Journeys Are My Diary

Thinking of redecorating your bedroom but stuck on a budget? There are plenty of ways you can add a bit of style to your sleeping space without having the break the bank. We look at some affordable ideas that can turn your boring bedroom into a stylish dreamy delight.

Use pallets as furniture

People are always giving away pallets for free or shops will have unused pallets left out the back. If you ask around, there will always be someone trying to get rid of some pallets. Pallets can be turned into a bed base, headboard or even a bookshelf. Use magazines as table legs and create a stylish table for the end of your bed. Whatever way you want to use them, you can Google online and find some great ideas that plenty of people have already used. They’re a great way to make free furniture and create a shabby chic dreamy look for your bedroom.

Get creative with tapestries

Instead of spending loads of money on wall art and paintings, a simple tapestry can really make a difference to your bedroom. Hanging a tapestry over your bed can give your bedroom a really great focal point and create a cosy feel rather than having bare walls. You can hang it from a curtain pole too, so you don’t need to buy an extra pole to put it on the wall.

Hang curtains around your bed

Always dreamed of having a canopy over your bed? Instead, why not try and install some curtains around your bed for a more private sleeping space. It’s often a lot cheaper than getting a canopy and you can pick a funky design, or a plain style based on your taste.

Reinvent your cushions

Cushions can be a great way to create a cosy feel in your bedroom. Placing cushions on your bed can add some style to your bedroom too. You can buy cushions cheaply from most places, but you can also get some cheap fabric to cover them and give old cushions a fresh look. Many design experts recommend choosing a unique pattern or match a shade on your duvet for a great cohesive design.

DIY wardrobes

If you don’t have built in wardrobes, you can install DIY wardrobes to save yourself some money. You can get wardrobes made to your measurements for small spaces or standard sized wardrobes. They often come with easy instructions so that it doesn’t get too complicated. There are loads of different designs available without doors or with to create a really cool style to fit your style. If you’re really skilled you could utilise some old wood and have a go at making one yourself. Alternatively, a pole placed between two shelves can be a great way to hang clothes without spending too much on materials.

Get the lighting right

Lighting can be a great way to create a stylish sleeping space. Finding old items around the house could help to create new candle holders. Old bottles, pots and jars can make great candle holders and finding different colours can really change the look of your room. Often having bare wires instead of a lamp shade can help create a really cool look for your room cheaply. Finally, small fairy lights on the walls can be a great way to cover blank walls and add some style to your room.

When redesigning your bedroom, it can be done really affordable. Less is often more and adopting a minimalist mindset can help you choose items wisely and create a really impactful space. We’d love to hear your ideas on making a dream bedroom on a budget.

For your employees to feel safe and appreciated in the workplace, there are a set of core values and rules that should be established. An ethical work culture should allow employees to have a voice if they feel there is any wrongdoing within the establishment and have a sense of communication between the business owner. It is often the far more large-scale businesses that make headlines when unethical acts are performed behind closed doors; however, smaller businesses should also be aware of how to make their workplaces completely ethical.

Here are a few basic tips to build an ethical workplace with these simple practices.

1. Be a visible role model

As the business owner, you should always be connected to your employees and reassure them that they can confide in you, should they witness unethical behaviours. Your employees should look up to you and see you as a role model whom they aim to follow in the footsteps of, rather than someone they dislike or have little respect for. When senior management are viewed as moral individuals, it sends a positive message to the rest of the workforce.

2. Encourage employees to report unethical behaviour

Although it may seem as though reporting is set to stir friction within the workplace, when any serious situations need to be addressed, and being in the know as a business owner is crucial. If you wish to build a good relationship with each and every employee, make sure you express that any reports made are completely confidential and will be taken very seriously. Have an open door policy so that your employees can always feel valued, and that they know if they were to speak to you, their words and opinions matter.

3. Only use ethical products

Lessen your carbon footprint by investing in products that are ethically sourced or produced in the same country as you. For instance, choose recycled paper, turn off computers at the end of the day, and buy locally-sourced foods and drink. If you offer food to your employees, check where it is from, or if you provide hot drinks, you can get organic coffee beans from office-coffee.co.uk. Sometimes it is the small things which can add up to a larger picture.

