Advertisement feature

Prevention is key when it comes to anti-ageing. If possible you will want to start your anti-ageing routine prior to developing too many stubborn wrinkles.

Although, If you spent your youth neglecting your skin don’t worry. It’s never too late to begin an effective anti-ageing skincare routine. Here are 6 the most effective anti-ageing practices that you can start implementing today:

1. Consider anti-ageing treatments

There is nothing wrong with a bit of help. Anti-ageing treatments are becoming more affordable and more commonplace.

One of the most common and most effective treatments on the market is anti-wrinkle injections. These can be done quite affordably and will make an instant and significant difference to your appearance.

Other effective treatments include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, LED treatments and many, many more.

2. Ditch the sun and add SPF to your daily skincare routine

The sun is one of the biggest perpetrators when it comes to ageing. UV radiation damages skin cell DNA and if you are not careful the sun can cause age spots, deep wrinkles and melasma.

You should wear sunscreen every single day. Even if the weather is overcast UV radiation can damage your skin.

Some sunscreens can cause breakouts. This is because they are made for the body and not for the face. Try buying a sunscreen that is specifically made for the face and make sure you find one with the largest concentration of SPF.

If you want a tan, try using a fake tan instead!

3. Start using the right skincare

It is important to educate yourself on skincare products so that you what skincare to use and how to use it.

When it comes to preventing aging, products that contain Retinol and Hylauronic acid will be your best friends. You can consult with a dermal therapist, beauty therapist or dermatologist to find the best skincare regime for you.

Invest in some quality skincare and learn how to apply your products correctly. Skincare should be applied in order from the thinnest consistency to thickest consistency. The correct order of application should be a cleanser, toner, serums, spot treatments, eye-cream and finally moisturiser. I know this sounds overly complicated but it eventually will just become a part of your nightly routine.

4.Invest in some sunglasses

Sunglasses will protect your delicate eye area from sun damage and crows feet. They help by blocking UV radiation and they will also stop you from squinting in the sun and creating more wrinkles and lines from repetitive squinting.

5. Expand your skincare to your body.

You want your body to match your face. You wouldn’t want to have a youthful face but an ageing neck and hands.

You should start expanding your skincare to your hands, body and decolletage. At least once a week try to do a deep body exfoliation to encourage cell turnover and then lather your body in a rich body oil afterwards. This will keep your skin supple and hydrated.

And most importantly do not forget to apply sunscreen to your body as well as your face!

6. Aim for a healthy lifestyle

Not getting enough sleep, smoking, not eating right and not exercising can age you.

Exercise can be proven to slow down the ageing process and eating a diet rich in antioxidants will keep you looking youthful. Not only will you feel good but you will look good too.

Years of smoking can cause saggy skin and deep wrinkles around the lips from continuous lip pursing.

Important closing notes

Last but not least, prevention is better than a cure. Do your best to take preventative measures while you can, and remind yourself that everyone is different. We all age differently so it is important to not compare yourself to others and to be happy in your own skin.

Advertisement feature

Recognising when something isn’t quite right with your child’s health is probably at the top of your priority list as a parent. Noticing unusual symptoms can be hugely beneficial in preventing future health problems, no matter how big or small; this goes for your child’s eyesight too. Often your child may not notice there is something wrong with their vision, or may not be able to communicate a change to you.

Problems with your child’s vision could happen at any time. Routine eye checks are offered soon after your child has been born, as well as suggested eye tests at various weeks and years as they grow. This is because any problems with your child’s vision is easier to treat while they are still developing.

Signs to look out for

There are a number of simple signs you can look out for that might mean your child is struggling with clear vision. For instance, if your child often complains of headaches or their eyes feeling tired, it is probably because their eyes are overworking in order to try and see clearly.

You might notice your child has started to sit more closely in front of the television, or holding a book right up to their nose or even further away than usual. This could mean they have developed a refractive error, such as myopia or hypermetropia. Vision problems like these can be solved easily with glasses for kids.

