Stretch marks can happen to anyone. But there are a few events in our lives that are often hallmarked by these little scars — puberty, and pregnancy. 

You might develop stretch marks if you’ve gained weight, (hello freshman 15) or most commonly, during pregnancy. 

Between 50 to 90 percent of mothers experience stretch marks during their pregnancy. Doctors estimate that stretch marks appear during the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. 

But what causes this to happen? How can we get rid of them?

Let’s talk about the most essential topical vitamins for treating stretch marks. 

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks can occur on our tummies, thighs, bums, breasts, or hips. Any place where you can expand, you can get stretch marks. 

To dermatologists these are known as “stria” and are characterized as long, thin, groovy/rippled reddish marks that eventually turn white and scar the skin. 

Stretch marks occur as a result of tears in the collagen of the dermis layer of the skin. As the body attempts to heal this rupture, a stretch mark can appear. 

Some are more genetically predisposed to getting stretch marks because some skin is just genetically less elastic than others.  

Even though these scars are very common, most people who have stretch marks would much rather they didn’t. 

If you, like so many, have stretch marks from a weight gain (hello quarantine weight), pregnancy, or puberty — there might be some treatments to help reduce the appearance of these marks. 

3 proven stretch mark treatment options 

Here are 3 essential vitamins necessary to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 

#1 Vitamin A

Vitamin A, better known as retinol and retinoids, is great at resurfacing skin and increasing collagen production. Retinoids increase skin cell turnover (skin regeneration) and help to boost skin elastin. 

Vitamin A reduces the appearance of scars as it helps to smooth over skin, revealing a more even tone and texture. This is why it’s also used to smooth over fine lines and wrinkles. 

Please note mums: You should not use vitamin A products while pregnant or breastfeeding. Hold off on using until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding before trying this method. 

If you are expecting, in the meantime, it’s a wonderful idea to use topical hyaluronic acid as studies have found applying this early can help reduce scar appearance. 

#2 Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to fight against free radical damage which can hinder collagen production. This important vitamin is required for collagen production and is known as “pre-collagen”. 

If you’re trying to reduce the appearance of scars it’s a great idea to boost collagen production — vitamin C (and vitamin A) to the rescue. 

Vitamin C serums can be applied to the skin topically but don’t mix them with retinol or tretinoin. 

#3 Nourishing body oils and butters rich in vitamin E

Vitamin E is a well-known remedy for stretch marks. Using nourishing body oils or butter can actually help prevent stretch marks as it helps increase the elasticity of the skin. 

If you’ve already developed the scars, vitamin E can help repair and protect collagen. Creams high in vitamin E (i.e shea butter) are best used together with vitamin C as these vitamins work best in unison. 

Shea butter is a wonderful choice for stretch marks as it’s rich in vitamin E, vitamin A and supports healthy skin cell growth. 

Summary

There are three vital vitamins you should be applying to your stretch marks if you want to reduce the appearance or prevent future marks. 

These vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. 

It’s best to use vitamin A products (retinol or tretinoin) by themselves at night. Vitamin C and vitamin E, on the other hand, are best used together. Taking the time to massage these into the skin can be great to spur collagen stimulation.

These vitamins are great for stretch marks because they help stimulate and support collagen production, brighten skin, and increase skin elasticity. 

Regardless of whether you already have a full-time job, nobody would refuse extra income if they can get it with a bit of extra work in their free time. That being said, finding a job that gets you that extra income and you can do it on the side isn’t all that easy.

There are many options to choose from, but the question to ask is whether or not they’ll warrant an income that’s good enough for you to dedicate your time to them. In most instances, no, they won’t, which is why we’ve got a short list of side hustles that, if done right, can be a great source of extra income, and you can even turn them into passive income.

Now, it’s definitely true that things like streaming on cam sites are a great way to make a lot of money, but not everyone is comfortable with that, so let’s check out a few alternatives.

Ecommerce

If you aren’t opposed to an initial investment that will very likely return sooner rather than later, an eCommerce business is perfect. Even though opinions are divided in terms of whether or not it’s worth starting, we would definitely say it’s a good idea if you play your cards right.

The first thing to do is consider the niche you’d be opening the store in, as well as the products you’d be selling. This can make or break your success, so do your due diligence and make sure you’re thorough and know what you’re getting into. Identifying the right target market, and then giving them the product they really need is the key to success.

Once you’ve got the research done, you should have an initial stock of the products you’ll be selling. This is a bit of an investment, but if you do things right, it’ll come back very easily. Don’t get too much – you do want to test the waters first and see whether or not you’ve done things right and whether people are sticking around.

