Omega wristwatches are popular wristwatches that you may have spied on the wrists of celebrities. While they look beautiful, here are four other reasons to buy them:
Top Quality
Omega Seamaster watches are Swiss-made, which means they were produced in Switzerland. Wristwatches produced in Switzerland are top quality which is why top watch brands like Tudor and Rolex go there to make their wristwatches. The tools in wristwatches made in Switzerland include little cogs and gears that work with each other to tell the right time. Swiss watches comprise tools that are fragile and handmade yet strong enough to last for life.
Omega Seamaster is a Swiss watch and as such is of top quality. This watch will continue to work for a long time and you can pass it on to your child or another family member. In turn, they can pass them to others without the watch ever running down.
The Time is Always Right
One thing you should look for in a wristwatch is one that keeps the right time. Some watches just have beautiful aesthetics, they do not keep the right time always. This means you have to set the time by yourself. This can be annoying especially when you are in a meeting or in a hurry for something. Omega watches have a reputation for keeping the right time always. This means they are never a minute too early or too late. Due to their accuracy, they took the first position in the Geneva Observatory Trials in 1931, beating all other watches. Even today, they have maintained the standard of keeping the right time.
Can Be Worn Anywhere and Anytime
There are wristwatches for formal events and there are wristwatches for casual events. Also, there are wristwatches for swimming and there are wristwatches for dinner dates. You cannot use these wristwatches for any other event other than their specific events. So, this means you have to buy watches to match the different events you will be attending.
This is where Omega watches come in: they are the wristwatches for all seasons. Whether it is hot or cold, rainy or dry, you can wear your Omega watch at all times. You also can wear them to formal and casual events and also to swim without fearing damage. Furthermore, you can wear them to space or Antarctica without fear that they may fail. As a matter of fact, an Omega watch was the first watch spacepeople wore on the moon. Similarly, an Omega was one of the first to keep the time when humans went to Antarctica. This is where Omega watches best all other watches.
Strong Rubber Strap
Unlike other watches’ rubber straps that snap easily, an Omega Seamaster rubber strap is one that lasts long. Some watches have straps that put pressure on the wrist, leaving it slightly heavy. In order to choose your watch strap, you should watch out for comfortability. The Omega Seamaster watch strap is comfortable so that your wrist does not feel heavy in them.
Conclusion
Now that you have these reasons, you can go ahead and shop for your Omega watch from the comfort of your home.
A new year can mean new beginnings. A fresh start to do things differently. Many use the start of a new year to change aspects of their lifestyle, whether to exercise more or implement healthier eating habits.
The new year is often the time where we set goals we hope to achieve within the year. Last year, 44% of people planned to set resolutions, with losing weight being the most common goal.
A healthier lifestyle is not the only goal to set. There is a vast range of targets that you can aim for to make a memorable year. If you are struggling with thinking of goals you want to accomplish for 2022, here are a few ideas worth considering.
Build A Better Budget
Are you looking to buy a house in the upcoming year? Do you have a financial goal that you want to reach? Do you find that you struggle handling your finances? If so, the start of the new year could be your time to build a better budget and start saving towards your big financial goal.
Look at what you earn each money. Calculate how much you will have left after bills. You can calculate how much can go into savings and what is for necessities.
When you improve how you manage money, you are one step closer to achieving your goals. It will also help you maintain these better financial practices that you can continue using after meeting the goals you set yourself. Learning about money management skills can also help you with reducing stress levels.
Take Time For Yourself
Recent events have highlighted the importance of taking care of yourself. For 2022, you may want to consider finding time in your busy schedule to take care of yourself. It is easy to get swept up in the busyness of daily life, causing you to forget to check in with yourself to see how you are doing.
Look for ways to practice self-care, enabling you to relax and relieve your feelings of stress. You may choose to spend time away from your phone or look at a screen. Instead, use that time away from technology to go on a walk, write in your journal or practice meditation.
Find products that could help you relax as well. A popular choice is CBD. Many users find it can help them reduce their stress levels and to feel calm. You can find full spectrum CBD oil online, many of which are available in different dosage amounts. After choosing the perfect dosage for you, you can use the full spectrum CBD oil to help you relax and reduce your stress levels.
