I'm not sure about you but comes the holiday season, I'm always in search of the most perfect and meaningful gifts for my loved ones. When Justice turned one, I made him a special personalized book from Hooray Heroes and loved it. So it's a no-brainer that they'd have something unique for this holiday. And, they do not disappoint. They've got a great selection of personalized Christmas books for husband, wife, partner and children!

 
What makes Hooray Heroes storybooks so special is that you can personalize the characters to look like yourself and your kids, combine with beautifully written stories and vibrant illustrations. I ended up choosing this Mommy-and-kiddo book that imagines what my little boy might wish for his mommy. 

Personalize Gifts with Hooray Heroes

With a few simple clicks, I can preview how my book looks like with our names and personalized characters in the stories. The toughest part I must say though is choosing the 10 stories/wishes. Each one is heartfelt and sweet to read. I spent a lot of time reading the stories and choosing which ones to include in our book. 

Here are the stories that I get to choose from:

• Training with Reindeer
• Writing to Santa
• Winter Walk
• Toy Factory
• Delivering Santa's Letters
• Bringing the Tree Home
• Xmas Sweater Selfies
• Decorating the Tree
• Gift City
• Making Up New Traditions
• Snowman Beach Party
• Reading Stories by the Fire
• Making Snowflakes
• Baking Cookies
• Making Snow Angels
  
  

Besides storybooks, Hooray Heroes also offer other personalized gifts for other occasions. I'm eyeing their "Fun Family of Three" personalized puzzle for Justice! 

Take a look at how their personalized storybook magic comes to life.

This is a sponsored post by Hooray Heroes. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Guys.....I'm so excited to share with you this personalized book that I got for Justice's first birthday! I actually thought for a long time what to give him for his first-year milestone. I wanted to get him something meaningful and something he can treasure when he grows up. And I came across this lovely personalized book from Hooray Heroes! I had so much fun personalizing our names and make the characters of the stories look like us. Gifts that are personalized always win my heart because growing up I could hardly find anything with my name on it. 

"Justice, You'll Always Be My Little Boy"

Nothing beats capturing our mother and son's memories into beautifully written stories. Not only the illustrations are vibrant and cute, this book really captures all those fond memories of watching my little boy grow up. When you order your book, you have the options to choose your own stories that match your everyday moments. From heading off to school for the first time to splashing in the pool, this keepsake has it all.

Personalize Story Book with Hooray Heroes

Hooray Heroes offer many personalized stories for different occasions. I think they'd make the perfect gift for both Mother's Day and Father's day that are coming up. They even have stories aimed at family as a whole, for couples and even for grandparents!

Once you're on their website, simply enter your little one's name and select the eye colour, hair colour and skin tone that best match your child. Choose up to 10 stories for a standard book or add more for a little extra. A preview of the book will be generated automatically within seconds. This is your chance to preview all the details and confirm everything before production. 

I added a little dedication message to Justice in the book as well. Personal dedication is such a thoughtful touch to include in these books and I'm glad they have the option to include that. Plus, they even have suggestions for you in case you don't know what to write!

You also have the option to choose between a hard or softcover. I personally prefer hardcovers because they look more prestigious and last longer. 

As an add-on, you can also have your book come wrapped as a gift! And boy, even their gift boxes are so creative and interesting. Come on, a gift box that doubles as a board game... How brilliant is that?

This is a sponsored post by Hooray Heroes. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Having a small kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to cook in a cramped, crowded space that’s uncomfortable.

With the right design and layout, you can enhance your small space and turn it into a home cook’s paradise. As cooking from home is on the rise owing to the pandemic, there has never been a better time than now to enhance your kitchen.

There are plenty of cute ways that you can turn a dull and drab room into something you can be proud to show off to your friends and family.

Here are some practical tips to help you make the most out of your small kitchen and transform it from a purely functional room into your dream cooking space.

Consider The Colour Scheme

It’s surprising how easily small factors, such as the colour of your walls, can change the way you view a room in your home. Darker walls can make your small kitchen look more cramped than it actually is, while lighter colours could make your room feel more spacious and airy. If you’re a big fan of dark colours and are eager to incorporate them into your kitchen design, then try using a darker signature wall. You can surround this darker signature section with lighter colours to give the illusion that your kitchen is lighter and brighter than it would be if it were painted entirely in dark colours.

Get Inventive With Your Kitchen Storage

One of the toughest challenges that small kitchen owners face is where to put everything. If you own a lot of pots, pans and bulky appliances, then it might seem impossible to store them all out of sight and make your kitchen appear roomier. That’swhy you should get creative with your kitchen storage solutions. There are plenty of innovative storage ideas for small kitchens out there, so you can find one that suits your space.

 

Clear Out Your Old Junk

When you start incorporating your creative storage solutions into your small kitchen, you should consider throwing out any old appliances, tools or ingredients that you don’t use regularly. If you bought an old appliance and haven’t used it in years, or you have old spices that you’re keeping ‘just in case’, then you should consider getting rid of them. Old food and ingredients can be thrown away or, if they’re still in date, but you won’t use them, you could donate them to a food charity. Old appliances and tools you could sell online, or you could donate them to a charity to sell.

