Journeys Are My Diary

Life, Adventures, Entertainment and more - A little bit of everything blog!

Simple Tips For Making Your Bathroom Look More Expensive

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After the kitchen, the bathroom is probably the most expensive room in the home to fix up. A quick look online will show you exactly how much some people pay for their bathrooms, and there are some scary looking figures on display.

But the honest truth is that you don’t need to splash out on marble stone tiles and a rain shower to make your bathroom look the part. With a little creative thinking – and a lot of hard work – you can turn the tiniest of dingy bathrooms into a beautiful place to relax.

Take our bathroom, as the perfect example – it looked awful when we moved in, but I think we managed to do a pretty good job in the end. Here’s a few tips that helped us improve our bathroom’s look by a significant amount.

Storage and Containers

You never see a plush, expensive bathroom full of clutter. So the first step is to ensure you have plenty of containers and cupboard space to put everything away when it isn’t in use. You could even go down the traditional route of keeping things in large glass jars or ceramic jugs rather than plastics – just keep them well out of the way of the kids!

A beautiful bathmat

You don’t have to spend a lot on bathmats – when they are brand new, they always look great. But let’s face it, in a busy household they tend to get pretty unkempt very quickly – and it has a serious impact on your bathroom. So, lose the Terry cloths and look for something a little more long-lasting. Turkish or Persian rugs are a great substitute, and you don’t have to go too wild on size, and you will still benefit from a more sophisticated look.

Swap out your taps

I think a lot of people would love to splurge on something like a freestanding bath. But the reality for most households is that they are far too expensive to justify, and most bathrooms don’t have the room anyway. But you can make the most of your current tub by switching out the bath taps – and you can do the same for your sink, too. It makes such a difference to the style of the bathroom and is such a cheap way of getting an instant improvement.

Go big on mirrors and artwork

There are some spectacular and beautifully framed mirrors out there which you should invest in – they will give your bathroom and instant lift, no matter how dull or boring your tiles are. You can also hang artwork or pictures – just make sure they are framed nice and tightly, so they don’t suffer from moisture leaking in. It adds a little personalisation to the bathroom, too, which, ultimately, is what separates a great bathroom from a standard one.

Improve the lighting

One final, easy fix for you – improve your bathroom lighting. Try using spotlights in the bathroom, and you can even pick up chandeliers these days for a reasonable price – or create one yourself. Set up some dimmer switches so that you can dim the lights for a nice, relaxing bath and you will enjoy your bathroom even more. Any thoughts to add? Let me know in the comments section!

Is Wales Seriously Banning E-liquid Flavours?

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You might have heard recently that the Welsh government has been taking steps to get E-cigs ‘under control’ in Wales. They attempted to ban E-cigs in public places, but have thus-far failed to do so.

But, ironically, they may have actually figured out how to make E-cigs much less enjoyable.

They are banning flavours.

Yes, this is true – it’s not a prank or a joke. Here’s the official statement from Public Health Wales.

“Confectionary-like flavours of e-liquid should not be permitted, in order to reduce the appeal of vaping to children and young people.”

 According to a spokesperson from Public Health England, it was said that ‘only children’ enjoy sweet flavoured E-liquids – and that the flavours were obviously designed with the intent to market the devices and the liquids to children.

This is obviously a stretch. In fact, it’s more than a stretch – it’s downright ridiculous to those of us who understand vaping and the ideology behind it. We obviously disagree with this completely… but just for the sake of the argument, we are going to share a few thoughts on why we believe that such a ban is not only unnecessary, but also on how it could also cause more harm than good.

Argument Number One… Fruity and Sweet Flavours Appeal To Ex-Smokers Too

Believe it or not, fruity and sweet e-liquid blends carry a lot of appeal for ex-smokers. They taste good, and they help people who used to smoke to move even further away from the idea of smoking as it pertains to cigarettes.

They also help to establish vaping as its own habit… separate from smoking and something unique in itself. Without flavours, far more people may just stick to smoking.

