Why a Handmade Engagement Ring Reflects the Uniqueness of Your Love Story

Have you ever pondered about the perfect symbol for your unique love story? Is there any better way than to choose a unique handmade engagement ring, something as special and distinctive as the bond you share? Let's delve deeper into why opting for a handmade engagement ring carries more significance and charm.

The Unparalleled Charm of Handmade Rings

When we think about an engagement ring, it’s not just mere jewellery. It represents a potent symbol of love, commitment, and a beautiful promise that binds two hearts together. Choosing a handmade engagement ring imbibes this promise with originality and exclusivity. It becomes more than just an accessory; it holds within its facets the very essence of your unique romance.

Customized Perfection Just for You

Handcrafted rings offer the freedom to personalise design according to individual tastes and preferences. In contrast to mass-produced ones, these pieces encapsulate your personal touch rendering them truly 'one-of-a-kind'. Each groove, each twist carefully crafted speaks volumes about your unparalleled journey of love.

The Artistry Behind the Craft

Creating a masterpiece demands time, talent, and meticulous attention - exactly what goes into making a handmade engagement ring. These miniature sculptures are born out of countless hours spent by artisans who put their heart and soul into every piece they create, much like how lovers invest time in nurturing their relationships.

Avoiding Run-Of-The-Mill Designs

Intricate craftsmanship ensures that each handcrafted jewel stands distinct from another - avoiding clichéd designs seen time-and-again in conventional jewellery stores. This choice embraces novelty over replication ensuring your beloved adorns something genuinely extraordinary reflecting authenticity - mirroring true love!

Choosing handcrafted over factory-made is indeed choosing symbolism over simplicity; emotion over automation - truly signifying that your love story isn't any ordinary tale but one worth celebrating.

Mortgage Calculator Website

MortgageCalculator.com Review

Mortgagecalculator.com is a fun and interactive method to learn some small hints and information on how things work in the personal finance world and working world etc.

With a large array of entertaining games for kids, and adults too, there is something for everyone but with the idea of learning something new about the world of finance or a career. There are money games, small running a business games, coding, politics and much more. Mortgagecalculator.com is a website to encourage your teens to play and experience, where they can possibly learn some knowledge about the world of personal/small business finance and/or work experience.

My favourite game is Coffee Shop this is a fun immersive game, where you build you small coffee shop and play with all the day to day runnings of a small business. The game involves strategy, pricing, demand control and business reputation; where you will read and pay attention to customer feedback. Additionally, you have to manage the small important parts like making sure you have sufficient coffee, milk, sugar, cups to keep your business running smoothly.

Another game we have also been playing is the ‘Hidden Food’

The aim of the game is to search for hidden food and appliances, but be quick as you are against the clock. This game is simple but quite addictive.

Finally, there are many other games to play and enjoy; you can become a pizzeria, or a Real Estate Tycoon, Bitcoin Tap Tap Mine, Grocery Cashier and so much more… You simply browser games on the mortgagecalculator.com website, there’s no need to create an account you can just click on the game you want to play, and start playing. There are no ads either!

Renovating Your First Home as Newly Weds

Congratulations, newlyweds! This is an exciting time in your life. You are finally starting your own family and building a life together. So naturally, one of the first things you will want to do is renovate your first home together. This can be a daunting task, but with a bit of planning and some help from experts, you can have the home of your dreams in no time! This blog post will discuss some tips for renovating your first home as newlyweds and cover everything from budgeting to choosing the right contractor. So read on and get started on creating the perfect home for you and your spouse!

1) Budget:

Creating a budget is one of the most important aspects of renovating your first home. You will need to consider the cost of materials, labour, and any other associated costs. It is important to be realistic about what you can afford and get a quote before making any decisions, especially when the roof needs to be done, as costs can escalate rapidly. Make sure that the correct materials are quoted, for instance, polycarbonate sheets,paint, etc and that you double-check the prices quoted to a second, maybe even a third, quote.

2) Choosing the right contractor:

Once you have a budget in mind, you will need to find a reputable contractor who can help you with your renovation. Be sure to get references and read reviews before hiring anyone. It is also a good idea to meet with potential contractors in person to get an idea of their work style and personality.

3) Creating a plan:

Before starting any work, it is important to sit down with your spouse and create a renovation plan. This should include a detailed budget, a timeline for the project, and a list of what you hope to achieve. Once you have a plan in place, it will be much easier to stay on track and within budget. In addition, having a plan will help you communicate your vision to your contractor and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

4) Don’t forget the details:

When renovating your home, it is easy to get caught up in significant projects like painting or flooring. However, don’t forget about the more minor details that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home. Things like light fixtures, door handles, and cabinet hardware can all be swapped out for something new and updated.

5) Take your time:

One of the best pieces of advice for renovating your first home is to take your time. This is a big project, and there is no need to rush. Instead, take the time to do things right, and you will end up with a beautiful home that you and your spouse will enjoy for years to come.

In conclusion, these are just a few tips for renovating your first home as newlyweds. By following these tips, you can ensure that your renovation goes smoothly and that you end up with the home of your dreams. So get started today and enjoy creating a beautiful space for you and your spouse to enjoy together!

Staying Calm through Increased Living Costs

We are all feeling the current and future increased living costs. Yet you might be getting really stressed out by not knowing what to expect as cold weather and the holidays approach.

Try Alternative Relaxation Therapies

It's always crucial that you take some time for yourself to do what gets you through. And relaxation from work and responsibilities is a massive part of this. You must make time for yourself, even if it's an hour every Sunday. Relaxation can be tricky, though. Some people get a massage, and others take a hot bath. Other holistic and alternative therapies include CBD. Rather than smoking, you can consume CBD as a drink or as food items like CBD gummies.

Remember, It's Only Temporary

It feels like there's a massive cloud of dark times ahead. But increased living costs happen every now and then. World events, such as war, and economic factors, contribute. But they're always temporary. And you can get through it. Fortunately, in the UK at least, there is some good news as Liz Truss has capped energy bills at £2,500 rather than Ofgem's recommended and frankly ridiculous £3,800. So hang in there, and you can get through as you need to.

Increased Living Costs Can be Beaten

Of course, there are some things you can do to help yourself through tougher times. Just making some lifestyle changes can be a massive help. Here are some of the easiest:

• Make a list of expenses and see what you can do without, such as streaming channels.

• Turn down your heating and water temperature by a couple of degrees.

• Plan your weekly meals and buy only what you need within your budget.

• Unplug anything you aren't using, and don't leave electricals on standby.

• Wash clothes at a lower temperature and air dry rather than tumble dry.

The savings you make with a single use of any of these are small. But together, they can add up to a considerable savings. For example, buying to a meal plan can half your shopping budget.

