5 ways a person can improve their feeling of wellness

It is not unusual for people to feel exhausted at the end of their working week, especially at this time of the year. While there might not be as many manual jobs as there once were, the mental strain that is put on the body has never been greater. Much of this can be put down to continual advances in digital technology, which while sometimes making things more accessible and quicker, also has its drawbacks. It also means that we are working longer & more unsociable hours than before and we don't always get that much-needed downtime on weekends and evenings. Being constantly available online can lead to burnout and street and there are going to be times when we all need to assess our work-life balance and make time to prioritise wellbeing. There are a variety of things we need to keep in check, such as our sleep, diet and overall posture and physical health so booking an appointment with a health professional may be needed, such as  Physio in Camberwell online. 1. A visit to a......

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How to Create an Eco-Friendly Garden in 2025

In recent years, as we’ve all become more aware of our collective negative impact on the environment, many of us have pivoted towards living more sustainable lifestyles. It’s only natural that those who are more thoughtful about how they live their lives would want to extend this methodology to their gardens. Creating an eco-friendly garden is a rewarding way to contribute to environmental sustainability while transforming your outdoor space into a haven for biodiversity. By adopting green gardening practices, you can reduce waste, conserve resources, and support local ecosystems. Here’s how you can achieve this, with tips tailored specifically to the uniquely temperamental UK climate. Choosing Native and Pollinator-Friendly Plants Native plants are perfectly adapted to the UK’s climate, requiring less water and maintenance than exotic species. Additionally, they provide vital resources for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects that play a critical role in maintaining ......

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What I've learnt being a cat owner about understanding Your Cat's Instincts

Since sharing my home with a cat for the past few years, I am not a total cat convert, they are fantastic companions, full of character and I feel I'm constantly learning more about them and their silly and interesting ways.  Yet like many, I'm often left wondering why cats scratch, especially when I am on top of regular flea treatment. This age-old question might be on your mind if you own one of these amazing creatures. Cats come with plenty of entertaining quirks, but many owners struggle to manage their scratching instincts. After a lot of research and trial and error, I thought I would help unpick this innate behaviour to help you understand and support your cat’s desire to scratch – without causing too much damage to your home along the way! Why do cats scratch ? Cats scratch as an instinctive behaviour for several reasons. These include: 1. Grooming and maintenance, keeping the claws sharp 2. Stress relief, with the action itself releasing dopamine 3. Scent marking, whic......

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Checklist For a First Campervan Holiday with Kids

A campervan can provide a tremendously rewarding way to spend a holiday as a family, it's something I've done a few times with my kids and not only is it a fun adventure but also a great way to bond and have some quality family time. If this is going to be your first campervan holiday, however, then you’ll want to take a few preparatory steps before you embark as it's not like a normal holiday and can take a few adjustments to get comfortable.  By getting the planning stages right, you’ll minimise the likelihood of something going wrong, and give yourself the best chance of a memorable, enjoyable experience. Selecting the Right Campervan With so many options out there today it can feel a little overwhelming but there are plenty of companies that offer campervan hire, which is an affordable way to try it out before investing in a camper yourself & also lets you see what works and what doesn't for your family. If the vehicle you choose isn’t appropriate for your famil......

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Free and low cost Christmas events in South Wales, 2024

We all know that this time of the year can be very expensive, between sorting out gifts for loved ones, meals out, socialising with friends and making magical memories with our kids, it all adds up and while there is nothing wrong with paying a bit more than usual for a special festive treat or grotto, it can feel like a financially exhausting time, but never fear there is plenty on and around South Wales that is free or low cost to help get the festival excitement going.  * Light of Winter Free Light Trail , Cardiff, 14th Nov - 5th Jan Brighten up your winter – experience 11 illuminated state-of-the-art light and sound installations across Cardiff city centre. Free to enjoy, the Light of Winter trail launches mid-November and runs through to the new year. * Jolly Book Bank at Red Dragon Centre 8th Nov-5th Jan Where families can give joy and get joy. It's simple: the Jolly Book Bank accepts donations of children's books in good condition and invites young visitors to either ex......

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How to Keep a Family Bathroom Looking Stylish

A great bathroom should be functional. This is a room that serves an important practical purpose, and it’s important it does it well. Good appliances, plumbing and ventilation are therefore essential – especially in busy family households. But style matters too. What’s more, a family bathroom can look the part without compromising on functionality. Let’s consider how this might be done. Incorporate Child-Friendly Features Without Sacrificing Style If you have small children in the house, then you might consider cabinetry and appliances that can withstand knocks and scratches, and which can accommodate the needs and tastes of young people. You might go for bold, cartoon-branded shower curtains, or eco-friendly Marmoleum flooring. Cabinets should be lockable, especially if you’re going to be storing harsh cleaning chemicals in them. Choose Durable and Stylish Materials The materials you choose matter, arguably just as much as the appliances. To minimise the likelihood of a slip, you migh......

