Journeys Are My Diary

As most of you know, we love the beach. It is a great place to head for whether you are at home or travelling. If you are lucky you will find a relatively unspoiled stretch of sand to chill out on, play and enjoy the sea. We like the quieter places with just one or two bars or restaurants. They are relatively uncrowded, but it is nice to be able to get a drink and something to eat when you need to take a break from the sun. Somewhere like Golden Beach is perfect. It is a great way to while away a few hours and recharge your batteries.

But, regardless of where you end up, one thing you are going to need is swimwear. The right swimming costume will fit you well, look good and also be practical. It really is worth taking the time to shop for the right one rather than just grabbing the first one you see.

Do your browsing online

My first tip is to quickly see what is available. Visiting websites like JD Williams is the perfect way to do this. They sell all styles of swimming costumes and specialise in plus-size swimwear. So, they are a great place to do some research and buy as well, provided you live in a place that they ship to. Now that you know what is available, you can start to narrow down your options.

Think about the practicalities

It is especially important to buy a costume that is practical. What do I mean by this? Well, if you like water sports, a string bikini is not going to be the best option for you. It is not likely to stay in place properly when you have to stretch or move quickly. For you, a one piece or tankini style swimming costume is likely to be a far better option.

Getting the fit right

Regardless of the style of swimwear you choose, it is very important to get the fit right. It must not be too tight and cut into you. But, it also needs to be tight enough to stay in place, when you move. You also do not want it to ride up or anything like that. Fortunately, there is plenty of advice, about measuring yourself and testing the fit is, available online. For example, this article, which explains exactly how to test whether your bikini top fits you properly and is practical.

How it looks on you

When you have to try swimwear on over underwear, it can be very tricky to know whether it looks right or not. So, when you get it home or it arrives in the post, be sure to try it on properly. Take the time to look at yourself in the mirror and do so from as many angles as possible. Also, check out how it looks and feels when you are sitting and lying down. I know that this sounds weird, but trust me, it is important. If your costume rides up or cuts into when you are in a sitting position it is best to know that before you travel. Then, at least, you have the chance to find and buy a more suitable replacement.

An article began by referring to a study that was published in 2015 in the Public Health England, which found that vaping was 95% safer than smoking at least, and resulted in the products being completely endorsed by the UK as smoking cessation aids.  It was pointed out by Manuel that although it is not totally risk free, that e-cigarettes are a much safer option compared to cigarettes and should definitely be considered as the last step in beating the unhealthy habit for good.

The writer discussed his own experience that described how for several months he found himself both vaping and smoking, and pointed out that if you are serious about wanting to quit smoking cigarettes that it is very important that you not get stuck in “half way land.”  He wrote the following article to give is advice, based on his own personal experienced, on how he was able to quit.

Tips from a successful former smoker

The first tip made by the author was how important it is to use a vaporizer properly. Since there a much higher nicotine level in one cigarette puff compared to one puff from an e-cigarette, you need to figure out how many puffs you need to inhale enough nicotine.  If you don’t get enough that you will still crave the stimulant and result in wanting to reach for a cigarette.

One thing that is very important to note is there are numerous different vaporizer models that are available, and the best ones for quitting smoking allow you to adjust how much nicotine you inhale, to reduce that amount over time.

Manuel also discussed how important it is to be prepared so you aren’t ever caught with not having enough liquid or without a battery so that you end up smoking again.  In general vaping is less expensive than smoking, with is costing around 30 pounds per month whereas smoking cigarettes costs about 300, but it is a good idea to spend more in the beginning and get properly stocked up. Investing in e-liquid, a few coils, and an extra battery will help to ensure that you don’t ever find yourself in a vulnerable position.

It is recommended that you keep things simple at first, instead of experimenting with fancy devices and liquid flavours. The more familiar and simpler it is, the easier it will be for you to make the transition.

Maintain the right attitude       

The former smoker recommends that you not think of it as a journey of “quitting smoking,” but instead on breaking a habit.  Your attitude is absolutely everything. That is why it is critical that you focus on your goal. He noted that when you are still very vulnerable in the beginning, that you should identify your triggers and avoid them. For example if your weak spots are smoking after a meal or on lunch breaks, then you should avoid socialising with other smoking during these times until you get stronger. Your main focus in the beginning should not be to completely quit. Instead, baby steps need to be taken, one trigger and step at a time.  Every time a trigger has been eliminated, you can start to focus on conquering another one.