 

Use A Glossy Finish

It’s a renowned fact that mirrors can make a small room look bigger, so consider incorporating mirros into the design of your kitchen. Not only will they make the room look larger, but they will also be handy if you need to touch up your hair or visage before a date night or a celebration and don’t have time to abandon your cooking! As well as mirrors, you could also consider using a glossy finish on your kitchen counters, cabinets and appliances to subtly make your kitchen look more spacious and bright. Matte finishes might be fashionable, but their dull surface can make your small kitchen feel even more cramped, so try going for a high gloss finish to turn your small room into a striking kitchen.

Photo credit

Add A Brunch Bar

A trendy brunch bar can easily turn any kitchen into a cute space, and they don’t take up much room, making these solutions ideal for small kitchens. If you’re already short on space and not sure that a brunch bar will fit, then consider making your brunch bar multi-purpose; you can keep the stools underneath it and consider using the brunch bar as a countertop when you’re cooking, then bringing out the stools when you’re ready to eat.

 

Work With Expert Kitchen Designers

Reimaging your kitchen and turning a cramped kitchen into a spacious-looking, airy space, might not come easily to all homeowners. If you’re not usually the creative type and you don’t feel that you understand interior design, then try collaborating with a professional team of kitchen designers. Kitchen Capital understands how to turn even the smallest of spaces into a beautiful, contemporary kitchen, so consider working with them to upgrade your small kitchen this year.

 

Think Outside Of The Box

When you’re trying to redesign your kitchen, it’s easy to get caught up in what other people do with their rooms, or how the kitchen was originally laid out. However, with a little imagination and innovation, you can transform your kitchen and make it feel much more comfortable and inviting. Work with your kitchen designers, if you’re hiring them, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of kitchen design to turn your small space into a kitchen that you can be proud to call yours.

Jewelry, without doubt, can enhance and make outfits extra appealing. Even with a neutral or plain shirt, jewelry can create a focal point that ultimately makes it fashionable. So, if you’re thinking of amping your style, then you might want to consider adding a touch of jewelry. However, are you picking the right accessories, especially for your striped outfit?

I'll share all about picking the right accessory to match your stripes, without breaking a sweat.

Pay Attention to Necklines

First off, let’s talk about the basics – complementing your neckline with the right necklace.

Pay attention to necklines because wearing uncomplimentary jewelry can destroy your look. For instance, a choker would fit a striped tube top or a strapless dress. It allows you to highlight your accessory and your outfit at the same time. If you love to wear something that shows off your shoulder, just like an off-shoulder top, then dangly necklaces would be the best fit for these types of outfit as they create a focal point on your attire.

Go Bold with a Bold Necklace

Are you having trouble finding an accessory for your contrasting black and white dress? Well, since you're going for a bold look, might as well top it off with one red-colored necklace. Don't hesitate to give people a strong and glam vibe.

You can also use a clutch with your black and white dress to finalize your look!

Stay Classy With a Dangling Pearl Earring

If you want to look classy while wearing your striped body-con dress, then a dangling pearl earring will do the work.

However, be mindful that wearing bold earrings with a sexy outfit can overwhelm the entire look. Reserve those extra bold pearl earrings for simpler attires. For these cases, balance your aesthetics by wearing simple and dangling pearl earrings.

Patterns Matter

If you’re going for a skirt and a shirt outfit with remarkable patterns or bold prints, then you can choose a piece of jewelry with the same or similar pattern. If you wish, you can also select necklaces and bracelets that have the same pattern on their pendants.

This trick will balance your outfit and accessory without appearing trashy or too much. This strategy does not apply to all cases. You can go wild whenever possible. 

 

Extra Tip: Define Your Waistline With a Belt

If you want to wear a dress with horizontal stripes without making your body looking geometrical, then use a belt to define and highlight your waistline. I assure you, you would look stunning on your outfit. Work it, girl!

Here are some of the ways to pair the perfect jewelry and accessories for your striped outfits. Try these suggestions and you will save yourself from some frustrations and headaches. Let me know if this post worked out best for you!

Check out my other posts!

Things You Didn't Know Your Shoes Say About You

How to Find Your Personal Style and the Importance of It

When seeking out treatments to improve your skin condition, there are far less invasive procedures that are as equally effective as others. Namely masks, and skin peels. Masks are essential for the face and are merely washed off after the application. However, there are some face masks that can be peeled-away after applying. Today, I want to discuss ways to improve your skin from face to feet using peels.

As one of the oldest of skincare techniques outside of daily washing and moisturizing, skin peels, however, can also be applied to the full body and then stripped away; removing excess dirt, oil and dead skin cells. Though the process is simple and straight-forward, there are different types of peels to choose from. In the effort to get a better understanding of what's available, let's pay a visit to various skin peels and their benefits.

