The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover

Design Tips For Landscaping

Thursday, 31 March 2022

If you're interested in increasing your home's curb appeal but don't know how or where to start, you've come to the right place. Landscaping is the art of making a piece of land look more aesthetically pleasing or serve more functions than it currently has. Landscaping could include something like altering the architecture, or it could involve changing up flora and fauna.

People often get gardening and landscaping confused with each other. This makes sense, considering that landscaping does involve a fair bit of alteration with plants and flowers. However, they are not interchangeable.

You may be hoping to add some more colour to your garden or even the entrance of your home by doing some landscaping. In the article below, I've mentioned some tips that may help you design the landscape of your dreams.

1. Know What You Want And Need

Before you begin on any project, it's necessary for you to know what you want and need the result to be. You should make a list of your needs and wants. What is the purpose of the space? Do you want it to be more aesthetically or functionally inclined?

You should also make some rough sketches of the area that you have and try to identify where you need to place everything. It doesn't have to be some perfect master plan, you can simply use lines, circles and squares to map everything out, and these plans don't have to be concrete. Making a list of your wants and needs can also help you know the things that must stay and those that don't.

2. Know Your Location

You can't execute plans for a location that you've never seen. Study the patterns of sun and wind. You don't want to place a patio or a resting place in a location where the sun is always shining and you're constantly hot. Not taking into account the wind can result in the wind whistling and extinguishing your fire.

The design should consider how the elements will interact with the structure. If you're landscaping your front garage, take into account the space you need to park a car. Something like a Mitsubishi Triton will have different dimensions than a Toyota Corolla.

3. Take Your Time

Before designing the landscape, you should try your best to spend some time in it. If you don't spend time in the area, you may design a structure that's not good for you in the long term. Once your design and construct something, you will have to live with it until you sell the house.

However, if you take your time to understand all the elements that play out in your yard, you can design something that compliments your time, your needs and your garden.

4. Start Small

You don't have to change your entire garden overnight. In fact, I would advise against it. Taking up smaller projects in the garden will help you come up with a plan to stitch them all together. You won't rush through the work, and you'll create a more beautiful result. Look at your master plan and think about the smallest aspects of this plan and what you are going to do in what order.

You can start with the flower bed. Part of enjoying the process is ensuring that you take all the time you need in growing the landscape authentically. Think about the flowers you like, what is suitable for the ground and the climate. Take breaks when you're working so you don't do any hasty work or work you may regret later.

5. Locate A Focal Point

Whenever you're designing a landscape, you need to have a focal point so you can design around it. You can have one focal point or many focal points to design a space around it. The focal point can be a birdbath or a sculpture. It could also be a set of trees in the centre. They just have to invite your gaze in.

6. Be Mindful Of Scale And Pacing

It's one of the most difficult principles of design to follow. However, scale and pacing make for a look that's put together. There can be many variations in size, height, shape and colour. However, you can still achieve the balance. This is possible by having repetitive elements and some that are new to tie all of the looks together. Repetition allows things to be more cohesive, and new elements prevent the landscape from being boring.

7. Edit, Edit, Edit

You want to be open to change whenever you're setting up a landscape. If you feel like things are just not working out, you may have to change a few things here and there. The most important thing is to keep your eyes and brain open to any changes.

Final Thoughts

Designing your landscape should be a fun activity for you while sticking to certain design principles so that you can create an artistic and functional landscape.

*Collaborative post

Three Of My Favourite Cities For Architecture In The UK

Since I've been young I have really enjoyed looking at architecture. There is something about the design of buildings that appeals to me and how designs change over time. The UK has many architectural styles from Georgian to Edwardian, Victorian and more. Let's have a look at my personal choice for my top three cities in the UK for architecture.

Bath

The Roman Baths

Bath is one of the great Spa towns of Europe and the city of Bath is a World Heritage Site. The Roman remains at the Roman Baths are very well preserved and the thermae bath waters still run although you can't bathe in the waters there. You can visit but be sure to book in advance as it is very popular.

The Royal Crescent

Bath is also known for its Georgian architecture, with the Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a large crescent, being the highlight. It was built between 1767 and 1774 and is among the greatest example of Georgian architecture to be found in the UK. Bath is a beautiful city and is well worth a visit for its history and architecture as well as its cathedral, independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

York

The Shambles

York is a city in Yorkshire in the north of England and is known for its cathedral and one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world called The Shambles. The buildings in the Shambles date back to around 1350 to 1475. Known to the Romans and the Vikings you can see some of the city's history at the Jorvik Viking Centre, where you can see the sounds and even smells of the Viking era.