Another important tip, and maybe the most important one, is not to be afraid of failure. There are various ways to approach quitting and you need to find the one that is best for you.  Many people prefer to quit smoking cigarettes cold turkey. Other smokers prefer to gradually wean themselves off of cigarettes. In addition to discovering what works the best for you, you also need to make sure that you don’t get discourage each time you relapse, and instead use those experiences for identifying triggers, and then repeating the process until you are able to get it right.

Why use e-cigarettes instead of other nicotine replacement therapies?

Besides nicotine, the two other major addictive factors associated with smoking cigarettes are smoke exhalation and the hand to mouth movement. Only e-cigarettes can satisfy those two, which is why these devices are known as the most effective type of smoking cessation aids.  It is also the reason why other types of nicotine replacement therapies like patches, often fail.

It is very important to note that in itself nicotine isn’t what makes cigarettes toxic.  In fact the substance is used medicinally for treating Alzheimer’s and other diseases. It is the other chemicals contained in cigarettes like Carbon Monoxide that make them deadly. E-cigarettes also contain traces of some harmful substances, but they are insignificant amounts compared to those contained in cigarettes.

Get your health under control

Despite all of the advantages, no one is recommending that e-cigarettes should be used as a long term substitute for cigarettes.  Once a former smoker is able to completely wean themselves off of nicotine, they can start to work on putting their vaping devices away.

Summer is the best time of year to have a party. The weather is good, people are cheerful, and everyone is relaxed and ready to have a good time. However, being the host of a party can be stressful, as you have to think of everything from food and drink, to how to set the mood. Luckily, planning a party doesn’t have to be complicated, as once you choose your location, there are only a few essentials that are needed for a party to be a success. If you are planning your own summer get together, here are six essentials which will help you to make your event a success.

Plastic cups

During the summer, many people are going to want to take the party outside to enjoy the great weather and warm air. While this can be really great for the party vibe, it’s not necessarily ideal for your glassware. Which is why it may be a good idea to invest in some plastic cups for the party, so that the worst thing you will need to worry about is spilled drinks, rather than broken glass.

Drink dispenser

You don’t want to have to stand around all night serving your guests drinks, so one really useful piece of equipment to invest in for your party would be a drink dispenser. They come in a range of sizes and styles, so you can find whichever one you feel is most appropriate for the size of party you are having. The best thing about these is that they are easy to use, no matter how many glasses in the guests might be.

An outdoor bar

If you really want to get that summer vibe, then you need to cater outdoors as well as in. The easiest way to get your guests to enjoy the outdoor scene is to keep a steady flow of drinks going in the area. Creating an outdoor bar means that you won’t have to deal with people going in and out of the kitchen every five minutes, and it doesn’t involve much effort to set up. Just put up a table with a couple of coolers on it, and you are good to go.

Vaping kit

Vaping has become increasingly popular, and it can be a really fun activity for people to share in, so if you want to add a bit of extra flair to your party, it might be worth stocking up on some goods from ultimatejuice.co.uk. With various flavours, you can find the perfect combination for your guests to unwind and enjoy the summer evening.

Good music

No party is complete without some good music to set the mood, so make sure that you plan your playlist a little while in advance, to ensure that you have the best music for the job. It might even be worth speaking to some of your guests beforehand to get some advice on their favourite songs.

A fire pit

As the day turns into evening, the weather might not stay as nice as it was at the start of the party, and a fire pit can be a really fun way to provide a bit of warmth to your guest while still keeping the party mood alive.

No matter how financially fit you are in life, there may still be a time when you get caught out when it comes to money. Unexpected expenses such as a broken-down car, moving to a new house or having to take time off because of an illness can cause a dent in the finances. Often, you may not have some emergency cash lying around. Getting quick cash fast can be difficult, but there are some ways you can make some money to get yourself out of a sticky situation.

• Sell your stuff

It may seem pretty obvious, but I’ve heard of a few people who actually make decent money from selling their unwanted things from around the house. You can sell your stuff pretty easily online these days using Gumtree or eBay as well as attending car boot sales. What’s more, you can actually have a good clear out as well as making some pretty decent money. If you don’t want to the hassle of posting items all the time, opt for collection only and save yourself some time too!

