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It is important to make your wedding day special for both you and your guests. If you want to be able to make it special, then it is very important that you start planning early. It can take months of planning and preparation just to make the day perfect. Keep reading to find out tips on making your wedding day special.

Pick a colour scheme

Colour schemes can set the mood of a wedding. The tone of the event, whether it is formal or casual, can be conveyed through colour. Moreover, colour schemes create a sense of unity in decor and stationery.

Most modern-day weddings are themed around a single colour scheme. Some popular themes include black and white, dusty pink, lavender and sage green.

Choosing a theme for your wedding is an important decision because it sets the tone for your event and affects almost every aspect of your planning process including invitations, flowers, decor items like table runners or floral arrangements etc. Make your wedding special by choosing an unusual colour scheme, no matter what it is as long as you like it then that's all that matters.

Finding a wedding venue

Finding the right venue for your wedding can be a difficult task. The first step is to narrow down your options and figure out what kind of venue you are looking for. For example, if you want something more intimate, a small restaurant or outdoor location may work well for you.

Alternatively, if you're looking for something more grandiose with lots of guests and a bustling atmosphere, then an event hall or hotel may be the best choice.

Your third option could be looking abroad for a wedding venue, destination weddings are a huge thing nowadays and not only will it create amazing memories, but it's also a mini holiday in itself. Of course, you will have to look at current restrictions to see if it's possible to travel to whichever country you may choose.

Once you know what kind of venue would suit your tastes best, it's time to start contacting them about availability and prices and getting it booked in.

Find the perfect bridesmaid dress

Finding the perfect bridesmaid dress can be a difficult task. You want to find something that will complement your dress and suit all of your friends’ tastes. I will go over a few different things you should keep in mind while browsing for dresses for your wedding party.

There are two main types of dresses - short and long. Short dresses generally come in three styles: strapless, one-shoulder, or strappy back. Longer dresses often have more embellishments and more fabric at the bottom, which allows you to tie them up if they are too long.

If you want an affordable dress that is also on-trend right now, then silk maxi dresses are perfect for your bridal party! Maxi dresses also offer a lot of versatility and they are one of the most elegant choices for bridesmaid dresses.

Oftentimes prom dresses make the best choice for bridesmaids dresses and it's always possible to find a prom dress to suit you or your bridesmaids.

Download apps to share your wedding photos

Mobile apps that allow you to share your wedding photos are a new trend. People share their special day online with family and friends after the event.

There are many reasons why people would want to use mobile apps for their wedding day. One is they can share the photos with those who couldn't make it to the wedding so that they can still feel included in the celebration. Another reason is that people like having a tangible memory of their event or experience, which is why some users like taking a photo of the food they ate at the wedding reception as well. It's all part of the experience and you should definitely look into wedding photo sharing to get the most out of your wedding photos.

Create your own wedding invitations

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a very rewarding experience that also gives you the opportunity to create something personalized and unique. Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. They can make or break the first impression of your big day, so it's important to take the time to create your own just the way you want them.

It doesn't matter if you're just looking for something simple or more elaborate, there are plenty of tutorials and templates available online that will help you get started. Check out Canva as they offer a really easy way to create wedding invitations right from their app or website and they even have templates to work from! Not only will it save you time creating them from scratch but it will also save you money as you won't have to hire someone to create them.

There are so many ways to make your wedding unique and special so really look into your heart to see what you want and make it your own! While you are here why not check out more wedding-related posts?

19 July No comments

*Contributed post. All opinions are the writers own.

Travel is the best thing you will ever do in your life. It enables you to see new cultures, experience new food and drink and it really broadens your horizons. You will learn about new places, see things that you could only have ever imagined and make memories that you will never forget. The world is a huge place and there are so many places to see. From the pyramids in Egypt to skiing in the Alps or exploring history in Rome and a beach holiday in the Caribbean you are spoilt for choice. There are so many different ways that you can see the world too, it doesn’t just have to be on a holiday. Here we have put together some different ways to travel the world that will enable you to experience it in a different way.

