5 Cost-Effective Tips That TRANSFORM Your Decor

 Creating the right interior design is no easy task—every homeowner struggles with defining the best decor to reflect their personality. Ultimately, not many people have first-hand experience in decorating a property. More often than not, we seek inspiration from magazines and Instagram, copying the designs we love the most. That's precisely why your home sweet home could be missing crucial aspects of interior styling, such as maximizing natural light passages or building a consistent and intuitive flow from room to room. 

Picture the scene: You've invested a lot of money in decorating your home. Yet things still don't feel quite right. If you've checked for flow and natural contrasts between rooms and can't find any issues, chances are making these small changes will help your decor shine. Spoiler alert: They are inexpensive!

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#1. Clear glass panels

Your windows can accumulate a lot of grime during the year. However, you are unlikely to notice a difference. Microparticles of dirt are invisible to the naked eye. Yet, they could still affect how the light comes into your home. That's precisely why it's important to schedule regular window washing to make the most of your windows. It will help brighten your rooms and enhance your mood! 

#2. Add more green plants

Houseplants are more than a decorative addition to your interior, and they can boost your health significantly. Indeed, plants freshen the indoor air by releasing oxygen, which can make your home feel brighter, fresher, and more welcoming. According to NASA, plants can also play an active role in removing toxins from your indoor air, reducing the symptoms of building sickness. 

Additionally, the presence of plants helps soothe the mind. You are more likely to enjoy your decor if you feel relaxed and at peace. 

#3. Introduce scents to your decor

Your decor can become a full sensory experience through the addition of scents. Investing in an essential oil diffuser can help bring soothing smells to your home. Lemon can be uplifting, helping to see your decor in a different eye. Frankincense promotes inner peace, which can also transform the way you perceive your home. 

For those who struggle with high stress levels, bergamot and ylang-ylang can help decrease blood pressure and negativity. Remember that your mood can affect your perception of your surroundings. Therefore, creating sensorial and soothing spots in your home will make the most of your decor. 

#4. Open the windows

Renewing your indoor air is free. It doesn't cost anything to open y our windows once a day and let the air circulate inside your home. You should spend 30 minutes to an hour every day to refresh your indoor air. It will remove the toxins that accumulate indoors and help make everything feel cleaner and fresher. 

#5. Energize your interior

After a long day at work, it's natural to feel sluggish and lazy. But you can introduce pockets of energy within your decor. In moderation, the addition of bright colors, such as red or orange, can instantly make you feel more awake. It can be as simple as adding red cushion covers in your living rooms or painting the frame of your favorite picture in dark orange. Little touches of brightness will make a big difference to your mood! 

Can you change your decor without actually changing your decor? The answer is yes. These small transformations can elevate your interior and make you feel more at home! 

The Gentleman's Guide for Packing a Suitcase for Travel

 When traveling, it is important to pack light. However, you also want to make sure that you have everything you need with you. This can be a difficult balance to achieve. This blog post will provide tips for packing a suitcase that will help ensure that you are ready for anything that comes your way!

Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels

1) Start With The Essentials

When packing a suitcase, it is essential to start with the essentials. This includes items like underwear, socks, shirts, and pants. Make sure to pack enough clothes for the duration of your trip, but try to keep it light. You do not want to be lugging around a heavy bag all day!

If you are traveling for business, it is important to bring along a suit or other formal attire. If you are doing any sightseeing or participating in other activities, make sure to pack appropriate clothing as well. It is also a good idea to bring along a few extra sets of clothes just in case something happens and you end up getting wet or dirty.

2) Pack Smart

When packing a suitcase, it is important to be smart about how you pack. This means folding your clothes in a way that will save space. You can also use packing cubes to help organize your belongings. Another tip is to bring along smaller items like shampoo and conditioner that can take up less space.

It is also essential to think about what you will need during your trip. If you are traveling with a laptop, for example, make sure to bring along the appropriate charger and cables. If you are going on an outdoor adventure, make sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and other necessary items.

3) Make Use Of The Available Space

One of the best tips for packing a suitcase is to use the available space. This means using every nook and cranny to store your Men's Balenciaga clothes.. You can use shoe bags to store smaller items or pack underwear and socks inside your shoes.

