● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●: Search results for exercise

AD | We all feel the need for improvement, through personality, profession and particularly in how we live. Improving the home life is seen as a constant state of overhaul, including clearing out older designs or replacing items within the house that are more “you”. So when it comes from changes from the ground up, Amtico luxury wood effect vinyl flooring offers perfection in the long run to stabilize your growing lifestyle changes.

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AD| Over the last year the pandemic has seen the majority of workers across the world begin working from home, turning kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms into office spaces. This new way of working has led to many organisations adopting a hybrid working approach, or completely shutting down their offices. With working from home definitely here to stay, it is important to make sure you switch off after the working day to ensure your mental and physical health is not affected.

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

1.Get active

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

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

2.Enjoy the outdoors

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

3.Create a workspace

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

4.Be sociable

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

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

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

How do you switch off if you are currently working from home? Do you have any favourite hobbies or activities?

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Stuck at home? Me too! We're back in lockdown again, but that shouldn't stop you from taking time out of your day and do some things to help pamper and look after yourself. Self care is a must have and extremely valuable in this current climate of a global pandemic, and is definitely something to incorporate into your daily routine. Feeling isolated can really get you feeling low, unmotivated and start making you feel a little unhappy, but doing something to make you feel better, no matter how big or small, can really boost your mood and cheer you up during these uncertain times.

Here are 5 lockdown beauty hacks that I've been adding into my day to day life and are 5 things I recommend you do to!

Since we're all staying at home, one thing that is super important is letting your skin breathe. None of us are really wearing any/much make up and this gives us the opportunity to focus on our skincare goals and make some sort of routine. For me, I've made sure to really try and stick to a skincare routine, cleansing properly, exfoliating my skin and weekly face masks to keep my skin glowing throughout the colder months.

A goal of mine in 2021 is to take much better care of my hair, keep it in healthy condition, and ultimately attempt to grow it longer. Throughout the previous lockdowns, weekly hair masks have been a thing, and will continue making an appearance into my haircare routine, in a bid to keep my hair healthy, soft and shiny, even during this extreme cold weather. During the winter months, coconut oil has become my best friend. I like to use this as an overnight treatment, massaging the oil from root to tip, in order to deeply condition and nourish my hair, and simply rinse out in the morning.

Coronavirus and lockdown has us washing our hands countless times a day followed up by hand sanitiser gel, walking outdoors to get our daily exercise, but all this will definitely take a toll on your hands and fee. It's super important to take care of them also! Moisturising hand creams and cuticle oils are the perfect combination to keep your hands looking and feeling nourished. And for the feet, I've been opting for moisturising foot masks and luxurious lotions to keep my feet soft and smooth.

Another lockdown beauty hack I've been using is skin dermaplaning. This is something that I've been doing every 3-4 weeks to improve the appearance and texture of my skin. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that removes peach fuzz and dead skin with the tiny scrape of a scalpel. I like to make sure my skin is well moisturised before treatment to help the blade glide over my face, without causing any injury. For this, I simply use a hydrating facial oil to keep my skin lubricated throughout. I picked up my dermaplaning tools from Amazon, and have noticed a big change in health of my skin. From the very first use, my skin was definitely softer and smoother, more radiant and glowy.

Finally, body care. Body exfoliation and moisturising can be quite the chore, but with a lot more time on our hands during lockdown, it's definitely something we should consider to help lift our spirits during these times. A simple beauty hack of regular exfoliation increases the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start. There are so many benefits from a couple minutes scrubbing in the shower, and of course you'll be left with the silkiest, softest skin possible! Followed up by your favourite body moisturiser or lotion, and you're good to go!

What lockdown beauty hacks are you using? Will you be adding any of the beauty hacks mentioned above into your daily routine?

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AD - GIFTED| Many of us own a watch that is worn pretty much every day. It's definitely once piece of jewellery that will never go out of style. Many watch owners are gifted a beautiful, luxury watch on occasions such as birthdays, graduations, promotions and other special days in your life.