Photo by Francesco Ungaro from Pexels

Through volunteering abroad

Volunteering abroad is one of the best ways that you can travel, while also doing something amazing that helps other people. Whether you are looking into volunteering Tanzania, where you can help with teaching, childcare, medical or more different aspects, or if you are looking to volunteer somewhere else, there are so many opportunities. Volunteering includes things such as a safe and secure trip set up for you, airport pick-up, orientation, breakfast and dinner, accommodation and local support too. You will have time off so you can explore the country, as well as learning a new way of life when you are doing your volunteering. You will get to meet new people and know you are making a difference in the life of others.

On a cruise

A cruise is a great way to travel as you get the chance to see so many countries and cities without any hassle. You don’t need to unpack your things or worry about how you are going to get from one place to another. Instead, you simply go to sleep in your cabin on your luxurious cruise ship and wake up somewhere new. You could go from tasting fresh pastries in France to sipping limoncello outside the Colosseum, to watching Flamenco dancing in Spain - all within the same week. It is one of the best and more hassle-free ways to explore the world. Make sure you check out the variety of different ships and find the best one for you. They have all sorts of features including ice rinks, water parks, theatres and so much more, so there is something for everyone.

With a road trip

If you want the flexibility to travel wherever you want and with no restrictions on times or how long you stay places then a road trip could be the perfect trip for you. With a road trip, you can plan a rough itinerary before you go, but then it is down to you! Why not hire out a vintage car with an open-top roof to have the true road trip experience? There are many places you can go on a road trip, it is a good idea to do your research and think of what you want from your trip. Do you want to go to different beaches? If so, a trip around Key West could be good for you. Perhaps you want to see a few different European cities? Or maybe you want to do the famous route 66? Just ensure you are prepared with the right insurance and breakdown cover and know where you can stop for fuel and snacks in case you get hungry along the way! Why not look at Pinterest to find different ideas of where you can head?

On a safari holiday

Safari holidays are a completely unique way to travel and are a real bucket list trip that everyone needs to do in their lifetime. With a safari, you can stay in many types of unique accommodation such as in a safari lodge or camping out. You will get to go on a safari where you will see a range of incredible animals such as zebras, lions and elephants if you are lucky. This trip enables you to see a totally new part of the world and see animals up close and personal in their natural habitat. You can learn more about how they live, what they are like in the wild and get the chance to sleep under the stars. Be sure to read up and find where you want to go as there are so many different safari opportunities for you to choose from. They are quite expensive so you want to make sure you are doing the best for yourself.

Going backpacking

If you are good at packing light and want to travel more on a budget, then backpacking is the ideal way for you to see the world. You can go for a matter of weeks or months, it is completely up to you! Pack your things into a backpack, plan your route and then enjoy the freedom to travel between towns and cities whenever you feel like it. You can either camp or stay in hostels and hotels (or do a mix of all of these.) It is a good idea to research accommodation and camping sites ahead of time so you know where you can stay and how near it is to attractions. Backpacking is a great way to meet new people as you travel and due to this social side, a lot of people are happy doing it solo as well as with friends or their partner.

These are just a few fun ways that you can travel and enjoy yourself when you head abroad. It is important to keep in mind that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. By travelling the world and taking in new experiences you will come back a happier, more cultured and wiser person. Remember to take plenty of photos to document your trip and plan what you want to do ahead of time so you don’t miss out on anything!

While you are here why not check out more of my travel content?

17 July No comments

*This is a collaborative post.

Swimsuits for women are available in a wide range of designs, fabrics and cuts. Some of the most popular materials that are used in the manufacturing of these swimsuits are lycra, spandex and even nylon. All these materials are very responsive to expanding and contracting while the wearer is active in the water. In combination with polyester, which has excellent chlorine-resistant properties, you are sure to find a suit made of a combination of materials that will give you years of excellent service.

Look after your suit, and it will look after you.

Chlorine is a swimsuit killer, and sometimes, just having a chlorine-resistant swimsuit is not enough. There are many other things you could do to prevent it from wearing out or fading before its time. Rinsing the swimsuit out after every use, drying it out of direct sunlight, and not leaving it in a crumpled heap after use, are all great ways to extend the lifespan of your suit.

If you own a swimsuit with many embellishments, like beading, glitter and sequins, you will need to take extra care in the care and maintenance of this suit, to prevent it from losing any of the embellishments. Gentle handwashing, or even just rinsing the piece in clean water can go a long way in maintaining it. Watch out for potentially scratchy embellishments if you have sensitive skin, as these can be a potential irritant.

