I don’t know about you but I’m finding this lockdown the most tedious of all. The weather doesn’t help – when it was the summer and we were in lockdown at least I could lounge about in the sun reading books. Honestly, I read more books last year than I have in an awfully long time.

So what can you do during the next few months to keep busy? I’ve come up with a few ideas for things to do during lockdown:

Take up a new hobby

Or maybe get back into an old one? I’ve always been a bit of a part time knitter, but I’ve found knitting a really good way to pass the time during this lockdown, and it’s very therapeutic too. I’ve knitted a lovely multicoloured shawl, and I even knitted a couple of Christmas gifts – Bee got her own cuddly Pusheen and Belle got a Hello Kitty hat.

Go for a walk

I know, this can get a bit tedious after a while, but not if you think up little activities to do while you’re out. I really like this list from the Guardian of things to do on a walk, and I always find plenty to amuse myself. Most recently I set myself the tasks of making myself a flower crown, by forming a basic circle with some bendy twigs and then filling it with small flowers and leaves.

Have some fun online

Once you’re back from your hike, you’ve got a free pass to sit about for the rest of the day relaxing, so make the most of it by having some fun online. This might be playing some online games, or perhaps indulging in a bit of gambling? Find yourself a top online casino, set yourself a strict budget (of course), and have fun! There is nothing quite as thrilling as winning a bit of cash is there?

Write some letters

One of the big things about lockdown is not being able to see friends and family, so how about flipping that on its head and spending some time writing letters instead? Even just a card with a few thoughtful sentences in could be the thing that makes someone’s day and it doesn’t take long. ‘Going to the postbox’ could then also be one of the things that gives your walk purpose!

Start a new business

Okay, so this is a bit more ambitious than just ‘going out for a walk’ but honestly, has there ever been a better time to think about trying something new? I made a bit of extra cash during January by making candles, which is something I would have never thought to do previously but it was a lot of fun.

Whatever you get up to, just remember that happier times are just around the corner!

Follow:

Chanel nail varnish dressing table makeover tidying tips

Women have a love-hate relationship with makeup. If you’re a luxury beauty lover who don’t ever leave home without your makeup on, your overall make-up budget might be much more. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Makeup can be pricey, but there are a lot of options to save large, so you can get a nice makeup range and also having room left over for anything else you need.

Here is how to spend your money on makeup while you are running low on budget.

Look for Dupes

You just need to start with the basics. It is not necessary to buy a high brand range when you can get a good dupe of a famous brand. Opt for drugstore brands. They are cheap and dupe to most of the luxurious brands available in the market. You can get different palettes in low price with the same pigmentation.

Buy the products you actually use

Don’t waste money in buying everything that you know you will not use. Just go for the products with which you are running low. This technique seems basic, but you would be amazed how many people do not pursue it. Go through your latest beauty range, and stay aware of the items you really use and the others you don’t use. Probability is there are a lot of items that have never made it into the daily beauty routine.

Try eyelash extensions at home

Some makeup products may not be part of your daily beauty routine but are necessary for the days you’ll need to look a bit bold. You can buy a few budget samples and try practicing at home. Watch trendy youtube tutorials and try the go-to looks of the season. For instance, these days, the natural makeup, no makeup look seems to be the hype. Although you might need to do the tricky parts before pulling off the look in public, such as wearing falsies or trying eyelash extensions at home once or twice on your own.

Go for Makeup Sales

You can find an elusive or preferred beauty product online for less than what you would pay for in a store. Do your homework and try out unusual locations such as resale sites and make-up shops. Sales are still very helpful. You will also get to see sales at the close of the financial year, on Black Friday, Thanksgiving and as Christmas comes. You can look for affordable makeup on different online sites like https://roxiecosmetics.co.uk/ for good investment.

Use Discount Codes

This is a world of bloggers and influencers on all over social media. Camera perfect beauty blogs and Supermodels can be a little irritating, but they’re a fantastic source of coupons and codes. Beauty bloggers and influencers continue to taste and share reviews of a wide variety of products from drug shops and high street brands. Make sure you follow any of the huge stars on Instagram and Twitter, and keep an eye out for any coupon codes that their followers share. They are really helpful.

Look for Multipurpose Products

Some beauty items can only be used for one item, while others are shockingly multi-functional. Palettes are useful for this, since they can be used on both the eyes and the face. Pick one of the right colors and you can use a simple palette for your eye shadow, lipstick, concealer, accentuation and contouring-now that’s a steal.

