Probiotics Beginners Guide

Your body is home to trillions of bacteria and microbes, many of which live in your gut. Far from being the worrisome thing they sound like, these organisms work to protect your health in several ways. One of the best ways to promote the healthy proliferation of these microorganisms is to include more probiotics in your diet.


This guide will help teach you everything you need to know to get started. For a more in-depth overview, you can read this Probiotic 101 guide written by Alicia Harper the Probiotic Review Girl.

Probiotics And Prebiotics Explained

Probiotics are live organisms that positively benefit the health of their host - you. Prebiotics are types of fibre that feed the friendly bacteria in the digestive system. 

Most probiotics are considered bacteria, though some are actually yeast. They can be found in fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt, tempeh, and kefir. You can also get them from supplements. There are several strains of probiotics, with lactobacillus and bifidobacterium being the most common. Each strain plays a different role in health so an intake of a variety is best. 

The best prebiotics are foods like onions, bananas and garlic and you can also take these as supplements too. 

Probiotics For The Gut

The colony of healthy bacteria that lives in your gut is called gut flora, with many of them residing in your colon. When there aren’t enough of these microorganisms present, you may suffer from certain health conditions. On the other hand, boosting your supply can protect your health. Your gut flora plays a role in many metabolic functions, offers immune system protection, and helps with the manufacture of certain nutrients, including vitamin K and several B vitamins. An unhealthy gut flora has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, certain kinds of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

Can Probiotics Be Vegan?

Many probiotics contain dairy ingredients or are made from other ingredients that aren’t vegan. However, the number of vegan probiotics on the market is on the rise. This includes pills, gummies, and tablets. Many food sources of probiotics are vegan and plant-based.

The Best Time To Take Probiotics


Most probiotic products don’t contain recommendations about when is the best time to take them. Your stomach acid can kill many of these helpful bacteria so the best time to take them is on an empty stomach, since acid levels go up after you eat. Most experts recommend taking probiotics in the morning as soon as you wake up since your stomach has been at rest for several hours.

Probiotics For Your Digestion

In addition to those conditions mentioned above, probiotics can also alleviate symptoms of digestive complaints. Probiotics are shown to help with IBS, diarrhoea, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, constipation, and bloating. They can also rebuild the gut flora after a round of antibiotics.

Do Probiotics Work For Weight Loss?

Studies have found that people who are overweight or obese have a different gut flora than people at a healthy weight. Because the bacteria in your gut are closely linked to obesity, it makes sense that one can affect the other. Research shows that some kinds of probiotics, specifically lactobacillus gasseri supplements can lead to belly fat loss. Other research has found that probiotics may help prevent and treat obesity, though they can’t replace a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Other Potential Probiotic Benefits


The above mentioned health conditions aren’t the only ones that may benefit from adding probiotics to your diet.

  • Some evidence shows that probiotics might help lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.
  • Probiotics have been shown to result in modest reductions in blood pressure levels.
  • Since probiotics strengthen the immune system, they can help reduce the risk and severity of infections and the common cold.
  • Probiotics have been shown to help control inflammation, which reduces the risk of several diseases.
  • Dermatologists advocate probiotics for treating eczema, rosacea, acne, and a range of other skin conditions.
  • Some strains of probiotics have shown promise as a treatment for the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Probiotics continue to be studied and show promise for treating many other health conditions in addition to those mentioned.

Probiotic Side Effects


Probiotics are considered generally safe for most people, though you may notice a few mild side effects in the days after you begin taking them. The most common are gas and digestive discomfort. People who have weak or compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS, HIV, or other autoimmune conditions should avoid probiotics because they can lead to dangerous infections. Always talk to your doctor before you begin taking probiotics.

Digestive Enzyme vs. Probiotics

Digestive enzymes and probiotics aren’t the same thing, though the former is often confused with the latter. They are actually two completely different substances. Digestive enzymes aid in the digestion of the food you eat. You can’t substitute one for the other.