Another great way to utilize space is by packing clothing that can be worn multiple ways. For example, a t-shirt can be worn as a shirt or a dress. A skirt can also be doubled up as a pair of shorts. By packing clothes like this, you will save room in your suitcase.

4) Use A Suitcase That Is The Right Size

When packing a suitcase, it is important to use a bag that is the right size. This will help you avoid overpacking and ensure that you have enough room for everything you need. It is also essential to choose a sturdy suitcase and easy to carry.

If you are traveling with children, it may be helpful to bring along a smaller suitcase or backpack that they can carry themselves. This will help keep them occupied and prevent them from getting tired and cranky.

5) Label Your Bags

When traveling, it is important to label your bags. This will help ensure that they are not misplaced during transit. You can use a luggage tag or some other type of identification system.

It is also a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes and essentials in your carry-on bag. This way, you will be prepared if something happens to your suitcase and gets lost or delayed.

6) Have Fun With It

While it is essential to be organized when packing a suitcase, it is also important to have fun. This means including some personal items that will make you feel comfortable and at home.

This could include a favorite book, headphones, or travel-sized toiletries. By having these items, you will help ensure that your trip is enjoyable from start to finish!

7) Stay Organized

One of the best ways to stay organized when packing a suitcase is to use a checklist. This will help ensure that you do not forget anything important. You can either create your list or use one provided by a luggage company.

Another way to stay organized is to pack your clothes and belongings in categories. This could include items like shirts, pants, dresses, and underwear. By packing this way, you will find what you need quickly and easily.

In conclusion, there are a few key things to remember when packing a suitcase for travel. By following these tips, you can ensure that your luggage is well-organized and that you have everything you need for an enjoyable trip.

Why Part Of Me Will Always Be "Bridget" (And That Is Allowed)

There is a thought that has been building in my head lately.  Well, not lately, for some time now.  

Why do I feel that, at a time where arguably (in the first world) women are at our most liberated, are there more rules imposed on women than ever?

We are at a point in history where we are told that women can be all things, that nothing is impossible. We can do anything we want, be anything we want to be.  The rules and shackles imposed by society for so very long are being thrown away and we are creating and running our own lives the way we want to.  Or are we?

Somehow, despite all of this liberation; it seems that we are once again being told what to do, how to look, how to act and how to think, increasing not just from men, but from other women. 

Sometimes it feels that the only thing we are not allowed to be, is ourselves.  

I was watching Bridget Jones Diary over Christmas.  Bridget Jones Diary was written in 1996 and released as a film in 2001.  For so many of us, Bridget encapsulated so much of who we are, our characteristics and both our flaws and our strengths.

Her silliness, her hope, her need for love and looking for it in all the wrong places.  Her inability to make the right choices.  Her ability to pick herself up and dust herself off to try again, after an obligatory vat of wine and a few renditions of "All By Myself".  

I saw so much of myself in Bridget and indeed, now over twenty five years since the book came out, I still do.

The thing is, we are all multifaceted people.  Aside from my many similarities to Bridget, I am also many other things.  Many of which are contradictory to the other.  I am independent, but feel an innate need to be loved, cared for.  I am both secure, and insecure in my appearance, my character, my trajectory in life.  I may have finally reached a point where I no longer walk about swathed in black, but I still change my clothes as many times before deciding on an outfit.  Whatever the occasion. 

I have a career, but it does not drive me more than being happy in my life outside of work.  

I have both a traditional and non traditional relationship with my partner.

All of the above is the way I choose to live my life.  It is who I am.  Because I am be more than one thing.  I can, and do, have opinions about a thousand different subjects.  They don't all have to be on the same wavelength.

This, for me, is what the women before me fought for.  To be the person I am.  To think the way I want.  Act the way I want.  Do what the hell I want.

After watching the film, I later watched a documentary about the writer, Helen Fielding who spoke about her own similarities to Bridget, which inspired her to write the book.  One of the people in the documentary was Germaine Greer,  who made comment about the routine that Bridget went through in order to ready herself for her first date with Daniel.