Ask for Makeup Samples

Many beauty stores are able to supply you with a free sample or two of the items you would like to try at home. And if the shop would not advertise free samples, it shouldn’t hurt to inquire. You may also use this technique to nab a preview of your preferred lipstick or eye shadow to postpone paying for a full-size model.

Follow:

We beat ourselves up a lot as human beings for our supposed ‘weaknesses’ don’t we? We admonish ourselves every time we eat a third bourbon or indulge in back to back Married at First Sight Australia. We imagine what better all round people we’d be if we only did the washing up immediately after dinner and didn’t ever text an ex after a glass of wine.

The fact is, we all do stupid stuff.

We all do things that we know, on some level, aren’t good for us. We do things knowing they are going to impact our health or our emotional wellbeing or possible contribute to the decline of the British High Street. But do you know what? It’s okay.

It’s okay if you get things wrong sometimes, it’s okay to make mistakes. The point of making this list, with the help of people on social media, is not to shame you, but to empower you. You can read this list knowing that all of these things are done by other people too and that it doesn’t make you a failure as a human.

What’s way more important is kindness, showing empathy, offering support when you are able. Making people laugh, sharing hopes and dreams, loving your family and friends. You can do all of this at the same time as eating too many crisps. If lockdown life has taught us anything it’s that being kind, both to ourselves and to other people, should be the priority.

So here’s my list of things that are bad for you that you do anyway – some aren’t even that bad at all, which proves my point really, that it’s all meaningless standards imposed on ourselves, by ourselves. Hopefully that’s a comfort.

Some are my own, some are other people, all of them are human. View Post

Follow:

Advertisement feature

what does love feel like?

Last night I found myself reading the ‘Blind Date’ feature from the weekend Guardian magazine. Truth be told, I was reading a PICTURE of it – I got my brother-in-law to send me a photograph because it’s the only bit of the whole paper I really enjoy and I’m too tight to spend over £3 just for that.

The idea behind it is simple – two people go on a blind date and at the end then answer questions about each other, separately, and give each other a mark out of ten. The questions are short and sweet – ‘would you introduce them to your friends? Good table manners?’ – that sort of thing.

At the moment of course the couples are having to have their blind dates virtually, and honestly, I feel for them. Zoom is hard at the best of times, but when you also have to rely on it for eye contact, body language, flirting… well, it must be practically impossible.

The couple this week however didn’t seem to be suffering as a result. Their online blind date lasted an incredible four and a half hours – more than most in person first dates I’ve ever been on – and I was decidedly impressed. Daters take note – whether you’re swiping right, using the personals or keeping it local with a spot of Kent dating, having to conduct your liaison online shouldn’t hold you back.

If you do find yourself hosting a virtual date, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Do consider your lighting

Just like you’d get dressed up for a real life date, you want to show off your virtual self in its very best light – quite literally. It’s going to be hard to be alluring if you’re sat in the dark, or if you’re opposite a window and your face is bright white, so choose your spot carefully. Ditto your background – a nicely curated bookshelf is far more attractive than a background pile of washing up.

Plan food and drink in advance

Are you going to eat together? If so, make a plan, otherwise one of you will end up munching away on a pizza while the other just has to listen through the microphone. The one thing I found very strange about the Guardian blind date was that the guy got a takeaway and the girl didn’t eat at all. She said takeaways didn’t deliver near her, but you’d make a sandwich at least surely?

Think ahead to conversation topics

An awkward silence in a date is never fun, but online it’s way more pronounced as you can’t pretend to be looking at your surroundings or other people. It might seem a bit forced, but having a think beforehand about some conversation prompts or questions could help to avoid this and keep the conversation flowing smoothly.

Have an exit plan

I have a friend who will say from the off that she has another call in an hour, just to keep things nice and easy to wrap up, and this isn’t a terrible idea, especially if it’s the first time you’ve spoken to someone and you’re not sure how it’s going to go. Manage expectations, stay polite, and most importantly, have fun!

Follow:

Advertisement feature

Pretty much the one big thing I’m missing during lockdown is travel. If I could choose to travel anywhere in the world right now though, if money and distance were no object, I would still choose to visit my sister and her family in Ireland, on the banks of Blessington Lakes.