Prebiotic vs. Probiotic

Prebiotics are a kind of non-digestible fibre that feeds probiotics. You can get prebiotics from asparagus, bananas, acacia gum, leafy greens, legumes, onions, and garlic. Combine prebiotics with probiotics for the best results.

CFU Count Explained

Colony-forming units, or CFU, represents the number of bacteria present in a dose of probiotics. Many people assume that a higher CFU is better, though that’s not always the case. For most people, a CFU of 5 billion to 20 billion is adequate. Probiotics with more than 30 billion CFU are generally only recommended for individuals with serious digestive problems. A higher CFU can lead to more side effects, so keep that in mind when you choose a product.

Natural Methods To Boost Gut Health



In addition to adding probiotics to your routine, you can also boost your gut health by avoiding foods that are spicy, greasy, or oily, in addition to limiting junk food of any kind. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy natural foods is an easy way to boost your gut health.

Probiotic Gummies

Capsules can be hard to swallow and maybe too strong to take every day. Probiotic Gummies make a good alternative because they tend to taste better and are easier to digest. Most probiotic gummies are backed by medical science.

Final thoughts

Probiotics are essential for good overall health and are an easy way to protect yourself from a range of medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about adding probiotic supplements or foods your meal plan.
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5 Smart Gadgets You Need To Own And Why

Technology has come a long way since the advent of the computer chip and many of us all around the world use technology on a regular basis. 
Whether it's an Ipad, smartphone or smart home technology, computer chips have made gadgets an essential part of daily life. Let's have a look at 5 smart gadgets you need to own and why. 

 Apple Ipad

 The Apple Ipad is a tablet computer designed to be super portable. The first Ipad was released in 2010 and since then hundreds of millions of pads have been sold. With a touch screen user interface, virtual keyboard, camera integration and lightweight design, the Apple Ipad is a modern gadget that any tech lover should have in their possession. Perfect for taking on public transport,  watching films on the plane, working on the go in coffee shops and sending emails without powering up the PC or Mac, everyone should own one. As such, you should definitely buy apple products singapore.

Amazon Alexa

 The Amazon Alexa is a portable assistant with Artificial Intelligence developed by the company Amazon. Alexa is capable of interacting with you, setting alarms, making lists, streaming podcasts, proving weather, sports and news amongst other things. It can also help you to control smart devices in your home. Alexa is useful for making your life simpler and is especially great for those that have mobility issues due to its voice activation.

Bose Portable Bluetooth Speaker

 There are a number of portable Bluetooth speakers available and Bose are a world leader in this type of technology. A wireless home speaker, you can move it from room to room and also take it with you on your travels. If you have wi-fi you can control it with your voice and stream music directly from a virtual cloud. Outside of wi-fi you can stream music, podcasts and audiobooks with your phone via Bluetooth. I think every home should have a portable Bluetooth speaker and Bose make the best. 

 iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaner 

 A robot vacuum cleaner is a luxury gadget that every home should have and I would deem essential if you have mobility problems. They use sensor technology, powered by computer chips to move the vacuum cleaner and make your home cleaner. With this type of cleaner the more you spend usually means better performance, a rechargeable feature other than mains supply and the more choice of cleaning modes you get. If you have mobility problems they can be essential to your home. Why the iRobot Roomba? Well, Techradar and Wired named it the best robot vacuum cleaner of 2020. 

 Dyson Pure Cool Me Air Purifier

An air purifier is a gadget that can really improve the health and quality of life of millions of people. The Dyson Pure Me air purifier is a fan and air purifier in one that is great for the office desk, lounge or bedside table. It filters all the air it delivers, with activated carbon and glass HEPA filters that capture 99.95 per cent of particles as small as 0.1 microns and helps people breathe more easily and feel more comfortable. Perfect for those with asthma and allergies, this air purifier is one gadget you need to own in 2020.

So here are 5 smart gadgets you need to own and why. Tell me if you agree with my recommendations on technology and if not what would your essential smart gadgets be?
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The Benefits Of Cycling

Cycling is an exercise that has many benefits to our physical and mental health. With over 2 million people in the UK using their bike at least once a week and with an increased number using the good weather and more time on their hands to take up or recommence cycling due to the Coronavirus then let's have a look at the benefits of cycling and why cycling is a great form of exercise.