Problems with your baby’s eye health

Knowing whether your child has good eyesight or not can be difficult, whether they are a baby, toddler or young child. If you notice any changes in your child’s eyes or vision, take them to an optician as soon as you can.

There are a number of eye problems that could occur at various points of your child’s development. As a baby, your child could be at risk of developing a lazy eye. It is said to happen in around 1 in 50 children, and happens because the eyes aren’t able to build a strong link to the brain. You may recognise it due to one eye looking in a different direction.

A much rarer health problem in babies’ eyes is retinoblastoma. This is a rare type of eye cancer that tends to affect children under 5. While more than 9 out of 10 children are cured, it’s important that it is picked up early. Look out for a white reflection in the pupil or a change of colour in the iris.

Problems with your children’s eye health

Children should have their first eye examination at an opticians at around 2 years old, and every 2 years subsequently. Refractive errors like short-sightedness most commonly begin to appear in children aged 6-12. It is also the age they start school, so having clear vision is even more important.

If your child needs to wear glasses, make sure they are durable with a scratch-resistance coating. You might also want to consider UV protective coatings or lenses for their glasses, to ensure their eye health is supported.

Problems with your teenager’s eye health

Today’s teenagers can be incredibly busy and on-the-go, and they may not necessarily stop to notice when something has changed in their vision. A lot of eye conditions can be prevented, but only if they are recognised early on.

One of the most common problems for teenager’s vision is computer vision syndrome, which happens due to continued focus on a digital screen. This can result in headaches, irritation and tired eyes. Your teenager can wear stylish glasses that are designed to protect their vision from eye strain, caused by digital devices, even if they do not have a prescription.

UV light can also pose a problem for your teenager’s eye health. Overexposure to UV light can result in premature ageing of the eyes, as well increasing your risk of eye disease, like cataracts, later in life. Look for lenses with a high E-SPF rating.

Advertisement feature

If you take a look around you, you can see that anyone might find themselves in a financial rut at any time. It can happen that easily, because there are lots of factors that can induce a financial mess, such as illness and medical bills, losing a job, a business going bankrupt, and more.

It’s a stressful time when everything could quickly spiral out of control. If it does happen to you, the important thing is to move quickly because you won’t have the time to procrastinate on doing things to improve your situation. In this article, we’ll take a look at some actions that can help you get out of such difficult times.

Identify the source of the problem: If your problem is caused by losing a job, this could be just a one-time run of bad luck. But if it happened because you constantly spend too much, this would need you to address the problem seriously. It will involve changing your spending habits.

Use cash: This can be a good temporary move until you get your finances in order. We know that credit cards make spending too simple, and you don’t need that type of simplicity now. On the contrary, you want to make it difficult for you to spend unwisely, and using cash typically restricts us. For a while, make sure you only spend money on the things you absolutely need.

Take out loans: The first thing that might cross your mind is to take out a loan. A bank loan might work, but it will come with high interest, and no guarantee that your request will be granted. Other financial companies do pass out loans quickly, no questions asked, but they have even higher interest and a good chance you’d have to put up collateral.

You may be a benefactor of a will, so this is the time to know more about how to get loans on estates because unlike some other types of loans, lenders provide money based on your inheritance, without requiring collateral. The process to get a cash advance based on an inheritance isn’t very complicated. Once approved for the advance, you can receive the funds in your bank account in just a few days.

Create a budget: It’s never too late to create a budget, but the important thing is to stick to it in the long run. Most people caught in a financial rut can usually overcome it by cutting their expenses, and increase their income if possible—or a little of both. Your budget will dictate what your financial priorities are. In turn, prioritizing will help you make tough financial decisions when you have to. 

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are with money, a crisis can hit. Given the financial crises you might be in, you can be forced to make some lifestyle changes in your spending habits—especially if it’s you who caused the financial predicament—which would be a long-term solution. Other factors may not be in your hands, so you might need to seek help, possibly through certain types of loans that would be a short-term, life-saving solution.