My brother-in-law is Irish, and they moved to Ireland about five years ago when my niece and nephew were small, to give them a taste of growing up in Ireland. Originally they were thinking it might be just for a short while, but now they’ve built and renovated a cottage, and have plans for outbuildings – it’s not feeling like they are going to be coming home soon!

In the good old days, when we weren’t confined to our homes, we’d travel to Ireland three or four times a year to visit them. I’ve been to Ireland on my own too, and we even did a two week motorhome tour, as far up as the beautiful west coast of Ireland, stopping off along the way to enjoy the scenery, the culture and the food. It’s a really beautiful country, with some spectacular landscapes. One of my favourite places food wise is the original Happy Pear cafe in Shorelines, Greystone – absolutely delicious food and in a lovely location too.

I can try to capture the Irish countryside vibe at home with homemade Irish stew, but honestly, it’s not the same.

What being apart from my sister and her family in Ireland has made me realise is that I want to spend more time there. In the past we’ve gone just for a few days at a time, and often not ventured outside the house, but when things are back to normal I want to go for longer and explore the area more. I want to relax into a week or two away. I want to go for walks. I want to eat out more. As often as I’ve visited Ireland, I don’t feel like I’ve been adventurous enough or really experienced the best it has to offer – the best locations, the best chefs, the best live music and theatre. If this sounds like you then click here to discover Ireland’s best chefs and inspire your next visit.

Most of all though I just want to spend time with my family. My niece and nephew are 9 and 11 now and they change so quickly – not visiting them even for just a few months leaves me feeling like I’ve been left behind, like I’m losing out on watching them grow and develop. My sister too is the person I’ve always felt the closest to, who knows me better than anyone else, and I want to spend as much time with her as I possibly can.

In the meantime, like a lot of people around the world, I’ll have to make do. Games over FaceTime with a bowl of homemade Irish stew will just have to do the job for now.

Follow:

bathroom update

The bathroom is one room in the home that most of us spend a significant amount of time in. From bubble baths to hot showers in the morning, there is no denying that your home bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your humble abode. It only makes sense then, that one would want to spruce this important space up in order to reflect your overall home aesthetic and vibe. If you’re giving your bathroom a makeover for the new decade, then this is the article for you. Today, we look at 6 ways you can update your bathroom and inject some modern style into it with minimal costs. Read on to find out more!

 

  • Silver Is So Last Year

 

One of the features of the toilet or bathroom that is often overlooked is fixtures such as taps, showers and other accenting accessories that may seem small but can actually contribute greatly to the overall look of your bathroom. Silver is so last year, with many modern designers turning to options such as chrome and matte black kitchen taps that look incredibly stylish and elegant. The kitchen isn’t the only room in the home that deserves a little upgrade though — your bathroom is the perfect place to showcase some elegant new tapware, showerheads and other fixtures with an elevated modern touch. You’ll be amazed at how something that seems like such a slight change can impact the overall mood and feel almost instantly! 

 

  • Hidden Tank Toilet

 

Toilets with hidden tanks have been taking the design world by storm in the last few years. If you haven’t come across a hidden tank toilet, it is simply a toilet that has its water storage vessel mounted inside the wall, leaving it completely out of sight and opening up your bathroom space like never before. Hidden-tank toilets are fantastic if you’re looking to save precious space, with the added benefit of low-flow models that save water every time you flush. 

 

  • Window, Window, On The Wall

 

One of the most common issues that occur in a home bathroom is the formation of mould and mildew. One of the best ways to ensure that you avoid this nasty situation is to install a window by the shower. If your house blueprint allows for it, adding a window is a great way to improve ventilation and also bring in some natural light into the room. We recommend discussing options with your contractor and choosing frosted glass for the sake of privacy.

 

  • Liven It Up

 

The bathroom is the one space in the home that is the most private, making it the perfect area to explore and have a little fun with. If you’re a fan of bright colours, funky curtain designs and all things glamorous, we highly recommend going out and purchasing new blinds/curtains, accessories and funky looking mirrors that you can have fun with in your bathroom. Vanity mirrors are all the rage at the moment and are an inexpensive way to add a touch of Hollywood glamour to any bathroom. If you’re looking to re-tile, choosing tiles in colours other than white is a great way to lay the foundations of your eclectic bathroom space. 