Wax

Peel treatments using wax is probably the most relaxing of peels. There is the soothing warm wax, the sticky honey wax glow, and the for sensitive skin, the all-natural beeswax treatment. Whichever wax of your choosing, the process yields results that most will agree have proven to be reliable. Resulting in a new layer of skin so soft and clean, it makes you feel like you've taken years away from your actual age.

Chemical

Over time, dead skin, dirt and excess oils will combine with aging hormones and create an adverse reaction in your skin. Not to mention, harsh outside elements that are microscopic and therefore, unavoidable. These factors battle it out with our skin daily, and it doesn't get any easier with age. Therefore, depending on how much care you put into your skin, some types are so far damaged, that they would require a deeper cleansing process calling for a chemical peel.

There may be some over-the-counter manufacturers of chemical peels, but for the best outcome, I advise having it administered by professionals at a clinic. The components of chemical peels are proprietary and dependent upon the manufacturer of course, but most products involve some sort of salicylic acid, peroxides or other abrasive chemicals in order to break down those years of caked-in elements clogging your pores. If you've had a long history of blackheads, blotches, eczema, or rashes that have left there mark on your skin, this method would an ideal solution for you.

Jetpeel

The latest in skin peel treatments, the Jetpeel facial treatments can be best described by likening it to a power washer. You know, the machine used to clean sidewalks and buildings. It is the exact same technique but on a much smaller scale. An air and liquid mixture is in a pressurized-spray; directly onto the skin, safely removing layers until reaching a level that exposes fresh, untapped skin.


Each of these processes is safe and proven to be highly effective. However, they require regular application in order to maintain that baby-soft, fresh-looking skin appearance. As a warning, be prepared to budget for either a weekly, monthly or bi-monthly expense for your treatments. Otherwise, consider it to be a worthwhile investment to keep you looking like the best version of yourself. Still, I recommend trying it at least once, just to pamper yourself. Why not? You deserve it!

Be sure to come back and let us know which peel you decided on, and what your personal experience was like. Here's to wishing you healthy-looking skin every day of the week!

You have waited nine months to see your precious baby, and now that it is finally here your life doesn’t seem to resemble those cute after-birth pictures you saw on Instagram. Instead of dressing your little one in cute outfits, you do your best just not to smell like puke. For months you’ve waited to play with your child, and now you cannot wait to go back to bed and get some sleep. Yes, having a baby can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially if you are not one of those lucky moms whose children wake up maybe two times per night just to eat. All those sleepless nights, raging hormones and exhaustion can easily take a toll on your mental health. Luckily, there are some ways you can maintain your sanity and enjoy being a new mom.

Take care of yourself

A lot of new moms completely neglect themselves during the first few weeks or even months after their child is born. Of course, your baby needs your attention, but so do you. In fact, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be in any condition to look after your little one. And when you are cranky and fussy, your child will be too. Therefore, make sure you get some sleep, even if it means napping during the day. Forget about house chores, the world won’t stop if you do not vacuum every two days or prepare a home-cooked meal on a daily basis. Speaking of nutrition, make sure you eat food that is healthy and good for you and gives you the energy to deal with everyday problems. Also, keep in mind that fish oils reduce anxiety and depression in new moms.

Take a break

No, you don’t have to be with your baby 24/7. Feel free to take some time away from your little one and do something that helps you feel like you, even if it means just washing your hair or taking a bath with stress-relieving essential oils. In addition, make sure you spend some time with the adults. Talking to your partner and your friends will help you stay connected to the ‘real’ world and give you a mental break from your mommy chores. 

Create a support group

Being a new mom is not just sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. In fact, it is overwhelming so make sure you surround yourself with people you can completely be real with and share your true feelings with them. Having someone to confide in is extremely important during this time, even if you believe that your feelings are completely silly. Venting to your best friend, a family member, or your partner can lower your stress levels and help you feel calmer. 

Don’t play by someone else’s rules

It is important to remember that not all babies are the same, so it is quite logical that what has worked for one mom won’t work for the other one. It is okay to listen to other people’s advice, but at the end of the day you need to care for your baby in a way that works best for you. Find your own method and stick to it, no matter what others say.

Be realistic

Do not start going through pictures of actresses who gave birth and immediately looked like a million dollars. Forget about the images you see in tabloids and on social media, most of it has nothing to do with reality. Have you heard about Photoshop? Instead of comparing yourself to others, give yourself time to get back on your feet and adjust to your new lifestyle.

Get help when needed

All those raging hormones can leave you feeling emotional and that is completely normal after giving birth. However, postpartum depression is not so if you feel like something is wrong, do not hesitate to ask for help. Waiting until things get even worse is a recipe for a disaster, so act on time. Being a new mom has its ups and downs, and hopefully, these tips will help you deal with everyday challenges a new baby will bring into your life.

One of the biggest reality-checks in life is when a woman gives birth to her child and only then starts to realize that everything she’s pictured – as a new mom – is actually somehow completely different. Everything you’ve expected or thought you’ll do once you give birth will probably be put to the backburner. And yes, that also includes exercising.

