As I get older I appreciate quality. Gone are the days where I buy the latest fast fashion. By buying quality clothes that last longer you are saving clothes from landfill and saving the environment. If you spend money on clothes that last a short time it's a false economy. Sometimes it's worth investing in a wardrobe staple that will last. This is where the GAMMA Jacket comes in.  This is an advertorial.

Why is the Gamma jacket the perfect jacket for outdoor life?

So the GAMMA jacket is amazing for a number of reasons. 

It is made of a technologically advanced material called Graphene. The discoverers of this material won the Noble Peace Prize in Physics in 2010 for 'groundbreaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene". In fact, Graphene has been called a wonder material and is being used in a variety of ways in manufacturing around the world.

Graphene is extremely thin, less than one atom thick, and is the thinnest material known to man, but is also strong, 200 times stronger than steel.  Graphene’s remarkable mechanical properties don't stop here. For instance, graphene is also elastic and lightweight and is an amazing insulator. This makes it perfect for an all-climate jacket.

Another important differential with the GAMMA jacket that elevates it to another level is that it has built-in carbon fibre heating elements. You can adjust the right amount of heat you want in your jacket. Just plug in your USB-A power bank and let it do the work. There are three heat levels to choose from.  Perfect for those cold winters and snowy days. What a nifty gadget built into the jacket and essential for those that feel the cold, and those outdoor explorers. Hey, it can even keep you cosy on the school run!

Here are the properties of the GAMMA jacket.

• It's made of Graphene which is super tough, stronger than diamond and is tear-proof, scratch proof, and puncture-proof.
• It's waterproof. 
• It's windproof. 
• It's moisture-wicking and breathable, keeping sweat away from your skin and allowing it to evaporate 
• It's antimicrobial, and odour proof. It kills mould, bacteria and viruses on contact.
• It's UV proof, protecting you from the suns UV rays. 
• It's cleverly designed with multi pockets for all your walking and hiking needs.
• It's super light, around 500g and can easily go in a backpack without adding much to your backpack's weight.
• It's machine washable so fits into a modern lifestyle. 
  
  

As you can see the GAMMA jacket is truly the ultimate outdoor jacket. A travel jacket for outdoor life. Wear it walking, hiking, running. It's a stylishly designed all-climate jacket that will last you for a long time, and dare I say it, possibly forever.  The sort of jacket you can wear with almost anything.  It's also unisex in styling so would make a great jacket for both men and women. 

Check out the GAMMA jacket online from weargraphene.com  and let me know what you think. Where would you wear a GAMMA jacket?

Many people are staying at home this year rather than going out celebrating the New Year. There are many reasons for this, A combination of local restrictions due to the pandemic, with a depleted bank balance after Christmas, means it makes sense to stay home, stay safe and save money.  So, if you are looking for some New Year's party inspiration you have come to the right place. Let's have a look at how to have the perfect New Year at home on a budget.

Decide on a theme

• A roaring 20's Great Gatsby theme 
• A masquerade party
• A flashback to the 80's party 
• A casino night 
• A classic Disney movie night
  
  

Dress to the nines

There are plenty of party dresses for women that are fairly priced. High fashion looks are great at this time of the year but if you go for a simple slip dress in black or a maxi dress in black you can wear it again and again. Women's clothing doesn't have to be expensive but buy classic designs to save landfills and accessorise to the max instead.  

Accessories can be bought cheaply on auction sites, in the sales, in charity shops or why not ask around family and friends. You will be surprised what they have. Your mum may still have a 'Relax' t-shirt from the '80s or a feather boa for a 20's party. Get the kids involved in making their own Mickey ears for a Disney night. You can rope them in to decorate the room as well, or maybe they can help make the invitations. 

Food, glorious food

Or do what the American's do and run a 'Pot Luck' party. This basically means asking everyone to bring a dish. This is a great way to save money and you can guarantee people will bring food they like too.

Don't forget the drinks

Don't forget the prosecco for a toast at midnight to save money on the champers. Add some orange juice for a bellini to make the prosecco go further. If you want an equally delicious alternatively suitable for those that don't want to drink, buy a sparkling elderflower drink instead. If kids are coming, why not add some juice to sparkling water and they will feel grown up too.

