Plays.org Review

Plays.org offers family-friendly Internet/browser games for free - with many of the games being mobile browser friendly too. Plays.org offers a wide range of fun games that range from simulation type games to arcade classics, or jigsaw puzzles.

Over the past few months I have back and forth with GP, Hospital and physio appointments, and whilst sat waiting in the waiting room, I’ve been keeping myself amused by playing on Plays.org.

The games are organised by categories, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a search function, but you can save your favourites (which make it easier to find). Or if you are not sure what game you feel like playing, and want to try something else, you click on the ‘Random’ button on the top menu, and it will randomly select one of the games for you to play. This is my favourite function, as I been discovering some great, fun games this way.

What I also like is that it automatically saves your progress on your browser, and there is no need to create an account, so when you return to the website, you can pick up where you left off on your previous playing session.

You can also leave a review on each game, and read the reviews others have left. Also you can leave comments/feedback via the reply board.

Slime Maker game:

For the ASMR fans, there are a few Slime making games, which include all the sounds of squeezing slime! With the Slime Maker, you choose the colour of slime you want and you can also add stickers to your slime, where when you add a sticker, you’re not only decorating your slime, but you also get to hear different squelches. That’s it, it’s that simple, but very satisfying. A good boredom buster.

You will also find classic games like Solitaire, Mahjong, Crosswords (you can even print the crossword off), quiz, sudoko and so much more!

Plays.org is a great fun website full of free games, perfect to keep you busy, whilst travelling, or just simply to pass time. You could spend hours discovering new games, old classics and so much more…

Best part is there are no annoying pop-ups, or ads. It’s full of fun, free games.

Solitaire the Timeless Classic

Solitaire, I played a lot as a kid with a deck of cards (going back 30 years ago) - although we called it ‘Patience’ back then. Then later on in life we embraced and enjoyed Windows Solitaire (dragging and dropping those cards on a screen with the mouse....…. that takes me right back) - the perfect game to kill time.

Fast forward to now, and there are many different ways to access and play Solitaire, from phone apps, to websites like solitaire.org/.

As a hard core procrastinator, or wanting to engage in something to pass sometime, I now play on Solitaire.org website, and it is free. I can play on my own (as there is zero need to engage with other players), and the website also has an array of different versions of the game, you can literally spend hours discovering and playing all the different types of Solitaire games. Classic Solitaire is my favourite, it’s the one I always return back to play. Also there are no pesky distracting ads that cause the web page to jump around, or cut in while you play. It’s undivided and simple game-time.

For me it is the perfect quick game that simulates the brain and kills the time. Just like reading a book or listening to the radio, it can be a great way to kill time.

My new favourite version is Pyramid Solitaire (although you can’t beat Classic Solitaire, Pyramid Solitaire is a great alternative) - What is Pyramid Solitaire?

Well, you start with a ‘pyramid’ of 28 cards, with the rest of the cards left on the deck. Your objective is to clear the entire pyramid by matching pairs of cards where the value adds up to 13. e.g, a five and an eight, from any suit, totals 13 and will match. Kings have a value of 13, Queens value is 12, Jacks are 11, and Aces 1.

As you play through the pyramid and as you expect with Solitaire’s base rules, you can only match the exposed cards. As the layout of the cards is that of a pyramid shape (instead of the classic straight row layout), two cards have to be removed to reveal one behind.

Back in the day Solitaire was probably everyone's favourite time-waster - pretty much every household owned a deck of cards, and then when it became accessible on Windows PC, people got to experience the game in electronic version; playing it work, at college/school or if you were lucky enough to have a PC at home.

How To Save For a House Deposit with Cryptocurrency

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My two oldest sons are adults, one in his early 20’s and the other is 19. Both working full time and both still living at home. I love that I still have them at home, and I have always encouraged them to stay at home so they can save for a deposit to buy their own homes.

And saving is what they must do. They want to be able to buy their first home, and with it being harder than ever to get on the housing market, they need to save, invest, and earn.

There are a few options out there to save /earn money for a deposit, i.e. my boys both have a Lifetime ISA, to which they save a little each month. However, instead of putting all their eggs into one basket, they also look to save/earn and add to their ‘deposit pot’ in different ways. And, Cyprocurrency is one that they have been earning a passive income from. It’s a modern (albeit volatile) way to save/invest, and they get to to use any profits from it to add to their house deposit pot.

My boys have grown up in a digital world, and for them non-physical currency is something they’re much more confident and understanding off than us parents are. You hear and read of more and more young people turning to cryptocurrency as a way of saving money. Due to this, it has made me realise I too need to understand how earning passive income from bitcoin works, to understand the risks etc. so I can guide / help my boys if needed.

So my novice beginners guide on how to save with Cryptocurrency:

Research

Research. Research. Research! Buying cryptocurrency is similar to buying stocks (but without the protection). With thousands of currencies out there, you'll have to look into individual coins for yourself and decide which ones you believe will be profitable.

Pick a Crypto Trading platform

There are a few available in the UK, but it is important to find a Cryptocurrency Exchange that are beginner friendly; check if they are secure (against hackings), insured, and what their fees are.

Tax on Cryptocurrency

Understand you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax - Anyone who makes a profit from selling cryptocurrencies will pay taxes on the portion of the profit above £12,300 there is information available on the .gov website. Please note that this amount also applies to investment gains from stocks and shares.

Finally, it’s important to understand that Cryptocurrency can decline in value, making it risky, it can be a volatility way to save. It can also be a passive way to earn. Thus, I encourage my boys to save most of their money into their ISA, and to look at Cryptocurrency as a passive way to earn, to ultimately add to their house deposit savings.

Who is debt consolidation for?

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Anyone can try to consolidate their debts, but it is not guaranteed to work and can be quite a daunting process. This is because you are trying to borrow more, and as such you will find that some creditors may not provide further credit because of your existing debts. 

Debt consolidation can be a smart move, but it is not always possible.

Who is debt consolidation for?

• If you've accumulated lots of different credit and/or loans and you're struggling to keep up with repayments, you can get one loan to consolidate them together to lower your monthly payments. You take out one loan to cover and pay all your current credit commitments and owe money to just the one lender, with just one monthly repayment.

• You’re looking and will benefit from a lower interest rates on your credit cards and loans: if the interest rates on your current debt are high, then you can possibly save money by merging it all into a debt consolidation loan.