York Minster

Don't forget to check out York Minster which is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It's worth a visit even if you are not religious to admire the architecture.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland has some fantastic architecture and is well worth visiting. Another UNESCO world heritage site, it has a spectacular collection of medieval and classic architecture. Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit, with a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress.

Scottish Parliament Building

Whilst the Old Town is, yes you guessed it, the oldest part of the centre and is home to The Royal Mile. Visit the Real Mary King's Close to see the hidden history of the area, a street frozen in time, from the 17th century. Visit Holyrood Palace the official residence of the Queen in Scotland and see the modern Scottish parliament building.

Where to book

If you are looking to book a hotel in these cities, I advise either going to the hotel direct or if you don't know where you want to stay, using a booking site like Ebooking where you can filter your requirements such as free cancellation, star rating, accommodation type, neighbourhood and more.

Let me know, have you visited any of these cities? Do you have a favourite city in the UK

*Collaborative post

Photo of York by Hayden Pollard on Unsplash

Loom Waterproof Trainers - A Travel Essential

Wednesday, 30 March 2022

I live in Wales. It rains. A lot. I also like to travel and always pack a pair of trainers for every trip as I do so much walking, So when I heard about Loom and their 100% waterproof trainers I was keen to find out more. This is an advertorial in conjunction with Loom.

Who are Loom Footwear?

Loom are an emerging company that produces footwear for the modern age. Full of passionate people who want the best footwear. Not just the best footwear, footwear that was environmentally friendly too.

So what are the features of Loom Footwear?

There are many features of Loom footwear, including its waterproof design, supreme comfort, being slip-resistant, and anti-bacterial.

Waterproof design

Loom footwear are 100% waterproof and keep feet completely dry. It is actually very difficult to find a completely waterproof trainer but somehow Loom has managed to do this with the H2-Go waterproof layer. This makes them essential for your travels and their smart designs mean they are versatile too. Pair them with jeans, leggings or a dress for many different looks.

Comfort

Loom are very comfortable to wear. This is partly due to the Merino wool layer, keeping your feet cosy. The trainers are able to regulate your feet's temperature to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Again making them very versatile trainers. The Excelcast Sole is designed by podiatrists to maximise energy return and absorb shock, protecting ankles, shins and knees from hard terrain and rough surfaces.

Slip Resistance

The fact that they are slip-resistant makes them great for hiking in general terrain. You don't have to worry about slipping like you would in a normal trainer, and that's always a plus point!

Anti-bacterial

The antibacterial and antimicrobial features of every Loom trainer mean that when you wear Loom trainers your feet will be immune from athlete’s foot, odour, and infection-causing bacteria. This makes them great if you do a lot of walking, hiking or sports. They are also breathable made with materials that absorb and release moisture from the air. Gone are the days of sweaty feet!

Lightweight

Loom trainers are very lightweight so are perfect for popping in your rucksack, or in your suitcase, to take on your travels. Combined with their comfort, waterproof design and slip resistance I think this must make them the perfect travel trainer.

How are Loom environmentally friendly?

Of course, I mustn't forget that Loom takes their eco-friendly credentials seriously. The average pair of shoes requires large amounts of fossil fuels, thousands of gallons of water, and polluting chemicals to produce. Loom are made with eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices to reduce each pair’s carbon footprint by over 500%.

Conclusion

As you can see Loom waterproof trainers are a travel essential. With trainers for men and women, it's worth checking out the Loom website www.loomfootwear.com if you are looking for a new pair of versatile trainers or are looking for a lightweight pair to pack for that perfect trip.

Let me know, what do you think of Loom trainers? Would you buy a pair?

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How Much Should An Engagement Ring Cost?

It's an exciting moment to be planning your proposal, and you want a stunning ring to make it all come true. An engagement ring is indeed among the most exciting things you will ever purchase. It represents your affection and your dedication to a life together.

If you have a question about “how much should an engagement ring cost?”, this post is for you. Read on till the end!

No need to save 2 or 3 months' salary to buy an engagement ring

Before you put an engagement ring on their fourth finger, you have to decide on how much to spend. You may realise that the amount of money you make should be considered when deciding how much to invest in an engagement ring. You may have heard elsewhere that you should spend about two months of your pay on your fiancé-to-be ring.