A watch is the perfect accessory, not only does it tell the time, but it can add so much character to an outfit, and will remind you of those special personal and sentimental memories of when you received it. A good, luxury watch that's kept in good condition and has been well looked after should last for years and years to come. Watches are built to last a lifetime, and if they are taken care of properly, you'll be able to pass your watch on to future generations of your family for years to come. Here are 5 tips on how to care for your luxury watches and keep them in the best condition over the years.

Cleaning Your Watch

To ensure the longevity of your luxury watches, it is important to remember to keep your watch clean and maintained whilst on and off the wrist. There are two parts of a watch you need to keep clean: the watch face, and the strap/bracelet. Depending on how long or how often you wear your watch will determine how regularly it needs to be cleaned. From daily wear, a build up of oils, sweat and dirt can cling to your watch, so it's vital that you always refer to the manual or do your own research before using specific cleaning products on your watch. You must wait until your watch is fully dry completely before you wear it again to ensure it doesn't get damaged or begin to get rusty.

Read Your Watch Manual

If you have been gifted a brand new watch for a special occasion, or you are interested in purchasing a watch, make sure to do yourself research and familiarise yourself the brand/product you choose. By doing this, you'll be able to understand how your watch works, how to care for it, as well as you'll know what to expect from the watch you pick in advance. It might be important to know what material your watch is made from, to know if your watch is water-resistant and to know how to set the correct date or time.

Store Your Watch Properly

As much as regularly cleaning your watch is necessary, it's also extremely important to store your watch properly to keep it in its best condition. The watch’s original box is the ideal place for storage. You need to minimize their exposure to the elements, such as direct sunlight, dust, mould and high temperatures.

Avoid Unwanted Damage

Without proper care and attention, it’s only a short matter of time before your watch face or strap shows scratches. To ensure your watch remains in good condition, make sure to remove your watch during certain activities such as showering/bathing, DIY jobs and exercise. Also, avoid wearing other pieces of wrist jewellery, such as bracelets, on the same wrist, as they might scratch either the sides or the glass of your watch.

Get Repairs At A Reputable Jeweller

If you’re looking for watch repair, whether the watch face is scratched, the batteries have stopped working or your watch has any other faults, it's best in the hands of a reputable jeweller. For any damage, mechanical issues or problems, it's important that you go to the experts who have years of experience and are trained to fix all sorts of problems. This is important for those who own expensive, luxury watches, as you will want the highest quality and repair standards for your timepiece.

Avoid Contact with Chemicals

Exposing your watch or coming in contact with certain chemicals like cleaning products, soap, laundry detergents, cosmetics and perfumes can damage your watch, causing corrosion or rust. When using moisturisers, creams or perfume, allow these to dry completely on your skin before wearing your watch to avoid any contact with wet lotions or potential chemicals.

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Introducing Barrington Watch Winders

"Our flagship Barrington Single Watch Winder in Shadow Black is both compact and stylish with all the practical features you would expect from a high end watch winder. "

Watch winders are a super niche product in the wider world, but of course, for watch enthusiasts, they are much more popular. They’re usually intended to care for automatic watches by keeping them in perpetual movement when they’re not in use. This not only ensures that your watch will keep working and ticking away forever, but also means you don’t have to set the date or time every time you pick it up.

Barrington created a wide range of watch winders for automatic style watches, which can be operated in two ways; either by AC mains or by using two AA batteries. The watch winders also feature an ultra-quiet Japanese motor, multiple rotation settings and multiple turns per day settings from 650, 750, 850, 1000 or 1950, depending on your watch.

For me, not only are these winders a great way to store your valuable watches and keep them in a good working condition, but they can also help to minimise damage and problems whilst not on the wrist of the owner. Another great selling point is that they also come in a variety of colours, suitable for everyone's preferences, and they could even become a sleek and minimal decorative accessory in your home, or even to give as a gift to a watch lover in your life.

Have you heard of watch winders before? What other tips do you have for caring for your watches?

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AD| At this current time in global affairs, dating is something that has been continuously tricky throughout 2020. Lockdown after lockdown, closures of shops, pubs and restaurants, and also having many different rules put in place, it's definitely been hard for single people to meet new potential love interests in real life. 2020 is definitely the year where dating went online, and will be something that is continued for the foreseeable future until the world gets back to normal again.