Germaine was eyerolling at the fact that Bridget felt the need to do all of this.  Why was she thinking more about whether to wear sexy underwear or control underwear rather than, as Germaine said "Don't worry about your pants girl, just kiss him".

That is true enough.  What we know, certainly by Bridget's age, is that a man cares more about getting into your knickers rather than their style.  They don't care.  From my own experience with my partner, he tells he loves the "wrapping", but it is what inside that counts.  The body and the mind.

But should that mean that we should also not care?  Is that now not allowed? The effort that we put in is never just about them, it is part of who we are.   

But, now, in 2022, being like Bridget is discouraged.  Embarrassing even.  All of those traits that we saw in Bridget reflected in ourselves are now frowned upon.  At a time when even the word woman is being taken away from us, by men who have decided they are women; why are our feminine traits being seen as wrong and traits attributed to men, now right?

There is nothing wrong with being confident.  Forthright.  Competitive.  Single minded in our pursuits.  Assertive.  All typically "male" behaviours.  An increase of these behaviours is all good for women, but more and more I see them the things that make us women, now actively discouraged and forbidden.

There is no right way to be a man or a woman.  We can be any and all things, but by our choosing.

Even the choice to be a stay at home mum is now judged.  I overheard a conversation the other day where a young twenty something was saying to friends that what she wanted most in life was to be a mother.  At home, with her children.  She was immediately jumped on.  What about your career, your independence, your money.  You can't "just" be a mother.

Of course she can.  She can be anything she wants to be.  Can't she?  

I am not writing an anti Germaine Greer post, but I saw this quote from her relevant to this post.

If a woman never lets herself go, how will she ever know how far she might have got? If she never takes off her high-heeled shoes, how will she ever know how far she could walk or how fast she could run?

Can I not wear high heels?  Put on my makeup, take an eternity to decide on what to wear?  Why do these have to detract from the person that I am?  Does this now make me vapid and silly?  Why can't I be silly?  Doing those things are part of what makes me, me.  It does not make me less intelligent, less willing and able to be successful and walk the path that I want to.  

But I want to walk that path the way I chose.  Not chosen by others.

It feels sometimes like we have moved on from changing from we look like and how we dress for men, to now editing who we are as people and the persona we show to the world, for (some) women.

I walk to the beat of my own drum.  Not others.  I won't be told how to live my life or how to act/be.  I see how far women have come, what we have achieved, what generations before us fought for and gained for us.  I don't think they would want me to be put in another box.

We make our own rules.  What we cannot and should not do, is impose those rules on others. So yes, part of me is Bridget.  And I am not ashamed of that.  Nor should I be.

3 Tips To Buy Your First Motorcycle

 

Image Credit: Lars_Nissen from Pixabay.

Quite a few people want to drive motorcycles rather than cars. There are plenty of reasons why. Many bikers claim that it offers more freedom.

It’s also a decision that you’ll need to put some thought into. That’s especially true when you’re going to buy your first motorcycle.

While the same could be said for buying a car, it’s especially true with a motorbike. You’ll need to make sure you’re extra safe in it.

When you’re buying your first motorcycle, you’ll need to focus on a few key things. Once you do, you should be certain that you get the one that you want.

Buy Your First Motorcycle Easily With 3 Tips

Focus On Safety

Safety will be the most important factor to focus on when you buy your first motorcycle. There’ll be fewer safety features on a motorcycle than a car or SUV.

You’ll need to maximize the safeness of your choice. There are multiple ways of doing so. As a first-time motorcycle owner, you should choose something that doesn’t have too much power.

You should also consider your riding gear. The helmet will be the most obvious part of this, although you’ll need to think of protective clothing too.

You’ll also need to be safe while driving. If you’re involved in an accident, discuss your case with a lawyer.

Know What To Consider

Multiple factors will affect your decision when you buy your first motorcycle. You should be aware of these before you start looking.

Doing so lets you keep them in mind as you’re researching different dealers and motorbikes. Some factors will be more important than others.

The largest are:

• Condition

• Price

• Technology

• Insurance Costs, and more.

You can use each of the above to narrow down your decision. Some options will be too expensive, for example, while others will affect quality.

Knowing what you want and what you’re looking for will be a large part of the buying process. Spend enough researching things before buying.