It's become a conventional engagement ring guideline that one must spend around three months of their pay on an engagement ring, yet this is the most popular (and obsolete) engagement ring myth. There is no hard and fast rule about how much you should spend on an engagement ring, and it works with a wide range of budgets.

The average cost of an engagement ring in 2022

The cost of an engagement ring varies greatly based on the type of gem, the quality of the gem, the metal used and the mount you like. But of course, if you live around classier cities - you'll definitely find that the quality is usually higher, (which is often the case with Sydney engagement rings)

However, the average cost of an engagement ring in the United States is around $6,350, but, this is distorted by the high price of engagement rings. When they are factored out, the average couple spends between $1,000 and $5,000.

This figure might also differ based on where you reside. In general, people who live in more costly places, such as New York City or Los Angeles, often spend more money on a ring than those who live in less expensive areas.

Also, buying a traditional diamond engagement ring will often cost more than other gemstones.

While learning about the average expenditure on an engagement ring by others might be intriguing, remember to stay focused on your own circumstance and avoid comparing yourself to someone else.

An engagement ring isn't intended to cost a certain amount. Because everyone is unique, your fiancé's likes and expectations may differ significantly from those of another individual.

Understand your engagement ring budget

Now, how much of your monthly payment should you spend on an engagement ring? Whatever amount you believe is suitable. This is your choice, not the marketing department's, and you know your fiancé-to-be and their wants are greater than anybody else.

With being stated, there are a few things to consider before you start budgeting for an engagement ring. These are outlined below.

Understand her expectations (the shape, the colour, the setting, and the type of metal)
Consider your financial situations
Be thoughtful
Check the market’s current price
Start planning before to save

Whatever you intend to spend, be sure you're satisfied with the price. An engagement ring may stay forever, however, high-interest debt can linger for a lot longer.

The Most Worthwhile And Affordable Upgrades You Can Make to Your Home

If the time has come for you to make some upgrades to your home, you might be wondering which upgrades, in particular, you should focus on. It makes sense to think about which upgrade is the best value for money. That means upgrades that are not too expensive to implement while also adding long-term value to the home and how you use it.

We’re going to take a look today at some of the most worthwhile and affordable upgrades you can make to your home. These investments in your home will pay off in terms of the value of your home and in terms of how you use it from day to day. So read on now to learn more about them and whether they might be right for you and your home.

Give Kitchen Cabinets A New Finish

First of all, you should think about what you can do in the kitchen. This kitchen is, after all, one of the most important rooms in the home. If you don’t want to spend money on a whole new kitchen suite, you could instead do something new with the cabinets and make the room feel new that way. A fresh coat of paint or a new finish, as well as some new handles for the drawers and cabinets, will make a real difference to how the whole space looks and feels.

Restore Period Features

If your home is old and has some nice period features that have been neglected over the years, you should think about whether it’s a good idea to restore them. These days, people like to see homes that have period features intact. Neglecting them and having them decay or get covered up over the years can damage the home’s long-term value and appeal to future buyers. That’s why you should take the time to restore and protect those period features if you’re not doing so already. It could be a fun project to take on too.

Declutter The Home’s Key Spaces

When it comes to the key spaces in the home, by which we mean the spaces that you tend to use most often and spend the most time in, keeping them clutter-free should be a priority. And the great news about decluttering is that it doesn’t cost much money at all and it’s usually free. So try to clear out the clutter from the living room and your bedroom. These are the spaces where you’ll want to relax and take it easy, so you won’t want lots of excess clutter getting in your way.

Add New Creative Storage Solutions

Looking for new ways to be creative with your storage is something that can be very important when you’re looking to make positive changes to your home interiors. If you always feel as if you’re running out of space in the home, finding ways to store items out of sight, inside furniture and in places that are currently being neglected, such as vertical spaces, is going to be very important. So get creative and think about how you can approach this differently.

Have Triple Glazed Windows Installed

If your home still has quite outdated windows in place, now might be the perfect time to change that. Triple glazed windows are quickly becoming the norm for all kinds of reasons. They’re much more energy-efficient than the alternatives, and that means they’ll help you to save money on your energy bills in the year ahead. They also help to shut out exterior noise, which is important if you live near a busy road or if you have quite loud neighbours.

Install Wet Walls In The Bathroom

If you want to create a wet room in your bathroom, you’ll need to find the right tiles that cover the wall and floor, offering the waterproof protection you need and an aesthetically pleasing finish. There are plenty of companies out there that can help you to find and install wet walls for bathrooms. A wet room can make the space more open and it’s a very modern style that many people are now opting for in their homes.