Argument Number Two… Fruity and Sweet Flavours Were Not Designed To Market E-cigs To Children

No E-cig companies in the UK make it their policy to sell to underage users. E-cig websites and businesses alike, as well as all of the prominent vaping associations, support the ’18 and over’ rule for vaping. Nobody wants to sell vaping products to kids or children. Nobody wants to see children getting addicted to nicotine. Nobody wants to see younger vapers using the devices behind their parents’ backs.

The idea that these types of flavours were designed specifically for children and minors is quite outlandish, to put it lightly.

Argument Number Three… Fruity And Sweet E-Liquids May Increase The Odds That Smokers Will Be Able To Successfully Switch To E-Cigs

Vaping is definitely a bit different than smoking. It’s also a bit more expensive to get started with. These are both disadvantages that can cause smokers to continue to smoke instead of switching over.

So what does vaping have to offer over cigarettes? Well, vaping is up to 95% less harmful than cigarette smoking. It’s also less expensive in the long run, and can provide an alternative nicotine delivery system that can help smokers to quit.

But it also offers a larger, more diverse array of flavours – which make it its own unique experience. This diversity is part of what has made vaping so successful. One day, someone is smoking cigarettes that they don’t even like, just because they are addicted to nicotine. The next, they’re vaping on a fruity, sweet E-liquid blend that they love, while also getting their nicotine at the same time.

This allows them to kick smoking, because they’re not even missing out on anything by switching!

Hopefully, the Welsh Assembly will change its viewpoint on vaping. The vaping industry has done a lot of good things for Wales. It has provided jobs and revenue – despite the challenges that vaping has thus-far endured.

And this, unfortunately, just seems to be another roadblock in the way. Will the vaping industry be able to get past it? It’s impossible to know for sure at this point. Hopefully things will work out to negate this rather extreme ruling – but only time will tell, so we’re eager to get some more updates and clarification from Public Health of Wales.

Have you got an opinion? We’d love to hear it.

A Guide to Buying Kids Shoes

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Children’s feet grow so quickly which means they go through shoes at an alarming rate! It’s important to regularly get your children’s feet measured to make sure they aren’t pinching or too loose. Blisters and bunions are no fun and can be avoided with shoes that fit properly.

Getting the Right Size Matters

First things first, get your kids feet measured by a professional. Your children are running around, exploring, and walking. Their footwear needs to be comfortable and durable. A professional will be able to give you an accurate size and style of show to suit your child. Your children’s feet can grow up to two sizes bigger within a year! So it’s vitally important to get measure regularly.

Consider the Style you Buy

A professional will be able to tell you, but bear in mind the style you buy. Your child may be keen on the cute design, but they need to be practical too. Heels, over an inch high, are going to affect the way your child walks. Over time your children’s feet may develop blisters. More seriously, if they wear heels too high this can lead to changes in the bone. This could make it difficult to walk normally in the future. Fendi baby shoes are a good option. They have some good slip on shoes and pumps that are fuss-free. If you notice there is more wear on one side of the shoe, or the shape of the shoe is slopes, it could indicate your child’s putting more pressure on certain areas. A trip to a podiatrist will be able to tell if there’s anything that needs correcting.

For Babies

For all children barefoot is best, but especially babies. Letting babies crawl around your home without shoes on is a good idea. It allows muscles to develop correctly and also gives skin the opportunity to breathe. For those who’ve not yet learnt to walk, the feeling of the floor beneath you is a good aid to learning. Make sure you’re baby’s socks are made of the right material and fit correctly. They really should be made of 50% wool or cotton.  Young feet are extremely soft and pliable so be careful about squeezing feet into socks that don’t fit.

Hygiene

Another thing to consider is your young child’s foot hygiene. Feet should be washed and dried thoroughly on a daily basis. If not the spaces between the toes could become infected and lead to athlete’s foot or other infections. Toenails should also be trimmed to make sure that shoes and socks aren’t rubbing against them and causing pressure.