Trying to get back in shape after you’ve just given birth to a new life will probably be more challenging than you’ve thought. Even the most active people may find it difficult to get back on track after giving birth. That’s why you should be kind to yourself and your body and take things at a pace that feels comfortable. I know I've been struggling to find the time and just energy, in general, to get back to my active lifestyle after giving birth too.

But here are some things you should know about postpartum exercises that will help you better understand what your body’s going through.

Your core was under a lot of stress

What the majority of women emphasize as one of their biggest insecurities is the look – and feel – of their postpartum belly. Most of the women feel insecure about this part of their body, in particular, as it is one of the parts that’s gone through the biggest of changes. What you need to understand is that your core will stretch or even entirely separate during pregnancy. That’s why you’ll be left with a tummy that looks entirely different than what it used to be. Of course, by exercising properly and with the help of some amazing skin tightening products, you should be able to get your body almost entirely back to its previous state. However, if you’re someone who didn’t really exercise all that much before you became pregnant, you can’t really expect your postpartum body to do miracles.

Every person is unique

Since all of us are unique and every woman’s pregnancy and postpartum recovery is different, you shouldn’t be trying to push yourself into a workout regimen sooner than your body is ready for such an endeavor. Just because some of your friends started exercising two weeks after giving birth, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to do the same. Again, your pre-pregnancy fitness level will greatly influence how your postpartum recovery will look like. If your body was extremely well-taken-care-of before the pregnancy, getting back into shape will be significantly easier once you give birth. With unrealistic and heavily-curated content that’s presented to all of us through social media, it can sometimes feel like you’re not doing enough or trying hard enough. But remember that your body is the only thing you should be listening to during these challenging times.

You’ll discover new pains and aches

During pregnancy and particularly before you’re about to go into labor, your body will increase the production of a hormone called relaxin. The increased production of this hormone will actually help your body go through the labor easier as it loosens your joints. Contrary to popular belief, the production of this hormone doesn’t just go away as soon as you deliver your baby. Instead, it can stay in your system for as long as up to 12 months after labor. This is extremely important to understand as it will greatly affect your exercising efforts. Since your body will generally be “looser” than ever, you’ll discover some new pains and aches you haven’t felt before. These can even make exercising feel like true torture, especially if you’re someone who wasn’t very regular with their exercises prior to becoming pregnant.

Make sure you sleep as much as you possibly can

One of the first things you’ll hear is that the mom should be sleeping when the baby is sleeping, and that’s the rule you should start living your life by. The fact that you’ll be going through an entirely new life experience once you give birth can – and probably will – entirely mess up your regular

sleeping schedule. And you already know just how important proper rest truly is. It becomes even more important when you try to squeeze in exercise into your new lifestyle. So, even though

working out can make you feel energized, it can also seriously deplete your energy levels. Therefore, try to get as much sleep as possible to both improve your exercising efforts and help your body heal quicker.

In the end, as much as it is important to take good care of your body postpartum, it’s also important not to try and push it over its limits. Your body just went through a lot, so give it some time to heal and get back to normal as much as possible before you fully get back to your regular exercising regime.

When you give birth, you instantly become entitled to celebrating one more holiday – Mother’s Day. It usually includes breakfast in bed and hand-made gifts from your little ones, such as a picture frame made of macaroni. However, your first Mother’s Day won’t be anything like that. After all, your baby’s greatest accomplishment is not pooping outside the diaper and you still have a couple of years before you can expect any gifts from your little one. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot celebrate this holiday. You are a mom, and you deserve to have a day that is all about you. So, if you wish to commemorate Mother’s Day as a first-time mama, here are a couple of ideas you may like.

Do things at your own pace 

Every day you get out of bed, jump start your body with a dose of caffeine and power through the day doing four things at a time. Well, this Mother’s Day starts the day by having a cup of coffee in your bed while watching your favorite TV show, reading a book, or just looking through the window. You can also prepare yourself a nice breakfast to eat in the bedroom, or, if you are a lucky gal, have your partner prepare it for you.

Buy yourself a fancy piece of jewelry

You will want to remember this day for the rest of your life, and what better way to remind yourself of it than with something you can both wear and treasure. A gemstone necklace from Moon Magic is a perfect choice since it can easily dress up your outfits and basically never goes out of style.

Write a letter to your child

Kids love listening about stories about themselves from times they cannot remember. Therefore, take time to write a letter to your baby and tell them how excited you were to meet them, what the beginning of their life looked like or how they kept your up at night. Basically, there are no rules here and you can write whatever you wish. In a couple of years, take this letter out and read it to your child. They will surely be excited to hear about their first months and it may even become their favorite
bedtime story. 

Build a time capsule

There are so many things you can put into a time capsule, from your baby’s first shoes, their doll, a lock of their hair, or one of their nappies. Place everything in a box, wrap it, and put it somewhere safe. In a couple of years, you can open it together with your kid and see what is in there.

Buy fresh flowers

A bouquet of fresh flowers always brightens up the room, so do not hesitate to add some color and fragrance to your home. Whether your partner gets them for you or you pick them up yourself, they will surely look great in your house for a week or so.

Take off your apron!

