Posts in category: Uncategorized

When it comes to feeling, and looking, good a lot of the time it comes down to being confident in who you are.  To completely and utterly accepting and loving your body and being comfortable in your own skin.

There are some tips though that have stood the test of time in picking out clothes that you feel great wearing and that make you walk with that extra bit of confidence.

Making a traditionally sexy look work

Although perceptions of what is considered sexy have definitely changed in the past few years, many people remain traditional in their views.

If you’re in the mood for a more sexy look after months of living in joggers, then these tips can help:

A sleek skirt or a sexy dress that skims and hugs your curves is great, but it can also be sophisticated enough to wear at work. Another great option is a light, flirty dress with an appealing front and back view.

Try adding a more masculine element, like a blazer, to a floaty dress to take it from playful to sexy.  There is no need to be underdressed or try too hard in order to get your outfit seen!

It should be right for you

Without exception, clothing should always be the right size for you. Wearing something that is way too big or much too small is never flattering, and can either draw focus to the wrong areas or make you look frumpy. Don’t be shy to ask the sales assistants in the store for help – avoiding ill-fitting clothing is a big deal, and should not be underestimated in the search for the perfect sexy dress. 

Most women will recall a time when they put something on, looked in the mirror, and wondered if the outfit was “too much”. Think about the times you’ve felt like this. Chances are you might have been wearing something that something that didn’t match your personality and just didn’t feel like ‘you’. 

Let the colour do the talking

Never underestimate colour, particularly red, when trying to be more sexy. Years of research and experience have shown that red is a “drawing” colour, making people more noticeable and ore appealing to one another.

The data is truly in – wear more red, even if you wear an oversized sweater! The same goes for make up – a stylish red lipstick on an otherwise neutral face, or a dab of red nail polish can go a long way in not only rounding off the look, but adding some spice and attention to it!

Zone it off

Alternating zones is the perfect way to dress up and show off your personality, regardless of your age, body type, or shape.

Broadly, it means focusing on one zone at a time. Busy top half? Tone down the bottom. Revealing some leg? Cover up your arms. Easy!

Because it is a guideline, it gives you enough freedom to adapt it to your needs, but because it gives structure, it can help you to create a solid look that works for you, while taking your personal preferences into account. 

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

When you get dressed in the morning, what are the main factors that influence the clothes you choose to wear?

Like most of us at the moment I work from home, so generally the main thing I think about when I decide what to wear is how comfortable the clothes are.

If you need to look professional though you might pick out clothes that look neat and polished and that make you feel confident and well put together.

And if you’re feeling a bit low you might pick out something in a bright colour that cheers you up.

I have to admit that I’m not a big follower of fashion, but I do think that the clothes we choose to wear can have a big impact on how we feel.  They can also effect how other people see us, and we can use the clothes we wear to make a statement to the world.

One of my favourite trends over the years has been slogan T-shirts.

There are so, so many designs to choose from that you can always find a T-shirt with a slogan or image on it to suit your mood and let the world know how you’re feeling.

You can start by picking out the colour of a T-shirt to suit either your mood or what you’re doing that day.

Bright colours like yellow and red are great if you’re feeling cheerful and want to show that to the world.  Or if you’re feeling a bit anxious and want something to help you feel a bit calmer you could go for a purple or green T-shirt.

The interesting thing with this is that studies have shown that the clothes we wear can change the way we feel, but as a result of us believing that they will.

So putting that red T-shirt on won’t magically make you feel happier, unless you believe that it will.  And that belief tends to come from knowing that this particular top fits you well, and that you feel confident in it.

The other place you can start with choosing a T-shirt is the slogan or design on it.

There are so many designs to choose from when it comes to women’s T-shirts so there really is something for every personality and every mood.

I love T-shirts with simple slogans like ‘not today’ for days when you’re not in the mood for dealing with the world and want to make a bit of a joke about it.  On the flip side of this I also love T-shirts with uplifting slogans and messages reminding people to be kind and keep positive.

These kinds of T-shirts can make us feel better when we put them on, as well as make other people smile when they see us wearing them, which isn’t bad for a humble T-shirt.

We can also express different sides of our personalities with the T-shirts we choose to wear.

You can use them to show your allegiance to a particular sports team, or to tell the world about your love of your favourite tv show or film.

If you have a more quirky personality you can find T-shirts that help you express that side of yourself with fun graphics and slogans.

No matter who you are, what mood you’re in or what you want to present to the world, you can find a T-shirt that will help you express yourself without having to say a word.

Do you have a favourite slogan T-shirt?  What do you think it says about you when you wear it?

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post

Are you considering expanding your home with a shiny new garden room but are not quite sure whether to make the commitment? Maybe you’re having some doubts about whether it will be worth the investment? 

