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Joey is two years old tomorrow.

Can you believe it? Two whole years since I became a Granny. Children warp time don’t they? On the one hand you have no idea where the time has gone, but also you can’t remember life without them. Individual days as a new parent feel about a week long, and then suddenly they’re off to school.

Cozy Mum and Me wrap review

Joey enjoying his first ever round of crazy golf

I remember when Joey was small, teaching him to press the buttons in his favourite book, the one that made the animal noises, his chubby finger doing its best to press the right bit. Then learning about his cement mixer toy, and how to put the balls in the top and open the door at the back to have them pop out again. In my mind that’s Joey, opening the little cement truck door over and over, concentrating hard.

And now he’s one day away from being two.

Although he’s a little more dexterous than he once was he still has the chubby fingers, pressing buttons, learning how things work. View Post

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Can I fast track a-levels?

What are A Levels?

So, first questions what are A-Levels? A level, Short for Advanced Level, typically come after students have completed GCSEs. A levels are usually focus on more academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs and NVQs, which are more practical. There are more than 40 different A-level subjects on offer – some will be subjects that you studied at GCSE and others may be new.

Students typically go onto to do A Levels if they want to go to university or to broaden their educational prospects. A-Levels are highly favoured by universities and valuable to future employees so it is worth considering.

What are Fast track A-Levels?

A Levels are typically done in a 2-year period, in the first-year students complete their AS levels then decide which ones they would like to continue for A Levels. However, students that are academically capable and determined can complete their A levels in just one academic year.

This means that you can be on your way to university or applying for new jobs in half the normal amount of time. With Rochester Independent College students can successfully complete their A- Levels in just one year – getting into the top universities. With priority tutor and individual support and no breaks for holidays, you can progress through the course at your own pace – RIC let’s you take things at your own pace!

From more academic subjects like maths & science to more creative subjects like Media studies – RIC has plenty of subjects to choose from. By completing the course in less time, it means that you can jumpstart your career or education and be where you want to be in significantly less time.

Switching courses on fast track A-Levels

Unsure about initial subject choices for your fast track A Level year? There is no need to worry.

Some students may not be happy with their initial subject choices once the course begins. That is why switching A Levels has been made easier. Students can now switch early in the year. This ensures students are happy with their courses, so they will be more likely to succeed in their studies.

Students choose their A Levels months before starting the course. So, it is easy to understand that once the course starts that sometimes the choices don’t fit with the student. At colleges like Rochester Independent College, students can talk to their tutors and the Sixth Form advisor about their subject choices. This means that students get the advice that they need by working closely with their tutors. Together, they’ll ensure each student can head in the right direction for their future career paths and studies.

International students and fast track A-Levels

Fast-track A-Level courses are also well suited to international students. If they have a good academic background. Additionally, they can be most useful as a gateway into top UK universities. Studying fast-track A Levels can also be used as an alternative to foundation courses at university, therefore making the transition to higher education smoother.

As an additional stepping-stone, English classes are generally available for international students. These help to improve written and verbal English language skills. These will, of course, make it easier to thrive when the student moves on to university.

Find out more here

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Advertisement feature in association with Rellery

What have been the small changes that you’ve noticed about yourself during the pandemic? I’m not talking the obvious stuff, like missing your friends and family, (or not), or accidentally starting an interior design degree and just doing one module, but the little things – the stuff that’s surprised you.

I surprised myself with how much I’ve enjoyed spending time alone, like REALLY enjoyed it. I’ve explored so many new places, been on so many walks, and I never get bored. It’s wonderful being able to go at your own pace and stop for ice creams as many times as you want. (If you like cute outings then go and check out my Instagram highlights, where I save my favourites.) As a teenager I always loved it when the whole family went out for the day and I was allowed to stay at home by myself, reorganising my bedroom and listening to recordings of the top 40. I’ve always known I didn’t mind spending time alone, but being a parent for the last 25 years hasn’t lent itself to solitude. Now though I’ve remembered how much I love it.