Explain Changes to Your Family

For some households, the costs of living today can have a significant impact on household funds. Some experts predict that even homes with between £35,000 and £45,000 income will be severely affected if they don't make changes. Therefore, your children might feel the burden, which is the hardest part for some parents. However, you must explain that changes will happen, such as reduced pocket money, switching food brands and a change in energy use.

Keep Informed as Much as Possible

You can plan for the worst by paying attention to the news as much as possible. Outlets like BBC News and Sky News are excellent at keeping us informed of any changes. Just today, it was announced that inflation has decreased because of a drop in wholesale fuel prices. A slight reprieve, yet still welcome news. And if you are entitled to any help with costs, such as an energy rebate, the news is the first place you will likely hear about such government schemes.

Summary

No one wants increased living costs. But it's how you deal with the impact that determines how you will get through it. Remember to relax now and then, assess your budget and stay informed.

Researching the Cost of Changing the Family Car

With the current unprecedented prices of petrol and diesel, owning a large engine car is not ideal. Especially, when you need your car as a means for mobility and/or work.

Due to my recent diagnose of spinal stenosis, walking to take and collect Summer to/from school is not really an option for me - my mobility is not great at the moment, so my car is must.

For those like me who own a gas guzzling car, and are feeling the pinch, looking to replace the car is probably a good idea. For me a smaller engine, or even, a hybrid or electric car is a must! something cheaper to run during the currently financial climate. Owning a car in the current crises is certainly a luxury, but for many people, a lifeline.

Photo by Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash

I purchased our current car online, and we went and picked it up from a car showroom - it was a smooth process and positive experience, but at the time there was no cost of living crisis. I hadn’t carried out much research into the overall cost of owning the car. However, that is now coming to bite us in the bum, as our car has a large engine, and with the rising cost of diesel etc. we soon felt the pinch of owning and running our car.

Researching for a change of car online is a good place to start, but, this time round, I will be carrying out a much more in-depth research, especially looking at the estimated overall costs of owning ‘said’ car. There are website like Car Payment Calculator that offer you calculation methods to research the cost of the new car you are looking for– if you want to search for a car that fits in your budget and/or other needs.

As we are considering changing our car, my first port of call is to check calculate and compare our current car operating costs vs. new cars overall cost, allowing us to see how much we can save overall, which not only includes the cost of diesel, but, insurance costs (as our current car insurance is more costly due to the size of the engine), finance costs, and wear and tear costs (car maintenance) etc.

The effect of COVID-19 on employment, the difficulty in transportation and commutes, the increasing fuel prices and a lot of other things has been a contribution to the rising cost of living. This current situation you need to have a more in-depth knowledge of the amount you need and/or can save by replacing your current car.

Car Payment Calculator offers you an effortless and quick results, so easy to use and made my job of looking for a new car online, much easier.

Gifts That Can Serve a Variety of Purposes

Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplas

Gifts are something that people tend to be a lot of thought into. Sometimes you know exactly what someone is going to want, long in advance, and it might be something that you put a whole lot of work into. In other situations, you might find that you just spontaneously think of something that would suit this person perfectly, a mere day or two in advance.

However, gifts can also be complicated in that they can sometimes feel like an obligation. When this happens, it’s easy to grow concerned that it’s something that will be discarded shortly after it’s received. Therefore, it might be natural to think of gifts that can serve a variety of purposes. For example, while you might want something to be enjoyed, you might also want it to be practical.

Flowers and Home Décor
Who doesn’t love receiving flowers as a gift? That might be a tough question to answer, but some people don’t really know what to do with them after receiving them. Fortunately, they make great additions to the home and can help brighten up a room. This might be true of other pieces of home décor too, but those might not convey the same feelings of personal connection that flowers do (which might be more appropriate in some instances than others). If this sounds like a gift that you think would suit your needs well, consider visiting florists like Eflorist, for further consideration.

Clothes
Everyone likes to joke about how getting socks from family members at Christmas is a classic gift, but it’s something that you might learn to appreciate more the older you get. Clothes aren’t just nice to receive because they expand your wardrobe, but also because they serve a very particular, practical function. You might find getting people warmer, waterproof clothes in winter is something that people grow to appreciate, as these can often be expensive.

However, what’s difficult is learning what to get for different people, as different people have styles and tastes that vary. Therefore, you might find it easier to buy clothes for people who you know well. Alternatively, you might like to talk to them about it before, so it’s an agreed-upon gift, though this might deflate some of the surprises you were going for. 

Food and Drink
While it might seem like a bit of a cop-out when it comes to gifts, getting people food and drink as a gift is something that gives you an incredible degree of versatility in how you approach it. For your alcohol-consuming recipients, you simply have to find a kind of drink that they enjoy and get them one that they might not normally get due to it being slightly out of their price range. Decorative bottles and presentations can go a long way to making a gift seem impressive.

Alternatively, you could consider visiting a deli or something similar in order to create a hamper that has a wide variety of tasty items while still carrying a sense of that personal touch a good gift needs.

Tips To Help Your Children Through School

Helping your child through school is something many parents want to do to ensure they get the best education possible. School can spark a lot of intrigue for children in different areas whilst for others, they don’t discover their passions until leaving school. Education can help to encourage exploration of potential avenues that they can go down as they grow up. Here are some tips to help your children through school.

Support Them With Homework

Homework is certainly an important part of your child’s upbringing. It’s essential for them to understand how to work on questions by themselves and without the presence of a teacher. It’s good for you to assist them when they need it, but homework is a good opportunity for teachers to assess their ability to complete assignments. This will all be influential on how they handle exams such as the midterms, which you can find more information on here: https://www.goodstudyskill.org/what-are-midterms-in-school/.

Try to support your child when it comes to their homework and rather than giving them the answers, then try to encourage them to think through the question and perhaps give helpful hints and tips. They should get to the answers naturally themselves, and a teacher will usually spot if the work has been heavily influenced by a parent simply giving the child all the answers. Don’t forget to remind them, that as long as they did their best, that is all they can do.

Ask How They’re Feeling

School is a stressful time, and there can be a lot of turbulent times for your child in finding themselves and what they want to do in life. It’s worth looking at some tips to manage children's everyday stress so that they can get the most out of their school education. Make sure you take the time to ask how their day was and how they’re feeling when they don’t exactly seem like themselves.

Teach Them That Failure Is A Good Thing

We see failure as a bad thing usually, but it’s important to remember that those failures only end up making us stronger. They help to dictate what we do next and how we get back up from what has knocked us down. It’s an important life lesson that’s worth sharing with your child because they’re likely going to find that they have many failures during classes and things that happen in school. Teach them that it can be a good thing, and it can help them in the future.

Fill Their Spare Time With Fun

School takes over a lot of their younger years, and so it’s important to fill their free time with as much fun as possible. Take their mind off of upcoming exams by doing things around the home as a family or taking some day trips out to treat them. There can be tough periods at school and letting them know that you are there for them and to provide them with that much-needed time out is essential. So try to fill their spare time with as much fun as possible!

