Home Office Safety + Productivity Tips

Image from Wilkie Blog via Pinterest 

I am lucky enough to have a home office and to be completely honest, it's where I spend most of my time as it is where I write my blog posts, guest posts, emails and freelance work. I don't know if I would be able to blog as much as I do or to just generally write consistently if I didn't have a home office. Although there are some drawbacks, not just for a home office but working in an office in general.

Issue: Eye strain

The top issue has to be eye strain, watery eyes or itchy eyes, all of which can be caused by looking at a screen for too long and can be an issue for people working in an office or home office. Accident Advice Helpline have conducted some research into office hazards and issues and this issue was one of the most common. Check out their site for more information and the interactive graphic.

Solution: There are a few things you can do at work or in your home office to help reduce eye strain (these would even help students as I know when I was in college and university, I was at a computer almost constantly). You can make sure that your desk is well lit, you can look out for things that cause glare and remove them if possible or you can adjust your monitor setting/brightness. I try to have the room and screen as bright as possible as that's what works for me.

Broken Equipment & Slip Hazards 

I think these are applicable in most work place or even home environments. Broken or fault office equipment or tools pose a health and safety risk and even just having wires around can cause issues too. I have a lot of wires for my iMac as well as cables to charge my phone, camera and more which don't just cause a safety issue but they look awful and messy too.

Solution: The obvious solution is to fix or replace broken equipment but for a home office, you can always shop around to get the best deal or look at second hand options on eBay. As for wires and charging leads, I always try and keep them out of the way by snaking them under units, drawers or by keeping them together with cable tidies/guards which are really inexpensive and they look better than lots of loose writes.

Overloaded Plug Sockets 

I am a bit guilty of this at home with lots of items charging via one plug socket which isn't the best idea as it can lead to a fire hazard but it's one of those things that most of us keep putting off doing something about.

Solution: There are a few solutions and the simplest is by using other sockets but you can also purchase or request sockets that have a USB outlet on them that come in so handy for charging items without using the plug - we have a few of these at home and they are so handy! We mainly use them in the kitchen and living room but I definitely need to get one for the home office too.

Now for a few productivity tips:

- Working in an office or home office especially can be a bit boring and I find that having cute decor can definitely help! The colour scheme for my home office is white, natural shades and rose gold which I love!

- Staying organised with spreadsheets and to do lists as well as stationery, notes on my phone and sticky notes definitely helps me stay on top of everything...for the most part.

- Getting distracted while working from home is something I think that would put most people off working from home but having good time management skills is key as well as sticking to a schedule and having productive breaks.

Do you work in an office or in a home office? Do you have any safety or productivity tips? 

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*Tips For Finding A Unique Engagement Ring

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Getting engaged is an exciting time and you may be so excited that you want to be involved in every aspect. Perhaps you want to find the ring before your partner proposes. Or, maybe your partner has already proposed but didn’t want to get a ring without you seeing it first. We women can be so choosy. If you’re someone who likes to stand out from the crowd, your ring will have to be a unique one. So, how do you find a unique ring in a sea of mundane and boring?

Go Vintage 

It means you’ll have to wear a ring that someone else has worn before but there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, many rings come attached to beautiful love stories. Older women sometimes auction off their wedding and engagement rings because they want someone else to have just as much pleasure out of it as they did. Going vintage means you’re likely to find a fantastic, classic ring that will never go out of style. And, it could be something you don’t see a lot of today.

Local Boutiques 

Just because it’s a local boutique, it doesn’t mean you won’t find something beautiful and original. In fact, many boutiques take original pieces from local artists. So, you may find someone who creates unique diamond jewellery hiding just a few miles from where you live. Even if you don’t find something in the store, you could be introduced to a local independent designer who could create something bespoke for you. It’s always worth checking out!

Forget About Diamonds 

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to be the same as everyone else, your best bet is to steer clear of diamonds. The diamond industry claimed proposals for themselves a long time ago and now it’s considered the norm. If you don’t like the idea of buying into the diamond industry or have problems with how diamonds are often acquired, go for another material. Why not go for an opal or sapphire ring instead?

Custom Made 

The only real way to make sure you get a truly unique ring is to have it custom made. The only problem then is the amount of choice you have before you. If your partner is any good at design, get him/her involved. It can be a great thing for couples to do together. For example, your partner could design the ring, while you choose the stones. Blue and pink diamonds, like those talked about at 77 Diamonds, are becoming ever more popular and they’re a perfect choice for a unique ring.

Remember that an engagement ring is something most people wear for the majority of their lives, so it’s important to choose something you really like. However, it is meant to be a token of love from your partner, so don’t forget to include him/her in the decision making process too – you won’t regret it!

Do you have any tips or recommendations of jewellers? Where is your favourite place to buy jewellery? Are you a traditional or quirky jewellery lover?

*This is a collaborative post
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*5 Reasons To Choose a Cruise For Your Next Holiday

Image from Coco Kelley via Pinterest

At the moment a lot of people will be away on their summer holidays. Whether staying at home or going abroad, we’ve all seen the holiday pictures all over social media. So it might have got you thinking about where you might like to go on your next holiday. One thing that I would recommend trying at least once in your life is a cruise. If you’ve never been on a cruise, and aren’t too sure what to expect, then here are plenty of reasons why a cruise should be your next holiday.

