With so many festivals happening at the moment than thinking of what to wear may be on your mind. From Latitude to Camp Bestival, to Boardmasters, to Glastonbury and the Great British Food Festival, there are festivals out there for everyone. 

So whether you are someone who loves a rave or someone who prefers a family festival here are some ideas for festival fashion and what to wear from 2022 and beyond.

Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are always a good look for a festival. Considering most of the festivals are in the summer, shorts keep you cool and casual looking. Go for denim with some stretch for comfort, and you can stuff your face with the festival food, Obviously don't forget to pack the sunscreen, you don't want to get your knees burnt. 

Classic T-shirt

The classic t-shirt is always a festival staple. You can dress a t-shirt up with some jewellery or just wear it without for the look that never dates. Bring along a jacket too if you are staying overnight. A biker jacket or a cowboy jacket with tassels is on trend at the moment. 

Cowboy boots

Festivals can be a muddy affair, often held in big fields, so what's more practical than a pair of cowboy boots? Even Vogue thinks cowboy boots will be at every festival and park this year, they suggest teaming with maxi skirts and jackets or tops with fringing, to go full-on cowboy.

Co ord outfit

So you've got the denim shorts and classic t-shirt for the day but at night the dance music goes up a notch. Alternatively, you are going to a dance festival and want an eye-catching look. So get women's co ords you can wear day or night to stand out in the crowd. A co-ord or two-piece matching set, in some figure-hugging material, will ensure you will get noticed at any dance party or rave

Crochet dress

If you want to go for a bohemian look with a flashback to the 60s, then embrace the crochet trend that's now all the rage again. Crochet dresses are super cute and airy and can be worn over cycle shorts and crop tops to protect your modesty, depending on how revealing they are.

Bucket hat

To protect you from the British sun, which we've had a lot of this year for once, then don't forget a hat and sunscreen. A good old bucket hat can do the job, a floppy hat for a girly look or a Stetson to go with the cowboy look. Pair them with a pair of chic sunglasses, a friendship bracelet, and a raffia tote and you are good to go. 

Funky jacket

The last item on my list is a funky jacket. Whether you are wearing a fringed jacket or going Barbour cool, then check out vintage or charity shops if you don't have a suitable one in your wardrobe.  Jackets can be really pricey and it can be an absolute steal if you find one second-hand. Other places to try include e-Bay and my favourite - the Vinted website or app. 

So here is my festival fashion round-up. Check out my festival packing tips for a first timer too.  Have fun at whatever festival you end up in.

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Introduction

Crystals have grown in popularity over the years and serve various purposes. Crystals vary in decoration and design and some believe they have healing properties. Being interested in crystals can signal the beginning of a journey of self-discovery.

Getting the right crystal involves listening to your heart rather than your head most of the time. In this case, being selfish pays off as getting a crystal that appeals to you the most will bring much joy to you rather than simply going with what’s in fashion.

A popular stone frequently purchased especially by young people, rose quartz symbolizes everlasting unconditional love that is often associated with the heart chakra.

Rose quartz stones are often sourced from the continents of South America and Africa, with most coming from Brazil, India, and South Africa. Their powerful association with love naturally makes them associated with the heart, over which they are commonly worn to invite love into your life.

For those who have love in their lives or are currently seeking love, having the presence of a rose quartz stone in your life it is said can open up the door to love and strengthen the current love you have in your life.

Moonstone

For the more vulnerable and emotional amongst us who might need more support, the moonstone is the perfect stone to aid in your journey of self-discovery and self-love.

It is said that moonstone also allows you to keep your neuroticism at bay and keep your emotions in check while increasing your overall focus in life and making you get in touch with your spiritual self.

For the stone to be used effectively, place the moonstone along your root chakra for one minute, while visualizing the centre of your root chakra emanating a bright red glow. Repeat this exercise along with your other chakras as you continue to visualize their corresponding colours and feel the bad energies in your body leaving through your legs and exiting into the earth.

This exercise, when done routinely, will allow you to feel calm and balanced, ready to seize the day without your emotional baggage weighing you down.

Shungite

One of the most popular stones for those looking to get in touch with your spiritual self, shungite is a protective stone that helps you to shield your inner energies from electromagnetic frequencies, helping you to further ground yourself into your present reality and focus your mind and body on applying yourself productively to your duties.

Some of the oldest and rarest shungite stones are currently found in Russia, with other mineral sites found in various countries such as India and the Congo.