• Offer up your skills

If you’re particularly good at something or have a skill that people or small businesses might need, why not offer to work for some extra cash in between your other commitments. Go freelance, offer to babysit, help people around the house or garden, walk the neighbour’s dog. There are plenty of things you can do that will help people out and make you some extra money in your spare time.

• Get an overdraft

Your bank may offer you an overdraft that you can use in the case of emergency. You may be able to use this to pay your bills or pay off a car until your insurance money comes through. Using an overdraft can make a really big difference in short term circumstances until you have money coming in again. However, it doesn’t always suit for a long-term situation. Some banks will offer an interest free overdraft in small amounts, but anything over an above that you’ll be looking at paying high interest rates.

• Credit cards

For those emergency situations, a credit card can be pretty useful. It can help you to get some cash temporarily until you come back into some money. Credit cards can have decent interest rates, but you may need to do some shopping around to get the best deal. Make sure that you are able to pay the money you spend back within the time-frame, else you’ll be looking at a hefty charge rate.

• Cash loans

A riskier strategy but some cash loans can help you get out of a tight spot. There isn’t always the best choice as they can have high interest rates, but if you know you’ll be able to pay it back in the near future, you might be okay. Don’t get caught in the trap of renewals and partial payments and borrow as little as you can so you can pay it back in full as soon as possible.

Whilst these tips can really help get you out of a quick tight spot when it comes to money, having an emergency fund stashed away may be your better bet. However, if an urgent situation arises where you need cash fast, you can look at these options to help you out.

Plaques have been around for at least a century. There are one of the most usable ways to identify buildings, monuments, gravestones and parks. Usually, these are done from shiny and durable metals like bronze or steel, but with modern technology, the materials’ list has widened to include plastic or rubber. Choosing the best plaque manufacturer and installer is a top priority if you want excellent quality. Here you have some things to consider:

Look for referrals

You should start off by asking your friends if they have requested a similar service. If that’s the case, and they were satisfied with the product, it means that you can trust that business. Hiring a plaque installer that you don’t know is always a bargain (this happens with any type of business), but with a referral you know that someone else already tested its services and you can, in the very least, trust in that fact. You’ll want to look for companies with a long standing reputation like Distinct Memorials – glasgow & edinburgh plaques.

Consider the years of experience

After you have gotten a referral, do your own research. Investigate the basics like services offered, prices, customer reviews but above all, business experience. Knowing the year that it was founded is crucial. That way you know if that business has sufficient experience. You should aim to hire a company that has at least 10 to 15 years of experience. You may not think that having experience is important but in the business world, experience is everything.

Price

This category is always important when selecting any type of goods and/or services. Plaques usually cost a couple hundred dollars, but the costs tend to vary depending on the materials, the size, and the engravings you request. If you want the best, just know that it won’t be cheap. Nonetheless, there are many plaques that are affordable and the quality is still good.

Services

The best plaque installers must be able to provide all sorts of plaque installations. Check if they can do most of the following:

• Keyhole installation: keyholes are excellent to mount plaques on flat surfaces. It is recommendable for interior or exterior walls made of brick or stones.
• T-30 screws installation: this uses 3-inch deck screws which are excellent to mount heavy plaques on walls. The structure of the screws makes it possible to penetrate any structure like metal, brick or wood.
• Stand-offs installation: this method is used on most irregular surfaces like grass or stone. With this, you can mount the plaque on a pad, and thereafter, it can be place anywhere.
• Ground stake installation: this way the plaque is displayed on a stake driven into the ground or simply embedded in concrete. This is a method that allows the mounting of plaques on different locations.
• Magnets installation: this uses industrial magnets in the back of the plaque to place on ferrous metals like iron or steel. This is an ideal method to place plaques on locations where you can simply open a hole.

Take into account all of these steps and you should be fine when selecting a good plaque installer.

As the whole world turns its eyes to Putin’s Russia this summer, just about everyone in England will be glued to their TV sets and sofa’s for 4 straight weeks of non-stop football action. However, being an England fan comes with a lot of disappointments, sadly. If/when we’re inevitably knocked out of the tournament nice and early, fans are going to need something else to do, but luckily for you, we’ve got something to help with your disappointment. We’ve partnered with Paddy Power gambling games online to bring you this awesome guide to the most breathing taking places to visit in England.

Let’s hope you don’t have to use it!

