Top Jewellery Trends 2022 That You Need to Know

Just as it is important to stay up to date on fashion trends, it is also important to learn the jewellery trends for 2022.

Jewellery is a powerful way to complement your outfits, make a statement and express yourself. A simple piece of jewellery can change the entire outfit, for example, you can take a simple black dress from a smart and elegant workday ensemble to a night out on the town just by wearing different jewellery. You can also take a plain and simple outfit and with jewellery change your look, minimising the need to buy new clothes. Jewellery can help you enhance an outfit, accentuate your personality, and even be used to start great conversations.

While jewellery is a powerful way to style your outfits, it can also be the key to creating a disastrous look if the wrong pieces are chosen. That’s why it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends that can put you at the forefront of the fashion industry and ensure you are always stylish.

If you’re not sure what the future holds, here are some of the top jewellery trends in 2022 and beyond you should know about.

1. Body jewellery

woman with nose piercing

From body chains to body piercings, 2022 has a new line of jewellery taking the world by storm. Piercings have been popular for decades, and only seem to be gaining more interest in 2022. They are an interesting addition to your personal style especially if you are not a traditionalist, as they are versatile, offering opportunities for different looks just by changing the jewellery. From tragus piercings to belly bars, they are an intriguing way to extend your style beyond your clothes. Piercings aren’t the only body jewellery gaining popularity. Since the Kardashians wore body chains in 2021, sales for them have spiked. Body chains look great at the beach in a bikini, or with a crop top and jeans for a casual day out. Body chains can be simple and elegant, or sparkly and dramatic.

2. Cuffs

Cuffs have been worn on women's arms for centuries, and symbolise power and confidence. They originated from the Viking era, where arm rings were utilised amongst warriors and leaders to swear loyalty to each other. They are still worn in certain cultures today and seen on the modern-day runway as fashion statements. Cuffs have become a popular style of jewellery. Not only can you find cuffs for your arms, but you can also find a clip-on cuff for your ears and lips.

3. Charm bracelets

Popular in the ’70s, charm bracelets are making a comeback. This is no surprise, as the top designers around the world have started to integrate ’70s items into the last few seasons on the runway. Charm bracelets that give off a vintage vibe are being seen all over the place, with gold plated charms combined with pearls. These are excellent fashion pieces as they are big and chunky, making a statement with any outfit you wear. They can also be customised to suit your personal taste, with different colours, patterns and charms. Fortunately, you can find plenty of second-hand charm bracelets from the 70’s all over thrift stores and online shops.

4. Gold chains

woman wearing jewellery


Another blast from the past is gold chains. These are luxury gold chains that can be used in a variety of different ways to dress an outfit up, or even down. Choose a simple gold chain for a day in the office, or opt for a chunky chain or personalise it with lockets and charms to get heads in the street turning. While they are usually a piece of jewellery that symbolises wealth and prestige, they are now being used to enhance outfits and as a form of self-expression. No one is going to know if you use gold plated chains too!

Learning about the top trends of 2022 is a great place to start with creating your next look. Take the hottest pieces of jewellery and the latest jewellery trends and personalise with your own style and preferences.   Experiment with different pieces to see what you like and don’t like. Make sure you try something new too, as you might surprise yourself! Follow these top trends and you’ll be the most stylish person your friends know.

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The Benefits Of Buying A Bailey Of Bristol Motorhome From White Arches

Over the last couple of years, there has been a revolution in holidaying in the UK and more and more people are taking a staycation.  Although a staycation has been traditionally thought of as a holiday in your actual home with perhaps a few day trips, this phrase is now widely being used to refer to travelling all over the UK instead of going abroad. With the rise of a staycation then the sale of motorhomes has boomed. Let's have a look at the benefits of buying a motorhome, and specifically a Bailey of Bristol motorhome. This is an advertorial in conjunction with Bailey of Bristol.

The Boom In Staycations

The boom in staycations has seen many people holidaying in the UK. So why has this happened? This has happened due to restrictions on travelling abroad due to the pandemic. Is it something to be sad about though? The UK is a beautiful and green island and these restrictions have meant that many people are exploring the country that they live in and really getting to know it, rather than going abroad. This has meant that motorhome holidays have been more popular than ever before, but what is a motorhome?

What Is A Motorhome?

Adamo Motorhome
A motorhome is a recreational vehicle, a home on wheels which has self-contained living. 

The Benefits Of A Motorhome

Interior motorhome
There are many benefits of a motorhome. Let's have a look at what they are.

Of course, the main benefit of owning a motorhome is that you have a home with you. No need to book a hotel or bed and breakfast anywhere you travel. You park your motorhome in a designated park and you have everything you need. Modern motorhomes have toilets and showers in the vehicle as well as cooking facilities and have high specifications 

Another benefit is that, after the original outlay, you have a cost-effective way of travelling. If you are a remote worker or are retired, you can be in a different place every day. Great for those of us that like to explore.

Even though I talked about staycations in the UK, you can also take your motorhome abroad, just drive onto the ferry or take the Eurotunnel and you can explore Europe in your motorhome and have a little of your home comforts with you.

Motorhomes are great for impulse breaks too, so if you fancy a weekend away just take your motorhome and drive it to the nearest touring park. No need to book a hotel, although in high season you may need to check that there is space available at a site. 