This is your special day and that means no cooking and no washing the dishes. On Mother’s Day treat yourself to your favorite meal. You can order in, have your loved one cook for you or dine out. Oh, and do not skip dessert, on this day calories do not matter. 

You are in charge

Do you wish to take an afternoon nap? Then do it! Have brunch with your family, go to the park, spend an hour shopping for a new dress or watch that movie you wanted to see for so long. If needed, ask your loved ones or a nanny for help so you can enjoy a guilt-free day indulging yourself. Remember that Mother’s Day is all about you, so do not hesitate to do things you love and that make you happy.

Check out my other handmade gift ideas for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Colouring Card Printable

Make Your Own Mother's Day Coupon Book Printable

Gorgeous Floral Mother's Day Card Printable

Ferrero Rocher Bouquet Tutorial

Heart in a Cupcake Tutorial

Buying a dress is a process. It requires some thought. You also have to really get to know your own body to find the perfect dress. That is because one dress can look completely different on two different types of bodies. Finding the right fit is not just about choosing the correct dress size. Style plays a major role.

What a Dress Length Says About You

Length is a vital part of the choice of which dress to buy. The dress length you choose can say a lot about you. For example, a short dress can say “I feel flirtatious today.” A longer dress might give off a more professional message. A shorter dress might also help you express confidence in your lower body and accentuate your legs. A longer dress with a tight bodice, on the other hand, accentuates your upper body.

Dress Lengths You Can Pick From

Dresses do not simply come in short or long styles. You can choose from mini or maxi. There are also several in between sizes. For instance, you might buy a cocktail dress that ends around your knees or try a longer dress.  Not every dress is a club-going mini skirt or a floor-touching ball gown. Finding the length you need for the occasion and for your body is a major part of the dress buying battle.

In some cases, there are also variations within categories. For example, by definition a midi dress ends above your ankle. It also hangs at least below your knee. However, that leaves a lot of lower leg to play with. By selecting a midi dress that hangs a little bit higher or lower than exactly halfway down your lower leg, you can adjust your final appearance.

Choosing a Dress for Your Figure

Not everyone's figure is the same, obviously. Every person is an individual. However, in the dress world there are figure categories. One is hourglass. If you have an hourglass figure, a dress with a cinched waist and a tight bodice is a great choice to help you show it off. If your body is more of a pear shape, opt for dresses with flowing skirts to make your features appear more proportional. Also, select dresses that have more detailed bodice work or otherwise draw the eye toward your upper body.

There are several other body types you could potentially have. For instance, you might be an athlete with wide shoulders and a slender waist. The point is, look at your body shape and how a dress can compliment it. Your body type may lend itself well to a simple, straightforward shift dress or a frilled or otherwise embellished gown. Once you know, you can work with your body instead of against it.

Another Aspect of Your Body Type You Can Play With

Your general body shape is not easy to change, but your height is an aspect you can actually play with easily. It is not possible to change how tall you really are, but you can make yourself appear the height you want. For example, an asymmetrical dress gives the illusion of more height most of the time. So does a dress with some sort of waist sash. Footwear also changes how tall or short you appear while wearing any dress, so do not limit your dress choices in your mind just because you are on the short or tall side.

Take Your Time with Choosing a Dress

The best advice about dress shopping is to take your time. Make sure you like the length, fabric, and general style. Consider everything from budget to washing instructions. Above all, make sure the dress you pick will look good on your body type and that you will feel comfortable wearing it. Then your closet will gain a useful article of clothing, rather than a dust collector.

How to Find Your Personal Style and the Importance of it

If you’re someone who can hold your hands up and say that you would rather put a meal in the microwave rather than find something to cook, then you can join the millions of people around the world who feel the same. When it comes to cooking, you’re either going to be someone who absolutely loves to do it, or you’ll be the type to stare at a recipe, get it wrong twice, and give up and order a takeaway. But that’s all fine. No matter what anyone says, cooking is something that can easily be learned. There’s no trick question or hidden ingredients, everything is given to you in black and white, all you need to do is follow a recipe and it should come out near enough the same. It’s never going to look as good or possibly even be as good as the picture on the recipe, or as a meal you’d find in a restaurant, but it is going to be so much better for you than cramming a meal into the microwave. So, if you keep on reading, we’re going to hope to transform the way that you cook.

Meal Order Services

There are so many meal order services that you can try, and we know that they’re going to completely transform the way that you cook your food. All of a sudden you can go for meals that are already prepped for you, to meals that are nearly prepped for you. There are services that deliver the ingredients to your door and recipe cards come with it. So it takes away the troubles you’ll have of trying to find the foods in the shop, and actually walking around the shops to do a food shop. All you then have to do is follow the recipe card and you have a meal ready to go. They’re usually so easy to follow, so healthy, and taste amazing. For someone who hates every aspect of cooking, even shopping, this can be a saviour.

