Journeys Are My Diary

With Summer just around the corner, now’s the time to be planning your great getaway, and what better way to get away from it all than to go on a great summer road trip.  If you’re thinking of hitting the road this summer, this article offers some international inspiration on where to head to.

1. IRELAND’S WILD ATLANTIC WAY

The WIld Atlantic Way is the longest coastal route in the world, running 2,500km up the Western Coast of Ireland.  There’s an incredible amount to see and do in such a short distance and each day offers spectacular views of emerald hills, azure seas, rustic beaches and a unique culture.

2. ECUADOR: QUITO TO GUAYAQUIL

Here, you’ll pass roads surrounded  by beautiful snow capped mountains, fiery volcanoes, and villages full of some of the warmest people you’re likely to ever meet; be sure to check out Courtyard Guayaquil upon arrival, as this is a great place to rest up and treat yourself after a couple of weeks on the road.

3. CANADA’S COWBOY TRAIL

If you’re looking to get away from it all you can follow the route through Southern Alberta to the lunar landscape of the badlands to where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains.  It’s a breathtakingly beautiful journey with a lot of variety in terms of scenery and activities en-route.

4. FLORIDA KEYS

The US 1 from Miami to Key West is an ocean focused 150 mile drive that takes in a variety of the keys (little islands) sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.  The most amazing section of this drive is the Seven Mile Bridge.

5. US ROUTE 20

If you want to travel coast to coast then Route 20 is known for being the longest road in America covering a distance of 3,365 miles from Newport (Oregon) to Boston (Massachusetts).  Going around Yellowstone National Park makes a lovely pit stop but covering 3,365 miles is no small feat. The route is fast and easy to drive; you should be able to cover it in two to three weeks – but the best way would be to take a little longer, so you can experience the Real America along the way, rather than just sit on the tarmac.

6. MONUMENT VALLEY

Starting out of Route 17 in Phoenix you can visit Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, and cowboy landscapes on the Arizona/Utah border.  Then, progress to Route 191 to enter Winslow using Route 66. The top tip for this trip is to take a Jeep Safari along Diamond Creek Road, as this way you get to drive along the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

7. ROUTE 66

Perhaps the most famous “road trip” in the world, Route 66 will soon celebrate its 100th birthday, as one of the first numbered roads in the US.  Ending in California this trip from Chicago to Santa Monica covers 2,451 miles mostly through what could be the set of an old western movie.

Seating isn’t just a practical factor in home décor, it can also elevate the look and feel of any space

Decorating your home is partly about finding stunning accents and objects which are purely decorative, like vases, artwork and ornaments. These elements help to make your home feel fuller and more welcoming, giving you something to catch your eye wherever you look.

However, don’t let this make you believe that an item either has to be decorative or functional. Another vital aspect of successful décor is taking the elements which you have to include in your home and using them to improve the design of a space.

Seating is a staple aspect of any furnished home. Like beds, countertops and the kitchen sink, seating is a necessary part of home décor, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be a decorative element that you use to elevate the look and feel of your home.

We’re here today to show you how you can use seating as the ultimate tool for stunning interior design.

The ultimate décor

Seating can be integrated into any space in your home. In fact, it often is without really thinking about it. It can complement the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and even the hallway. If you have a home office or even a large bathroom, it can also be used to make these spaces feel more welcoming and homely, while adding a sense of elegance and luxury.

The living room is the most popular destination for seating, but it is not restricted to this area. Wherever you consider to be the heart of your home — whether it’s the living room, dining room, kitchen or conservatory — you’ll need great seating in order to wordlessly invite friends and family to spend some time together, relax and unwind.

Depending on the style of seating you choose, it can be a centrepiece or an accent. It can be comfortable or formal; traditional or abstract; communal or intimate. It truly is the ultimate tool for creating functional, beautiful and versatile spaces in your home.

The different kinds of seating

There are plenty of different kinds of seating available, each with its own feel and function. The most common kind of seating is the sofa, which is arguably the most sociable option and can act as a centrepiece in a living room. Dining chairs are a practical seating option which can also be elegant and luxurious, while bar stools are a less formal alternative if you normally eat or converse at a breakfast bar rather than a dining table.