• You struggle to manage the different repayment dates on your credit cards and loans: e.g. credit card due on the 10th, car loan comes out the 1st, loan repayment is on the 28th, 2nd credit card on the 25th and so on.. it's a bit of a headache managing the repayments on different dates. With a debt consolidation loan you roll all of those monthly charges into one payment that comes out on the same day every month.

What are types of Debt Consolidation Loans?

Consolidation loans are either secured (homeowner) or unsecured (Personal).

• Personal loans: An unsecured loan is a loan where you do not risk your property and you do not need to be a homeowner. Additionally, it can be a much faster application process, e.g. in some circumstances you may be able to take the consolidation loan out the same day. However, the loan amounts available can be smaller and therefore, may not cover all your debt.

• Homeowner loans: A secured consolidation loan can offer better rates, longer repayment terms and larger loan amounts. However, they are different type of loan as you could lose your home by not paying it back. Additionally, for legal reasons the application process will take weeks to complete.

Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?

Consider the following points when deciding whether loan consolidation is in your best interest.

• Is it cheaper in the long run? If you can't get a lower interest rate with a consolidation loan, then it's not worth the move.

• Can you afford the consolidation loan? Even if the consolidation loan reduces what you have to pay each month, if not, then consolidating probably won't help your finances.

• How long will it take to pay off the consolidation loan? If you extend the repayment term when consolidating your debt, you'll most likely pay more interest over the life of the loan.

Everyone’s debt circumstances are different, and the best way to know if it is right for you to consolidate your debt, then you should carry out research and get advice to learn more.

How Can Videos Help Promote Your Business Online?

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Are you aware that videos can act as an effective marketing tool? Have you considered using it? If you haven't, you are certainly losing customers & potential lead generation. Videos are an essential part of any successful marketing campaign today. There's no doubt that videos have become the most popular option for content consumption today.

Using videos as a part of your marketing strategy can significantly improve online business conversion rates. An engaging product promo video can boost users' confidence in purchasing decisions. People often believe marketing is just about advertising and selling. However, it is much more than that. The key is creating a perception in the minds of customers. But, how do videos act as a marketing medium? To understand that, we must first believe in the power of videos.

The Power of Videos

With Videos, One can demonstrate concepts faster and with greater clarity. Viewing content involves using both the senses of hearing & sight together, resulting in a rich learning experience. While text-based content only reaches our eyes.

Videos enable us to access platforms such as YouTube, where videos are the only way to play the game. And, It's not just YouTube, but Videos that are also available on many different platforms & services. As powerful as a video can be, you will need to create them to resonate with your target audience & ideally feature your products and services.

Steps to Be Followed While Creating Videos

• Define Your audience: Start by thinking of whom your product or services intends to serve. To best serve your readers, you must consider your audience's gender, age, occupation, and interests when creating content.

• Define a primary objective: What is the purpose of your Video? After you become aware of the goals you seek to accomplish & the target audience you hope to reach, you can determine the type of content required. 

• Creating Content: What shall be the average Video length? The length of a video depends upon the purpose it is serving. For example, a Branding video might be short in length to a video created for any other category.

Any Pre-defined Format or Rules for Creation?

Speaking of format, this is where you'll see quite a bit of variance as it depends on your audience, objective, industry, and the message you want to give across. Businesses must not simply sell their story through video content. They must create a tale that their intended users are looking for in the niche in which their company operates. 

What to Do After Plotting & Scripting the Flow?

Select the Most Appropriate Video Marketing Tools:

Once your script is ready, you need some tools to bring your concept into reality. In addition to a camera, there should be a way to upload, digitally record, and edit the video. It's critical to pick the correct video marketing tool.

 Every video marketer should have at least three marketing tools in their kit:

1. A video maker that is easy to use and pre-filled with content.

2. User-friendly social media scheduler.

3. A social media dashboard to compile social media metrics, gauge ROI, and refine your video marketing efforts.

Once everything is ready, you can either host a video on your server or use a third-party video hosting site for viewers to watch and share.

Ways to Market Your Videos:

Your choice of content creation depends upon the customers you want to fit. Your videos depend upon the consumer you target and must be relevant to your goals.

1. Explainer Videos: Explainer Videos are short marketing videos embedded on a landing page or a home page of a company's website. These videos describe the activities of the business & narrate the business story.

2. Video Testimonial: Video testimonials offer more credibility than text-based reviews. They are more effective in educating target customers & building trust. Consumer testimonials that include brand reviews and product reviews become an essential aspect of a company's marketing tutorial.

3. Vlogs: Vlogs represent "video-blog". Vlogs are increasingly accounting for more internet traffic & paving the way towards the mainstream. Vlogging offers customers a more personalized experience by enhancing sentiments. Vlogging makes customers feel that they are buying directly from the individual and not just from a Website.

4. Company Culture Videos: Company Culture Videos have become the best recruitment marketing asset by winning top talent and creating an edge over competitors. Positive cultures encourage employee engagement and help companies stand out from their competition.

5. Employee Interviews: These types of Videos share employee stories so that customers can familiarize themselves with the people behind the brand.

6. Educational Videos: Educational videos are a great asset to have during the awareness stage of the buyer journey. These videos emphasize educating the audience and making them aware of the problems. And gather their interest to move further down in digging the possible solutions.

7. Product Videos: A good product video enhances consumer confidence in the product and the brand. Explainer videos can help organizations generate leads, and they typically rank higher on search engines like YouTube.

Benefits of Adopting Video Marketing Strategy

• Rise in Conversion Rates - It may happen that your high-quality website content is driving traffic but isn't converting into paying customers. You cannot create leads or accelerate sales if you don't have a proper video conversion rate optimization (CRO) plan.

• Improve in Search Engine Positioning - Having video content on your website can help you receive high rankings. Visitors draw attention to video content & try to dig deep into the content. 

• Better Customer Relationships - Videos help in increasing trust & building better relationships. Video contents succeed in communicating the sender's intent and hence psychologically become tough for the user to shut off.

• Increase in User Participation - Engagement is about accumulating your customer's emotional connection. No other tool is quite as effective in achieving this as a video.

• A higher return on investment - Research shows that about 89% of video marketers are satisfied with the ROI from video content. Thus it's a growing part of their marketing strategy.

Conclusion

Video Marketing continues to evolve. There is a need to take advantage of videos to keep up with the competition. If you are not using video marketing yet, begin now. There is no doubt that video marketing helps increase engagement, educates the audience, and allows you to reach them with a new medium.