 Improved physical health

The physical benefits of cycling are well documented. Cycling is an aerobic activity, by cycling, you will get the blood pumping from your heart around your body and over time aerobic exercise will help lower your blood pressure and your resting heart rate. Cycling will help build muscle and increase muscle tone in your legs too. It can also be great for building stamina too.

 Weight loss

Cycling can burn off a large number of calories and is a great form of exercise if you want to lose weight. Just be sure to look at your diet too and don't overcompensate for the exercise by eating too much if you are using cycling o lose weight. Of course, cycling can help you maintain a healthy weight too, allowing you to have the odd treat due to the number of calories you can burn.

 Improved mental health

Cycling can improve your mental health tenfold. With exercise comes the increase of endorphins which can relieve stress and give you a general feeling of well-being. It can also give you a boost of confidence in achieving your goal, whether that is just getting off your backside and getting regular exercise, or a distance or calorie-burned goal.

Explore new destinations

Cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on the joints and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. By cycling, you can slow down and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the places you visit. Another advantage of cycling is that you can do it no matter where you are. There are many cycle-friendly countries today, where you can combine your holiday and hobby. Croatia is among them, and if you happen to be there, try not to miss the chance of Croatia cycling tours which offer a unique way to see the country and its people. You will pedal past vineyards and olive groves, through small villages and towns, and along quiet roads with stunning views. Croatia is a warm and welcoming country, and its people are known for their hospitality. You are sure to have a memorable experience on your Croatia cycling tour.

Getting out into nature 

Cycling can help you enjoy nature. There are a number of cycle trails that are in the heart of nature. Cycling over the mountains and in the beautiful countryside can be really enjoyable and nothing beats the smell of fresh air whilst exercising.

You can do it as a family

Cycling is a great way to get exercise as a family and a great way to bond. Whether you have your own bikes, or if the kids are little, try a bike like the Jorvik Electric Child Carrier Tricycle, getting out together can be a fun way to exercise as a family.

You can make friends


 Cycling is a sport with many community groups. If you find you really enjoy cycling, why not join a local group of cyclists and meet up to cycle together? A group of friends that share the same love can support you and help you reach your goals.

 It's an eco-friendly and cost-effective form of transport

Cycling doesn't use any form of energy other than leg power and is a cost-effective form of transport. All you need is a bike which can be picked up for a reasonable price second-hand and a helmet for road safety (always buy new) and away you go. If you have to commute to work a short distance, it can be a quick way of getting there. 

 As you can see there are many benefits to cycling. Let me know if you like to ride your bike. 

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Happy At Home: Making The Most Out Of Your Space

When people think about adding space to their homes, a loft conversion is a great option that should not be overlooked. Loft conversions add extra space that is livable, flexible and versatile. You can use it as a secluded home office, your children’s playroom or an extra bedroom.

Whatever use you make out of it, it is the best way to make the most out of your home without the complications and hassle of getting development planning permission. Depending on the size and type of your loft conversion, the costs of doing this vary although they typically cost between £30,000 and £50,000.


Not all loft conversions are the same. There are a variety of types that can be tailored to fit your specific needs, home structure and budget. Types of loft conversion depend on the style of your property, the height of your roof, the available space, the conversion area, your local planning regulations and your budget.

It's also important to choose the best professionals for the job to guarantee that the conversion proceeds with no hitches. You will need to come up with a budget, so ensure that you factor in the cost of hiring a Dayton roofing contractor or one more relevant to your location to ensure a smooth and efficient conversion process.

If you are looking to do a loft conversion in your home, but are unsure about what type works best for you, here is a guide which will help you decide.

Dormer And L-Shaped Dormer

This type of conversion is simply an extension of the roof. It protrudes vertically from a sloping roof and creates additional floor space and headspace. This type of loft conversion typically has vertical walls and horizontal ceilings on the inside. You can construct this conversion without having to get planning permission.