Motorhomes are really great if you have pets too as you can take them with you, without the need for getting a pet sitter or putting your cat in a cattery or dog in a kennel. 

Why Buy From White Arches

Autograph III Graphite Cab

When buying a Bailey of Bristol motorhome, there are a number Bailey Approved retailers, such as White Arches. White Arches sells caravans and motorhomes from their base in Northampton. Established 50 years ago in 1972, this family-owned company has grown and established itself as one of the best caravan and motorhome companies in the UK. 

As well as Bailey of Bristol caravans and motorhomes,  they sell Adria Motorhomes and the brand Auto Trail. If you are looking for a bargain check out their range of used motorhomes from well-known brands too. With finance available and backed by Black Horse Finance, this independent retailer can help you purchase your dream motorhome too. The White Arches philosophy is to provide a friendly and professional approach and provide the best advice to ensure that their customers are matched to the right vehicle.

Bailey Of Bristol


If you are looking for a new motorhome check out the 360-degree virtual tours to have a real feel of how luxurious the new Bailey of Bristol motorhomes are.  This is a good way to check out the layout and see which motorhome will fit into your lifestyle. I personally love the Autograph 81-6. This motorhome is top of the range, with a Peugeot sat-nav system, Italian design overhead curved locker doors, a combined oven, grill and hob, and pre-wiring for Wi-Fi (2022 onwards), you know you will travel in style.

Keep up to date with the Bailey of Bristol caravan and motorhome news on their website where you can find blog posts, events and travel inspiration.

Let me know, where would you travel if you owned a motorhome?

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4 Awesome Reasons For Promoting With Custom Travel Bags

Businesses need to continually promote their brands to win more customers and ensure that potential customers have their brands on top of their minds. When their brands are on top of customers' minds, they will be more likely to choose them when they need to buy a particular product.

One of the best promotional items that brands and companies can use for promoting themselves is custom travel bags. With people taking frequent trips for business and leisure, travel bags are a great commodity and come in handy for everyone who receives them as gifts from companies.

Here are some reasons you should consider using custom travel bags to promote your brand:

Custom travel bags are practical and memorable


travel bag





Although businesses often give their customers various gifts and promotional items, the reality is that only a few are actively used for a long time. Typically, most recipients use some of the promo items only on the day they receive them and then put them away and forget about them.

The good news is that with custom travel bags, the recipients never forget them because they are practical items that they will use frequently when they take trips and go about their daily lives. Thus, the bags keep promoting your brand and company and will do so for a long time, without you incurring any extra costs. The users also appreciate them and find them useful, and may even pass them on to their family members or friends. This way, custom travel bags have a high rate of return on investment.

They are easily customisable to your brand

Companies want to have unique promo items that they can have tailored to their business needs. Luckily, custom travel bags from RocketBags are easy to customise to match the business’ colours, budget and branding.

The bags also offer a large surface area to print promotional messages that can be designed to be stylish and appealing to people of different backgrounds. The recipients of the promo items appreciate travel bags that look fashionable and that have great design.

Travel Bags can be used to promote in different ways

conference

When promoting brands, businesses may use different approaches. The good thing with using custom travel bags for promotion is that the companies can use them in a variety of ways such as the following:

· Gifting to new customers

· Appreciating loyal customers

· Awarding winners in competitions

· Gifting staff who meet targets

· Giving to visitors to the company stand in exhibitions and other events

All of these things allow the business to achieve its objectives of creating brand awareness, winning more customers, and promoting itself.

They help to conserve the environment

If your company advocates for environmental conservation, custom travel bags are great giveaways during promotional drives. They are reusable and help to reduce pollution from the use of non-reusable bags. The bags also serve many other purposes, for example, people may use them during shopping, picnics, trips and so on which avoids single-use plastic bags and the detriment that this causes to the planet. Your business can attract customers who are conscious of environmental concerns.

Conclusion

Custom travel bags are great promotional items because they are useful and memorable, easy to customise, can be used to promote in many ways and are environmentally friendly. You should consider them for your promotional campaigns, and you will realise higher rates of return on your investment.

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Outfit Ideas For A Garden Party

With the events of the last year in mind, it’s likely that a lot of us will be invited to more and more garden parties in the coming years. Whether it’s a laid-back barbecue or something more formal, it’s important to know how to dress for an outdoor event like a garden party. Today, we’re checking out ideas from the casual to the elaborate for all outdoor events you’re likely to face.

Prim and Proper

couple party


When you’re going to something formal, you want to look the part, even if it’s an outdoor event. You can go two directions here, either masculine or feminine. In either direction, you’ll find that tailored clothes with structured shapes will work best for you.

We’ll start with the feminine direction.

Here, you want the classics. You can go for a structured dress that fits close to your body, keeping it cool with darker colours and fine details like piping and a slimline belt around the waist. Equally, try something that’s both light and bright by pairing a fitted top with a colourful knee-length skirt. When you’re bringing out the bold patterns and bright colours, you can stray from the close-fitting tailoring and venture into more free-flowing fabrics. Silks blouses and maxi-length skirts are the way to stay formal whilst bringing an element of fun to your look.

These typically feminine looks are best suited to some traditional jewellery that emphasises the silhouette of the ensemble. Vintage jewellery is a good starting point, whether it’s inherited or bought because it brings a sense of story and life to your aesthetic. A pearl strand, for example, stays current (pearls are having a big revival) whilst harkening back to some Americana 1950s dream of a garden party.