I’ve been surprised too by the things I’ve held on to and the things I’ve let go of. I haven’t plucked my eyebrows in over a year for example – it turns out I just don’t care about that – but I have continued to wear perfume. I wear the same perfume as my Gran – Chanel No 5 – and the smell of it every morning always reminds me of her. It feels significant, a reminder of my roots maybe.

On the flipside, I’ve hardly worn any jewellery and the dress side of my wardrobe has barely been opened. On the one hand I’ve enjoyed thinking less about what I wear, but I have missed the excuse to get a little bit more dressed up. It was why I was really quite excited when Rellery got in touch to see if I wanted to try a few pieces from their collection.

Rellery has a wide range of earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets to choose from, and there are collections across different pieces if you like your jewellery to co-ordinate. The quality of their jewellery is fantastic – they only use precious metals, (sterling silver, 18K gold over sterling silver, and 14K solid gold), plus their chains are designed with tighter links to withstand up to 6lb of force. They also offer personalisation on a lot of their pieces, so you can make them extra special.

I used the excuse of a trip to the seaside to visit some friends last weekend to show off a couple of my new pieces.

First up I chose one of their 18K gold over sterling silver anklets. I haven’t owned an anklet in years but I am so happy with it – there is just something about an anklet isn’t there that makes you feel kind of young and free, like you should be strolling barefoot along an empty beach or dancing at a festival?

Rellery anklets View Post

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uk travel bloggers

2020 certainly caused a great deal of disruption to livelihoods across a staggering number of industries. Very few of us were able to continue on as though nothing had happened and, for the most part, the interruptions far outweighed those experiences and moments that enabled us to forget about the state of the world, and its billions of inhabitants.

It is only inevitable, then, that with the world beginning to open up, welcome old habits, and encourage a renewed sense of community and sociableness, the entire travel and tourism industry is preparing to take that first bold step into the future, and welcome old and new ways in equal measure.

Of course, the transition into this new period will not be completed in one go – it will take months, or even years, for us to feel as though the past has been overwritten by the present. Still, the time for us to feel buried beneath it all is decidedly over, and plenty of new opportunities for development are assuredly on the horizon.

Travel blogging has, under various guises, long represented a mainstay for tourism. For one thing, influencers offer a great new source of promotion for countries looking to boost their tourism industry. only that, but it has also offered a highly creative and personal outlet for anyone – whether they make a six figure salary from it, or a little pocket money – and one that, like a bucket-list destination, we can all explore at our own leisure.

So, what will the new face of travel blogging be as we move toward a ‘new normal’? Read more below.

Accessible and Inclusive

This first entry pertains to a much wider trend taking place across the web – one that leans toward a more authenticity and diversity from influencers, rather than one that adheres to a limiting and oft unattainable set of standards.

While many of us defer the dream of travel blogging based on any number of excuses – ‘I’m not interesting enough’ or ‘I wouldn’t know how to get started’ – it remains true that a budding travel blogger requires only a few basic tools – all of which are attainable. For instance, the ability to create a website that truly speaks to our unique tastes, temperament and philosophies is easier than ever. The roads, skies, and seas are once again opening up to travelers, and, with the rising interest in staycations, there is an option for almost any budget.

Other than that, a sturdy notebook and a reliable pen can always be found at the airport – and cell phone photography is something any traveler can master.

Fueled by Sustainability

Fortunately for all of us, the travel industry is in no way immune to the mounting call for sustainability, and establishing a future of sustainable travel is something that many companies and individuals alike are focusing on in this interim period between tragedy and regeneration.

Travel bloggers, by virtue of their direct links with a global market of fellow travelers – and, of course, their growing influence over travel trends and habits – will hold a vital position in furthering the incentive toward a much more sustainable, respectful approach to travel.

Already, ‘sustainable travel blogs’ are popping up across the web – and, as a result of our growing concern for our carbon footprint, and the impact it has on the planet, many of us are already intentionally seeking them out.

