many types of landscapes in this city that you can easily find something you love.

Sedona has a lot to offer its residents. The cost of living is relatively lower compared to other places in Arizona, it has an abundance of natural beauty, and it’s close to major cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The city also offers great opportunities for those who want to live out their passions through careers in art or culture.

Have you visited the US lately? What cities and states have you travelled to?

21:56 No comments
GUEST POST | Everyone is more acutely aware of their well-being today. The coronavirus set society on a high alert, and now people are watchful for any signs, symptoms, and causes of illness. Of course, illness does not predictably roll around and doesn’t necessarily abide by a schedule. Often, sickness can seem to come down to little more than a harsh bout of bad luck. 

There are many prevention methods to employ, but over a lifetime, everyone is bound to get ill at one stage or another. Still, a degree of preparation work can help with illness. If you take the right steps, health problems may be less debilitating and dismissed much sooner. Here are some tips to help you prepare for unexpected health problems.

sickness

Stock up Proportionately
The prospect of illness can drive many people into a fretful frenzy. For example, they may seek to buy more medicines than they feasibly need. The coronavirus spurred people to buy more goods, and the pandemic is yet to be fully conquered. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful. While having more drugs in the house might seem like a good idea at first, it can make things harder for you. Your spending might unnecessarily skyrocket when the cost of living is high enough already. Moreover, your cupboards may become overcrowded and disorganised with different pills you may or may not need.

Try to have enough medications at home so that you are covered if illness strikes at highly inconvenient times, such as in the middle of the night. Don’t buy enough that you think could set you up for life, but just for little blips of ailments in your usual routine. Once that rocky period of unexpected illness has subsided, you can then head to the doctor or your pharmacy the next day to buy more (but still a proportionate amount) of what you need. Stock up on more than medicines too. Hand sanitisers, cleaning disinfectants, and healthy food and drink ranges can make a positive difference when an illness is floating around.

Review Insurance Arrangements
Illness might be unexpected, but your response to it shouldn’t be. Insurance coverage can determine how fast you can respond to sickness. It’s worth regularly reviewing your circumstances here. For example, Circle Health Group provide a wealth of information and resources on private health insurance. They explain that if you need a specialist for treatment, you can activate your private health cover and then use it to pay for treatment at one of their private hospitals. Read their simple three-step process of speaking to your GP, calling their appointments' advisor line, and speaking to your insurer for more assurances and information.

Knowing that you have private insurance can be an enormous comfort. Of course, not everybody can afford the full range of benefits, but you can tinker with what you’d like covered so that it aligns with your budget. Your workplace may also have policies that cover you. Make some enquiries, get clued in, and see what type of private healthcare you might be eligible for.

SICKNESS

Keep Reading
It’s important to remain informed across all aspects of your health. Building your knowledge means you streamline your preventative measures and tailor your countermeasures. Coronavirus isn’t over yet. While the consensus indicates the worst is probably over, covid continues to evolve and develop numerous strains that affect each sufferer differently. Consequently, it’s important to be mindful of things such as this and not underestimate coronavirus just because it appears to be in the news a little less.

Of course, balance is required here. If you worry too much, you may start to develop hypochondriac qualities. Be cautious and informed rather than anxious and hysterical, and you’ll be in a better position to judge which health-related measures are appropriate in your life. Ensure that you source all of your information from reputable outlets, too. Peer-reviewed resources from medical journals will suit your purposes, as will the NHS website and some reports from credible mainstream media outlets. Conduct some wider reading without consuming misinformation.

Build a Support Network
Pride mustn’t get in the way when it comes to potential illness. A support network is required to ensure you get through these moments as quickly and cleanly as possible. Remember, your loved ones are well positioned to notice any change in your behaviour that might indicate illness. Additionally, they may be willing to stop by when you’re sick and help take care of you. Their attentiveness and affection for you can make a huge difference not only to your physical well-being, but your overall morale too.