Some people are also sensitive to the actual material that the suit is made of. Cheap swimsuits often have a way of feeling “fuzzy” and making the wearer feel itchy. If you are uncomfortable in any way with how the material feels in your hands, rather leave it. You will never enjoy wearing the piece, and in all likelihood, you will end up buying another, because you can’t tolerate the material, which is a waste of money.

How to get around body issues in a swimsuit

Realistically, the percentage of people who can just get into a swimsuit and not worry about what they look like is by miles the minority. But don’t despair – there are many useful tips and hacks you can use to camouflage the weaker points and boost the appearance of the stronger ones.

If you are uncomfortable about your bottom half, solve the problem by drawing the focus to the top. Go for women’s swimsuit with large patterns and bright colours, paired with bottoms in a solid colour. If you want to cover more of your bottom, consider boy-leg shorts, but remember that the lines on the cut have a way of interrupting the flow of the leg line and making legs look shorter and stockier. If you have a great waist, go for anything wraparound, from sarongs to detailed bathing suits.

Something for everyone

If you feel you need more than just the cut and design of a piece to rely on, there is always the option of a slimming swimsuit. Don’t forget to compare features and prices between different pieces to find the best suit for you. Remember that every body is beach ready in the end, no matter what you choose to wear.

Let me know your favourite style of swimsuit in the comments below and while you are here why not check out more of my fashion content?

14 July No comments

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We all go through stressful moments in our life, some more than others. The key to life is balance, so if you find yourself stressed quite often, then come up with a list of little things you can do to help reduce that stress and refer back to it anytime you need to. That's exactly what today's post is, a list of 7 little things that I do to reduce stress and help me relax.

Take a Bath

This one might be a little cliche in that it's always the first thing people mention when it comes to combatting stress and talking about self-care but it really does work! For me, it's the number one thing I do to help reduce any stressful feelings I might have as well as what I do to generally relax. I may bathe 3-5 times a week and for me, it's a little treat at the end of the day before I go to bed. To make your bath as relaxing as possible, add some baths salts, bubble baths, bath soak or even a bath bomb and melt away in the glorious scents. I also like to read a book when I go in the bath and completely lose myself in the story for an hour or so.

Play Online Games

I've been gaming for as long as I can remember, it started with a PS1 and my love grew from there. I now play some form of a game every day, whether it's on the Xbox, a Facebook game, a mobile game or an online game, I always have something on the go. When it comes to mobile or online games, my favourites to reduce stress and relax are definitely card games, outfit creation games, match 3 and role-playing games. I also really enjoy playing Bingo (the non-gambling kind). I'm always on the lookout for new mobile games or online gaming websites that I can use. The latest one I use is called Plays.org and it's completely free to play. They have a whole list of different categories of games to play so there is definitely something for everyone. The screenshots above are just a few of the games I've played on there.

Watch ASMR

I don't think a lot of people know what ASMR is but it's something I watch pretty much every single day. It stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and it's a 'tingling' sensation that typically starts in the back of your head, but not everyone experiences ASMR. It also creates a deeply relaxed feeling in your body with the use of sounds as well as visual 'triggers'. If you don't know what ASMR is, I like to say it's similar to listening to relaxing sounds such as rain or ocean sounds but even better. My favourite 'trigger' is definitely face brushing, as for me it's the most relaxing thing ever. If you are interested in learning more or experiencing ASMR I'd suggest you check out Gentle Whispering ASMR, WhispersRed ASMR and Latte ASMR as they are 3 of my favourite ASMR YouTubers. I actually have an ASMR video playing as I'm writing this post.

Light a Candle/ Use Wax Melts

I feel like this is another cliche but again it works. When I feel like I need to relax a little more, I tend to either light a candle or get a wax melt on the go. The flickering flame is not only a really mesmerising and relaxing thing to watch but if you also pick your favourite scent, then it's an even better experience. My personal favourite scents are vanilla (a classic), caramel and heavy scents similar to those too. Bonus points if you light a candle when you go in the bath.

