● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Increase Water Intake

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

2. Include Exfoliation In Your Skincare Routine

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

3. Consider Dermaplaning

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

4 - Central Heating

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

5. Include Vitamin C Products

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

6. Cleansing Is Your Best Friend

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

7. Make Time For Weekly Face Masks

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

8. Make Diet and Lifestyle Changes

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

9. Vitamin D

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

What ways do you achieve glowing skin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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