I've been lucky enough to go on about six cruises so far with Royal Caribbean and I loved every minute! I am going on another cruise this month to Norway with P&O and I can't wait. I will be sharing photos while I'm there so make sure you are follow my social media - twitter and instagram.

All-Inclusive & Easy To Plan

Once you have chosen your what company you want to go with, your cabin and the excursions that you want, there is very little to plan. You don’t need to think about hotels in different cities or thinking about planning car rental, food, or arranging the sights that you’ll see at your destination. You can choose your dining options in advance, as well as any day excursions. But other than that, it is all taken care of for you.

The Options Are Endless

There are cruises for all different budgets, as well as all different types of holiday. From relaxing beach cruises, to cruises that will drop you off at a variety of cities, to ones that will leave you exploring the Norwegian fjords. You can choose a luxury cruise with a provider like Bolsover Cruises, or choose more family-friendly options like a Disney cruise. So the great thing is that there are so many choices to choose from. I personally couldn't recommend Royal Caribbean enough but it is quite pricey.

You Can See So Many New Places 

Depending on the type of cruise that you choose, you are likely to see a lot of destinations all at once. So if you’ve got a lot of places that you want to tick off your bucket list, then a cruise can be a really good idea. I think this is especially true of European cruises; there are so many countries and cities to see in Europe that it would take you years and years to do them all. A cruise could tick four or five of them off the list for you! For example, on one cruise we visited Italy, Greece and Turkey then on another cruise a couple of years later we visited Russia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland and Sweden in 10 days!

You Get To Indulge 

Cruise ships are huge and have so much on offer. From a huge range of restaurants to chose from as well as spas and bars, there is plenty of opportunity to indulge and treat yourself. It really is a time to relax and unwind, with not needing to do any cleaning or washing dishes all week! You can still enjoy some comforts from home, though, with plenty of choices for swimming or exercise in the gyms as well as shops, pubs and bars.

You Meet New People 

You are likely to be going on a cruise with your other half or family. But there is plenty of chance to meet new people on a cruise. The chances are they are like-minded people as you’ve picked the same cruise, so you can get to know people from all walks of life, as well as enjoying meals and various activities with them.

Have you been on a cruise? Are you going on holiday this summer? 

*This is a collaborative post
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*What to Pack in Your Beauty Kit for a Trip to Paris

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Ah, Paris, the world’s most romantic city. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, it’s hard not to fall in love with Paris. The city is full of artistic heritage, wonderful 19th century architecture and of course food and wine to die for. Its grandeur is inspiring and no matter how many times you wander through the winding streets and boulevards, you will never grow bored of the City of Lights. In 2013, Paris was named as the world’s top tourist destination. It welcomed 32.3 million visitors that year. Visitor numbers have dropped in the tragic aftermath of several high-profile terrorist attacks, with a 6.1% drop in tourism income. But, despite the perceived risks, Paris has lost none of its allure, particularly for American visitors.

Shampoo/Conditioner

Many hotels and guest houses provide complimentary shampoo and conditioner but unless you are booked into the Le Bristol, don’t expect your freebies to be top quality products. If you want your hair to look fabulous during your stay, take travel-sized versions of your favourite shampoo and conditioner.

Sunscreen

Paris is cool in winter but summer in Paris can be surprisingly hot. During July and August, temperatures regularly reach the twenties during the day and you will need to apply sunscreen if you want to spend time outdoors. The sun isn’t as strong this far north but it is better to protect your face and other exposed areas. If you travel light, look for a moisturiser with built-in SPF.

Mascara

A tube of mascara is essential, no matter where you visit. Paris can be wet at times, with an average of 25mm of rainfall during April and May, so pack a waterproof mascara if you don’t want to end up with panda eyes.

Eye Liner 

Use an eye pencil to accentuate your eyes or to define your brows if you have a liner that's a good shade match. A slick of mascara and a touch of eye liner is all you need if you are in a rush to beat the crowds at the main Paris attractions. For a night out on the town or a trip to the Folies Bergère, apply eye liner and smudge it for a classic Brigitte Bardot smoky eye look.

Lipstick

Parisian women are notoriously chic and most wouldn’t be seen dead without their trusty red lipstick. If you want to blend in with the locals at a stylish pavement café, keep your makeup to a minimum. Red or crimson lipstick is the only statement you need. Finish the look with skinny jeans and heels. Also a tube of lip balm will keep your lips soft and kissable.

Bronzer

A small pot of bronzer will add definition to your cheeks and a touch of colour after a late night on the tiles. Use bronzer on your décolletage if you wear a low-cut dress or on your eyelids in the absence of eye shadow. It’s the perfect multi-purpose beauty accessory.

Image from The Sunday Chapter via Pinterest

Concealer

No woman should travel to Paris without a tube of concealer to minimise under eye shadows and skin blemishes. Pack it in your carry-on luggage so you can touch up your face before you arrive. Your concealer can also double up as your foundation too if you want a natural base.