How to Help Your Relatives Adjust to Moving to a Care Home

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Everyone has different needs when they reach a certain age. Many elderly family members maintain active and independent lives, whereas many others experience significant difficulties around caring for themselves without assistance and may need to consider senior living options. If you have decided with your relative to try a residential care home, it can be daunting to face the prospect of helping them settle into their new environment and adjust to all the changes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help ease the process.

Choose a Good Care Home

The most important step in helping your relative move into a care home is to find and evaluate a good care home in the first place. Make sure to do plenty of research before making a final decision as this will have a huge impact upon your family member's quality of life. Involve them in the decision as much as possible to help them feel more in control. For example, looking for good care homes in Surrey might be important to you and your family depending on where you live.

Get to Know the Staff

When you find a potentially suitable care home, take the time to meet with the staff and have a conversation about your expectations of the home. Find out how they run the establishment and what kind of care your family member can expect to receive. If your relative can make connections with the people who will be looking after them, this is a good start to adjusting in a new home.

Bring Their Belongings

Personalise your relative's room as much as the care home will allow. Bring sentimental items such as photographs and small pieces of furniture to help your family member feel more at home. Similar to when moving house, putting down roots can be as simple as decorating with your own possessions. Check with the home how much your relative can bring.

Visit Regularly 

Adjusting to a new way of life is understandably very difficult and may cause your relative some distress in the early days. Take the opportunity to visit them whenever you can so as to reassure them that you are still there for them and still want to see them. Often the worries of moving into a care home revolve around feeling abandoned or forgotten, so do as much as you can to alleviate those concerns.

Have Patience

It isn't easy for anyone to move into a new place, least of all someone who might not have a full understanding of where they are going and why. This is why it is so important to be patient with your family member so as to give them time to settle in. It's not fair to expect them to adjust immediately to their new surroundings and you might find it difficult to see them unhappy for the trial period. However, resist the urge to act in haste. After some time, your family member will either grow to enjoy their new home or you can consider alternatives.

The Complete Guide To Selling Your Property In 2022

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Selling your home can be rather stressful. After all, you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that you get a price you are happy with. However, there are quite a few things you are going to need to do in order to get to this point. So, if you are planning on selling your home in 2022, here are a collection of tips to help you out…

Thoughts that are holding you back when selling your home

A lot of people have thoughts or misconceptions that prevent them from selling their homes. Here are some of the main ones.

“People always offer less than the asking price anyway” - Yes, we would all love that extra ten or twenty grand, but it’s important not to kid yourself! So many home sellers talk themselves into setting their home at a higher price than what it is worth. Any of these sound familiar…?

 “I know the value of my home better than anyone else” – Wrong! No one loves your house more than you do, but you definitely don’t know its value better than anyone else, no homeowner does! Why? Because they are too emotionally attached. You need an unbiased perspective.

“My neighbour sold his house in a matter of days” – Yes, well, that’s not your house is it? Your neighbour may have got lucky! There could quite easily be another house nearby that has had their home on the market for a year!

“People always offer less than the asking price anyway” – This isn’t always true. Plus, if you over-price your property then people with a budget that coincides with the actual valuation will actually overlook your home when searching.

“There is no harm in trying it at a higher price for the first month or so” – Oh, but there is! If you put your house on the market for one month at a rate that you know is too high and then you reduce it, what are buyers going to think? They are going to wonder why you have lost confidence in your home and assume that there is something wrong with it.

People often convince themselves that the above statements are true so that they can put their property on the market at a price higher than what it is valued. You certainly won’t get a quick sale if you do this. You might be better off looking into home buyers like these guys who pay cash. This is the quickest and most effective way to sell your home and have money in your pocket.

Make sure you show off your property effectively

When it comes to selling your home, you need to show off your property in the best possible light. To do this, you need to think about what buyers would want from your property. What are they looking for?

We always recommend that you look for affordable skip hire so that you can get rid of all of the clutter. It's easy to book a skip for delivery online today, and it is important to do so. After all, your property viewers are never going to be able to see the true potential of your home if you have clutter everywhere. Now is the perfect opportunity for you to get rid of the things you don’t need, as you don’t want to move clutter with you to your new home. 

You should also make sure you show off the space to full effect. Some people like to use professional home staging to do this. You will be surprised by how much of a difference this can make. 

Why overpricing rarely works

Many homeowners convince themselves that it is a good idea to set their asking price higher than their home has been valued! This can ruin your chances of selling your property, and here’s why…

The seller knows everything – Well, not literally, but the seller may know more than you and your estate agent when it comes to the prices of homes like yours. After all, they have been searching for a new property. So, they know all about the value and they won’t be fooled by your high asking price, they will know it’s way too much.

Missed opportunity – The first few weeks of your home being on the market are usually the busiest as your fresh meat! You will miss out on a huge opportunity to sell your home quickly. Why? Buyers that search within the range you have priced yours at will see that your home is inferior in comparison to others priced at the same rate. Whilst you won’t appear in the searches of those that have a budget that falls in line with your actual home’s worth. Thus, you are entirely missing the mark when it comes to aiming at the right buyers.

Longer market time – Your house will definitely be on the market a lot longer than you would like if you price it too high! It’s common sense, you are asking for a greater amount of money than most people will think it is worth, and so you will find it more difficult to sell your home.

Are you putting buyers off by being inflexible? 

We are all a bit guilty of wanting things our own way! But, you have to go that extra mile to accommodate the buyer if you want your house to sell. It is likely that they will have a moving in date in mind and thus you should do your best to adapt to this. Yes, it may mean inconvenience for you, but surely it is worth renting on a short-term basis if it means you can sell your home?

Short-term hassle is worth the long-term gain! Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you want to purchase a property, yet the seller is putting barriers in the way, it is going to be disheartening and frustrating. You may foresee a hassle-filled process and so you could decide that it is not worth all of the stress! Instead, you will go for a property whereby the buyer is willing to accommodate your moving in needs.

You will massively regret not budging if it costs you the deal. To make sure the deal goes over the line and you sell your home, try and be accommodating of the buyer’s needs, especially when it comes to their moving in date. A little compromise can go a long way.

Use a friend to help your property sell!