There can be periods of our lives when it seems like our bank balances are always in the “red” and no matter how many extra hours we spend at work, we never have anything left at the end of the month. There are hundreds of ways to think about how we should spend our earnings, and often the idea of saving is less exciting. The sooner you start recording your spending, cutting out surplus expenditure and working out where to invest your time, the sooner you and your loved ones will be able to enjoy a debt-free and stress-free existence without sacrificing your current lifestyle.

Track your spending

This is a great place to start. With dozens of apps and the necessity of online banking, there is no excuse not to know your income (and outgoings) each month. You may be surprised about how much money goes on small but habitual purchases. However, you will also realise that there are hundreds of ways to curb your spending. Although it may seem painful to regard your spending in the cold light of day, it will lead to a more profitable future and rid you of any uncertainties – you may even get a pleasant surprise when looking at your bank statement.

Do More Yourself

A lot of money is wasted through paying other people to do things that we feel we don’t have the time or experience to do ourselves. But what we don’t consider is that we may save more money by working fewer hours and completing a task by ourselves, rather than spending more per hour hiring someone else to do it. When it comes to small household jobs, there are plenty of opportunities to learn anything online that will help you save money while learning a valuable new skill.

Take your Shopping Online

One of the best ways to save money when we need to purchase something is to explore the options that are available to us. It is easy to do this if we shop online rather than spend our free time looking around the shops. Whether you are looking for books, electronics, or even practical products to help with various tasks, such as SGT knots, you can find these products online. We can be tempted into aisles of luxury goods that we don’t really need. Shopping online can take a great deal of stress out of our routines, and there’s nothing more exciting than receiving our package in the post at a reduced cost.

Treat Time

One way to motivate yourself to keep saving is to have rewards in mind for when you have saved a substantial amount of money. Taking the extra five minutes to fill up a flask with coffee in the morning isn’t so bad when you realise that skipping the expensive coffee run each day could be funding your next beach holiday. It is important to strike a good work-life balance, and if you are too cheap in every situation, you will find yourself to be very unpopular, so it’s always important to strike a balance that suits you and your desired lifestyle.

By engaging in a small shift in behaviour and by spending a little time organising yourself, you’re guaranteed to have a financial weight lifted off your shoulders within months.

Set in the vast Nevada desert, Las Vegas beams its neon glow into the night sky. Known for its casinos, bars and theme venues, Las Vegas is the place to go if you want to party. The main street for nightlife is The Strip, where there are some of the largest hotels and casinos in the world, but you will also find some hidden gems in the surrounding area. Las Vegas is the ideal place to party, so here is how to celebrate in style, whether it’s a milestone birthday, a stag or hen party, or a trip of a lifetime!

Casinos

Casinos are what Vegas is all about. Most of the big hotels have casinos attached and spending some time (and money) on roulette, card games and one arm bandits is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion with friends. In Vegas, a casino isn’t just a casino. They are more of an opulent combination of theme park, film set and circus all at the same time. Most hotels have their own casino too, as well as gourmet restaurants, so you have everything you want right in one place.

Shows

Las Vegas is well known as a home for some of the most spectacular gigs and shows you’ll ever see. Some of the most popular music stars and legends have regular concerts in the city, plus there are a variety of other stage shows that are all set to amaze the senses. So if you’re into dance performances, tribute acts, magic or hypnosis, comedy, adult shows or music concerts, you’ll find it all and more in Las Vegas.

Clubs

Nightclubs in Las Vegas are like nothing else you’ve experienced before. Prepare to be dazzled by the array of different night venues where you can drink and dance the night through. Sip champagne, indulge in some mojitos or raise a shot or two of tequila, you won’t be stuck for choice in the bars. You can even get a Las Vegas-style hangover cure in the morning by calling Reset IV, and a nurse will visit you to give you an IV bag full of goodness to get you going again after a heavy night!

Great Weather

If you want to celebrate in style, then a warm and sunny climate makes it even more fun. Get dressed in your swimwear and chill by the pool during the day, before getting ready to hit the town. Even in the winter, the temperature is mild, so Las Vegas is a party destination the whole year round!

They say ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,’ but actually you will have such a great time that you will want to tell your friends all about it when you get home. Vegas is the party capital of the US, and each time you visit there is always something new to see. If you want to party with friends, or family, there is something for any occasion in this city. If you are looking for ways to celebrate in style, a trip to Las Vegas is a sure bet!