The ‘Workation’

Travel trends are always going to be dictated, to a certain extent, by wider trends that impact the rest of our professional and personal lives. It is no wonder, then, that as we enter into a new chapter post-2020, and remote working continues to represent the new normal for more people around the world than ever before, that creatives are looking for new ways to take advantage of this setup, and make the most of officeless work.

Workations are, as the name would suggest, essentially vacations for work. Rather than booking time off, employees can simply book a new environment in which to continue their remote work setup.

Of course, this is certainly something that promises to be a ‘love it or hate it’ travel trend. Still, it already looks to be gaining significant popularity, with OOO, or Out of Office travel, ranking at the very top of CN Traveler’s Top 10 Travel Trends for 2021.

As a result, it seems to be inevitable that the two disparate worlds of corporate and travel blogging will soon collide, and plenty more niches will begin to open up for creative and proactive new bloggers to explore in the coming months and years.

There are, no doubt, plenty more travel trends for 2021 that will continue to reshape the ways in which new and existing travel bloggers engage with their hobby – and of course their audiences. Some things will inevitably stay the same, but we can all look forward to a new landscape, complete with new opportunities, as the clouds of 2020 continue to shift.

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In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.

Cornwall hotels

What are your holiday plans for 2021? With international travel still complicated and expensive, chances are you’re staying in the UK this year. We certainly won’t be doing anything exotic. No American road trips or cruising the Caribbean for us. We have already had a fabulous few days in Pembrokeshire in May, and we have some time mid-July set aside for a weekend in a hired motorhome, but aside from that we will be keeping things pretty relaxed. Partly this is also because we’re planning on getting a dog this year – puppy training and settling in is going to be taking precedent in 2021.

One thing I would really like to do though, before our lives are taken over by pets, is to take a trip down to Cornwall to see my Dad and family there. We were lucky enough to see each other in January last year, before everything went pear shaped, but that’s still nearly a year and a half ago now – an awfully long time to not see people.

We live in Somerset, so we can just about get to Cornwall in a (very long) day, but we much prefer to make a mini break out of it and find a hotel in Cornwall for a night or two. Let’s be honest, we’ll make a mini break out of literally anything given half the chance. I bloody love a mini break.

Catching up with family is the perfect excuse for a bit of time away though, whether that’s a hotel, camping or airbeds on the floor. They say a change is as good as a rest after all don’t they? (Although I’m not convinced an airbed ever counts as a rest.)

It’s lovely just have a change of scene, to see the sea, to eat in new places – simple pleasures like fish and chips on the beach can be so joyous when we really appreciate them. We’ve all been stuck in our own homes for so long now, any opportunity to regain that sense of freedom, to gain a different perspective, has to be a good thing.

If you have family that you haven’t seen for a while then I really hope you get to see them this summer. Fingers crossed for some summer sunshine too.

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Is CBD oil safe for dogs?

In recent times, many pet parents are embracing the use of CBD products. As a result, dog owners wonder if the rave around it is worth trying on their pet. It is normal to be concerned, after all, you want your pup to get the best.

What Is CBD?

CBD is also known as cannabidiol, a compound that is present in hemp and marijuana. Unlike its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its psychoactive effect, this compound is relatively harmless. The cannabidiol oil is gotten from the seeds of cannabis plants.

Research has been ongoing for years to ascertain if it is effective for treating different health problems. It has proven to have anti-inflammatory effect, analgesic properties, and appetite stimulation components.

But before considering whether CBD Oil would be good for your dog’s health and well-being, you need to get more information about this type of treatment. Continue reading to know whether CBD oil is safe for your dog, including the health problems it can treat.

What Health Conditions Can Cannabidiol Treat in Dogs?

Cannabidiol can be used to treat the following health conditions in dogs:

  1. Mild to chronic pain
  2. Seizures
  3. Nausea
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Stress and anxiety

How Does CBD Oil for Dogs Work?

One of the major components of the cannabis plant is cannabinoids. This component contains over 500 chemicals out of which CBD and THC are the most active. When your dog ingests CBD oil, the cannabinoids interact with a receptor known as endocannabinoid.