Other people realise things that we don’t about our home. You are used to seeing the same coffee table each and every day, and you have walked on those tiled floors in the kitchen for years! This makes it difficult to look at your property from the eyes of a potential buyer. So, enlist the help of a friend! 

Your friend can walk around your home with you and point out any areas he or she thinks stand out for the wrong reasons. You should also ask them to point out anything that is too personal. You may love your photographs from your most recent holiday, however, they distract the buyer and they make it difficult for them to connect with the home. They will struggle to envisage themselves living there.

Not only can your friend help you to point out areas that need de-personalising, but also those spaces that need de-cluttering. If items do not add to the presentation of the room you should get rid of them. After all, they will be merely cluttering the room and covering up the floor, making the room in question look smaller than it actually is. So, don’t underestimate how beneficial a fresh pair of eyes can be!

How to sell your home by getting rid of children’s toys and wall stickers

We all love our children. We love the little pictures they draw us. We love watching them play with their favourite toys. But, the truth is, the buyer won’t! Before a viewing, you need to ensure you get rid of the stamp your kids have put on your home.

The first thing you need to do is ensure you get rid of all the clutter and any toys they have lying around. You need to carefully inspect every inch of every room. You don’t want the buyer to trip over a Barbie doll or a piece of Lego.

Tame the walls in your children’s bedrooms if necessary. It’s unlikely your buyers are going to be fans of Scooby-Doo or Peppa Pig! And, bright green paint certainly doesn’t appeal to all! There is no guarantee your buyers will have children, and even if they do, you should paint rooms in a neutral shade so that they appeal to everyone.

Make sure your children are not around during the viewing. If possible get your partner to take them out for ice cream or something. Kids are bound to make noise and this will distract from the viewing and could make the buyers feel uncomfortable and leave feeling negative.

Mums Can Fit In Fitness Too

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

When you’re a busy mum with an endless to-do list, fitness can seem like a laughable goal. 

In reality, though, mums who are both setting an example and doing the hard work of raising the next generation can often benefit from making time for this more than most. To ensure you can achieve that goal for a little me-time with the best results, we’re going to consider just three ways that mums could fit in fitness after all. 

Work out at playtime

Depending on how young your kids are, the chances are that playtime is typically a high-energy pursuit. Instead of letting your youngsters run around while you kick back on the sofa, your fitness quest could benefit from your making the most of this opportunity. After all, whether you volunteer to be the seeker in a game of hide and seek or just get stuck in with the mad running around, even half an hour of active play with your children can see you enjoying a world of fitness benefits. You could even set up active games like a football friendly or a tennis match that’s sure to keep your kids happy and serve the physical purpose that you need it to.

Incorporate fitness into family diets

Outside of workouts themselves, fitness is all about what you eat both before and after exercising. Unfortunately for mums who are already spending all of their time in the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook these fitness-based food allowances, but you can change that by simply incorporating fitness into family diets. Adding more protein rich-foods like lentils, meats, and so on to everyone’s diet can certainly help family health overall. Furthermore, supplementing your portions of existing family meals like breakfast with protein-rich options like these Growli porridge oats means that you needn’t necessarily cook whole new meals, but can instead enjoy a fitness-boosted version of what everyone else is eating. Before you know it, this, paired with your fitness efforts elsewhere, could quite easily start having an impact. 

Use the time you do have

Much as we might not realise it when we fail to consider our days on the whole, even busy parents have down periods, whether that be an hour or two once the kids are in bed, or even just your lunch break at work. As much as you might want to use this time to do nothing much, making sure to utilise even these short periods for fitness purposes is the best way to get the most from your workouts. For instance, going on a quick run during your lunch break will soon see you with more energy, and generally feeling better, by the time the school run comes. Equally, taking a little time out of your evenings for a yoga session could soon see you enjoying some much-needed me-time, and a truly relaxing evening routine that outstrips, even, your plans to stay on the sofa. 

Finding time for fitness as a busy mum is undeniably tricky, but it’s by no means impossible when you keep these tips in mind.

Is Buying A Home Always Best?

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Are you thinking about buying a home? You might assume that this is always going to be the best decision, particularly if you are raising a family. However, this may not be the case. There are numerous reasons why buying a home may not be the best option. So, let’s way up all the factors to keep in mind here. 

Is Renting Dead Money?

The strongest arguement for owning a home is that renting is dead money. Essentially, this means that you are getting nothing from your home in the long term. Instead, your money ends up in the pocket of the landlord. You have no claim to ownership. While this is true, it can be worth it if renting is more affordable compared with buying. You should continue to rent until your finances are stable enough to afford a mortgage. 

When Shouldn’t You Buy?

You shouldn’t buy a home if you can’t afford a significant deposit or a beneficial mortgage. The general rule is that you need to save at least 5% of the total home cost for a deposit. However, experts claim that it will be in your best interest to try and save closer to 20%. In doing so, you will be able to access the best mortgage rates available on the market. Do be aware that getting the right mortgage will also be contingent on factors such as your credit rating. If you have a poor credit rating it will be more financially viable for you to continue to rent rather than buy a home. Do be aware that while bad credit mortgages are available on the market, they are commonly referred to as debt generators. 

What Are The Hidden Costs Of Buying?

You might assume that the only cost you need to worry about when purchasing a property is the initial price. However, this is not the case. Instead, you will need to make sure that you do think about hidden costs that are associated with the purchase as well. For instance, you’ll be responsible for any costs to pay for property repairs. If you are renting your home, this won’t be the case. Instead, it will be the landlord that will be responsible for repairs that weren’t due to a problem you caused. 

That’s important to keep in mind as some property repairs can range in the low thousands. This includes a boiler repair or an issue with the windows. Do be aware that if your landlord fails to repair the property then you can file a housing disrepair claim to ensure that the work is completed as quickly as possible. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key reasons why buying a home isn’t always best. Before you purchase a property you should always think carefully about your decision. Specifically, you need to consider your financial situation and whether you are going to be able to afford the home in the long term. Do be aware that it’s not uncommon for property purchases to cause people to end up with significant levels of debt. 

Gifts That Can Serve a Variety of Purposes

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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.

9 Things You Need to Do to Start a Profitable Online Business

It's no secret that starting a profitable online business is tough. There are so many variables that you need to consider before even getting started. And then, once you do, there are even more factors and decisions you'll need to make along the way. But if done right, it can be an enriching experience! This post will go over nine things you should do to get your business off the ground and running successfully.

