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The first pocket watch was invented in 1510 in Germany by a clockmaker called Peter Henlein, and he managed to shrink the pocket watch size due to the advancement in mainspring designs. The modern image of pocket watches we have today is of a circular pocket watch without a strap, kept in a pocket with a chain or fob. However, this was not always the case. If you ever wondered why this style came about, below are some of the reasons why the pocket watch & fob became popular.  

Watches Were Expensive

In the days of far less technology than what we have today, a pocket watch was state-of-the-art technology which made them highly desirable and valuable. In the first few hundred years of their history, pocket watches were something that only the rich could afford, with the majority of the population not being able to afford the expense of a pocket watch. However, as the technology improved, it also became more mainstream, with more people being able to afford a timepiece that they can wear, rather than relying on a stationary clock.

A Symbol Of Status

Some of the vintage pocket watches collectors want do not have to have a fob, but if you are planning on wearing the pocket watch, a fob and chain are essential. The first pocket watches did not have a chain at all. As fashions changed and more people had the money to purchase pocket watches, people wanted to show them off so everybody knew that they could afford a pocket watch, so it was a symbol of status. Another reason why they added a chain and fob to the pocket watch was as a security measure, as it made it harder for someone to take your pocket watch or for you to drop it without noticing. If you had the money to invest in a quality pocket watch, you also wanted to ensure it had a chain and fob, so you can show it off but also keep it secure.

A Design Still Made Today

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Many people wear watches on their wrists in modern times, but there are still makers of pocket watches so that you can buy a new one today. There are also plenty of antique and vintage pocket watches available to buy as they were made to such a high standard and lasted the test of time. If you think a pocket watch would be the perfect finishing touch to your designer suit, you can look to buy a new one, or you can also consider purchasing an antique pocket watch packed full of character and history. The basic design has not changed a lot in the last 500 years, although the materials used have improved immensely, and so has the accuracy of the timepieces made today.  

Whether you want to buy a pocket watch to add to your collection or to wear for a specific occasion, plenty of new and old designs are available to buy. Head down to your local jewellery or antique store and see what they have available, and you can purchase yourself a quality timepiece that makes you look suave and sophisticated.

A film about the early life of one of Disney’s most memorable villains, starring two Oscar winning actresses, both of whom happen to be called Emma. What’s not to love? I’m happy to say nothing. Cruella, for that is the film in question, is witty, stylish and has two of my fave actresses absolutely at the top of their game, hamming it up beautifully. The soundtrack is also pretty spectacular.

Cruella is the story of how Estella, a young orphaned girl, becomes Cruella, although still not quite the puppy snatching evil villainess we know and hate. Estella meets her two later henchmen Horace and Jaspar when they are all children on the streets of London, following the tragic death of Estella’s mother at the hands of three Dalmatians who pushed her to her death. Estella, Horace and Jaspar grift to make a living, but Estella longs to work in fashion, and starts a job at Liberty albeit one that only includes cleaning toilets. But after a late working night, a drunk Estella redesigns one of the window displays in a punk style. The window catches the eye of Baroness, the most important person in fashion, and this leads to Estella joining Baroness’s team. But Estella soon learns secrets about Baroness that means she wants to take her place at the top of the fashion tree, and an alter-ego Cruella is born.

The two lead performances from Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, are superb, sparkling and witty and pure diva from the tips of the two tone hair to the spiky stilettos. Thompson in particular, is a fantastic ‘baddy’ with so many crisp one liners that are literally spat out with venom. Emma Stone flits perfectly between the ‘nice’ Estella, and the bitchy Cruella, with the costumes she wears giving at the very least a nod to Vivienne Westwood, with tartan, newspaper print, punk styling and a slashed ballgown all stealing scenes.

It has to be said that this is a film steeped in fashion, and it always looks incredible, with many scenes standing out for the sheer visual gorgeousness. Key scenes include Cruella arriving in a dustbin lorry and being literally tipped out, and the Charity ball when Baroness is greeted by a sea of Cruella’s, all with that monochrome hair. But my personal favourite is the first arrival of Cruella, in a white cape that burns to reveal a red dress designed by Baroness herself.

Cruella is a fashion lovers dream, but also one for music lovers, with the stunning use of Blondie, The Zombies and Florence and the Machine. The Music helps set the scene of 70’s London beautifully, making this a treat for the eyes and ears.

I love this film, definitely a fashion lovers dream.

Working from home may be something you’ve been longing to do, or circumstances may have made it necessary. However, working from home is not for everyone, and can come as a bit of a shock to the system, particularly if you have been used to going into a busy office every day, surrounded by your colleagues. So, how do you make a success of it?  Dr Ryan Shelton Zenith Labs has considerations that you should be aware of about your health and diet when it comes to working from home. There are many more concerns too that you need to address to make your work environment a safe and healthy workspace.

Create a Workspace

When you’re preparing to work from home, one of the first things you need to focus on is creating a space to carry out your job. If you think you can lay in your bed with your laptop, or stretch out on the couch, we’ve got news for you – it won’t work. Well, maybe for five minutes. What you need to do instead is earmark a corner of your house, or preferably a whole room to create an office. Ideally, it needs to be equipped with a desk, chair, and computer equipment, along with space to file your documents and any books you may need. It needs to be an area of your home that, once you enter, you know that you’re there to work and not to be distracted!

Picture below: Dr. Ryan Shelton, Zenith Labs

If you don’t have any room in your house to create a workspace, then look outside. Do you have a garage that you can convert? Or could you create a small outhouse or extension? Some people find it helps to have a separate area outside the main building, so they feel they are going to ‘the office’ and truly breaking away from home life.

If you’re converting any outside areas, like the garage, make sure it’s fit to work in, which includes ensuring it’s warm, it has power, it’s clean, and it’s safe. You’ll want to check that there are no infestations of any sort too.

Think carefully about your furniture. A good chair is worth investing in as it will support your back as you work, helping you to avoid repetitive strain injuries when you work.

Look After Your Health

Even though working from home can be convenient in so many ways, when it comes to our health there are concerns. True breaks for mealtimes can be skipped as we instead carry on with our work and snack at our computers. You need to set aside time to eat properly, putting the computer and paperwork to one side for at least a 30-minute break where you concentrate on eating something properly, rather than snacking on junk, or worse still overeating things like crisps and sugary snacks.

Working from home can also lead to pressure on your eyes. Blue Light is an issue for those who spend a long time staring at screens, and working from home can actually lead to workers spending more time at their screens rather than less. Make sure you set some rules about your working hours and put the computer down a long time before bed.

Create a Schedule

Another important thing you need to do to make sure your home office is up-to-par is to have a schedule in place for your week ahead. Don’t try and just work now and then, around other things, as this will not be very productive in the long run. If you have to keep dropping things and then pick them back up, it can make straightforward tasks longer and more complicated. If you can, set particular work hours. It may be 0930 to 1530 for example, if you have children at school. When you have defined your working hours, stick with them and plan your time effectively.

Create House Rules

If you have a family or you share your house with others, you need to make sure there are rules in place around your work schedule. You need everyone to understand that you’re at home to do your job, not to be distracted. Try and ensure that all those in your home respect your hours of work and don’t disturb you. Any temptation may take you away from your desk and put you behind.

Don’t forget, when your working hours are over, step away from the computer and enjoy your time off!

Picture below: Dr Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs reading to his children after a long day’s work.