Have A Type In Mind

You might be surprised to know that there are multiple types of motorcycles. You could already be aware of some of them, though there may be more than you’re aware of.

They’ll all offer different advantages and disadvantages. Some of the more notable types include:

• Cruiser

• Dual Purpose

• Sport Bike

• Touring

• Sport Touring

• Electric

When you’re buying your first motorcycle, you’ll need to differentiate between these types. Some will be more appealing to you than others.

To properly take advantage of this, you’ll need to put some research into the different types. Doing so lets you make a much more informed decision.

How To Buy Your First Motorcycle: Wrapping Up

If you don’t know how to buy your first motorcycle, the process could be slightly overwhelming. You’ll have multiple things you’ll need to consider.

Once you know what you’re doing, you shouldn’t have a problem deciding which motorbike is the right one for you. Cost and other factors can also come into play.

These should come after the above, however. Safety and other factors will be paramount. These can often be worth paying for.often be worth paying more for.

Top Tips For Buying Your First House

 

Image Credit: 12019 from Pixabay.

Everyone dreams of buying their first home. It takes quite a while to be able to, however. When you can, you’ll want to make sure you go about it the right way.

That’s much easier said than done for many people. When you’re buying your first house, it’ll naturally be your first time doing so. You mightn’t know what to expect.

You’ll likely already know about budgeting, getting a mortgage, and more. These are the most obvious parts of buying property.

They’re not the only things you’ll need to keep in mind, though. With the various factors that can affect whether or not you’ll like or want a particular, you’ll need to know a few things.

Once you do, you’ll have no problem moving in.

What To Know Before Buying Your First House

Check Out The Neighborhood

While you’ll typically focus on the house that you’re considering, you should also consider the neighborhood itself. You’ll need to make sure that you like it.

Visiting the neighborhood several times will give you an idea of what it’s like. You should make sure to do so at different times of the day and week.

That’ll give you an accurate idea of what it’s like to live in the neighborhood. With how large of a factor this should be to the home, you’ll need to consider it.

Work With A Trusted Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent when you’re buying your first house is highly recommended. There are multiple benefits to this. They can guide you throughout the home buying process.

They can also answer any of the questions that you might have. You shouldn’t pick the first one you come across, however.

You’ll need to put some research into different real estate agents. The likes of Compass, among other options, can be recommended, depending on where you’re looking.

For first-time buyers, this can be the best-recommended option.

Know How Much To Offer

Many people believe that they should offer the listing price when they’re buying a home. In many cases, that wouldn’t be enough to secure the purchase.

There’ll likely be other people trying to buy the house. These will often be different to your offer. You’ll need to figure out how much to offer.

While a real estate agent can help you with this, you should also do your research. Online searches can be more than helpful with this.

Focusing on a local area and similar properties is recommended. Doing so will give you a ballpark figure of how much you should offer for a specific house.

Though there might still be some negotiation after this, you should be much closer to a sale once you have this research done.

Buying Your First House: Wrapping Up

As thrilling as buying your first house is, you should go into it with your eyes open. There’s a significant amount of money on the line; you’ll want to make sure you don’t misspend it.

Then there’s the fact that the house buying process can be an overwhelming one. You could have to see multiple properties, jump through countless hoops, and more.

It’s easy to feel stressed during this. Using multiple tips and tricks will minimize this, however. Once you do, you should be unpacking in your new home in no time.

How to Raise Money for Your Real Estate Investment

 

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Raising money for your real estate investment can be a daunting and challenging task, but it is not impossible. There are many different ways to increase the capital necessary to invest in real estate.

Here is how you can use these methods to make your dream of investing in property come true.

A Mortgage or Investment Property Loan

One way to raise money for your real estate investment is by taking out a mortgage or loan. This can be done through a traditional bank or lender, or you could look into alternative options like private money lending or hard money lending.

When getting a mortgage, consider the following:

• The loan to value ratio of the property

• Your credit score and history

• The current interest rate environment

The following are examples of mortgage companies:

• Wells Fargo

• Bank of America

• Chase

• Citi Mortgage

• Quicken Loans

You can navigate here to learn more about your real estate investment mortgage options.

