Category Archives: family

Aiming for a good night’s sleep

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It is no secret that I struggle to get to sleep at night. Since I was a teenager I have suffered from bouts of insomnia which mean I could literally watch the clock go round at night rather than drifting off to the land of nod. I find it difficult to switch off at night, always thinking of what I need to do the next day, and I often have my best ideas in those twilight hours, and then worry I will forget them when I eventually go to sleep. It all adds up to me not getting anywhere near enough sleep, and then feeling sluggish and tired the next morning, when the school run beckons.

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There are a range of factors that stopped us getting a good night’s sleep. This can range from the restlessness of a partner, who may be suffering from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea causes them to make vibrating sounds due to breathing problems. It may also be the outside noise and even trying to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress.  Stressing over everyday matters is another recipe for a sleepless night. So what can we do to improve our sleep?

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Your nights sleep can certainly be improved by changing your mattress, especially if you have had it for a few years. You can opt for something that gives you the firmness that you need, especially if you have back problems that also help you to lose sleep. Many people think that a new mattress would be very expensive, but if you shop at mattress sale UK you can find some real bargains, including pocket strung and memory foam designs.

Your sleep could be transformed through a new mattress, and you can also add a mattress topper to add a further level of comfort.

A bedtime drink

Avoiding caffeine long before our actual bedtime is one key thing we can be doing. Apparently, the effects of caffeine filled drinks can last for up to 24hours, so switching to a milky drink would be far more beneficial for those who struggle to sleep.

Accessories

Pillow sprays, sleep masks and blackout curtains can also be useful in the fight for sleep, helping us towards a state of relaxation. The masks and blackout curtains/blinds are particularly important if you struggle sleeping when there is light in your room.

Turn off that technology

Keeping the technology out of the bedroom is also imperative – no more Facebook and Twitter updates in bed! Once you go to bed you need to be shutting out the world, so leave that phone or iPad downstairs, it can all wait until morning.

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Natural Beauty from a Healthy Lifestyle

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Becoming a generally healthy person requires gradual lifestyle changes. Good health is a priority and when you feel good, you look good as well. There are simple and effective steps that you can take towards enhancing your beauty from within while maintaining optimal health. Everyone can be healthy regardless of gender, age or current conditions.

Beautiful and Healthy Smile

Maintain a dazzling smile by protecting your teeth by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. Be sure to choose a reputable one for the best services.  Do not ignore any face and jaw pain as this can be a sign of something more serious.The muscle that connects your jaw to your skull, the temporomandibular joint, can became misaligned, damaged, or inflamed causing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, which is better known as TMJ. Sore facial muscles and jaw aches caused by TMJ can greatly affect your overall wellbeing by interrupting sleep and causing pain, but you do not need to live with this pain, as a good cosmetic dentist can have this sorted very quickly, and can return your smile and your regular life pattern.

Exercise

Exercise is highly beneficial and you should strive for a minimum of thirty-minute workouts on a daily basis for the best results. There are different physical activities that you can choose from ranging from swimming to brisk walking. Exercising regularly is also good for your skin, energy and happiness.

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Healthy Diet

Healthy eating is important although you can spurge on your favorite treats occasionally. Maintaining a healthy diet will improve your appearance right from within and contribute to helping you look great. All your meals should be balanced and nutritious.

The recommended number of balanced meals per day is three, along with healthy snacks in between for extra energy. Skipping meals is not an effective strategy because you may end up feeling hungry and binge-eating.

Make sure that you consume a considerable portion of vegetables and fruits each day. Avoid over-processed foods or food that contains a lot of fat because they compromise the efficiency of the digestive system.

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Skin Protection

Protect your skin to ensure that it always looks clean and healthy. Keeping your face clean and using the right products will help you maintain beautiful skin. Regardless of the skin tone you have, minimize exposure to the sun. If you cannot avoid constant exposure, invest in a quality sunscreen product for sufficient protection.

Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Water is vital for hydrating your skin and preventing it from drying or peeling. You should wash your face at least two times everyday. Gentle cleaners are useful for different skin types and help to prevent breakouts and other skin problems.

Using a lip balm will keep your lips moisturised and you can consider wearing subtle makeup if you want to enhance your facial features. Whenever you have makeup on, do not forget to remove it before you go to bed.

Hygiene

Proper hygiene is an integral aspect of beauty and health. Staying clean and fresh makes a positive and favourable impression in everyone you meet. Take a bath or shower everyday, wash hair as often as recommended and wear deodorant. Your hands and feet work hard everyday and should be given the attention and care they deserve. Keep the skin on your hands and feet healthy by moisturising them.

 

 

Things to consider when planning a loft conversation

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A loft conversation can often be the answer when you are struggling for space in your current home. You can create extra bedrooms, another bathroom or study space by converting your loft, and this can often mean you can stay in the home you love, rather than needing to move out as your family grows. But there are some key points that you need to consider when you opt to convert your loft. These will ensure you get the best out of the space you have, and are not left disappointed.

Will the Space be big enough for your needs

My husband Pete is a loft conversion specialist and says that one of the problems he sometimes faces is that people are disappointed with how big their new loft space is. You have to bear in mind that one side of the roof will remain sloping, so you will not get the same amount of space has you have on your current first floor. You also need to consider your existing roof height. It needs to be a minimum of two metres in height – after all, you do need to be able to stand up in the new room.

One way you can make your space appear larger is through your use of flooring and colour. The key is to keep everything neutral and not busy. Creams and beige’s give a feeling of space and calm and this can allow your loft space to feel bigger than it is. Similarly, opt for solid wood flooring in a shade like light grey oak (brilliant for a bedroom) or natural oak. These will prove to be hard wearing, but the colour will help to create that illusion of space that is so important.

Light

Lofts are notoriously dark spaces, so you need to add light. The best way to do this is with a Salstro roof window. Salstro, produce the best quality roof windows and you can find a wide range of styles and sizes. The windows come with a ten year guarantee, and in a range of finishes to suit the style of your new room.

The staircase

The configuration of the new staircase into the loft space is probably the most important thing to consider. You don’t want to be in the position of losing a room downstairs if you are only going to be gaining one new room in your loft. The most popular loft conversions create one new bedroom and an ensuite bathroom that works from an existing stairs and landing. This is the best situation for creating a new space.

Finding the right company

A loft conversation is a massive job, so you need to look carefully when it comes to choosing a team/company to convert your roof space. Look for a reputable company and read up on customer testimonials. This is your home so you deserve the best team.

If you take all these points into consideration, you should be able to create a beautiful new living space in your home.