Within this type of conversion, there are many different styles: flat-roof, gable-fronted, hipped-roof and shed. A flat-roof dormer is considered the most common because it provides the maximum amount of additional space while gable-front and hipped-roof dormers do not provide as much internal space even though it may be more attractive.

Mansard And L-Shaped Mansard

This type of loft conversion is typically situated near the back of the house and has a flat roof with a back wall that slopes inward at a 72-degree angle. The windows in this conversion are usually housed within small dormers that extend from the room, creating more space. Unlike the dormers, a mansard loft conversion usually requires planning permissions because of the major changes to the roof shape and structure of the house.

Double Mansard

A double mansard loft conversion is very similar to a normal mansard but with an additional mansard to the front. These are constructed by raising the part of the wall shared with your neighbors and are typically found at the back of the house. These are typically impossible in most areas of London because of planning restrictions.

Velux


Velux loft conversions, also known as rooflight loft conversions, because the Velux windows are installed flush to the roofline. This leaves the original roof structure untouched, therefore planning permission is not required to do this type of conversion. The cost of doing this type of loft conversion may also be low because of the lack of large alterations that need to be made.

Hip-To-Gable And L-Shaped Hip-To-Gable

The hip-to-gable loft conversion changes the sloping side of your property to a flat gable end, increasing the size of the loft space. This type of conversion alters the outline of your roof, so you may need planning permission to do this. Because there is more loft space there is also more room for the staircase.

Full Back Addition

This is achieved by building over the main part of the house and over the back addition, if possible. It allows you to replicate your first floor in regards of space and design, giving you the possibility of having an extra three or more rooms. A full back addition conversion gives you the most additional space, but it may be impossible in some regions in London.

Pod Room

Pod rooms are built out over half of the back of the house and are typically used as a spare bedroom, home office or a luxury bathroom. These are usually more expensive to build on their own, which is why most people use this option as an add-on to their already converted loft area. Planning requirements for this option are newer because this option is relatively new.

Roof Terrace


Loft conversion with a roof terrace is absolutely divine. They are most popular in areas with large number of houses that have been converted into flats in which space is a premium and gardens are small and dark. They almost always require planning permission.

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Why Britain’s Seaside Towns Are The Perfect Place For Your Next Getaway

Like many other people, my travel plans have been disrupted for this year due to the current pandemic. As countries start to cautiously open their borders to travellers for the first time in over three months, many people will be eagerly waiting to see if the chance of a summer holiday could actually become a reality.

Although many of us can’t wait to take to the skies again and explore some of the world’s most beautiful locations, the pandemic will inevitably leave some people wanting to stay on UK soil and enjoy breaks closer to home. If a staycation is what you’re planning for your next break, then rest assured that the UK has a host of seaside locations which will provide the perfect holiday setting.

As part of their latest campaign, Regatta has selected a number of UK seaside towns which have been popular with tourists for decades. As well as this, they have also gone back in time to explore what each location used to look like, compared to the modern-day.

Brighton


For many years now Brighton has been one of the UK’s most popular seaside locations. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, there is something to enjoy for everyone and some of the features which were located in the town decades ago, still appear today.

The most noticeable change is the West Pier which was created back in 1866. Sadly the structure was destroyed by a fire back in 2003, but it still stands strong just off the Brighton shoreline. If you’re a lover of marine life, then SEA LIFE Brighton is a must. The aquarium was opened in 1872 and still welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Known as the oldest operating aquarium in the world and home to the country’s largest collection of sharks and rays; it’s the perfect place for the whole family.

Llandudno


The Welsh town of Llandudno has been a favoured seaside location since the 19th Century, due to its picturesque surroundings and popular attractions. If it’s a true seaside experience you desire, then Llandudno is the perfect location.