A Private Money Lender

A private money lender is an investor who provides capital in exchange for repayment at a future date, usually in interest.

Private lenders are often family members or friends who do not carry lending licenses and therefore can lend without restrictions. These types of loans may come with high-interest rates because they are unsecured by your property, but their convenience makes them attractive to real estate investors trying to raise funds fast.

When getting a private lender, consider the following:

• When will you pay the lender back?

• What is your repayment plan?

• How much interest are you willing to accept on top of the principal amount borrowed?

A Hard Money Lender

Hard money lenders provide short-term, high-rate loans for real estate investors who intend to sell their properties promptly. The terms of these transactions range from six months to two years and require borrowers to make monthly payments with vast chunks of interest at regular intervals.

However, because these companies focus exclusively on investing in precious property that they can turn around quickly, homebuyers looking for more traditional loan options might have difficulty qualifying or get approved through them. Therefore, when approaching a hard money lender—ask yourself what type of investment you are looking for.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding refers to online platforms to solicit donations or investments from a large number of people. It has become a popular way to raise money for all sorts of projects, including real estate investments.

There are several different types of crowdfunding:

Rewards-based crowdfunding: This type of crowdfunding is when investors receive rewards in return for their investment. For example, they may receive a product or service related to their funded project.

Donation-based crowdfunding: In this type of crowdfunding, investors donate money without expecting anything in return. This is often used for charitable causes.

Equity crowdfunding: With equity crowdfunding, investors become shareholders in the company and receive a portion of the profits generated by the company. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates this type of funding.

Conclusion

Investing in real estate properties can be a very profitable and rewarding venture. However, to be successful, you will need a lot of money to get started. The above tips will give you a few different ways to raise funds for your next real estate investment.

The Jewellery to Wear for Special Occasions

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Wearing jewelled adornments commemorating elaborate events dates back to before the ancient Egyptians. Cultures all over the world still carry this tradition. Although many people wear jewellery every day, there are recognized pieces to wear for special occasions. Yet, it can be tricky to know what to wear and when beyond well-known events.

Wedding Anniversaries

Getting married is an extraordinary commitment between two people. Therefore, it warrants remembrance and unique jewellery pieces to commemorate your special day. For each year of marital bliss, there is an associated list of modern and traditional gifts and materials. For example, clocks and paper represent your first year while china and cotton commemorate your second. It might not be viable to give these materials each year, but you can offer jewellery gifts for milestone years. For example, emerald rings and gifts are associated with 20 years.

Days Special to You

Of course, you don't need traditional anniversaries to denote a special day between you and your partner. Or even a special day in particular. Perhaps you like to remember the first day you met your husband or wife. Or maybe even the first time your business made a profit. Everyone has days that are special to them. The best part is meaningful gifts, and jewellery can be anything you like and traditional. For example, you might find solace in a Saint Christopher necklace when your child learns to drive, or your wife might appreciate a new charm each year on the date of your first special night together.

Pieces for Weddings

There are many grand traditions associated with weddings. Formal hats, dresses, cutting the cake and the first dance. But many people don't think of wedding jewellery. Brooches are traditionally worn at western weddings, while Rajputi jewellery is worn at grand Asian weddings by the bride, groom and specific guests. However, for the most part, you can accent your gown, whether bride or guest, with particular pieces. For example, delicate necklaces compliment your neckline, armlets break up monotonous tones and earrings accent a formal updo. 

Special Birthdays

Jewellery makes a remarkable birthday gift. You can build quite the collection that marks each particular day and makes beautiful memories beginning as a child. Pandora charms are trendy, but birthstone jewellery adds a rich personal touch. Each month and zodiac sign has a corresponding stone. And these stones can be inserted into all kinds of jewellery, such as rings, necklaces and bracelets. For example, garnet represents January, and Aquarius is associated with amber. However, birthstones vary by eastern and western culture types. 

Religious Occasions

Cultural jewellery is prominent worldwide, and each religion holds specific patterns, symbols and materials sacred. These types of jewellery are traditionally worn to represent a religious belief or at particular times of the year. For example, as a catholic, you might wear a crucifix around your neck to show devotion to Christ. Whereas trending Jhumkas jewellery might be given as a gift during the Muslim celebration of Eid that encourages gift giving as a symbol of generosity.