Armchairs and club chairs are comfortable seating options which are easier to fit into a space than a sofa. They can be used for communal seating or to create your own personal sanctuary – for example, if you are lucky enough to have a study or reading room. Whether you opt for a vintage armchair or retro armchair, these are all about chilling out and relaxing.

Then there are less common options like office chairs, which are obviously ideal for a home workspace, and stackable or folding chairs which are useful for outdoor seating or if you have an extending dining table.

Different seating styles

As well as the different kinds of seating available, there are also plenty of options when it comes to the specific style and design you are looking for. From traditional to contemporary and everything in between, there is no shortage of possibilities when sprucing up your décor with seating.

Traditional and vintage

Traditional seating styles are often upholstered in darker shades and with materials like leather. In dining chairs, the use of dark woods and lush upholstery is considered a traditional or vintage style, depending on the age of the item itself. This style of seating could be said to be designed for comfort, yet also complements a formal and luxurious set of surroundings. They may also include markings and detailing which adds character.

Vinterior offer beautiful vintage armchairs that provide your home with something completely unique as well as stylish.

Rustic

Rustic seating is a great option if your home gives off a sense of country charm. In sofas, armchairs and club chairs, look for full grain leather upholstery which will develop a stunning patina over time. This will complement other countrified design details in your home by bringing out the warmth in them, such as wood panelling, wooden floors and exposed beams. If you place your soft seating next to a fireplace or over a warm rug, they become even more inviting and homely, adding to your home’s natural charm.

Alternatively, you can opt for other rustic upholstery designs like tartans and tweeds. This will help add interest to your home while also keeping things cosy. And for dining furniture, consider a dining bench rather than separate chairs for an outdoorsy vibe.

Contemporary

If your home boasts a more modern and contemporary feel, there are still plenty of seating options available. Contemporary seating styles come in a wide range of designs, from luxury options with elaborate detailing, to simple minimalist options with clean lines and simple palettes. Your choice of fabric upholstery in both soft and dining seating will make a big difference to the overall atmosphere they create.

From muted neutral tones to glamourous crushed velvets, the options are endless. It all depends on how much of a statement you want to make with your seating. Consider other materials beside wood for a really modern feel. Metallic options like chrome will help add a futuristic element to your home.

Bold and colourful

If you want to make a statement in your home, choose seating that is both bold and colourful. This will inject a sense of fun into your interior design and immediately draw the eye to your seating, and this can only be a good thing! Whether you’re looking for something old or new, there are plenty of options available if you’re after bolder seating options. You can use blocks of bright colour or intricate patterns to create this effect. However you do it, this is a great way to transform your seating into something decorative as well as functional.

Where to place them?

Once you’ve chosen a style of seating to suit your home décor, consider the best place to position it. This isn’t just a simple matter of deciding between living room and dining room — there are many creative ways to help your seating shine.

Consider the benefits of a chair positioned by the window as a way of creating your own warm sanctuary where you can look out onto nature. Or alternatively, placing some comfortable seating near bookcases can help you create the perfect little reading nook.

Finding the best place to position your seating largely depends on the kind of seating you choose, and what you want the seating to be for. Is it for formal sitting or simply for comfort?

Whatever seating you use to elevate your home décor, make sure it reflects your own personal style and tastes. The main purpose of seating is to look good and be comfortable, so make sure whatever style you’re thinking of meets these criteria before you settle on a specific option for your home.

Once your parent needs additional help at home, you need to start thinking wisely and sensibly. If your parent only needs some assistance with one or two things, then it makes life easier, and you can arrange for a helper to come to their home and complete tasks such as laundry and cooking dinner for them. However, if your elderly parent’s health has started to go rapidly downhill, or they’re starting to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, then you will have to consider different options to ensure that they’re safe and receiving all the care they need. Looking after your elderly parents can be demanding, so getting as much advice and information on the topic is advisable.

Consider Options

Think over all of the options available to you, and check out what financial aid you could receive through freedomcareny.com. Looking after your elderly parents is a full-time job, and you’ll have to quit employment to stay home and care for them, so finding out what you can expect by way of income is hugely important. Consider all the options of looking after them in your own home, or caring for them in theirs; also explore your options for residential care and assisted living. Keeping your parents independent for as long as possible should be at the forefront of your mind, as it will be in theirs. Your elderly parents will likely be adamant they do not require help, however, it’s your responsibility to keep an eye over their welfare to ensure they are able to take good and proper care of themselves from washing, dressing, and feeding themselves day-to-day.