Advertisement feature

Why spend the money on a fancy camping spot in the middle of nowhere surrounded by other people? Do you want to spend your weekend driving with the kids from one location to the next, refereeing arguments and playing endless games of “I Spy”? Maybe it’s the thought of packing up all the gear required for a camping trip and hauling it from one place to the next. Whatever the reason you are against camping in normal circumstances – why not turn your backyard into the place to be?

You can set up different stations with various activities and turn your weekend around. These fun weekends with your family will cement your bond and give not only yourself but your children a memory that will last a lifetime. There are so many things that you could do in your backyard that are both educational and fun while getting the entire family on board!

Want to find out some of these activities and interested in saving money but still making memories? Then keep reading!

Obstacle Course

Want to burn your kid’s energy out a little before they come back into the house? Looking to get them moving and active so they don’t develop bad, lazy habits during the summer? Then you might want to look into building an obstacle course in your backyard.

Using scrap wood and other required materials, build your kids an obstacle course that comes complete with a rock-climbing wall, a rope swing set frame, an observation deck and more. Look up DIY blueprints online for the best ideas and the easiest way to go about constructing an obstacle course.

Camping 

One of the coolest things you can do in your backyard is camp out under the stars and become a part of Mother Nature. Set up a couple of tents in your backyard complete with sleeping bags and pillows; teaching your children safety and responsibility by allowing them to set up their own tent.

Once the daylight is gone, light a bonfire and start the assembly line for homemade s’mores. Use this opportunity to teach your children about fire safety and how to build a safe fire. Set a ground rule that no one is allowed in the house except for bathroom breaks and dim the inside lights to mimic nature in the dark. You can even string lights through the trees to invoke the night sky and their twinkling stars. Have flashlights available and see who can tell the scariest story without flinching; awarding a prize for the most elaborate story.

Treehouses

There is nothing better than having your own hideout as a kid and the best way to keep them in your line of sight is to build a treehouse in your backyard. They can keep their treasures in there and have meetings for their secret clubs. Use old blankets and pillows to create a cozy haven for your kids and weather permitting – allow them to sleep out there with their friends for the ultimate experience.

Maintenance of Your Backyard

Regardless of what cool activity you decide to set up in your backyard or if you set up a combination of things – it is important to give your backyard a little TLC before the winter sets in. The constant foot traffic and activity stations can be hard on the grass and on your garden beds as potential contaminants are everywhere.

Use a combination of mulch and compost to fertilize your garden beds, giving them a much-needed boost in terms of nutrients and protection. These add-ons to your garden beds acts as a barrier between your garden beds and the rest of Mother Nature.

Use a fertilizer on your lawn to supplement the grass and offer it the needed vitamin boosts to make it through the winter. Use it as directed and to read more about how a lawn fertilizer can help you; click here.

Conclusion

Children don’t understand the concept of money and how certain things can be a shock to your financial system when things aren’t going right. While money is put away for school field trips and whatnot; it can be hard to come up with the dollars required to take your children somewhere every single weekend. The cost of the gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, food, supplies and the entrance fee can quickly total up and not be that fun to pay.

That is why turning your backyard into an activity filled place is a great idea. It’s close to home (literally), you are able to allow your children some freedom and independence (because you are right inside) and it’s something that they can re-use over and over. As they grow, update the activities and make it more suitable to their age. They can have friends over, sleepovers in the backyard under the stars and more, allowing you to give them the best childhood you possibly can.

Advertisement feature

Preparing for the SATs can be a daunting experience for your teen, and sometimes even you can feel the pressure as a parent. However, there are a lot of things you can do to make it a richer experience and to support their growth as individuals.

This short guide explores different ways that you can prepare your teen for the challenges of the SATs to set them up for success.