Now for the more masculine side of female garden party attire.

Believe it or not, free-flowing fabric is also welcome in this category. Rather than a maxi skirt, palazzo trousers or culottes can bring some relaxed-fit energy to your otherwise formal style. If you’re less interested in that and want something more architectural and structured, a suit is a perfect solution. Women’s suits are easy to make as formal or casual as is required, simply through shoes and accessories. If you’re worried that a blazer and some formal trousers might be too ‘business’ for a party, pair it with some playful accessories and shoes that you wouldn’t wear to the office.

You can also make a suited look more party-ready through your choice of colour. On a sunny day, you can break out a white suit, or perhaps a powder blue or peachy pink number. Keep the colouring pale, on the pastel side of things, and you can ensure that you are a sight for sore eyes and not an eyesore.

But what about casual events?

Languid and Laid-back

couple

If your garden party is more of a Hawaiian-shirt/barbecue/sunglasses event, then you shouldn’t feel obligated to break out the fascinator and silk gloves from the depths of your wardrobe. Instead, think about a comfortable style that will have you looking chic without looking like you stumbled into the wrong garden.

One easy way to combine glamour and comfort is through the miracle that is the bodysuit. It may require a little forethought when it comes to knowing when to go to the loo, but overall, the pros massively outweigh the cons with bodysuits and playsuits. Hot weather calls for a shorter playsuit-style one-piece. Go bright and bold with the colours and patterns, pair with some wedge shoes, sunglasses, and a cute summery hat and you’re in the money. Full-length bodysuits will see you through a cloudy-looking sky whilst still having a suitably summer-ready aesthetic. Bright colours and patterns remain the best option for something like this, keeping it playful and light-hearted.

Another option for the garden party without a dress code is a classic shorts and t-shirt combo. High-waisted denim shorts combined with a plain white tee could not be more casual and cool. Ray-Ban style sunglasses and a baseball cap or snapback raise the cool metre even higher, for an outfit that will tell everyone in the vicinity that you are the definition of ‘chill’. Try a t-shirt with slash designs – or simply cut into one you’re happy to ‘renovate’ – if you want to add more edge and be the alternative punk of your friend group.

We love seeing our friends, especially after a year of more isolated living, and a garden party is the best environment to show off some new pieces in your wardrobe while you catch up with those you love most. Enjoy partying!

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5 Benefits Of Sending Your Child To Nursery

So your child is coming up to nursery age and you are considering whether or not you should send them to a nursery.  There are a number of reasons to use a nursery for your child and whether you need to take them due to work commitments or not there are a number of benefits of sending your child to a nursery. So whether you are looking for the best nursery in Nottingham or Newquay, let's have a look at what the benefits of sending your child to a nursery are. 

Learning through play

toddler playing
One of the main reasons to send your child to a nursery is the learning opportunities they have. In the nursery, children learn through play, they learn through singing songs, they learn through playing games and they learn through interacting with teachers and other children. A nursery may have facilities or equipment you do not have at home, such as play equipment, musical equipment, IT facilities, or a large outdoor play area, so this is a bonus if they do.

Encourage social skills

When a child goes to nursery, mixing with other adults and children their age helps to improve their social skills. Social skills for example, like learning to share, working with others, learning to take turns, listening to others, and generally improving their communication skills. Playing with other children helps them build empathy and understanding of others too and they will realise in their own way that each child is different.

Helps build routine and confidence

If your child is attending nursery it helps to build up a routine. Before you know it they will be at school and a placement at a nursery helps prepare your child for this.  Some of the routines will be similar and it can help the child adjust to school eventually. Learning to listen and understand instructions is an important part of this. Through routine, safety and security are built, the child knows what is expected of them, and rules are set. This all helps build confidence as well as taking part in activities and learning opportunities.

Building immunity

children playing water

Nurseries are said to be good at building immunity in a child as they come into contact with other children. Especially good are nurseries with outdoor play areas that are diverse. A study showed that greener play areas boosted children's immune systems. Exposure to common illnesses can help strengthen their immune system when young and this will help prevent them become ill as they grow.

Time to yourself

Taking your child to a nursery gives you time without childcare responsibilities. Whether that is for you to work, for you to catch up on household chores, or for you to have some breathing space. As parents, we are filled with guilt on a daily basis and may worry if we doing enough for our children, but we have to look after ourselves first. So make sure you don't give yourself a guilt trip and ensure you take that time and use it to the best of your ability, and yes that includes meeting up with friends and going to a spa! You are worth it.

So as you can see there are many benefits of sending your child to nursery. Have you seen your child benefit?

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5 Tips & Tricks To Ace Interviews & Get Your Dream Job

Getting a dream job is something all of us aspire to. With the expansion of the career-centred realm, there has been a revolution in job opportunities in almost every business and industry-oriented work domain. While most of us want to get a desirable job in the workspace of our choice, cracking the nut in real-time is actually the challenge, because you may have pre-assessment interview blues. Sorting them out, here are some quick tips and tricks to ace your dream job interview.

shaking hands


Cracking a Dream Job Interview: Tips and Tricks

Undertake A Comprehensive Company Research

This is the first thing you should cater to while preparing for a dream job interview. Navigate to the organization’s official website and make a detailed assessment of the work culture, professional interests, and the managerial hierarchy. You can also prepare for any upcoming job assessment tests so that you are ready for any challenge. The recruiters will regard your effort as impressive, which will definitely boost your chances of getting hired.