However with lockdown being recently lifted, many areas of retail and hospitality have began opening up again, including restaurants, non-essential shops/shopping centres, pubs and leisure facilities, allowing dating during the coronavirus pandemic to return to some kind of normality. It also gives us the freedom to explore more of places nearby, get some fresh air and try to live life as normally as possible, all whilst social distancing and taking necessary safety precautions.

For me, I've definitely been able to get out the house and explore more of my local, surrounding area. Living in London is great as there is always so much going on, so many places to visit, you can never get bored! But during the recent few months, I've spent time exploring areas just outside of London, including places such as Kent and Surrey that are nearby. I've learnt that there are a whole selection of great places and things to do in Kent/Surrey, that they would make really cool, interesting date locations for future dates, and places that I would definitely visit.

Shopping in Kent

Date location 1 - If you're planning to spend the whole day together, Bluewater Shopping Centre could be a great location for a daytime date for the ultimate shopping and leisure experience. There's so much going on there, from shopping, eating out, watching a film in the IMAX cinema or even a visit to the trampoline park, there's definitely something to keep you entertained all day long.

Date location 2 - Another Kent dating location would be to visit the Howletts Wild Animal Park for something a little more unusual. Described as "Kent's original wildlife park, it's a unique adventure like no other!", this would be a the perfect place for a socially distanced date. You'll be able to spend time seeing all the animals that are located in the park, and even enjoy a nice picnic if the weather isn't too awful! You also have the opportunity to create some amazing memories by choosing to take part in the exciting experiences Howletts have to offer - but this will need to be checked out beforehand due to COVID to make sure everything is ok.

Exploring Outdoors in Kent

Date location 3 - 2020 has been the year of outdoor exercise, going out for walks, visiting local parks and getting some much needed fresh air. Kent is home to a large selection of beautiful outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens and beaches, you'll be spoilt for choice. Place like Westgate gardens, White Cliffs of Dover, Whitstable and Knole Park are just a few outdoor places located in Kent worth a visit. Outdoor based dates are perfect for getting to know each other without such a crowd of people surrounding you, you'll be able to talk about anything and everything, as well as seeing some spectacular scenery.

Have you been on any dates recently? What date locations would you like to visit?

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GUEST POST | As summer hits its peak, there's no better time to get involved in the annual Cycle to Work Day, taking place on August 1st. This initiative encourages people to swap their car keys for bike helmets, promoting the benefits of cycling, including the significant cost savings and improved health on offer.

In May 2024, private plate specialists Regtransfers published an article around Walk to School Week, revealing that families could save over £400 a year - and reap serious health benefits - simply by walking all, or part, of the way to and from school. In a similar vein, Cycle To Work Day provides yet another perfect opportunity to weigh up the potential benefits and savings on offer as a result of changing from car to bike for your work commute.

How much money could you save by cycling to work?

Unless you’re working fully remotely, the majority of UK employees travel further to their place of work than children do to school. As a result, the potential for saving on fuel, parking, tyre wear and other car-running costs is greater. Some journeys will be too far to be practical by bike, of course, but a 2022 survey by Project Solar showed that three quarters of the UK’s employed population travel around 10 miles or less to work.

In 2022, Cyclescheme estimated that cycling to work could save you £750 per year. Not long after, that figure increased to an impressive £1,262 annually. These savings come from reduced fuel costs, lower vehicle maintenance, and fewer parking expenses. Essentially, the further you cycle, the more you save.

What are the health benefits of cycling?

Beyond the financial perks, cycling offers numerous health benefits. Peer-reviewed studies highlight that cycling helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 24% and cancer by 16%.

Mentally, cycling can reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. It's a full-body workout that promotes fitness and boosts your mood, making it a win-win activity.

What is a cycle to work scheme?

For the past 25 years, the UK government has backed schemes encouraging people to cycle to work. Poor fitness and lack of exercise has been earmarked as an aggravating factor to the increasing load placed on the already-struggling NHS, and cycle to work schemes offer a solution beneficial to the population’s health. What’s more, these schemes also reduce traffic congestion, pollution and emissions - all key elements that can help drive the country toward net zero.