4.  Don’t put too much pressure on your employees

Although employees may have daily goals to meet, it is important not to pressure employees or cause them to feel anxious within their job role. Too much stress could trigger long-term mental illnesses, therefore setting unrealistic goals wouldn’t be an ethical move to make as a business owner. If too much pressure is placed on an employee, they may seek the easy way out and go on sick leave or look for a job elsewhere. To help alleviate pressures, ensure your employees are properly trained, have manageable deadlines and are able to ask for help if they should need it. After all, your company should work as a team, and while too many cooks may spoil the broth, your employees should be able to ask for a hand if it were to help them.

The Lake District is an incredibly popular holiday destination in the UK.  It’s England’s largest national park and has so much on offer. We’ve listed some of the best activities you can take advantage of if you decide to venture there on a holiday trip.

The World of Beatrix Potter

We all know and love Beatrix Potter, not just kids.  The World of Beatrix Potter is a great place to visit if you are on a family holiday.   You will be able to meet Peter Rabbit himself and enjoy a great adventure. You can expect to watch a movie to start things off, then go for a walk through Jemima Puddle-Duck’s glade, pay Mrs Tiggy-Winkle a visit in her kitchen, go on a carrot hunt in Peter Rabbit’s garden – and you can even go in Mr McGregor’s greenhouse if you dare.

The Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage

William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy bought the beautiful Dove cottage in 1799, and not much has changed since.  This is where the infamous Wordsworth wrote some of his most renowned poetry, and where Dorothy wrote Grasmere Journal.  Once you have explored the cottage, you can then visit the Wordsworth Museum.  Here you will find letters and poems by Wordsworth himself, as well as other items like maps and interactive displays.

Go Kayaking to Explore the Lakes

You can explore the lakes whilst on a cruise, or alternatively you could do so in a kayak if you are looking for something more adventurous.  One a kayak you will be able to get to the nooks and crannies, that you wouldn’t be able to on a boat. It’s also great exercise if you have been indulging in some of the local foods.  It is a great destination for those of you who are already experienced kayakers as well as those of you who are new to the sport. If you are looking to invest in your own kayak for the trip see bestkayaks.reviews for details on inflatable kayaks which are what we’d recommend travellers to use.

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

For the foodies out there, you will love the Grasmere Gingerbread shop.  It was created by Sarah Nelson in 1854 who was a house-maid who decided to turn into an entrepreneur.  She had created a gingerbread recipe which she spent a huge amount of time perfecting. Through word of mouth – the little shop soon became famous.  As well as selling gingerbread and other items – they also have award-winning rum butter on offer.

The Armit Museum

If you are looking to find out more about the history of the Lake District – then the Armit Museum is the place to go.  You will find a library, gallery and museum.  There are first editions of some of the Beatrix Potter books, as well as a fantastic artwork collection by Kurt Schwitters.

If you are thinking of paying a visit to the Lake District – this is only a small selection of attraction that awaits you.

Moving can be stressful and so tiring at times, especially if you are moving from one city to the other. There are so many procedures and worries and when most people think of moving that they just give up on moving or they start slow. For a successful move, you need to be adequately prepared both physically and mentally. Since it is too much work to one person altogether, it is important that you get professional assistance. They will help guide you on the whole moving process and ease up the burden on your side. However, another problem arises in the choosing of the right company to do the work. There are so many cons and frauds in the market. In order to choose the best of the best, here are some of the things to look for when hiring a moving service in LA:

• The price. Price is very crucial when hiring a moving company to handle your moving. The price include the amount they charge on the labor, the services and the transport. There are some companies that offer low prices that attract many clients at first but when you contract them, other hidden extra charges occur. You need to be aware of such cons and frauds, make an agreement on the total cost so that you can plan your budget and if it fits you can start on the job. Professionals will be known during payment, the best moving company in LA will agree to accept payment after the job is done not before the job.

• The safety of your property. There is no point of moving if you are going to buy other new products upon reaching. You need to be assured that the moving company will take good care of your most precious possessions and be insured in case of any damage. There could be damages during the moving process that can occur, it is for this reason that you need to look for a moving company that has your property insured against loss or damage.

• The services offered. When you hire a moving company, look for one that offer the best services in the industry. Your work will be to sit back and relax as the professionals handle the business. At qshark-moving.com Los Angeles, the professionals offer the best of the best services in the moving industry. They have you covered before and after the move. This includes packaging services, loading, transport, off-loading and unpacking. This way you have a successful stress-free move.