Looking on the other side, the HR team of your dream company works to see through your professional presence on social media and digital job platforms. Make sure that you have everything in place to create a positive impact.

Confidence Is The Best Outfit

As you complete the research step, there comes a certain level of confidence and positivity about the hands-on interview experience with the company. A natural nervousness, however, does occur, and that's no harm. You can hide that effectively with genuine and professional body language.

Complement your personality with a confident, welcoming smile and enter with a positive attitude. Be presentable and try not to worry, after all, they called you for an interview.

Practice Makes Perfect

One of the most effective ways to prepare for an interview is through practice. Mock interviews can help you refine your responses and improve your delivery under pressure. Consider using platforms like Final Round AI to simulate interview scenarios and sharpen your skills. This kind of preparation will not only enhance your confidence but also help you identify areas for improvement before the actual interview.

Stop Your Weaknesses From Showing Up

It is normal to not know everything about a field, and you may miss out on a few aspects. What is more important is that your weaknesses should not come to the notice of the interviewer. Just relax and focus on your strengths, like, using your interpersonal skills to take an additional benefit. You can also reflect on your job experiences in the past.

Some skills, such as fluent communication, leadership, soft skills, etc., are common requisites of almost any job you aim to get into. Make sure you mention them at the interview if you can and comment on your skills in working with others.

Befriend The Clock

Punctuality is important in every aspect of your life and that includes your professional field. When facing an interview, take note to arrive early with a margin of at least 15 minutes. This will allow for travel delays and make a positive impact on your recruiters, and they will look forward to interacting with you.

Also, ensure that you carry a copy of your work portfolio or resume to refer to in case the recruiter doesn’t have it in front of them. It can help look through this prior to the interview and the recruiters understand that you are interested in the job and that you have something productive to offer them.

Be Inquisitive

Prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask in an interview if the opportunity arises. This way, if the interviewer offers the chance to ask something, you'll be poised and ready to go with any queries you might have. This can show the interviewer that you're inquisitive and happy to engage of your own volition, which can score you extra points! 

Ask some relevant and interactive questions about the work schedule, company expectations, future growth prospects and other similar overarching questions to impress them. As a rule of thumb, if you can help it don't ask about pay at this point and instead follow up with an email after the interview, this way you won't leave a sour taste in the interviewer's mouth at the very last moment. As a final thought, you might want to check out this article where I present some useful tips to help you find the best jobs.

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4 Common Garden Problems And How To Solve Them

Gardening can be exciting and good for your well-being. Gardening activities such as raking, cutting grass, digging, and wood chopping are exercises that promote good sleep, build strength, improve memory, and help maintain a healthy weight. 



woman gardening

Despite its benefits, there are some garden problems that may be encountered along the way. Regardless of how long you've participated in this hobby, it is essential to know the common gardening problems and how to overcome them.

Weeds

Weeding isn't one of the gardener's favourite activities. Unfortunately, weeds are a persistent issue in the garden, and like most plants, they thrive in the summer light and rain. Applying a thick layer of mulch in the spring can help deal with a weed problem. Be sure to remove weed sprouts and spray with herbicides as early as possible. Other household items such as vinegar and corn gluten meal are also great in removing and preventing weeds.

Mildew

If you have seen a white powdery substance on the leaves of vegetables and fruits in your garden, you may be staring at mildew. Mildew is a common problem that occurs in gardens, especially during the warmer months. They also tend to be found in various fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, squash, and melons. Getting rid of mildew can be quite tricky. Although you can't cure mildew, you can control its spread by using a fungicide or simply picking off the affected parts of the plant. You can prevent mildew by ensuring your plants get adequate sunlight and good air circulation.

Poorly securing your garden

Implementing poor security measures is a common problem many gardeners face. Every day, your garden is at risk of being attacked by unwanted elements. For example, your kids playing in the backyard could end up walking all over your seedlings. There is also the risk of pests such as rats eating at your ripening produce. To avoid this, it is vital to ensure your garden area is properly secure. There are several ways to keep your garden safe. You can consider planting various plants such as star jasmine, golden hop and honeysuckle that act as a "natural protector" of your plants by preventing various pests from attacking your plants. However, installing a fence is a sure way to close off all unwanted elements. Therefore, you should consider garden fencing to secure your garden from harm.

Overwatering

Drought is the garden's worst summer stressor. Regularly compost your garden soil to improve plant health and make them more resilient. Mulching your garden helps keep moisture. Consider other watering techniques such as using drip timer hoses to water your plants morning and evening. While regularly watering your garden is good for plants, overdoing it can be as harmful as draught. Unfortunately, you can't stop the rains, so you want to provide good drainage since heavy rain or excess water depletes soil nitrogen and starves your plants.

Gardening can indeed feel overwhelming. However, it is not a good enough excuse to quit. No garden is immune to problems, so you want to know what you are up against and how to resolve them as early as possible and watch your garden blossom in no time.

