For busy people with hectic schedules, daytime sleepiness can prevent you from fulfilling your duties to the best of your ability, reducing concentration levels, decreasing productivity and making you feel fatigued.
Sure, most people reach for an energy drink or that extra cup of coffee, but consuming excess caffeine can lead to sleepless nights, resulting in a vicious cycle of bad sleep. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent sleepiness that don’t involve stimulants; these 5 IDEAL ways to stop daytime sleepiness.
Implement An Effective Bedtime Routine
Let’s put it plainly; the best way to prevent daytime sleepiness is by catching enough zzz’s the evening before. During the daytime, a whole host of inputs are out there, ready to get your mind going. Although they may not prevent sleepiness during the day, they are enough to stimulate your brain and prevent it from going into sleep mode at night.
Implementing an effective bedtime routine that works for you can train your mind and body to switch off when it gets to bedtime. Try to avoid caffeine and other stimulants in the evening, and dim the lights to create a mellow atmosphere. Listening to music, practising meditation, or having a soak in the tub are suitable additions to an effective bedtime routine.
Hey, we all love a nap, and sometimes, it’s necessary. But everything in moderation, as they say, and this certainly applies to catching a few minutes of sleep in the middle of the day. A longer siesta on the sofa can have detrimental effects on your sleep at night, make no mistake.
Indeed, it’s all about the length of your nap, here. According to the Sleep Foundation, a nap of between ten to twenty minutes shouldn’t pose any problems. But they caution that any more than that could cause problems with your sleep cycle. This is particularly true for naps taken after 2 pm, which ‘’may affect your ability to fall asleep at a reasonable time later that night, potentially disrupting your nocturnal sleep cycle’’.
If you are going to nap, follow the expert’s advice; keep it short and do it early.
Create The Perfect Sleep Environment
If you struggle to get down for the night, you can increase your chances of restful sleep by creating the perfect sleep environment. The optimum temperature for a bedroom is around 16 to 18 degrees. Feeling too warm will make you restless, while a cold room can make it difficult for you to nod off.
Your mattress can have a huge impact on your sleep, too, and as you’ve probably heard before, the average person spends around 33 years in bed. This is reason enough to invest in a comfortable mattress that supports your sleeping style, whether you’re a stomach or side sleeper, an early riser or a night owl.
According to Mattress Research, if you get hot during the night, you might want to consider a latex or memory foam mattress, which boast great breathability. On the flip side, should you suffer from lower back pain, a sprung mattress will likely provide the best support. Consider the unique type of sleeper you are, and hone in on a issue-specific mattress from there.
Finally, your bedroom should be reserved for rest, so you should create a calm and quiet sleep environment. When you are in bed, try to avoid using your phone or watching your favourite series. To stop yourself from giving in to temptation, remove distractions and keep your devices out of reach.
Snoring and sleep apnea can have a huge impact on the amount of restful sleep you get at night and how sleepy you feel in the day. Investing in an ergonomic pillow that combats snoring can make a tremendous difference to your sleep pattern. There are several excellent anti-snore pillows on the market, some of which have been given the thumbs up from the British Sleep Apnoea Association,
Exercise Regularly
Daily exercise can give you an energy boost in the day and make you feel naturally sleepy in the evening. The NHS states that even a short 15-minute walk can make a huge difference. Not to mention, carrying excess weight can be exhausting, and it strains the heart, which makes you feel tired at times when you likely need more energy.
Conversely, exercising consistently can help you lose excess weight and feel more energetic during the day time, as well as helping regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep at night. Result.
Attention reader! Rats on are on the loose in your property. And we’re not talking about the cute, house trained kind, but the disease spreading, dropping dropping type. We’re talking about rats the size of cats that sneak up toilets and invade homes.
Anyway, now that we’ve got your attention, we’d actually like to reassure rather than alarm you. Though we’re loath to reel out that oft quoted statistic, we’re going to anyway; you’re never more than six feet away from a rat in London.
The likelihood of one lingering beneath your floorboards or scuttling across your surfaces in search of crumbs is, frankly, higher than you might think. But rather than sending you into a state of shock and paranoia, we hope this helps you realise that there should be no stigma attached to visiting rodents.
Instead, be aware that because it’s such a common problem, humane solutions are equally easy to come by. We hope this article helps, then; here’s how to rid your home of rats in 5 IDEAL steps.
Keep Up Regular Home Repairs
Prevention is better than cure, as the old adage goes, and in terms of pest control in the domestic setting, never has a truer tone been struck. Indeed, a house in dilapidated condition is not just an open door to rat infestation; it’s a ‘make yourself at home, we’ve put the kettle on…how do you feel about moving in?’ kinda come on.
If you’re falling behind on home repairs like degraded siding or roof leaks, then chances are that you’re letting access points for rodents develop over time. Keeping on top of your home maintenance will go a long way towards preventing you from having to share your living space with these rodents.
Block Tunnelling Access
One of the ways that rats get into your home other than the obvious (holes in your walls and ceilings) is actually from below; starting underground and burrowing their way upwards. Rat paws are made for burrowing deep and dexterously, so in order to prevent rats from using their tunneling prowess to gain access to your home, you should set up mechanisms to block their efforts.
The best way to do exactly this is to line the ground right next to your exterior walls with pavement stone set into the earth. Rodent digging efforts will be stymied by pavement stone without fail.
Store Food Securely
Rats are as one track minded as the rest and best of us. And the reason rats are so intent on gaining access to your home isn’t so they can have a soak in your tub or watch Netflix. It is, of course, to find food.
If you leave fresh food, easily accessible packaged food, rubbish containing food, or debris from previous meals lying about your home in a careless fashion, you’re just asking for rodents to invite their whole nest over for a chowdown.
The guys at toplinepestcontrol.co.uk emphasise the importance of storing your food more securely. Keep groceries away in a closed pantry and never leave food open on the counter overnight (this includes plates and pans needing to be washed up). Sweep, vacuum, and mop your kitchen regularly so that there aren’t any food scraps on your house’s floors to tempt rodents in. What’s more, you should take your garbage out regularly, though don’t leave particularly fragrant foods in the trash, outdoors, overnight or you’ll only be attracting more interest.
Check If The Council Is Responsible
Good news; your landlord or the council may well be responsible for dealing with your pest problem. If you’re renting, your landlord should sort out pest control if repairs are needed to stop the pests getting in or an infestation makes your home difficult or unsafe to live in. You may incur responsibility if your actions and routines encourage pests to visit, but we’ve already dealt with that above, right?
You should contact the council first, prior to professional services, to seek assistance. Should they not be forthcoming, then it’s time to enlist external help…
Call Pest Control
If these preventative measures fail, then, as Phoenix Pest Control emphasise, a cure is in order. Rather than raising the white flag and resigning yourself to life with new rodent housemates, consider calling a professional pest control service, who will be able to diagnose the exact problem that is allowing rats entry into your home and then deal with that problem accordingly.
If you hate seeing a rodent in your gaff, worry about the hygiene implications, or have a phobia, then the cost of pest control is certainly well worth the service.
The Bottom Line
There you have it — now that you know of the different strategies on preventing rat infestation, all that remains is for you to start implementing these in your home. Pretty soon, you’ll be proud to say that you live in your home without any little furry four-pawed pests around to spoil the fun.
It’s coming up to that time of year when we’re all panicking about the presents that we haven’t bought yet and the ideas we’ve been out of for several Christmasses past.
Whilst gift giving should be a great pleasure (always better to do so than to receive, hey?), if you’ve got someone in your life that’s particularly difficult to buy for, then the festive season can quite quickly turn into quite the chore.
And amongst the most discerning gift-receivers in the world? Why, it’s the aesthete in your life, of course, whose eye for detail, nuance and nicety is razor sharp and, let’s face it, sometimes a little judgemental.
You wouldn’t have it any other way. But nobody wants to be judged on their taste, or how well they know their Monet from their Manet. So, if you need a little help when it comes to a gift suitable for an art connoisseur, then we’ve got your back; here are 5 IDEAL Christmas gifts for your arty friend.
A Workshop Day
Creating a piece of art together is the perfect way to spend a day of quality time. There are lots of options for making artwork and you can tailor it entirely to your friend.
Making pottery together is a popular choice, from classes where beginners can learn how to throw down on the wheel to more advanced sessions aimed at those who’ve used clay before. Or, there are workshops just a couple of hours long where you can paint a piece of pottery that’s already been made for you. Check out Time Out’s rundown of the best pottery classes in London for more on that.
If your friend is into beautiful jewellery – hey, who isn’t? – then you could try a casting workshop where you can learn how to make a mold to pour molten silver or pewter into. These kinds of workshops are fascinating because you can both learn something that’s totally new to you. Some workshops charge by the weight of the piece that you create, whilst others use less expensive metals to keep prices low, so be sure to choose the right one for your budget.