• Professionalism and experience. Before hiring a company, you must verify their credentials, their license and permit and their experience. This is to ensure that they are who they say they are. A good moving company has a good reputation to speak for itself. You should go through the online reviews and even ask about the other clients experience when they used their services. They appearance and how they dress should be friendly and appealing and professional.

Moving has been made easy by the best moving companies such as Qshark moving company in LA. You need to have peace of mind before, during and after the move.

As a parent, it is easy to identify and take care of your child’s physical needs, they need food, a warm bed and warm clothes in the cold. However, it is not as easy to identify your child’s emotional and mental needs. Your child’s mental health is incredibly important and you, as their parent, play a significant role in their mental health. Here we will be discussing a few things that you can do to help your child on the road to good mental health. Read about Consumer Health Review to find more tips on how to keep your child happy and healthy.

Love Them

One of the most important things you can do to improve your child’s mental health is to love them and let them know that you will always be there for them. This gives your child the comfort and security to explore the world around them.

Exercise

You should always encourage your child to play and engage in exercise and sport. When your child exercises, their body releases endorphins, which are known as the happy hormones.

Be Proud

When your child does something new or brave you should acknowledge it and tell them how proud you are of them. This lets them know that you are emotionally available and there for them. Additionally, telling them that you are proud of them is the first step to teaching your child to take pride in themselves.

Keep An Eye On Their Behavior

You should always be aware of the way your child is behaving. That way you can identify and address any changes in their behavior immediately before it becomes an issue.

Educate Yourself

As a parent, you should do some research about the mental illnesses that are commonly diagnosed in children. If you are knowledgeable about these issues, it will be much easier to identify issues in your child and you will be able to intervene early.

Be Patient

Always remember that your child is still little and that they have the right to make mistakes. In fact, making mistakes is one of the best ways in which children learn. Always be patient with your child and give them the space to learn and grow.

Teach Them Coping Skills

As a parent, you are responsible for teaching your child how to deal with the world around them. You should teach your child a variety of strategies that they can use to cope with difficult or stressful situations.

Talk To Them

One of the most important ways to gauge where your child’s mental health is is to talk to them as much as possible. Not only will this help you to build a strong relationship with your child but it will also show them that they can speak to you and open up to you when they are in trouble.

Teach Them To Solve Problems

Children’s brains are not fully developed until they are in their late teenage years. Therefore, they do not have the mental capacity to solve certain problems by themselves. However, children can learn how to solve certain problems if they are taught to.

Listen To Them

It is incredibly important that your child feel like they have someone who will listen to them. This will give them the opportunity to express themselves and their emotions in a safe place. As the parent, it is important to communicate to your child that you are there to listen to them without any judgment.

Rest Time

One of the most effective things that children can do to manage big emotions is to take a little timeout to think and reflect on the way they feel. It might be a good idea to provide your child with a safe space where they can rest and think about the way they feel.

Environment

It is almost impossible for a child to have good mental health when they live in a toxic environment. When possible, it is best to keep your home as a happy and healthy place where they can grow and thrive.

Get Help

If you believe that your child has reached a point of no return there should be no shame in seeking help. Reach out to your local doctor or family health care practice.

So, you have the Sia-like kind of voice that can move mountains, you have good flows, lines and rhythm, but don’t know how to transform yourself into a world-class Karaoke singer? Here’s a little something to put you on the road to Karaoke stardom. Follow these simple, self-explanatory steps and you might find that becoming the next big thing in the karaoke world is not exactly rocket science.

• You’ll Need A Karaoke Machine

Although not compulsory, it’s quite important that you have a karaoke machine of your own. That way, you would be able to practice at your own leisure, time, pace, and convenience. Also, it’s just as important that you go for the right models that are both easy to operate and offer the best sound quality. And what happens if you can’t afford a karaoke machine of your own? Well, there’s always a way out. You might want to consider visiting stores and outlets that offer karaoke events and services.

• The Necessary Essentials

Getting a karaoke machine is not the only expense you’ll need to make as there are other essentials that need to be acquired too. A karaoke machine without a microphone and CDG’s is pretty much like a car without an engine. Quite useless, right?