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Herringbone Flooring For A Luxurious Look In Your Home

The right flooring for your home is so important. Flooring can make a massive difference to the aesthetics of a room, the comfort underfoot and how easy it is to clean. When you are looking for a luxurious look to your home then I would recommend herringbone flooring but what is herringbone flooring and why should you choose it for your home? In this article, I will discuss the use of herringbone flooring and how it can be a good choice for a luxurious look in your home

What is herringbone flooring?

herringbone flooring design

Herringbone flooring is a type of parquet flooring that has a certain type of pattern design. Parquet flooring is made up of short wooden battens that are slotted together in a geometric mosaic. Herringbone flooring uses planks of flooring that are shorter than normal planks. This allows you to create a geometric design, laid out at 45 degrees to the next plank. This is the herringbone flooring design. 

Fixtures and fitting costs

Herringbone flooring takes more time to fit into a home and this will have a knock-on effect on labour costs. You need someone skilled to fit this design as any mistakes will be glaringly obvious. A skilled flooring professional will charge more money to fit this type of flooring due to the time and skill needed to fit it. There is also the cost of buying this type of flooring in the first place, the cutting, sanding, staining and sealing of this type of floor can be expensive. If you are thinking of having herringbone flooring installed it isn’t a cheap option so budget accordingly. 

The design and look 

herringbone flooring
The reason that herringbone flooring is popular is that the design is aesthetically pleasing. The geometric pattern of the wooden planks interlocking can really give a wow factor to any room. This pattern looks especially impressive when covering a large area. It can also make a great first impression in an entrance hall. This can give a high-end and luxurious look to your home.  

Cleaning 

Cleaning herringbone flooring is straightforward but must be done properly. You can sweep the floor to keep it clean. Also, a simple mop, water and a floor cleaner for wooden floors work well.  Don’t get the floor too wet so wring out the mop well before you clean the floor. Do not use steam cleaners on the floor as the heat in the steam can affect the glue used when fitting the floor together. By looking after your floor in this way you will keep the good looks of the herringbone flooring for a long time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, herringbone flooring can be pricey but can really give a wow look to your home and give your home that luxurious look. Look after it carefully and its good looks will last for years.

Let me know, do you like the look of a herringbone floor? Would you have herringbone flooring fitted in your home?

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Anniversary Gift Ideas

An anniversary is a special occasion. We mostly celebrate wedding anniversaries but other anniversaries can be celebrated too like the time spent in a job, or how long you have been dating.  When you think of what to get for an anniversary though it can be tough trying to find something suitable and something unique, but a gift and card company like Boomf, can help you find that perfect choice.  So whether you are looking for a 5th wedding anniversary card or a 25th silver necklace, let's have a look at some anniversary present ideas for a special occasion.

First wedding anniversary - paper

newspaper

Why not buy a newspaper from the day you got married or the day you met? Many websites allow you to buy this type of present.  This is an apt idea as the first year anniversary is celebrated with paper. Extra points for the newspaper your loved one reads. 

Fifth wedding anniversary - wood

lovespoon
If you have been together for 5 years, the traditional wedding anniversary theme is wood for a fifth wedding anniversary. A great idea would be a Welsh lovespoon carved for your partner. The lovespoon is a traditional craft that dates back to the seventeenth century. The very best lovespoons are ornately decorated and are a work of art. Or what about a 5th wedding anniversary card made of recycled wood?

Tenth year anniversary - tin

photo of couple on beach kissing
The traditional anniversary present for a 10th year anniversary is something made out of tin. Now you may be wracking your brain to think of something suitable here but what about a photo frame made out of tin with a favourite photo inside? Alternatively, think outside of the traditional and go with a personalised photo album with romantic photos of your both from over the last ten years.

Fifteenth wedding anniversary - crystal

crystal vase

A traditional present for a 15th anniversary would be a gift made of crystal.  A purely decorative item like a crystal vase would be a beautiful item to gift. Alternatively, if she loves sparkly jewellery then a Swarovski crystal necklace and earring set would be very appreciated I am sure.

Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary - silver

silver necklace

The classic gift to give for a 25th anniversary is a silver necklace.  Of course, a heart necklace or locket would be a fabulous gift, but there are many silver items you could choose from. You could buy a silver pen, or for the man in your life silver cufflinks or a silver knife. 

Fiftieth wedding anniversary - gold

gold watch
A fiftieth anniversary should be of course celebrated! So what would you buy? The classic fiftieth-anniversary gift is made out of gold. What about a gold bracelet, a gold pair of earrings or a gold chain? Alternatively, a watch with a gold case would make a fabulous gift. 

So here are some anniversary present ideas from a first wedding anniversary, a fifth wedding anniversary to a fiftieth wedding anniversary. Let me know what would you buy to celebrate an anniversary? 

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To Buy Or Not To Buy Fixings And Fasteners Online

You can buy anything and everything online – from trivial purchases to essential goods that can be delivered to your doorstep the next day. I recently needed to buy fixings and fasteners for an upcoming project, so I spent some time wondering whether to buy them online or go to a hardware shop. What are the perks of buying fixings and fasteners online or in a shop?

With this question in my mind, I decided to put together the advantages and disadvantages of buying these small pieces of hardware online. To have a professional point of view, I’ve spoken to Speedy Fixings, a manufacturer and supplier of various hardware products, from post shoes and anchor bolts to threaded bars to coach bolts. As a business with both an online shop and an in-person store, I thought they would be perfect to share their thoughts with me.