How To Have A Really Successful Family Holiday

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Going on vacation with your family can be extremely stressful.  It can be hard to not only get everyone on the same page, but the communication can lack in some places.  Planning out the perfect holiday isn’t easy, and it takes patience and a plan.  Preparation is key, and you’ve got to invest some of your time to plan a vacation that is successful.

Communication is essential

When you are planning a family vacation, communication is going to be crucial.  You want to avoid a lot of drama caused by miscommunication and instead, make sure that everyone is on the same page right from the beginning.  This means that you should sync up your flights, how you are getting to the hotel and even what you are doing throughout the stay.  There are a lot of different apps out there that can help keep you organized and keep your family in the loop.

Be realistic with your money

This is another thing that can cause a lot of drama.  Money can be tight for some family members, and that is why being practical with money up front is huge.  While you are planning out what you are going to be doing throughout your holiday vacation, make sure that you incorporate some free things, as that will help offset some of the costs for those that have thinner wallets.

Pad your time

What this means it that if you are set off across the country with your family to check out different amusement parks or malls, leave a chance to explore.  You might have a list of things that you want to see and a list of stuff that you want to do but pad your time.  Leave time in the agenda for family-time too, that’s important, and it will help everyone bond and be a little closer.

Keep it active for the group

If you are not a keen conversationalist with your family, why not up the ante and plan something active?  A sporting event is one of the best things to go to with a group.  It also provides a lot of memories for your family, and it doesn’t require a lot of personal interaction.

Safety first

Whenever you are traveling with a bigger group, preparation is essential to keep the stress at bay and to ensure that everyone is safe.  If you are going with small kids, you should keep a photo of them as well as the entire family on you at all times.  The younger kids should also carry an identification card with their parents’ names, address and phone number of where you are staying.  Safety first, especially when it comes to family holidays.

Have a packing party

Packing is probably one of the most stressful things when you are preparing for a trip.  You have to make sure that you have everything and that is why coming prepared with a checklist and having a packing party is huge.  Make a game out of it, see who can pack up everything the fastest.  There are also packing hacks that you can use to understand how to pack for a longer trip without the stress.

WiFi is paramount

Finally, don’t try to fight it, WiFi is going to be vital when you are traveling.  If it is a cost?  Spring for it.  It will stop a lot of fighting, a lot of drama and it will make the trip that much better.  There are also a lot of ways that you can get WiFi for free and save a few bucks.

Now that you know some of the best ways to cut down on the stress and to have a fabulous family holiday, what are some of the tips that you have?  Share them!

Cover Your Wheelie Bins So Your Garden Looks Tidier

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Everybody wants to make their garden look tidier, whether they’re a dedicated gardener or prefer the indoors, no one wants to look out the window and see ugly, council issued wheelie bins staring back at them, especially when a garden is supposed to be a place of relaxation and joy.

Plastic wheelie bins do tend to look messy, especially once they have become weather beaten and worn, which can really ruin the look of your garden. They can crack easily, alongside being covered with moss and muddy water which can cause all sorts of problems, making them slippery to grip or even allowing water inside. This is all very inconvenient, and this is just one way that covering your wheelie bins can really help to improve the look of your garden. The solid timber frames of the wheelie bin storage unit protects the bin from the weather, as well as making them easier to grip, much safer and much, much less likely to be damaged by the weather.

On top of this, covering your wheelie bins can help to make your garden look tidy by ensuring that your rubbish is protected from small animals that live in the city, including vermin such as rats and pests such as foxes. Animals like these are able to knock over or get into bins, pulling out and ripping the bin bags while rummaging for scraps. This sounds harmless and not necessarily something that you should be concerned with preventing, but if this keeps happening, animals can become dependent on these scraps, which can keep them returning to your house again and again every night. This can then cause them to come to your home at other times of the day, and while rats and foxes are rarely vicious, they may have diseases that you really don’t want passed on to your family or neighbours. It is not just disease prevention that wheelie bin storage can be useful for, it can also help to prevent the animals getting rubbish all over your garden. Once bin bags have been ripped, the rubbish can spill out easily, and with a little wind this can blow all over the garden. This means that you have to go out and clean up the rubbish, which is never fun and is easily fixed by putting your bin in a storage unit.