Well, extensions to your home are not what they used to be. Gone are the days where you’d install a conservatory to your home where you’d be baking during the summer and freezing during the winter. Nowadays, garden rooms are much more sophisticated and offer a greater deal of protection from the outside.

To make things a little clearer, we break down some of the benefits of adding a garden room to your home! 

Why you should add a garden room to your home 

• More space – The first and most obvious benefit of adding a garden room to your home is that, of course, it offers your more space. Whether you’re looking for additional room to store things, a place where you can entertain guests, play with the children or take some time out and relax from a busy schedule, adding a few extra square metres can make the world of difference!  

• Increase the value of your home – Not only does the addition of a garden room provide some extra space in your home, it also increases its value. If at any point in the future you decide to sell your property, the addition of a garden room can be very appealing to any potential buyers. This allows you to raise the selling price and thus receiving more money.

• Transition between the outdoors and indoors – One of the great things about a garden room is in its name, it combines two spaces into one! Your garden feels more of an extension of your home rather than a separate space. With a garden room, you have a choice of accessories including door types that allow your new space to blend in perfectly with the outdoors. Plus, with modern insulation, you can gain all of the benefits of being outdoors without being exposed to the elements. 

• Choice, choice, choice – Unlike most other home extension options which are all fairly similar, a garden room provides you with an unprecedented amount of choice when it comes to the look, style and accessories that you can choose from. From the colour of the extension, to the door and window type to optional extras such as heating and speakers, with a garden room you are able to create a truly bespoke space like no other and one that caters to your exact needs.

For sure these are just a few of the many benefits that you can gain by choosing to install a garden room onto your property. As we said, home extensions are not what they once were and do offer homeowners a variety of advantages that traditional extensions do not. 

Therefore, if you’re feeling slightly hesitant about making the jump, don’t be! There are plenty of reasons why doing so can change the way that you use your home for years to come.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

Smart TVs are an ever-growing trend in the TV industry. It seems like we cannot get enough of this innovative, entertaining gadget. Each day, more sophisticated units flood the market, making it difficult for consumers to select the ideal candidate for their viewing experience. But is there more to these appliances than meets the eye? You are about to find out in this comprehensive guide.

When purchasing a smart TV, there are some specific factors to consider, some of which include functionality, budget, and interior setting. Knowing what to look out for in a TV set can save you time and money; otherwise, you may find yourself stuck in a psychological maze of indecision. So, I am here as your tourist guide to help you navigate the world of smart TVs easily.

Do I need a smart TV?

This fundamental question comes before an individual decides to go TV shopping. Many reasons may cause an individual to purchase a new smart TV; probably, the current one is faulty, or the user needs an upgrade.

Whatever the case may be, buying a new TV comes with several merits. For one, you can stream pre-installed programs, surf the internet, enjoy your favourite video games, view your gallery, and perform other exciting activities, without leaving your couch. These preloaded programs include but are not limited to Amazon Prime Video, Disney, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora.

Straightforward accessibility

What use is a smart TV if you have trouble operating it? For newer models, there is an intuitive walk-through process that guides users on how to install and set up their TV and TV software.

With the intervention of the internet in the TV industry, it is easy to download media files, surf the internet for relevant content, and carry out other tasks

My smart TV functionalities

Having an idea of what to shop for based on your specifications can go a long way in getting the best TV deal.

So, where do you begin? It’s simple, analyze your needs (if you live alone) and your family’s (if you have a household). For example, if you love sport, you need a smart TV device  that comes with the sport app pre-installed, or one you can download from the internet.

Other factors worth considering include size, functionality, compatibility, and quality. With the ideal screen dimension and resolution, you can get the best viewing experience. Recently, more TV specs are available in 4K, which is four times higher than the HD display version (1080p).

What about TV/smartphone connectivity?

The activities you can perform with a smart TV are endless, one of which includes shared connectivity. You can move media content from your TV to your smartphone, and vice-versa. It is not uncommon to find users controlling TV programs and streaming services from their mobile devices.

In summary, investing in smart TV may seem financially wearisome. However, several brands and models meet different pocket sizes. As a result, you will get an ideal TV set for your projected price range. Having one of these entertaining appliances can transform your home and your lifestyle.

With the content shared in this guide, I hope that you will be able to make the right decision when shopping.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

Times can be tough occasionally, and the family budget can take a beating every now and again.

As a parent, it can be one of your priorities to balance the books, ensure the bills get paid and everyone has what they need to function. But with that can come the stress and extra pressure.

Especially if the figures are just not adding up. Life can get in the way sometimes, and things can surprise us like unexpected bills when we least expect it.

But how can you make your family budget work for you?

There are tweaks and changes you can make to your spending habits and how you manage the family budget. I thought I would suggest to you some of the actions and steps that you could take to make it happen.