Aim To Be More Present
The future is out of your control. You cannot change the past. What you can control and what you can focus on is the present. A goal for the new year could be trying to be more present in the day. Look for things to do now that could help in preparing you for moments that occur in the future. For example, create a list of what needs completing in the week. It will help you have a more productive week, as you have set tasks that need completing.
Another way to be more present is through practising mindfulness and meditation. It forces you to be present at the moment. You take in the sounds, smells and feelings that surround you. These are both techniques that can help you to be more present and help you to relax.
Set Realistic Goals
You can easily get carried away with setting goals for the new year. Many of which you are unlikely to achieve. When you look to set goals, ensure that you don’t aim too high and create unrealistic goals impossible to achieve. If you do, you will set yourself up for disappointment come to the end of the year when you have not accomplished what you wanted to achieve.
Set yourself realistic goals. Allow for some flexibility with your goals. It is impossible to know what the year will hold. Meaning it is possible for something unexpected will occur that could prevent you from achieving your goals. If this were to happen, ensure that you can alter your targets accordingly. It will allow you to have a target to work hard to achieve. It will be more achievable given the new circumstances.
As you look to set your resolutions, consider the amount you set. Similar to creating goals too high, ensure that you are not aiming to accomplish too many goals. You could be left disappointed at the end of the year for not achieving the long list of resolutions you set yourself.
Resolutions are an excellent way to put you on a path to have a great year. Aim to set out of your comfort zone a bit and set goals that will make you happy once you achieve them. It can help to make for a memorable 2022.
How much do you love Christmas shopping? Finding the perfect gift for someone gives such a wonderful, warm and fuzzy feeling inside. No doubt you will have family and friends that adore all things ‘Beauty’ therefore we have compiled some seriously fabulous gifts to check out online.
With the festive season around the corner, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about Christmas shopping! Shopping for presents can be a fun and rewarding activity, but most of the time it’s a stressful and complicated one. From coming up with a present idea to finding the right store, to searching for the item and buying it, there’s a lot of work to be done. There’s nothing more disappointing than spending hours shopping, only to not find what you’re looking for. Not to mention with black Friday coming up, Christmas shopping is going to be even more hectic!
From shopping centers to markets, to local businesses, there are plenty of places to choose from for your Christmas shopping. Finding what you’re looking for is easy when you know where to look! Wherever you are in the world, here are some tips on how to find the perfect stores for your Christmas shopping. Follow these simple steps and take control of your shopping this festive season!
Do your research
The first step in accomplishing any big task is to prepare and do your research. Depending on where you live, finding the right shops for your Christmas shopping can be tough. Figuring out where to shop in Bournemouth, Leeds, St Albans, or wherever you may be, is a good start. Have a look or ask around to see where others do their shopping. If you know what you’re looking for, look up the shops online and check out their catalogs. From big-name brands to smaller indie ones, every business is bound to have some information to help you in your search. Doing your research beforehand helps you plan out your shopping, so you don’t miss out on anything!
Check out the Christmas market
Many towns and cities have a seasonal Christmas market, which may come in handy this shopping season! These fabulous and festive markets are a popular tourist attraction, a cultural hub, and a great place to do some Christmas shopping. Head to the market and walk around the cozy Christmas decorations while you browse the rows of handmade local snacks and treats. Check out the trinkets, gadgets, and other handmade goods on display while enjoying the lights and the atmosphere. Make a day out of it! It’s a great way to support the local community and to find some unique, quirky, and festive gifts for your friends and family.
Support local businesses
‘Tis the season to give back and what better way to do that than by supporting local businesses! Local businesses make up the heart and soul of towns, both big and small, across the globe. Check out your local home-grown, family businesses this festive season for your Christmas shopping. From locally roasted coffee to independent clothing brands to handmade mugs and jewelry, there’s plenty of goods to choose from. Indie brands offer unique products made with good quality ingredients and love. Shopping and supporting local brands is very important. Whether you’re purchasing a product or a gift card, online or in-person, shopping locally might be the perfect fit for your Christmas shopping.
Hit the high street
If you’re interested in buying something a little more high-end and on-trend than eclectic, then hitting the high street is for you. Almost every bigger city or town has a high street where you can find a lot of luxury products and brands. If you’re looking for perfumes, designer fashion, or the newest shoes, the high street is the way to go. Aside from high-end brands, you can also find smaller boutiques and familiar chains, and department stores. There’s bound to be a bookstore or two if you’re on the hunt for some current literature too. As an added bonus, these high streets are usually packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars to help you relax after a long day of Christmas shopping.