Music makes the party

If you have a music streaming service like Spotify then you can make a themed party list in advance. If you don't then source out music on Youtube for free. Of course, you can use your own CD's or music you have on Itunes. What about some classic Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin for a casino night or some 1920's music for a Great Gatsby party. Maybe you can have a 1920's dance off! 

An idea for a fun night would be to have a music quiz. Of course, this fits into the 80's party night perfectly or a Disney music quiz, but you can make a music quiz for any theme. Another idea would be to have someone you know that plays the guitar bring it along for some tunes. 

So here are some ideas on how to have a perfect New Year at home on a budget. Let me know if you are planning a New Year's Eve party.

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Modern customers are becoming more aware of global social and environmental issues. Every week, a news story about catastrophic carbon emissions or massive oil spill or plastic floating in the water emerges.

Natural cosmetics of high grade quality, produce beneficial health results while posing little risk to the consumer. 

Many chemical compounds, however, such as some mineral oils, are believed to have a low toxicity level for users but research is showing that they may not be as non-toxic as first thought. Such materials have been demonstrated to be allergens when aerosolised and inhaled, and some researchers suggest that they may cause cancer. This is of course worrying.

The toxicity of many natural ingredients is very low resulting in safer, higher-quality products.

2. Company Reputation and Trust Improvements

Green products send a statement to customers that this company values quality, safety, and sustainability and is deserving of their trust.

Consumers are looking for companies that embrace transparency and honesty as more people become concerned about synthetic products. You demonstrate your global and societal awareness by going toward sustainable, green products. This encourages customer loyalty to a brand, rather than merely to specific products. People will start — and keep — buying a company's products if they believe in its objective and a greater good. Putting your customers' health before profits always pays off.

3. Corporate Social Responsibility

Green cosmetics also give skincare companies a unique opportunity to focus on corporate social responsibility. Aside from the beneficial effects of green marketing on a company's image, going the extra mile with sustainable sourcing or packaging can create a big influence.

When a corporation ramps up its sustainability efforts, it assumes responsibility for its impact on world health and the economy. A business obtains authority and respect among consumers, suppliers, and other parts of the distribution chain by adopting corporate responsibility for its manufacturing.

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The sun produces solar energy. As per the photovoltaic effect, solar energy is converted into electricity to run electric devices. Households and workplaces need solar power systems to benefit from solar energy.

What does a solar power system consist of?

There are several main requirements for a solar system. These are as follows:

Photovoltaic cells (or solar panels) harness solar energy. Panels used in commerce or industry are typically larger than those that are installed for residential use. The larger panels generate more wattage, allowing one to access increased energy supply with fewer panels. Despite this, the larger panels are heavier and more cumbersome to use. Solar companies must dedicate a more significant time period within which to ensure appropriate installation. The best solar company will ensure this.

The next item required is an inverter, either a string or a micro-inverter. A string inverter is the same size as a satchel, and a micro-inverter has the same dimensions as a small workbook.

If you are an art lover there are so many amazing art galleries to visit around the world. From the Lourve in Paris to the Art Institute of Chicago to the National Portrait Gallery in London, whether you are into traditional art or modern art there are some wonderful art museums. One of those museums that you should visit but you may not have heard so much about is the Prado Museum in Madrid. 

It's full of wonderful and extensive collections of Spanish and European paintings. A really wonderful museum. If you haven't heard about it before, please read on to find out about the fascinating art at the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Where is it?

The Prado Museum is situated in the city of Madrid, the capital of Spain. Madrid is a rich cultural destination, known for its historical buildings, its food markets, its museums and its nightlife. Being a little over a two hour flight from the UK, it's the perfect weekend destination. 