Helping your children through school is certainly important, and so it’s good to use these tips to make sure they have a pleasant experience no matter what.

Do Reptiles Make Good Pets for Kids?

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Many children would love to have a dog or cat for their pet, but their parents might be hesitant to add these larger animals to the household. Whether the concern is cost, allergies, maintenance, or other reasons, reptiles may be a more fitting choice for your child’s first pet. 

Why Should Children Have Pets?

Having pets in your home can offer a lot of benefits to your child. Some of the best reasons to allow your child to have a pet include: 

• Learning About Responsibility. As adults, our duties and responsibilities make up a significant portion of our attention. You can teach your child about responsibility early by assigning them pet care duties appropriate to the child’s age and skill. 

• Teaching and Developing Empathy. Younger children can often be quite selfish, and giving them the responsibility to care for a pet can help them to learn empathy. It might be surprising how quickly your child learns the pet’s feelings about their environment and habitat. Reptilecentre.com has all of the equipment and care products you and your child will need to ensure the animal’s safety and comfort.

• Gaining Confidence. Aside from cleaning up their toys, taking care of a pet may be the first “job” your child is responsible for. As the pet thrives and lives happily, your child can gain confidence in their own capabilities. 

Do Reptiles Make Good Pets for Kids?

Since they don’t take up much space, and their needs are relatively simple, some species of reptiles can be excellent first pets for children. Reptiles are also cute and fun, and their different needs and activities can provide a unique learning opportunity for your child. 

Which Reptiles Are Best for Children?

There are many different reptile species, all with varying needs in terms of care and habitat. Some reptiles are ideal pets, while others are not safe to have around children. The key is to choose the right reptile for your child and your family, and always be sure the pet has the correct diet and habitat for their needs. The following are some of the best types of reptiles to have as pets for your child. 

• Turtles & Tortoises - As quiet, relatively small, and easy-to-maintain reptiles, turtles and tortoises can be great pets for kids. They are also reasonably intelligent and can even learn to perform basic tasks such as navigating a maze. A great species to consider is the Red Eared Slider Turtle.

• Geckos - Geckos make great pets for kids, but you’ll need to research to get the right breed. Some geckos are more social or aggressive, and others are very high-energy and might be too much for your child to handle. Generally, most gecko species that are best as pets are easy to care for and gentle in disposition. Consider the Leopard Gecko or Crested Gecko when looking for a good pet reptile for your child. 

• Lizards - There are thousands of species of lizard, so it might be a bit overwhelming to find the perfect pet lizard for your family. The best pet lizards are easy to care for and handle and have gentle temperaments for kids. Keep in mind that all lizards can excrete Salmonella, so you will need to ensure your child washes correctly after handling the pet. The Bearded Dragon is an excellent choice for a pet lizard. 

• Frogs - Since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to take care of, frogs can be great pets for kids. Some frog species also have a long lifespan and are very low maintenance. White’s Tree Frog is a good choice of pet frog for children. 

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Moving - there probably isn’t anything more stressful in a homeowner’s life. And, yes, that includes running around after the kids and trying to keep the spark alive in your relationship! If it wasn’t hard enough to find a suitable house, you’ve got to sell yours before you can move in (usually). 

This is by far the hardest piece of the puzzle because buyers are very particular. You’d love to hire an estate agent, list it online, and sign on the dotted line before they change their mind. However, covering every base before tying up a property sale is almost mandatory. So, sorry to say this, but you’re going to need to renovate.

The idea of speculating to accumulate won’t always appeal, not when you require every penny for the move. Still, it’s challenging to pull the wool over the eyes of buyers or convince them to invest when the property isn’t perfect.

Here are the reasons why, and why fixing up your home before selling is a wise choice.

A Cold Market

For the most part, the market is hot for buyers and cold for sellers. Of course, the COVID-19 outbreak has weakened your position and may continue to do so if there’s a recession. Even so, buyers have a lot of leverage because there are many more options available to them in 2020.

After all, the average person moves home between eight and ten times, so the supply is never low. Plus, online listing sites mean it’s easier than ever to view several properties and make a bid. There are times when demand will be so high that you’ll hold all the cards, but it hasn’t been that way for a while. Therefore, renovating or making repairs in advance could be the investment that encourages a person that’s on the fence to buy your home.

You can figure out if the market is in your favour by asking an estate agent that you trust. Alternatively, look back at previous sales and their asking prices, as well as how many listings didn’t sell, in your neighbourhood.

Value-Added Investment

If you’re worried about not securing a return on your investment, you should remember that renovations add value. A conservatory, for instance, will bump up the house price by as much as 5%, which is £5,000 for a £100,000 property. A loft conversion goes one further and increases value by a whopping 15%.

The trick is to choose your renovation wisely, as not every add-on will result in more money. Some are notoriously bad investments, such as a pool. In the UK, especially, there’s no demand for a swimming pool as the weather is never nice enough! Then, you have to include the maintenance resources, and the project results in a loss. An excellent rule to stick to is to add extra space and open up your house.

Buyers love room because A) nobody wants to live in a shoebox, and B) it’s a blank canvas. With an accessible attic, basement, or study, they have the option to convert it into anything they want, from a spare bedroom to a home gym.

Photo by Yoann Siloine on Unsplash

Cosmetic Touches

One reason fixing up your interiors and exteriors before selling isn’t as bad as it sounds is down to cosmetics. There’s no reason to go all out and add a conservatory if you don’t think you’ll recoup the investment because kerb appeal is the key. Buyers fall in love with a property as soon as they roll up in their car and close the door. Without kerb appeal, your home isn’t going to stand out from the crowd.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to ensure your property shines from the outside. Often, a new coat of paint is all it takes to transform most house for sale as the gloss is eye-catching and pretty. Pair the colour and texture with the season - light and bright in the summer - and you’re onto a winner. Next, it’s time to focus on door and window frames. They take a lot of battering and appear old and fatigued. You can either replace them or add another layer of stain to remove any blemishes.

Finally, get the mower out and cut the grass. This is a particularly helpful hack if you have a front lawn as it will make the house appear neat and classical.

Discount Repairs

Imagine someone tried to sell you a broken or cracked product. Would you accept it at full price or demand a price cut? The answer is the latter because you wouldn’t be getting value for money. Houses are the same. When a buyer spots repair work, no matter how small, they’ll deduct it from the listing price. So, a property that’s worth £150,000 soon drops to £140,000. And, that’s before you’ve paid rates and estate agent fees.

The last thing you want to do is to give them an excuse to haggle. Buyers do it anyway because it’s an unwritten rule of real estate. Still, fixer-upper homes aren’t in a strong position due to their flaws. Eliminating them allows you to stand strong when the negotiations begin. 