This endocannabinoid is found in the dog’s central nervous system. It is this system that is responsible for maintaining a healthy balance within the body. The cannabinoid will then help to bring calm to the dog by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.

Proper Dosage of CBD Oil

You need to give your dog the right dosage to avoid any potential risk. Just as the body reacts to some treatments or supplements, your dog’s system may react to the CBD oil. So, if you are trying this treatment for the first time, try to start from small doses then monitor its reaction to the dosage.

Additionally, some brands encourage giving your pet 5mg per 2.2 pounds. Dogs such as Pugs, Chihuahua, and Pomeranians are given low dosage due to their body weight. But large dogs like the Dane can be given a high dose based on their heavy weight and feeding needs.

However, you should talk to a vet before making any decision. You can check out https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/08/19/cbd-products-pets/?arc404=true to know the importance of consulting a veterinary doctor.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Your dog may experience some side effects when it ingests cannabidiol. However, it is important to administer it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any issues. Some side effects of this treatment include the following:

1. Low Blood Pressure

A high dosage can result in a decrease in your dog’s blood pressure for a while. Even if the dosage is little, it may cause a temporary light-headed feeling in some dogs.

2. Drowsiness

When CBD oil is administered at a high dose for treating anxiety disorder in dogs, the calming effect it brings could cause your pet to be drowsy for a while.

3. Dry Mouth

This oil is known to reduce saliva production in the mouth. So, in dogs, it increases their thirst for water as they may lack saliva temporarily.

Factor to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil for Dogs

Is CBD oil safe for dogs

There are some things to consider before purchasing CBD products. Remember that not all brands are the same, and you will want to get a high-quality and effective product. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Discuss with a Vet

Before making any decision on whether you should try this treatment on your dog or not, it is best to discuss with a professional. The veterinary doctor will recommend some certified products that can work for your pet based on its size and weight.

Quality

CBD products can come as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. You can also get them as isolates, which are cheap but not always safe for dogs. The broad-spectrum is balanced while the full-spectrum contains all the cannabinoids in the right composition.

It is advisable to go for full-spectrum products. They will provide maximum health benefits to your dog.

Buy Organic Products

It is generally recommended to purchase from brands that grow their hemp plant. They can monitor the growth and follow approved farm practices. So, before you buy, ensure it is grown in America, not overseas. This will enable you to trace its source to know whether it is an organic product.

Choose CO2-Extracted Products

There are different methods of extracting the oil, like the ethanol-based method. But the ethanol may mix up with the oil in the process. However, the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a safe way to extract CBD oil. The result is a quality and toxin-free product.

Certificate of Analysis

Whichever product you decide to get must have this certificate. This analysis certificate is a third-party lab testing result of the oil. It indicates its potency, concentration, and whether it is toxin-free.

Some brands may not have the certificate in their manual except you ask for it. You can read this article to learn more about the certificate of analysis for cannabidiol oil.

Conclusion

We all love our furry friends; therefore, we want to choose the best treatment for them. CBD oil is a versatile and effective product. It is helpful in the treatment of many health-related issues from pain to anxiety, including the overall improvement of your dog’s health.

Finding a product that will work for your buddy may be challenging, but you can discuss it with a professional. With the vet’s advice and other factors discussed in this article, you can choose a high-quality CBD oil that will benefit your pet.

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The program you study in college has a bearing on the level of success you attain in life. However, most students are never sure about the courses they should select. They are overwhelmed by the huge number of available options. What are the processes that you should follow before you pick a college program to pursue?

  • Assess your interests and abilities
  • Create a list of programs you can pursue
  • Research on the pros and cons of pursuing these programs
  • Consult career experts
  • Pick the most appropriate program

The attractiveness of this travel and tourism is increasing each day. It is because of the opportunities that are available for people with expertise in this area. Whether you like working indoors or outdoors environment, you always have something to do in this industry. Moreover, the industry is experiencing steep growth, which means the professionals in this industry are always assured of career progression.