As wheelie bin storage caters for multiple bins and boxes, it means that you are able to contain all your bins in the same style units. This helps to create a more uniform look which is appealing and helps to keep your garden look tidier and keep your bins all in the same place. This makes rubbish disposal nice and easy alongside keeping your garden looking like that natural oasis that you’ve worked so hard on.

Covering up your wheelie bins can help to improve the look of your garden dramatically and with only a little expense, you can keep your wheelie bins tidy, safe and secure all in shelters that won’t make your eyes hurt. Wheelie bin storage is definitely worth looking into if you’re trying to find a way to make your garden look a bit more eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

When was the last time you stayed at a Bed and Breakfast?

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I have to admit, that for the longest time, I haven’t stayed in a B&B. There was definitely a time in my life, when I wouldn’t hesitate to stay in Bed and Breakfast over a Hotel, but in truth – several bad experiences has made me very wary.

One of the first strange experiences was at least ten years ago. My then husband and I, stayed in a Bed and Breakfast for one night, while having a very rare night away. The place itself was lovely, but the shower was in the same room as the bed! Now obviously I was with my husband so it wasn’t the end of the world, but imagine if you’d gone with a friend and had to shower (not much frosted glass!) in the same room as they were watching TV!

The very last time I stayed in a Bed and Breakfast was with my best friend Amy. I won a competition to stay in a beautiful hotel and have a trip to the theatre to see Grease. We decided to extend our stay and extra night, but couldn’t afford the same hotel and instead booked a B&B near Camden. It was, no lie, the most awful place I have ever stepped foot in. I won’t freak you out with the details but needless to say we slept fully clothed and we even tried getting drunk to help us sleep!

These days I tend to stay in a Travelodge or Premier Inn, as at least you always know what you’re getting, however I have been looking at a B&B for an upcoming holiday we might be having. Is it time I braved it again? Or will one more time be the sealing of the deal! Here is an interesting infograph by Toprooms I wanted to share with you, about all the reasons we should stay in Bed and Breakfast. What do you think?

7 ways to prevent sunburn on a cruise

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Setting off on a cruising holiday can be an exciting time. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve sailed the seas before, packing for your trip can be a challenge. On top of finding the right outfit for every occasion and sifting through the adapters to find the right one for your camera, you also need to think about your makeup and accessories. Another important item to consider is sunscreen. Below, we round up seven ways to prevent sunburn on your next cruise.

Avoid sun exposure during the day

 Between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. You should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during these hours, and instead find other ways to occupy your children. You can, of course, spend time in the sun, but you should sit under a parasol and ensure that you regularly reapply sun cream to keep yourself and your children safe.

Lounging around the pool or sitting on your balcony may sound like the best way to chill out, but you could try other activities to keep yourself busy during the day. Booking a relaxing spa session, taking an excursion or enjoying a leisurely lunch with your family in one of your cruise liner’s restaurants are just some of the ways to keep you out of the sun.

Wear sunglasses

 When it comes to packing for your holiday, a couple of pairs of designer sunglasses are usually on the list. Not only can they finish off your summer outfits, but they can also protect your eyes from irreparable sun damage.

Wearing sunglasses can protect you against sun-related health problems such as skin cancer, cataracts, glaucoma, pterygium and macular degeneration. Doctors recommend wearing wraparound sunglasses – that is, sunglasses that cover the entirety of your eyes – to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Doing so is even more important on cloudy days, where the sun isn’t visible, but the harmful UV rays can still damage your eyes.

Don’t base tan

 Although you may be tempted to visit your local tanning salon weeks leading up to your cruise to get a ‘base tan’, doing so could be harmful to your skin. There is a link between ultraviolet exposure from tanning beds and melanoma, and treating a base tan as a prevention against sunburn isn’t a sensible idea. Instead, opt for a natural tanning optimiser during your travels, or show off your natural skin.