Shungite works best by wearing a piece of jewellery, be it a necklace, bracelet, or even an anklet. It is said that by focussing your attention on the jewellery and drawing deep, rhythmic breaths during moments of distress, you will find the stones healing energy drawing you back into the present moment and helping you achieve a state of peace and tranquillity.

Citrine

One of the teachings of mindfulness is being in the present moment and grounding yourself in reality. The citrine stone allows you to do just that and also helps you to manifest happiness, joy, and positivity into your life.

An exercise that works best with the citrine stone is holding it in your hands while visualizing your goals as a distinct foreign object outside your body. Use the energy you receive from this stone to push this object toward an area that you associate with success and welfare. This will allow you to constantly associate your goals with success and further manifest positivity in your life.

Finally, do not forget to express your gratitude toward your citrine stone, as gratitude is one of the hallmarks of happiness and joy — the more you give, the more you can open up your heart to receiving.

Black Jade

Perhaps one of the most common desires amongst those who actively improve their lives is fulfilling the needs of your highest self. If this sounds like you, consider investing in a black jade stone to allow yourself to heighten your intuition to better guide you through the challenges of life.

Black jade can be used whenever you are embarking on a new adventure or during important events such as a business meeting where you might need greater clarity of mind. The black jade stone will bring out the best of your intuition, and steer you toward attaining positive energy in your life.

When you get your first home you want to make it your own as soon as you can. So whether you have a big budget or a small budget here are some of the best ways to add your personality to your home to make it yours.

Get the kerb appeal

Kerb appeal is one way to make your home your own. Do some simple things like tidy and remove any rubbish from the front garden if you have one, add some hanging baskets with pretty flowers if that's what you like, or add some plants in pots to frame your door. If your front door is shabby, sand and repaint it, maybe in a bright colour, and add some new door furniture like a new knocker and letterbox. If you have the budget a new door makes a great impression as well. 

Decorate with personal photos

Personal photos are a cost-effective way to make your home your own. I have a photo of New York that I printed on canvas that is decorating my computer room. Have a professional photo shoot with the family if you have the budget and use these on your walls. If not just take some fun family snapshots and make a collage. There are many ways of decorating your home with personal photos.

Have a feature wall

A feature wall is a sure-fire way to personalise your home. In your lounge or bedroom think about getting a neon sign that's personal to you, you can get some great custom signs that can make your home look special. If you are looking for a feature wall for your bedroom, find some really cool wallpaper you like, several companies do interesting wallpaper so let your mind run wild with jungle prints, tropical vistas or even a city skyline.

Get a stand-out light feature

An unusual or stand-out light feature can be that interesting item you need to personalise your home. From unusual outdoor lighting to make the garden perfect for twilight parties, to a chandelier for your dining room if you like a grandeur style. From super modern futuristic designs to over-the-top pendants and chandeliers there are light features for every person's style. 

Make the bedroom your own

Make your bedroom your own in your own unique style. This doesn't have to cost the earth. For duvet covers think animal print, a tropical beach, or pretty florals, and mix and match with cushions and pillow cases. If you love plants why not fill your bedroom with some interesting evergreen plants or hang a work of art on the wall that you love? Or get an unusual headboard that reflects your personality. There are many ways to make your bedroom your own, and as not many will see inside this is where you can be as extrovert as you like. 

So here are some of the best ways to personalise a new home, whether you are on a budget or can afford some luxurious touches. Do you have any ideas? What have you done to your home?

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Benelux is an area of western Europe that covers Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. It's also known as the Low Countries as they are on a plain near the North Sea. These countries have several things in common including their landform and climate.  

Transport Links

Getting to this area from the UK you would fly to one of the cities in Belgium, The Netherlands or Luxembourg, take a ferry for example to Zebbruge or Amsterdam, or take the train. Personally, I would take the London to Amsterdam train if you are starting your trip in the Netherlands or take the Eurostar direct to Belgium if you are starting your journey there. There is so much to see in these three countries so here is an overview and brief guide to some of the best sights in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. 

Belgium

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. The biggest cities are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the world's smallest countries and is famous for being the second richest country in the world. The biggest cities and towns are Luxembourg City, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Dudelange, Schifflange, and Bettembourg,

Luxembourg City is one place I've wanted to visit for a long time. The capital city has a historic centre which is UNESCO preserved. Perfectly walkable take in the sights such as the Wenceslas ring wall, and a view of the Alzette valley. At certain times of the year, you can do a guided tour of the underground tunnels. Get around with the free public transport (yes you heard that correctly!). 