 

  • Upgrade Your Lighting

 

Light is a crucial aspect when it comes to giving your bathroom a makeover, so it’s time to go out and purchase some modern and aesthetically pleasing lights that will add a whole new element of style to your space. The first important lighting change you should consider is a dimmer for the main lights. This will enable you to set the mood for a leisurely bath without being blinded by artificial light. Recessed lighting around your mirror is also a great way to give yourself the perfect environment for styling your hair, putting your makeup on or shaving. 

 

  • Accessorise For Functionality and Style 

 

Last but not least, accessorising your bathroom with important bits and pieces is the final touch in your bathroom makeover. Install extra towel rails, floating shelves and hooks that automatically increase your storage space without making the space look cluttered. Even the containers you choose to store your toothbrush, cosmetics and other personal grooming items can add personality to your bathroom without having to sacrifice on style. 

Giving your bathroom a makeover doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars or take up a massive amount of your time. We hope that this article has inspired you to make small yet important improvements that will truly transform the overall feel and look of your bathroom space. 

Follow:

soothe pain naturally

From mild, dull and annoying to severe, persistent and even disabling – pain can bring not only discomfort and stress to your daily life but also actual sufferings. And while painkillers might provide you with some quick relief, nowadays many people are looking for natural ways to manage various types of pain and aches and improve the quality of their day-to-day lives without horrific side effects.

Whether it is painful periods, toothache, there are plenty of options when it comes to natural pain relief. In fact CFAH.org has a list here of 30 of the ultimate ways to naturally relieve pain. Here are some ideas on how to deal with pain naturally. 

Soak In A Warm Bathtub

Soaking in warm water is not only a relaxing ritual, but it also can help to relieve many forms of muscle spasm and muscle pain, as well as different types of arthritis.

If case soaking your body in warm water is not your thing, or you want to apply heat on a specific body part more often, you can try dry heat therapy. You can apply a heating pad, hot compress or sticky back wrap to bring continuous low-level heat. However, make sure to read all directions carefully prior to using any heat therapy options for your pain to avoid burns or other injuries.

Stretch

Your body is intended for movement, and if you don’t move much due to pain, your inactivity can make the pain even worse. Luckily, practising gentle stretching can help to maintain mobility and range of motion, and relieve pain. 

Meditate

Meditation is a free, easy and quick method to relax, reduce anxiety, improve symptoms of pain and depression, and, therefore, quality of life. The benefits of meditation come to the fact that when you are in a relaxed state, it may be easier for you to cope with pain.

You can start your meditation session by practising deep breathing for a few minutes daily and gradually lengthen to longer sessions for up to 20 or even 30 minutes. Make sure you are comfortable, and nothing distracts your attention. You can also try guided meditation with apps like Headspace or Calm, which offer you suggestions on how to guide your meditative thoughts and reach meditative state faster.

Try Out CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a promising natural supplement that is commonly used for various mental and physical disorders. CBD can affect your endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various bodily functions including sleep, mood, appetite, stress, pain and immune system response. Click here for some more information about how CBD gummies could help.

Through interaction with different receptors, CBD can help to bring all processes in balance, which results in reduced anxiety and pain, improved sleep and immunity, better mood, concentration, sleep, etc. CBD is also available in plenty of products formats, such as CBD capsules, oils, edibles, vapes and topicals. 

Benefit From Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are renowned for their various properties, including calming, mood-boosting and pain-relieving. And there are many ways to enjoy the potential benefits of essential oils. Some people prefer to inhale them (aromatherapy) while others add a few drops of diluted oil to their massage oil as part of therapeutic massage, which is also effective for reducing pain. 

When it comes to essential oils for pain relief, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary are some of the best examples believed to have analgesic effects when combined with traditional healing treatments. You can simply take deep breaths of the scent after opening the bottle or applying a couple of drops on a cotton ball. If you have an oil diffuser, you can add a few drops in water and smell the aroma to relieve pain.

Follow:

Advertisement feature

What do you miss most about our new life in lockdown? For me it’s NEWNESS. I miss going somewhere new, somewhere I’ve never been before, eating foods I’ve never tried, and meeting and discovering things about new people.

As a strategy to get me through the tedium of lockdown life, I’ve actually been giving a lot of thought to the specific things I want to do once life is back to normal. It helps me to stay positive and it gives me something to look forward to.