Watch Something Funny

When I'm feeling a bit stressed or down I tend to watch things that are funny as that really helps to boost my mood. I love watching stand-up comedies, comedy movies or sit-com tv shows. My favourite stand-up comedians are Michael McIntyre, Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart as I laughed so much at their recent shows. My go-to for watching stand-up comedy is definitely Netflix. I always find a good special to watch on there.

Spend Time with my Dog

Another thing I like to do to reduce stress is to spend time with my dog, whether that be playing with his toys in the garden or giving him a cuddle while I'm watching something, it's great for both him and me. He is a very needy dog so he definitely loves a cuddle at any moment and he snuggles up as much as he possibly can, especially when he is sleepy. At the times when he isn't sleepy, he likes me to throw his toys so he can run after them and then most times wants me to chase him around the garden. This turns out to be an exercise for both of us which is also a well-known way to reduce stress too.

Sit in the Sun for 10 Minutes

Last but definitely not least, another thing I do to reduce stress and relax is to sit out in the sun for 10 minutes. This only works in Summer, which is why it's my favourite season but nothing beats feeling the hot sun on your face when you are feeling stressed. I always find I'm much happier in Summer compared to the rest of the year and that is because of the sun. An instant mood booster.

So, which of these, if any do you do to reduce stress? Let me know in the comments below as well as what other things you do and while you are here why not check out more of my lifestyle content?

30 June No comments

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Rings have been worn since ancient times in one form or another. In fact, experts believe that some of the first things intended to display a romantic relationship between two individuals were fashioned from thin pieces of pliable wood. When humans began to learn how to extract, smelt, purify, and form metals, this art form was taken to an entirely different level.

It is now possible to choose from a host of different rings if we wish to show our significant other how much we care. Three common examples include engagement rings, eternity bands and wedding rings. However, you might not be aware of the differences associated with each. Let us examine these types of rings in greater detail. You can then make an informed choice at the right time.

Engagement Rings

As we are all aware, engagement rings represent the promise of a future marriage. Perhaps their most defining characteristic is that many engagement rings are quite ornate in nature. The vast majority will also display at least one precious stone such as a diamond. A Whiteflash 1 carat diamond ring will help to illustrate how such a stone can make any piece of jewellery truly shine. Engagement rings are also known for their thinner bands when compared to other variants, as the intention is to visually emphasize the presence of the stone.

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings are likewise different when compared to engagement rings. Most are associated with thicker bands and they tend to be less "flashy". In fact, many are fashioned from nothing more than a single precious metal (such as gold, platinum or palladium). The main reason behind this approach is that wedding bands will need to last for years and (hopefully) decades at a time. So, they tend to be associated with a greater degree of functionality. There can still be times when precious stones are included and yet, these are the exceptions more than the rules.

Eternity Bands

Eternity bands are somewhat of a new concept in the marketplace and they have already made a lasting impression. The primary characteristic of an eternity ring is the presence of precious stones around its entire circumference. Thus, the term "eternity" makes sense in regards to how the stones are placed. Unlike a wedding or engagement ring, eternity bands can be designed to be worn on any finger (and even in conjunction with a wedding ring). Furthermore, weddings are not the only reason to give an eternity ring as a gift. Significant life events such as an anniversary or the birth of a child are just as appropriate.

When it comes to choosing the right ring for your requirements, we can see that a number of factors will come into play. However, never forget that you always have a significant amount of leeway in terms of the designs and stones that are employed. Thanks to the presence of trusted online diamond dealers, selecting the most appropriate option has never been easier.

28 June No comments

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5 Practices to Create an Anti-Aging Skincare Regimen

Want to stay young forever? Learn how to set a perfect and effective anti-aging skincare routine to get youthful and glowing skin! Read here to know more!

Introduction

Having an anti-aging skincare regimen is impossible to start too early in your life! When you look at commencing a skincare routine, you should always be looking at elements that will keep your skin youthful, not just for the present but also for the future.

Incorporating skincare elements that aid skin healing, skin repair, and skin rejuvenation are crucial to keeping the integrity of your skin for the longest time, including practices and products to support all of these elements, which may help keep you looking younger for longer.

Before we look at what you can do to keep your skin looking young, we need to look at the facts behind aging and premature aging of the skin.