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The best ways to diversify your portfolio

Like most people these days, many are looking for ways for their money to go further and make better investments, regardless of how big or small those investments are. It’s crucial to recognise the importance of spreading out your investments, no matter how small, to safeguard your portfolio and enhance returns, especially when navigating uncertainties like rising inflation. Even if that just means spreading it across things like savings accounts, ISA's and stocks, here we will explore ways to diversify your portfolio. Understanding basic core assets Allocating investments across different assets can help balance risk and return, as different assets often perform differently under various market conditions. A well-diversified portfolio means choosing a variety of investments: Equities (stocks) : These represent ownership in companies and offer growth potential but can often come with higher volatility. Bonds (fixed income) : These provide regular interest payments and are generally......

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Cardiff bay Wetlands, a hidden gem in the Welsh Capital

One of our favourite places to visit during the summer, but also the colder months, is Cardiff Bay Wetlands, a short walk from the vibrant bay area of the Welsh capital.  It's easy to miss and many people who live in the city don't even know it's there but it's well worth seeking out as it's a lovely quiet and tranquil place to explore and soak in beautiful views across the bay and people off all ages can enjoy it.  The wetlands are completely free to explore and cover 8 hectares of former salt marsh and are now a biodiversity hotspot within the capital and is now home to a variety of birds, fish, animals and supports a rich diversity of plants and other wildlife. We regularly spot swans, moorhens, coots and ducks on our visits along with fish and damselflies. The great thing is birds and wildlife can be seen here all year round including common Reed Buntings, Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers which use the habitat to build their nests during the spring and summer wh......

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Easy ways to teach children about money

We all know how important financial literacy is for children and teens as they move forward through their life, we need to prepare them for an increasingly expensive world were budgeting skills are needed more than ever. It's one life skill we cannot ignore and starting from a young age is important and there are plenty of ways to encourage a healthy approach to money that is both engaging and fun for children.  As parents, it's our role to instil a healthy attitude towards money, both for ourselves and our children. I would always recommend putting things in place like Life insurance and a Will (I've sorted out both) should anything happen to us, but also saving accounts for our children if possible. I have Premium bonds set up for the boys, even though there is only a small amount in each, it's something. You can also consider investing or looking into UGMA accounts on behalf of your child.  As a parent who has recently set my teen up with his own debit card, as well......

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5 Tips to keep your skin looking & feeling healthy this Party Season

Christmas is just around the corner, which means that it is about to get busy in terms of gatherings, parties and social plans. While seeing family and friends can be a fantastic mood booster, it's easy to feel fatigued and tired, which can show in your skin. It's really important to still stay hydrated and if possible get enough sleep and look after yourself during this busy time and that includes your skincare.  This post will offer five tips that will help you feel amazing for all your social events and get in the festive spirit. 1. Stay hydrated and stay consistent Winter can be a tough season when it comes to skincare, particularly when it comes to dryness. This is why you need to make sure you are staying hydrated, drinking enough water and also being consistent with your skincare routine to maintain a healthy glow, including exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and hydrating serums to combat dryness. Be sure to use high-quality products that are designed for your skin t......

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From Paris to the World, How French Bags Define Style

One of the most important accessories in any wardrobe are bags, not only because they are practical and serve a purpose but because of the style & sophistication each one can bring. French luxury handbags are more than just an accessory to make your outfit complete, they are historical pieces, showcasing the best of French design and craftsmanship.  Are you fascinated by the history of handbags and how that ties in with French culture and their passion for style and fashion? Below is an exploration of the most iconic pieces of French fashion and how they can change your life for the better. Investing in a heirloom piece Luxury bags are known for their bold and elegant touch that places a major emphasis on fashion and lifestyle, as a form of cultural identity and self-expression. From the effortless street style to high-end pieces, Longchamp demonstrates essential elements that define French Fashion. Known for its innovation in terms of state-of-the-art techniques and outstand......

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Hidden Gems in LA: Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations You Need to Visit

Los Angeles has a reputation for its big-name attractions—Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, to name a few. But if you scratch the surface, you'll find some of LA's best-kept secrets waiting to be explored. Whether you're a local or visiting, these unique spots will show you a different side of the city. Let's dive in! 1. The Old LA Zoo at Griffith Park Did you know LA has an abandoned zoo hidden in Griffith Park? The Old LA Zoo, which closed in the 1960s, still has its old animal enclosures, cages, and structures scattered around. Walking through the graffiti-covered ruins feels like you're exploring an old movie set, but it's a relic of LA's past. It's a great place for an adventurous day out. Travel Tip: Bring supplies for a picnic, find a quiet spot nearby, and enjoy the park's peaceful vibe. It's also a fantastic spot for photos and urban exploration. 2. Sunken City, San Pedro Sunken City in San Pedro is a real hidden treasure. It w......

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