Esch-Sur-Alzette, the second largest area by population is relatively small with a population of just over 28,000. It has the National Museum of the Resistance and the Escher Tier Park which is a great park for children with deer, goats and rabbits. 

So here is a brief guide to what to see and do while travelling around Benelux. If you are thinking of doing this I recommend getting a map, planning a route to take in the major sites and just enjoying the experience! Have fun.

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Installing an outside tap is one of the wisest moves you can make, whether you've been in your house for more than 20 years and haven't gotten around to it or moved into your new place. Of course, we're not promising that installing an outside tap will increase the value of your home, but the advantages you'll enjoy will significantly improve your garden's usability, particularly in the summer.

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Portgual is an exciting and popular tourist destination known for its historic cities like Lisbon and Porto, but did you know that it has several national and natural parks that are stunningly beautiful too? So whether you are looking to do a self-guided tour or looking for one of the many organised Portugal tours, here is some information about what you can see in the national and nature parks of Portugal. This is an advertorial.

How Many National Parks Does Portugal Have?

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

In the very north-east of the country, the Serra da Peneda and Serra do Gerês combine to make the only official national park in Portugal. It is over 695 square KM in size and its two highest peaks are Serra Amarela and the Serra do Soajo. The valleys in this national park have lots of lush green land, streams and forests of pine and oak. There are many animals to look out for in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês including the gold-stripe salamander, the Iberian frog, wolves, boars, otters, buzzards, golden eagles and red kites amongst others. 

Parque Natural do Alvão

Parque Natural do Alvão is a protected area in the Tâmega and Douro Subregions of northern Portugal. This park is the smallest of all the natural parks in Portugal. The area is mountainous and is approximately 72 sq KMs in size. Trees in this area include oak, hazel, holly and chestnut. Animals that populate the area include wild boars, roe deer, rabbits and hares and reptiles include the Iberian emerald lizard and the Latastei viper. It is also home to Fisgas de Ermelo, one of several waterfalls in the park

Parque Natural do Litoral Norte 

Parque Natural do Litoral Norte is located in the northern area of Portugal on the coast. This park was created to preserve the sand dunes and wildlife of the area. It has over 140 species of birds in this area and other animals include hedgehogs, squirrels and boars as well as lizards and snakes. It is an area of intense agricultural activity too. 

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is situated in the largest mountain range in Portugal and also has the highest peak in Mainland Portugal, making it a popular destination for skiing in winter. It is over 100 KM2 in size and is home to the wall lizard otters, badgers, and wild cats as well as large flocks of sheep. The flora of the area includes black oak, juniper and the gentian, a plant in danger of extinction.

Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais

Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais is a natural park of 145 km2. Being close to Lisbon, it is a popular area and has many points of historical interest. This area is very rich in flora and fauna and animals found here include badgers, wild rabbits, weasels, kestrels and the Peregrine falcon. There are many beaches on the edge of the park and a visit to UNESCO Sintra and the Pena Palace, one of the most beautiful municipals in Portugal is worth visiting. 

So here is information about the national park and nature parks of Portugal. There are more nature parks to discover too. Enjoy your visit to Portugal. 

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Your bedroom is the space where you unwind and relax. If you are looking to upgrade this environment and make it more luxurious you may not know where to start. Well, I am here today to help you. 

Let's have a look at 7 ways to make your bedroom look more luxurious... and this doesn't have to cost the earth.

Choose your headboard wisely

A statement headboard can really add a luxury element to a room. Whether it is a big bold headboard, one made of velvet or a unique design, a headboard can be a real focal point to a room and a statement headboard can easily add that luxurious touch.

Have wardrobes fitted

Having fitted sliding wardrobes can integrate your wardrobe space seamlessly into your bedroom. This can make your bedroom look elegant and luxurious. It also frees up lots of floor space. Just be sure not to clutter the area where your free-standing wardrobe would normally be. Another point is that the cost of fitted wardrobes can be balanced out by the value it adds to your home if you go to sell.

Up the glamour with lighting

The lighting you choose can add that much-needed glamour and luxury to a room. It's one easy way to add a little luxe.  You can also pick up lighting at surprisingly budget prices too. Choose a mix of mood lighting and brighter lighting for different functions. An over-the-top chandelier could be a great choice, or gold or silver tone lamps.  