The majestic Llandudno pier still stands today and provides the perfect walkway to take a leisurely stroll whilst taking in the views and enjoying an ice cream. Whilst many parts of the town have been modernised, you can still get a glimpse into the resort's past, as you observe a classic Punch and Judy show in the shadow of the area's idyllic Victorian architecture. As well as plenty of local cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat, the younger members of the family can try their luck in a number of arcades.

Blackpool


Nestled in the north-west of England, Blackpool welcomes millions of tourists each year due to its abundance of attractions. Whether you want to enjoy a thrill-seeking day at the pleasure beach or soak up the local nightlife; Blackpool has it all to offer.

The most noticeable structure which has been present in Blackpool for decades now is the iconic Blackpool Tower. Although the tower alone attracts thousands of tourists to the town, over recent years the local council have transformed most of Blackpool’s appearance. Tourists can still enjoy classic features such as the famous donkey rides along the beach, but new attractions such as Madame Tussauds and a 4D cinema have allowed Blackpool to develop a more modern twist.

By booking at these three seaside locations alone, you can start to understand the breadth of destinations that are on offer right here in the UK. Whether you want to enjoy the thrill of fairground rides or stroll along the beach with ice cream, the possibilities are endless and prove you don’t have to travel far for the perfect holiday. There are so many great seaside towns from Tenby to Southend, no matter where you are in the UK

Where do you like to holiday in the UK? Let me know your favourite locations and join in the conversation on social, using #CoastalBritain.

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5 Luxury Watches That Have Been Historically Proven to Hold Their Value

Watch collectors all over the world wonder which luxury watches or watch brands accrue value over time. The shorter version of the answer mentions brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. However, the real answer is the question is a bit more complicated because there are several factors to be considered to deem a watch as a good investment. We are not talking about the yearly price escalation that luxury watch brands follow automatically. The most important aspects behind the recognition of the value of a watch are brand value, brand recognition, exclusivity, and heritage value.



Rolex is probably the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of luxury watches. Rolex watches are always in high demand because of the rich heritage, not to mention a long list of celebrities are often seen wearing Rolex watches. It is the same story for Patek Philippe, but Patek Philippe watches are a bit more exclusive owing to the higher price tag, which is why they are valued more by seasoned collectors.

Many other luxury watch brands are popular in the United States such as Omega, Breitling, Cartier, Tag Heuer, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. But that does not mean that every watch produced by these brands will accrue value over time. There are further determinants that increase the value of popular models such as the year of manufacture and the design.

Here we are going to discuss five luxury watches that have historically proven to increase in value over time.

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner was first introduced to the market in 1953 and gained immediate popularity as a classic diver's watch. The original model was water-resistant up to 100 meters, but now the watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters or 1000 feet. Several changes have been made to the design since then such as:

Increase in watch size from 36mm to 40mm.
Addition of a crown guard.
Wide bezel with deep ridges and minute tracks for the first quarter.
Hour hand with a Mercedes sign in it.
Date indicator with a lens magnifier.

The last technical and visual changes were made to the design in 2010. The minute hand and the bezel markers were widened. The bezel was also changed to scratch-resistant ceramic and the display was improved with Chromalight which is a luminous substance made in house.

A Submariner watch can hold its value over time and one can find great deals on the Rolex Submariner on the internet.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea ‘D-Blue’

Rolex seldom makes special edition watches, but the Sea-Dweller Deep-sea D-Blue edition was made to commemorate James Cameron's dive to Challenger Deep inside the Deepsea Challenger submarine. During his solo dive to the deepest point in the world, James Cameron was wearing a prototype of the watch called Rolex Deepsea Challenge that could endure water pressure up to 15000 meters. The same watch was also strapped to the mechanical arm of the submarine.

Rolex introduced the mass-produced version of the prototype in 2014 with a D-Blue dial with a gradient that goes from deep blue to black, signifying the increase in darkness towards the ocean floor. The letters of the word Deepsea are the same shade of green as James Cameron's submersible. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona



The Daytona is a classic signature watch from Rolex that is never going to be out of style. Rolex has added many features to the design of the watch since its inception in 1955, although the word Daytona was added later in 1965 as a tribute to Daytona Beach in Florida, which was the pioneer place of Motorsports in America. The Daytona watch has always been the preferred watch for Motorsports enthusiasts, especially F1 drivers.