Cycle to work schemes offer a means of getting a bike and associated accessories through an employer, who signs up to the official scheme. In theory, everyone benefits from involvement - you, your employer, the government and the NHS.

Benefits to you

Amazingly, using a cycle to work scheme could see you save up to 42% on the cost of a bike and accessories, spreading the cost over time. You can also get the cycle and accessories of your choice. As mentioned, cycling to work could see you saving money on car fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle. Beyond this, you’ll benefit from improved fitness, wellbeing and overall health.

Benefits for your employer

There’s no cost involved in signing up to the scheme, and your employer could save up to 15.05% in National Insurance contributions for every participating employee. On a more “everyday” level, more employees cycling means less need for employee parking facilities, and a fitter, healthier workforce who, in theory, will take fewer sick days; studies show that people who cycle to work on a regular basis take, on average, 1.3 fewer sick days per year!

Benefits for the Government

As previously outlined, the reduced load on the NHS and reduction in pollution and emissions is a serious benefit to the government, thanks to less traffic and congestion. There’s also the reduced wear on road surfaces to consider, which may save taxpayers forking out for roadworks and repairs.

How does it work?

Cycle to work schemes are a form of "salary sacrifice" - you get a benefit in return for a manageable sum that’s regularly deducted from your salary. In the case of Cycle to Work, the benefit is the bike. Essentially, your employer would buy the bike up-front, and you hire it from them over a fixed period of (usually) 12 to 48 months. At the end of the hire period, you will have the chance to buy the bike from your employer at an appropriate price. That price could be up to 25% of the cost of the bike and any accessories you acquired through the scheme.

The deal is a fair money-saver overall as, under the scheme, you will pay less tax because of the salary sacrifice element. If your gross salary is £1,500 and your salary sacrifice is £100, you won't pay income tax on that £100, as it comes out of your pay pre-tax. This means you’d pay tax and National Insurance on £1,400, rather than £1,500. Over the period of the scheme, the tax savings and total paid for bike rental and final purchase works out to save you money on the price you would have paid had you bought the bike without the scheme. That saving can be up to 42%, although it depends on the individual circumstances. There are savings calculators out there if you’re curious to crunch some numbers.

How can you get started?

Check with your employer to see if they have a cycle to work scheme; these days many, if not most, do. If they don't, tell them about the benefits and ask if they'll consider signing up. They may thank you for it! If your employer is already on board, the process will go something like this:

Check with your employer to see if there is a limit to the price of bike and accessories under the scheme. Some are capped at £1000, some have no limit.
Pick the bike you want and the accessories you'll need, such as a helmet, lights etc.
Tell your employer the cost and, if they ask, the details of what you want to buy.
Take your voucher to a participating retailer and exchange it for your bike and gear.
Your employer will arrange your salary sacrifice payments.

A bicycle may not replace your family car for longer journeys, collecting the weekly shopping, trips out with the family or travelling in wet weather, but it can certainly offer a great alternative when the distance is reasonable. Ask your employer to consider signing up, give it a try and experience the financial, physical, and environmental benefits of cycling firsthand.

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AD| Exams can be stressful at any age, usually because they lead to certain opportunities, such as admission into university or a dream job. A little stress is a good thing because it motivates us to try our best, but sometimes it can become too overwhelming to deal with, leading to various mental health issues. I have teamed up with an international school in London to share some advice on how to cope with exam stress.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

You may be tempted to pull some all-nighters to cram in extra revision, but that is not good for your health and will make it harder for you to retain the information and concentrate the next day. The same applies to drinking energy drinks and unhealthy snacks; they’ll give you a temporary high, but this will be followed by a crash in your energy, and you’ll feel irritable.

With that said, make sure you’re taking care of yourself during exam period. Get enough exercise and sleep (around 8 hours per night), and eat a healthy, balanced diet. A short walk once a day will help clear your head and put you in the right frame of mind to continue studying. If you don’t make healthy lifestyle choices, you may put yourself at risk of getting sick because your immune system will be compromised, and you may have heightened anxiety.