The Incidental Parent shared other products that can be purchased at Speedy Fixings. “Speedy Fixings offer a wide range of fixings and fasteners, such as bolts, screws, nails, nuts, washers and more. In addition to this, you can also purchase a variety of builders metalwork, such as joist hangers, restraint straps, as well as interclamp railing and channel support systems.”

The benefits of buying online

Convenient

nuts and bolts


Online shops are open 24/7. You can shop in the middle of the day or the middle of the night. All you have to do is add something into your basket, checkout and wait for delivery. Online shopping is quick, simple and convenient (or at least it should be – when the website allows!). If you are someone who does not like crowds, with online shopping you do not have to worry about crowds, and feeling rushed while shopping.

Better prices

screws


You can easily compare prices online and find better prices with a click of a button. Plus, many companies offer online discounts and offers that are often not found in shops. “Factor in the saved expense of gas and parking, and you have saved yourself a lot of money!” comments Tough Nickel.

Good quality

fixings


If you are shopping at somewhere like Speedy Fixings, they offer the same products online as they do in-store, so you can buy the same quality products quickly on their website as you would if you when to their Colchester store. No matter what hardware you want to buy, quality is highly important. As Jenny in Neverland says, “Good quality fasteners are incredibly important to ensure the longevity and efficiency of a connection between two objects and/or surfaces.”

There are only two downsides to online shopping that I can think of and even those can be quickly brushed aside: instant purchase and professional advice. With next day delivery, any products you need can be delivered to you in a timely manner plus, by calling a shop like Speedy Fixings for professional advice or any help, they will give you as much advice as they would if you were at the shop in person.

Do you prefer buying online or in-store?

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Is A Retractable Roof Pergola Worth It?

The sun is shining, the weather is warm… isn’t everyone thinking about parasols, pergolas, pools and fans? I am. As soon as the sun makes an appearance, all of these pieces of outdoor furniture that get us through the warm weeks of summer invade my thoughts. Should I replace my old parasol? Should I invest in a modern pergola instead?

However, the sun is not the only reason why I’ve been wondering about replacing my old parasol. I recently found out about retractable roof pergolas thanks to retractable roof and pergola specialists Designer Shade Solutions, and I think these are a great addition to any home.

How different are these from standard pergolas?

pergola

Standard pergolas are often wooden pergolas that feature a lattice roof. These are lovely outdoor structures, however, these lack protection from the elements. Retractable roof pergolas are as visually stunning as traditional pergolas but much more practical. “With a retractable roof, you can enjoy your outdoor space no matter the weather. This means that no matter if it’s sunny, raining or snowing – you can be outside. Make the most out of your garden space with a retractable pergola.” Explains Sims Life.

What are the benefits of retractable roof pergolas?

Can be installed anywhere

retractable pergola

Retractable roofs by Designer Shade Solutions can be installed in the middle of gardens, attached to properties or even incorporated into your current property. “If you are looking to extend your current living space, install a modern pergola attached to your property. These pergolas will offer a seamless transition from indoor living to outdoor living, extending your overall living space.” Says A Mum Reviews.

The Rare Welsh Bit recommends spending some time thinking about the right place for your pergola. “You should also consider which parts of your garden tend to be shaded by the sun at different times of day; if you intend upon sitting in your pergola while soaking up the sun, then you’ll want to ensure you don’t position it in front of any big, looming trees or any other tall structures which could create shadows or shade.”

Make the most out of your outdoors

retractable pergola


With a retractable roof pergola, you can be outdoors, no matter the weather, no matter the season. You can fully maximise time spent outdoors with a pergola that features a retractable roof. After all, your garden is part of your home, you shouldn’t only be able to enjoy it for a couple of weeks a year, right?

Plus, these pergolas with roofs can be customised with glass sides, heating and lighting to create an all-year-round retreat. Wannabe Princess shared that her ideal outdoor retreat is a “wooden pergola with roof and glass sides to have the comfort of an indoor space that I could use all year round but still enjoy the outdoor views of my garden.” That idea sounds lovely to me!

What do you think of retractable roof pergolas?

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How To Create An Award-winning Website Design

Websites range from beautiful, sleek and easy-to-use to spammy, cluttered messes. You want to have the first type of website, right? I mean, if you don’t have a stunning website already (maybe it just needs an uplift!). You might have an online store selling all the handmade goods you make. You might have a blog talking about your day-to-day adventures. There are websites for anything and everything. However, one thing is sure. A beautiful website that is easy to navigate goes a long way.

Wouldn’t you like to say that you have an award-winning website? Wouldn’t you love to say that you have such a beautifully crafted website that has not only won multiple awards but also works and attracts visitors and keeps them engaged? These are attainable achievements. After all, you and your brand deserve to have the best possible website.

So, how to create an award-winning website? This is where Ad Lab, website design Bishop’s Stortford comes in. I decided to go straight to the experts with this question, and I was happily surprised when the team of website designers and website developers at Ad Lab gave me some takeaways on how to create an award-winning website design.

Why Ad Lab?


Ad Lab is an award-winning website design agency. They have been designing, building and marketing websites for years. So, their experience coupled with their award-winning websites makes them the perfect people to speak to about this topic. Want to see some of their websites? Browse awwwards.com to check out some of Ad Lab’s award-winning websites.