Here are a few of the things I want to do once the dreaded virus is under control:

Go to Istanbul

I actually had a trip to Istanbul planned for May last year, a solo trip to celebrate my birthday. As much as I love family holidays, I really enjoy the challenge of travelling alone and especially to somewhere busy and vibrant like Istanbul. I was going to do a walking food tour with a local guide, and would have been able to say I’d travelled alone to Europe AND Asia!

Istanbul food

Eat in new restaurants

Eating out is one of my very favourite things, and although I made the most of the whole ‘eat out to help out‘ thing back in the summer, that was all places in my local area that I’d been to before. I am SO looking forward to discovering new restaurants with my family and, most importantly, eating food that I’ve not had to cook myself and don’t have to wash up! Click here to discover new places to eat with Square Meal.

Bump into people

And by that I mean actually, physically bump into people. I want to be in a crowded room with friends and have to squeeze past someone to get to the buffet table. I want to be standing in a queue and for a stranger to put his hand in the small of my back as he brushes past me. It’s amazing what things can feel exciting when you haven’t done them for a long time.

Go to the theatre

I want to take my daughter Belle to London for a whole weekend and watch back to back musicals. I want the foyer to be so crowded that I bring my own wine in a mini bottle in my handbag. I want live music and singing and dancing and to have to listen to people say ‘excuse me I think that’s my seat’, and then you have to stand up and let them past. I want noise and hustle and bustle and drama.

Fall in love

Okay, so this one might be ambitious, but I can say from experience that dating during lockdown is RUBBISH. I actually had a relationship break up in the middle of last year, and I’m not entirely sure we would have broken up in a normal year. I’ve dabbled in online dating since then, but options are limited. I’ve had three dates in total and every single one of them has been a walk in the park in the rain. Not sexy times.

So those are just a few of the things I’m looking forward to doing after lockdown. How about you?

 

 

Follow:

New year resolutions and goals

As the new year unfolds, there’s the promise of a fresh start floating in the air, the hope for a brighter tomorrow and the need to make up for all the things we weren’t able to accomplish or enjoy in 2020. Every beginning brings new opportunities to grow and evolve, and whether you’ve been able to stick to your resolutions so far or not, it’s always worth giving it another shot. Now is the perfect time to let go of the past and prepare to step confidently into the future. 

But if you want to start off with a clean slate and make this year better than the last one, you’ve got to work for it. Nothing will happen unless you make it happen. So let’s see what you can do to start the new year off on the right foot, take charge of your life and make the next 365 days count. 

 

Do a quick recap of the past year

We’re all about living in the present and looking into the future mentality, but if you want to create a better future, you must first understand and learn from your past. Otherwise you may be prone to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. It’s easy to think of 2020 as a lost year, but if you look back carefully you’ll see there were plenty of valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way and you should make the most of each and every one of them. Celebrate all the achievements you’ve had throughout the year, no matter how big or small, and use all the knowledge and experience you’ve gained to make wiser decisions and act smarter from this point on. 

Don’t let loose ends hold you back 

Just because one year has ended and another one just begun it doesn’t mean everything that happened in 2020 gets left in the past. Most of us carry unfinished business with us in the form of pending or half completed projects, plans that for some reason or another we weren’t able to put into practice, promises that we couldn’t keep, endless to-do lists and so on. All these loose ends can clutter your mind and your life and keep you from moving forward. Instead of lying awake at night thinking about the things you didn’t do, you should take control of the situation, finish what you started and remove the mental obstacles that are holding you back. Then you can finally move on with your life. 

Dream big, but be realistic 

Contrary to common belief, these two approaches are not mutually exclusive. There’s nothing wrong with having big plans for your future. On the contrary, dreaming about all the wonderful things that are about to happen will give you the motivation and strength to accomplish amazing things. But dreams alone aren’t enough to get you what you want. They’ve got to be backed up by realistic plans and a proactive approach. So you should analyze your ideas and thoughts and figure out how or if they can be translated into reality. This will help you decide if it’s something worth pursuing or if you should change your aspirations.  

Prioritize self care

This year you should be your top priority. If you’re one of those people who always put the needs of others before their own, you might want to think more about yourself for a change. Of course, being generous, compassionate and helping those around you are great qualities that you should hold on to, but this doesn’t mean you should constantly put your own needs and desires on the back burner. So take good care of yourself and focus more on health and wellness this year. That can mean a million things. Maybe you want to improve your diet, start a fitness routine, try meditation, enjoy the unique benefits of using a CBD vape cartridge, go to therapy and so on. Stop wishing and start doing whatever makes you happy. 