Install New Insulation

Installing new insulation in the home is something that’s going to be really important if you want to go further to make the home energy efficient. If your current insulation is inefficient and doesn’t do a good job of keeping the heat in, you’re going to be wasting money every winter. And the same applies to summer when you want to keep the heat out. So by investing in new insulation now, you can actually save yourself a lot of money in the future, so it makes sense.

Revive The Garden Decking

If your garden has some garden decking that you don’t really make use of during the summer because it’s seen better days, this is something that’s definitely worth working on. In terms of spending time dining outdoors and hosting friends and family, there’s so much use you can get out of a good decking area when it’s in the right condition and is well looked after. It adds quite a lot of value to your property. So take the time to work on it and truly revive it.

Upgrade The Garage Door

Finally, consider upgrading the garage door. This is something that matters a lot from a security point of view because if your garage door is in bad shape and doesn’t offer proper security, it might act as an entry point into the home, undermining all of the other security measures you have in place. If your garage door is secure and works as intended, consider giving it a new lick of paint to improve the curb appeal of your home. If you want the door to have some additional utility then you could consider investing in devices for garage door automation, allowing you to come and go from the house with ease.

As you can see, there are plenty of upgrades that make sense for your home. Each of the ideas discussed above will help you to make more of your home and enhance it in ways that are both affordable and that add value to your home over the long term. So implement the upgrades that’ll make most sense for your home.

Gift Ideas For The Jewellery Lover In Your Life (That Isn’t Jewellery)

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Jewellery is a gifting staple for a reason. Gold or silver, bracelets or rings - there are plenty of options for the special person in our lives regardless of the occasion! However, for the loved one in our life that loves their bling, finding the right fit for their collection can be tricky.

If you want to look at getting them something different, but aren’t sure where to start I have you covered! Say goodbye to buying yet another piece for her jewellery collection and instead focus on some bling-themed gifts! Here are just a few to consider…

Jewellery boxes, cabinets and cases

While your bling-loving friend may have a jewellery box already, it’s still a great gift if she’s running out of room, or wants to upgrade to a bigger box.

Whether it’s a shiny box filled with drawers and sections or one big glass box that allows her to see all of her precious jewels, a jewellery box will ensure that her jewellery is safe and secure. Another compact jewellery storage option to go with is a standing jewellery cabinet, which can be locked and even has a mirror on the door.

If she loves to travel (or has to for work), she’ll love a new jewellery travel case or roll, so she can take her favourite pieces with her on the road. Cases are great for protecting more fragile jewellery, whilst rolls are perfect for efficiency.

Jewellery stands and dishes

If your bling-loving friend prefers to have her treasures on display, rather than in a box, a jewellery stand is definitely the perfect gift.

Jewellery stands come in various designs, from tree to tiered and can prevent necklaces and bracelets from getting tangled up. Tiered stands can even help your friend sort her jewellery, so pieces are paired and ready to wear whenever she likes.

On the smaller side, jewellery dishes are another great way for your friend to store her jewellery. She can keep one by the front door, so she can take her favourite pieces off and place them by her keys after a long day at work. She might prefer to have a nightstand, so she can easily put jewellery on and take it off at the beginning and end of the day.

Crystal drink bottle

Your bling-loving friend will just love a crystal drink bottle to match her attire. Crystal drink bottles have grown in popularity due to the idea that the crystals can infuse the water inside with the positive energy of its signature trait. Some drink bottles come with rose quartz, known as the stone of love, while others come with jade, known for its healing and protection qualities.

If you’re getting your jewellery loving friend a crystal drink bottle, make sure the crystals are kept in a separate part of the bottle. Some bottles even come with a bonus, removable tea infuser, so she can bring on relaxation with both her favourite crystals and herbal tea.

Hollywood mirror

A few key pieces of home decor are a great way to add to their glam collection. Chances are, your bling-loving friend takes the time each morning to make sure she’s looking her best and that all her chosen pieces of jewellery are well matched. If she does, she’ll love a Hollywood mirror in her home.

Hollywood mirrors are known for having light bulbs surrounding the frame that add the perfect touch of glamour! Plus, the extra lighting from the bulbs provides a high level of magnification and clarity, which will allow your friend to choose the best pieces to match her outfits. The lighting and design of the mirror are also ideal if she wants to take a selfie to show off (who wouldn't?!).