1. Sign Up Your Teen for an SAT Prep Course

One of the best ways for a parent to prepare teens for an important test is to enlist the help of courses that specialize in SAT preparation. This will give your teen an edge in the exam because such courses offer the experience and technical expertise necessary to guide your kid through the more complicated areas of SAT preparation. As another advantage, your teen will be able to understand complicated concepts more efficiently with comprehensive and thorough guidance. 

2. Help Them Cope With the Pressure

The first thing that you have to recognize is that this is a challenging period for your teen. The SAT is one of the determining factors of which college that they get into. If you’re feeling the pressure, it’s probably two-fold for them.

You must be a person whom they can rely on for emotional support. That being said, it’s important that you are always present to give them motivation and guidance every step of the way.

During the test preparation process, you should be mindful of their mental health and not add unnecessary pressure to what they’re already undergoing. Teens nowadays might not talk about the anxiety that they have.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Material

Knowing the material yourself will allow you to guide your teen in their journey towards SAT greatness. It will enable you to guide them through the course correctly should they need a little direction.

Another thing that’s great about knowing the material is that it allows you to answer questions that they might have and identify problem areas that they are facing. In a sense, you can be your teen’s tutor should the need arise.

4. Help Them Plot Out a Study Plan or Schedule

One concern that your teen will face is the proper scheduling of study sessions and the ever-changing nature of their other activities. It’s vital that you can help them with a study schedule earlier on.

Sticking to a schedule will ensure that they are right on track when it comes to their review, and it also makes sure that they cover the topics that they need to prepare for. A schedule also prevents unnecessary cramming, which can lead to added pressure and, at times, anxiety for your teen.

By being able to study earlier, your teen will be able to cover more material and allot more time perfecting subjects that they could be having issues in. This is a more holistic approach to studying.

5. Consider Getting on an SAT Preparation Program

There are a lot of programs available online that allow your teen to do self-study; and some of these applications will enable them to study no matter where they are. These are great ways for testing know-how. The practice questions make for an excellent springboard to get familiar with the material.

6. Encourage Your Teen to Take a Baseline Test

One of the best ways to assess your teen’s current performance and knowledge is to take a baseline test. This will determine which parts of the exam they already excel in and which sections they still have to focus on improving.

By doing this, you can adequately divide study time up to focus on subjects where your teen could work on more.

7. Guide Them through Continuous Practice

Practice makes perfect, and this is the same thing with SAT examinations. The more your teen goes through practice materials and questions, the better they get at the test. Constant practice can help them in getting excellent scores on the actual test.

There are plenty of places to get practice tests, and it is encouraged that you get as much of them as possible to provide them to your teen. These tests are great for test preparation.

8. Allow Them Time to Rest

Your teen won’t perform well when they are constantly under pressure, so always make time to tell them you appreciate their hard work and that rest and recreation are just as important as study time. Rest is sometimes all they need to get going after arduous review sessions.

Conclusion

As a parent, you need to be able to be your teen’s number one cheerleader and support system. This is a hard time for them, but with enough planning, you can prepare them to get optimal scores on the exam.

Post from Martina Smilevska 

Creating a chic home but still keeping it kids-friendly can be really challenging. How to display antique items so they’re safe? Should you avoid light colors because of all the spills and stains? We have a solution – decorate your home in Moroccan style.

Cozy, colorful, and welcoming, Moroccan style blends enchanting Mediterranean overtones with contemporary functionality. An attractive blend of finishes and cultures, this style will certainly take your home’s décor to a whole new level.

Bringing Morocco to Your Home

There’s something absolutely amazing about Moroccan design. It features complex geometric patterns and lots of colors in everything from pillows to floor coverings. Traditional Moroccan style is quite ornate, but it can be scaled down to create a perfect ambiance in your home. Bear in mind that fabric is crucial. Rugs, blankets, and curtains can carry the theme on their own.

Located in the northwest part of Africa, Morocco boasts a rich heritage as well as Arabic, Spanish, and French influences reflected in the architecture and interior design. The Morrocan style also features natural elements inspired by the varied geography of beaches, deserts, and mountains. So, if you want to bring a touch of Casablanca to your home, here are a few tips that will be helpful.