However, you should show potential employers that you are the person they are looking for. Understand that you are likely to face stiff competition from other experts in this field. Therefore, you should attain the right level of competence. If you stand out among your peers, it is easy for you to secure employment.

The level of competence you attain depends on the type of school you attend. With the many colleges that offer this degree, it may be difficult for you to choose the right one. What should you do to ensure you end up in the right travel and tourism college? Here are tips to help you:

Create a List of Institutes to Choose From

Writing as therapy

The problem with most students is that they limit themselves when it comes to choosing travel and tourism colleges. For instance, they pick one institution and assume it is good for them without analyzing other options. As soon as they begin studying, they notice that they made a wrong selection. It gets to a point where they quit their studies.

Going to college is not all about becoming an accomplished essay writer. You also want to develop other aspects of your life, including your communication skills. Therefore, you should create a list of 5 to 10 institutes and evaluate them to determine one where you’ll benefit the most.

Ascertain the Credibility of the Institution

Many institutions offer travel and tourism programs. However, you should know that some of them are not accredited. Studying in an unapproved institution is a waste of your money and time. Therefore, you should assess the college carefully before you seek admission.

Visit the website of the body that approves colleges in your region. Ensure it is as credible as grademiners.com. If you notice that any institute in your list is not approved, strike it off. Studying in a school with regional or national accreditation is always advantageous as it enhances financial aid and boosts employment probabilities.

Conduct a Comprehensive Research on the Colleges

Many institutes are available for those who intend to undertake travel and tourism programs. They all claim to give the best services to students. However, you should never take what they say as the only truth. You need to do your research.

People who have studied in these institutes can give you a true picture of what they offer. If they tell you something negative about the college, that is a sign that you shouldn’t trust that institution. Where you can find credible websites like apnews.com, read the reviews to determine the suitability of the college you are interested in.

Assess the Qualifications of the Instructors

The competence level you attain depends on the expertise of your tutors. When experienced instructors teach you, you are sure about the quality of education you are getting.  Mediocre teachers may not know much. They might waste your time.

Consider the professionalism of the professors in question. Look at their qualifications, experience in the field, and mode of content delivery. If you are satisfied, you can consider that college. Avoid institutions with incompetent instructors.

Consider the Cost of the Travel and Tourism College

Undertaking a program in travel and tourism requires money. The expenses you pay for include tuition and accommodation. You should know that the costs vary from one institution to the next. Choose an affordable institute without compromising on quality.

Closing Remarks

There are many advantages of obtaining a degree in travel and tourism. Therefore, you should choose the best institute to be able to reap the maximum benefits. When making your selection, create a list of institutions, research, assess the instructors, and ensure the institution is accredited. Don’t forget to assess the cost.

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When it comes to children’s earrings, parents mainly want safety and little princesses want cute designs. Both criteria are important and at the KLENOTA Jewellery Studio we are well aware of both of them.

If you are choosing earrings for a small baby, the most suitable choice would be those with a front closure where the earring fastens into the eyelet at the front. With these, there is no risk of the earring accidentally opening or catching on clothing and what’s more, the earrings are smooth on all sides so the baby cannot scratch themselves. You just need to be careful with the mechanics of the closure when handling an open earring since it is quite fragile. Girls can wear these types of earrings up to the age of three to eight.

For girls of preschool age and older the choices expand and stud earrings are also an option. These types of earrings can last a girl for many years. If you choose stud earrings from us, we will supply them to you with the standard earring backs however if you would prefer a screw back, please indicate this preference in your order and we will change it for you free of charge.

Are 14ct gold earrings worth it?

The skin is very sensitive and prone to allergies in childhood. The metal chosen for the earrings is therefore very important especially when it comes to children’s earrings and in fact for all children’s jewellery. A safe bet in this regard is 14ct gold which rarely causes allergies. Earrings made of white gold also have a thin layer of rhodium on them which reduces the risk of allergies to a minimum. You could consider earrings made of surgical steel too, but we wouldn’t recommend choosing silver or base metals. What you’ll also no doubt appreciate about gold is its durability and resilience. For these reasons we only make children’s earrings from gold at KLENOTA Jewellery Studio – in classic yellow, modern white and delicate rose gold. 