In short, taking the time to complete repairs will save you money!

Photo by Julie Molliver on Unsplash

The Competition

Selling your home and buying a new one is a competition. You’re fighting against everybody else on your street who is trying to sell their properties as quickly as possible. If you don’t play the game, you run the risk of losing. With that in mind, it’s essential to do what all rivals do - analyse each others’ moves and motives.

Does a similar house to yours have an upgraded kitchen? Does it make your home appear smaller and less appealing? If so, you should follow their lead, even if there is nothing wrong with it. Their estate agent will use it to their advantage to discourage them from any other property, including yours.

Keeping up with the Joneses is more than a cliche!

Where do you stand on renovating before selling? Do you agree?

Tricky Conversations You Need to Have When Parenting a Teenager

As a parent, you have to complete lots of tasks that aren’t easy; that’s just part of the job. If you’re going to succeed in being the very best parent you can be, it’s important to know when to step in and when you need to take action. And for your son or daughter, one of the most turbulent times in their life is when they’re going through the changes that come with adolescence.

It’s a tricky time in anyone’s life and as their parent, you need to be there to help and guide your son or daughter as they go through this time. That means having quite a few tricky conversations and being able to help with a wide range of problems that teens often experience during this period of their lives.

To help make that task a little less daunting and a bit more clear for you, we’re going to cover some of the most important yet tricky conversations you’ll need to have when parenting a teenager, so read on to find out more.

Staying on Track Academically

When your son or daughter is reaching the age at which they want to go to parties and they’re more interested in their romantic lives than their academic lives, it’s up to you to try to keep them on track. Of course, that’s often easier said than done because you want your kids to do well but they’re not going to listen to what you’re saying if they feel like you’re nagging them all the time. Show them why their school work still matters and encourage and support them rather than nagging them.

Mental Health Challenges
There’s a range of mental health challenges that your teenager might be facing. More than ever, people in their teenage years are dealing with the pressure that comes with school work and everything else going on around them. This can lead to problems with stress, anxiety and even depression. It’s important you know the signs of these problems and are able to talk to your son or daughter about. When it comes to supporting your child’s mental health, open communication is key.

Talking About Love

It’s more than likely that your son or daughter is going to have all things romantic on their mind. And when that happens for the first time, things can get confusing and messy for them pretty quickly. You need to be there to impart a few words of wisdom when the time’s right, while also giving them the space they need. Sometimes they’ll need advice from you but at other times, they’ll just need you to be there for support. That can be really important at times.

Alcohol and Drugs

This is one of the toughest conversations to have but it also has the potential to be one of the most important. You should discuss with them the problems that come with using drugs and drinking too much alcohol. The risks are real and teens can experiment with these things and fall into problems if they don’t have the right kind of guidance from parents. It’s a difficult subject to deal with but it’s worth making the effort to get it right if you can.

Photo by Wil Stewart on Unsplash

Money Management

Money management might not feel like the most urgent subject in the world when you’re bringing up your child and hoping to show them the ways of the world. But they’re going to be earning their own money and getting their first part-time jobs soon, so it makes sense to teach them about the importance of managing their money, saving it and spending it wisely. These are the kinds of life lessons that will eventually turn out to be incredibly useful, so don’t underestimate their potential impact later on.

Discuss Sexual Health and What to do About It

Another thing that your son or daughter is going to be doing for the first time is having sex. You might not like to hear that but it’s more than likely true, and you should make sure they understand what safe sex is and why it’s so important that they practice safe sex. You don’t want to be taking them for a treatment for chlamydia in a few months’ time, so it makes sense to teach them this now. Things like teen pregnancies are still common and that’s probably what you’ll all want to avoid.

Staying Safe Online

Staying safe online is vital and it’s something that parents should be focused on with their kids from an early age. When they’re younger, you should monitor what they’re doing online and who they’re talking to. But you can’t really do that when they reach adolescence and rightly expect a little more privacy. However, staying safe online remains important, so you should think about how you can talk to them about these issues and encourage them to talk to you if there’s anything they’re concerned about.

Working

As we mentioned above, your child will soon be entering the world of work and you should try your best to prepare them for that. Talk to them about what career path they might want to consider and think about what you might be able to do to assist them. It’s not easy when you’re young to know what you want to do and which directions you want to take in life, and it’s often a lot easier with parental support, so that’s what you should always try your best to offer.

Photo by Gez Xavier Mansfield on Unsplash

Physical and Emotional Changes

Adolescence and puberty bring about a wide range of physical changes, as well as plenty of emotional ones. You should do your best to talk to your child about these issues, put their mind at ease if there’s anything that’s worrying them and let them know the things they’re experiencing are perfectly normal. These things can be frustrating, confusing and so many other things all at the same time. Be there to help them through and answer any questions they might want to put to you at this time. It’ll help them a great deal.

Finding Their Own Way

Your child needs to start finding their own way in life at this age and this is something that can be very difficult for parents. Their views, thoughts and beliefs might start to differ from your home for the first time and that’s tricky. But it’s also a good thing because it means they’re growing into their own person. And you should let them know that. In the end, they’ll find their own way regardless but it’s easier for them if you help them with that process.

Guiding Their Talents

Everyone has their own set of talents and abilities and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to guide your child as they start to navigate these things for themselves. They might know that they’re good at certain things but be unsure of how to direct those talents. You can offer that structure, advice and guidance to them and help them to really develop and blossom. This isn’t necessarily a tricky conversation but they’re conversations worth having nonetheless.

Parenting a teenager is probably one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do in your life. There’s no easy mode and no one gets it right 100% of the time. But knowing how to interact with your teen and which conversations are most important is a vital part of getting this right.

How to Protect The Whole Family's Health

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You love your family members and you want them to live healthy and happy lives. To ensure that this scenario is true, there are a number of lifestyle changes that everyone can incorporate into his or her everyday routine. There are several ways to help keep your family fit and healthy, with the following tips being only a few.

Drinking enough water

It is incredibly important that you drink at least six to eight glasses of water every single day in order to stay hydrated. In order for everyone within the family to adhere to this, ensure that you invest in a portable water bottle for each member so that they can remain hydrated wherever they are, be it at work, school or on a hike.  

Proper hydration can benefit overall health, and even boost energy levels and mood alike. The solution to it is easy, as well, so why wouldn’t you do everything you can to stick to it?

Using sun protection every day 

Using sun cream every single day is important regardless of how sunny or cloudy it is. In order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and protect your skin from developing more serious health problems later on, you should always invest in this purchase.  

At this point, it’s simply a matter of ensuring that sun cream is readily available within the home for everyone to use. Teach your children how to cover themselves properly, but also how to lead by example. You can’t expect your kids to use sunscreen if you do not do so yourself.