Consult Your Parents

Ask your parents what they’d prefer in terms of residential care, assisted care, or moving into your own family home effectively as welcome lodgers. All parties have to be agreed before making a large change such as this, so don’t shy away from calling a family get together to discuss options and subsequent proceedings. Think about asking your parents what they’d prefer in the case of them losing clarity nearer the time of old age. It’s not an easy conversation, but it’s one that could save worry and uncertainty nearer the time. Aging can be a wicked process, but it happens without fail, meaning you can plan for it early. Have a plan in place that you can review and look to when things seem uncertain or all a bit up in the air.

Taking Them In

If you decide to take your parents into your own family home, then you will need to change the inside of your home to be more elderly user-friendly. You can easily do this by installing a stairgate, stairlift, and improved bathroom services. You will have to think about adding a bathtub lift, as well as bath matting and softer interiors in case of falls. Your entire house needs to be proofed, and all tripping hazards should be hastily removed. Add padding to the corners of tables and cabinets, so to minimize the risk of your elderly parents being hurt in the case of falling against them.

For new mothers, it can be incredibly stressful when having to look after someone else. In this process, they forget themselves. As a new mother, it often happens that you do not take any care of your own self. It is extremely important to remember that self-care is a necessity so that your family can function in a healthy manner. You should also keep in mind that just because self-care is a necessity, you do not need to spend a huge amount of money. There are a variety of ways in which you can pamper yourself without having to spend a huge amount of money.

Visit a library

You might have completely forgotten as to when you have last visited a library. It might have been during your college days. You can stroll over to the nearest library and visit all the genre sections. Pick up the books which you have always wanted to read. You can also delve into books that are related to motherhood. The main objective of visiting the bookstore is to spend a huge amount of time in this place.

Buy flowers

It is not necessary that flowers have to be gifted to you by someone else. You can buy flowers for yourself as they are pretty and have an amazing fragrance, which will make you feel fresh. This also reminds you that you do not always need some other person to bring a smile on your face.

Buy gifts and fashionable items

Pamper yourself with little gift items that matter the most to you. You can purchase a variety of fashionable little items in order to decorate your room. Diamonds are the best gifts that you can give to yourself. Try buying a diamond ring or diamond earrings that you have always dreamt of. These gifts will not only make you look pretty but also remind you that you are self-sufficient and can purchase items for yourself. After all, diamonds are not that scarce; view story on Council Chronicle and you will come to know more.

Get sweet treats or coffee

You can take yourself out on a date. Pamper yourself with sweet treats or visit a Coffee House and treat yourself to a cup of coffee. Enjoy the moment without worrying about anything else. You can keep your favorite book in your purse or enjoy the playlist on your smartphone. This will allow you to enjoy the “you” time better.

Take a nap

It is true that most of the new mothers feel guilty when they are taking a midday nap. However, it is important, and you should be taking a power nap so that you feel fresh and amazing. Power naps help in increasing alertness and also lifts up the mood.

It is true that as a new mother you have a huge deal of responsibility to take care of. You have to look after your baby and also take care of the entire family. Nevertheless, it is important that you pamper yourself instead of losing yourself in all the duties that you have. Pampering yourself keeps you away from irritation and anxiety.

As a mum of two girls, I’ve always known the time would come when my daughter’s would need to be told about all the “fun things” girls have to deal with. I remember having THE TALK with my own mum – and then crying afterwards at the thought of bleeding every month. With my girls, I tried to ease them into the idea gently, being quite open about my own – from the practicalities of it, to the ewww parts too. However that didn’t make ME any more ready for it, when my eldest daughter started her period a few months before her thirteenth birthday. I personally had been fifteen when mine started and while I knew it was possible, I didn’t really expect it. She definitely didn’t either, crying as she told me.