A Beautiful Game
If you’re going to be spending plenty of time with your friend during the holiday season then sometimes a gift that you can both enjoy is a good idea. Playing a game together is a good way to break up the mince-pie-eating monotony of that all too familiar no-man’s-land between Christmas and the New Year, so why not choose an arty one?
There’s no doubt that plenty of games are arty nowadays, as long as you pick the right kind. Board games are an obvious choice with titles like Fresco and Pastiche putting art right at the centre of the game.
Video games from a small group of indie designers can be a great choice as well, with point-and-click story titles often putting beautiful illustrations before everything else. Some of the most visually striking include LittleBigPlanet 2, Journey, and Child of Eden.
Exhibition Tickets
For friends who are art students, lecturers or just have particular artists that they absolutely love, there might be no better present than an exhibition ticket.
Keep an eye out for any of the names that they mention and do a quick Google search to see if there are any shows on at the moment. Some shows are free to enter, with many exhibitions (even those of famous names) not clocking in at much over a tenner. All that means you’ll have plenty of time left over on the day to have a nice lunch together or a drink somewhere fancy beforehand.
In London, as we’re sure you already know, the majority of museums and art galleries in London are free to enter, with restrictions only existing on select exhibitions. So, that’s a month of the V&A, the Science Museum, Design Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Tate, the National Gallery and so many more. Result!
If you’ve made it to the end of this list and still haven’t spotted a present that your friend would love, then maybe the obvious answer is an actual piece of art. Think carefully about the spaces that they have in their home and choose something accordingly.
They might love a dark painting with vivid reds and inky blues for the living space, but it might not be the right piece of art for the office. If you’re fortunate enough to be a gifted artist yourself then you could even make them something. Homemade gifts are one of the most thoughtful presents that you can give, so why not spoil them this festive season?
And with that, our easel is calling us. Have a great, artistic Christmas!
The colder months have their own magic and mystery, there’s no doubt about it. Although the days may be colder and shorter, the season compensates by turning ordinary landscapes into winter weather fairy tales waiting to be explored.
Perhaps unsurprisingly considering our desperate desire to escape the truly bleak months, recent ABTA research suggests a 16% increase in winter holidays in recent times. Whilst some visitors are thrilled by the first snowfall, others are eager to escape the harsh temperatures, and whichever camp you fall into, if you’re yearning for an exciting winter holiday, below are 14 top destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
The Maldives
Aside from being a true paradise, the Maldives are the perfect destination for escaping the cold and soaking up the tropical sunshine. The winter climate is mostly dry weather with moderate humidity. The air temperature here stays in the 25 to 30-degree range all year, while the water temperature seldom falls below 26 degrees.
Given such pleasant weather conditions, the holiday season in the Maldives never stops. You can do several things to add variety to spice up your holidays, including diving to experience the underwater world with certified dive instructors and trying out one of the active sports provided by the hotels. Or, you can simply kick back in your resort, luxuriating in the pure indulgence of it all.
France’s 3 Valleys is one of the world’s most diverse terrain and ski routes. It houses several amazing ski resorts, including Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens. Courchevel stands out due to its unwavering emphasis on the good life. With attractions such as sledging and a fantastic après-ski scene, the Courchevel is one of the top winter holiday locations if you enjoy skiing. You can also experience Michelin-starred restaurants, mountain sculptures, and so much more. What’s not to love?
Are you looking to experience a more tranquil city centre boasting lots of attractions during the winter? Amsterdam is appealing all year round, sure, but the downtown neighbourhoods and museums do tend to get packed out during the summer. Because it is a fairly small city centre with many tight streets, visiting during winter gives you more room to explore.
With winds sweeping in from the North Sea, the Dutch capital might get a little chilly in the winter, but don’t worry – the Dutch have the right snug retreats for warming your cockles in old-fashioned brown cafés. These celebrated taverns are at their finest during winter, and their warm, golden glow invites you in from the cold. These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Amsterdam.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s summer season begins in December and lasts until February, making it a popular destination for travellers looking to escape the harsh winter weather of the Northern Hemisphere. Average daily temperatures range between the mid-70s to the low-80s, making it ideal for surfing and kayaking at Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour.
This time of year is jam-packed with must-see athletic events and celebrations, including the Australia Sail Grand Prix and the city’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Since tickets can be pricey during this popular period, it would be best to buy your tickets early.
Sydney is also an amazing place to eat, drink and party. Do check out our guide on doing just that here. Cheers!
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa offers so much to see and do during winter. Cape Town, for instance, offers everything from stunning beaches to terrific hiking, and it’s not far from the world’s top wines. Cape Town is one of the top winter tourist locations with wonderful matching weather. Winter in South Africa is a whole other experience.
There are fascinating museums in Cape Town, wine-tasting rooms in the Cape Winelands, and pleasant beaches on the Garden Route. You may even gain exclusive access to some of South Africa’s most famous landmarks and activities, all from a base in the city. Cape Town’s food scene isn’t half bad, either!
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos islands’ winter months are characterised by warm weather, which can rise to the mid-80s. It offers plenty of possibilities for scuba diving and watching wildlife. Even though it is technically the rainy season, the rain showers are short, and the sun lights the skies most days.
You can observe many sights when you visit in December. For instance, you can see male marine iguanas flashing bright colours during the mating season, fresh hatched giant tortoises, and waved albatrosses before they depart for the season. You can also experience more action, including the Santa Cruz Island carnival, if you stay until February. Any excuse for a longer holiday, hey!
Adelaide isn’t usually at the top of people’s lists when visiting Australia. However, it is an affluent winter destination. The weather is mainly dry and appealing for exploring the city and nearby wine regions. Adelaide boasts several charming alley pubs and cafes, great restaurants, and roaring fireplaces ideal for unwinding with a soft red wine.
The city’s ancient architecture is exquisite, and the surrounding remote regions represent beauty in the Australian countryside. Adelaide getaways have a vibrancy reflected in the local vegetables, outstanding wines, small villages, and pleasant people.
There’s a lot to discover and do in this destination throughout the winter, with the city throwing a whole host of events that bring the city to life with music, dancing, and theatrical performance. There is also a wacky fringe festival, running from mid-February to mid-March, for individuals searching for more diversity!
Lake Tahoe, United States
While many seek warm winter vacations in the USA, like Hawaii’s tropical beaches or Florida’s sunny Miami, Lake Tahoe offers a different kind of winter magic.
Sure, the winters at Lake Tahoe provide lots of snow, but the temperatures remain relatively mild, not often dipping below freezing. This makes the scenic lake on the California-Nevada border a fantastic destination for powder-hounds. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort are among the ski resorts to consider.
You can visit a nearby casino or curl up by a fire at one of the lodges in the area when you need to warm up. With accommodation costs rising during the increased tourist season, booking your lodgings in advance can help you save on your holiday budget.
For travellers from the UK looking for an unforgettable journey, Egypt offers an extraordinary blend of ancient history and vibrant seaside resorts. Unlike the tropical climate of the Maldives, Egypt enjoys a warm desert climate, ideal for winter escapes with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees.
An Egypt holiday package from the UK is a dive into the past, where you can explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and sail on the Nile. Cities like Cairo and Alexandria offer a bustling urban experience rich in history and contemporary Egyptian culture.
Hurghada, a gem on the Red Sea coast, is a highlight of any Egypt holiday. Known for its spectacular coral reefs and aquatic sports, Hurghada is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The city also boasts luxurious resorts where you can unwind on sandy beaches, enjoy water activities, or soak in the sun. In the evenings, Hurghada comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment.
An Egypt holiday package from the UK is more than just a trip; it’s an opportunity to experience ancient wonders, cultural richness, and the natural beauty of the Red Sea, all under the warm Egyptian sun.
Alberta, Canada
Ice skating in Alberta, Canada, is a terrific way to experience fresh snow and a range of lines at Banff National Park’s three resorts. A few resorts, including Banff and Lake Louise, remain open until May so that you can ski long into spring.
Several recreational activities contribute to Alberta becoming one of the greatest winter tourism locations. It has everything for your Canadian winter wish list: glittering vistas, unusual fauna, and comfortable lodges suitable for warming up with loved ones. It is also home to the famed Canadian Rocky Mountains (the ‘Rockies’), which change into a spectacular paradise during winter.
Rome, Italy
Winter visitors may visit the Eternal City if they don’t mind donning cold-weather clothes to view historic monuments such as the Spanish Step, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. Many of Rome’s famed summer crowds are kept away by average highs in the 50s, and tourists can stay warm in one of the city’s museums or enjoy a cappuccino or a dish of fresh pasta. You can visit in December to experience the huge Christmas market at Piazza Navona and to hear the Pope hold Christmas eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
All that said, Rome can get prohibitively expensive, fast. For similarly historic explorations of some of Europe’s most significant ancient cultures, in an arguably more affordable setting, consider Greece, and, particularly, the capital Athens.