Tag Heuer Monaco

Even though Tag Heuer watches might be considered much more affordable compared to other luxury watch brands, they can be as worthy of your investment as any other expensive watch. The Tag Heuer Monaco was introduced in 1969 as Heuer Monaco to honour the Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco was the first automatic chronograph, and the first square dialled chronograph watch. The watch was made famous by Steve McQueen as he wore it while filming for the 1971 Hollywood movie Le Mans. Tag Heuer uses photographs of the movie to promote the watch to date, making it synonymous with Steve McQueen.

Breitling Navitimer Vintage

The Breitling Navitimer has seen quite a few ups and downs as far as popularity is concerned, but has stood the test of time with flying colours as an iconic watch. The Navitimer was launched in 1952 specially for pilots. The watch has many tools that were useful to a pilot in those days. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association endorsed the Breitling Navitimer. Navitimer became fully automatic in 1969 but declined in popularity towards the end of the 70s. The popularity of Navitimer took off once again in the mid-90s and has maintained its height of fame to date.

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How To Spend 48 Hours In Yorkshire

Yorkshire is the largest county in England and attracts millions of visitors each year. Due to its size, there is plenty to see and do and to be frank, 48 hours is nowhere near enough. However, if you are pushed for time and want an itinerary of things you can do in two days, then read on.

Do The Malham Cove Waterfall Walk

There are so many beautiful waterfalls to see in the UK but the Malham Cove Waterfall is a sight to behold. It is a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock and the vertical face of the cliff is about 260 feet high. It overlooks the village of Malham and rightly attracts thousands of visitors every year. Why not take some time out to take a walk around and take in the views for yourself?

Literature Lover? Visit The Wuthering Heights Locations

Wuthering Heights is one of the most iconic tales that has ever been written but did you know it is possible to visit the Wuthering Heights locations? If you are a Brontë fan, then the Yorkshire Moors, Haworth and a few other areas close by are definitely worth checking out so you too can spend time where those famous characters once did.

Visit Temple Newsam House


Temple Newsam House is a stunning country estate in the city of Leeds. It has a working farm and a historic house to see and you could literally spend hours in there and the grounds taking in all that it has to offer. The house itself is very impressive in its stature and it is easy to see why visitors flock to it year in, year out.

Got Kids? Try The Forbidden Corner

A little gem that not everyone knows about, The Forbidden Corner in Leyburn is an exciting place for kids. With plenty of labyrinths, follies and underground lairs, your children will love spending time there, exploring and finding new ways in and out.

Whitby Abbey Is A Must See


If you only have time to visit a couple of locations, make sure Whitby Abbey is a must-see. The eerie ruins truly are a sight to behold and offer a great view of the town below. Whitby in itself is a town you simply have to explore with plenty to offer - especially with the fact that it inspired the story of Dracula! 

 Head To Yorkshire Sculpture Park

This sculpture park holds an impressive collection of sculptures across its 500 acres and includes works by such famous sculptors as Barbara Hepworth. There are so many different pieces to see that you could easily spend a day there.

Take Time To Relax

After all that, why not take some time out of your day to relax? There are plenty of great spa days Yorkshire has to offer! Why not head to one and relax with a lovely massage, a swim in the pool or some time in the sauna. You can still take some time out even if you are exploring the county!

These are just a few suggestions of places to visit in Yorkshire - do you have any you’d like to suggest?
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5 Of The Best Places To See in Alaska

Alaska is a dream destination for many and it's easy to see why. The natural beauty of this American state is hard to beat with waterfalls, glaciers, mountains and lakes as well as picture-postcard towns and vibrant cities. So many people have an Alaska holiday on their bucket list, so let's have a look at the best places to see in Alaska.