Cover the Floors

When it comes to floors, Moroccan rugs offer countless opportunities. With their strong geometric designs and bold color palette, these handwoven beauties have become popular among interior designers and private consumers alike. Each vintage Moroccan rug contains a slice of history and folk art that will make your home unique.

If you want to add a pop of color, choose Boucherouite rugs which are popular for their bright colors and are made from recycled materials. If you’re saving the more vivid colors for the walls or furniture items and want a more toned down floor option, opt for Beni Ourain rugs. These rugs are made of sheepskin by the Beni Ourain tribes in the Atlas Mountains. They’re traditionally beige with large lozenges, but you can also find Beni rugs in other colors like taupe or turquoise.

However, since there are kids in your home, we recommend choosing the more colorful and patterned options, which hide damage like spills and stains very well. 

If rugs aren’t your thing, go with tiles with colorful mosaic designs.

Choose Color for the Walls

Being bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on one coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Moroccan design abounds with vivid blue shades. There’s also the clear blue of the sky, the yellow of the shining sun, as well as the purple, pink, and orange from the breathtaking sunset. The mountains and the desert contribute neutral shades like gold, green, and brown.

If you want bolder-looking rooms, go for bright orange for all the walls and trim it with sandy brown. You can also bring the beach to your home by painting one wall blue and the other three in bright yellow. If you don’t want to commit to painting the walls, why not add customized neon signs to your walls for a pop of colour without the need for a paint job?

Moroccan design also has Spanish-influenced elements and one of the most prominent ones is texture. If you want to add texture to the walls, use techniques like plastering and sponging. These techniques in combination with darker hues will hide your children’s wall artwork (you know, pencil and marker scribbles that shouldn’t be there) better than walls in lighter shades.

Find the Perfect Furniture

One of the main concerns when decorating with kids in mind is safety, so furniture that’s free of sharp edges is a must. Stylish leather hassocks known as poufs are the perfect solution for this reason. Kids can play around them without fear of sharp edges. They can also be used as extra seating, serve as tables (to place all those plates, trays, and cups for your little girl’s tea parties), or perform a footrest duty for tired football players.

You can also include a traditional Moroccan couch in the living room to serve as a daybed on which you will nap or read. Cover the cushions with boldly-colored fabrics featuring pink and green or toss on throw pillows in contrasting hues like pink, purple, and blue.

Add Ambiance with the Right Lights

Whether pendant lamps or lanterns, Moroccan lamps will bring a dash of magic to your home. No, because you’re with kids, avoid lanterns because they can be easily knocked over. Metal lamps are a classic Moroccan décor element seen in Morocco, but you can also opt for an onion-shaped chandelier made of leaded-glass and iron accents, and colored in a jewel tone like emerald or topaz. 

Also, since Morocco is in the middle of a major cultural shift, the traditional vibe is blending with a new dazzling sensory hub of neon lights and designer logos. If you are looking for interesting ideas to help one of your home areas to look alive, you can try hanging up cheap neon light signs that can light up space and give it more mood and aesthetic. It’s a great way to change your surroundings within a reasonable budget, and decorating your walls is one of the easiest ways to do so.

Use Beautiful Accessories

It is possible to have beautiful accessories around your home without constantly stressing that something will happen to them. The secret is to avoid items like sculptures and focus on decorating the walls. 

When you’re choosing accessories for your Moroccan style home, keep in mind that Moroccan décor is all about intricate patterns and vivid colors. Here are some ideas to help you add the best finishing touches:

• Display a colorful Moroccan rug on the wall as a piece of art.

• Scatter floor pillows in bold colors all around the living room for extra seating.

• Mirrors can boost the Moroccan interior by discreetly reflecting light while at the same time decorating the walls. Look for mirrors with onion dome-shaped frames, frames made of deeply sculpted wood, ornamental ironwork, metal or gem embellishments, or frames covered in small tiles in a mosaic pattern. If you choose a big mirror, position it opposite the windows to keep the Moroccan-style interior light.