The Prado Museum

Some of the famous paintings at Prado include 

Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights

• The Triumph Of Bacchus by Diego Velázquez, The painting shows Bacchus surrounded by drunks.
• Bosch’s Garden Of Earthly Delights. The painting represents the insatiable weakness of man for not resisting sinful physical temptation.
• Goya's The Second Of May In Madrid. The painting depicts the dramatic riots in Madrid on May 2, 1808, after Napoleon's troops had invaded the country.
• Peter Paul Rubens' Adoration of the Magi. The Magi present their gifts to Christ as a child. They are in the company of a large group of people. A young Jesus seems to be playing with the incense given to him.

Weddings can be stressful. I should know, I've been married twice! However there are some things you can do to make it a less stressful experience, and dare I say, enjoy it. The main thing is to research all your options so you are well prepared when you start to buy what you need, whether that is your dress, your flowers, your invitations or your bridesmaids' dresses.  

Personal preference

It's so important to get the dresses right whether you are looking for bridesmaid dresses Perth or bridesmaid dresses Paddington.

Firstly there is a certain etiquette with weddings and ultimately the bride has the last say on the choice of the bridesmaids' dresses.  Of course, the personal preferences of the bridesmaids should always be taken into account on the style of the dresses. No one wants their guests to be unhappy on their wedding day although some bridezillas will have you believing otherwise.  

The bridesmaids' preferences could vary depending on their age, their taste and whether they are contributing to the dress at all. 

What's the theme?

If there is a theme then this needs to be taken into account. A laid-back bohemian hippie theme will mean the bride and bridesmaids will be dressed differently from a country house hotel wedding. If you are getting married on a beach then your attire will be different to an art deco themed wedding in a hotel. So the theme needs to be taken into consideration when you are buying your bridesmaids dresses. 

Time of year and weather

The time of year needs to be taken into account. In the Winter in the UK and Europe we get cold weather so you need to think of keeping the bridesmaids warm, perhaps dresses with long sleeves would be appropriate and heavier materials like satin or velvet. In the summer in the UK and Europe, it's warmer so you may want to go for a lighter material like chiffon or silk and short or no sleeves. In the Spring and Autumn, the weather can change so you may even need umbrellas as well as coats on standby. In the colder months, a bolero or shawl may be a useful addition to the bridesmaids' outfits.

Getting married abroad

Many brides like to get married abroad, perhaps somewhere exotic, maybe a destination wedding on a beach in Goa, or somewhere like Las Vegas. If you are getting married abroad then ensure you are aware of the range of weather in that country at the time of year you are getting married, and dress your bridesmaids accordingly. In hot countries, a lightweight dress made in a material like a chiffon will be more appropriate than a heavier dress made in a material like satin. 

Colour

Sometimes it's a good idea to choose a colour that compliments the theme, the flowers and the brides' dress. Then go with that colour and shade and let the bridesmaids choose their own style. This is a good idea as body shapes are different and then the dresses will suit the bridesmaids, and they will be happy with the style. 

Ordering

Allow plenty of time to get your dresses. If you get them from a department store they may be on the shelf there and then but if you buy from a wedding store they may have a much longer lead time as they could be made to order. This could be 12 weeks or more.  It's best if you order all the dresses at the same time so that the colour will be the same especially if they are made to order.

As you can see there is a lot to take into consideration when choosing bridesmaid dresses for your big day.

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If you’ve got a static caravan in a holiday park, you probably don’t use it much, if at all, over winter. In fact, you may not even be able to use it even if you wanted to as most holiday parks close over winter for a number of weeks or months

Caravans can be prone to dampness in the winter, so move all the furniture to the middle of the room to let the air circulate freely around everything. It’ll also be a good idea to stand mattresses on their edge and pile up the sofa cushions in the middle of the room.

Rats, mice and other unwanted guests looking for a cosy home indoors will love your duvets, towels and blankets, so take all these home with you for the winter. Vacuum storage bags are your friend here.

Rats and mice will also try to come in looking for food, so remember to clear out the fridge, freezer and cupboards and take all your food home with you (or give to a food bank or homeless charity where possible).

When you’ve emptied your fridge, freezer and cupboards, give them a good clean and leave the doors open to prevent mould.

Another mould and damp prevention tip is to leave moisture traps or bowls of salt in every room.