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Research Your Industry

Industry research is key to success. You can't just jump into a business without knowing the ins and outs of what you're getting yourself into. So google your industry, read articles written by competitors or those that are complementary about it - do whatever you need to become an expert before diving all-in on starting up a company related to this space. This will help guide everything from your product development process (or service offering) and build connections with other businesses, mentors, and potential customers for future collaborations down the line!

Come Up With a Business Idea

This is likely the most challenging step for many people, but it's also the most important. First, you need to have an idea that you're passionate about and can see yourself working on every day. It doesn't have to be something new and revolutionary; plenty of businesses succeed by simply improving on an existing model or offering a unique spin on things. But whatever you decide to go with, make sure you put in the time to validate your idea first - this means getting feedback from potential customers and doing your research to make sure there's a market for what you want to offer.

Invest in a Reliable Computer

If you're running a business out of your home, investing in a good laptop is essential. Your computer will become the most critical tool in your arsenal and something that needs to work reliably without any issues or downtime. If you've been thinking about upgrading from an older model anyway - now might be a perfect time! MacBooks are built specifically for people who need computers when on the go but still want high-performance capabilities with significant design elements at their fingertips. Plus, they make excellent devices for working from anywhere, thanks to their sleek nature and lightweight builds! And when you ever experience any bluetooth connectivity problems, learn more and get it sorted out right away. The better connected you are, the more productive you’ll become over time. 

Create a Website and Storefront

This is where most people get hung up on when starting a business. It's not easy at all! A website can be extremely time-consuming to build. Still, fortunately, they are becoming more and more accessible every day thanks to the growing popularity of platforms like WordPress that make setting one up incredibly simple for even non-tech savvy folks. For creating an online store, you'll need something special - Shopify makes this process relatively easy in contrast though by giving anyone with no experience or tech knowledge complete control over how their storefront looks without ever having to touch any code themselves.

Set Up Merchant Accounts

If you're selling any goods or services online, then you'll need to set up a merchant account for accepting payments. These accounts make it easy and secure for customers to buy from your website without having to send you a check in the mail with their personal information written on it! Plus, they ensure that all payment transactions are processed quickly, so no one is waiting around with bated breath wondering if their money was sent successfully. You can apply with companies like Stripe or PayPal directly - both have free signup processes as well as great reputations within the industry, meaning people will trust them more when shopping at your store, which means better conversion rates overall.

Develop a Marketing Plan

Even if you have the best product or service in the world, it won't matter if no one knows about it. Creating and executing a marketing plan is essential for any business - especially when starting. This means establishing what channels you'll be using to reach your target audience, what kind of messages you'll be using, as well as how often you'll be putting out new content (or advertising). Much of this will depend on your budget constraints, but there are always low-cost options available like social media ads or email marketing which can still produce great results when done correctly!

Start Producing Content

Once you've got your store up and running, it's time to start producing content that will drive more customers towards your business. This could be blog posts, tutorials, videos - whatever works best for what you're trying to accomplish! The key here is to create precious information that people are interested in seeing/reading which means attracting the right kind of attention from all angles. People have become accustomed to being 'sold' things online, so it doesn't work as well anymore, but sharing valuable insights on a subject or industry can go much further than someone who looks at their website 24/74 times every day spamming everyone with sales pitches over and over again.

Establish Authority and Build Trust

The more people trust you, the better your chances of selling them something. This can be done by sharing helpful information regularly. Still, it also means being an authority figure in your industry so potential customers know that they should listen to what you have to say and even ask for advice if needed! Try creating a weekly newsletter or video series to notify all subscribers whenever new content is published. They'll then feel obligated to check out whatever has been added, which could lead to converting into future sales as well.

Generate Leads & Sales

Sales are dramatically increased when you can draw people in with quality content and convert them into leads for your business. This is achieved by using tools like pop-ups, lead magnets (free downloads), or even doing webinars where someone could sign up to watch one life before it's archived on-demand afterward. The more information collected about who these potential customers are, the better because this will help inform your marketing plan moving forward, which means any future ads targeted towards their demographic should be much more effective!

Bottom line

Starting and running an online business isn't as difficult as it may seem - especially if you follow these nine essential steps! Not only will they help get your business off the ground, but they'll also keep it running smoothly so you can focus on what's important - making money!

A Thought On Body Image & Mental Health In Young People

We all want to look and feel our best, especially as we head into the new year. After all, this is the time of year for resolutions and vision boards. Besides all that, it is a great time of year to get stuck into what we think we want our new year to look like, after all - it has to be better than the year that just passed.

Now, we’re all about you living your best life, but we also think that when it comes to being image-conscious, there is the healthy version of that - and the not so much, and when it comes to our kids - well, that’s when we kick it into overdrive sometimes.  Children can be nasty and with bullying rates throughout the UK at some of the worst points they have been, more of us than ever before are looking to doctors and dentists to correct little imperfections so that our kids (and ourselves) and lool the best we possibly can.

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WHY WOULD CHILDREN NEED COSMETIC OR PLASTIC SURGERY?

Thankfully, most of our children are born perfectly normal and healthy and for the most part, will not need to have any ‘corrective’ surgery. Surgery is not a joke, and going under anaesthetic for even short amounts of time is not risk-free, so any type of procedure that you’re considering must be well thought out and done only under the advice of your doctor.

However, at times, children can be born with severe birthmarks and these could be made worse if they’re on the face or in large parts of the body that are visible. Cosmetic surgery may be an answer here or some other kind of medical treatment. For children born with vascular anomalies, some type of surgery might be indicated and of course, for children who have physical abnormalities or deformities, surgery may be useful.

But at times, there might be other treatments available for those who are experiencing difficulties as a result of issues with their appearance, brought on by physical abnormalities, but these won’t always require surgery. One of the top areas where British families seek help is in cosmetic dentistry. We Brits don’t have the best reputation for having good looking teeth abroad, but our attitudes changing, and an increasing number of us are having work done to get our pearly whites looking their best.

For this, you may want to contact an experienced cosmetic dentist such as Dental Excellence.

We all want to live healthier, happier lives and looking our best is a part of that. After all, our self-esteem and how we see ourselves have a huge part to play in maintaining positive mental health. However, we don’t recommend running to the doctor for arbitrary surgery which may in itself present more risks than solutions and it’s never a bad idea to teach our kids that they’re perfect, just as they are.