• Choose curtains made of colorful fabrics and rich textures.  

Final Thoughts

The Moroccan design concept is vivid and flexible and its intricate patterns and textures are simply irresistible. With its imaginative blend of Mediterranean, Arab, and African embellishing style, it is sure to bring the magic of the ‘1001 Nights’ to your home.  

Advertisement feature

There are so many benefits to getting out in nature and enjoying the great outdoors so it makes sense that lots of people are big into hiking. If you are planning on going hiking the first thing that should come to mind is getting a good pair of hiking boots. It is of the utmost importance that you find the right boots for your feet because the wrong boots are going to cause you a great deal of unnecessary pain.

There are a handful of different variables that will factor into your decision on the perfect hiking boot for you. Everyone’s feet are different shapes, lengths, and widths, and unless you know what to look for, it can be overwhelming. Hiking can be very hard on your feet, knees, and back, so you need to do whatever you can to protect them.

For some more information on choosing the right hiking boots for you just keep reading on below.

What Style To Choose?

There are a number of different options when it comes to the style of your hiking boots. You have five basic styles with different variations.

Trail boots are best for beginning hikers who really just plan on getting out for a jaunt on a well-kept trail. Rough-trail boots are the next step up for those who like extended day hikes and a bit of rough terrain at times. Off-trail boots offer more support and protection for when there is no trail except ones made by nature. Mountaineering boots are exactly what they sound like, boots that are designed for climbing very steep and rough terrain. Technical-scrambling boots are a sort of hybrid that offer serious mobility and are lightweight while still keeping your feet fairly well supported.

As you can tell the style all depends on the type of hiking you plan on doing that day. If you are a very serious hiker you will more than likely have multiple pairs for different types of hiking adventures.

Talk To An Expert

You always have the option of going to a hiking or outdoor lifestyle store and speaking to someone who does boot fittings. If the store is serious about their hiking they will have an expert on staff that will be able to size you up and help you find the right style and fit for your individual feet. They will pay careful attention to detail and know which current boots are going to work best for your situation.

Aesthetics Do Not Matter

If you are a serious hiker you are well aware that it doesn’t matter at all what you look like on the trail, just how comfortable and prepared you are. We all like to look good in our new sports gear but it would be ill-advised to purchase any type of hiking boot just because of the way it looks. Your feet will thank you for purchasing the proper boots and not the ones that look the best.

Let’s Hit The Trail

As you can see it really isn’t that difficult to find the right pair of boots for your next weekend outing. The biggest criteria for the type of boots you buy is going to be what you plan on doing in them and how your feet are shaped. You also always have the option to talk to a professional to get advice and sized properly. When you find the right boots for you hiking is going to become less about the exercise and more about being out and enjoying what mother nature has to offer.

Advertisement feature

If you’re one of those individuals who tend to overindulge during the dog days of summer; or during winter holiday, then you’re going to need to really work your butt off to lose those extra pounds. But no worries; you already have a bikini body – as does everyone who has a body and owns a bikini. Perhaps what you need is to trim some of those loose bits of fat that tend to get in the way when you break out the swimsuit.

To get you started on your weight loss plan, we suggest taking up a diet filled with veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and of course, healthy fats (omega-3s); which of course, are essential to any diet. We also suggest adding dietary supplements like the Lactobacillus gasseri supplement into your diet to incorporate a microbial component into your weight loss regimen.

The recipes here are pretty straightforward and don’t require any super-exotic ingredients, but they taste great! You can also consider how dietary supplements could play a part – do plenty of research on the benefits, like this Bio X4 review.

So here we go;

Stay Lean with These 4 Principles:

• Drink at Least 1 Gallon of Water a Day

We can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated; especially if you spend a lot of time outside for work or fun. Without the right water intake, your body wouldn’t be able to process fat effectively; or get rid of toxins in the digestive tract that cause you to feel bloated all the time. Make an effort to drink the recommended 8 glasses per day – and use natural sweeteners if the thought of swallowing water makes you cringe. 