Vacationers on a tight budget can consider visiting this island off Venezuela’s northern coast. Curacao has white sand beaches and blue seas like other Caribbean islands, but accommodations are less expensive. You can spend your days trekking or diving around Christoffel National Park and its famous peak, or both.
Around the island, there are various pubs, restaurants, and casinos to keep your evenings exciting. Meanwhile, Playa Lagun and Cas Abao Beach are two favourites for the best blue seas and white sand beaches.
The ideal time to visit Curaçao is between December and mid-April, the peak season. You’ll make the most of your stay on this island because most activities occur during the period, including Curaçao Carnival, and the climax is the big street parade in March.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz can be an ideal spot to unwind during the colder months. Not only are there more opportunities to experience the snow up here at 1822 meters above sea level than nearly anywhere else, but the iconic Alpine community also provides guests with a wide variety of distinctive holiday activities and experiences.
An Alpine world of sport, arts and culture, well-being, and exquisite gastronomic delights awaits exploration. Are you looking for must-do activities for your St. Moritz winter holiday bucket list? There are many to consider, including surf over, teatime in St. Moritz, Museums and galleries, hikes under a full moon and nightlife. You can also take an amazing adventure on the snow safari or enjoy a private spa and whirlpool to relax and calm your mind in a luxurious ambience in several hotels in and around St. Moritz.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Despite being so close to the rainforests and surrounding mountains, Rio de Janeiro does not have highly wet seasons compared to other Brazilian cities. Many people believe it’s the finest season to enjoy a beach. There’s plenty to be excited about in Rio de Janeiro, from the famed Carnival to the iconic New Year’s Eve events on Copacabana Beach. Don’t forget to bring your bikini!
What’s left to say that hasn’t already been said about Thailand’s capital Bangkok? Well, you might find something here, in our 9 IDEAL travel tips for getting the most out of Bangkok. Bon Voyage! Or, as they say in Thailand, สำนวนในการอวยพรให้เดินทางโดยสวัสดิภาพ!
While much of our body regenerates throughout our lives, some of our body parts stay with us from childhood to retirement. This is most prominently felt in our bones and teeth, so taking particular care of them is a must. Modern life can sometimes get in the way of our oral healthcare, be that through failing to attend regular check-ups, missing out flossing or not hitting that minimum two minutes. It shouldn’t have to be this way, at any stage in your life. Here’s our IDEAL guide to a life’s worth of good oral health.
0-3 Years Old
Even though we start our lives with a set of milk teeth that will naturally fall out around the age of 6 or 7, looking after your baby’s teeth is as important as looking after adult teeth. Not only will this establish good oral hygiene for the rest of their life, but looking after their milk teeth could also have an effect on the adult teeth that are yet to grow. To give your baby’s teeth the best care possible, you should brush them gently from the moment that they break the surface, using a small smudge of speciality children’s toothpaste to do this.
To clean their teeth thoroughly, you should brush in small circles and encourage them to spit the toothpaste out, as swallowing toothpaste can be potentially harmful. Choosing a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles and a small head will allow you to reach every part of your baby’s mouth. This will stop you harming or aggravating the teeth or gums, which are often more sensitive than adult teeth.
You should also look into registering them for a dentist immediately after they are born. This ensures that they are familiar with the dentist’s waiting room and alleviates potential fear and anxiety as they get older. Although it may be hard to encourage your baby to enjoy having their teeth brushed, discomfort can be eased by sitting them on your lap with their head resting on your chest, making the process more comfortable for them and easier for you.
3-6 Years Old
When your child reaches toddlerhood, the focus should be on trying to establish a routine that will set them up with good oral hygiene for life. Routines are vitally important at this age, and incorporating two minutes of brushing into your morning and evening care is important to maintain good brushing technique.
Children between 3 and 6 years old should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and should still be supervised until the age of seven and even older if you have concerns about their dental hygiene. If you do have concerns, you can educate them about the best way to brush their teeth by brushing your teeth with them, guiding their hand to show them the correct movements, or by using a mirror to show them how to brush correctly.
At this age, all children should be encouraged to spit after brushing. However, you should ensure that they avoid rinsing, which can stop the fluoride from being as effective. In terms of toothpaste, children should be using toothpaste with no more than 1,000 ppm of fluoride. This could be potentially damaging to their softer and more malleable teeth.
To encourage children to brush if they are reluctant, you can make brushing into a fun part of their routine by introducing games and incentives to help them. For example, you could use an egg timer to time how long they spend brushing or start a star chart reward system.
6-12 Years Old
This represents the average age that children begin to get orthodontic treatment such as braces. Although braces used to be considered by some (erroneously) to be unsightly and debilitating, now there are many options to encourage children to accept them with minimal fuss, straightening any dental problems for the future in the process. These include invisible braces and retainers. Orthodontic treatment will most likely to be suggested at routine yearly check-ups if it is necessary.
As Queensway Dental, who offer ceramic braces in London, recommend, braces can benefit your child by correcting overbites, straightening teeth and helping gums. These benefits make it easier to keep their teeth clean and give them a more healthy mouth for the future.
Additionally, this may be the time when your child starts to engage in contact sports more enthusiastically; a healthy endeavour but one which can potentially damage your child’s teeth. If they regularly play sport, it may be worthwhile investing in a mouthguard or retainers. These lessen the risk of harmful tooth damage that could affect their teeth for a prolonged length of time or even the rest of their lives.
Adults
As you get older, there are more risks and potential damage to your teeth that you need to consider. As an adult, you should still uphold the regimes that were instilled as a child, including brushing thoroughly twice a day and following a proper brushing method. Brushing lightly and slowly is still the best way to brush. Brushing too hard can remove enamel and erode your gums which can lead to issues such as gum disease and bacterial infection, as this will give bacteria spaces between your teeth to enter.
Electric toothbrushes are also worth considering; they can prevent plaque by reaching more of the mouth than a manual toothbrush and covering these areas more thoroughly. This reduces the need for fillings and other treatments. Additionally, you should replace your toothbrush or toothbrush heads once they are worn out or once every three months. This will help you to brush consistently and lessen the chance of bacteria remaining on your teeth.
Additionally, the importance of flossing increases over time. Flossing as an adult can remove bacteria between the teeth and in places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. This will eliminate any potential plaque build-ups and ensure that every part of your tooth remains clean and healthy. To floss properly, you should floss between each tooth using circular movements.
Going to the dentists once a year is also of utmost importance, and often it is vital that you visit the dentist routinely if you are with the NHS. However, as an adult, your dentist may recommend that you visit the hygienist. Hygienists can teach you the best oral care process for you and help you to upkeep both medical and cosmetic care.
65+
Whether you are caring for an elderly person or are an older adult yourself, it is important to know how to look after your teeth as you age.
As your dexterity lessens, it may be helpful to use an electric toothbrush which can help to reach the places that you may not be able to, and it will move of its own accord, decreasing the amount of movement you have to perform. Flexi-grip handles may also be helpful for an elderly person who has difficulties gripping the toothbrush’s handle. If this is not possible, sliding a foam tube onto the handle can take pressure away, making it even easier to grip the handle and, therefore, brush more thoroughly.
If you have dentures, you must keep these clean to the level that you would your own teeth to prevent swollen gums and bad breath. Dependant on the type of denture you have, you should brush them with a non-abrasive denture care product and place them in a cleaning solution overnight or for four hours each day. This will help keep them as clean as possible and will ensure good oral hygiene while they are in use.
It’s undoubtedly autumn; the kids are well and truly ensconced back at school after what seemed like an endless summer, the clocks have changed, and the compost heap might still contain the last remnants of hollowed out pumpkins that look scarier in their current state than they ever did on Halloween. Notwithstanding all this evidence, someone forgot to tell the weather!
However, despite what has been described as an ”unseasonably warm’ October”, let’s not fool ourselves that the coming months won’t revert to type.
For starters, climate change can’t alter the fact that for many of us, we’ll be both going to work and coming home in darkness for the next few months. When the mist, fog, ice, rain, snow, hail, and strong winds arrive (if they have not already done so by the time you are reading this), so will the dangers of driving in hazardous conditions.
Statistically, the top ten most dangerous driving days come in late November, December and January. So what can you do to reduce the chances of being involved in a road traffic accident over the Autumn and Winter months?
Getting Prepared For Driving In Adverse Weather Conditions In Autumn & Winter
Get your car serviced – or at least take your car to a mechanic and ask them to check the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster.
Check the tyres – to help reduce the risk of skidding, check your car’s tyre condition and pressure. The current legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but during the winter months, it is sensible to ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth. This should also help increase your car’s fuel efficiency and lower petrol costs, which is not to be sniffed at in the current economic climate.