The design of children’s earrings

The shape of children’s earrings should be smooth and compact. Check that they don’t have any sharp edges or that parts of the metal don’t protrude from the surface of the earring. If these safety considerations are all met, then the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing a design. But any earrings for a child should first and foremost appeal to the little girl. Animal themed earrings such as ladybugs, birds or butterflies are a safe choice while shapes such as flowers, stars and moons are timeless and playful at the same time.

Earrings with stones are a classic and in our collection you can choose from white diamonds as well as colour gemstones such as pink tourmalines, blue topazes, yellow citrines, dark blue sapphires and green emeralds.If you’re thinking ahead and expect your little girl’s earrings to last a long time then opt for simple, minimalist shapes that don’t appear too child-like. You could choose little triangles, sticks, balls, teardrops or hearts.

How long do children’s earrings last?

Children’s 14ct gold earrings last a long time and they are usually handed down from generation to generation. They should also be able to withstand a bit of children’s typical fun and games. But with older children you can start teaching them that earrings should be handled with care. Ideally they should be taken off before swimming and sporting activities. Even with gold you may experience blackening, which is caused by the reaction of the silver, zinc or copper that’s mixed in with the gold. Fortunately this is easily solved and a piece of jewellery with unwanted discolouration will be as good as new again once it has been carefully polished by a jeweller.

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This post is a review of the Vax Platinum SmartWash Carpet Cleaner. I was sent this Vax carpet cleaner for the purposes of this review. All views are my own.

…

I have a large peace lily in my bedroom that is over 20 years old. It stands, rather inconveniently, in front of one set of wardrobe doors, but its positioning is strategic. For at least three years it has been covering up a rather bright yellow stain on my carpet.

I couldn’t tell you where the stain came from – a neon cat vomit incident perhaps? – but one day there it was. My chosen method with most things I don’t want to deal with is just to pretend they’re not there, (see the satsuma on the car dashboard incident), and so the plant found its home.

Now you’d THINK that as a professional, seasoned blogger type, the first thing I’d have done before I tested out our new Vax Platinum SmartWash Carpet Cleaner would have been to take a photo of the stain for a before and after comparison. Here I have a bit of a confession to make though. I was upstairs with the Vax, my phone was downstairs, and I thought to myself ‘ah well, it probably doesn’t matter because the Vax isn’t going to get rid of it after all these years is it?’

*GASP*

I know, I’m sorry Vax, but I admit it, I was cynical. I’ve never owned a carpet cleaner before, (I’ve never cleaned my carpets the whole time I’ve lived here), and I always assumed carpet cleaners were one of those hyped up things that people bought and used once and then stuck in the garage, like foot spas.

If you’d have asked me a couple of weeks ago ‘do Vax carpet cleaners really work?’ I would have probably scrunched my face up cynically and said ‘Ha! I doubt it!’

If I’d even just had a look at the Vax Platinum SmartWash Carpet Cleaner on the website I’d have seen that it has won awards, kills over 99% of bacteria and has been shown to outperform the leading rental cleaners, but oh no, I thought I knew best.

HOW WRONG I WAS.

I gave the stain a couple of goes with the Vax and POOF. ‘Well this is awkward,’ I thought to myself, ‘I really wish I’d taken that photo…’ View Post

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Getting good sleep is crucial if you want your body to function properly. If you don’t sleep well or don’t get enough sleep, not only will you feel tired in the morning, but your mood also will be affected. What’s more, if it goes on for too long, it might cause health issues such as diabetes, heart failure, or high blood pressure.

However, some people have issues with falling asleep or sleeping the whole night away. If you are one of them, you’re in the right place. Below, you will find some ways to create an ideal sleep environment, such as decluttering your room, investing in a new mattress, or reducing light exposure. So, let’s get started.