Prepare a Study Schedule

It may sound boring, but preparing a study schedule will help you feel more organised and therefore less stressed in the run-up to your exams. Make sure to include additional study time for the subject areas you are struggling with, because there’s no point in spending equal amounts of time revising topics you’re both ace at and rubbish at, as you’ll start to panic about the more challenging areas.

Take Frequent Breaks

You should include regular breaks in your study sessions because it’s important to relax, stretch, have a snack or socialise so that you don’t go stir crazy. Psychologists say that we can only concentrate for around 30-45 minutes, so set a timer and allow yourself some time away from your desk, even if it’s just for 5 minutes.

Revise with Peers

If you know anyone that will be taking the same exam(s) as you, you should consider studying with them. Research as found that revising with peers is effective because you can help one another, while also providing emotional support, which can help you feel more confident. Quizzing each other and talking through problems can help you retain information.

Believe in Yourself

Set yourself realistic goals and believe in yourself. If you don’t think you’ll be able to get an A*, aim for a B so that you don’t feel as pressured. If you have carried out plenty of revision and have realistic expectations, you should be proud of yourself and how hard you have tried so far. Try and replace negative thoughts about failure with positive ones, such as “No matter what grade I get, I know that I have tried my best and have already come so far”.

Seek Out Support

Don’t be afraid to lean on your loved ones for support. Talk to someone you know will help calm you down, rather than increase your stress levels by putting pressure on you. Parents with steep expectations, for example, probably aren’t the best people to go to for a shoulder to cry on. Other relatives, friends and tutors could be options of people you could speak to for some emotional support.

Do you have any exams coming up? How are you preparing for them and coping with stress?

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AD| In the current times of uncertainty during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK still facing some lockdown rules and restrictions, many single people are increasingly feeling lonely. From missing out on social interaction and finding it hard to talk to new people, but dating during these times and whilst observing social distancing shouldn't be too hard and there are plenty of ways to get your love life back on track with a few simple ideas.

Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities, and a great invention to use if you're stuck at home during the lockdown period. You can do so many things at just a few clicks of the mouse, it's a perfect way to date when observing social distancing.

Something that is a perfect way to interact with your dates, or new-found relationships is through Facetime and video calls. These features are allowing users to interact without ever having to meet, and such calls can be made from any place at any time, making them increasingly convenient during the current circumstances. A video call before meeting in real life could be very helpful for many, especially for those lacking in confidence or those wanting to make sure they have picked the right person.

Another creative idea on dating during times of social distancing includes virtual dates. Whether you watch the same Netflix show together at the same time, cook the same meal over video, or even order each other your favourite takeaway and send it to the other one house. There are so many ways social media can help keep the spark alive during lockdown, what other ways can you think of?

Dating apps and websites have also been a helpful tool for those who find it hard and lack confidence with meeting people. Places like Tinder, Bumble, Aberdeen dating site, and Hinge, to name a few, have really helped single people to make new friends during this lockdown period. These dating apps and websites are usually free and very quick to set up, places like www.dateaberdeensingles.co.uk can be set up in minutes, making it even quicker to meet your match!

Following a recent speech from PM Boris Johnson, lockdown measures are slowly being loosened to the point where individuals are now allowed to meet up with one person outside of their household. This could be a great opportunity for single people to go on a social distancing date, respecting the 2-metre rule of distancing in public places set out by the government.

A few good suggestions would be scenic park walks and indulgent picnics. This could be a very good first date opportunity as being outside can be very relaxing and calming for some, as well as dining on some really nice picnic snacks, what could possibly go wrong? Or for the more sporty of the singletons, a nice bike ride in the countryside could also be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, as well as getting in some exercise and bonding time with your date.

What other creative ways have you tried or know about with dating whilst observing social distancing rules?

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AD - GIFTED | FLYTE; an innovative British brand, producing entirely clean energy drinks sourced from nature, powered by organic caffeine, non-GMO and has absolutely no added artificial ingredients or added sugar. Sounds crazy that there could be a healthy, clean and positive energy drink on the market, but it's 100% true and you definitely need to try it!

FLYTE is the first energy drink of its kind and is currently available in two delicious, fruity and refreshing flavours;

Red Berries; a taste truly satisfying and is a refreshing coffee alternative in the afternoon when energy levels are wavering for the evening ahead.