Cooking healthy meals at home 

The type of food that you keep in your fridge will affect everyone’s eating habits, and that is why you should make a habit of purchasing only healthy and nutritious produce, as well as cooking meals at home. Meal prep is essential to keeping a schedule when it comes to eating well. What’s more, it is a great cost saving strategy.

You can even turn this into a family activity, or at the very least, sitting down for family dinner is yet another good bonding experience for everyone. 

Investing in the right health-related supplements 

Investing in vitamins or supplements is always in everyone’s best interest, especially as you may not always get all of the nutrients that you need from your daily meals. Moreover, you can even order amino acids, aromatherapy, and essential oils among other all-natural health remedies online through companies such as Swanson. All of these products work together to improve your family’s health.

Working out as a family

Regular exercise is ideal for mental health, and physical wellbeing as well. Working out as a family moreover makes the activity much more enjoyable, and it can be yet another example of what everyone can do to spend time together.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is always much easier when you do it with people rather than alone. It’s simply more fun, and most importantly, it ensures that you and your loved ones alike are prioritising your health and wellbeing. What could be more important than waking up in the morning feeling like the best possible version of yourself? 

This will not always occur overnight, but with enough dedication and time spent on self-care, good health is within reach.

What do you wear for a wedding in a different culture?

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Once the excitement of receiving a wedding invitation has worn off, it’s time to start planning your outfit. Choosing a guest outfit for a wedding in the UK is hard enough, but what about if you’ve been invited to a wedding of a different culture? Together with Charles Tyrwhitt, retailers of timeless menswear, we look at how the dress code of a wedding changes depending on the background of the newlyweds.

What will the bride be wearing?

Brides are known in the UK for their flattering white dresses, accompanied by a long train and veil. But how do our own bridal traditions compare to India, Japan and China?

India

In India, the lady’s dress depends on the region of India that they’re from. In some regions, the bride wears a saree which is a garment that looks like a long drape, in others she wears a lehenga which is a long skirt. Often the bride is dressed in red or another vibrant colour, her garments will be carefully embroidered with an impressive design.

The bride and her bridal party often have henna on their palms, hands, forearms and legs.

Japan

Japanese weddings are very elaborate and it is acceptable for families to spend close to £75,000 on a wedding day. It is often the parents of the couple who organise the wedding, and they are willing to spend excessive amounts to save face. Because of the large scale of the weddings, the bride can have as many as 5 costume changes!

At a traditional (Shinto) wedding, the bride wears a white kimono, but more recently Japanese brides wear a dress that has a traditional print.

China

In China, it is likely that the bride will be dressed in red as it is considered a sign of good luck that can warn off evil spirits. In some regions, typically in northern China, the traditional attire for a bride is a one-piece dress that is embroidered with gold and silver designs. In southern China, the typical wear is a two-piece frock.

A bridal crown is part of the wedding costume for some brides too – it is worn for photography or for show at a grand occasion. For footwear, a special pair of shoes are often worn that are embroidered with a symbol — for example, a turtle or a deer which symbolises happiness and longevity.

What will the groom be wearing?

The men often have traditional dress codes that they are expected to follow – however, many of them are opting for a smart suit similar to how a groom in the UK would dress.

India

Similar to the women, it depends on what region of India the groom is from as to what they wear. Some husbands-to-be wear traditional dress, such as a dhoti which is a rectangular cloth ties around the waist. In other regions, they wear a sherwani (a long coat), a kurta (loose falling shirt that hangs below the knee), or a Western suit.

The men also have henna on their bodies but it is less elaborate and often hidden.

Japan

Traditionally, a Japanese groom wears a wedding kimono for the ceremony and then changes into a tuxedo. The formal kimono that he wears is called a montsuki, and often displays the family crest. More recently, younger grooms start the ceremony in a tuxedo too.

China

In China, the husband-to-be traditionally wears a black silk coat over an embroidered robe. Often, in the modern day, the overcoat is not worn.

The groom has to wear certain headwear too – this is usually a black hat with a red tassel. Some younger generations are not following the traditional dress code and simply wear a tuxedo or a Western-style business suit.

What should the guests wear?

It can be difficult to choose an outfit as a guest, as there are many traditions and symbols that you may be unaware of and you don’t want to offend anyone.

India

At an Indian wedding, the bolder your outfit is the better. Wearing vibrant colours will mean you fit in with the Indian guests. Guests should avoid white or black as these are colours worn for funerals and mourning in India. It is also advised that red is not worn either as the bride will probably be dressed in this colour.

Women guests should not bare their shoulders, wear low cut tops or short skirts as this can be seen as disrespectful — a jewel-tone dress with a shawl is one appropriate outfit. The Indian female guests will most likely be dressed in colourful sarees or anarkali suits. Jewellery is important for women too, choose a statement piece for around your neck with matching earrings and bangles.

Men often wear a tailored kurta with a pyjama and a dupatta (shawl) can be added over the kurta. For their feet, sandals, jootis or chappals are often worn as these are comfortable and prevent overheating.

Guests might also be expected to cover their heads if the wedding is held in a temple. For this, women can wear a long scarf or pashmina over their heads and men are usually provided with a head cover such as a large handkerchief.

An Indian wedding is often a long drawn out event (it could be three days long!) so make sure you are wearing something loose and comfortable.

Japan

At a traditional Japanese wedding, men were expected to be dressed very formally with a black suit and white tie. Now however, the dress code is more flexible and it is accepted for men to come dressed in suits other than black with various coloured ties. However, it is advised to avoid white clothes with black ties.

Women often wear dresses that are knee length or a coloured kimono to take on a traditional look. It is best to avoid showing any shoulder as this can be deemed a disrespectful.

China

When dressing for a Chinese wedding, avoid wearing red as this can be seen as trying to steal the limelight from the bride. It’s best to wear pink, peach or purple as these are all symbols of new life and happiness. A formal dress is suitable for a Chinese wedding.

Colours to avoid include black and white, as these symbolise mourning and black is considered to be the colour of bad luck.

Sources

• https://www.everafterguide.net/what-to-wear-to-an-indian-wedding.html
• http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/dress.htm
• http://chinesecommunity.org.nz/site/topics/show/391-dos-and-donts-when-attending-a-chinese-wedding
• http://factsanddetails.com/japan/cat18/sub117/item617.html

Fun ways to explore your local area with the kids

We’re all aware that in this modern age, including the kids, we are more likely to sit behind screen, and as a result, our levels of activity are down. This summer holiday, I plan to keep my kids active and spend some fun time with them outdoors. With 4 kids to consider ranging in ages from 4 to 17 years old, I've listed some fun ways to cater for them all:

Segway boards - Easy and fun way to ride the streets, down the park, along the seawall and so much more. I first saw these when a family were riding one each in Center Parcs - I thought then 'what a great way to get around Center Parcs'. This one is for the older two. I wouldn't let the youngest two on one.