Pack the right sun cream

Regardless of your skin type, sun cream is essential. Aim for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater – but the higher the SPF factor, the better protected you will be. You should aim to apply your sunscreen generously throughout the day – reapplying it every two hours, and after every time you take a dip in the pool. If you’re using insect repellent, apply your sunscreen first to protect your skin.

Sunscreen can be used on babies and toddlers over the age of six months, but for younger children, you should instead use other forms of sun protection, like shade and clothing.

Cover up

The chances are that you’ll want to show off your body during the summer months, but covering up is the best way to reduce your chances of getting sunburned. Woven clothing is the best way to protect your skin, so pack long-sleeved t-shirts and jeans if you’re prone to burning quickly. Some outdoor clothing even offers an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), so check your label to see whether your fabric can effectively block sunlight.

As well as clothing, you should also look at wearing a bat. Broad-brimmed hats are the most efficient at shading your head and preventing sun damage – if you’re particularly sensitive to the sun, look for caps with neck covers to prevent burning.

Sit in the shade

 If you do want to spend time outdoors, find a quiet spot in the shade. You should be able to find a parasol on your deck, so use it to your advantage. Make sure that your children are well covered, and don’t hesitate to ask a member of the crew if you can’t find somewhere to sit.

Drink water

 While water won’t protect you against the damage of the sun, staying hydrated is essential. Make sure you have water on tap throughout the day – if you choose a Mekong river cruise with a tour operator such as Imagine Cruising, all meals and drinks will be all-inclusive.

There you have it – seven of the best ways to prevent sunburn on a cruise. Wherever you go, have fun, stay save and apply your sun cream as regularly as possible.

 

Lifestyle – Why Dry Herb Vaporizers Have Become the Go-To in the Vaping World

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The debate continues between those who prefer dry herb and those who choose oil vaping. There is a place for both, but increasingly dry herb vaping is the go-to method for many. There are some good reasons for this.

Use

Vaping use has evolved significantly. E-cigarette vaping has been around since 1963 and boomed after 2003. Today the market has expanded beyond nicotine-addicted smokers. The movement to legalize marijuana has resulted in a flood of cannabis users who prefer vaping to lighting up a joint. Their enthusiasm for dry herb vaping greatly contributes to its status as the go-to vaping method.

Quality of the Vaping Experience

Heating oil extracted from the cannabis plant was the natural follow-up to the e-cigarette revolution. Oil vaping usually results in less smoke, a desirable trait to those who wish to be discreet in their weed consumption.

Many consumers, however, find that vaping the actual unprocessed herb enhances the enjoyment of cannabis. For them, dry herb vaping produces a more natural and enjoyable vaping experience, not to mention the easier maintenance and cleaning of vaporizers.

Flavor

Dry herb vaping eliminates the harshness of smoking. By reducing the by-products of combustion, the consumer receives a purer taste experience, replete with the broad flavor spectrum from different parts of the plant.

Natural flavor intensity is easy to adjust by vaping parts of the plant that suit the vaper’s taste. There is no infusion of flavors or other artificial materials to alter the essence of the herb.

Quality of the High

Because oil vaping uses extracted resin as its base, THC content can be much greater than that in natural herb. Consumers frequently describe the high it provides as more intense and immediate. Some may find it overwhelming.

Dry herb vaping provides a more relaxed, comfortable high, preferred by many. Vapers can control the intensity of the THC released by using different parts of the plant or reducing the amount of herb, according to the vaper’s preferences.

Convenience

For years, dry herb vaping required using larger, cumbersome vaporizers. That is no longer the case. There are a variety of compact dry herb vaporizers available for consumers to buy. The development of these smaller devices has converted previous oil vapers over to dry herb vaporizing.

Health and Medical Use

The dramatic rise in the use of medical marijuana has created a need for a method of consumption without the side effects of smoking. Many medical users today had no prior experience with cannabis and experience difficulty in inhaling the smoke from a burning joint as they attempt to medicate to the required levels of THC.