Check the lights – ensure the front, back, and hazard lights are working and clean. Broken lights make it difficult for you to see the road clearly and harder for other drivers to see you.
Fill up – Always try to keep the car at least half full with petrol; this will reduce condensation and make it easier to start on cold mornings. It also reduces the likelihood of running out of fuel and getting stuck on the side of the road in poor conditions.
Windshield and wipers – It’s a good idea to add some antifreeze screen wash to your wiper fluid and to check the spray nozzles are unblocked.
Keep it clean – road salt is often used during the colder months and can damage the car’s paint; a good rinse or wash will help prevent this.
Via Canva
Now The Car Is Ready For Winter, Make Sure You Are Too
Having an emergency kit in the vehicle will help should you break down, have an accident or be affected by adverse weather. Remember to include: a torch, blanket, first aid kit, water, food, warm clothes and an ice scraper. If travelling in the snow, a shovel can prove helpful too.
Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, that you can also keep it on charge in your vehicle and have the number of your car breakdown service with you so that you can call for help should you need it.
Your Car May Be Ready, But Is Your Driving?
When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to slow down – if you hit bad weather, it’s a given that you should. According to RoSPA, speed is a contributory factor in 11% of all accidents involving injury, rising to 15% in cases involving serious injuries and 25% in the case of fatal collisions. We aren’t just talking about exceeding the speed limit; drive according to the conditions, which may be well below the maximum limit for the road you are on.
Use dipped headlights as soon as bad weather starts to decrease your visibility.
Give yourself more time to react on wet or icy roads. The Met Office advise you to increase the following gap between your vehicle and the one in front to four seconds.
Use your wipers as soon rain, snow, or mist begins to decrease your visibility.
Be extra vigilant in challenging road conditions – don’t get distracted by phone calls or what someone is talking about on the radio.
Give yourself time – if the weather is going to cause you to be late for something, so be it. Better to get there late than not at all!
The phrase “gifts for men” has been searched online by an estimated 96,000 this month alone, and it’s easy to understand why. Men are notoriously difficult to buy for, and with Black Friday sales and Christmas swiftly approaching, it’s time to start ticking off your Christmas shopping list now.
With this in mind, we sought the help of T.M.Lewin’s James Kearns to bring you a premium selection of timeless, stylish clothing and accessories that every man will love this Christmas and beyond.
Knitwear
Cashmere jumpers are an absolute must-have in every man’s wardrobe. Cashmere is renowned for its luxuriously soft, scratch-free texture and heat-retaining capabilities – as well as being lightweight, comfortable, and impeccably stylish. In these colder seasons, a cashmere jumper is the perfect layering piece for every man’s winter wardrobe, whether minimalist or expansive. What more could you ask for in a gift?
If you’re not completely sold on cashmere, Merino knitwear might just be the answer you’re looking for. They are slightly more affordable than cashmere, but don’t let that dissuade you; Merino wool is incredibly comfortable, durable, and practical. The moisture-wicking fabric impressively regulates body temperature, but the breathability allows for wear during the warmer and cooler seasons alike. If your giftee loves the outdoors, Merino knitwear would make for the perfect gift.
Leather Gloves
A classic gift for the refined man. 100% leather gloves exude sophistication and are world-famous for their durability, waterproof qualities, and longevity. Leather gloves will never go out of style, making them the perfect gift for men who want to introduce a touch of elegance into their wardrobes. You could even have the leather gloves personalised for that extra special touch.
Small details can truly elevate an outfit, and that’s where our next pick comes into the picture. Any work or social outfit can be enhanced with a striking pair of cufflinks; from gold to silver, bright to muted, or even personalised. No matter your giftee’s taste, the possibilities are endless. The more adventurous and brighter you opt for, the more likely you are to have a conversation starter on his hand or, rather, his sleeves.
Chelsea Boots
Typically associated with well-dressed men, Chelsea boots are a style all-rounder. Whether the dress code is casual or formal, these versatile shoes can be worn with almost any outfit; from professional workwear to a casual flannel and jeans. On top of that, Chelsea boots are typically crafted from durable, long-lasting Italian leather, making them a wardrobe-elevating gift that will also double as a timeless investment.
We’re particular fans of Blundstone boots, which are enduring and sturdy, and make the perfect gift for a man who appreciates a gift that could well last forever (within reason of course!).
Other Suit Accessories
For the man whose social calendar is packed with work events and formal parties, you cannot go wrong with a accessories for his suit. Think a bow tie, a belt or even some new smart shoes. Alternatively, consider a black merino roll neck so he can subtly dress down his suit for holiday parties with friends and family.
Weekend Bags
If your giftee is always on-the-go, either for work trips or weekend getaways, he’ll be sure to appreciate the practicality of a well-made weekend bag. If they like to travel in style, a leather holdall balances the line between convenience and elegance perfectly. Alternatively, if you’re leaning towards durability, canvas weekend bags are an excellent choice for the outdoorsy man.
Sure, travelling is great, but have you ever set off on a journey free of any baggage? Now, there’s a feeling.
Yep, there’s something so burdensome, so ready to sap that feeling of unbridled freedom which you’re seeking from your holiday, about having to pack your bags. And don’t even get us started on having to carry them!
Instead, it’s all about travelling light for us, with arms left free to embrace any experience (or person needing a hug) that comes our way. Of course, you’ll still want to look the part while doing so, and with that in mind, here’s how to look stylish and keep comfortable when travelling.
Pack Your Staple Pieces
Travel light, of course, but you’re still going to need something to wear on your trip.
The trick here is to keep things streamlined and only bring your most trusted numbers with you. Prioritise items which go together to save on the little space you do have; packing staple pieces will enable you to change things up with each one of them and create different outfits. Versatility is the watchword here; select clothing items that you can easily mix and match.
For example, a plain white cotton t-shirt is a versatile piece that you can wear casually with shorts or jeans. Turn it into semi-formal wear by throwing on a blazer. Or, simple yet smart sweatshirts can be worn in active, dressed down or more formal settings effortlessly. These types of clothes will help you achieve different looks without having to bring the kitchen sink.
We all know how much space shoes can take up in your luggage. And one of the common mistakes in packing is either packing too many shoes or packing the wrong ones. Do neither, and instead bring versatile trainers, boots, or sandals that can be worn comfortably during the journey itself, but are still stylish enough to be paired with various outfits. If you can narrow these attributes down into a single pair, that you wear to board the plane, coach or ferry, then you have nailed this whole packing thing.
Your reward? A flighty, quick footed sashay through the queues and crowds to your destination and a lighter, less cumbersome bag.
Accessorise With Restraint
You don’t need plenty of accessories to make you look put together. In fact, the last thing you need is to be catching your satchel on some oversized earrings or fumbling with your passport because every single finger is adorned unnecessarily.
It’s neither a good look nor particularly conducive to smooth travel. Instead, keep things classic and timeless. Wear your watch to travel, get a pair of simple, refined earrings in and perhaps a good scarf which you can pair with anything, and you’re good to go.
Being over-accessorised runs the risk of you looking like you’ve been backpacking in Vang Vieng for the last few months, which is fine, but perhaps not the chic and stylish look we’re going for.
Get A Chic Carry On Bag
We said we love travelling light already, right? Well, we just love to be solely hand-luggage focused for our trips, and a chic carry on bag is the perfect way to keep things breezy and on trend, too. Choose one with plenty of pockets to help you be organised while travelling; there’s nothing stylish about being in a fluster over lost documents, after all. A duffel bag or a fairly dainty backpack will be worth investing in here.
Last Minute Meditation
If you’re like us, and you like to take your packing right down to the wire (we admit that sometimes we’re still finessing it on the way to the airport), then you’ll know that this last minute approach does you no favours in terms of space saving or looking stylish.
Better in the long term, we think, to pack methodically and with time to spare, allowing plenty of time to squeeze in those vital extras and cut down on the unnecessaries. Determine what’s essential and what’s superfluous by considering the ratios (and what’s more likely to get dirtier, quicker) and pack more tops than bottoms, more casuals than smarts and more dressed downs than dressed up.
Vegetables…you’ve got to love them, right? Providers of nutrition, texture, crunch, piquancy, sweetness, colour, contrast… you name it, and vegetables can bring it to the table.
If you cook them appropriately, that is. For so many in the UK, their idea of vegetables has forever been scarred by school dinners with the same rounds of carrot every day of the week, or by Christmas lunches where your mum had put the sprouts on to boil on Christmas Eve.
But when treated with respect and a lightness of touch, vegetables can be the star of any meal. Here are 6 different ways of cooking vegetables expertly.