Declutter Your Bedroom

If you want to create an ideal sleep environment, you need to declutter your bedroom. Why? Because clutter can lead to a lot of distress and distraction. And if you have a lot of things to clean up, it can be difficult to fall asleep. So, take some time and clear out the clutter in your room. Remove everything that is not necessary and keep only the stuff that brings you joy.

Make Your Bedroom Dark

If you want to create a perfect sleep environment, you should make your bedroom dark. Darkness will help your body to release melatonin, a hormone that will make you feel sleepy. In addition, try to avoid exposure to blue light, which has been proven to disrupt sleep patterns. To make your bedroom darker, consider investing in good quality blackout curtains or use a sleep mask when you sleep.

Get a Good Quality Mattress

It’s no secret that a good quality mattress will help you get better sleep at night. Therefore, if you want to create a good sleep environment, consider getting a good quality mattress. However, there are many poor-quality mattresses available on the market today. So, do your research before you make any purchase decisions. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out Mattress Guides by Ted and Stacy.

Keep Your Room Temperature Cool

If you want to create an ideal sleeping environment, then you should keep the temperature in your room cool. This is because the ideal sleeping temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, which is around 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. So, use a thermostat to lower the temperature in your room before heading to bed. You might want to consider a bedroom fan during the summer to keep your bedroom cool. If, like me, the thought of the noise of a fan whirring gives you nightmares, take a look at some different quiet fans so you can stay cool and sleep well.

Use White Noise

White noise might be one of the best ways to create an ideal sleeping environment. The main reason for this is that it helps block other noises that might be disturbing your sleep, such as traffic or neighbors arguing. In addition, because it will cover up most external noises, it will be easier for you to fall asleep quickly without being distracted by the outside sounds.

And speaking of white noise, if you don’t have an app on your smartphone that creates white noise, then consider using YouTube to find white noise videos that work best for you.

Avoid Light Exposure Before Going to Sleep

This is another great way to create an ideal sleeping environment, especially if you work during the day. Light exposure before going to sleep can negatively affect your body’s clock by delaying the release of melatonin. And if the melatonin level doesn’t rise enough, then it will be difficult for you to fall asleep at night. So, if possible, avoid light exposure at least one hour before going to bed in order to minimize this effect.

Invest in Comfortable Pillows and Blankets

You might not think that pillows and blankets are important so long as they are comfortable enough. However, this isn’t always the case. For example, if you have a pillow that is too thin or too thick, then it might make it hard for you to fall asleep at night. The same thing goes with blankets. If they are too heavy or too light, then they will lead to discomfort, which will make it difficult for you to fall asleep. So, make sure that you invest in the right pillows and blankets.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know some ways to create an ideal sleeping environment, it should be easier for you to fall asleep at night. As mentioned above, the most important thing is to remove everything that makes you feel stressed or unhappy. And by doing so, you will feel much more relaxed when going to bed at night. If you take these 7 steps into consideration, then your chances of getting enough restful sleep at night will increase drastically. Remember, sleep is essential when it comes to your mood, which is why you should dedicate some effort to ensure that you wake up feeling rested in the morning.

 

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Okay, I’m going to jump right in and say it, even if it makes me look stupid… PUFFINS – who knew they were so small??

I’d never seen a puffin in real life until we stayed at Point Farm for a few days and took a boat out to Skomer Island, but seriously, in all the pictures I’ve ever seen they look about the size of a penguin? All I can say is that those pictures must be VERY close up, because puffins are actually more like pigeons. Pigeons with big heads and colourful beaks, but pigeons nonetheless.

Also, they live UNDERGROUND?? In actual burrows.

Honestly, my mind was blown. I felt like a right idiot having spent 43 years imagining these penguin type birds, nesting on rocks and beaches, when all the time there they were, using their tiny beaks to burrow underground.

Spoiler: this is not an accurate representation of a puffin:

Skomer Island

If you do want the chance to see puffins in real life, which I absolutely recommend, then Point Farm on the Pembrokeshire coast is the ideal base for a holiday as it’s just a 15 minute drive from the campsite to catch the boat over the Skomer Island.