Focus on your goals 

When we plan on doing something, we usually start with a high level of motivation, but as time passes we get sidetracked by all the things that happen around us and we often lose sight of your goals. And even if you’re not terribly busy, procrastination can still sneak up on you and ruin your plans. It’s a vicious cycle that most people are familiar with and it’s definitely not easy to break out of it. But there’s a first time for everything. Let this year be the one where you don’t let your dreams slip through your fingers. Figure out what’s truly important to you and focus on achieving your objectives, no matter what life throws at you. Stay confident, believe in yourself, maintain a positive outlook and you’ll be able to achieve everything you’ve been dreaming of. 

Do something new

Since we’re talking about fresh starts and new beginnings, why not take the leap and try something new this year? We often get so stuck in the same patterns and give in to routine that we forget how exciting it is to do something we’ve never done before. Getting out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself can feel very uncomfortable in the beginning, but once you take the first steps you’ll realize it was well worth the effort. The possibilities are endless, so depending on your interests we dare you to broaden your horizons and try something new and exciting in 2021. 

Make a meaningful change 

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about changing the world here, but about changing something about you so you can grow as a person and become a better version of yourself. In the end, if we all did this, the world would be a better place. Make a list with some of the things you’d like to let go of or the things you’d like to improve. It can be anything from getting rid of a bad habit like smoking or binge drinking to improving your skills or learning new ones. Then start taking small steps towards reaching your goal. Even the smallest positive change can have a significant impact on the quality of your life.

Follow:

Advertisement feature

Things have been decidedly creative in our house over the last few months.

I blame Christmas. Last year I went a bit over the top in the crafty stakes and made everyone homemade mulled wine and plum jam for Christmas, along with some Christmas pudding flavour vodka in those cute little glass bottles with the flip top lids. Belle made homemade labels on brown paper with swirly writing. It was a homemade Christmas sensation.

This year then we had a lot to live up to.

I went with candles this year. I bought an amazing silicon mould on Etsy in the shape of a woman’s torso and stocked up on soy wax from Amazon, and off I went. Every day for about a week was spent in a happy rhythm of melting and pouring, melting and pouring, until I had a whole shelf full of naked women. It was very satisfying.

Belle took the creativity up a massive notch though, by creating gifts AND wrapping in a Harry Potter theme. She got everyone in our family to take the sorting hat test to see which house they’re in and then she made each person their very own wand, from scratch, using kitchen roll, hot glue and determination. They really were beautiful.

Her wrapping was all Harry Potter themed, with colour coordinated string and wax seals and little boxes made from pages of The Philosopher’s Stone. Everyone also got a homemade potion.

Aren’t’ they gorgeous?

Wolfsbane Harry Potter potion

This one is Wolfsbane.

I actually thought they were so good that Belle should set up her own Etsy shop. She’s had a difficult couple of years since dropping out of college back in 2019, and then last summer working up to her ASD diagnosis, and I would love her to put her creative talents to good use and to get more of a sense of purpose. She has such amazing attention to detail, what she produces is amazing and I honestly think people would buy it.

She felt suitably enthused, and decided that perhaps she COULD set up an Etsy shop. The first thing to do though was to think about branding.

I think branding can be a bit daunting for a lot of people thinking about starting their own business, but there are actually so many tools about nowadays that it doesn’t have to be scary. Tools like Design Bundles.

Design Bundles has just about everything you could need for your next creative project, whether that’s a crafty school project or setting up a new business.

Take scrapbooking for instance, a very popular craft and only likely to become more popular over the next few months as we all find ourselves at home looking for things to do. In their scrapbooking section Design Bundles has everything you could possibly need to get started – a massive selection of interesting and unusual scrapbooking papers, alphabets, illustrations – they’ve really got all the scrapbooking bases covered.

Or maybe card making is more your thing? Design Bundles is all over that too, with a whole host of templates, invitations and different elements to help make your next creative card project really special.

Back to Belle’s Etsy shop though.

We started off with a brainstorm of potential shop names, narrowed our selection down based on what was already taken, and settled on Chamber of Potions. Belle had some great ideas for different potions she could create, and perhaps even sets of potions for each film, depending on which potions featured in them.