SAUTÉING
Sautéing is something of an art form, allowing the cook to bring about a little browning in the humble vegetable, elevating it to dizzy new heights via something called the Maillard reaction. What’s more, sautéing doesn’t use a lot of fat and cooks the vegetables quickly, meaning it’s a relatively healthy method and one that retains the integrity of the vegetable, too.
To sauté, you will first need a skillet or sauté pan (basically, any pan with a handle and sides with a little height so you can flip your vegetables easily).
All you need to do is put your pan on over a high heat, and then add a little oil to the pan. An oil with a high smoking point is needed here, such as sunflower or vegetable oil.
Then, add in your desired vegetables, which have been cut to similar small sizes so they cook quickly, evenly and at the same speed. Then, all you have to do is keep the vegetables moving in the pan, either by using a spatula or a cheffy flick of the wrist, constantly flipping the vegetables until they’re browned all over but still with a bite. This should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
Season whilst your vegetables are still hot, and you’re done!
STIR FRYING
Though there’s a fair amount of largely semantic debate concerning the difference between sautéing and stir-frying, the difference mainly comes down to two things; the pan used and the temperature deployed.
Firstly, the pan; when stir frying, a wok is far and away the most effective pan you can use. Its high sides mean you can flip more skilfully, as well as enabling you to find pockets of lower heat should you need to. Woks are also better conductors of heat, meaning you can get them ripping hot; all in the name of achieving that elusive wok hei.
To achieve this ripping heat, you’ll generally need a stronger heat source, such as those used professionally in Chinese restaurants, than a domestic stove.
That said, if you are able to get your wok super hot, then the process is similar to sautéing; get the wok smoking, add a little oil, then add your vegetables and cook them quickly, keeping them flipping, moving and grooving at all times. Do so, and you’ll be rewarded with vegetables that retain their character, but are elevated by that charred flavour that only the wok can truly bestow.
Roasting makes vegetables crispy and, ultimately, delicious by removing the extra water present in them and caramelising their surface by concentrating the vegetable’s natural sugars. Roasting may take a while but it is one of the most delicious ways of cooking vegetables, so have patience!
In a bowl, add in the vegetables you want to cook, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of oil and mix them up so that the vegetables have just the required amount of oil on their surface, but not to an excessive degree. Now, add seasoning, salt, black pepper, and your favourite dry herbs and spices.
The next part is essential because now you will need to spread the vegetables on your baking tray so that they are sitting separate, giving them space to be roasted perfectly; they all need own little island here, in contact with the bottom of the pan and not in close proximity to their vegetable siblings, otherwise, they’ll steam.
The temperature and the amount of time you roast your vegetables will be down to the vegetable you’ve chosen and how large you cut it but, generally, 220°C for twenty minutes should have your vegetables nicely caramelised but not burnt.
Roast potatoes, a national favourite, are a different matter of course. Check out our guide on how to make the perfect Sunday roast for more on that.
BOILING
Arguably the easiest and most simple method of cooking vegetables is to boil them.
All you really need for boiling vegetables is a saucepan, water, salt and the vegetables you want. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, add a good dose of salt, then boil your vegetables for a short time, the length of which will depend on the vegetable you’ll be using.
Boiling vegetables needn’t mean they’re mushy, collapsing and brown; by boiling them for just a short time, you retain the vegetable’s colour and crunch. Then, all they need is a sprinkle of salt.
Check out these perfect boiling recipesfor a more in depth look at the cooking temperatures and times of various vegetables.
BLANCHING
Blanching follows the same process as boiling, but is generally used as a preparatory measure for a second cooking of the vegetable. Simply cook the vegetables for a minute or two in rolling, salted boiling water before ‘shocking’ them in a bowl of iced water to arrest the cooking process.
Then, you have a blanched vegetable that’s ready for a secondary cooking process, such as finishing over the griddle pan or barbeque whenever you need it. Delicious!
Steaming – the cooking of ingredients over a pan of steaming water in a specially designed steamer or sieve – is a wonderful way of cooking vegetables as the method retains the vegetable’s nutrients in a way that boiling may not. When you boil vegetables, some nutrients may leach out into the water; when you steam them, this doesn’t happen.
Steaming is also an incredibly healthy way to prepare vegetables as there’s no fat required for the cooking process. To retain the very essence of a vegetable, we think steaming might be our favourite cooking method of all.
As with the other methods we’ve discussed, steaming times vary according to the vegetable, though for most leafy green veg, such as broccoli or bok choy, 5 minutes should be sufficient.
Whether your 2022 has been defined by clutter and a lack of somewhere to escape, or you simply hold big, bold plans to expand your home upwards next year, building a loft conversion might just be the change that your home – and your life – needs.
Loft conversions, when done correctly, can add space and value to your property, giving it the physical and metaphorical lift you’ve been seeking. With enough imagination, creativity and elbow grease, it has the potential to be an additional bedroom, a home office, playground for your children, a gym, or even an extra bathroom.
That said, and despite all of that potential which lurks above, this isn’t a job which you can simply click your fingers at to complete. If you’re keen to undertake home renovations in 2023 and are wondering if a loft conversion is a worthwhile investment, here are 5 considerations before adding one.
Separate research suggests that, generally speaking, a loft conversion isn’t as complex or impactful, and could add, on average, £23,754.74 of value to your home.
That said, you’ll need a fair amount of capital available to invest in one, with checkatrade estimating the average cost of a lost conversion is around £40’000.
The particular loft design you go for – as well as your intended use for the space – will depend greatly on the type of property you have.
It’s not inconceivable that, in its current state, your roof’s height just isn’t enough to accommodate a loft conversion. As a rule of thumb, such a conversion is only suitable where at least 2.2 metres separate the bottom of the ridge timber from the top of the ceiling’s joists.
As Touchstone, specialists in loft conversion in Cambridge, tell us, if the head height falls short of this 2.2 metres, you could either raise the roof, which would require you to apply for planning permission and legal approval, or lower the ceiling below, which can result in a whole lot of headache and mess. At this stage, it’s for you to decide if the effort to free up the loft space is worth it.
Indeed, it’s true that no loft design is unique. Whatever conversion type you decide, inspiration has to come from somewhere. This is why sometimes homeowners get caught up insisting on design features that are not feasible with their particular space, dimensions and even budget.
To avoid getting entangled in unrealistic expectations, it’s prudent to hire an architectural expert to advise you from the planning stage. They would guide you in choosing the right material, use of the space and the suitability of the structure. But most of all, they’ll advise from a position of realism. When you design your loft for practicality, it’s easier to maximise on the space available to you.
Permission Granted
The first step to successful planning of any extension is finding out whether you need to apply for planning permission. Not all extensions require it, but most loft conversions do. As such, it’s essential that you take the time to find out what’s required before you begin any work; failing to do so could result in you being asked to remove the extension. This outcome would be devastating, since by then, you will have spent lots of time and money on building.
To find out, the government recommend contacting your local planning authority (LPA). You can do so on the Ministry of Housing’s Planning Portal. Via the site, you can also apply for planning permission.
Though you can do that all yourself, doing so requires some serious, delicate due diligence, piles of paperwork and absolute precision with the measuring tape. Again, an expert in attic and loft conversions will be indispensable in securing that planning permission, knowing which boxes to tick and hoops to jump through.
Building Regulation Knowhow
You’ll need to get approval for building regulation, as it ensures your conversion is structurally sound, fire-safe and soundproof.
Some of the issues here include:
Making sure you get the right fire and safety regulations set up
Floor and beam structure should be secure for the extra room
Soundproofing on walls, floor and ceiling to ensure the noise is properly insulated
Stairs for access to the loft
Walls that support the existing or new roofs where support doesn’t currently exist.
However, if you are doing the work yourself or the tradesperson you are employing cannot self-certify, then you can work with your local building controls department (LABC) to request that their officers come out and certify the work for you. You can find the closest officers to you here.
Of course, having experts on board at this stage will negate the need for you having to seek this building regulation approval yourself. Delegating never felt so liberating, don’t you think?
Party Wall Agreements
Aside from this, the other permission you’ll definitely require is a party wall agreement. This agreement helps to sort out any misunderstanding with neighbours that could develop from work done on the shared wall.
With so much focus falling within your four walls, it can be easy to overlook your neighbour’s. After all, it’s not like you often see this wall, if at all. However, the consumer watchdog site Which? warns that if the conversion work will affect the wall that joins your home and your neighbour’s, you’ll require a Party Wall Agreement.
This agreement is meant to put your neighbour’s mind at rest by ensuring that the work will be carried out fairly without risking damage to the other property. The required risk assessment is, of course, best carried out with the help of those experts we keep extolling!
Consider Swapping Multiple Separate Contracts For One Expert
But who exactly are these experts, we hear you ask?