Think of the soft furnishings

When you go to a high-end hotel you often have cushions on the bed in soft fabrics, well why not recreate this at home to give your bedroom that boutique hotel feel? Throws on the bed and a soft fluffy rug can also add that glamourous look. Materials that add luxury include chenille, velvet, satin, and silk. 

Frame the window

Think of how you want to frame the window to add that luxurious touch. Curtains that are extra wide with plenty of material add that opulence you wish for.  A soft sheer net (yes nets are not just for grannies!) can be used for privacy. If you want that California beach look, wooden shutters can add that luxurious touch. They are also great to block out light for those light sleepers amongst you. 

Flooring is important

There is nothing like a soft high pile carpet under your feet for that living in luxury feel. If you are not a fan of carpet then herringbone wooden floorboards are a great alternative. Be sure to treat them to protect the wood and make the finish hard-wearing. You can always add a rug to soften the look. 

It's all in the fragrance 

Have you ever stayed in a hotel room and it smelt fabulous? Chances are they use a room fragrance for that fresh and clean smell. Some of the high-end hotels in Las Vegas for example are known to use a fragrance to add their unique fragrance and ambience to their hotel lobbies and rooms. Find a room spray or candle you love and use it in your bedroom. Of course, always be careful around candles and never sleep with them lit. 

So here are 7 ways to make your bedroom look and feel more luxurious.  Visit here to find out more about fitted bedrooms. 

If you have a small business then you know where every penny goes, after all, your business is your baby. So when you are looking for marketing options, especially for the first time you may be nervous. How can you spend your marketing budget wisely? 

What is digital marketing?

Digital marketing is a form of marketing that uses the internet, and other online technologies such as apps, websites, emails and social media to promote your business. There are many benefits of using digital marketing such as increasing the awareness of your brand, driving sales and being cost-effective, so let us explore this more.

Drives Sales

Digital marketing can really drive sales. An e-commerce website can show your products to people around the world. Having a way to buy your products online is almost essential for a business these days too. A well-designed website can help you form a good impression on your prospective customers. It can also help you nurture your leads and get more conversions. But, more importantly, it provides good user experience. In reality it would make perfect sense to outsource this and get help from professional web designers, and it doesn't matter whether you are looking for web design Melbourne or web design in Manchester, it's important to look for web designers with a good track record providing easy to navigate websites. Setting up social media, either yourself or through a social media manager is another way of getting your business out there. Posting offers and sales on social media with photos of the products raises brand awareness and drives sales. Having an email newsletter can also get your news and products out there and drive sales too. 

Increases Your Reach

Digital marketing can increase your reach to other markets that you may not reach with traditional marketing like newspapers and magazines. This is where SEO can help. SEO or search engine optimising is a way of ensuring your website is at the top of the search results for what you sell. Unless you have a good knowledge of SEO it's worth employing an SEO agency to help you do this. After all, you can't always be an expert in everything.

Is Cost-effective

Traditional ways of advertising such as billboards, radio, TV, newspapers and magazines can be expensive. Digital marketing can be surprisingly cost-effective and also can be highly targeted. For example, you can set up a Facebook advert for under £10 and you can target your audience to a geographical area, age of potential buyer and interests. With technology, it's easy to track the response to your adverts such as click-throughs and sales. If something isn't working then you can change it easily too.

Can Increase Trust And Reputation 

Digital marketing can increase the trust in your brand and improve your reputation. It's always a good idea to have comments from customers who are happy with your brand, whether you sell products or provide a service on your website or social media. Ask to use their quotes with permission. Review sites such as Trustpilot can also be used, so encourage past customers to write a review if they are happy with the company. If you have a social media presence for your company, being pleasant and polite on social media is a must, and answering queries promptly can help build trust too.

So here are 5 of the top benefits of digital marketing for small businesses. Do you use digital marketing for your business?

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Have you decided to become an aesthetic nurse but aren't sure what steps to take next? Starting a new career journey can feel very overwhelming. However, you can look forward to seeing what you've accomplished a few years from now.

So, if you're ready to become an aesthetic nurse, keep reading! I've covered all of the critical steps in the article below. Let's begin.