Just like empty houses, empty caravans are also tempting to thieves. So take all your valuables home including the TV, games console, DVD player and anything else a burglar might take a fancy to and then leave your curtains open to show there’s nothing inside worth nicking.

Also, take home or put into storage everything from outside that’s not firmly secured to the ground, e.g. furniture, BBQ equipment or gnomes. This will stop them from flying away in windy, stormy weather and possibly damaging your caravan or a neighbouring one.

If you follow the above advice, your static caravan will be perfectly happy throughout the winter and will be in good condition for your next visit in the spring or summer.

We all know that one person – or perhaps we are that one person – who is hard to buy for. They don’t need anything, they don’t want anything, and yet we really do wish to give them something special as a gift; giving is all part of the fun, after all, especially at this time of year. Here are a few ideas for gifts for the woman who has everything which is sure to put a smile on her – and your – face.

Having a magazine full of information about something they are interested in, coming through the door once a month is a treat. Who wouldn’t like that? Who wouldn’t love to sit for a while with their favourite read and a cup of hot coffee and take a bit of time for themselves? No one. This is why a magazine subscription is an excellent idea for those hard to buy for people in your life. There are magazines on any and every subject, so no matter what your loved one is into, you’ll be able to find a publication that will suit them perfectly. Plus, this is the kind of gift you can get every birthday or Christmas, and it will always be appreciated.

Monthly Box of Treats

You can get a subscription to lots of different things these days, not just magazines. You can sign up for a monthly delivery or sweet treats like cookies or cakes, or perhaps wine or beer would hit the spot. Maybe monthly deliveries of makeup, a book, or even ingredients to cook a wonderful meal. Find the right thing, and your gift will keep on giving for a whole year.

Good Coffee

If your loved one is a coffee connoisseur, then usual stuff from the supermarket just isn’t going to cut it. This is why buying some really good coffee, and perhaps a special coffee maker to go with it, will be an ideal gift. Make sure you do your research to ensure you’ve made the right choice; reading a guide to the Lavazza coffee range is a great place to start.

Jewellery

You can never have enough jewellery, so buying a gorgeous piece from a renowned store with a famous name is a great gift. Take the time to notice the kind of jewellery that she wears already – which metal she favours, whether there are gems in it, whether she likes rings or necklaces, or bracelets – and look for something that matches her preferences. It’s perfect.

The Family Tree 

It’s possible to buy a family tree gift set that will mean the woman who is otherwise impossible to buy for can have a truly unique gift, just for her. The kit gives you all the details on how to search for your ancestors, and you can even get a DNA testing kit to go with it that gives you information on where that family came from originally.

Scratch Off World Map

This massive map of the world will look great on any wall, but the bonus of this is that you can scratch off the areas you have already visited, showing off a vibrant colour underneath. Your loved one can reminisce over places he or she’s been and plan their next holiday to somewhere they haven't.

If you are looking to decorate your kids' room it can be a costly process, however, it doesn't have to be. It can absolutely be done on a budget if you know how to. I have searched the internet and have combined that with my knowledge of decorating and of being a parent, to come up with some budget bedroom ideas on how to decorate your child's room on a budget. 

Wall stickers can transform a room

Using wall stickers to decorate is a great way to totally transform a room on a budget. Wall stickers are generally well priced, can create an impact and are easy to remove if you get tired of the look. This last point is particularly relevant if you are in rented accommodation and you can't make any permanent changes. There are tonnes of cute wall stickers for kids so you have lots of choices too.

A lick of paint can do wonders

Kids bedrooms can get grubby, however, some simple white paint can make it fresh looking again and won't break the bank. For a pound or two more, get paint that has an eggshell or satin finish as it's hard-wearing and easy to clean - just in case your little ones happen to scribble on the walls! 

Framed artwork made by them 

For a genius idea that will cost next to nothing, why not frame their artwork? You probably have a lot of their work in a bag somewhere so why not pick the best of it, create a border with some card and buy a frame to hang it on the wall. Pop the work in the frame add the border and then fix it to the wall with a picture hanging kit, Your kid will be delighted, you will be the best mum or dad in the world and you have something that looks great on the wall. 