• Meal Tracking

Use apps to track your food intake; that way, you can have a better grip on your calorie count. These apps are available for both Android and IOS, so there’s no excuse for overeating. 

• Limit Your Carbohydrates

Carbs should be limited. This is the ideal amount of carbs that should be consumed on a low-carb diet. Dietary guidelines recommend that carbs provide about a quarter of your energy needs – so if for instance, you consume 2,000 calories per day, aim for about 100-200 grams of carbohydrates per day. Keep in mind that 2,000 calories per day is a bit on the high side for anybody trying to lose weight.

• Eat More Protein!

Proteins are the building block of your muscles. For this reason, eating the right amount of proteins helps to keep your muscle mass intact – and it also helps to grow muscle. Another good reason for eating protein is that it prevents muscle loss during weight loss.

A note on portion size

Do everything you can to watch your portion size because it has a direct impact on your weight loss goals. So instead of using complicated matrices like ounces and grams to weight food portions, use something simpler to measure – like the palm of your hand.It’s a pretty effective method to use because remember, your hand usually scales with body size; so if you’re smaller, then eat less, according to your hand size. And if you are a big guy, the same principle applies. 

The 4 Week Lean Diet Meal Plan

Before you get started on your 1-week meal plan, there are a number of things you should expect. For starters, you might start to feel tired because of the drop in carbs; but over time, your body will find ways to adjust. If you stick to this diet, then after two weeks you may start to lose an average of 2 pounds per week. The first week can get pretty intense, and you may lose anywhere from 3-5 pounds.

Breakfast:

• Boiled Eggs
• 45g Oats With 300ml Skimmed Milk and 1tsp Honey
• Spinach Banana Protein Smoothie
• Berry Parfait

Lunch:

• Chicken Apple Salad
• Greek Bowl
• Grilled Chicken (1 Chicken Breast) Salad Sandwich With Wholemeal Bread
• 1 Can of Tuna With Beetroot; 1 Low-fat Yoghurt.

Dinner:

• Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry Saute
• 1 Large Chicken Breast
• Steak and Potatoes
• Salmon With Mixed Vegetable Quinoa

Lean Snacks for Grumbling Stomachs

• Apple Slices With Nut Butter
• Greek Yogurt
• Handful Mixed Nuts

To make your weight loss plan manageable, plan ahead and have a plan for dealing with food cravings – because no matter what, do NOT deviate from your diet. Have a positive attitude going into your meal plan, that way, you won’t suffer through the whole process.

Good luck!

Advertisement feature

Whether you’re looking to make the most of the school holidays with the kids, take a romantic holiday for two or simply escape the winter bite, there are many amazing places to spend the festive season this year.

Here are our top five.

Germany

Germany is arguably the atypical destination to experience a traditional festive Christmas. No matter where you go you will find an enchanting Weihnachtsmarkt filled with handcrafted trinkets, sparkling tree ornaments and delicious sticky toffee.

Some people claim you have never experienced Christmas until you have visited a charming snow-covered medieval village that time has forgotten. The romanticism of Christmas really comes alive and with the sweet scents of cinnamon, mulled wine mixing with the sweet sounds of children singing carols, it’s just like the idea of Christmas you see in films.

Finland

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, why not head to a holiday destination that is guaranteed plenty of the white stuff. Finland – and arctic wonderland drizzled in festive spirit and lit by ice lanterns. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic Christmas.

The natural setting plays a huge part in Finland’s landscape, but the snow-dusted fir forests and gushing waterfalls in wintertime are a sight to behold. Embrace Finnish culture and enjoy a sled pulled by huskies and watch the night skies to experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis.

New Zealand

Sun lovers look to escape the winter chill this Christmas might want to think about heading out to New Zealand and chilling out in the sun with laid-back Kiwis.

