12 May 2021

Simple Methods For Getting Out In Nature More

 

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Most of us are relatively tired of feeling cooped up in our homes, despite how important that has been over the last year. Of course, even if we have been, most of us have had the chance to try and get out in nature, to walk in parks, and to exercise outside to try and offset some of the societal closures we’ve all had to encounter.


That said, when the world slowly returns back to normal (or at least, as normal as it can be), it’s not hard to let the overwhelming business of our lives to take centre stage once more and make us feel a little out of sorts. For this reason, it can be a good idea to focus on getting back out in nature and maintaining more of a consistent habit in doing so.


Of course, not all of us can take an hour out of our day every single day to walk in the park, so what options do we have? Well, in this list, we have three tidbits of advice that might help. Let’s get started:


Consider A Little Carefree Fun


A little carefree fun can’t hurt, especially when than involves enjoying the outdoor space with your friends. Going on a simple bike ride to welcome a weekend morning can be a great idea, particularly if it takes you through a few scenic routes. You might even decide to engage in a fun and passive activity, like flying a kite during a sunny and social day, or sourcing a Sky Rover Knightvision at Alpha Toys and flying it around in a meditative state. Carefree fun is the best fun, and little implements like this can make your day.


Invite Your Friends Or Dates Here


Inviting your friends or even a date to your local natural reserve can be a great idea, even if that’s simply to walk lazily through the paths and talk about life and topics you want to get through. It can be tremendously freeing and a routinely bonding experience to have this private time with someone, especially when the natural backdrop is otherwise so awe-inspiring to look at. 


Spend Some Time In Creativity


There’s perhaps no better way to bust stress than to enjoy a little creativity from time to time, and that goes double in a gorgeous natural environment. Setting up your easel and paints near a local river and painting the fishermen as they try for catches in the lake over the course of an afternoon can be tremendously fulfilling to your spirit, even if you’re not experienced at painting in the least! You may decide to walk to the park to journal every other Sunday morning, or perhaps simply getting involved in a local gardening initiative can help you get out of the house and ensure you have a chance to get your hands dirty. The possibilities are endless.


With this advice, we hope you can get out in nature more and adore doing so.


21 March 2021

Time For a Staycation


Last year my mum was due to have a milestone birthday (80 but don't tell her I told you!).

As she is a lover of all things theatre related, I decided to find accommodation through hotels.com for a room in Manchester together with tickets to see Sister Act at the Palace Theatre.  Sadly, due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled and as such, our plans.

In current climes, it is important that when you make any plans, you bear in mind current Government guidelines so that you can prepare and organise accordingly.  This was especially important when starting to arrange her birthday this year.

Looking at the Government road map going forward, restaurants are due to open with the ability to eat indoors from the 12th May, with hotels opening from the 3rd July 2021.  We are due to be out of lockdown by the 21st June and with any luck, everyone able will be vaccinated by the 31st July 2020.

Bearing in mind the above, I decided to book a staycation for my mum and I for September; with as much luxury as I can think of, whilst being mindful of the rules and what is safe to do for ourselves, and all.  


Rather than taking public transport to Manchester for our staycation, I have organised a car to transport us to and from our location.  This both adds a little luxury touch, whilst reducing our contact with others where possible.

With restaurants eager for diners to return to their establishments, we already know that proper distancing between tables will be in place and enhanced hygiene practices will be well established.  I plan to choose a few different restaurants for both lunch and dinner options for our two day trip.

With the theatre option not being available, I am looking at visiting the Manchester Museum to see the fantastic T-Rex, as well as a not to be missed visit to Chinatown.  We may decide to also utilise one of the free walking tours around Manchester which allows you to see many of the old and new architecture around the city.  Although at 81 by then, I suspect that the walk will be more of a stroll!  Again, don't tell her I said that!



For our accommodation, I have chosen to book an aparthotel which offers us both privacy and an added safety aspect rather than mingling with other guests; whilst maintaining a high quality of accommodation and a high level of cleanliness.

All of our bookings and planned trips will of course be subject to Government guidelines as well as any travel restrictions in place.  By then, both my mum and I should have had the vaccine so will also be in line with any Covid checks that are in place for any of activities and bookings.

Now is time the time to start planning your next staycation; where will you be going to for yours?


Images from Unsplash

In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own

18 March 2021

Simple Ways To Stay Looking Youthful In Spring

 

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Spring is finally here and it’s time for us to get back out in the world as the pandemic comes to an end. Spring is a time for a fresh start, and many of us want to go out with our best foot forward and look our best. 


Today we want to share some of the simple beauty tips you can use to help you feel more youthful and fresh in the spring and into summer. There are so many simple ways you can look and feel great at home and we want to share them. 



Wear colors that suit you 


The first thing you can consider doing to help you feel your best this spring is wear colors that work for you. We all have a different skin tone and certain colors will suit us and others might wash us out. Try to figure out if your skin is cool or warm toned by looking at your veins - if they are blue then you have cool toned skin and if they are green you have warm toned skin. Once you know this you can look at the different colours that suit each tone. For example, cool skin often suits jewel tones such as deep red, blue and green - whereas warm toned skin looks great with yellows, browns and pastels. Dress to suit your skin and you will look more youthful right away. 



Moisturise your neck 


If you have been considering a neck lift or you simply want to prevent wrinkles in this area you need to start moisturising your neck properly each day. It is so important that you moisturise your neck at least once a day when you moisturise your face. When applying moisturiser to your neck make sure to go in upward and outward motions to ensure that it is able to penetrate the skin and keep it looking smooth. 



Hydrate your eyelashes 


Eyelashes can be a great feature of your face if you maintain them - and there are some simple ways to make them look both thicker and longer. One way to do this is to use argan oil and apply this to your eyelashes after a shower - and take the time to massage the oil into your eyelashes and the follicles of your eyelids and it will promote hair growth and help them stay both longer and thicker. 



Cleanse with a face mask 


If you want to help your skin look and feel more youthful every day it is important for you to cleanse it with a face mask once a week. A face mask is a deep cleanser that will draw out all of the dirt and grime under your skin, leaving it feeling tight and clean. If you apply a clay or charcoal mask once a week you will soon notice a glow to your skin and it will feel much younger and healthier. 



Rid your skin of acne 


Acne is something no one ever wants as an adult - and it’s easy to see why. Acne can be uncomfortable as well as unsightly and it’s never nice to have it when you are an adult trying to make your way in the world. To get rid of and prevent acne - you can cut a lemon in half and squeeze some honey onto it before rubbing this in circular motions around your face. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off. Lemon will help to dry out the acne, and honey has antibacterial properties that will kill the infection. This simple natural remedy will leave your skin feeling youthful and glowing. 



Moisturise with oil 


If you are looking for a simple way to make your skin look more youthful and plump this year, consider moisturising your skin with oil. Vitamin E oil is a great choice and this is highly hydrating for the skin and will provide the essential nutrients your skin needs to keep it plump. You can use vitamin e oil all over your body after a shower and it will soak right into the skin. 



Keep your hair silky and soft 


Your hair is a huge feature and if you want to look youthful and happy during the spring, your hair could do with some TLC. A simple way to get your hair looking silky and soft during the spring is to apply a conditioner and leave it in your hair for an hour before rinsing it out and washing. If you do this once a week or so you can keep your hair soft and supple for years to come.