So then came the panic! Luckily we had a spare sanitary towel lying around as I’d once had to get some from a vending machine on holiday when my period started unexpectedly, but otherwise I use tampons and always have. I hate that feeling of a sanitary towel – sort of like a sweaty, smelly nappy – not to mention the general mess. I was heading out to the shop anyway, but had no clue what I needed to pick up. Would she prefer tampons too? Was that too much to throw at her for the first time? Did she need normal pads or ultra? Would she want wings or no wings? Of course, in typical panic style, I bought pretty much one of everything – along with a huge bag of Haribo sweets and brought them home to present to her like an offering.

It’s now been a few months and I’ve had time to do some research and of course ask her what she prefers, so when I go shopping it’s not so much of a panic. I still think sanitary towels are kind of confusing – there seems to be a lot of options, many of which even seem the same or duplicates of other options, and so many brands (and non-brands), making you wonder if one might be better than another. I also discovered there is such a thing as period underwear. Brands such as Knixteen offer pants with a sort of sanitary towel built into them. They offer protection against leaks and odour too, plus you don’t get that sweaty nappy feeling. On top of all that, they’re washable which in the long run saves you money (read more).

It’s a scary thought when your children start to grow up and beginning their periods is just one of the many things we’re going to have to deal with together. I’m secretly quite grateful that I only have girls, because at least everything they go through are things I’ve been through myself. I don’t think I would know where to start with guy stuff!

With Easter somehow just around the corner, it’s estimated that the UK alone will shift a whopping 80 million Easter eggs in the lead up to the long four day weekend. If that wasn’t enough for you, then to add to all that, we’ve got another 10 for you to dig out! In this image, put together on behalf of the team over at Slots at Paddy Power, all you have to do is find the ten (cleverly) hidden Easter eggs in the painting to win! Compete against your friends, family, colleagues, or just against yourself to see if you can successfully find all ten. If the British weather lets us down this weekend, at least you’ve got this to keep you busy!

Enjoy, and let us know if you managed to find all ten!

At one point in our lives, we all end up in the hospital. From diseases to accidents, there is a lot that can happen to our fragile bodies, and hospitals and doctors are the best to go to when our bodies need healing. How you take care of yourself once you are better, however, will affect your quality of life and how quickly you can recuperate and get back on your feet. From following the doctor’s instructions, being dedicated to any physiotherapy you are prescribed, and following the journey that is right for you.

Getting Great After Care

One of the first steps to recovering is to create an after-care regimen and having your loved ones help you get through your recovery phase. Of course, not all hospital visits are pleasant ones. If you believe you were neglected, or further harmed due to a staff’s negligent actions, it is wise to contact Minton Morrill Solicitors for legal advice. Claiming compensation for negligence is the best way to support yourself financially while you adjust to your new situation, and it can also be a great way to force the practice in question to protect others like you from harm. If your hospital stay was satisfactory, however, then all you need to focus on is getting better.

Be Patient

Your body will need time to recover, so while having a great attitude can help you do what needs to be done, whether it’s working through pain in a physiotherapy session or dealing with internal pain as you heal, the real secret to recovery is being patient. Pushing yourself too hard can be just as detrimental to your health. You want to be patient and allow your body to heal on its own. Push yourself only when a certified professional is nearby to help ensure you move correctly and don’t worsen your condition. In some cases it can be a very long road to recovery, but believe you will get there and be patient, this will allow your body to heal.

Finding Ways to Fill Your Time

When you are recovering you might find that you are now confined to either your bed or otherwise can do very little. This can be very frustrating for people who are used to getting out there and being active. Therefore, it is important to find other ways to fill your time and to keep your mind active. Mindlessly watching television won’t help you, but reading books on topics you find interesting can. You can also use your time to work on more personal projects that you can do digitally, or even research your next big trip you will take once you get the all-clear!

Recovering takes time, patience, and dedication. It is also important to note that you might not make a full recovery. Regardless of what your situation is, however, do your best to recover, and find new ways to make your life fulfilling and meaningful. You aren’t held back by your limitations, just by your creativity.

Looking for a perfect honeymoon that will drift you away from your normal life and engulf you into a cusp of bliss with your newly found love? San Diego is the place to be, also known as America’s Finest City. Being the second largest city in California by land area, you are guaranteed of an abundance of places to visit and activities to do to make your honeymoon memorable. In addition to that, the averagely warm climate of the place and its extensive sandy beaches make it a number one destination to pour out the celebratory mood of most people. Listed below are the top 5 honeymoon ideas that one can do in San Diego to make their honeymoon unforgettable.