Well, when it comes to actually building your loft conversion, many head straight to an architect to have their plans drawn up. Whilst this isn’t a bad thing to do, it can lengthen out the process. By utilising a company that provides an all-inclusive service, with access to architectural, engineering and construction advice, you get to enjoy a much more efficient and smooth experience as they deal with everything for you. Streamlining your operation will likely reduce building and labour costs, as well as that all-important time. Result!
So, Is A Loft Conversion Worth It?
It actually depends on what you are looking for. If what you are looking for is to make your loft more functional and aesthetically pleasing then it is definitely worth all the time, money and effort you put into it. However not all loft conversions are going to be good. Some loft conversions may end up causing issues to the rest of the house and in that case a loft conversion isn’t worth it. So there is no definitive answer to this as it depends on several factors.
With that said, most experts agree that a well-done loft conversion can add significant value to your home – which makes it definitely worth considering.
Spring? SPRING?!?!! We’ve barely acknowledged winter’s arrival here, let alone considered Christmas plans and beyond, how can you be so brazen as to mention a rosier time which sits so far away?
Well, we do so because we’re less than two weeks away from the shortest day of the year. After that, the warm glow at the end of the tunnel is visible. And anyway, we need something to look forward to during these bleak last days of November. Aaaaah, Spring.
More importantly, once the milder weather does bless us, you’ll want your garden to be ready so you can enjoy every moment of it. So, why not devote some of the downtime over the festive season (and, perhaps, your Christmas present wish list?) to improving your outdoor space. With that in mind, here’s how to prepare your garden for rest and leisure in time for spring.
The Unrivalled Privacy Of An Enclosed Seating Area
Man, we’d all like to recline in our garden free from the prying eyes of neighbours and the stilted small talk that might lead to. But so often, and especially in the city, that’s simply not possible; you’re practically sharing any outdoor space, even if there’s a token fence between you.
If this sounds all too familiar, then consider an enclosed seating area, ideally placed over a garden patio, decking or other already ‘zoned’ section of your garden. This needn’t be a huge investment or space filler, even an arbour with attached roof can provide the requisite privacy. It’s a bit of project, this, so get a head start on it now so it’s all ready to go when Spring rolls into view.
The Simple, Space-Saving Efficiency Of A Garden Shed
Every homeowner should have a garden shed to house the tools and supplies required to maintain the outdoor space looking its best.
As an alternative to paving over grassy areas, roads, and walkways, you might install shed bases to create a grass grid impression. The addition of slate roofing and some paint can transform your shed into a quaint cottage, perfect for a country or cabin-themed garden.
Creating a wendy house façade for your shed is a popular and low-cost option for helping it blend in with the rest of your landscape. It just needs a new coat of paint, new window treatments, and an outdoor planter to seem like new again.
Alternatively, you might want to consider a garden room, which, contrary to popular belief, isn’t just a souped-up shed. In fact, with a little imagination, it can be so much more than that.
The Pure Indulgence Of A Hot Tub Or Spa
From a striving for privacy to an item which is sure to elicit covetous glances from neighbours. But installing a hot tub in the garden in time for Spring isn’t just about relaxation; the buoyancy, heat and massage provided also provide a range of potential health benefits. Indeed, relieving muscle tension, promoting better blood flow and releasing endorphins are all part of the hot tub package.
When the weather finally does warm up, we can’t think of anything better than being immersed in hot, soothing water and under the stars…there can be nothing more evocative of a garden sanctuary, we think.
The Soothing Soundtrack Of A Water Feature
The calming, gentle sounds of a water feature can go a long way to drowning out the sound of life’s static which is contributing to your stress. With so many designs and placements to choose from, from the tasteful to the tacky, it’s prudent to opt for a water feature that accentuates your garden’s overall style and complements the space, rather than has a jarring effect. We particularly like those which are subtle on the eye and channel the soothing sounds of trickle (as long as we’re not desperate for the loo, that is).
Having lots of green plants and shrubbery in your garden is a proven way to increase your wellbeing and promote positive mental health. Plants and foliage can give a green base of calming relaxation with pops of seasonal colour to accentuate the subtle nuances of a more relaxing space.
Spending time within a garden sanctuary lush with greenery has been proven to have positive effects and can increase your happiness by relieving stress and giving you somewhere to unwind after a hard day of work. This is particularly important when the weather warms up after months of spending too much time indoors avoiding the winter. Just think of all that vitamin D you’ll have missed out on.
The Delicious Self-Sustainability Of Growing Your Own Veg
Perhaps the most pertinent, prudent way to prepare your garden for Spring during Winter is by preparing it (or your allotment, if you’re lucky enough to have one) for the emergence of all those wonderful fresh vegetables that the arrival of a new season heralds. Because the ground is likely to get frosty and the chill in the air could nullify more delicate crops, it’s this time of year that you want be planting robust, hardy stuff like spring and white onions, shallots, garlic and rhubarb, which can cope with the colder weather well.
Even if you’re only planting a select few items, growing your own produce in winter, and tending to your garden accordingly, can bring a connection to the outdoor space you’ll otherwise be lacking this season. Lovely stuff.
Do you have a gamer in the household? The good news is that this year, the wealth of gifts available are unprecedented, with options for all tastes catered for.
Gaming in 2022 is no longer simply a hobby, it’s an entire culture. The gaming world has its own dialects, text-based language alterations, style of humour, memes, references, airs and graces. All of this means that despite the variety of options available for gifts, the world and its vernacular is also an impenetrable one at times.
Gaming has also turned into a profession for many players with top competitors earning millions of pounds from leveraging their online followings into endorsement and sponsorships deals. Yep, gaming is definitely a big deal and getting the right present requires a little research. For that, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what to give a gamer this Christmas; these 6 popular gaming accessories which make excellent gifts.
Blue Light Glasses Or Screen Protectors
If you’ve been a gamer for a while, you’re probably all too used to your eyes getting tired. It turns out that the blue light emitted from your screen can have lasting effects on your eyesight and circadian rhythm (which affects the quality of your sleep, your hormone balance, and your overall health).
There are glasses and screen protectors available on the market that can help mitigate some of this damage so you can keep your eyes sharp for years of gaming to come. A caring gift which also encourages responsible gaming…what’s not to love?
Personalised Items
Nowadays, there are thousands of different options for accessories which make gaming more comfortable and help facilitate endurance, and many of them are customisable depending on your interests, favourite characters, or historical gaming moments.
You can now order equipment of a specific size and design to suit your gaming style (how much space you need to play your best game, as well as how much movement you require) and choose whatever image you want. As such, a personalised gift makes the perfect gift for a teenager this Christmas. Whether you adorn yours with a Leeroy Jenkins meme or an image of CR7 is up to you!
High-Resolution Monitors
Advances in digital imaging mean that players can now enjoy their games in 4K. And judging by the rapid release of 4K games, you can bet these developments are here to stay. High-quality images and detailed video not only make our favourite games more visually compelling, but they can improve your gameplay because you’re able to see things in the distance with more clarity.
Monitor manufacturers have caught on to these developments, and high-resolution monitors are nowhere near as expensive as they used to be. Finding a good-sized, high-res monitor has never been easier or more affordable. As such, they make a fantastic gift for gaming lovers which won’t break the bank.
Device Accessories
Consider elevating their gaming room’s atmosphere with electronic accessories from Statik (other retailers do exist). In addition to the suggested high-resolution monitors above, why not add a touch of brilliance to your loved one’s gaming room with Statik’s RGB lights?
As per PC World’s acclaim, RGB lighting is ubiquitous in the world of PC peripherals, and Statik’s range promises to transform the gaming space into a visually stunning haven.
Whether it’s RGB strip lighting or panels, Statik’s electronic accessories bring the gaming room to life in the most glorious way possible, adding a vibrant and customisable dimension to the gaming experience. It’s not just a gift; it’s a luminous upgrade to their gaming sanctuary.
Ergonomic Chairs
Just as blue light can damage your eyes, so sitting for hours on end while you play your favourite games can damage your back, neck, and hips.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to help keep your posture optimised while you’re sitting to lessen the temptation to slouch and squint and the impact it can have on your body. As any gamer will attest, there are times when you want to settle in for the long haul without hurting yourself! Getting a good quality ergonomic chair for the gamer in your life is a gift that keeps on giving.
Another fantastic technological advancement in the gaming world is wireless devices. If you’re as ancient as us, then you’ll probably recall the complete frustration of giving a game everything you’ve got and, in the final, crucial moments, things get tangled up, unplugged, and then your dog trips over a lead and the whole console comes crashing to the floor.
This type of frustration doesn’t need to be dealt with anymore. There are wireless versions of gaming mouses, gaming keyboards, controllers, and headsets, and it seems like wireless tech is here to stay. This can keep you from missing out on that perfect combo because your mouse got twisted with your keyboard. It can also give you a moment to run to the kitchen for a snack and still hear what your fellow gamers are up to!