Denali National Park



Denali National Park is situated in Interior Alaska. It's home to Denali, the highest mountain in North America and is has 160 miles of the beautiful national park to explore as well as over 12,000 lakes and ponds and glaciers covering over 17 per cent of the park's area. There is so much flora, fauna and wildlife to discover with wolves, elks, reindeer and grizzly bears and 200 species of birds and 750 species of flowering plants. If you love the outdoor life a visit to Denali National Park should be on your bucket list. 

Anchorage


Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and is known for its cultural sites, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center with interactive exhibits and the Alaska Aviation Museum. It has a young workforce and a rich culture of galleries, and fine dining restaurants many focusing on fish and seafood. Explore Anchorage using the Tony Knowles coastal trail with great views of downtown Anchorage, Denali, Mount Susitna and Fire island. 

Kenai Fjords National Park



If you want glaciers and ice caps a place you cannot miss is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Half of the park is covered with ice all year round and the deep and serene Fjords are a great place to spot whales, sea otters, and porpoise.  In the land surrounding, you can find black and brown bears, beavers, mountain goats and moose as well as other wildlife.  A stunning place to visit and a perfect destination for wildlife lovers everywhere. 

Juneau


Juneau, the capital of Alaska is definitely worth a visit and the downtown area is great to explore on foot, being compact and interesting. Discover the historic South Franklin Street with gift shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as the state capitol building and the Russian Orthodox Church. As with all Alaskan cities, it is surrounded by mountains and nature is on its doorstep, with a short drive having you in the midst of hiking countryside and close to the Mendenhall Glacier.

Skagway



This city in south-west Alaska is a popular spot on a cruise and is worth visiting for it's gold mine history. The buildings here are of historical importance and are preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush and National Park.  Take a vintage train on the steep Chilkoot trail and see the mountain views from up on high.

As you can see Alaska has so much to offer and is a great destination for nature lovers. If you are booking Alaska holidays in the future I hoped you enjoyed my post. It's a beautiful destination.

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How To Make Your Blue Eyes Pop

Are you looking for some simple ways to make those baby blues pop? This infographic below, created by Funky Lenses should aid you in bringing out that natural beauty. Less often is more when it comes to makeup, but it’s important that it gives you the confidence you deserve to rock each day with a smile on your face, both in your personal and professional life.



For example, earthy tones are great because they are subtle, yet they really help in bringing out your beautiful best. You do not have to go overboard with your makeup. Additionally, combining black and white while adding white to the bottom waterline will effortlessly create an envious day-evening look that works great in the wedding season.

If you’d like to try something more adventurous, gold and peach is a surprisingly subtle combination that really brings out blue eyes, there’s a lot of possibilities out there.

As if it’s not enough to just find the right look, you then have to consider how much is too much, is there such a thing as too much? Interestingly, some studies show that up to 40% of both men and women prefer faces with slightly less makeup.




 Looking to impress on your first day of that new job? Controversially, wearing too much makeup may also affect your career, with women who wear less makeup sometimes being viewed as more confident and capable leaders. Rightly or wrongly. Sources are cited in the infographic.

With that being said, the main thing is that you get the balance right for you, and you feel good about yourself. Click here if you are looking to do away with your glasses which can increase your confidence.

Yes, these looks work great for blue eyes but feel free to experiment if your eyes are a different colour, you can combine different ideas together until you find something that works for you, and brings out your natural beauty.

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Win A 4 Seater Sofa Set Worth Over £500 Ends 30/06

I love to run competitions for my readers, I think it's the perfect way to reward people who read my blog. I mean who doesn't want to win a prize? Years ago I used to competitions myself and I still occasionally like the thrill of entering and hopefully winning. I've won TV's, short breaks, champagne, hampers and more in my time. My son and husband have also benefited from my wins. I think they are secretly upset that I put all my time and effort into my blog these days!

 Today on my blog I have a fabulous competition for you to win a rattan four-seater sofa set worth over £500. Perfect for your garden or conservatory. If you win, I hope you will enjoy a cocktail or two or even a cup of tea lounging in comfort. I am running this competition with a group of UK bloggers. By doing this we can offer a bigger prize than we can afford on our own.


