Journeys Are My Diary

No matter how well you look after your teeth by making sure to brush, floss, and visit the dentist on a regular basis, over time they can start to yellow or look stained. Teeth that aren’t quite as white anymore can be a source of embarrassment for some people, and even make them self-conscious when they smile or take photos. If you’re looking for ways to bring back that white glow but aren’t prepared to have them professionally whitened, then the good news is that there are plenty of at-home effective methods you can use.

Here’s a look at four ways you can successfully whiten your teeth at home and remove those surface stains.

Switch to a Charcoal Toothpaste

There is no shortage of whitening toothpastes on the market today with just about every brand offering at least a couple of options. As you try to decide which one is best, you may want to consider switching to a charcoal toothpaste. Charcoal toothpastes are becoming much more popular as of late making them much more readily available on such sites as Trend-Gem.com.

While it may be strange to think that activated charcoal, which is black, is something that can actually whiten your teeth, there are many that claim it does just that. Activated charcoal works by absorbing impurities, which can be found on your teeth.

Rinse with Coconut Oil

You probably rinse with mouthwash on a regular basis, but have you ever rinsed with oil, in particular coconut oil? Rinsing with coconut oil will help to get rid of the bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth, which again causes the yellowing. Not only that, it’s great for your gums and helps to freshen your breath. All you need is one tablespoon of coconut oil to “push” around in your mouth. Coconut oil is thick, so you will actually be pulling it through your teeth. It’s recommended you do this for 10 minutes then rinse with water, and brush.

Start Brushing with Baking Soda

There is also the baking soda method of brushing your teeth. With this technique you want to use baking soda to actually brush your teeth with. It is able to scrub your surface stains and start to remove them. At the same time, because it is an alkaline substance, it helps to prevent bacteria from actually growing in your mouth.

Brushing with baking soda is meant to be an on-going technique as the results won’t be evident overnight. It is recommended that you brush with a baking soda paste made from water and baking soda a few times a week.

Create Your Own Scrub

You may also want to consider making your very own scrub that works to break down stains and yellowing. The strawberry, salt, and baking soda scrub can work well in removing surface stains thanks to the high levels of vitamin C in the strawberries. Vitamin C is able to break down the plaque that has accumulated on your teeth, and that’s what causes the yellow look.

To make the scrub you’ll need 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and one to three strawberries. Mash all ingredients together in a small bowl, and then brush with the mixture. Be sure to let it sit on your teeth for five minutes before rinsing it off.

Each of these tips can help you to successfully whiten your teeth over time in the comfort of your own home.

When you are selecting a beach, you should find the one, which is not crowded and does not have inflated staying costs. The sea beaches are all-time favourites of most of the people. However, keeping the toes in the amazing sand with a glass of lemon juice in your hands need not necessarily cost fortunes. If you are planning to travel to a seaside and enjoy the sun, you can do this well within your decided budget. There is no need of spending a huge amount of money on your vacation. Given below are a few ways in which you can enjoy the ocean breeze without breaking your bank.

Planning a budget

The first and most important task that should be done is planning the summer trip to the seaside within a particular budget. When you are planning your vacation, you have to include the transportation expenses, the fees of the rental cars, the cost of public transportation, and the budget for shopping. You also have to consider the rental fees that are associated with bicycles or surfboards, if you love leading an adventurous lifestyle. However, if you do not want to spend a lot of money, you can carry along your own surfboard.

Not travelling far

It is not necessary to visit a completely different country for enjoying a proper beach vacation. There are many affordable and family-friendly beaches that can be visited within many countries. You can also visit the seaside with your entire family for a day or two, instead of staying for a week. This will not only take you away from the hectic lifestyle but also help you save money.

Avoiding peak times

The weekends and the vacations are important times for all the beach communities. During these times, the resorts and hotels charge a lot more than normal. If you want a comfortable vacation without spending a huge amount of money, you should travel during the offseason. The hotels and resorts charge reasonable rates during this time.

Choosing a less popular beach

If you want a beach vacation, it is not necessary to go to the beaches that are famous all over the world. It is obvious that these beaches are going to be costlier than the beaches that are not as popular. Carry out a research and find out an alternative to the dream beach that you have always wanted to visit. For instance, if you are planning a trip across the Caribbean, visiting websites like Caribbeansbest.Org can help you gather lots of information.

Renting vacation homes

When you are travelling, hotels are not the only options where you can stay. Most of the times the hotels are expensive and it becomes difficult for you to afford them. In these cases, you can rent the vacation homes and the condominiums, if you are travelling in a large group. These homes help in saving a lot of money as they also have kitchens, which mean that you do not have to buy your food.

Planning a vacation and sticking to the budget depends entirely on you. However, it is also true that you do not spend millions alone for a vacation.

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.