If you or your children are experiencing depression or issues with mental health, don’t stay silent - there is help to be had. 

6 Reasons Why Someone Might Need to Be Fostered

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The foster care system is there to provide children with a safe home. It can be for a short duration with a foster family, or it can be a long-term situation where the child stays with their foster family until they are old enough to leave the system. These children have often gone through something frightening, traumatic, or confusing, which means they need an understanding and patient caregiver to help them get back on their feet. 

To learn why the foster care system is so important and to better understand what the children may be going through, here are six reasons someone might need fostering. 

1: A Family Crisis 

Many families go through some sort of crisis at one point or another. However, some of the worst require a child to go into the foster care system. A family crisis could be a family-splitting argument, a divorce, an accident that impacts health, or the unexpected need to relocate. To help children going through something confusing and scary, look into fostering in Essex to open up your home to those most in need of a safe space. 

2: A Victim of Abuse 

Unfortunately, abuse in all forms happens to many children throughout the UK every day. Once the light of this abuse is confirmed by social services, the child needs a new place to call home. Foster parents help young abuse victims get out of their dangerous situations, ensuring they have a safe home to live in for a while. These children are often scared and require a stable environment to feel safe once more. 

3: Neglect 

Another reason for a child needing a foster family is neglect. That might mean they haven’t been fed, clothed, or supervised, resulting in a child with a desperate need of proper care. 

4: The Death of a Parent/Guardian 

What happens when the sole parent or guardian of a child dies? While sometimes the child can go to a relative, that isn’t always possible, and for this reason, they end up in the foster care system. It only adds to the child’s grief and trauma, as not only has the child lost their parent, but they must also move from the home they know. 

5: The Ill Health of a Parent/Guardian 

It’s not always the death of a parent that warrants a new home for the child. If the parent or guardian becomes too ill to take care of the child, then the child may need to go into foster care. 

6: The Parent/Guardian is Incarcerated 

If a child’s parent or guardian is incarcerated, they can no longer be looked after at home and often need to go into foster care. This might be for a short duration, or the child may end up in foster care until they are an adult – that depends on the reason behind the incarceration and how long the parent stays there. 

There are more reasons a child may end up in the foster care system – these are just some of the most common. It’s crucial to understand the various reasons, especially if you plan on fostering, as it allows you to empathise with the foster children.

Top Tips to Keep Yourself Healthy and Happy

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Leading a healthier life is going to instantly improve your levels of happiness, as well as your quality of life. A healthy lifestyle impacts you in a variety of ways, from your mood and energy levels to your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. If you often feel low, or sluggish, then it is time to get control of your life and implement habits and strategies that are going to improve your life. It can seem challenging at first, but once you start to feel the effects for yourself, there will be no turning back. 

Here are some top tips to help you get started. 

1 Eat a balanced, and nourishing diet 

Diet is usually only a topic that is focused on when someone is trying to lose weight. However, nutrition is key to your health and how you feel daily. Food should be seen as a source of fuel for your body. Your body needs enough fuel, and the right kind of fuel, to be able to mentally and physically function daily. Make sure you review your diet and see where you can make changes. The most positive changes that you can make are reducing the amount of high sugar and highly processed items you consume daily, and including more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole foods. The more colour and variety you can include in your diet, the better. There are also many positive supplements that you can consume that promote a healthier and happier lifestyle, such as CBD Isolate. 

2 Get enough sleep 

Sleep is often neglected when it comes to changing habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. Poor and disrupted sleep holds the power to negatively impact your hormones, mood and energy levels. You should create a bedtime routine whereby you wind down a couple of hours before you get to bed, and sleep at the same time each night. You should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. If you can establish this routine consistently, you will start to notice a huge difference in how happy you feel, and how much clearer your mind is. 

3 Exercise regularly 

When you feel lethargic, it can be extremely difficult to find the motivation to exercise. However, you will continue to find yourself stuck in this vicious loop, as exercise will provide you with more energy. Exercising regularly can also improve your focus, attention, moods and energy levels. Start very small, perhaps with 5-10 minutes of movement per day, and slowly build that up into at least 30 minutes per day, alternating between activities such as walking, weight training, yoga, pilates, swimming, cycling, high-intensity interval training, etc. 

These 3 strategies, if implemented consistently over a long period, will have a notable difference in the way that you feel each day. You will find you can wake up earlier, and with more energy. You will also have more energy and clarity each day to work, carry out tasks and spend time with loved ones. 

How To Set Up A Study Area For Teens

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Being a teenager certainly isn’t all about going to school. With that said, schoolwork is an important part of a person’s teenage years. That being so, having a proper study can be a great help to teens (and their parents). Here are some tips on how to set one up.

Be flexible about the location

The obvious place for a teen’s study area is in their bedroom. This is often the best place but there may be other options. If so, it’s always worth comparing them to make sure that you’re definitely choosing the right location.

Parents might prefer to have teens study in one of the main family rooms, often the kitchen or dining area. That way they can be kept under supervision (i.e. homework definitely gets done). Objectively this can make sense but realistically a lot will depend on how the teen feels about this. On the other hand, some teens might prefer to study somewhere other than their room.

Prioritize a good chair and monitor

If funds are tight, then prioritize a good chair over everything else. Firstly, your teen’s back needs to be protected. If they’re still growing, the chair needs to be able to adjust to this so that it stays comfortable. Proper office chairs will usually do this as they’re designed to fit adults in a wide range of sizes.

Your next priority should be a decent monitor at the right height. If you’re using a stand-alone monitor then it’s best to mount it on an adjustable arm. Again, this means that it can be raised as your teen grows. If your teen only has a laptop, put it on a stand and get an external keyboard and mouse.

All the information on how to prevent digital eye strain in adults apply to teens as well. In particular, go into your teen’s monitor’s settings. Make sure that they are optimized for the conditions in your teen’s study area. Remember that you may need to adjust them over the course of the year as light conditions change.

It’s great if your child can have a permanent desk but this isn’t as huge a deal as it might seem. If space is tight and/or you have a limited budget, either a folding table or a laptop table can do perfectly well. Neither provides a lot of storage but you can work around that.

Get everything organized

Organization starts with storage. If your teen has a proper desk, then it will probably have integrated storage. You may, however, need to add extra. If your teen is using a folding table or laptop desk, then storage will probably need to be one of your top priorities.