Something New To Try

Now it’s time to step it up a notch and try making something new in the kitchen. This is a chance for you to test any skills that you do have, and just to get creative with your cooking. The more challenging something is, the more rewarding it’s going to be. So, if you love Indian food, why not try making your own samosa chaat? They’re not exactly the easiest to make, but homemade Indian food is just to die for, if you like it that is. We know that not everyone is a fan, so you could try making your own spring rolls if Chinese is more your style. It’ll be a trial and error sort of thing, but so much better for you than if you were to buy them from the shop premade, or even order them from an Indian.

Going All Out

Finally, why not go all out and come up with your own recipe in the kitchen. Going freestyle and seeing what you can come up with is often so much more fun that having the stress of trying to figure out how to follow a recipe. You never know what you might come up with by doing it this way.

Not every person requires orthodontic treatment, but at times, it can be a necessary treatment option for different reasons. More specifically, many people across the world have had their teeth treated through braces or retainers to help straighten their teeth. They work by correcting the alignment of the teeth and help fix any jaw issues. People can have them for as little as six months or years at one time. They can be painful, but many who have had braces before haven’t regretted the experience one bit. This is because there is an endless list of benefits of getting braces – keep reading to find out some!

Improves confidence

Perhaps one of the largest benefits that come out of getting braces is the pure joy that occurs as a result of the process. People can go all through their childhood and their adult years completely hating their teeth. However, this is often a bigger worry in our heads than how people perceive us.


More and more adults have considered getting braces because there are loads of options to consider in terms of treatment plans. For example, dental experts and product designers have created products like clear aligners and invisible braces. Treatment plans can be wholly affordable for patients which is why people are now jumping at the opportunity. If you’re considering getting braces, consider ALIGNERCO.  

Alleviates oral problems

Orthodontic treatment also does wonders for alleviating oral issues. This is why braces are commonly used for children and individuals with issues such as speech impairments, protruding teeth and for those who tend to grind their teeth. Braces have been so incredible for people who suffer from issues like this that it is becoming a commonality for more people to invest in them. Braces provide conditions for these issues to be alleviated and leave patients happier with their smile in more ways than one.

Keeps our teeth healthy

As well as helping patients with their oral issues and improving their confidence, research experts have also found that braces keep our teeth healthier. This is because those with braces have to implement a cohesive oral hygiene practice into their daily routines. People with braces are recommended to use electric toothbrushes and interdental sticks in order to keep their teeth clean and safe from plaque in bacteria build-up. The fact that braces keep our teeth clean and healthy is another benefit that we certainly cannot ignore!

Reduced risk of oral issues

As well as braces alleviating any current issues within the mouth and the jaw, they also alleviate any future issues. For example, braces help people to stop grinding their teeth, especially at night. This means that they have the opportunity to prevent further issues down the line and focus on keeping their teeth strong and healthy. As a result, braces help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.


A great smile and a reduced risk of future oral issues? We’re entirely on board with braces!

As people, we are bombarded with messages about how we should look and what we should wear. We are surrounded by the opinions of others, be they fashion gurus, celebrity trend-setters, or even our families and friends. And some of us pay attention to the messages we are given and dress ourselves up accordingly.

Yet here's the thing. When we are blindsided by the guidance of others, we can lose sight of our own identities. By falling prey to their 'wisdom,' we can be held back from finding our own personal style.

So, our message to you in this article is this one: Never underestimate the importance of finding your personal style. When browsing the fashion articles, and when shopping at your favourite boutique, pay attention to what you like, and not what other people might impose upon you.

By finding your own personal style, you will…

Positively affect the way you see your body

By finding those styles that will flatter the way your body looks, you will instantly feel better about yourself. It might be a skirt that allows you to embrace your curves or a colourful scarf that matches perfectly with the shade of your eyes. These are the style choices that will suit your body type and that will complement your natural assets. And these are the style choices that will raise your self-esteem every time you take them from your wardrobe.

Express your personality

Your personality is special and unique to you, so don't hide it away with ill-suiting fashion choices. If you're bubbly and gregarious, it would be a shame to hide your identity with plain and old-fashioned clothes. And if you're calm and serene, you won't feel comfortable if you wear something that is over-extravagant. By finding your own personal style, you will let people know more about who you are, and you will have that sense of freedom to be yourself. So, be it the latest in hippie clothes, something sexy and provocative, or fashion based around vintage styles, choose those outfits that match who you are, and not who other people think you should be.

Feel good about yourself

You won't feel good about yourself if you wear clothes that don't express who you are. You won't feel good about yourself if your outfit choices damage your self-confidence. And you won't feel good about yourself if you make little effort to dress yourself up occasionally. Finding your own personal style is about giving yourself self-love and respect. By wearing the clothes that both suit your body and your tastes, you will feel more comfortable when you are around others. By making an effort to wear clothes that flatter your body and suit your personality, you will have more confidence in social situations. And by controlling what you wear, you will be able to control how you feel about yourself. So, make an effort to find your personal style as, in terms of your mindset, you will start to spiral up instead of spiral down.

So, heed not what others think. Don't be afraid of being different. Choose your personal style, as you will start to feel the benefits that we mentioned if you do.

Thanks for reading.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be looking for inspiration as to what gift to get for your loved one. Flowers are an excellent way to get into their good books. There're so many options when it comes to selecting flowers. And below you will find some ideas and options to help you express your love this Valentine’s Day.

Red Roses

Roses are always a popular choice for good reasons. The traditional red roses symbolize passion and fiery love. They can be seen everywhere from local florists to supermarkets during this time. If you aren't able to deliver the flowers in person, you can consider ordering online as well. Check out the best flower delivery in Bangkok.

Roses In A Variety Of Colours

Even though red roses are usually the go-to, you may wish to consider other colours that are not as common. For example, you can consider unique colours such as black and blue. With so many choices available, there is a colour for everyone. Here are some other choices:

• Yellow
• Orange
• Blue
• Black
• Purple
• Pink
• White
• Peach

Orchids

Orchids might not be the most popular choice for Valentine's day but its elegance and beauty make them a great option to give. The orchid is a symbol of love and also a symbol of delicateness, beauty, strength, and luxury. If that's not enough to convince you about orchids, know that they also come in a variety of colours. Choosing the colour of orchid that best fit your partner's taste can be as easy as 1,2,3.

Tulips

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Tulips are beautiful to give on Valentine’s Day, and they also come in many colours as well. Instead of paying for premium flowers, you can get red tulips that will look just as striking to express your feelings. For example, you can choose red-coloured tulips because they symbolize true love. Choose yellow ones to offer cheerful thoughts and sunshine. Tulips are also cheaper than roses, so they are an excellent option if you are on a tight budget but still want to show your partner how much you care.

Wildflowers

If you are looking for something a little bit different but still has the same sentiment, then you may want to consider wildflowers for your loved one this Valentine’s Day. You will find that they come in an array of styles and foliage and you can mix and match with different colours and texture to create a beautiful bouquet.

Something Homegrown or Handmade 

As an alternative to buying flowers that will wilt in a week or so, consider growing flowers on your own in a cute pot. Dahlia and daisies are both easy and beautiful homegrown. They'll last for as long as your partner takes care of it. And when they do, they'll get reminded of you. You can also make your own bouquet with chocolates! It is the sweetest gift that shows effort and thought and your love for them.

Check Out My Valentine's Gift Ideas

Quick and Easy Valentine's Strawberry Pocky Cheesecake

Ferrero Chocolate Bouquet for Valentine's Tutorial

DIY Valentine's Day Love Coupon Printable

It’s no secret that men can often be difficult to buy for. They tend to have simpler tastes and less desire for material things. This can be tricky when it comes to a gift giving occasion. Something that looks great while being practical is ideal. Here are some gift ideas that most men will use, especially for your male fashionistas!

A tie

Most guys wear ties at some time or another, whether it’s daily for work or just for special occasions. Having a few nice ones that they can rotate is useful and if you know your guy would have use for one then this makes a nice gift. You could go with an expensive designer one as a main present, or a less expensive one towards a main gift or just a stocking filler. If they’re a little more quirky go with a bow tie, this article from Wardrobe Hackers explains how to tie one.

A wallet

Wallets get a lot of daily use, and so do wear out after a while. If the guy you’re buying for hs had his for far too long then a new one could make a great gift. If you’re unsure of their style, a plain black designer wallet with a simple logo is an easy choice and would suit just about everyone. If you know more about their tastes then you could go with something a bit more unique.

A watch

Watches are both stylish and practical. Whether it’s a smart watch, a watch for every day or an elegant dress watch, it’s something most people would love to find under the tree at Christmas. A nice watch will cost a bit more so it’s perfect if you’re after a main gift and are looking to spend a little more on the guy in your life,

A belt

Another practical yet stylish item, a nice leather belt is perfect to wear with a suit or just jeans. Again, since belts are used often they do wear out, and so even if the guy you’re buying for owns a belt, chances are an upgrade would be appreciated. It’s easy to get right when it comes to styling, unlike say clothes which are much harder.

Sunglasses

Buying sunglasses for someone else can be tricky and isnt always a good route to go down. This is because it really depends on the persons face shape and features as to what will suit them, you can’t always guess from looking at sunglasses in a shop. However, if you have a similar pair of their sunglasses that you know they love but need upgrading then you have this to go off. If your guy only ever wears simple aviators for example, chances are a similar pair will be easy to find- just make sure you’re going for the same size.

Most people like to be a trendsetter or be seen as fashion forward. But sometimes old pieces that were popular many moons ago can make their comebacks once again. One particular style of antique jewellery that is getting a lot of interests lately is the Art Deco style rings - as seen on Cressida Brondas' engagement ring. Its abstract designs and geometric patterns in contrasting colours easily makes itself stand out among antique jewellery styles.

The Art Deco movement was a popular style that began in the mid-1920s, continuing throughout the 1930s.  Jewellery produced during this period are considered as antiques and as such bear significant value. But how could you identify an authentic Art Deco diamond rings from other antique rings?

First, you must be familiar with antique jewellery. For any item to qualify as an antique, the age of the item is the principal criterion. Appraisers continue to debate on the length of time necessary for such a label, with some declaring that the item must be at least 100 years old and others stating a more lenient age of at least 50 years old. Art Deco rings are now over 50 years old, approaching a century in just a few more years.

There are rings that look like antique pieces but are actually not, so be extra careful with your purchases. Check to see if these items are marked as reproductions or are modern rings designed to look a lot like antiques. If you want to be sure about the authenticity of antique jewellery, make sure that you are dealing with reputable antique dealers who can assist you in identifying authentic antiques. You can also consult qualified appraisers and gemologists for accuracy of dates to know which design period your ring belongs to.

Here are some characteristics that can help establish the age of a ring:

1. Motif - The overall style of a ring is a spot-on identifier of age. The symbolisms, the choice of embellishments, the lines and patterns on the ring reflect the spirit of the times when it was first produced. Significant events, whether historical or cultural, can also influence motif.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - With the advancements in techniques and resources, gem cutting styles also progress and change with the different time periods. The gem facet styles and the shapes of cut gemstones can help pinpoint which era the antique engagement ring belongs to.
3. Popular Gemstones - Different gemstones became available at different periods in history, and their popularity as ring stones tend to follow colour and fashion trends. For example, diamonds on engagement rings were non-existent until the Renaissance. The first of which is Archduke Maximilian of Austria’s betrothal ring for Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
4. Metal Used - The types of metals used or the combinations used to create the ring can also help date a jewellery piece.

Art Deco Jewellery

Art Deco rings are currently considered as the most popular antique engagement rings. These are also the most abundant styles in the market. You might be wondering how could you tell if they are  authentic Art Deco engagement ring? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Motif - Popular motifs are from nature, such as the sun, animals, trees, and nudes. Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian art influenced their designs and enamel accents were widely used. Bold geometric patterns and colours were also in style during this period.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - A distinctive characteristic of Art Deco rings is its choice of intricate cuts, ranging from Old European to calibre cuts.
3. Popular Gemstones - Diamonds were huge hits during the Art Deco era, but other precious gemstones such as emerald, sapphire and ruby were also used.
4. Metal Used - Majority of jewellery made in the Art Deco era were fashioned in either platinum or white gold. In fact, white gold was first introduced at around 1915, bumping yellow gold down the popularity scale. Plus, in the late 1920s, jewellers had perfected the art of filigree, which made it another feature typical of Art Deco jewellery.

Follow the above tips and they should help you spot an authentic Art Deco jewellery piece to start your collection.


How to Care After Your Silver Jewellery

We've all probably dreamt of what our dream marriage proposal would be like. A marriage proposal can be both nerve-wracking and exciting to plan and execute, especially if the marriage proposal is done somewhere a bit off the wall. There've been many documented marriage proposals that have taken place somewhere a bit out of the ordinary and today, I'm sharing with you some of the unique ones that I've encountered during my visit in Sydney.

If you're considering proposing to your loved one in the near future and want to do it somewhere really different, please read on. The marriage proposal needs to be as memorable as the wedding itself, so whether you’re looking into helicopter flights or even underwater on the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll never be short of venues in Australia.

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A Surprise With A Difference

First things first, although you may have lots of weird and wonderful ideas as to where to make your marriage proposal you need to be sure that your loved one will appreciate it as well. I know some people prefer proposing in public, but this can be excruciatingly embarrassing for the other person, especially if the answer is negative. Sunset on the beach may be a nice idea but it's been done before. Choosing something that's memorable and that your partner would appreciate is important. For example, if she is scared of heights, a roof stop restaurant, hot air balloon ride or even a helicopter flight, your marriage could be over before it starts! However, if your future spouse has no fear of heights and is up for anything that's adventurous and different, what would you choose? A hot air balloon trip? The top of a bungee jump? A helicopter tour over Sydney? There're many cool options out there but in my opinion, a marriage proposal in the sky represents the utmost in romance and can be very memorable.

If you are based in or around Sydney, one of those helicopter flights is probably the best option. Affordable, convenient and close to home are 3 ingredients that can make your marriage proposal an occasion to remember for all the right reasons.

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What Can I Expect With A Sydney Helicopter Flight?

The companies that run Sydney helicopter flights are eager to give you the best possible experience and will generally offer some type of package when you enquire.

The flights will generally consist of 25-30 minutes air time direct from Sydney Airport. If you select a night flight (recommended for romance!), you will see the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the city lights that outline the harbour.

Most packages include:

• Complimentary refreshments before/after the flight
• Photo opportunities in front of the helicopter
• Informative expert commentary with BOSE voice activated headsets

This is the ultimate marriage proposal venue and as an added benefit, leaves you with more than enough time for a romantic meal after the flight. Even if it's just touring around Sydney, a helicopter ride is still a fun way to site-see and make those lasting memories.

A well-regarded, long established helicopter tour company may even put on something special to mark this special occasion - call them and find out, you won’t know until you ask! 

What's your dream marriage proposal like?

Check out my down under travel guide!

30 Feet Under the Great Barrier Reef - My First Scuba Diving Experience

What You Can Eat and Do in Sydney
Travelling to Australia in a Short Time