• Apps Work Too

While a karaoke machine goes a long way in helping you practice, there are few problems you might encounter as a karaoke machine is not portable and cannot be used on the go. A cheaper, but just as effective, alternative would be to opt for a karaoke app. If what you have is an Android device, apps like Sing! Karaoke by Smule, Sing+, Starmaker, amongst a host of others, will get the job done. If you’re looking to work with a PC, Karaoke5, PCDJ Karaoki, Just Karaoke 2 are the best known apps to get. One added advantage of using a karaoke app is that there are options to modify and share your recording without needing the services of a karaoke publisher.

• Start with Songs You Know

To help boost your confidence and self-esteem, it is pertinent that you have a signature karaoke track that you’re very good at singing. It’s often best to choose a song you can sing off hand as this would help with consistency and during live performances.

• Know Your Boundaries

To avoid flops and embarrassing performances, it’s best that you know your boundaries. It’s quite deadly to choose songs that are either too high or too low. Find a balance, and you’d find there’s no limit to the number of songs you can sing.

• You Might Need Some Extra Hand

It’s almost certain that in every given field, there are always people who know [almost] everything there is to know. The karaoke world is not an exception and you’d achieve more if you had a coach, singing teacher, or a partner to help assess your progress. While it’s okay to choose a partner who wouldn’t judge you too harshly, it’s also best to choose one who would point out your errors when necessary.

Although following these steps is sure to help you achieve your goals do remember that it’s going to take some time, consistency, and dedication to get there. Hope to see you at the top.

There are many myths and misconceptions associated with equity release. People don’t really get what it is and what it entails. Good research on the same is advised and encouraged as knowledge is power. Equity release is a long-life program that enrolls the elderly who has home and give an equivalent long life mortgage. The property and the title still belong to the owner and they can opt to leave as they please. The house will cater for the lifetime loan. It can be given at once, in installments or both. There are different types of equity release programs with responsible equity ranking the best and the top most. There is a detailed procedure followed to register with responsible equity. Research and background knowledge on the same is very important. Here are some of the reasons that explain why responsible equity is important to understand:

• Clearly outlines the benefits and the risks involved. When enrolling into responsible equity release, it is your right to be clearly educated on the benefits and the risks involved. It is important to understand responsible equity, what it entails as the advantages and what will happen if you violate any rule. The responsible equity program will ensure that you have the background knowledge of what you are getting yourself into. The program is not all gold and perfect. There are risks involved such as leaving no inheritance behind. To avoid this, you can reclaim it by enrolling to a 50% deal, which may be small but leaves you covered. Another danger is that you may not get what your money is worth, in that you can get a low amount than what you are really worth.

• Shades light on the myths and the misconceptions associated with it. There are so many myths about equity release that scares people into investing into the equity release program. Some of them include; the fear of losing your property and title of ownership once you have received your money, the myth of being stuck to one place or residence till death and the myth of leaving a large debt to your loved ones. These are some of the myths that scare aware potential customers. The truth is that there all myths as once you sign responsible equity, your home cannot be taken away from you, you have the ability to move on to a new home under the same program you cannot leave a debt to your loved ones.

• Helps one to enjoy life at old age without stress. The main reason as to why people enroll in responsible equity release is the advantage of living old age without any stress. The amount you are offered is tax free and is equivalent to the total worth of the home. The home is not taken away from you as it is yours to live on till you pass on. Once you pass on, you leave no debt to your loved ones and they are not pressured into selling the home once you pass on.

Responsible equity release is important to understand as it sheds light onto the myths involved. To learn more on the same, visit responsibleequityrelease website.

As the weekend approaches the travel bug in you starts acting up. Some clicks later you have booked yourself through to Budapest. Two days in the Hungarian capital and loads of things to do, places to see. So what’s keen traveller like you supposed to do? How do you pack in as much as you can into a weekend? Read on and you will know all there is about planning a great weekend in Budapest.

Travelling alone or with a bunch of friends, thinking of a stag weekend or in search for some time away from the mundane, Budapest has something for all kind of travellers. Divided by the river Danube, Buda and Pest offer two distinct settings for the visitors. Let’s take a closer look and find out how your weekend here can become truly memorable.

Weekend Day 1

On your first day get down to exploring the cultural side of the city. Cross the Danube through the iconic Chain bridge and head to Buda Castle. Home to the National Gallery and History Museum, the Buda Castle offers breathtaking views of the Danube. The Buda castle district is a UNESCO world heritage site and is sure to take your breath away with its Gothic style architecture.