Hollywood mirrors are also becoming more technological, with dimmable bulbs, Bluetooth speakers for music, and even USB ports. She can charge her phone, put on her make-up, listen to music, and admire some of her favourite jewellery, all at the same time.

Crystal figurines

Crystal figurines are great gifts as they can add bling and shine to your friend’s home. They reflect light to brighten up any space, showing off intricate details in each unique piece.

While a singular crystal figurine makes a great gift, if you are buying one for your bling-loving friend for the first time, it’s a great way for her to start a figurine collection. Figurine collections can vary in theme from animals to universal symbols, food, flowers, and even Disney characters. Your bling-loving friend doesn’t necessarily need to have a themed collection, she could also start a collection of random, but beautiful, pieces.

Of course, if jewellery has to be bought, for a thoughtful and personalised gift, consider exploring the name bar necklaces for sale, which make a perfect addition to any jewellery lover's collection.

No matter how you decide to spoil the jewellery lover in your life, these gift ideas are a great starting point. Focus on their style and add a little extra bling into their lives and you can’t go wrong!

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Luxury Watches From Nordgreen

Monday, 28 March 2022

Watches have evolved a lot over the years. You can get retro watches in their design, watches that have all the latest gadgets and watches that are made for diving or aviation but there is still something to be said for a classic looking, minimalist watch for style-conscious men and women. Watches like those from the Danish brand Nordgreen. This is an advertorial from Nordgreen but all words and opinions are my own.

Who are Nordgreen?

Nordgreen are a Danish company with sustainability and a minimalist design ethos. Established in 2017, they quickly made a name for themselves carving a niche for style-conscious men and women who care about the environment.

They apply sustainability principles in several ways through the manufacturing, and delivery process. Firstly they have a carbon-neutral office, planting millions of trees to offset emissions, secondly, they use sustainable packaging, thirdly following best sustainable practices in manufacturing and lastly by a 'giving back' programme establishing partnerships with charitable organisations worldwide.

For the last 25 years, their watches have been designed by award-winning leading designer Jakob Wagner. This prestigious designer has designed for companies such as Bang & Olufsen, B&B Italia, and Cappellini.

The Nordgreen designs

Jakob Wagner chief designer

Nordgreen sells both men's and women's watches in their sleek and stylish modern design.

Nordgreen ladies' watches come in four main designs - the Philosopher, the Native the Infinity and the Unika. The men's watches come in three main designs - the Pioneer, the Native and the Philosopher.

My Nordgreen wishlist

These gold watches are some of my favourites. Let's have a look in more detail.

Unika

The Unika is one of the latest designs from Nordgreen. It is one of the most minimalist designs in its range. It has a gold-tone mesh bracelet and a gold-tone case. It's sleek and epitomises the company's design ethos perfectly, the only detail on the face is the name of the company. With interchangeable straps for versatility, if you get bored with the strap you can just change it with no problem. If you don't like the yellow gold strap and case, change it for rose gold colour, gunmetal or silver.

Philosopher

The Philosopher is one of the best selling designs and has won the IF Design award in 2021. The white face is more detailed than the Unika. It has rose gold-coloured markers for the hours, rose gold coloured hands, the Nordgreen name and the date on the face. It's a really stylish watch and is exceptionally pretty. Again it has interchangeable straps for versatility when you want to ring in the changes.

Infinity

If you prefer silver-toned watches then the Infinity mesh watch is for you. With a white face and silver-toned markers, the watch would look beautiful on any woman's wrist. This watch differed from the Philosopher watch as it doesn't have a date feature but is equally as pretty. The face is flat and it has silver-toned hands to tell the time. Again the straps are interchangeable, you could perhaps order a dove grey vegan leather strap to compliment the watch face.

Philosopher

I couldn't write a post about Nordgreen watches without mentioning one of the watches for men. The Philosopher design for men is again a best-selling design. I like this new addition with the brushed metal dial and black vegan imitation leather strap. It has black coloured markers for the hours, black hands, the Nordgreen name and the date on the face. The monochrome look is surely to be a favourite with men around the world. Again it has interchangeable straps for versatility when you want to ring in the changes. My son would definitely love this watch.

Delivery

You can order online from their website and from selected jewellers. A store locator is available on their website. All their packaging is FSC certified in sustainable packaging. Standard shipping is also free.

As you can see Nordgreen have some beautiful watches that combine good looks with functionality. I'm glad that they take their eco-credentials seriously too.

Let me know if you like the look of the watches I've featured from Nordgreen!