Next she needed to create a logo. Here Design Bundles proved its worth again as you can create a mockup logo and play around with all kinds of different branding options.

mockup logo design bundles

Looking through at the different products is easy as the presentation is very visually appealing and it’s easy to navigate through the various product options. When you imagine how much it would cost to employ the services of a professional designer to help with your branding, these prices are incredibly reasonable don’t you think? You’d be looking at hundreds of pounds to have a logo designed for you by a graphic designer.

Belle was buzzing with ideas for her Etsy shop, inspired by how easy she could see it was to create professional looking graphics and projects with Design Bundles. There was a really good variety too, meaning that whatever sort of logo or branding you’re looking to create, there is sure to be something to suit you.

Like this one – how cool would this be with a P for potions? I think it has a lovely spooky Harry Potter vibe to it doesn’t it?

Design Bundle logos

I imagined getting one of Belle’s potions in the post and a business card like this being included in the parcel – I would definitely be impressed. You’d get a real sense of professionalism wouldn’t you? I think it’s little touches like that – a well designed business card or a branded sticker – that make the difference and make you more likely to think highly of a brand and buy from them again.

I think an Etsy shop could work really well for Belle, as she could combine the professional and design elements with a personal touch, so thank you cards perhaps, created using a Design Bundles card template, but then with a personal, handwritten message on the back to let me know how much she appreciates their order. Something like that would mean a lot.

What’s great about Design Bundles though in my opinion is that it really is a one stop shop for all things creative. If you’re a serial crafter, which I’m beginning to think is a term that applies to both Belle and I if the state of our house during December was anything to go by, then Design Bundles it well worth a browse for its huge range of products.

With all kinds of designs, themes, illustrations and motifs to choose from, you’re sure to feel inspired in your next creative venture after a visit to Design Bundles.

Follow:

travel secret of happiness

If you check all the boxes in the title of this article, then you’re probably an empty-nester and a single parent who is ready to explore the world and find out who you are now. It’s okay to be sad when our children grow up and leave the nest. And it’s okay to be excited about rediscovering ourselves.

While traveling alone is empowering, it’s also a bold kind of freedom you’ll never forget. If you’re unsure where to go on your adventure, why not take the trips less traveled.

Solo in Vancouver

When traveling alone, especially for women, it’s a good idea to blend in like a local. Appearing too touristy makes you easy prey for scammers. Avoid all the drama by buying a few trendy outfits locally and keeping that map in your purse. Now, relax and watch the beauty of the city unfold before your eyes.

Where to Stay

Even though Airbnb’s are plentiful in this part of Canada, there are also several resorts and hotels in Vancouver from which to choose. Not surprisingly, one of the best places to stay is WorldMark Vancouver—The Canadian by Wyndham Resorts.

What to See First

Stanley Park is home to Vancouver’s aquarium. Walk along Stanley Park’s Seawall and view the famous totem poles at Brockton Point.

Head over to The Museum of Anthropology at UBC, which offers a mix of Indigenous art from around the world. Natives such as the Kwakwaka’wakw, Gitxsan, and Coast Salish people are represented. Take advantage of the free walking history tour through the museum. Storytelling brings this art exhibit alive!

Meet New People

Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Here are some ways to meet other travelers.

  1. Join a Foodie Tour. Small groups of food lovers explore some of the top restaurants and markets in Vancouver. Learn about the history of the region’s restaurants and cuisines as well.
  2. Knowledgeable tour guides offer fantastic free walking tours in Vancouver that will appeal to solo travelers.
  3. Grab your backpack and get ready to go hiking! Along the way, stop at Queen Elizabeth Park, the Vancouver Olympic Center and Nat Bailey Stadium.

Then There’s the Food

Vancouver is a place of blended ethnicities and cultures. And there is a vast selection of cuisines. Stop to enjoy a slice of delicious pie at a food truck while shopping downtown or spend an afternoon sampling hand-made gelato from the Okanagan Valley. Dine at Granville Island Public Market for every kind of food under the sun.

Solo in Tasmania

If you’ve been dreaming of traveling to a remote destination that’s brimming with old-world charm, unspoiled beaches, and jaw-dropping cliffs, then consider Tasmania. Situated about 170 miles southeast of Australia’s mainland, this island is for anyone looking for adventure. But is it safe? Yes. Many bloggers and solo travelers rate Tasmania a 5/5 for friendliness. Still, always be aware of your surroundings wherever you go.