Scooters - The 2 youngest kids favourite - they love their fuzion scooters. Lightweight, portable and easy to take out. The kids can whizz around having loads of fun being active at the same time. They can take these down the street, park or even on the ramps at the skate park! Great fun for all the kids.

Heelys - These are great fun! They are shoes with removable wheels so the kids can walk, run or roll. Kids can have fun, and be exceptionally 'cool'. Hellys can be worn and enjoyed by all the family.

Brompton bikes - Something fun unique and practical like the Brompton Bike. Perfect to hop onto the train with and to go explore the city. The Brompton can be taken anywhere: on the bus/train, out to a restaurant, or down the beach. This folding bike allows the ultimate portability, allowing you to fit a bike ride into your busy day to day life. So the kids can be out on their scooters, and I can follow along on my Brompton.

These are some fun ideas to keep the kids active this summer holiday. An active kid = a happy kid and doing it outdoors is so much better, no matter the weather.

Is It Worth The Investment?

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They say money makes the world go round, and it does. Just when you feel like you’ve got your income down and your expenses under control, another unexpected cost comes in. It’s never ending. But, that doesn’t mean you have to let money worries get you down. Instead, you should start to see your finances from a practical perspective. In life, there are so many different areas that warrant costs. Some you’ll be able to work out, but others will need paying. So how do you work it out?

At different points in life, you’re going to find yourself wondering is it really worth it? And that’s okay. Sometimes you’re going to want to save as hard as you can for the thing that you want, and then sometimes, you’re going to want to pass. Because you’ll soon realize that not everything warrants your money, or your time and attention. From your home life to the state of your finances themselves, money talks. So, it’s time to work out once and for all what’s worth the investment and what’s best left aside. If you’re not sure where you should be spending or saving your money in life, here are a few pointers to get you thinking.

Your Home

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At home, you could spend and spend and spend until you’re all out of money, but should you? Here’s how to work out where you’re money is best spent.

Home Improvements

When it comes to your home improvements, you’ve probably got a list as long as your arm. But, it’s not always easy to know where you should invest. If you’re thinking of selling your home, you’re going to want to focus on the areas that buyers care about most, like the kitchen or bathroom. So, do some research. Sites like Tap Warehouse are great for products, and Pinterest is also good for inspiration. If you’re not looking to sell, write a list of the jobs in order of importance or what matters the most to you and allocate funds that way.

Bills

When it comes to your bills, you may want to think about reducing them down as much as possible. To run your home, you don’t want to pay over the odds. So, speak to your utility suppliers to bag a better deal. Then be sure that you need all of the packages and subscriptions you have, and cancel things you can save money on.

Your Car

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Cars cost a lot of money to run, but they don’t have to zap up all of your funds if you don’t want them to. You just need to be smart with what, how, and when you drive.

Reducing Car Running Costs

Firstly, you should think about reducing your running costs. This one is a no-brainer. You shouldn’t pay over the odds just to drive. To cut down on your car costs, there are a few things you can do. Speak to your insurer to see if they can reduce your premium, or shop around when it's time to renew. But, you should also look at options for saving on your fuel too. You could also reduce fuel consumption by driving more carefully, or you could even car share to reduce costs.

Changing What You Drive

You could also think about buying a new car. Sometimes, it's the kind of car that is costing you the most. So, a cheaper option or a more efficient car could work out better. If you have a finance or leasing deal, you could get a cheaper monthly payment for switching to a different make or model.

Schooling

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You may not realise it, but school can cost. There are plenty of ways that you can save on that, but then you may want to think about the ways that you could invest in education as well.

Private School

When you want your kid to have the best possible education, you’re going to want to find the best school in your area. But don’t be put off if that is a private school. Sometimes, you may want to invest in your child’s education, but you may also be able to secure a place via a bursary. Depending on your other financial commitments and priorities, this could be one area to invest.

Everyday Fees

But even state schools can be costly. With uniform costs, trips and even food, the price seems to creep up year after year. So how can you control that? Well, you probably don’t want to scrimp in this area, but you could looking into making your uniforms last longer and being more efficient with food ideas for school.

The Garden

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You’re probably thinking, how can my garden be that expensive? But you’d be surprised by the ways that your outside space can take up a lot of your budget.

Landscaping

If you really need to get outside and create something (anything) out of your garden, you may want to do what you can on a budget. But there are tonnes of ideas for creating a gorgeous garden for next to nothing. You’re going to want to enjoy your garden, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay for expensive landscaping.

Maintenance

Then there’s also the maintenance to think about. When you want to give your garden some oomph, but you don’t think you can handle it yourself, it can be tempting to hire a local gardener to tend to it once or twice a month. Instead, why not learn to love gardening yourself? It’s surprising how easy and therapeutic planting, weeding, and pruning can be (and cheap too!).

A Holiday

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Every family loves to get away on a fantastic break as often as they can, but you’re going to want to work out what kind of budget you need. Should it be big or should you be frugal?

Cheap & Cheerful

Yes, you want a family holiday, but it doesn’t have to cost you thousands of pounds if you don’t want it too. You’ve always got the option of doing a staycation close by or staying in a family-friendly park home. Sometime in the UK, that’s close by can be super fun. You often find they’re the best kinds of holidays you can have.

A Special Treat

But sometimes, you do want to spend a bit more. When you have a special occasion coming up, or you’ve been working really hard, and you want to treat yourself and the family, why not go all out and book a fabulous holiday abroad? All inclusive too! If you’re cutting back in every other area too, there’s not reason not to.

Your Savings

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Then it comes to the actual savings that you’re going to put away. Whether it’s for a rainy day or something in particular, you’re going to want to work out where to put your money.

Savings Plan

One of the best ways to work out how to save and what you should save, is to start a savings plan. It may seem hard at first, but there are so many ways to sneak away a few more pounds here and there. Saving loose change, selling unwanted things, or even boosting your income, you’ll be able to make it happen. Just work out what monthly savings payments you can afford and go from there.

Investing

But you’ve always got the option to invest. If you want to take your savings seriously, it could be a viable option. And don’t worry about being a beginner, there is a lot to learn, but you can pick it up easily. Just be sure to be cautious, get your timing right, and do your research, and you’ll be sure to get the hang of it.

Substance Misuse Worker Opportunities in Criminal Justice

There are numerous employment opportunities available for substance misuse workers within the criminal justice framework in the UK. These specialists support both adults and young people who have significant issues with drugs, alcohol or other substances.

Substance misuse counselors work in a variety of settings, from prisons and residence-based rehabilitation to clinics; they also often serve on youth offending teams.

Hours are typically irregular and may include weekends and after hours work when you are on call. Unlike other criminal justice jobs there are no set qualifications necessary for substance misuse workers.

A good understanding of substance misuse issues gained through volunteer work or personal experience is extremely helpful though.