First, you'll need the proper education to become an aesthetic nurse. You'll need to have a Registered Nurse degree to enter the field. The two best options to achieve this are through a two-year program or by earning a four-year Bachelor's degree in a BSN program.

Experts recommend pursuing a four-year degree, although it's not required. Those with a Bachelor's in Nursing make more money than those with a two-year degree. Although, if you work through the two-year ADN, you can still pursue further training to advance your career.

Overall, the first step is to get into a Nursing Degree program. You'll have plenty of options available, so make sure you research these schools as best you can before applying.

Staying Motivated

Your education and training will take the longest when you're trying to become a licensed aesthetic nurse. Many aspiring nurses need the motivation to get through the intense workload that comes with their classes.

Everything should naturally fall into place if you're passionate about becoming an aesthetic nurse. You'll enjoy learning and meeting new people within the field. Plus, you'll eventually have access to a high aesthetic nursing salary.

The average aesthetic nursing salary is $61,858, but you could make more than that with certificates and more working experience.

In short, becoming an aesthetic nurse requires a lot of dedication. You'll need to keep your motivation up by remembering your passions and future salary.

2. Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN

After your degree, you'll need to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This test is required before you can receive your nursing license, which you need to become an aesthetic nurse. The text covers everything you learned in school and is often six hours long.

You must locate your test site and review the exam format before you take it. The NCLEX-RN website has everything you need to know and more, so you'll want to take a look when you have time.

In short, you need to have a license before you can officially become an aesthetic nurse. 

3. Work and Collect Experience

Now that you're licensed, you'll want to find a job within your field and preferred specialty. You should apply for jobs and work on your resume at this stage. You'll find a mentor at the practice you join who will teach you everything they know.

After getting a job as an aesthetic nurse, you must work and gain as much experience as possible. The best way to gain experience as a cosmetic nurse is at a practice, where you can gain hands-on experience. 

Many nurses in the field recommend working for two years to gain experience. Then, you can move to a more experienced job in the field or focus entirely on your speciality.

Required Aesthetic Nurse Skills

While in college and working your first aesthetic nursing job, you'll want to spend a lot of time working on essential skills. For aesthetic nursing, these functional skills include: 

• Communication: You need to answer patient questions thoroughly and accurately. You'll also have to communicate with other team members easily.

• Attention to detail: You must pay great attention to small details to ensure your patient is safe during procedures. Plus, you want to give them good results.

• Compassion: Nurses need to have empathy, no matter their field. You need to understand your patient's wants and needs.

• Working with equipment: Aesthetic nurses use a variety of tools and equipment. Before using them on your patients, you'll need to be very familiar with them.

Having this skill set is essential for this career path. You'll want to work on them constantly as you gain experience at your first job. Overall, these skills can lead you to better career opportunities, so you'll need to hone them as much as possible.

Aesthetic nurses can work in a variety of environments. Some of these settings can include: 

• Clinics 

• Med spas

• Dermatology practices

• Private practices

• Outpatient practices

You'll have your choice of where you want to work because this job is very in-demand today. You can choose the setting, allowing you to pick a practice where you feel the most comfortable. 

4. Consider Becoming Certified

Becoming certified isn't required to be an aesthetic nurse, although it's a good idea with numerous benefits. You'll have more, higher-paying opportunities open up to you. Plus, becoming certified shows that you have ample nursing experience and knowledge. 

You can receive certification through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board, also known as the PSNCB. Many cosmetic nurses receive the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certificate through this process.

However, you'll first need to do the following to be eligible for certification:

• Have a current RN license.

• Have at least 1,000 hours of practice in core specialities over the past two years.

• Have a supervising physician endorse you.

• Have at least two years of experience within one of four core aesthetic nursing competencies:

• Facial plastic surgery

• Dermatology

• Ophthalmology

• Plastic or aesthetic surgery

With a certification, you can offer your patients better care and enhance the quality of their lives— all while having access to competitive pay. Certification has several benefits since it allows you to advance further in your career in various ways.

Are You Ready To Become an Aesthetic Nurse?

Are you feeling more ready to become an aesthetic nurse now that you know the correct steps? You'll enjoy making people happier through your cosmetic procedures and can even improve the quality of life for many. Plus, aesthetic nurses make a high salary, so it's a very valuable position. 

To summarize, you'll first need to go to school, and then take the NCLEX-RN. After you pass, you can work as an aesthetic nurse for a few years to gain experience before you consider becoming certified.