Now, the question remains… what does it take to create an award-winning website?

Simplicity is key

A minimalist and clean design is ideal for any modern website. By having a clean and sleek website, your customers and/or readers will be able to easily navigate your website, understand the most important pages of your website and feel encouraged to explore it.

This article on the Entrepreneur highlights the importance of utilising white space. “To audiences, a website should come across as sleek, sophisticated and user-friendly. Thus, you should intentionally and strategically utilize white space throughout your site to highlight key elements of each page and make the content pop.”

Accessibility and navigation

navigation


Have you ever used the categories on Amazon to find the products you are looking for? I haven’t. That should tell you how important that specific part of their website is (and search in general!). If you already have a website, you should track the most important parts of your website, such as the ones your customers are using the most and improve them to make your customer’s journey as smooth as possible. As Dork Face says, “A website should be easy to use and quick to navigate. It’s essential for your visitors to be able to find what they are looking for as smoothly as possible.”

Prioritise speed and content

Engaging content and a quick website are two important factors to create an excellent website. Where content is positioned, the size and type of content – all of this is essential to consider when creating a website. As Isablog states, “Award-winning websites are fast and have content that speaks right to their target audience. Content should be clear, useful, informative and relevant (you can also make it funny if that’s what your brand is all about!).”

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The Value Contained Within Second-Hand Watches

Designer watches are a popular item for luxury second-hand buying and reselling. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is probably the value that designer watches hold. Even used designer watches can be worth a significant amount of money, depending on the brand and age of the watch. This makes designer watches a good investment for anyone looking to make some extra money.

If you are looking to Sell Used Designer Watches, then you can make considerable sums of money on the second-hand market by investing in the right types of watches. It is worth researching before you buy a luxury watch if its investment potential is part of your reason for buying it.

Rolex


Of course, designer watches are not the only type of second-hand watch that can be valuable. Vintage and antique watches can also be worth a lot of money. These types of watches are often more sought after by collectors, but they can still be sold for a good price if you know where to look.

If you are thinking about selling your designer watch, or any other type of second-hand watch, it is important to know as much about your watch as possible, so you know what you have. You should find out how much similar watches are selling for and set a fair price accordingly. It is also a good idea to get the watch appraised by a professional before you sell it so that you know exactly how much it is worth.

Here are the features that will make a particular watch more valuable than another when it comes to resale and getting the best price:

Exquisite craftsmanship

Designer watches are highly prized for their exquisite craftsmanship that buyers have come to expect from luxury brands.

We can admire a watch for its craftsmanship just as much as its accurate timekeeping capabilities.

Certain watches will move their hands much more smoothly than others. Experts can tell these things. A watch is not just a timekeeper and a lot goes into its construction.

Durability

Quality watches will tend to be more durable than their cheaper counterparts and be capable of withstanding the test of time. This means that they tend to last long enough to hold their value for future buyers.

Quality watches will be the ones that survive long enough to be sent to jewellers for repair. Others will not always make it to this stage before being scrapped. Jewellers will tell you that the designer watches are the best kind to work on and a pleasure to have in their workshop.

Timeless style

A luxury watch will continue to look just as good as it did when it was first purchased. This is because designer watches often have a timeless style that will never go out of fashion.

A certain look is often associated with a particular brand, and buyers will look for it and often own several watches in that same style. It will tend to suit their image and look that they display in various ways. People they meet up with will know them for wearing a particular style and brand of watch.

Precision engineering

Designer watches are usually precision-engineered, meaning that they keep time accurately and reliably.

Some watches can gain or lose time, whereas those in the luxury category are extremely accurate.

Precision engineering is a critical component of any timepiece but especially watches. A second-hand designer watch is a finely tuned machine that can keep precise time for many years with proper care. Most luxury watches are made with a high degree of precision and craftmanship and this is what contributes to their value on the secondary market.

Second-hand designer watches often have just as much, if not more, value than when they were first purchased. This is because designer watches are built to last, meaning that they can be passed down through generations or sold for a good price second-hand. Additionally, the value of designer watches is often appreciated over time, as they become rarer and rarer.

For all of these reasons, designer watches make excellent investments, both for the present and for the future.

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5 Tips For First-Time Home Buyers

It’s never been tougher for those who want to buy their first home. House prices across the country have soared to unprecedented levels in the past few years and the deposits needed to secure your new home have also risen. But don’t despair, there are things you can do to help you achieve your dream.

apartment


Gary Oxborough, Founder of Go2Mortgage, has put together his five top tips below to help people step onto the first rung of the property ladder. This is an advert with Go2Mortgage.

First and foremost, review your spending

Now more than ever, it’s vital that you understand exactly what your monthly outgoings are; it sounds obvious, but the less you pay out, the more you’ll have to put down on a deposit.

Many people are offended by the notion that cutting down on ‘luxuries’ like Netflix, takeaway coffees, and going out for food, would make a significant difference. However despite that, there is something to be said for reviewing your spending habits to see where your money is going.

As a matter of course, a mortgage/financial planner would need to understand the client’s regular outgoings, and that means going through their bank statements to check mortgage affordability. Review and cancel any memberships you may no longer use or can live without, such as gym subscriptions, clubs and streaming services.