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Birth Injuries Explained And What You Can Do For Your Baby

Friday, 25 March 2022

It can feel like a nightmare finding out that your newborn baby has been injured during birth, especially if it was caused by negligence on the part of the maternity team. An experience like this can be traumatising for you and your partner, causing you to wonder whether you could have prevented this issue and run through different scenarios in your head.

But you shouldn't dwell on these things, as the chances are, you couldn't have predicted or prevented a problem like this. Instead, remember that there are many ways to deal with a situation like this. In many cases, injuries like this are minor and are only temporary.

Types Of Birth Injuries

Many types of different birth injuries can happen, and these range from minor aesthetic injuries to severely debilitating or life-altering ones. Remember that these occur very rarely as your medical team will be well-trained and conscious of your baby's delicate nature. Bruises and swelling are the most common, yet minor, injuries that your baby can receive. It's important to get to know your baby properly and understand what is or isn't a concern.

These bruises can simply be caused by the pressure and resistance that is put on your baby during birth, or they could be caused by doctors using slightly too much force in the process. Often, when a doctor is responsible for a birth injury, it will be from making the wrong call or deliberating for too long on what course of action to take. This may lead to more serious problems like your baby receiving a lack of oxygen or experiencing a fracture or nerve damage after becoming stuck.

Injury Claims Explained

When severe injuries have taken place that resulted from suspected negligence of your medical team, this can be devastating for everyone involved. While it may be traumatic for the doctors and nurses, whether they were responsible or not, it's much worse for you as a parent. You will be able to make a birth injury claim that can somewhat help you manage the grief and trauma caused by the severe injury of your baby.

While it's hard to know exactly how long settlements for birth injury claims can take, it can be worthwhile pursuing a claim as soon as possible so that you know that the process for that extra support is underway. A successful claim can help you find the best possible treatment for your baby, allowing you to pursue private, specialist healthcare if required.

How Are These Injuries Treated?

It entirely depends on the injury, but many will be treated as soon as possible in the hospital. Certain things like bruising cannot be treated and simply require observation to ensure that there is no more serious damage related to the bruise. This type of injury will pass over time. For breaks and fractures, the limb in question may require surgery or to be restrained to prevent your baby from hurting itself by moving it.

However, certain injuries such as severe nerve damage or paralysis such as Erb's Palsy will require long-term, specialist care. You will be referred to a specialist that will be able to handle this. These specialists will be able to spend as much time as required to ensure that your baby is as healthy as possible and that you get all the assistance you need to take care of them at home.

Tulipshare Activist Investing That Could Make A Difference

Wednesday, 23 March 2022

* I am happy to announce a new paid collaboration with Tulipshare, a new activist investing platform. This article should not be considered to constitute financial advice.

When you are looking to invest your money have you ever considered activist investing? Activist investing is the act of investing your money into publicly traded companies held on the stock market and then using your shares to influence the way their company acts.

One such company that has an ethos of activist investing is Tulipshare. This is an advertorial with Tulipshare, all words and opinions are my own. I am not a financial advisor and nothing within this blog constitutes financial advice.

Who are Tulipshare?

Tulipshare is a new activist investment platform. Tulipshare empowers activists to fight for change at global brands by becoming a shareholder. By acquiring shares through Tulipshare, a platform that is designed for activist investing, you have a voice and a say in the way public companies are conducting their business. The platform is available online and through the mobile app. By investing through Tulipshare you can put pressure on corporations to adopt ethical and sustainable best practices, prioritising social impact over short-term returns.

Cocoa-Cola campaign

To illustrate how it works I will look at the Coca-Cola campaign with Tulipshare which examines the problem of plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution is everywhere. I live by the seaside and when I go for a walk it upsets me to see the amount of rubbish and plastic pollution - on the paths, on the beaches and being washed up from the sea. Over 99 per cent of plastic is produced with fossil fuels, and although plastic can be recycled only 9% of plastic since 1950 has been.

Who is one of the biggest polluters of plastic you may wonder? Unfortunately, it is Coca-Cola. Of course, they are not the only polluter but Coca-Cola is by far the biggest plastic polluter on our planet in 2020.

What does Coca-Cola say about this? Coca-Cola who produces 3 million tonnes of plastic packaging a year says they will not abandon plastic bottles due to their popularity as customers like the fact that they are lightweight, unbreakable and easy to carry. They have made a commitment to use 50% recycled plastic but they are not meeting their targets on this.