Ideally, storage should be located near your teen’s desk. If it can’t be, try putting key items into a rolling trolley or bag. Then your teen can move their study supplies from A to B fairly conveniently (and without help from you).

You may be able to reduce the amount of storage you need by equipping your teen with a scanner. These often capture detail better than mobile phone cameras. They are therefore better for digitizing worksheets and notes with pictures and diagrams.

How To Ensure You Have A Healthy Home

A healthy home begins with how you keep it. However, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are deliberate steps to take to ensure that the home you live in is a healthy haven not just for you but for your family and guests. Unfortunately, not everyone can follow the strict pattern of keeping the home healthy. And 40% of people in the UK blame their inability to do it on hectic daily schedules. For more information on ensuring a healthy home, here are some suggestions you may find worthwhile.

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Minimise the threat of pests

The truth about pests is, they are usually attracted to homes that fail to maintain optimum cleanliness at all times. That is not to say the entire household is dirty. Instead, it can be an oversight on where the dustbin is kept, what is in it, undetected holes in structures, etc. Indeed, pests are unwelcome ‘members’ of the household, and their presence can signify the spread of harmful bacteria to you, your family and even your domestic pets.

According to Aviva.com, July 2020 recorded the highest incidences of rodent infestation in UK homes. During the lockdown season, Pest Control Experts and similar companies around the country and elsewhere reported a tremendous increase in their services. Thankfully, all it takes to keep these pests away is to conduct a thorough check in and around your home.

Moreover, you can also take proactive steps to keep them at bay. For example, avoid using dustbins without secure lids. Again, you may want to avoid piling up trash inside the home or on your compound. Your doors and windows can also be correctly sealed if you notice spaces around them. By eliminating potent things that attract these pests, you can maintain a healthy home at all times.

Keep water clean and ensure it has the right PH level

It is impossible to detect the PH level of the water used in the home with your eyes alone. Fortunately, with experts, you can determine this. However, a simple way you can do it at home is to conduct the litmus paper test. Apart from checking for the PH level, it is vital to know that the water in your home is healthy enough to drink straight from the tap. With the installation of water filter systems, you can maintain a healthy home at all times in that regard. Better yet, you get to save money you would have used to purchase purified bottled water for your household.

Take steps against carbon monoxide poisoning

Usually, the first step people take against this silent killer is to invest in carbon monoxide alarms. Without a doubt, that is a significant move to protect your home and your family from this poisonous gas. However, you can benefit more by getting to the root of the problem. In other words, you have a responsibility to detect potential sources of carbon monoxide. Not many people realise that the very home appliances used daily are potential sources of this dangerous gas.

For example, the gas cooker, electric oven, chimneys, water heaters, and fireplaces are sources of carbon monoxide. Due to the respiratory risks and high fatality rates associated with this poisonous and odourless gas, you cannot afford to take it lightly. Therefore, it pays to be more proactive in eliminating these potential sources before they get out of hand.  

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Keep mould and excessive indoor moisture at bay

The ideal way to keep your indoors healthy is to maintain humidity levels under 50%. If you are unsure how to do this, a humidifier in the home works fine. Thanks to technology, you can invest in a digital hygrometer that helps to keep your home healthy by regulating indoor humidity levels.

Additionally, you can try installing exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom areas to help cut back on excessive moisture. Again, promptly take care of water leaks in and around the home. All these measures aim to reduce the risk of developing mould and dampness in your home’s interiors.

How To Help Your Child Pick The Right University

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Image Credit

It is safe to say that you understand the importance of choosing the right uni as a parent. You want the best for your child, and you want to be that guiding hand that helps them make the right decisions. Choosing a university is a big deal, as it shapes the rest of your child's future. As much as the final decision rests in your child's hands, they still need all the help and advice they can get. So, how can you help your child pick the right university? These tips can help.

Start with the expenses

Uni fees can be expensive, and this can affect the choices made. So, start with the finances. If your child has a trust fund, received a scholarship, or any form of funding, you may be limited regarding how much influence you may have. But that shouldn't stop you from bringing your experiences to bear. After all, uni expenses aren't only about tuition fees. Also, your child is still young and probably financially inexperienced to make such decisions on their own. So, help them to understand the repercussions of expenses like student loan debts and financial irresponsibility.

What does your child want to study?

You should discuss what your child wants to study, as this will narrow down the university options available. If your child already knows or has an idea of what they prefer to study in school, that should make your decision process a bit more straightforward. If your child is still undecided, then you might want to consider universities that offer a diversity of majors. This way, your child has more freedom to change their preferred major a couple of times before their sophomore year ends. 

Consider the facilities available

You want your child to be as comfortable as possible in school, with access to everything that will make their studies less difficult. That means you have to consider each preferred uni’s facilities, from well-equipped libraries to comfortable accommodation options. It would help if you also considered campus life and activities that your child can take advantage of. For example, if your child is athletic, it would be better to look at unis with impressive sporting facilities to nurture their athletic capabilities and help them develop.

Location and distance

Another thing worth considering is the location of the university. Does your child want to move to a uni out of town or country? Can you afford it? How safe is the city? What is the cost of living? Will your child reside on campus or rent a hostel off-campus? What'sWhat's the distance from the hostel to the campus? All these are questions worth considering when picking the ideal uni for your child. 

Regarding location, you want a safe and perfect place for studies, whether on or off-campus. You also wish to access comfortable and safe student accommodation facilities. For instance, if you’re considering universities in the Tyne and Wear region, students can enjoy luxury state-of-the-art student accommodation in Sunderland. 

Why Wood Baby Items Are The Best

Over the last few years, there has been a big focus on buying more sustainable baby toy options. Most often, the choice has been plastic toys that are loud and need batteries - but with the switch to sustainable and eco-friendly toys, wooden toys are in the spotlight. 

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Durability 

Babies and toddlers often play rough with their toys - which means the toys they play with need to be durable. Part of growing up is playing with building blocks, experimenting with throwing and even standing on toys. 

Both wooden toys and wooden baby furniture are hard wearing and can last for years. Find the wooden furniture brands you love at For Your Little One.

Simpler

One of the most enjoyable things about wooden baby toys is that they are more straightforward than the plastic ones with all the bells and whistles - and more importantly, no batteries required! 

A more simple set of toys lets your child's imagination shine through in all of the most exciting ways. 

Toy blocks can become towers, and of course, your child can be the one to make the noises as it falls to the floor. 