You mustn’t just have one person in mind when receiving help. After all, it’s important to be considerate of other people’s time and mindful that everyone is leading their own lives. Try to make life easier for anyone who might help you when you’re ill. Doctor’s contact numbers, draft a proposed schedule, and think about ways you can make requests specific and clear. Share your feelings and gratitude, and state your intentions to return favours when you’re better.

How do you prepare for unexpected health problems?

19:25 No comments
 GUEST POST| Most of us recognise the importance of self-care, but when it comes to creating a daily self-care routine, we often struggle. Although you may need to juggle different priorities and responsibilities at once, this typically means that your own needs are left at the bottom of your to-do list. Of course, you may consider your occasional salon appointments and gym sessions as self-care. 

But in reality, self-care is about implementing regular activities that help you recharge and manage stress. As a result, if you don’t make time for daily self-care, you’re more likely to feel overwhelmed, unfulfilled, and stressed. Within this article, you will find our best tips to make self-care a part of your routine and feel your best every day.

self care

Assess Your Needs
A successful self-care plan should always be tailored to your life and needs. It is best to customise your plan, as it will help you reduce the chance of feeling burned out or overstressed. Therefore, it’s important to assess which areas of your life need attention. Remember that as your situation changes, your self-care, and needs will change as well. It may be beneficial to make a list of the different parts of your life and the main activities you engage in every day. For example, you may list work, school, family, relationships, and others.

Manage Stress Levels
Next, it may be helpful to identify aspects of these areas, that cause you stress and consider some ways to reduce stress levels. For example, you can try using full spectrum CBD oil, provided by The Good Level. If you want to learn about CBD’s ability to relax and manage stress and anxiety, you can find out more here. Moreover, The Good Level uses a traditional cold press method without the use of heat treatments and chemical solvents. As a result, more of the cannabinoids and beneficial plant compounds are kept, making this a natural way of consuming CBD oil.

Keep Your Routine Simple
One of the most important aspects of implementing a successful self-care regime is to adjust your mindset around it. Remember that self-care doesn’t need to be another big thing on your plate, so it’s best to keep your routine simple. It’s advisable to focus on the feeling that self-care gives you and allow that to dictate how you’ll implement it into your days. This process doesn’t have to be lengthy, complicated, or expensive to work. After all, the whole point of creating a self-care regime is to relax and recharge, so be sure to make it as simple as possible so that it can fit into your lifestyle.

Come Up With Self-Care Strategies
It may be useful to think about activities that you can do each day to help you feel better and increase your energy levels. For instance, a simple meditation practice allows you to bring awareness into your daily life. As a result, you’ll be more aware of what your body needs at different times. Also, you may want to consider journaling every day to process your feelings and emotions better. Be sure to incorporate a type of movement into your daily routine, even if it’s just a brisk walk around your neighbourhood. Try experimenting with different activities that light you up and make you happy.

self care

Confront Negativity
Another crucial factor to ensure that self-care works is to combat your negativity, such as negative self-talk and self-doubt. It may be beneficial to write down your thoughts on a piece of paper and confront that with what you know to be true. Putting these thoughts on paper will help you recognise the negative without letting it overpower the positive aspects of your life. Also, to keep things in
perspective, you may want to share your feelings with someone close to you. Make an effort not to ruminate on past mistakes, as this can create a heavy load of negativity.

Stay Flexible
Committing to a self-care routine doesn’t mean that you cannot be flexible with how you implement it. It’s normal for you to have days when it’s easier to practise self-care, and others when it may seem impossible. Things may get in the way sometimes, and that’s an inevitable part of life. However, when this happens, it’s crucial to stay flexible and remember not to be too hard on yourself. Every day is a fresh start to get back to your self-care routine, so you shouldn’t try to make it perfect.

Detox From Technology And Work
Nowadays, we often have our work responsibilities following us everywhere we go thanks to our phones. Therefore, establishing strong boundaries when it comes to work emails, texts, and phone calls is essential. Although limiting your screen time is easier said than done, there are some useful techniques you can implement. For example, you may be able to set a daily limit on your phone or choose a specific time before bed so that you can unwind with a book instead of reading your work emails.

Do you practice daily self-care? What ways do you use in your everyday routine?
12:47 1 comments
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