It’s also important that you play things right in terms of marketing. Try to promote your store as much as possible by creating video ads of your products which can be easily made with the help of a video editor, and push ads to your target market – these will be your first customers. When things start moving faster, you can switch your focus to customer satisfaction. Keep that high, and your eCommerce business can quickly turn into a source of passive income that just brings you money.

Design

The design industry covers a very wide palette of sub-industries that you can work in, but most, if not all of them, can be incredibly profitable if you’ve got an eye for design. There’s web design, there’s UI/UX design, there’s graphic design – you name it. To make things even better, a lot of companies are only now realizing they need to digitalize themselves as much as possible, and they’re looking for designers to help out, which is why this is one of those industries that’s always in demand.

You do need to have a creative eye to succeed in such an industry, but if you do, you can start working in the field that you’ve got the most interest in. Whether that’s designing applications and websites, or working with brands on their identity, that’s something you get to choose.

Starting off, it might be a bit difficult to find clients, but the key is to practice and continue creating designs that you can afterward assemble in a portfolio. That portfolio is going to come in handy when you’re pitching yourself to clients because they’ll be able to see some of your past work and they’ll know that choosing you is a good call. And it only gets easier from there.

Tutoring and Courses

While tutoring is a more hands-on approach, courses are more of a source of passive income. Both, however, do more or less the same thing – you teach others what you’re good at. With tutoring, you need to find people to teach and then do one-on-one sessions with them as much as necessary. On the other hand, with courses, you create a program and then you sell it to others, which is more work initially but in the long run, it becomes a hands-off approach.

Whichever one you choose to try, you should first identify what you’re good at. It doesn’t have to be something that’s taught at university, for example – it could be a life skill or anything else that people are willing to learn. Then you should figure out what the best way to teach it to people is, and prepare yourself. Of course, with tutoring, for example, different people will require a different approach, but you can tailor this as you go.

Both tutoring and courses are great not just because of the money you’ll be making, but also because you’re not just working – you’re helping people learn, and that’s always a great idea. 

Accidents happen… A glass of red wine spilt down a new top, the dog jumping on the sofa after a muddy walk or grass stains on the kid’s freshly washed football kit, these are just some of the common ways clothes and soft furnishings are soiled in a busy family home. While sometimes your first thought may be that a stained item will need throwing out, there are often a range of natural or chemical products that can do the trick.

It’s important that you get to work fast when something becomes stained, as if left for too long the stain can become permanent. Even if you have to go out to buy new cleaning products, removing a stain is usually cheaper than purchasing a replacement for the item.

There is not one stain removal technique that works for all types of stains. The method will depend on both the material of the item that is stained and what substance caused that stain,

For example, it is essential to remember that some stains must be dabbed rather than scrubbed, as in so instances scrubbing can make the damage much worse. Have you ever spilt something onto the carpet and found that as you frantically scrub it up, the stain starts to spread even more?

It is best to carefully blot the area with a damp cloth that has been soaked in cool water. An ice cube will also work if you happen to have one to hand. This is particularly important for stains such as red wine or fruit juice.

Here are some of the most common types of stains that you might come across and tips on how to get rid of them:

How to remove printer ink stains

Many people now have printers at home and buy their printer ink online and replace the cartridges themselves. It is pretty common that ink finds its way onto your fingertips and even onto your clothing when changing the cartridges over.

To remove ink from your fingers, one natural solution is tea tree oil. Put a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cloth or nail brush and gently scrub the marks. Be sure to wash your hand afterwards to prevent transferring the oil into your oil or on your clothes by accident.

If ink gets onto your clothes, then the removal process is a little trickier and must be started straight away. Firstly, dab the material with cool water to get out the surface ink and then apply an alcohol based hair spray directly onto the stain and dab with cool water again.

If the clothing is white, you can switch out the hair spray for a small amount of chlorine bleach.

How to remove mud and grass stains

Mud and grass stains are a common problem, especially when you have young active children who love to be outdoors. Mud is a little different to stains such as ink, as you will actually need to wait for the mud to dry before you start removing it.

Once dry, shake off and vacuum as much as possible before soaking the remainder in liquid detergent. Rub the liquid detergent into the material before putting the garment into the washing machine as you usually would.

For grass stains, mix baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain and leave for around 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

How to remove red wine stains

Lastly, red wine is notoriously tricky to remove. If spilt on a piece of clothing, stretch out the fabric and apply salt to the mark to soak it up and then run it under lots of water before putting it in your usual clothes wash.

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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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.