Microphones & Webcams
Nowadays, many of us are sharing our gameplay online, either by recording and posting videos, recording podcasts or by live streaming. High-quality microphones and webcams are available to help make this part of the process as easy as possible.
If you’re not too tech-savvy beyond the four walls of warcraft, then it’s best to familiarise yourself with the styles of streaming which are currently popular (the perfect excuse to watch some YouTube videos, we think!) and the elements you need in place for a podcast or live stream. A little research will help you figure out what works best for you and your sharing style.
The above list of gaming accessories is by no means exhaustive. But if you’d like the gaming lover in your life not to get exhausted while they play, then these gift ideas will help facilitate a more comfortable, responsible approach to playing. Now, pass us the controller; it’s our turn!
As we head into 2023, the prospect of the global pandemic fading away feels possible. Many will be emerging from a traumatic two years, squinting into the sunlight and longing for a change in life direction.
Perhaps this will take the form of a move abroad, or maybe a career change? If you’re considering the latter, then rest assured, you’re not alone; UK job vacancies reached a 20-year high between July and September of this year, with many seeking pastures new out of necessity, and others getting itchy feet after going through such a dramatic period of upheaval.
For job seekers, the good news is that there’s never been a better time to be considering a career change, with vacancies available and the power to bargain over salary and benefits very much in the hands of the applicant. With all that in mind, here are 21 in demand careers to consider in 2023.
HEALTH CARE CAREERS
Medical Assistant
If you’re passionate about helping people and want to gain exposure in the medical field, consider medical assistant jobs. This role requires extensive knowledge of anatomy as well as how medications work so that patients can get healthy again! The position offers a flexible schedule for those who are still back in school and provides practical experience for those who may be thinking about a career in healthcare.
Nurse Practitioner
If you want to help others but don’t necessarily want the responsibility of being a full-fledged physician or surgeon (after all, physician burnout is becoming an increasing concern among the profession), then nurse practitioner jobs may be right up your alley.
This role requires extensive knowledge of medicine so that patients can get the most appropriate care possible! In addition, nurse practitioners work with physicians to ensure that clients are getting the best treatment available, working closely with individuals on an ongoing basis.
Personal Trainer
If you love working out, helping others reach their fitness goals, and finding new ways to stay motivated, personal trainer jobs might be perfect for you! This role requires extensive knowledge of anatomy and how to keep clients motivated and working toward their goals. Personal trainers often work with a team of experts, including doctors or nutritionists, who can help bring out the best in each client. There are various channels that can help you find jobs for personal trainers, including popular job platforms like Jooble, Indeed and Reed, as well as through leisure centres and gyms, and even through LinkedIn.
Pharmacy Technician
This role requires extensive knowledge of chemistry and biology so that medications can be dispensed correctly. Pharmacy technicians work directly with pharmacists to ensure that clients are getting the correct medicine for their needs and help keep track of how much inventory is available in a pharmacy at any given time, ensuring a smooth operation!
Occupational Therapist Assistant
If you want to work with people but don’t necessarily have the education or experience needed for occupational therapist jobs, consider OT assistant roles instead. This role requires extensive knowledge of human physiology so that clients can get back on track to living healthy lives again! Occupational therapy assistants work closely with patients one-on-one, and there’s no better feeling than when you know your work is making a real difference in someone’s life.
Dental Hygienist
If you enjoy working with people but don’t necessarily want to be a dentist, consider dental hygienist jobs instead. This role requires extensive knowledge of human anatomy and oral health care so that clients can get healthy smiles again! Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to offer quality care to clients, and there’s no better feeling than when you know that your work is making a real difference in someone’s life.
Similarly, if you’re interested in a similar career path, consider enrolling in a trade school for dental assistants training to gain the skills needed to support dental professionals and provide essential care.
TECHNOLOGY BASED CAREERS
Data Scientist
Technology is advancing exponentially and generating vast amounts of data daily. The need for people who can extract insights from these numbers has never been greater than it is today. Data scientists should be comfortable with statistics, computer science, and mathematics. In addition, they must have an eye for detail, the ability to identify patterns within large data sets, and a strong creative side.
Software Developer
With the world becoming increasingly reliant on technology, software developer jobs are in high demand. This role requires an understanding of computer coding languages, and it can be rewarding work! In addition, software developers often save companies thousands or even millions by creating more efficient systems that help keep costs down over time.
Embedded Software Engineer
With technological advances being made rapidly, embedded software engineers are needed to ensure that devices work correctly and efficiently with one another. This role requires knowledge of computer programming languages to optimise all aspects of an operation for speed or efficiency, ensuring overall safety. In addition, these engineers need to know how computers and devices interact with one another so that known issues can be resolved before they happen.
User Experience Designer
If you’re a designer interested in improving how people interact with your product or service, user experience design might be right up your alley. This career requires a lot of creativity and empathy for users to create the best experience possible. In addition, you’ll need to be able to work on a team and communicate with clients.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAREERS
Social Media Manager
Social media has become an integral part of how modern business is conducted, which means that social media managers are in high demand. This role requires the ability to think critically and strategically while also having a knack for design or content creation, depending on your niche. In addition, social media managers should be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Blogger or Vlogger
If you’ve got a knack for writing and enjoy sharing your thoughts with others, blogging may be the career for you. As more traditional media outlets fold under financial pressure or start to rely on social media influencers instead of journalists, there’s never been a better time to be an independent writer! In addition, blogging is a great way to flex your creativity and often has low entry barriers.
OPERATIONAL CAREERS
Transportation Engineer
If you’re passionate about making the world a better place through your work, transportation engineering might be an excellent choice for you. This role requires civil and mechanical engineering knowledge so that roads and bridges can meet specific needs based on their location in relation to weather patterns or population density. In addition, transportation engineers help ensure safe passage over roads and bridges.
Construction Manager
Like transportation engineers, construction managers are responsible for planning and executing building projects that meet specific needs based on location or clientele. This role requires knowledge of architecture and how materials interact with one another so that buildings can stand up over time. In addition, construction managers work with architects, engineers, and clients to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget so they can be enjoyed for years to come!
Operations Manager
As more companies start to operate with a smaller staff, the role of the operations manager will become increasingly crucial. This person needs to be able to manage large amounts of data while also keeping careful watch over expenses and other financial factors. In addition, they should be able to oversee the hiring process for new employees and manage current staff members.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CAREERS
Child Development Specialist
If you love working with children and want to make a difference in their lives, a child development specialist could be the career change you need. This profession requires knowledge of how children develop over time and the ability to educate parents on raising healthy kids! In addition, you’ll need to be creative and detail-oriented so that you can plan fun, age-appropriate activities for kids.
Teacher
Teachers are responsible for shaping future generations; this is one of the most important professions in modern society. A degree in education is required to become a teacher; however, many schools allow teaching students to start working while still busy with their studies to gain essential experience before becoming qualified. Therefore, considering primary teacher jobs is an excellent way for passionate educators to make a difference in today’s youth. Primary education is the foundation of young minds.
Youth Worker
Helping young people navigate the challenges of growing up and learning to be productive members of society is a rewarding career path. The role requires patience, understanding, and empathy in order to connect with children who may not always feel comfortable talking about their feelings or issues at home, which can make it difficult for them socially or academically!
Social Worker
If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, social worker jobs can be very rewarding. This role requires knowledge of psychology and how to connect with people who are struggling socially or emotionally due to hardships they’ve encountered throughout their life. In addition, social workers work extensively with clients individually, and there’s no feeling quite like making someone feel like they’re not alone in the world.
ANIMAL FOCUSED CAREERS
Veterinarian
If you love animals and enjoy the idea of working with a team to solve problems, becoming a veterinarian might be an excellent career path for you. This role requires knowledge of anatomy and how animals respond to medications so that they can recover fast enough to return home! In addition, veterinarians are responsible for keeping pets healthy throughout their lives.
Veterinary Technician
If you enjoy animal science or biology but don’t necessarily want to be a veterinarian, consider veterinary technician jobs instead. This role requires extensive knowledge of genetics and anatomy so that animals can get healthy enough to return home! In addition, veterinarian technicians work closely with veterinarians daily, and there’s no better feeling than when your hard work directly impacts the lives of an animal in need!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Phew, we made it. If your career’s stuck in a rut and you’re considering what to do in 2022, consider the impact your work can have on others and how much better your life is when you find something that truly inspires you! The careers mentioned above are all expected to grow at or faster than average. However, you will also be glad to know that each of these jobs offers excellent growth opportunities and competitive salaries, so it’s truly a win-win situation!
The Galapagos Islands are, quite simply put, one of the most extraordinary, ecologically diverse places on the planet.