For many of these medical consumers, vaping has become the solution, providing an alternative with benefits such as:

  • Vaping converts a higher percentage of THC into vapor, 46% compared to 25% from smoking a joint.
  • Because less cannabis is required for the same effect, vaping is less expensive for users of medical marijuana.

No Toxins

Smoking weed may not be the same as smoking a cigarette, but the truth is that inhaling any smoke into your lungs is bad for you. Dry herb vaping provides the pleasure of the smoking experience while eliminating tar and other toxins inhaled through smoking.

Vaping Options – More than Cannabis

Although cannabis is the principal dry herb vaping material, there are many other options, including:

  • Catnip
  • Valerian
  • Passion Flower
  • Lavender
  • Lemon Balm
  • Chamomile
  • Hops
  • Green Tea
  • Sage
  • Peppermint
  • Thyme

And the list goes on, even including tobacco if the vaper is so inclined.

As the vaping world continues to expand, the debate will certainly continue. In the end, it really is a matter of preference and usage habits. Dry herb and oil vaping both have their place.

Chances are, however, that even the most enthusiastic oil vaper will have a dry herb vaporizer stashed away somewhere, for that special occasion and dry herb vaping will continue to be the “go-to” in the vaping world.

The Top 8 Gap Year Travellers

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The other day, Megan and I were discussing school – GCSE and A Level choices, and then even the college and university options. When I was at school, I felt very much that my mum and dad decided which subjects I should take and even whether or not I would go on to 6th Form and University. I don’t want to be like that with my girls, I want them to feel like they have all the choices. Further education isn’t always the right choice for everyone and as someone who loves to travel, I often wish I had taken a year out. If either of the girls want to do that, I know I will worry but I will definitely do my best to help them do that.

The Global Work & Travel Co. Blog published a post about The Top 8 Gap Year Travellers so I thought I would share it with you. While taking a year out can be a break from eduction, a bit of fun and a new experience, it can also be a step towards a future career and work experience.

Decoding Dreams

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Dreams have been a huge topic in our house recently, especially as both my girls tend to have them every night. For me, I don’t ever remember having dreams as a child (though I’m sure I did) and for the majority of my adult life I barely had any either. Many times my friends would talk about their dreams and all I could say was “I don’t really have any”. However I’ve noticed over the last few years I do seem to have more and as I’ve always known, its my brains way of processing everything that happens. I don’t know if I have a more stressful life nowadays, or maybe more things happen that need processing – but whatever the reason, I definitely have dreams more often than not these days.

dream

Last night, I had one of those dreams that you’re not really sure if it’s good or bad. The dream itself was good I suppose. I don’t remember it clearly now (and honestly I’m trying not to as well) but my dad was in it and it was happy and I was happy and there was love. However when I woke with a start this morning, I realised it was just a dream. Then there was that bittersweet moment as reality set in that my dad wasn’t around and that I couldn’t talk to him or see him, or hug him as I had in my dream – as he died twelve years ago. All morning I’ve felt a bit shaky, a bit like I want to cry and the truth is I know why I dreamt it, as there is family drama going on – especially that which involves my mum and I can only imagine how much she might be missing him right now.

Luckily though, Lily came down this morning and was all chatter about a weird and wonderful dream that she had. The girls always make me smile with their dreams as they’re nearly always happy, but if not then at least strange and funny. They used to have nightmares a lot when they were younger and I put most of that down to the fact they had good imaginations so they worked overtime when they sleep. Now I’m glad they are better at enjoying their dreams and can make the most wonderful stories based on them. Sometime we try to pick apart what their dreams might mean and I’ve sometimes even googled the odd thing when it’s been a really specific dream.

In association with Adjustamatic adjustable beds, I wanted to share this video about explaining kids dreams. I love that as a child, your mind sort of protects you from the bad aspects of your thoughts and puts them into more relatable stories in your dreams. That said, as far as my bad dream went last night, seeing my dad and being able to hug him again was actually a really special part of my dream – so maybe our mind is always looking out for us, in its own way.