Your next stop should be the Citadella. Located atop Gellért Hill, the Citadella is an imposing fortress dating back to 1851. Offering some of the best views of the cityscape below, this location should be a must-see in your itinerary.

Buda part of the city also offers other attractions like the Matthias Church located     across the Fisherman’s Bastion. After a day full of sightseeing and culture, relax in one of the thermal spas here. After all it was called ‘spa city’ in the old days for a reason. Visit the Gellért Baths, known for their healing powers and have a long soak in the hot spring waters here.

Weekend Day 2

On day two, start by exploring the Pest side of the city. Check out the tallest buildings in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament. Both imposing structures form an important part of the Budapest skyline. Climb up to the dome of the basilica and see panoramic views of the city below.

Your sightseeing part of the tour can end with a walk down the Andrássy Avenue. Home to some of the best restaurant and cafes in Budapest, the avenue offers an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic food options to choose from.

If walking around gets a bit too much, hop onto the oldest subway in continental Europe. Running under the Andrássy Avenue, this historical subway will take you back in time. After all that culture and history it’s time for some fun.

Make your last day in Budapest a memorable one. Visit one of the many bars or pubs in the city and tuck into some Hungarian grub. Drawing a variety of crowd, the pubs attract locals and tourists alike. Try the Hungarian favourites, Goulash, Lángos or Főzelék and wash it down with one of the craft beers that the city is so famous for. Also do not miss the chance to try Unicum, the national drink of Hungary. A closely guarded secret recipe adds to the intrigue of this unique liqueur.

Conclusion:

Budapest is truly a hidden gem of Europe. With a right blend of culture, hospitality and cuisine, travellers will thoroughly enjoy their time here. On your visit to the Hungarian capital you will come across a wide selection of people, from the solo traveller to the group of young chaps on their Budapest stag do. No matter whom you meet they will only have good things to say about the city. So get packing, your weekend in Budapest is calling out to you.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that is quite popular with the majority of people who seek to improve their image. It is not a curative treatment and can be carried out on anybody who wishes to improve the appearance of their teeth. People who have no confidence due to the appearance of their teeth have gained the confidence they ever wanted and have even gone to get the jobs of their choice! While this may sound a little far fetched, there are many advantages that come with the whitening of teeth. Now, how do dentists whiten teeth? What are some of the things one needs to know before they undergo this procedure?

Well, here are 5 facts you may not be aware of about getting your teeth whitened by a dentist:

1. Your teeth are sponge-like

Just like sponges or your skin, your teeth have pores. As such, all that you eat will leave a footprint on the teeth. If you eat or drink anything that has a pigment; be sure that it will leave a stain on the teeth. Your white teeth always change their pigmentation with time. Over a long period of staining, your white looking teeth will need to be whitened to regain the original color. You can have this procedure done at a dentist’s clinic.

2. Sensitivity after bleaching is a normal occurrence

It is likely that your teeth will be sensitive after you have undergone a teeth whitening session at your dentist’s. This is due to the fact that the bleach used to whiten your teeth dehydrates the teeth, albeit temporarily. However, within 12 to 48 hours, your teeth will feel normal once again. You need to know that your gums could be bleached too. However, this whitening will go away as the skin on the gums will replace itself quickly.

3. Whitening will not damage the teeth

There are people who could be scared of the teeth whitening sessions at the dentist’s office. As long as the procedure is done in the recommended manner, your teeth will not be damaged. When your teeth are whitened at your dentist’s, you can rest assured that it will be done professionally and no negative effect will be reported. Active ingredients are used to lift the stains when the pores are opened. Your teeth will rehydrate and re-mineralize after every whitening session.

4. Your enamel is not harmed

As long as you receive the teeth whitening procedure from a professional, your enamel will not be harmed. There are formulas with less harsh chemicals that can be used by your dentist to achieve the best results and safe results for that matter. In most of the cases, the whitening procedure goes on successfully without any kind of discomfort.

5. Teeth whitening is not permanent

Even if your teeth whitening procedure is successful, the results will not be permanent. You have to keep up with the treatment for you to maintain the whitened teeth. With good oral hygiene, the white teeth can be maintained. However, with time, the staining could recur if you smoke or eat acidic foods. Dark colored foods and drinks will ultimately contribute to the staining of the teeth once again.

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.