Green Mango; this tropical thirst-quencher is truly invigorating for those mid-morning slumps.

Each bottle contains lightly carbonated water, fruit juice, natural actives and vitamins. A drink fortified with Vitamins B & C, as well as the following ingredients;

- A double shot of Organic Caffeine, harnessed from pure and antioxidant rich unprocessed, unroasted green coffee beans.

- Maca Root is high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, Copper and Iron to aid focus and concentration.

- Schizandra is a super berry that helps with blood oxygenation, to reduce muscle aches and pains, overcome fatigue and encourage fast recovery post-exercise.

I was kindly gifted some samples of FLYTE Energy Drinks to try, and the first flavour I got stuck into was FLYTE Green Mango*. Green Mango was definitely my favourite flavour of the two that I received. Packed with grapes, passion fruit, lemons and limes, it was the perfect exotic, tropical drink! It has such a sweet and crisp flavour, bursting with fresh, juicy fruit, it was absolutely delicious!

FLYTE Red Berries* was also a flavour I enjoyed! Made with strawberries, raspberries, grapes, lemon and lime, this gave me Summer Fruits vibes and I was definitely loving it! You could really taste the fresh, juicy strawberries accompanied by the sharp raspberry taste that really made the perfect pairing for this red berries drink.

Overall, I was very impressed with FLYTE. I would definitely recommend. The packaging is simply stunning. It’s so sleek, stylish and sophisticated. Contained inside a durable glass bottle, it genuinely has a really nice look to it. So much so, it'd definitely catch your eyes in the supermarket! With each flavour branded with the corresponding colour for each bottle, i.e. red for berries, green for green mango, and the use of the bird logo playing on the name "FLYTE", it helps to make the brand and the product stand out.

I felt that FLYTE did actually help me concentrate and feel alert, giving me that burst of natural energy and focus that you really need in the late afternoon. The natural ingredients packed into FLYTE meant it was the perfect pick-me-up for when I felt tired and needed a nap. The best part about a natural, clean energy drink - I didn't suffer any sugar crashes, like a normal sugar-filled energy drink would give you!

Have you heard of FLYTE before? Which flavour would you prefer?

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Modern life often involves juggling many plans at once. From long-awaited holidays and destination weddings to festivals, sports events, and family celebrations, many of us fill our calendars months in advance. While planning outfits, accommodation, and travel schedules can be exciting, there’s one factor people sometimes forget to consider until the last minute: their menstrual cycle.

For some, the timing of a period can clash with a big occasion. Whether it’s a beach holiday, a race day, or an event where you simply want to feel your best, this can cause a bit of worry. The good news is that with a little awareness and preparation, it’s possible to plan ahead and feel more comfortable when those special moments arrive.

Understanding your cycle and knowing what options exist can make event planning feel far more manageable.

Why Planning Ahead Can Make Events Less Stressful
When you’ve spent weeks or even months preparing for a big event, the last thing you want is to feel distracted or uncomfortable on the day. Many people look forward to occasions such as:

> Holidays in warm destinations
> Weddings or hen weekends
> Festivals and concerts
> Sporting events or competitions
> Long-distance travel or work trips

These experiences often involve busy schedules, long days out, or clothing choices that you’ve carefully picked in advance. Thinking ahead about your cycle can make the whole experience feel calmer and more predictable.

For example, someone planning a beach holiday may want to avoid worrying about swimming plans, while a runner preparing for a race might prefer not to deal with period symptoms during competition. By checking your cycle in advance, you can decide what preparations may make the event more comfortable. This type of forward planning is simply another part of staying organised, much like booking accommodation early or packing a travel checklist.

Understanding Your Cycle and What Influences It
Getting familiar with your cycle is often the first step in planning around it.
Many people now use cycle-tracking apps or simple calendar methods to record the first day of their period each month. After a few cycles, patterns often become easier to predict. While cycles vary from person to person, tracking can give a rough idea of when your next period might arrive.