 This fantastic giveaway organised has been organised by Emma Drew. Keep reading to see who is involved and how to enter. 


 Tummy2Mummy | Peggy May | Chilling With Lucas | Stapos Thrifty Life Hacks | Two Plus Dogs | Moneysaving Superhero | Photographyish | You Have to Laugh | Thrifty Chap 



 














The Prize
We are giving away a rattan effect 4 seater set from B&Q (depending on stock availability). Should the chosen prize no longer be available when the draw is complete then we will choose another suitable garden set.

Enter now

The competition will run from 15th June until 30th June 2020 (midnight). A winner will be drawn from the Rafflecopter entries and checked before being contacted.  Once contacted and the prize has been arranged, the Rafflecopter widget will display the first name and first initial of the winner's surname. Simply complete any or all of the entry options in the widget. Good luck!

While you are here check out my other competitions too. 

 Win £100 of Jewellery
Win Maybelline Make Up worth £135
Win Anti-Aging Eye Cream worth £100

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Ruth Haldon Handmade Jewellery Review And Competition Ends 12/07

I love supporting British small businesses because I love the unique items I find. There are so many talented craftsmen and women in the UK, it really is a treasure trove of artisans. 

One such lady is Ruth Haldon, the craftswoman behind www.ruthhaldon.co.uk.

About Ruth Haldon Jewellery

Ruth Haldon designs exquisite jewellery from her studio in Co. Durham. With a background in graphic design and visual merchandising for a well-known department store, in 2004 she used her creativeness to set up a business painting watercolours and making one-off pieces of jewellery. Her jewellery business took off and Ruth hasn't looked back, and now you can find her work at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, Durham and Lincoln Cathedral shop and online amongst other craft and jewellery shops in the UK.

Her handcrafted jewellery is made with love, using a wide range of glass beads and semi-precious stones with sterling silver settings. Every item is made to the highest standard possible, in her workshop in the UK, and comes with a chic and stylish gift box.

For the purpose of this review and giveaway, Ruth has gifted me some of her beautiful jewellery and you can win some today too, read on to find out how. 


 I had a difficult choice picking jewellery from her website as there were so many lovely items but finally I decided. I chose a matching dark blue flower set and a pair of drop earrings in aqua and bronze.

 The stunning dark blue flower necklace is made of glass flowers intercepted with small clear and blue round beads. The flowers range in size gradually getting larger from the clasp to the centre of the necklace.




Carefully wrapped in pink tissue paper and packed in a padded branded box, the necklace comes with a choice of earrings, either dark blue flower posts or dark blue flower hooks. 
I really loved the necklace and earring set. The colour of the blue is very striking and the necklace is the perfect length at 52cm (20.5 inches). It is a show stopper of a necklace and the earrings are exceptionally pretty too. 


The other item I was sent was the aqua lamp-work lentil hook earrings. What immediately struck me about these earrings was the pretty aqua blue, bronze and gold splash design, that looked like oil on water.


The length of these earrings is perfect at 4cm, not too short if you have long hair, and not too long if you have short hair. With sterling silver hooks, these earrings are incredibly easy to wear and because they are lightweight and are on sterling silver hooks they won't make your ears sore.


The earrings are well-made and presented in a branded Ruth Haldon gift box and they would make a thoughtful gift for a mum, sister or best friend and an amazing little treat for you. As with all jewellery from Ruth Haldon Jewellery, each item is individually made so every design is slightly different and unique and that is part of the charm. With free postage and packing for all UK orders, what have you got to lose? You can also sign up to her newsletter on the bottom of her homepage for 10% off your first order. What a bargain!




If you love the jewellery as much as me, today on my blog you have the chance to win your choice of jewellery on the Ruth Haldon website up to £100 in value.  Entry is easy via the Gleam app below, and once you are registered all it takes is a click on a button to enter. You can enter daily too so bookmark this page to come back every day. 

 While you are here check out my competition to win £135 of Maybelline makeup too.  

 Good luck!

Win £100 of handmade jewellery
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