First of all, make sure you have exact figures for things. This will help you get a clear idea of where your money is going each month.

Once you have scrutinised your outgoings versus your income, you can attempt to make some of the changes suggested below.    

Time to reduce the food bill

One of the first things you can start to reduce would be the food bill. Traditionally, this can be one of the biggest outgoings you have per week after your mortgage or rent payment.

Thankfully, it is one that is in your complete control. A great tip would be to try meal planning. This can help you put together a list of the things you need, and stop you from wasting food or spending money when it isn’t necessary.

You could also look at making some changes to the places you shop and the type of food you buy. Choosing to have an extra meat-free evening to save on buying meat, if that is an option for your family. 

Make debt a priority

Debt can also become a big part of your outgoings, and while you may not have had that intention, it is a fact of life that people have some debt around them at different stages of their lives. Instead of burying your head in the sand with it, take control of the situation.

You could start with receiving some advice from local charities who could give you some of the options that you have. Or, you may be able to start paying things back yourself. A top tip would be to pay back the debt that costs you the most in interest first. 

Switch and save

When you begin this journey, you will have itemised what you spend on other outgoings such as energy and insurance. But when was the last time you changed provider for those things? Many companies save their best deals for new accounts, and so loyalty may not be paying off for you.

Switching could give you some amazing savings each month. Doing this sort of check regularly will ensure you always pay the lowest possible price for what you need. 

Be savvy with your shopping

Shopping can often be one of those things that can cause you issues. Your children and family members need things. They are always growing, and yes, that means you need to spend money.

However, it doesn’t need to dent the bank balance as much as you think. You can use discount codes and vouchers in order to find what you are looking for and save some money in the process. Plus sales are always a great place to shop and buy ahead of time.

You could also hop online for items that you need more frequently such as prescription glasses. Websites like https://www.eyeglasses.com can be very useful and offer up some great savings. You might also want to seek out the amazon deals where subscribing for items you buy frequently can give you some great savings. 

Recycle where possible 

Recycling isn’t just about your waste and rubbish; it is also about recycling older things from your older children for your young ones.

Toys, clothes, uniforms, they can all be stored and then reused when the time comes. It can be a great way to make some savings on those essential purchases that you know are on there way. 

Plan as much as you can 

Finally, planning can be a great way to ensure that you do all that you can to make some savings. You can plan birthdays and occasions. You can take time to plan Christmas by putting together lists of what you need to buy and save for. You can also plan for vacations.

Planning can help you save and prepare for what spending you need to make, so it doesn’t hit you too hard when the time comes. 

Let’s hope that these tips help you to boost the family budget and feel more in control of your finances. 

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

None of us – absolutely not a single one of us – is getting any younger. Ever since time began, there’s been no way to escape it. No way to hit pause. No way to rewind time to go back and make better decisions.

All we have is hindsight, and trying our best to learn from the mistakes of others. 

No matter which stage of life you find yourself muddling through, contemplating the ifs, buts, and maybes of yesterday, yesteryear, and what’s to come, there are most likely very few people reading this who think “um, nah, I’m fine actually, finances, relationships, career, fitness, all in check, but thanks for asking”.

It just doesn’t happen. That way of thinking is for the mega rich. The affluent 1%. The people who only have to worry about whether the name “Bigshot McBigshot Face” is taken for their yacht. 

Change is hard. Change that lasts is harder. That’s why we’re going to look at some tips for gaining the edge over lethargy and indecision. 

Plan it. Draw a chart. Get some markers and stickers.

It may sound silly, but whatever your goal is – from losing weight to saving money or even placing advertisements for a new drummer for your band – you probably need to hit daily and weekly goals of ‘bits’ of effort to chip away at your plan.

Think about it.

How much have you actually done this MONTH towards achieving that thing you want to do? South of zero? Yeah. See the issue? 

Let’s say you want to quit smoking (bonus lifestyle tip: you could even aim to switch to vaping to help ditch the cigarettes – see this range of vaping liquids). You need about three months to kick the cravings. That means you need a chart for 12 weeks.

Where you can see your progress, you’re more likely to stick to your goals.

You need a wall chart. With days mapped out and stickers ready to put in the boxes to show you how you’re progressing. 

Don’t overdo it – too much too fast is … too much

Here’s the thing about lifestyle changes that stick. You won’t lose weight overnight. You won’t become rich by Friday. Just like you’re not going to get the new job or meet the person of your dreams by sitting on the couch and doing nothing about it.

But can you do too much too fast? Yes, you can.

Don’t try to change too much at any one time in your life.

Pick one thing to straighten out. Health. Love life. Finances. Career. Whatever it is, nail it. One of the best ways to ‘nail it’ is to involve a friend. Tell someone what you’re thinking. They will shed some light on the issue, too. Plus, this regular support can be invaluable in keeping you on track. 

Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post