It’s also a really lovely campsite, puffins aside. Point Farm is small, (just like the puffins), so perfect if you like a bit more of a quiet, intimate camping experience without a lot of noise or kerfuffle. Point Farm is an eco site, dog friendly, with great facilities and amazing sunsets. There are just six camping pitches, plus two fully equipped shepherd’s huts if glamping is more your thing.

Glamping is definitely more my thing – I will quite happily go to my grave never putting up another tent – and so we stayed in the very cosy Tawny shepherd’s hut. View Post

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Going into the woods and bushcraft is getting popular among people, especially among city folk. Having the right kind of bushcraft knife is an essential tool for outdoor adventure activities. Bushcraft knives come in several shapes and sizes. Every outdoor enthusiast can have various requirements for what they’ll do in the backwoods. 

Why do you need a Bushcraft knife? 

Some adventurers may need a small knife for kindling or chopping saplings, while others may look for a heavier knife to take down bushes, slitting woods, or maintain work trail clearing. A good quality knife will last a lifetime. 

A bushcraft knife should be the jack-of-all-trades. It needs to help prepare firewood, build shelter, cut through the foliage, build traps, and even use it as a weapon in case of emergencies. A bushcraft knife does all of these things and much more. So, how is it different from your survival knife or pocket knife? 

Bushcraft knife vs. Pocket knife and Survival knife

You will get ample types of different makes and models of bushcraft knives available to choose from. Let’s see what sets each of them apart: 

Survival Knives: 

They usually come with fixed blades and are quite significant to fit inside your pocket. Similar to pocket knives, they are reliable and can be used for several everyday chores. Survival Knives are quite multitasking, as they can be used for cutting, chopping, slicing and are tough enough to even crack bones. 

Pocket Knives: 

They are generally smaller and compact relative to survival knives and bushcraft knives. It usually has a folding mechanism which makes it easier to carry anywhere and whip it out for everyday tasks. 

Bushcraft Knives:

Commonly used for cutting wood, bushcraft knives can make sharp edges to make stakes, feather, and notch wood. They have relatively shorter edges, which gives them better mobility than survival knives. It can be used to build small traps, skin animals, and wood-cutting jobs.

How to choose the best bushcraft knife?

Blade Size: This is the crucial factor while choosing a good bushcraft knife. Pick the longer one; as longer the blade, the better the performance in heavy-duty tasks. But at the cost of manoeuvrability. 

Smaller blades are ideal for finer jobs, but they may break in tough situations. Best to choose a blade size between 3 to 6 inches. It will be flexible enough to perform heavy-duty tasks like wood-cutting and small enough to perform refined tasks. 

Sharpness: The sharpness of the blade states how it can perform in certain situations. A fine-edge blade is good for skinning the animals and slicing the meat. 

A heavy and large-edged bushcraft knife can last longer and handle tough situations, but it will not have the sharpness you expect from a thin blade. 

Grind: Blade grind refers to the design of the knife blade on the cutting-edge. Grind depicts how you need to use a particular bushcraft knife.

For skinning and dressing, hollow grinds are best, whereas chisel grinds are best for heavy-duty wood cutting involving batoning, chopping, drilling, and cutting lumber.

Blade Material:

High-Carbon: Blades made out of High-carbon steel retain the shine for years but are not rust-resistant. The material is softer and is easier to grind. Oiling the blade regularly can protect from extreme weather conditions from corrosion. 

Stainless Steel: Blades crafted from stainless steel need to be sharpened regularly, but they are corrosion and rust-resistant. The material needs relatively less maintenance than high-carbon steel but won’t have sharpness like it. 

Conclusion: 

To get the best bushcraft knife, think, “where am I going to use it, and for what”? A well-maintained knife with high quality can last a lifetime. Consider the factors such as blade size, edge, grind, and material. Whether you are making a shelter in the woods or protecting yourself in the wild and lighting fire, a bushcraft knife is a perfect tool for a backpacker kit. 

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