The Many Ways to Explore Tasmania

By Land 

Hike to Cape Hauy at the edge of Tasmania. While you’re standing there, why not do some yoga on the peninsula overlooking the coast. You can start and finish at Fortescue Bay, so you’ll be familiar with the area upon return.

By Sea

Cruise out onto the Cataract Gorge and through the Riverfront District. You’ll pass Tamar Island, churches, pubs, and historical buildings en-route to the Batman Bridge.

By Air

The Sea Cliffs & Convicts Scenic Helicopter Flight tour is a 15- or 30-minute helicopter flight over the rugged coastline and Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula with live commentary through your headset.

By Rail

All aboard a historic steam train to the Gorge. During this half-day tour, you will find yourself deep in the rainforest by way of the River Gorge. Then at the end of the line, explore the remote Dubbil Barril train station.

Where to Stay

In addition to the many Airbnb’s and cottage rentals, The Ramada Resort Seven Mile Beach by Wyndham Resorts— No ownership necessary— is a top-notch place. The beautifully landscaped resort has fragrant gardens, surrounded by a pine forest. It’s the perfect place to find peace. If you are a current owner, find out how to cancel a Wyndham timeshare contract.

Only in Tasmania—Foodie Edition

  1. The most famous dish to come out of Tasmania is their National pies, which are best eaten fresh out of the oven. Grab one of these savory treats fresh from Tasmanian Bakeries’ renowned Hobart bakery.
  2. Leatherwood honey is special honey found only in Tasmania. Stop at Mole Creek, where you can buy jars by the gallons straight from the honey processing factory.
  3. When you visit the town of Tassie, stop and try a Tasmanian scallop pie. Scallops are cooked in a cream curry sauce before being wrapped in buttery pastry.
  4. After picking your berries at Coal River Farm in Cambridge, watch the chocolate-making in action and sample some of the creamy confectionaries.
Follow:

how to look after kid's teeth

Kids love candy and we live in a world that encourages them to eat it. Pounds of chewing gum, Nerd ropes, and soda, can cause dental problems such as cavities and gum issues. It is very important to keep up with your children’s dental health. There are a few simple steps you can take to stay on top of your kid’s dental care.

Start Taking Care of Their Teeth Before They Have Teeth

When your child is an infant, you can begin their dental hygiene regime by cleaning their gums regularly. You can take them in for their first pediatric dental examination on their first birthday, or when the first baby tooth rears its head.

They can examine your child for any gum problems and any erupting teeth. You will want to take them several times when they are teething, so the doctor can make sure there are no developing problems.

Teach Your Kids to Floss

When You teach your kids how to brush their teeth, you should also teach them how to floss. Even though their baby teeth are temporary, a child can still be subject to gum disease, which can lead to many different types of illnesses. Teaching them to floss will also develop good habits for when their adult teeth begin to emerge.

Give Them Healthy Snacks

If your human, you want your kids to like you and nothing pleases people quite as much as sugar. Unfortunately, sugar is very addictive and leads to obesity and other health problems such as bad teeth.

Feeding your kids healthy snacks will pay off in the long run. Cheese sticks have a lot of calcium and are great for building up bones. When you give them candy avoid anything that will stick to the teeth.

Instead of giving them sports drinks and soda, just give them plain filtered water. Water fluoridation has been around for over 60 years and most communities fluoridate their water. There are some communities that do not use fluoride. The small city of Portland, Oregon still does not fluoridate. If the water in your community is not fluoridated, you can always use a fluoride rinse.

Even if your community does not have fluoridated water, it is still very important to keep your kids hydrated. Dehydration can lead to gum problems.

Take Them to the Dentist

You should take your child to the dentist at least twice a year. You should go to the dentist twice a year as well. When looking for a dentist you should find dental services that can accommodate the entire family. If you all go to the same office, it will save you lots of time and you will get to know the staff there.

You should choose a doctor who has plenty of experience working with children and who has a great online reputation. Make sure to ask about payment plans for things like crowns and braces and make sure they take your insurance.

It is not uncommon for people to be afraid of dentists. Taking your child to the dentist when they are young will help them set aside those fears.

Image credit – Pixabay

Follow: