My new favourite scent -Oud

I recently made an impulse online purchase -  I discovered the amazing scent of Oud. I have for many years stuck with the same perfume which I still love but felt the need to try something new.

Oud is one of the most expensive and desirable perfume ingredients in the world. It has an intoxicating musky scent that can be quite potent and has been used for centuries in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Today, many perfumers in the West are using it as a base to create some amazing fragrances for men and women. I found these amazing small discovery bottles amazing, enabling me to choose my favourite mix and match and know whatever my choice I will smell amazing.

Since I purchased this set above I have had comments on the smell every time I wear it - all positive. The smallest amounts of this oil lasts all day, the hardest part is choosing one. They are a perfect size to drop in your bag for nights out, or freshen up on the go. I love it so much I have been sharing this scent discovery with friends and family.

 I was really excited to discover the Goodness collection from Bayliss and Harding. Baylis & Harding’s Goodness Oud, Cedar & Amber is the best-selling Goodness fragrance, a delectable aromatic scent, heady with amber and oud and enriched with patchouli, oregano and lemon, the perfect match to my new perfume oils. The new hand & body lotion is the first body lotion in the Goodness collection and the perfect partner to the best-selling Goodness Oud, Cedar & Amber Hand Wash. As well as beautifully scented, the hand & body lotion is ultra-moisturising and highly conditioning, helping not only to add water back in to the skin but also trapping in water to plump and protect.

As well as the NEW hand & body lotion, the Goodness Oud, Cedar & Amber range has added a 1 Litre Body Wash and 500ml Bath Soak to this beautifully fragranced collection. Lovingly made in England and kind to body, soul and planet, Goodness products are carefully created for a truly holistic approach to beauty - natural skincare that doesn’t cost the earth.

The new products are available on Amazon starting from £4 RRP, with the Bath Soak also sold in Boots and on Ocado.com.

Now that skin-baring season is here and exposure during the summer months means the heat can leave skin looking dull and feeling dry I have upped my skin care routine to include a dose of deep hydration and moisturisation with NEW Goodness Oud, Cedar & Amber Hand & Body Lotion, a luscious formulation brimming with nourishing ingredients and leaves the skin smelling divine. The perfect way to follow a bath or get ready for an evening out. 

I can bathe in, wash with, moisturise my skin and roll on the luxurious scent of Oud for the whole summer and more as i am sure i am not going to get bored of this scent any time soon. 

Making the most of small rooms

My house is quite traditional, it is a mid terrace stone built house, although spread over three floors and also has a basement the room sizes are not the biggest! Raising a family in it can be quite a challenge at times when there are four lots of personal belongings to fit in, and of course the kids do not do minimalist!

Homes come in all shapes and sizes

Our intention was always to climb the property ladder once the family started to grow however we found the cost of living with a family higher than we anticipated, the costs of childcare far out weighed the benefit of me working full time so the decision was made i would take time out to raise the children and live off one wage! Obviously this meant that compromises needed to be made and the biggest being we stayed in the house we were in.

Not for one minute do i regret the decision we made as it meant i got to spend time with the children and experience all the first moments, i think that it has strengthened the bond i have with them by being home with them during those early years. It has meant though we have had to get creative with storage and living solutions!

A great example of how you can make the most of a small living space

The great thing these days is there are so many places you can get ideas and always find something to suit your needs, check out sites like https://www.furniture.com/, you can find furniture solutions that do not compromise on style or budget.

My top tips for making the most of small spaces. 

Utilise every room -  We spent some money and turned the basement into a playroom for the children, this meant their toys were contained in one place and not spread all around the house, and it also freed up space in their bedrooms which are not the biggest in size.

Find furniture that offers storage or dual use - We bought the children beds that are high sleepers and allow for storage or usage underneath, the eldest loves he can sit and play his games and watch movies without the disturbance of his younger sister!, he has his own little Den under his high sleeper bed, the youngest has her dolls and play kitchen under hers and loves she can get lost in imaginary play with no distraction. Our dining table folds down so the space is freed up when not in use.

Only buy what you need - It is surprising how much we buy that we really do not need, the less there is the more space it seems you have.

Be organised - Knowing where everything lives and having a space for everything does make it so much easier when you want to use it, and it utilises every space you have as well as keeping on top of the clutter

Organised drawers and cupboards make it easier to live clutter free

Give everyone jobs - You would think there would be less cleaning in a smaller house but the truth is unless you keep on top of the tidying and cleaning it fast becomes a mess and looks worse than it is, so ensure everyone has a job - folding laundry, putting away the dishes, emptying the bins, if it done regularly and out of habit the mess is minimal and the house stays looking tidy and clean.

Get creative - Sit back and take a look at your rooms, is there a small nook that can turned into a useful space, there are many interior design shows and websites that you can look at for inspiration.

Lastly remember it is your HOME and that the most important thing is to fill it with love and laughter.

Reducing Your Monthly Outgoings Never Felt So Easy

Let’s face it; juggling the responsibilities of parenthood with a career and other life goals isn’t easy. So, the last thing you need is the stress of facing financial difficulties. Frankly, the only way to prevent this happening is to keep things under control.

Of course, climbing the career ladder to earn more money will put you in a more powerful position. It will take some time to see a noticeable change in this area, though. The far quicker route to success involves cutting your expenses. Here are the best ways to achieve that goal.

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Shop Around

We all know that browsing around for the best deals can generate huge savings. In previous generations, the time needed to find a £5 saving made it all a little counterproductive. Thankfully, the internet has changed everything, and generating a saving is now easier than ever.

Price comparison sites can be used to earn discounts on a host of services. Whether it’s your electricity bill or car insurance doesn’t matter. Those positive steps will make a difference. Meanwhile, printable coupons and promo codes can cut the costs of various products. If it allows you to get the same goods at a lower price, you’d be a fool to ignore those opportunities.

Getting into the habit can sometimes take a little time. Once you do, though, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t act sooner.

Free (0) Is The Magic Number

If there’s only one thing better than getting things on the cheap, it’s getting them for free. You may feel that, short of stealing, this outcome is impossible. However, it doesn’t need to be that way. Discover how to make the most of getting free samples, and you will see a huge change. Not only will it reduce your expenses, but those testers will prevent you from wasting money on new products that might not live up to expectations.

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There are various other routes to accessing items for free. One solution is to become a product tester or blogger. Alternatively, you could try looking on Gumtree and Facebook for people looking to get rid of items without charge. Either way, anything you secure for free can only be a bonus.

Go Green

If you’re going to save money in life, you might as well use the opportunity to make other improvements in your life. Quite frankly, leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle is probably the best you’ll ever make.

Some ideas like installing water-saving toilets will take a little investment. However, they’ll soon pay for themselves through cheaper monthly bills. Meanwhile, ideas like new windows will actively add value to the property as well as cut heating costs.

Small gestures like switching to LED light bulbs can be very beneficial also. Essentially, it’s your responsibility to find the upgrades that work for you. Get it right, though, and your happiness and bank balance will be boosted. The fact that it’ll help mother nature too is simply a bonus.

Pay For What You Use

When it comes to household bills, we’re all guilty of waste. In many cases, we sign up for a big package because it seemingly offers better value for money. But if you’re not actively using the facilities, you’re actually doing yourself a major disservice.

The key culprits are cell phone packages and home entertainment. Running a broadband speed test will tell you what you’re getting in terms of upload and downloads. Adjusting your bundle accordingly could actively save you a huge sum of cash over the year. Similarly, you should think long and hard about your TV deals and other services.

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Care & Repair

There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a kitchen appliance or piece of furniture. Unfortunately, those damages will inevitably come at the worst possible time too. However, with the help of a repairman, you can restore their former quality at a fraction of the cost. Thanks to online tutorials, some of the basic jobs can be completed on a DIY basis too.

Another increasingly popular option in today’s climate is to start upcycling. Whether it’s giving furniture a fresh appearance or turning old clothes into something new isn’t overly importantly. Apart from being a cheaper option, it’s a great activity that can be enjoyed with the whole family too.

Let’s face it; seeing those items in your home will give you a sense of self-satisfaction too.

Find Cheaper Holidays

Vacations are an important part of our lives and are the perfect chance to spend time with your nearest and dearest. Everyone wants to take the big cruise or trip of a lifetime at some stage. However, there’s nothing wrong with taking the cheaper approach from time to time.

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Many people find that staycations can be just as rewarding. But if you still wish to get out and about, a camping trip can be just as enjoyable as the big trip. Ultimately, a vacation is about creating magical memories with the ones you love. If you can do that without causing long-term financial issues, you should always take that option.

Focus On Health

Many people assume that getting fit and healthy has to be extremely costly. When combined with some of the above ideas, though, it can be far more affordable than you’d think. The key is to make smarter choices.

It is possible to complete home and park workouts. However, even a gym membership is a lot cheaper than a weekend out on the town. So, if you think about it as your new hobby as well as an investment into your health, it suddenly looks a lot brighter. As for healthy eating, growing fruit and veg, and cooking meal preps will cut the costs dramatically.

First and foremost, improving your health will boost your quality and quantity of life. Still, the fact it can reduce your daily living costs is a bonus. Moreover, staying healthy should reduce your need for medical support and prescriptions too. If that doesn’t inspire you to make the change, what will?

What Does Your Kitchen Say About You?

Your house is your sanctuary. It is the place where you feel safe and relaxed. Similarly, the way you choose to decorate the rooms in your house says a lot about your perception of safety and relaxation. Thus, for many, the kitchen is the place of all naughty treats – just imagine a plate of delicious cheese accompanied by a superb wine – and the childhood memories. You may not be aware of it, but the treats you get as a child – may it be cookies cake, or a glass of milk – define what becomes for you the perfect kitchen. So put on your psychologist’s glasses on and step into the kitchen. What does it say about your personality?

Queen of the kitchen

Modern And Practical Kitchen

Dynamic and pragmatic individuals have a tendency to prefer clearly structured kitchens, which use sturdy and classic materials. If you are thinking a large concrete kitchen board and oversized stainless steel sinks, you’re on the right trail. This type of kitchen uses simple and neutral colours, with a preference for grey, beige and black, and clear shapes. Where do you find such a kitchen? In the home of someone who enjoys a thoroughly organized life, such as a team leader or an accountant, for example. It is someone who values clarity of purpose over creativity and achievement.

Egg separator

Bright And Fun Kitchen

Homeowners who are full of creative ideas but lack strategic thinking tend to have a kitchen filled with bright kitchenware that they barely use. It’s the kind of kitchen where the cupboards are stuffed with a variety of mugs of different sizes, shapes, and colours, even though people always use the same handful of mugs. From an egg separator that is shaped like an old man’s face to piles of funny bento boxes for the office lunch, imagination is always part of everyday life in the kitchen. Unfortunately, the lack of organization can transform the empire of creativity into a clutter chaos.

Cottage kitchen

Romantic Heart Of The Family

If you are a family person with a great sense of style, it’s likely that you would prefer a romantic kitchen that looks out of a fairy tale book. Pastel colours, a wooden table, and a cute China service for tea, it could be the perfect cottage kitchen. More often than not, it’s the type of kitchen that you’d find in the household with a stay-at-home or part-time mom, who’s got time to invest in designing the perfect kitchen. Often, the kitchen will be filled with the smell of a delicious tart baking in the oven, or with freshly brewed tea. Indeed, people who choose a romantic kitchen design perceive the kitchen as the heart of the household. They focus their efforts on keeping the family happy.

Mismatched Kitchenware And Old Appliances

Finally, you might not have paid much attention to the kitchen. The plates are disparate; the oven has not been cleaned in a long time, and your favourite food is pot noodles. If this is the case, it’s likely that kitchen décor is not very high on the list of home improvements. It would be unfair to say that you don’t care. Instead, let’s just put it that way: You have other things in mind. Or maybe you’re not a kitchen person.  

How To Get Free Samples In The Post

While free samples take a little bit of work to get out of many companies, the truth is that if you take some time to learn a few basic strategies and how to use a few basic resources then you'll be surprised by just how many free samples really are out there. There is something to being able to open your mailbox almost every single day and finding some new freebie. It's like the adult equivalent of being a kid at Christmas. There are many advertisers happy to sign you up to receive a free sample, hoping to get you hooked, and they often include a coupon to boot to help the process out. Read on to learn more about these freebies and the strategies and resources you'll want to use to get the most out of it.

The variety of what you can get is equally impressive, as well. From junk food to cereal, crackers, bathroom items, razors, there's an incredible array of freebies and almost always a wider selection than most people would ever assume. That just opens up the door for what's there for the taking - if you know how to take advantage of it.

First Get A New E-Mail Address

This isn't because you need anything special, but by interacting with all the programs or companies you need to deal with you will get flooded with e-mail and you don't want to bring that into your regular e-mail address. Create a new one that is only for doing these offers that way if you have 30 free samples coming those e-mails and the follow ups don't absolutely bury your normal account.

You don't need to be fancy. A basic Yahoo or GMail account will do just fine.

In addition to saving your regular e-mail box this also allows you to put all of your offers in one place. this is absolutely ideal for getting the most out of these deals.

Automatic Form Filler

If you want to scale up the freebies then you will want to have a form filler. This is a program that lets you fill in information again and again. It used to be you needed special software but now you can simply use Chrome, have it remember your information after filling out one form, and then just go back to repeating it again and again.

Take advantage of this. It's a massive time saver and besides: do you really want to fill out your address and phone number 40 different times.

Go To WOW FreeStuff

WOW FreeStuff, as of 2017, is currently considered the best "aggregator" of companies offering free samples, websites built around offering free samples, and other free sample offers. This does a lot of the legwork for you so you can simply find everything you need all in one place. The truth is that if you are going to sign up for just one site to get started and see if this is right for you, then this is the one you want.

Not only do they offer a huge variety of options when it comes to free samples, but they are proven legitimate and have even been featured on in the Sun & The Metro.

You can start right away in five different categories:

·         Beauty

·         Perfume

·         Food

·         Health

·         Other/Miscellaneous

Some of these samples come direct on request, others might require a brief survey. Pick and choose the ones you actually want and are interested in and get started.

Consider Also Joining P&G Everyday Rewards

Proctor & Gamble is known for making an insane number of different products in part because they are a company that is a massive conglomerate of hundreds upon hundreds of smaller companies that all manufacture their specialized items. These companies give tons of free products and offer even more with the P&G Everyday Rewards which also provides random free samples in addition to massive numbers of coupons. While this might change a bit as Proctor & Gamble is restructuring, for now it's definitely a strong number two.

Follow this advice, sign up and start enjoying a world of freebies!

Paperless Post

Trying to organise events and remembering to send out cards is time consuming and something we have little time for in our busy lives these days, I am always forgetting somebody's birthday or to send a thank you card for the kids gifts on birthdays and Christmas. With all good intentions i can never seem to find time to do these extra jobs.

Being able to quickly go online and send a card, invitation or date reminder is so much less stress and saves so much time. So if you are wanting to organise an event such as a birthday party think of how much time and postage costs you can save by doing it all online at Paperless Post.

Paperless post has a huge range of online cards for birthdays and special events, invitations, announcement cards to cover all events and occasions so you will never need to worry about catching the last post again. Simply sign in and use your 'coins' to choose a card or template for an invitation, personalise it and email it to the recipient(s)...simple! and it is immediate so no waiting days for replies.

Paperless post also do an option to send a paper card or invitation as well as a range of stationery, all high quality and beautiful designs to choose from.

I have been trying out Paperless post this last week and it has been really lovely to send some 'thinking of you', 'happy birthday' and just a quick 'hello' message out to family and friends we do not see much of, and they were so well received, i think we are so used to a text or message on social media that to receive something a little different and personalised through email made it a bit more thoughtful and special for the recipient. I am actually quite confident that people will even get Thank you messages from us after one of the kids Birthdays in a few weeks, as it is so easy and quick. Maybe i will surprise a few people with seeming more organised now!

Why metal roofing could be the right fit for your property

A simple guide to roof design

Whether you’re planning an extension to your current house or you’re designing a new home, you’ll need to put some careful thought into the roof you choose. This essential feature could help to make or break your property project, and there’s a lot to consider. If you’re after some pointers, keep reading. This simple guide to roof design should help steer you to success.

Decide on a shape

One of the first things you’ll need to think about is the shape of roof you want. Will you go for a pitched design or a flat surface, or something more unusual such as a curve or dome? Flat roofs are typically the least expensive option and they can be relatively quick to build. Another benefit of these roofs is the fact that they allow you to maximise the amount of useable space available within your home. These designs can also have a stylish, modern look. Alternatively, maybe a pitched design would suit your property. These roofs generally require less maintenance than flat designs and they tend to drain more effectively. They also have a longer lifespan, and repairs can be cheaper. Meanwhile, if you want to make a design statement with your roof, a curved or dome shape could be ideal. These designs require careful planning and precise execution, but as long as they are done well, they can look stunning and have very long life spans.

Don’t worry if you feel out of your depth making a decision. Metal roofing specialists will be able to talk you through your options and help you to choose the most suitable shape.

Select the right material

Once you’ve settled on a particular shape, it’s time to get to grips with the various materials available. Metals such as copper and zinc can be an attractive and practical option. Thin, malleable and lightweight, they are easy to work with and can create a variety of different shapes. They are also highly durable. For example, copper has been known to last for centuries. This metal also develops an attractive green hue over time, which can look stunning on both contemporary and traditional-style buildings.

Other materials include asphalt shingles, slate, timber, plastic and thatch. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to make sure you’re fully clued up before you make a final decision.

Bring in the experts

When you’ve got a clear idea of the style of roof you’re after and the materials you want to use, it’s time to find a roofing specialist with the experience and skill required to bring your plans to life. It’s best to find an established company with a proven track record, and make sure you get a detailed quote from them before they start work. The last thing you want is to get part way through the project only to run out of money. It’s also wise to leave some room in your budget in case you encounter unexpected costs during the building process.

Designing a roof can be daunting, but as long as you focus on the essentials and take expert advice on board, you should find you’re delighted with the results.

Giving up smoking

For many giving up smoking is a real achievement and undoubtedly a real benefit to their health.
However it is not as easy as just stopping and that's it you have given up, like any addiction it can take many attempts and it requires real will power to see it through. 

There are many ways you can try to stop and there is a lot of support to help these days, a visit to the local chemist will give you all the information you will need and professional advice on the most suitable aids to help. 

For many the need to do something with their hands is the biggest problem they face, for this reason electronic cigarettes have become very popular to emulate the action of smoking.
'Vaping' gives the smoker choice to continue with the physical comfort of smoking without all of the harmful effects of cigarettes. 

If you walk down any high street you will most probably come across vape shops, also at tills in most supermarkets. You can also check out the kits from JacVapour. The company is established as one of the foremost high quality e-cigarette producers and a market leader in terms of vaping technology and industry innovation.

Why not make 2017 the year you make a positive change to your health, social life (and wallet), by switching to vaping? If you're ready to make the switch, but don't know where to get started, JacVapour's range of popular e-cigarette starter kits are ideal for users of all levels of abilities.

Below are some of the top reasons to make the switch to e-cigarettes, as well as providing all the information new users might need in picking the right device for them, and tools to help you work out just how much you might be able to save.

HEALTH

Improving health is one of the most common reasons users give for making the switch to vaping. Traditional tobacco cigarettes are known to be made up of 3-4000 chemicals, with around 60 of these known to be cancer-causing, or carcinogenic.

Each year, 100,000 people die in the UK as a result of smoking related illnesses, which include cancers, COPD, emphysema and strokes. Countless others live with what are often incredibly severe health problems as a result of smoking tobacco.

In comparison, e-cigarettes haven't been linked with a single death in the UK since their introduction, and they typically contain only around 16 chemicals, none of which are carcinogenic. It's important to also note that e-cigarettes are free from tar and carbon monoxide, two of the most dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes. In August 2015, Public Health England issued a report in which they deemed e-cigarettes to be at least 95% safer to use than tobacco.

COST

Research by Ash estimated that the average smoker in the UK is spends approximately £3000 per year on cigarettes. This is likely to have increased since that figure was published, and will only continue to skyrocket as duty on tobacco increases.

Vaping, in comparison, represents a significant cost saving. Running costs after purchasing a starter kit are primarily for e-liquid and coils, and replacement carts or tanks (as well the occasional battery). With e-liquid available from £3.99 for a 10ml bottle (equivalent to roughly 140 cigarettes), even the heaviest of smokers should see a significant difference in their wallets.

Every vaper is different, and every former smoker will have had varying smoking habits. On average, however, our customers spend approximately £21 per month after switching to e-cigarettes, so huge cost-savings are possible.

SMELL

Something that almost every vaper notices after switching is the smell (or lack thereof). Regular smokers very quickly get used to the smell of smoke that clings to hair, clothing and furniture. Tobacco smoke will remain in an unventilated space for several hours before settling, which means that the whole room is exposed to the smelly residue.

E-cigarettes emit only vapour, however, which dissipates far more quickly. Any odour present (which is usually minimal in the first place) disappears within seconds. Some e-liquids may have stronger odours than others, but it's possible to mix your own e-liquid flavours to suit, which can help to limit any noticeable smell. As vapour also is free from the tar found in cigarettes, it also has the added advantage of not staining your walls and ceiling that familiar yellow-brown.

After just a few days of switching from smoking to vaping, you will begin to notice the smell of tobacco smoke on other smokers and be glad that you no longer smell the same way.

Smell isn't the only sense affected after making the switch. For most vapers, after the first few days food starts to taste better as their taste buds begin to heal. Smoking has a huge impact on your sense of taste and smell, and as this impact creeps in slowly over time you may not even notice, but you will certainly notice as they return to normal

It should be remembered, however, that vaping does usually mean the continued exposure to nicotine, which as a toxin means that electronic cigarettes can never be deemed 100% safe. Weighed against the known risks associated with smoking, however, vaping represents a far safer and healthier alternative.

How to Increase Your Property’s Value

When we buy our first home we are filled with excitement and ideas of how we can decorate and put our own stamp on the place so it can be very easy to let our enthusiasm overtake common sense. More often than not we will move on and need a bigger house as we start our family, change location through work or move to be closer to family as they get older. Considering how much you are adding to the value of your home as you make improvements ensures you get the best value when you come to sell. 

Your property is a long-term investment and one day, you want to release the equity in it. We can be drawn into thinking that every improvement and renovation we make to our property will add value, increasing the profit we will eventually make on our home. But, are you making the right changes? Are you doing too much and out-pricing your property from the local market?

Making the Right Renovation Choices

Trends come and go but it is important that you add the right value in the right places when it comes to property renovation, as the infographic explains further.

The one statistic that is on every buyers mind is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for the property. If it is near the top of the scale – from A to D – the property should be cheap to heat as it is well-insulated.

Anything lower than a D rating can make for an expensive house to heat. If your EPC rating is low, consider adding value by updating not only the insulation of the property but the type of heating system too.

Underfloor heating costs less to install and run that most traditional heating systems. Coupled with additional insulation measures, your home will be tasty warm and an attractive purchase for potential buyers.

What Else Adds Value?

From a new kitchen to a modern bathroom, there are many changes you can make to your home to add value. Find out more with this fantastic infographic from Balustrade Components. 

Dressing our age

One thing i really am becoming more conscious of is dressing for my age and i find i am becoming increasingly unsure of what that should be. I have never had a really wild dress sense but i now feel i am in between fashions, a little old for some trendy fashions but not quite ready for the twin set and pearls!

I do think though it is a little easier for men as they get older as i think a classic jacket and shirt can be teamed with jeans for a more casual look and dress trousers for work or formal events. This look i think can be carried off by all ages so quite easy to keep on the trend i say!

As men get older i do think the smarter look is so much more appealing, it gives the look of confidence and it also shows a pride in appearance, time has been taken to consider what to wear to look their best. I have teamed up with www.chums.co.uk to bring you some tips and suggestions for getting it right for the older gentleman.

Suit - A smart well cut suit is an essential item in every wardrobe, and there are so many cuts and designs these days there is something for every taste or event. A well cut jacket with jeans for a more casual look or a full suit for formal wear, having the option to be versatile is essential. 

Shoes - A smart pair of shoes that can be teamed with a suit or a pair of jeans are another wardrobe must. Choosing the right pair is down to personal preference, but get it right and they will carry you well from day to night, smart to casual and of course you get what you pay for, so a well made pair will last years.

Jeans - A good well cut pair of jeans that can be dressed up or worn casually are a great addition for any age, again with many different styles, colours and cuts there is something to suit every age and taste. 

Ties - Adding a smart tie to a suit really smartens it up and gives a more formal appearance when needed, but a colourful, fun tie can take the edge off a suit without taking the smartness away, making it more trendy and slightly less formal which is accepted in most work places these days. 

It is accepted these days that men like to take care of their appearance as much as women, and why not i certainly think self care and pride in your appearance says a lot about a person, so if i were to use a professional that looks smart and is well dressed it would give me confidence they have pride in their work too. 

So there are my thoughts, and here are some everyday style tips from Chums, where you will find everything you need to fill the man in your life's wardrobe, or indeed your own if you are shopping for yourself, just follow our guide and you will have the perfect outfit for any occasion, as well as top tips for getting the look right.

What to Eat and What Not to Eat During Pregnancy

Friends, family, neighbours and in some cases, complete strangers will offer you advice when you are pregnant. But there are many myths and old wives’ tales that persists, many of which revolve around what you can and cannot eat.

HARTMANN Direct have rounded up all the latest advice and suggestions

but always check with your doctor, midwife or health visitor if you are unsure.

Foods to AVOID

Raw Eggs – raw eggs can be tainted with salmonella, a fever, diarrhoea and vomit-inducing bacteria that can prove to be incredibly unpleasant. Be vigilant for dishes that contain eggs that have not been cooked properly including freshly made mayonnaise (jarred mayonnaise is made with powdered egg so doesn’t present a problem), some soft desserts and so on.

Sushi – raw fish is not something you should eat during pregnancy, again because it may contain bacteria that induce illness during what should be an exciting time.

Unpasteurised dairy products – pasteurisation is the process of applying heat to milk to sterilise it, killing off bacteria that can spoil the milk as well as make us ill. Supermarket milk and dairy products are safe but avoid products and dishes that use unpasteurised dairy products.

This is why pregnant women are advised to avoid soft cheeses, pates and ice creams as they make contain listeria, a bacteria that causes illness, although this it is rare.

When you are pregnant, your immune system is compromised slightly, making you more susceptible to infections and diseases.

In Moderation

Caffeine – there are often conflicting messages about caffeine but the consensus seems to be that curtailing your intake of caffeinated drinks during pregnancy is sufficient. This means keeping an eye on how many caffeinated drinks you have in a day.

It is also worth noting that some drinks have caffeine in that you wouldn’t expect. For example, some hot chocolate brands can contain caffeine. Stronger drinks such as espresso and energy drinks are high in caffeine, contain double the amount of recommended caffeine.

Foods You CAN Eat!

·        Fruit and Vegetables

There are no fruit and vegetables that are off the menu when you are pregnant which is great news as they contain high levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

Increasing fibre in your diet is also a great idea as this will prevent constipation, an uncomfortable situation at the best of times but difficult to handle during pregnancy.

All fruit and vegetables, cooked or raw, are fine during pregnancy and comes down to your likes and dislikes. Eat five different coloured fruit and vegetables every day – they can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juiced. ALWAYS wash fruit and vegetables before eating them.

·        Carbohydrates or Starchy Foods

Starchy foods are an important source of energy, as well as some vitamins and fibre. They also help you feel fuller for longer but don’t contain too many calories.

Starchy foods include bread, potatoes, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, maize, millet, oats, yams and cornmeal.

Chips are also on the menu during pregnancy although you need to watch the fat content of your diet. Make your own by spraying them with a ‘spray oil’ product or use oven chips without adding fat or extra salt.

·        Protein

You need to eat protein every day and there are many foods that contain protein that are safe to eat during pregnancy;

·         beans and pulses

·         fish

·         eggs (not raw, see above)

·         Meat – but avoid liver and offal

·         poultry

·         nuts

However, choose lean meat and when you cook it, try not to add any extra fat or oil.

Eggs, poultry, burgers, sausages and whole cuts of meat such as lamb, beef and pork should be thoroughly cooked – avoid pink meat during pregnancy.

As for fish, try to eat two portions a week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel. There are some types of fish you should avoid, mainly shark, swordfish, marlin and other kinds of game fish. This is because they live longer and are thought to contain higher levels of mercury.

·        Dairy

There are plenty or dairy products that you can still enjoy during pregnancy. They provide calcium essential for your own skeletal health as well as that of your baby.

Milk, cheese, fromage frais and yogurt are important during pregnancy but choose lower-fat varieties wherever possible. Stick to semi-skimmed milk and reduced-fat hard cheese. You can also enjoy dairy-alternatives such as soya milk and yogurts.

Eating healthily – and not for two! – will help you and your baby.

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