With long days and simmering hot temperatures, Christmas in New Zealand is mostly spent outdoors. Other than the traditional barbie on the beach, once you’ve opened your presents, you could be parasailing over pristine blue waters, crashing over waves on jet skis or relaxing by a peaceful lakefront.

Japan

Japan is probably not the first travel destination that springs to mind when you think of somewhere to spend Christmas, but don’t rule it out just yet – the Japanese celebrate the festive season in true style.

To be fair, you will recognize all the typical western influences such as fir trees, Santa and present-giving, but the Japanese also have their quirky traditions as well – such as going to KFC. This has been a Christmas tradition in Japan since an ad was aired on TV in 1974. And it’s still a thing.

The Japanese really go to town with the illuminations and have also introduced German-style Christmas markets complete with trinkets, lavishly filled trees and parcelled gifts.

Spain

Spain is a Catholic country and takes Christmas pretty seriously – so much so, the Spanish start dishing out turron in October, a traditional sweet made from almond and honey.

By December, the festivities are in full swing with carol singers, religious ceremonies, parades, fireworks, nativity scenes and streets lined with mesmerizing illuminations.

If you are thinking of heading to Spain for Christmas, it is recommended to visit one of the larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Seville as many of the locals living in small beach towns go away for Christmas, so everything is quiet.

Guided Tours

To make your Christmas really special, why not hire a local guide to introduce you to festive customs and show you the best places to go for Christmas dinner.

Advertisement feature

Have you ever wondered what laser hair removal is all about?

Every time you think of laser hair removal treatments, you probably wonder how expensive it is, especially if it is clinic also employes a laser for hair hair removal.

However, that should not worry you as you can perform the procedure at home by yourself. Thanks to modern skincare technology, there are laser hair removal devices that you can use at safely home. An example is Tria laser 4X that is approved by the FDA and comes with a simple and easy to understand manual.

Sounds fun? Well, you’ll have to invest in a good one to achieve flawless results. On top of that, they come with instructions that should be followed by the book. Finding it expensive to go to the clinic? Is it your first-time trying laser hair removal?

Try this home guide below.

Assess your Hair and Skin Tone

All laser hair removal devices are facilitated by different hair textures and skin tones. Normally, the laser will target the pigment making it suited for darker hair and light skin.

For darker skin, the melanin is usually affected by the laser heat resulting in the skin developing a burn. In terms of hair texture, ensure that it is not fair as you will achieve less impressive results. Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure of your hair texture and skin tone.

Identify Treatment Areas

Which part of your body do you want to get rid of the hair? Laser treatment is suited for lower leg region and underarms. Treating facial hair is highly discouraged because of hairs are fine and hormone-driven.

Also, avoid treating your genitalia or injured areas to prevent serious complications. How regularly you will undertake the procedure will be determined by your hair growth cycle. Doing it once a month is recommended, but if your hair grows faster then 2-3 times will be necessary.

Perform Shaving Religiously

The process of hair removal normally targets the follicle at the surface of your skin. Unlike waxing where you must pluck every strand from the root, shaving allows the hair follicles to remain at the bottom of your skin.

It is for this reason that waxing is discouraged before undertaking the laser process. Should you opt for waxing, then do so a month or two before your treatment, that way the laser equipment will be able to capture the follicles.

During the Laser Treatment Process

Make sure the body parts you intend to perform the laser treatment are thoroughly cleaned and well shaven.

Read all the instructions beforehand to avoid making mistakes that will jeopardize the results and healing process.

Now, begin by placing your device at 90-degree angle making sure it’s against the surface of your skin. Start circling in motion as you work your way through the area. Avoid revisiting the same spot twice as it will cause uncomfortable skin irritation.

After the Laser Treatment Process

Once you are done, clean up the hair free area with recommended disinfectants and apply after shave creams.

Disinfect the treated areas regularly and look out for anything odd. Moreover, avoid excessive exposure to the sun as it will affect the healing process. Should anything come up, consult your doctor immediately.