Since some wooden toys have simpler designs, they can be used for almost anything - building castles, stacking them up to the sky or even pretend to be animals.

Environmentally friendly

Plastic toys with electronic parts will be around forever - and that isn’t always a great thing. One of the best things about wooden furniture and wooden toys is that they are environmentally friendly. 

You can even find wooden options that come with an environmentally friendly label, so you know they have come from a sustainable source. 

Wooden toys are also easier to recycle, and since they keep so well, they can be saved for future generations of your family. 

Child-safe

Electronic toys with buttons, batteries, screws and other hazards remain a hazard no matter how big your child grows. 

Most toys are made with countless types of plastic, and there is a range of wires, coppers and circuit boards in many noise-making plastic toys. 

Wooden toys, when they are made high-quality, have no harmful chemicals, even on painted surfaces. 

Wooden toys allow your child to chew, stack, roll around and pack away time and again without the risk of plastic breaking, batteries leaking or going dead, or tiny buttons falling out and being swallowed. 

Early education

Plastic toys offer bright lights, noises and can sing to our babies. But most of the time, once they head into nursery school, they will find piles of wooden toys to play with. 

Some studies show that wooden toys improve children's spatial awareness, literacy and numerical skills. 

It also means that they will be more comfortable with the range of toys and educational guides in a nursery and school setting. 

Working together

Have you ever played a game of Jenga? Well, you and your child can enjoy endless hours of stacking up and topping and working together to build solid structures and create the best woodblock castles. 

Wooden toys and furniture are great options for curious minds. 

Of course, you can always combine wooden toys with some fantastic animal figures like Schleich Educational Toys

What Slimming Swimsuit Is Best For You?

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Swimsuit season should be about sunning on the beach and playing in the waves, not spending fruitless hours in the dressing room trying on every suit in the store. Finding a swimsuit for women that looks great on you might seem stressful, but don’t worry—the right swimsuit IS out there. Knowing a few things about your body type will help narrow down the type of suit that’s best for you, so find your body type below and get our tips on what type of swimwear will look best!

This is a comprehensive guide about slimming swimsuits. It points out the various benefits you stand to enjoy from choosing slimming swimsuits and the best choices for you.

Slimming swimsuits are a great way to hide unflattering areas in your body and highlight the flattering ones. There are many choices that you can opt from. To make the right choice, compare product features and prices to get the best deals. 

Slimming swimsuits for your body type

Slimming swimsuits are perfect to flatter all body types. Choosing women’s swimsuits could be tricky, especially if you are plus size. Nevertheless, you can always get a swimsuit that is perfect for you which hides all you want to hide and shows off every part you want to show off. There are many swimsuits available in the market and with adequate help you can get that which perfectly suits you.

The pear-shaped body

The pear-shaped body shape is smaller on top, with curvy hips and thighs. Look for suits that draw the eye upward with embellished, colorful, or interestingly cut tops. On the bottom, higher arched leg lines that sit just below the hipbone will lengthen your leg. If you’re looking for more coverage, stay away from boy shorts that are tight around the thighs, and turn instead to a skirt that falls just below the largest part of your thigh.

Larger bust

For those with a larger bust, your main concern is finding a suit with enough support on top. Look for suits with underwire, molded cups, boning, or built-in bras, which will all provide more support than the average suit. Thicker straps, wide bands under the bust, and higher backs and sides will pitch in with extra support. Go for styles that flatter your bust without ruffles or embellishments that add more volume.

Choosing the right fabric for slimming swimsuits

The kind of fabric you go for also plays an important role in the effectiveness of your slimming swimsuit. You can choose from many fabrics that are available like nylon, lycra, spandex, and bandage. Lycra is perfect for occasional swimming days since high elasticity and perfect fit. Nylon is perfect for avid swimmers and is the most used fabric because it is lightweight and dries quickly. Spandex is great for a sleek shape because it is super stretchy and will hold the swimsuit in your form. The bandage is ideal if you want to show sexiness because it hugs your curves in all the right places.

Starting off on the Right Foot

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If you meet someone who runs track, plays basketball, or football and ask them about the value of having the right pair of shoes, this class of people will have a lot to tell you. They need to move around as they train and play therefore, having the best shoes for the occasion, matters to them. 

Shoes are Important

You might not be an athlete, but the shoes you wear can affect how you carry out your daily activities. When going to work, running some errands, going hiking, or to the gym, you need shoes that can give you the flexibility you need while supporting your feet. You need shoes that are durable and won’t send you back to the Nike stores in AU after a few wears. For many, the beauty of a pair of shoes is the main determinant for their going home with them but that shouldn’t be the case. 

Buying with Purpose

As mentioned earlier, beauty isn’t the only thing that should decide whether you take a shoe home. There are other factors to consider. One of such factors is your daily activities. How do you spend your day? Do you sit in a chair most of the time or are you on your feet? 

Are you a stay-at-home mom taking care of toddlers or do you have to run some errands? Buy shoes for a reason. Don’t go to a store and pick the one that catches your eye the most; it might end up being a bad buy. Yes, your shoes need to be fashionable as well but they have to give you a degree of comfort as you go about your day.  

Invest in footwear that is designed for the activity you want to do. It might seem like a waste having different shoes for various reasons or taking your time to select a shoe instead of choosing the prettiest one but it will pay off in the long run.

Walking Shoes v Running Shoes

Although they share some similarities, these two types differ from each other in a couple of ways.

Walking is more of a lighter activity whether it is casual, or brisk. It doesn’t put as much pressure on the feet. That’s who walking shoes are more about comfort and stability. Running shoes on the other hand deal with performance. A runner needs to move fast and ensure that their feet are adequately protected as they do so. Therefore, running shoes are lighter for easy movement, have a bit of a heel, and possess more cushioning than walking shoes. This is to protect against injury and shock. The extra padding on running shoes provides more support as the activity can put some pressure on the legs.  

Go in with enough information

On your next shopping spree, go in with a plan. Take a look at your shoe collection and determine what you need as that will narrow down your options when shopping. For instance, if you are going hiking and only have a pair of running shoes, you might need some sturdy shoes for the rugged environment. 

Are you at loss on what to pick? Ask one of the consultants around for help. Store like AU Nike stores that carry a good deal of shoes usually train their staff to answer some of the pressing questions you have. Let them guide you through the process. Also, make sure you get to try the shoe before you buy and if you are shopping online, try to get it in your size.