The substance misuse worker must be skilled in talking and working with people from very diverse backgrounds and life circumstances. They must carefully manage behavior and set reasonable limits, all the while encouraging connection and trust with the client.

Typical Duties of a Substance Misuse Worker

The assessment and trust building process is a critical component of substance misuse counseling. To find out what is going on with the client you should have the interpersonal skills to connect with them and offer an environment of compassion and trust. At the same time, you need the strength to set and enforce appropriate boundaries.

Once you have discovered what the client’s issues and situation are you can seek the best services for them and support them on their journey to recovery.

This may include referrals for housing and medical services and supporting them by going to appointments with them. Substance misuse workers will also typically work with families and the individual’s wider support system.

Substance misuse workers may work in drop-in centers, specialized clinics, rehabilitation units or in an outreach role. Outreach workers often accompany police on patrols in homeless areas or near pubs.

They can offer needle exchange if needed and provide for immediate needs such as housing or connecting a client with appropriate care. In addition, substance misuse workers typically provide extensive education and guidance as part of their individualized and broader outreach services.

Specialized Roles within the Criminal Justice System

If you are interested in a substance misuse worker job that focuses within the criminal justice system it’s helpful to be aware of different specialized opportunities that are available. For instance, police custody referral workers help offenders fully understand the ramifications of testing positive for drugs when they are arrested.

Substance misuse workers are also typically an integral part of prison drug teams and probation venues within a community. In both environments, there is a strong possibility that the specialist will experience uncooperative or even belligerent behavior.

Additionally, substance misuse workers may provide drug and alcohol testing as part of their duties.

If you would like to help people overcome their substance misuse issues and make a new start in their life, consider a specialized role within the criminal justice system. In this environment, you can truly make a difference at both the individual and societal levels.

When a new combi boiler is needed

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2016 was all about the extension for us. We added an extension on the back of the house, moved the living room into the new extension and with the old living room, we partitioned it into two halves which become our utility room and new dining room. 2017 sees our house renovations continue, where we plan on converting the garage into a play-room for the kids and probably most importantly, to replace the boiler.

We currently have a system boiler, which includes an electric thermal storage boilermate upstairs, and a gas boiler, downstairs.

The system has over the past couple of years broken down a few times, 12 years old now, and it's cost us a fair bit in repair costs - especially last year as it needed a new circuit. Also considering the system is not cost or energy efficient.

We want to change to a combi boiler, which will be much more cost and energy efficient for us. In addition, it will save us space in the house. We can remove the thermal storage boilermate and that will give us a spare cupboard upstairs, which we plan to make into Summer's wardrobe.  Her bedroom is the smallest and she has a cabin bed, and that is it, that's pretty much all you can fit in her snug little bedroom. But the thermal storage boilermate in situated in a cupboard directly next door to her bedroom and when we free this up by removing the thermal storage, it would be perfect for her wardrobe.

The gas boiler is currently in the kitchen, and we plan to remove this too and to have the new combi boiler installed in our new utility room, giving us extra space in the kitchen too.

The boiler we will buy from hubbys work (staff discount will come in handy), however, we will need to organise a good heating and plumbing services. Installation of the new combi boiler, of course, must be done by a qualified and certified boiler installation engineers. And so, our hunt for a good reliable local installer will commence very soon. 

There are many ways to find a certified engineer, by word of mouth, internet search, local newspaper ads or an engineer you've used before. We will collect a few quotes and finally, review any feedback or references based on their service.

The plan being we will have a new boiler fitted this year, before the new winter, a boiler that will be under warranty and will give us piece of mind that it won't break down - it will also be cheaper to run, thus, saving us money in the long run.

5 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR WOMEN

Your wardrobe has seen trends come and go, but the basics are ones which lasted forever. Your favorite pair of black trousers or a plain white button-down, are key pieces you know would never go out of style or lose their street-chic appeal. With few of these key pieces on hand, though, you’ll always know what to reach for!

1) BLACK TROUSERS-  Black trousers are one of the few wardrobe mandatory that would work with just about anything else in your closet. The perfect pair has the power to truly transform how you look and feel!

2) WHITE SHIRT-  This being my personal favorite, a plain crisp white button-down would be the most timeless classic you could invest onto and team it up with almost anything and look really sexy in it!

3) PRINTED SCARF- One of my friend who I met while playing bingo online suggested me, that even on a day, where you almost feel that you have nothing to wear, a plain tee accessorised with a nice printed scarf as the 'bright' piece would just complete your look.

4) BLACK BLAZER- Laying up with well-fitting blazer is an effortless way to look classy and feminine. The best thing about it is that it look great on all body types, for both day or night.

5) NUDE PUMPS-  This fashion favorite has withstood the test of time because it is the go-to shoe for day or night, jeans or trousers or skirts, dressy occasions or more casual events. Whether worn as heels or perfect flats, a pair of nude pumps adds polish to any outfit.

So here were 5 tips of timeless pieces that can be paired with almost anything you have. If they are still missing from your closets, it's high time you get them for they would be an investment worth!

Beautify your Restaurant Business with Ceiling Tiles

Are you thinking about a nice improvement in your restaurant? Maybe you don’t need to think about spending a fortune on renovations. Perhaps the best way to beautify your restaurant is starting with the walls...Choose a different paint color and brighten up the entire space by applying ceiling tiles. There is a very wide palette of ceiling tiles available through www.TalissaDecor.com and they offer top quality products at reasonable prices.

All you need to do is start browsing among the products and choose the tiles that you like the most. There are Styrofoam tiles or faux tin tiles available, and each sub-category has dozens of models and patterns you can choose from. The best part? The ceiling tiles can be applied through a DIY project, and you don’t even have to hire specialized help. Just pay attention to the installation instructions, and purchase all the tools and accessories that you need. Then, within a few hours, you can set up a brand new ceiling within your restaurant. Your guests will be definitely impressed. 

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/575725c573729RM23web.jpg

About Styrofoam ceiling tiles

The Styrofoam ceiling tiles represent the best solution if you wish to cover up an unsightly ceiling (such as a popcorn ceiling). The good news is that you do not have to renovate the celling first, but you can just simply cover up that ugly ceiling with the Styrofoam tiles. Also, Styrofoam tiles are 100% paintable in any color that you wish. Therefore, if you do not wish to have a white ceiling, you can just paint your ceiling in any color that you wish.

Here is a handy video tutorial on how to install ceiling tiles over popcorn ceiling. Watch it, and then you will be able to perform your own project and make it look top professional. With some research online, you can come across dozens of such high profile tutorials on how to properly install Styrofoam ceiling tiles. The secret to a perfect job is to purchase only high quality tiles offered by reputable providers. Also don’t forget to purchase a few extra tiles than you need, in case you accidently cut or damage a piece. This way, you will have spare replacements to complete your project.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles can help bring more class and style to your restaurant. The Styrofoam tiles also require a relatively small investment, but you can make a big difference with your project. Why is it worth it to choose Styrofoam tiles?