Facts About Aging Skin

So why does skin age? And what makes it age faster than usual? The appearance of aging skin all centers around the condition and integrity of the dermal layers, which contribute to healthy and glowing skin.

When the dermal layers become damaged, the collagen and elastin within the layers become depleted and will give the skin an aged appearance, manifesting as:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Dull and lifeless skin
Sagging skin
Areas of pigmentation
Dry skin

There are many ways that your delicate skin can become damaged over time and the biggest factors in the aging of the skin include:

Sun exposure
Dehydration
Incorrect skincare routine
Diet
Smoking
Environmental factors such as pollution

So, how can we make sure that our skincare routine supports our skin in looking more youthful and rejuvenated?

Let’s go through a few of the most essential elements to include in an anti-aging skincare routine.

What to Include In an Anti-wrinkle Skincare Routine

1] Cleanse

This may seem like an obvious point, but cleansing your skin twice a day, morning and night, can help to remove all of the grime and makeup from your skin.

A gentle cleanser is best with natural ingredients such as Vitamin C & Vitamin E as these, and others, have many antioxidant benefits for your skin, leaving it looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

2] Exfoliate!

Exfoliation is designed to create an action on the skin that removes all of the dead skin cells and grime on the skin, which can leave skin looking dull and lifeless.

Exfoliation also increases the turnover of cells within the dermal layers, and this may help to improve the elasticity, appearance, and overall health of your skin.

There are two types of exfoliation:

Chemical Exfoliation - This uses AHA and BHA compounds, primarily derived from fruit and sugars, to effectively dissolve the glue that makes dirt and grime stick to your skin, releasing it for removal.
Physical Exfoliation - This exfoliation uses a mechanism, such as a gentle abrasive within a formulation, to physically slough away the dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of the skin.

3] Hydrate

To achieve the healthy and glowing skin you are looking for, you need to hydrate from within!

Making sure you consume enough water can do wonders for your skin. Skin thrives on hydration, and hydrated skin is younger-looking skin! You need to be drinking at the very least 2 liters of clear water a day to achieve:

Skin that is moisturized
Skin that is free of toxin buildup
Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduced sagging of the skin
Skin that has fewer blemishes and acne

4] Skincare Repair

Some of the damage may have already been done. When this is the case, we need to start incorporating skincare and products that provide our skin with that extra assistance to repair the dermal layer and keep the skin looking youthful and rejuvenated. This includes products such as serums, the best anti-wrinkle creams, and masks specifically for anti-aging.

Many supplements can also promote skin health from within, and these are great for topping up levels of elements you need for healthy and younger-looking skin.

Dermal Repair Complex is a specifically designed anti-aging dietary supplement that is designed to combat the visible external signs of aging from the inside out, leaving the skin with a firmer and more lifted appearance.

Among other ingredients, Dermal Repair Complex includes Hyaluronic Acid, an effective humectant (attracts and holds moisture in the skin), and Hydrolyzed Collagen, which can the amino acids in the body that may promote firmer and more lifted skin.

5] Sun Protection

Although you may think it’s ridiculous having sunscreen on the days you cannot see the sun, it is essential to remember every day.

Damage is caused to the skin by both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and both will cause further damage to the skin, so it’s important to note that sunscreen should be a daily part of your routine too.

Ensure you incorporate an SPF expressly for your skin in your daily routine by simply adding this layer into your cleansing and moisturizing routine every morning. You won’t notice an extra layer of protection, but your skin will undoubtedly thank you for it!

Conclusion

As we have now seen, it is never too early to start an anti-aging skincare regimen as it is better to help prevent damage now rather than try and repair extensive damage later on in life.

There are so many factors that can affect the appearance of your skin, such as hydration, poor lifestyle habits, including smoking, and a poor diet, and environmental elements such as pollution and sun damage.

We can help keep our skin looking more youthful by following an anti-aging skincare routine that includes making sure our skin is clean, clear of dead skin cells and grime, hydrated, and protected internally and externally with protective skincare and supplements. Further, the best anti-wrinkle creams on the market can make a huge difference to your complexion. By following all of the advice here and making sure you have the best anti-aging skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking much younger, more rejuvenated, and with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

27 June 1 comments