Upcycle old furniture

If you have some old furniture that is past its prime then why not upcycle it? Chairs can be made comfy and stylish by reupholstering the seat and back, You could also make some nice cushions for their current sofa or chair to give it a fun look. If they have a chest of drawers, wardrobe or table that is getting shabby, think about stripping it of paint, priming it and then staining or painting it.  If you are a good artist or know someone who is, you could even stencil on or paint with a freehand their favourite cartoon characters. 

Multifunctional furniture

Multifunctional furniture is a great buy for a kids bedroom especially if you are on a budget, or are short of space. A sofa bed can be ideal for a seating area and a bed for when their friends come over, whilst a bunk bed with a desk underneath is useful for when your child has to do their school work. Check out second-hand sites for a real bargain like Facebook Marketplace, or eBay, and local thrift shops that sell furniture to save some serious money.

So here are some budget bedroom ideas for a kid's bedroom. Have you decorated your child's bedroom? Do you have any budget ideas?

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Christmas is the time for all things sparkly and there are few things that sparkle like Swarovski jewellery. Swarovski jewellery is known throughout the world for its luxurious jewellery designs that are elegant and stunning. Made from the highest quality crystals the beautiful pieces really catch the light and are perfect for the party season. 

I've loved Swarovski jewellery for a long time so when Acostis Diamonds, a stockist of Swarovski got in touch for a collaboration I didn't hesitate to say yes. This is an advertorial for Acotis Diamonds and Swarovski.

Who are Acotis Diamonds?

Acotis Diamonds are a leading jewellery store and website based in the UK. Selling a range of designer jewellery from companies around the world they are known for their huge selection of both men's and women's jewellery.

So if you are looking for jewellery for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you are not sure what to get, then check out my Swarovski jewellery wishlist for inspiration below.

My Swarovski Jewellery Wishlist

SWAROVSKI Attract Pear Set White Rhodium Plated Set £76

My first choice is this beautiful necklace and earring set. The rhodium-plated necklace will keep its shine and the Swarovski cut stones will glitter brightly in the light. I love the classic pear shape stones in this set. This will make a great gift too for a loved one. I'd wear this out on a date night in a smart restaurant with Mr W.  

SWAROVSKI Attract Pear Mini White Rhodium Plated Hoop Earrings £65

My next choice is these rhodium-plated hoop earrings. I chose these as they can be matched with the first jewellery set above when you want a slight change of look, for a more dressy earring. Perfect for Christmas party nights these pear-shaped drop hoop earrings will shimmer and sparkle and add some much-needed glamour to any look. I'd wear these for drinks with girls. They would also be fabulous to take on a luxury cruise.

SWAROVSKI Twist Rows White Rhodium Plated Ring Size 55 £85

This twist ring by Swarovski is my next choice. Two bands intertwine to make an elegant and stunning ring. One band is simple and plain whilst the other band is studded with sparkling Swarovski stones. A really pretty and slightly unusual ring that will stand out on your hand this Christmas.

SWAROVSKI Crystal Infinity Bangle £76.50

This elegant Swarovski bangle is my next choice. The bangle has white crystals and an infinity design, which is complemented by a rhodium-plated chain with a single crystal. I always love rhodium plated jewellery as looks good as new and doesn't darken like silver can, you know it will never tarnish.  This bangle is so beautiful and sparkles in the light.  An ideal Christmas gift for a loved one. I think my mum would love this especially.

SWAROVSKI Crystalline Chic Metal Silver Tone Stainless Steel White Watch £280

My last choice is this Swarovski crystalline silver-tone stainless steel watch. I love the classic design of this watch with the richly embellished face and the fact that the design is inspired by raindrops. The pretty Swarvoski swan sits on the top of the watch face and the markers are surrounded by tiny crystals. Simply breathtaking.

Conclusion

As you can see Acotis Diamonds has some fabulous Swarovski jewellery. They also sell Swarovski gifts too from pens to phone cases and Disney products, all covered in pretty little crystals. If you are looking for a Swarovski item check out the Acotis Diamonds website. I am sure you will love the Swarovski products they have in stock. 

Let me know, do any of these items catch your eye? 

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