A truly unique destination, a visit to this stunning and remarkable archipelago is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves to be captured in film. With gorgeous landscapes and an abundance wildlife found nowhere else in the world, the Galapagos is an animal lover’s dream, and one of the greatest places on Earth for a keen photographer to visit.
In 1978, Galapagos National Park was declared a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO and it’s easy to see why; the landscapes here are remarkably diverse. This diversity can be seen in the lush greenery in the highlands of Santa Cruz and the harsh lava fields in Bartolomé. Here, a reassuring lack of human intervention means the wild animals of the park are confident and don’t fear humans, and this makes spotting them all that bit easier!
While you have to keep your distance owing to strict conservation laws, the animals that live here do not consider humans to be a threat and are incredibly comfortable in their company. This means you can get shots that you might otherwise never be able to set up, with amazing creatures relaxing and calm in surprisingly close quarters.
A photography holiday in the Galapagos Islands, then, is something every keen photophile out there should experience. Wildlife photographers will particularly relish the opportunity to snap the rare and unique species that call these islands home, from blue-footed boobies and pelicans to marine iguanas and giant tortoises. You’ll even see a penguin or two!
So if you are planning to take advantage of some of the unmissable deals out there that make travel to the Galapagos a little kinder on your bank balance, don’t forget to pack your camera and a few lenses! Once you’re there, here are 5 of the best places to photograph wildlife in the Galapagos Islands.
Punta Suarez, Isla Espanola
This dramatic spit of land on Isla Espanola is one of the most photogenic sites in the Galapagos Islands. Boasting otherworldly rock formations, rugged cliffs, and crashing waves, it makes for a great reel of atmospheric photographs. It is also a great place to catch the waved albatross, blue-footed boobies, and even marine iguanas basking on the rocks.
A must for any photographer visiting the Galapagos Islands, Bachas Beach is famous for its vast flocks of pelicans. Whether perched on rocks or tree stumps on the beach itself, soaring majestically in formation across the horizon, or crashing inelegantly into the surf in search of fish, these odd but fascinating birds are great fun to shoot. With stark white sand, turquoise waters, and occasional visiting flamingos too, Bachas Beach is a great spot to visit for amateurs and professionals alike, and is arguably the highlight of a Galapagos Islands cruise which takes in the island from an enviable vantage point.
Charles Darwin Station, Isla Santa Cruz
Steeped in significance as the place where Charles Darwin first set foot on the Galapagos Islands, the Charles Darwin Research Station holds a special place in the history of the archipelago. It is also, coincidentally, one of the best places on the islands to see and photograph the majestic and magnificent giant tortoises, as well as a wide variety of other birds, animals, and plants.
The famous Darwin Island is the smallest amongst these main islands of the archipelago. Indeed, the Galapagos Islands are where Charles Darwin observed several species of finches that helped him come up with the famous theory of evolution by natural selection. Perhaps you’ll come up with your own groundbreaking ideas while visiting, perhaps?
This narrow spit of land on Fernandina Island is one of the most eye-catching spots in the entire Galapagos, and an amazing place to shoot wildlife. From penguins frolicking in the surf to herons and egrets searching for food in the surrounding mangrove swamps, the photogenic experiences begin before you even reach your destination.
Once there, you’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with marine iguanas, racer snacks, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, hawks, and cormorants. It also boasts amazing sunsets, making it a great place to set up a tripod and shoot a time-lapse video.
Rabida Beach, Isla Rabida
While the majority of the beaches on the Galapagos Islands are stark bone-white, Rabida Beach’s volcanic sands are rust-red, making it one of the most distinctive and striking spots the archipelago has to offer. You can spend hours just shooting the contrast between green land, red sand, and turquoise waters, or snap the resident sea lion colony relaxing on the rocks and playing in the sea.
With 2023 fast approaching, for many the arrival of a new year represents a time of reflection and foresight, on things that went wrong last year and how we might address them moving into the next one.
That sense of contemplation usually concerns self-improvement, with new year’s resolutions resolutely, reliably concerning health, fitness and diet.
But perhaps 2023 should be the year we all look outwards.
In fact, on YouGov’s 2022 report on the UK’s most common resolutions, only two of the top 13 pledges concerned anything altruistic or community-based. These were ‘’volunteering or doing charity work’’ and ‘’raising money for charity’’, with just 8% and 5% of Brits respectively resolving to do more this year.
Somewhat surprisingly, pledges concerning the environment didn’t feature. But with the recent COP27 summit in Sharm el-Sheikh reminding us that the climate crisis is undoubtedly the biggest threat humanity has ever faced, it’s essential that everyone is considering their carbon footprint and eco-conscious behaviours more closely this year.
Let’s be frank; the onus should rightly fall on governments and corporations to take the lead here; according to a report by the Climate Accountability Institute in 2019, just 20 companies were responsible for over a third of all global carbon emissions.
Furthermore, rich countries, primarily in the western world, are responsible for 50% of all planet-warming greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and industry over the past 170 years, whilst accounting for just 12% of the global population today. Something’s got to give.
But what can the individual do in the face of such huge numbers? Aside from voting in a more climate-conscious government and even glueing your face to the road in protest at inaction, it might be more manageable for the individual to focus on a specific issue. Today, we’re considering marine littering; here are 5 environmental resolutions to make in 2023.
What’s The Worst That Could Happen?
Each year billions of tons of marine debris—like plastic bags, bottles, fishing nets, buoys, and other man-made objects—end up in the oceans. These items can pose a threat to wildlife by harming seabirds, marine mammals like whales and dolphins, as well as sea turtles that mistake the plastic for food.
In many cases, this marine debris presents a big health risk to people as well. There are millions of metric tons of plastic flowing into the environment, with the potential danger of microplastics in drinking water currently under investigation by scientists.
Of course, the overall effect of environmental collapse is going to be worse than inadvertently consuming plastic.
Photo by: Daria Shevtsova
What Can You Do About It?
There are a few ways that the individual can help reduce marine litter and protect sea life, and these include stopping the use of plastic bags and other single-use plastic items, encouraging recycling both at home and in the office, recycling electronics and buying refurbished, and even organising a beach cleaning party. Let’s explore further…
Stop Using Plastic Bags…
A plastic bag is small, cheap and convenient, sure, but it’s also incredibly bad for the environment. Every year, there are hundreds of millions of tons of plastic bags entering the oceans around the world, with sea life getting caught up in them, eating them and even suffocating on them.
The majority of marine debris comes from land-based sources, primarily through the improper disposal of waste by companies, but also, sadly, by citizens’ disposing of plastic bags incorrectly or simply throwing them out.
Instead, endeavour to use reusable bags, such as totes or even a ‘bag for life’, to mitigate the need for plastic bags in your everyday life.
…& Single-Use Plastic Bottles, Too
Eliminating the use of plastic bottles, full stop, is one of utmost importance too, and one of the key ways to reduce your everyday plastic use. If each responsible citizen owned a reusable, refillable water bottle, and water was available ‘on tap’, as it were, then there would be no need for single-use plastic bottles.
If changing the habitual behaviour of the world seems too much to ask, significant tax on the offending item could earn serious money which could be invested into waste reduction. It would then be the job of the government to invest wisely – unfortunately, we’re not sure they’re to be trusted in doing this. Plastic bottle return schemes are another viable option.
Get Your Office Into Recycling
Responsible environmental behaviour starts at home, sure, but it can also be taken into the office. An easy way to start this process is by making sure you promote workplace recycling.
There are many advantages to recycling, but one of the most obvious ones is that it reduces the amount of material that makes its way into landfill and the ocean.
Electronic waste is one of the biggest threats to the health of the planet. In the last decade, e-waste has gone from being a concept to becoming a major problem for the environment. Not only is it not biodegradable, but toxins released from electronic devices can endanger humans and wildlife.
But that’s not all; since electronic devices are made from a whole host of high value, non-renewable resources like gold and silver, which are disposed of without recycling, creating new electronic items brings huge strain to the environment, too.
The UK is one of the world’s biggest producers of e-waste, but change is starting to happen here. To behave more sustainably with your electronics, you should postpone upgrading your devices for as long as possible, prioritising refurbished products when you do need to upgrade.
If you do have any spares, give them to friends or family in lieu of them investing in new electronics. Only after that should you seek out a dedicated e-waste recycling facility.
Organise A Beach Cleaning Party
Finally, a sociable chance to engage with your local community (should you live close to the beach, that is), whilst ensuring plastic waste and marine littering is reduced…
Hosting a beach cleanup is an excellent way to reduce the amount of marine debris you will likely find on your local beach, which can often be a pretty shocking haul by the end of the day. It only takes a morning (or less) but you’ll be providing an invaluable service to the community and its wildlife. What’s more, you’ll be meeting like-minded people, and spreading positivity about protecting the environment, for good measure.