Tulipshare which identify ways companies can make an ethical change, wants Coca-Cola to use 100% recycled packaging by 2030, whilst their current target is 50% of recycled packaging. It may sound a silly idea to invest in a company that uses so much plastic but doing so empowers the shareholders to have a collective voice by grouping your shares with other people. This can then put pressure on the company to change to better practices. Practices that are ethical, sustainable and better for the planet. Besides being an eyesore, when plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, it enters our food chain

How to invest

Firstly to invest you need to sign up and deposit your money, then you need to convert it to USD. After that, you are ready to buy shares. You can buy a fraction of a share as well if you don't have enough to buy a full share. You can even invest with just a pound. Tulipshare takes a small fee. You can then track your shares on the site and are kept up to date about the campaign's performance.

I personally feel it's an interesting form of investing and something I had never considered before. If you are interested in using your money to try and make a difference then it's worth considering investing through Tulipshare. The power of activist investing through Tulipshare could really make a difference to the world. You could make a return on your investment too, although, of course, your investment could also go down.

Other campaigns include investing in Amazon to ensure fair and safe working environments and investing in Apple to allow independent and third-party technicians to repair Apple products. If you have an idea for a campaign you can also let the company know, they may take it on board.

Let me know, what do you think about activist investing? Have you heard of it before? Would you invest through Tulipshare?

Your capital is at risk. This stock trading platform is facilitated by Tulipshare.

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Top Tips to Effectively Insulate a Period Home

Making your home energy efficient is becoming increasingly important day by day due to a number of reasons, such as managing CO2 emissions, reducing fuel costs and improving your overall health and comfort.

Of course, your priorities can vary depending on your needs and the type of property.

When it comes to period homes, the most important factor that one needs to take into account is the health and condition of the building. This is particularly important for a heritage home, partly because of the need to protect its history, inherent cultural value and character. Also, old buildings are complex and sensitive to changes that come with improvements, giving you some serious consequences.

However, whether you’re choosing an ASHP installation, biomass boilers or are going for a simple insulation to make your property energy efficient, choose an option based on your building’s health. You could also ask a professional air source heat pump installation company to help you with the best solutions.

If you’re planning to insulate your period home, then here are some tips to take into consideration.

Let's get started!

1. Study The Building Structure

The most crucial factor to consider before making any insulation to your period homes is to understand the building's structure.

This is because the homes that were built before in the early 1900's have a traditional construction. The walls are made of permeable materials. Moreover, they do not have any vapour barriers or damp proof membranes, instead, they manage moisture in a different way that is through absorption and evaporation.

Therefore, while you undertake the insulation process in your period home, ensure that it’s being done in a way that enables the building’s fabric to breathe.

2. Evaluate The Entire House

Old period houses often carry with them several issues that might collectively result in the home being cold.

Now, while it can be tempting to look at insulation as a standalone issue and solution for the cold temperatures in your period house, it can be much more than that. This is why you should assess the entire house before coming to any conclusions.

For a successful result, you should look at all the possible reasons that might cause inefficiency in insulation. First of all, you should ensure that the property is free of moisture and well maintained. This is because a damp structure will significantly lose more heat while adding risk to the health of both the building and its residents.

Secondly, you need to check the house for any draughts. This can also be the reason why you’re losing heat and needs to be addressed while adding a layer of insulation.

3. Go Roof And Floor Insulation

The most important and easy way to insulate period homes is by using the roof of the property. All you have to do is simply lay the insulation material on the floor of the loft and ensure you maintain a good ventilation of the roof space above the insulation.

You should also take care of the insulation material you are using, as it can be a game changer.

Similarly, the floor is the element of the building which you are most in contact with, so adding insulation here can also have an immediate impact on the comfort level you are trying to achieve. However, historic solid floors should not be disturbed so as to retain their character and past value.

In many cases, solid floors have been replaced over the years with concrete versions. You could remove and replace it with a breathable insulated alternative that can help with the temperature of the house but this is a specialist job and should be only done by experts.

Summing Up

When it comes to heating solutions, there are many options available on the market for you to choose from. There have been talks about the success of ASHP installations, a heating solution that converts air from the outside to bring heat into your houses.

This modern-day heating system can save money on your energy bills, give you consistent heating and are easy to install – what more do you want?

Begin by understanding your needs, the structure of your building and your budget to come to an educated decision. Remember to call the experts for this job, they will know what to do.