It’s also worth remembering that cycles are not always perfectly predictable. A number of everyday factors may affect timing, including:

> Stress or busy periods at work
> Long-haul travel or jet lag
> Changes in sleep patterns
> Diet or exercise routines
> Major life events or schedule shifts

Because of this, some people prefer to think about backup plans when a major event sits close to their expected period date.

Options People Consider When Timing Matters
When timing is a concern, people consider several different approaches.
Some rely on practical preparation, such as packing period products and pain relief in advance. Others speak with a healthcare professional to discuss medical options that may temporarily postpone a period for a short time.

In recent years, regulated online services have also become available, allowing people to access advice and treatment after completing a medical questionnaire reviewed by qualified prescribers. For example, some individuals look into period delay medication online when they know an event, trip, or competition is approaching.

If someone is thinking about this route, it’s always wise to read reliable guidance and check that services operate with licensed medical professionals and registered pharmacies.

Tips for Feeling Comfortable During Important Plans
Even with careful planning, having a few practical strategies in place can make busy days run more smoothly.

Pack a small essentials kit: If you’re travelling or attending a long event, keeping a small pouch with period products, pain relief, and spare underwear can bring peace of mind.

Choose comfortable outfits: Loose fabrics, breathable materials, and outfits you feel confident wearing can make a big difference during long days out.

Stay hydrated and rest when possible: Travel and celebrations can involve late nights and packed schedules. Drinking plenty of water and taking small breaks can support overall wellbeing.

Plan activities with flexibility: If your itinerary allows for some downtime, it can make the whole experience feel more relaxed.

Special events and travel plans are meant to be enjoyable, and a little preparation can go a long way in helping everything run smoothly. By tracking your cycle, thinking ahead, and learning about the options available, you can approach holidays, celebrations, and major occasions with greater confidence. Whether it’s a long-planned trip or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, thoughtful preparation can help you focus on what really matters: enjoying the experience.

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AD - GIFTED | If you're looking for the perfect treat to start your day, forget the Porridge, Pancakes and Avocado Toast... Açaí Smoothie Bowls are the new king of the breakfasts! They seem to be all the rage right now; packed with so much nutritional value, packed with vitamins, proteins and antioxidants, topped with fresh fruit and superfoods. It's the perfect breakfast for a warm Summers day... What more could you want?

Sambazon* is the world’s leading producer of Açaí; one of the purest, most nutritious botanicals on the planet. Allowing Brits to create the Insta-famous Açaí Bowl at home, Sambazon is on a mission to bring real Açaí to the UK!

"Taking its name from its core goal, Sambazon stands for the Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon. "

Açaí grows in the Amazon Rainforest, and it is one of the only fruits on the planet to be naturally sugar free, packed with antioxidants, and full of healthy omegas, fibre and protein. The Açaí Smoothie Bowl are ideal for enjoying as a health boosting breakfast, filling lunch time, pre and post exercise, healthy snack or as an after dinner treat. The perfect treat, with no guilt!

To make the Açaí Bowl, simply remove two pouches from the freezer and run them under the tap for ten seconds to loosen them up a little. Then add the sachets to a blender with half a banana and a splash of milk. Once combined, simply pour into a bowl, ready to add your yummy extras.

I topped mine with a variety of fresh fruit: Mango Chunks, Kiwi, Blueberries, as well as some Cacao Nibs, Dried Coconut and Goji Berries.

With this being my first attempt at making a Sambazon Frozen Açaí Smoothie Bowl as well as my first time trying one, I was very impressed! It has such an earthy, natural taste, with a slight chocolatey hint, it was unlike anything I had ever tried before. Once blended, the Sambazon Açaí* has such a thick and creamy texture; think of it as a similar version to a frozen yoghurt, it was the perfect refreshing snack to eat in the morning. After eating, I felt more awake, more energised and ready to get on with my day!

If I was to make the Sambazon Frozen Açaí Smoothie Bowl again, I would definitely love to try and add some fresh Strawberries, Pineapple, Peaches and Blackberries!

All Sambazon products are 100% organic, Fairtrade, vegan, non-GMO, gluten free and Kosher. The packs are available in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods Market and Ocado.

Have you heard of Sambazon? Do you like Açaí Smoothie Bowls?

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