How to Have a Wedding That Guests Will Love

Your wedding will, of course, primarily be about you. This is, after all, your special day, and it’s important that your happiness is given priority. However, it’s not as if you can’t think of other people whatsoever. If you’re going to have a wedding that everyone enjoys, then it’s important to think about the guest experience. If you get it right, then you’ll have a wedding day that lives long in the memories of everyone who is there, for all the right reasons. 

But how can you do this? We’ll take a look at some useful tips below.

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Keep Costs Down

You’ll know that your wedding day is going to cost you a lot of money. But it shouldn’t cost your guests a lot of money. It’s unlikely that yours will be the only wedding that they’re going to this year. You’ll be making things much, much easier for them if they don’t have to spend the earth to attend your special day. Be particularly mindful of having weddings overseas. They can be cheaper for the people getting married, but much more expensive for guests. So while it might look cheaper for you, remember that you’ll essentially just be passing on the costs to your friends and family!

A Smooth Day

You’ll likely have a detailed understanding of everything that’s going to happen on your wedding day. But your guests will not have this information. They’ll want to settle in and have a good time with the other guests, but if they’re continually thinking about where they should be, then they won’t be able to do that. It is recommended to work with a wedding planner so that everything flows as smoothly as possible on the big day. It’s just a lot easier to have fun when you’re not wondering if you’re in the right place or you think you need to be somewhere else! 

Think About the Kids

Your guests with kids will want to have a good time, but they’ll always have to think about the happiness of their children. You can help them by having a plan for the kids. For example, could you hire a children’s entertainer? Or perhaps you could hire a babysitter so that the parents can spend the evening on the dancefloor, secure in the knowledge that their children are being well looked after.

Midnight Snacks and Chill Zones

Everyone will be in party mode, but it’s important to remember that some of your guests won’t be able to spend all night on the dance floor without taking a break. While you’ll want to ensure that your dancing area is on fire, you should also put together a chill zone. This is a space away from the music where people can relax and talk. Once they’ve built up their energy, they’ll go back to dancing. Also -- be sure to order some midnight snacks. People get hungry when they dance; a little bit of food can go a long way to keeping the party on all night! 

Designing Your Bathroom To Fit Your Life

I still remember my family's bathroom in the mid 1980s.  A tiny room that had atypical of the period avocado green bathroom suite crammed into the small space.  The bath was functional, but not somewhere you could lie back and relax and the hair washing facilities were either in the form of leaning over the bath with a jug of water at the ready, or an unreliable rubber tube that you attached to the taps.

Size aside, it was pretty much standard for bathrooms back then.  Luxuries did not need to extend to bathrooms.  

A house move gave us a slightly bigger bathroom, upgraded down to a proper shower, albeit whilst standing in the bath.  I used to dream of a huge bathroom with a bath and a separate shower.  A double sink that had storage facility for my makeup.

Modern living has opened up and redesigned our bathroom spaces and depending on the size of the room, you can have anything that you want.  I am still dreaming about having a double sink one day however.

As our lives become busier and our working hours longer, what people frequently want out of their bathrooms is practicality, mixed with luxury.  The invention of luxury shower cabins have revolutionized bathrooms and given us all the speed of a shower but with added luxuries that make all the difference.  

When my partner and I renovated our bathroom last year, one thing that we both wanted was a high tech shower cabin that combines both functionality with luxury add ons that make showering an enjoyable experience.

You can now invigorate yourself with music in the mornings thanks to Bluetooth, allowing you to connect your phone and play the music of your choice while you shower (90s dance is my preference).  Things like mood lighting can also help to inspire your mood.  

Looking at Insignia Steam Showers, you can even have aromatherapy steam in your shower to calm and relax you, readying you for a good night's sleep.  

Added accessories such as shower seats can add to the experience further.  From the practicality of sitting down whilst shaving your legs to simply luxuriating in steam after a stressful day at the office whilst listening to calming music (Chopin's Spring Waltz is a favourite of mine).

What is your dream bathroom?