Whale watching

An interesting thing to do on your honeymoon is to watch the grey and blue whales of California migrate together with other marine animals including dolphins. This can easily be done by boarding a cruise and enjoying the scene from your boat. The whales migrate all year around. Make sure to select a cruise certified by the coast guard to ensure you have a smooth experience. Take pictures and selfies and have a good time.

Dinner cruise

With its extensive sandy beaches and warm weather all year round, San Diego provides a serene environment to have dinner cruises. Dinner cruises are awesome for building intimate connections and bonding love. You can order your food or have it prepared for your cruise as you enjoy the peaceful waves of the ocean and the twinkling gaze of the stars.

Beach Camping

Want your honeymoon memories filled with the beautiful orangey ocean sunsets, the soothing sound of the ocean waves and the warm breezes of the beach? Set up a tent on the beach and camp your honeymoon off. Enjoy the vastness of the sky and have your cuisines prepared in the open with bonfires blazing off. What other way to make a memorable honeymoon than this one? Check out these honeymoon ideas San Diego.

Visit San Diego Zoo and parks

San Diego is also known for its zoos and parks that host different types of animals owing to its warm climate. Make your honeymoon indelible by visiting the zoo and the Balboa Park and enjoy your time interacting with different species and the wonders of nature. There’s so much to do in the zoo and the park that cannot be done in one day. There are recreation activities, gardens, learning centers, performing arts, and a myriad of other activities that will keep your heart beating with a craze of fascination.

Stay in Hotel

However clichéd this is, spending your honeymoon in a hotel in America’s Finest City will still be pure gold. San Diego boasts of a plethora of hotels that provide exceptional quality stays and services at competitive prices. Have a candle-lit dinner and later enjoy your night till dawn.

Conclusion

Your honeymoon is the best part of your wedding. It must be exceptional, enjoyable, and unforgettable. San Diego has all the aspects perfect for a memorable honeymoon. These top 5 ideas and will make your honeymoon forever be ingrained in your memory. Make use of at least one of them.

Saving and staying on budget can often seem like a challenge, especially when you have a family to look out for. The problem is that too many people see budgeting as a limitation, when in reality, saving is all about making small lifestyle changes that add up over time. By making some few minor adjustments, you could drastically reduce the amount of money you spend on a daily basis. Here are some easy ways anyone can save on everyday items.

Use Samples

Product samples are a well-kept secret even to the savviest shoppers. Did you know that brands routinely give out samples for promotional reasons to clients for free? While some may want to test new products, some just want to gain traction for some of their products or get feedback on products they might have.

Some retailers offer samples to lure clients in. For instance, you can find all sorts of Kmart free samples both online and offline. Retailers often advertise samples on their websites or use third parties to do so. All you have to know is where to look and you can find tons of great items for free with minimal effort.

Stock up on Non-Perishables and Frozen or Freezable Foods

While specials are always a good thing, you should always look for specials on non-perishable items, or items that can either be frozen or already are. See that brand of frozen pizzas your kids like, why not stock up for a whole month’s supply? Are cereals in special this week? Why not pick up 4 boxes instead of one? Is ground beef half price, then buy 3 pounds instead of 2. Stocking up is a great way to enjoy special prices all year long and significantly lower your monthly grocery costs.

Switch Your Car for Bike and Transit

If you haven’t tried public transit before, it can be hard to see how convenient it can be, especially if you’re working in the town’s center. But if you live in a city with a good train/subway system, the bike/public transit combo can be highly efficient and will not only save you money, but time as well. And if you really don’t feel like riding a bike to work, you could also take your car to the nearest train station, park it there, and use the train to get to your destination. You’ll be amazed at the amount of money and stress you’ll save yourself by making this choice.

Go for Generic Options

Most grocery stores and pharmacies have generic versions of brand name items that you can get on the cheap. For instance, there is no reason to buy Tylenol when you can buy generic acetaminophen instead. Both are completely identical, so if you buy over the counter drugs often, it’s better to always go for the off-brand option.

As you can see, saving doesn’t have to be difficult. Just by implementing these few tips, you could save tons of money on everyday expenses without cramping your style.