*Collaborative post

2022 Latest Fashion Trends from the Celebrity Stylists

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

A new year always welcomes new fashion trends. Wearing pieces that were on-trend in 2021 won’t guarantee that you can still turn heads and leave a lasting impression when you put them on this year. Remember, fashion trends come and go.

If you’re planning to upgrade your wardrobe for 2022 but still don’t have any idea which pieces to add or remove, you’re reading the right article. Here, I’ll list down some of the latest fashion trends recommended by celebrity stylists from Moda Database.

Fanny Packs

According to celebrity stylists, fanny packs or bum bags as we call them in the UK are going to stay on-trend for 2022. Aside from looking more fashion-forward, using fanny packs allows you to carry all of your essentials while freeing both of your arms. Invest in fanny packs that come in neutral and playful colours, as these are easy to match and leave a statement.

Overalls

Thanks to overalls, the struggle of mixing and matching bottoms and tops will be a thing of the past. This fashion trend is expected to boom in 2022 as more and more people want an easy way to look comfy and casual.

Denim overalls have become more mainstream, but overalls in neutral tones, such as white and olive, are expected to make waves. Pair your overalls with a printed shirt underneath and a pair of sneakers, and you’re good to go.

Another indispensable fashion item is the work style hat. No matter what the fabric of the hat is, you can easily match it with various enamel pins. Designing custom enamel pins is easy to achieve here, and you can add any pattern, or colour you like to make these products reflect your own fashion style. These enamel pins are also easy to match and besides pinning them on hats, you still have the flexibility to pin them on jackets, pants, and overalls.

Bold Suits

For 2022, swap your neutral-toned suits for bright-coloured ones. Three-piece outfits will be very popular in 2022, with bold-coloured suits as the front runner. Hop into this trend by looking for suits in Kelly green, fuchsia, and cobalt blue, and pair them with plain-coloured accessories.

Conversation Shoes

Do you know that your shoes are one of the first things people will notice about you? This is one of the reasons why you should pay attention to your footwear when putting on an outfit.

In 2022, we’ll see more conversation shoes or shoes that make a statement and allow the wearer to start a conversation easily. Conversation shoes are often in bold colours and come in over-the-top designs. Invest in a couple of pairs to turn simple outfits into breathtaking looks.
White

Fashion trends aren’t always about wearing something new; often, it’s about sticking to the classics and wardrobe staples, and giving it your makeover. 2022 will be all about whites as celebrity stylists say that this colour will be very strong this year.

To copy this fashion trend, fill your wardrobe with statement pieces in white. This can be a long dress or polo shirt in white. You can also create a laidback look by pairing your white shirt with a white pair of jeans.

Platforms

Platforms were very popular in the early 2000s because of their added sex appeal and comfort. Shorter women particularly loved this trend because it gave them that additional boost, resulting in better self-esteem and improved confidence.

The year 2022 will see the comeback of platforms, so make sure to get yourself some pairs. Celebrity stylists recommend investing in platforms in black and white colours as these enable you to create different looks.

Crochet

Who says crochet is only for arts and crafts? Clothing pieces made from crochet will have a major moment this 2022. This fashion trend is nostalgic and provides comfort to the wearer.

Crochet clothing is very common, so you won’t have any problems finding pieces that suit your lifestyle and budget. You can choose from a variety of crochet dresses, skirts, jackets, crop tops, and even bikinis!

Mixed Prints

For years, many believed mixing prints would make the outfit look too busy or tacky — but 2022 proves otherwise. Mixed prints will become one of the most in-demand styles in 2022 because it allows the wearer to show off their fun and creative side. If you love prints, this fashion trend is definitely one that you should copy.

Bucket Hats

Everyone from the 1990s had at least one bucket hat. Aside from being a versatile and colourful accessory, bucket hats also protect your skin from the weather.

Bucket hats will make a grand reappearance in 2022, especially in younger generations. Countless businesses are making bucket hats this year, which means that you can choose from a wide variety of styles and colours.

Loose Denim

Tight-fitting jeans won’t take centre stage in 2022; loose, baggy denim will. According to celebrity stylists, loose-fitting denim is expected to gain more popularity in 2022. This piece is versatile as you can wear it to school, on a night out, or even work on a casual day. And unlike skinny jeans, loose denim ensures comfort even when working all day.

Always Prioritise Comfort

Regardless of the fashion trend you want to follow, never compromise your comfort. It’ll be challenging for you to rock your outfit if you can’t breathe or move in what you’re wearing. Comfort translates to confidence — and your outfit will look 100 times better when you’re more confident!

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