Cleanser

Take a small bottle of cleansing fluid to wash the grime and pollution that will invariably accumulate after a long day spent sightseeing in Paris. Cleansing wipes are convenient for use on-the-go but you should follow up with your cleaner afterwards.

Moisturiser

Finish your cleansing routine with a generous application of moisturiser. Use a light moisturiser with built-in SPF for during the day and a thicker product for use before bed. French women tend to avoid foundation as this apparently emphasises wrinkles. If you need some coverage, why not use a tinted moisturiser.

Makeup Remover Wipes

No self-respecting French woman would sleep in her makeup, so take a pack of makeup remover wipes and remember to remove any residual makeup before you hit the pillow.

Tea Tree Oil & Rosehip Oil

Tea tree oil has powerful antiseptic qualities. Mosquitoes are rare in Paris so even if you take a scenic cruise on the River Seine in August, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, tea tree oil is a useful repellent so better safe than sorry. Rosehip oil has powerful anti-aging properties and is good for the immune system. Apply daily for optimum protection, whatever the weather. Enjoy your trip!

Have you been to Paris? What are your travel beauty staples? 

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Car Maintenance Tips For New Drivers

Image from Collage Vintage

I passed my driving test back in December and since then I've been ferrying people around, driving on my own and learning more about how to actually look after a car which is something I haven't previously done. I recently published a post all about things they don't tell you when you've passed your driving test and included in that post are things like car maintenance which should definitely be included as part of learning to drive but for some reason it isn't.

Today's post is all about car maintenance tips and advice for new drivers, such as myself and what I've had to learn since passing my driving test as even though I've passed, there is still so much to learn not just to be a safe driver and to gain experience but to look after your car too which is quite an investment especially when considerings all of the other expenses that a car needs such as tax, insurance and more.

Car Cleaning

Let's start with the very basics, car cleaning is the easiest way to look after your car! I'll be honest and say that my cute old Renault Clio does get neglected when it comes to being fully cleaned but I do try and clean it every few months. I made the most boring adult purchase a few months ago of a car vacuum cleaner which plugs into the cigarette lighter and it also works as a tyre pressure gauge and inflator too which is a handy item to have in the car - I'd definitely recommend it.

Oil & Water

In the UK there are some things you need to know before your test in terms of where things are under the bonnet/hood of the car including oil, water, wiper fluid and engine coolant but during the test you might only have to tell them where those items are, not how to change them. So far, I've had to top up the windscreen wiper fluid and check the oil, both of which are so easy and are worth keeping an eye on. I've also had to change a headlight bulb and replace a windscreen wiper blade so far, they definitely didn't tell me how to do that while learning to drive but thankfully my dad did!

Tyres & Car Servicing

As part of the theory test in the UK you need to know a few things about the tyres such as tread depth and tyre pressure so you can put that knowledge to good use and check the tread depth and type pressure with a pressure gauge easily every so often. If you do need the tyres changing then it can be quite pricy but it's worth it to be safe on the road. You can easily Buy Tyres in Wakefield from Ossett Tyre House. Car servicing is also very important and something that might be overlooked by new drivers as it's yet another cost which can be somewhere between £70 to £130 and that's without the cost of potential faults that need to be fixed; however it's worth checking the price with your local trusted garage.

In the UK an MOT is an essential test to make sure your car is safe to drive and that it meets environmental and road safety standards. So you need one every year but as a new driver it's easy to forgot or not know when to go so check out the link which is an MOT checker so you'll never miss it - you can be fined up to £1000 if you are driving a car without a valid MOT.

Organising & Being Prepared

Last but not least, it's always best to be organised and prepared especially as a new driver with basics for yourself such as a first aid kit, blankets, snacks and an in car phone charger but also for your car such as a tyre inflator (like the one I mentioned previously), de-icer, spare oil and water, spare bulbs (which are compulsory to have in some countries) and a torch as well as your breakdown company number.

Do you drive? Do you have any car maintenance tips or any basic tips for new drivers? 

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Birthday Book Wish List

On the 15th August I'll turn 25...and I'll be on a Buckingham Palace tour! I'm excited to visit London and Norway in my birthday month but I'm quite terrified about the prospect of being 25 years old which seems so ancient to me and I'm not ready! 

Anyway, enough being petrified and onto my birthday book wish list! I really got back into reading last year after not reading for around ten years and now I'm obsessed - can't stop, won't stop. I have so many books on my wish lists but these are the books that are close to the top of my list:

• Red Fortress by Catherine Merridale 
• The Boy On The Bridge by M.R Carey
• The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown
• The Magicians by Lev Grossman 
• Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor 
• Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco 
• The Bone Witch by Rin Chipeco 
• Through The Woods by Emily Carroll
• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky 
• His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman 
• Amphigorey by Edward Gorey 

The books on my current wish list range from magical realism, classics and non-fiction to fantasy and I need them all! I'm sure I will treat myself to quite a few of these for my birthday because you know...treat yo self. 

What books are on your wish list? Have you read any of these? 

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