Small monthly payments of five or ten pounds here and there can soon add up. Using spreadsheets to track outgoings can be incredibly useful, and putting your spending into categories can help you to reconsider areas where you may be overspending. Cutting back, or setting monthly budgets for these areas, can really help.

Give your income a boost

Whether or not you can streamline your outgoings, increasing your income can help push you further towards your goal. Consider if you have free time to take on another part-time job, even if it’s a few hours a week. There may also be the opportunity to take on overtime in your current role.

Dig out items you might be able to sell online - such as clothing, old toys, furniture, and anything that might be of value. This is an easy way to make some extra cash from the comfort of your own home… and declutter at the same time!

Pay yourself first

Make your own savings a priority by ensuring you set aside an agreed amount every month into a separate savings account as soon as you are paid. This enables you to remain disciplined and save consistently throughout the year; just remember that after you’ve transferred your savings, you have left enough to cover essential bills, plus a little extra.

Take advice about the best schemes to help you on the property ladder

Everyone knows about the Help to Buy scheme, but that is coming to an end soon, and at the moment is only available on new build properties. There are some private equivalents of Help to Buy and lenders who may offer a similar service. But be warned, these schemes may not be suitable for your own particular circumstances, and each of them has pros and cons.

With any major financial decision, it’s crucial to be fully aware of what you’re doing, and it makes sense to get professional advice before making a decision.

Consider the ‘hidden costs’

Housing prices have risen substantially in the past ten years, which makes it all the more important to get the best deposit you can to secure your property. However, there is little point in reaching your deposit goal if the home you buy means that your monthly mortgage swallows up all your cash.

Owning a home isn’t just about the mortgage cost, there are other bills such as council tax, utilities, building and contents insurance, groceries, transport, etc. before taking the plunge, you need to be sure that after your mortgage payment, you can afford these other essential outgoings.

It’s definitely challenging to get yourself in the position where you are ready to buy your first property, but with some discipline and a bit of hard work and expert guidance, it’s achievable.

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How To Renovate The Exterior Of Your Home

Is the front of your home needing a slight sprucing up? Well, you have come to the right place. If your time and attention are constantly diverted to the interior of your home, why not put a little extra effort into the exterior of your home? We know that it can be difficult to decide what aspects of your exterior property need to be updated therefore, we are here to give you a breakdown of what to add or install to renovate the exterior of your home.

Add an extension

house


An extension is one of the most impacting home renovation projects as although it adds detail to the outside of your home, it also benefits the inside of your home by generating extra space. An extension is a perfect contribution to your home if you require additional space but are not prepared to move house. As the housing market is particularly high at the moment, it may not be the right time to buy property, so expanding your current home may be the best solution. Alongside this, many families are happy within their current home and neighbourhood, therefore moving may be out of the equation. Although a large side extension can balance out the house, smaller extensions can also make a huge impact. For example, a single-storey extension to your utility room, or front of your home can still be impactful.

Install closed-circuit television (CCTV)

It is always appealing when your home exterior is lavish and demonstrates affluence; however, these features can also make it an easy target for theft or damage. It is no surprise that burglars and intruders are most likely to target larger homes that look like they hold quality within, therefore, a CCTV system is crucial to have. Usually, if someone happens to be trespassing on your property with unlawful intentions, they will scope the property to see if they are being watched or recorded. As they want to limit the risk of being caught, if they are likely to notice any form of camera, they will presumably leave the property. Therefore, not only do these cameras impose a threat to the individual on your land, but they prevent a potential crime or damage from occurring. CCTV can also benefit you in other, less criminal offences. For example, if your neighbour or passer-by reverses into your car by accident. For CCTV installation, click here.

Convert the garage

garage

Much like an extension, a garage conversion provides you with the opportunity to acquire extra space without having to move homes, and alongside this, it can often look a lot better than the standard garage door. This can be a great way to renovate the exterior of your home option if you want it to look slightly more modernised as sometimes, a garage door does not always look very sleek. When converting your garage, you can choose to install large, open windows or patio doors that will project natural light into the room and modernise the home exterior. The best part about garage conversions is that they do not always require planning permission, whereas an extension does. Therefore, the process is a lot quicker and easier than an extension. If your garage is filled with unnecessary clutter, get organised and plan your garage conversion today!

Add an exterior living area

Your garden can be used for versatile purposes, so why not bring a living area outdoors? Teak outdoor furniture can renovate the exterior of your home by adding a sense of homeliness and comfort to the exterior, making it look extremely inviting. Although this is predominantly placed within the back garden for privacy purposes, the front garden doesn’t need to be disregarded and left empty. If your front garden is large enough, it can be the perfect area for two chairs and a table, or you could add a small fire pit. This is the perfect area to meet with a neighbour or friend for a coffee and is a great location for a sunny day, or to simply people-watch! 

Within your back garden living area, you can always attempt to make this more impressive. As it is situated at the back of your home, this area can hold more value. Purchasing a corner rattan sofa with a table, or even an outdoor dining table with comfortable seats, covered with a canopy, can act as a great alternative dining area for the summer days. Be sure to illuminate this area so that it is still fully operational in the evening hours. Not to worry, producing this area may not be as expensive as you have anticipated! Purchase your outdoor furniture during the off-season or within seasonal sales for a mass reduction in price, for example, during the Winter or Black Friday sales. As the demand for outdoor furniture is not as high during these periods, it should work out relatively cheaper!

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