• Because you do not have to go through the tedious job of removing an old and unsightly popcorn ceiling
• TalissaDecor produces top quality Styrofoam tiles that are manufactured from extruded polystyrene. This material is much more durable than regular polystyrene.
• Extremely lightweight and easy to handle during the installation project
• Tiles that are moisture proof
• Very easily to clean & practically maintenance free
• Paint them any color that you wish
• No special equipment required for the installation of the Styrofoam ceiling tiles
• Apply them over traditional flat ceilings or popcorn ceilings. Cover up instantly any unsightly ceilings

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/5757351cb4c20web.JPG

You can get plenty of design ideas regarding the installation of Styrofoam ceiling tiles here. Just browse through the top quality pictures and you will be able to check out hundreds of DY ceiling tiles projects for both commercial and residential purposes. As you can easily note, you don’t really have to invest thousands in order to beautify your restaurant. You can just opt for the simplest yet most effective solution, represented by ceiling tiles.

If you would like something even more impressive, you can opt for the faux tin ceiling tiles. These are available in several pattern and colors, and with the help of these tiles, you can recreate the looks of authentic tin. You will instantly brighten up your space and make it much more beautiful and glittery with faux tin ceiling tiles.

Faux tin ceiling tiles are available in plenty of colors so that you can choose the one that suits best your locale.

• White pearl and brass- goes wonderfully in an elegant restaurant where glitter and eleganceare your number one priority
• White pearl and red- white in combination with red will give an instant ‘bright’ spirit to your entire space
• Silver and purple- classy, elegant yet extremely trendy. Does this represent your business? Then, you might want to check out these beautiful tiles…
• Aged copper- an extremely classical choice, which gives an instant “historical’ feel to your entire space. There are 11 different patterned tiles available in this color, so you should definitely check them out

The faux tin tiles offered by Talissa are extremely lightweight and easy to install. The tiles have 3D embossing in order to recreate that special appearance of authentic tin. The tiles are water, stain and moisture resistant which are all important requirements in a restaurant. The tiles are easy to clean, and they are virtually maintenance free. Moreover, the faux in tiles are guaranteed fire tested, and they are suitable for both residential and commercial projects.

So why start with extremely expensive investments in order to beautify your restaurant? Maybe all your business needs is a beautiful new paint finish and a new ceiling. This improvement will not even cost you a lot and these can be performed as DIY projects. 

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/5751c5a623c85kitchen_ceiling_009.JPG

Take a look at the impressive faux tin tiles available on the main website of Talissa, and decide which pattern would best suit your interiors. If you want to, you can so get the opinion of an expert to inform you which exactly pattern or design would go best for your restaurant.

The faux tin tiles are extremely attractive and versatile because they can even be mounted framed on the wall to create a 3D pattern that is amazing. The tiles can be mounted directly onto a flat ceiling, and you don’t need any specialized help. Start beautifying your restaurant today!

Kwik Fit - Nostalgia Lane Competition

When I look back on my childhood family holidays, I will often look back with a certain fondness, but there is one holiday that stands out for me,  the most memorable holiday from my childhood. 

It was one summer holiday in my teens when we travelled Europe, through France, Luxembourg, Germany to Switzerland and back to France.  We holidayed in our caravan, my dads' pride and joy - we had some amazing holidays and trips in that caravan, lots of fab memories.

When I look back at my time in Switzerland I often fondly reflect back on, the beautiful buildings, the turquoise lakes, the mountain with snow tops, our day splashing around in a waterfall, the wildlife - snakes swimming in the lakes or the hedgehogs that raided our awning. I remember going into a village searching for a traditional cuckoo clock. (which hung on our living room wall for years).

Switzerland is a beautiful and magical place, leaving lasting memories.

Now a days I am making holiday memories with my children, ones I hope they will look back on fondly too. Holidays bring holiday memories, and, often a sense of nostalgia for good times long gone. 

We've taken our children on some amazing holidays too, from Lapland to Mexico.  But, over the years our holiday habits have changed due to many reasons. A few years ago we looked forward to holidays abroad, but the past couple of years we have immersed ourselves more into staycations and are particularly enjoying it. It does mean we are travelling via car more, which is the only negative - as we have 2 boys that suffer from travel sickness and they dread the road trips.

Keeping kids occupied in the car has changed over the years, from when my oldest two were younger we would pack and take a portable DVD player and they would watch films, but now with the younger two they take iPads and watch YouTube and play games. But, as two of my boys suffer from travel sickness they do avoid too much screen time as this enhances the sickness, thus, they like to do simple things like i-Spy game etc.

Along with other bloggers, I've collaborated with Kwik Fit and shared my top tip for when it comes to keeping the kids entertained on a long family road trip you can see all the tips here.

Kwik Fit are running a  Nostalgia Lane Competition in their Family Hub, where you can enter to win £150 worth of Amazon vouchers, simply by describing a memorable road trip.

Bathing Solutions and #breakingbarriers

Many elderly people struggle to bathe, there can be a fear of a slip or fall or getting stuck in the bath. It can often be physically daunting for them.

It's strange to think the bathroom, the smallest room in the house can be the most dangerous for the elderly. But, it doesn't have to be, there are solutions available.

So what are the options?

Wet rooms or walk in showers or walk in baths. All these are designed and installed to give the elderly and disabled an unrestricted showering experience.

My nanny before she passed away, was wheelchair bound in her last few years, and so they had a wet room that was made to measure to fit her needs. And, it worked for her, as I am sure it would many people who have them fitted.

One of the big benefits of a wet room is allowing the elderly to keep their dignity. It means they can shower independently and without the need for a carer to get them in and out of the bath/shower etc. 

In addition, you can adapt your wet room to fit your needs, for example, a shower stool can also be used to allow the person to sit down whilst showering. This is a good option if they struggle to stand for a prolonged period of time. They can also have furnished handrails designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames. A wet room can easily transform a bathroom into a safer and more comfortable experience. 

Companies like Bathing Solutions offer a range of equipment designed to improve and make life easier. From wetrooms to door ramps and much more. And, they are one of the first companies to specialise in the supply and installation of bathrooms specifically designed for the mature customer.

Bathing Solutions also take a great interest in supporting the elderly in a unique way by encouraging them to learn or share new skills and hobbies, all done through their #breakingbarriers campaign.

If you are interested in finding out more about Bathing Solutions and their fantastic campaign #breakingbarriers you can read about it here. The campaign is designed to encourage the elderly to skill share and learn new things.  As they enjoy learning new skills, taking up new hobbies and even taking up part-time employment.  The main reason we are seeing this break-through is because, for the first times in history we are about to see the number of our senior generation surpass that of the youth, with those 65 and up making up 15.6% of the global population by 2050!.