Shopping districts
Aside from highstreets, seasonal markets, and indie brands, there are still plenty of other areas in town to do your shopping. If you’re looking for something specific, it might be a good idea to hit up the local shopping districts. Shopping districts are easily accessible, large clumps of shops selling similar goods, scattered throughout the city. What the districts sell can be anything from art and paintings to dresses for a night out, to tools and machinery. So go out there, find your local shopping districts and explore them to see what you can find. From China towns in the heart of the city to boutiques and curiosity shops in the suburbs, each city has plenty to offer.
Go out of town
If you’re not finding what you’re looking for, or you want something more special and unique, then it might be time to hit the road. Neighboring towns and cities often have, if not a wider, then a different variety of products to choose from. If you’re looking to Christmas shop on a budget, shopping in smaller towns might be a good idea too.
Going out of town is also a great excuse to turn your laborious shopping trip into a fun road trip adventure! Check out some of the local scenery and tourist destinations after you check out the shopping destinations. Explore some of the quaint and quirky curiosity shops for unique arts, crafts, and trinkets. Sample some of the local cuisine and sights while you’re at it and remember to make your Christmas shopping an enjoyable experience!
Christmas shopping can be, but doesn’t have to be ‘the nightmare before Christmas’! Make your Christmas fun by planning ahead and taking in the sights and smells of everything this festive season has to offer. Do your research on your favorite stores to get a headstart. Visit the seasonal Christmas market and let the festivities inspire your shopping. Support your local small businesses by buying unique presents crafted with love.
Go hard or go home this festive season and get your loved ones the luxury items they deserve from high-end shopping centers and districts. If you want to find some better deals or more variety, go out of town and visit some neighboring towns and villages. Make like a tourist and make a day of your Christmas shopping! Wherever you choose to shop, remember to have fun, enjoy the festivities, and try not to lose your head this shopping season!
These days when people launch a new business they often think about the short term gains, the quick wins and the possibility of being an overnight success. Few companies do what Astonish have done, a brand that launched back in the 1970’s and is now a household name. A brand that could inspire any business owner, whether they’re just starting out or they’ve been trading for many years. There are few people that don’t know the Astonish brand but hardly anyone knows the story behind it.
With people like Mrs Hinch going viral for her house cleaning hacks and the rise in people only wanting to use ethical and sustainable cleaning products, Astonish continue to be the market leader they always have been. Ahead of the curve, the story behind the brand is nothing short of inspiring. So, grab a cuppa and dive right in as we introduce you to Nick Moss, nephew of the founder…
Tell us about the journey that lead your Uncle Alan Moss to launch the Astonish brand…
The Astonish Cleaning products journey started in Leeds in the the late 1970s. My Uncle Alan started selling a safe to touch, abrasive cleaning paste in a little metal tin which was used for cleaning pots, pans, ovens, glassware, basically anything that had tough marks the regular cleaning products couldn’t remove. He took the product around the country to trade fairs, department stores and agricultural shows and the paste was an instant success! The formula was a biodegradable, non toxic one that had no animal derived ingredients in it, which at that time was quite rare.
Starting in Leeds in the 1970s, what did Astonish do from here to become a household name?
After the success of the trade show demonstrations, Alan took the product to America and featured it on QVC and a programme called “Amazing Discoveries” which demonstrated the product to a massive audience increasing the demand of the miracle paste! He returned to the UK and featured the Astonish paste on info commercials plus sold the product in Kleeneze catalogue delivered to the majority of households across the uk. As the business began to grow, so did the product range which included handwashes, cleaning sprays and cream cleaners. All the products were made in Leeds and free from any animal derived ingredients. Alan also joined and associated the products with the BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) who have now changed their name to Cruelty Free International. A number of other brands were testing on animals, and still do, but Astonish has never been tested on animals. Alan created an ethical brand that began to expand outside the uk in the mid 1980s. Astonish is sold in over 40 countries across the globe from Outer Mongolia to the USA! Another factor of Astonish becoming a household name is thanks to the expertise and entrepreneurial skills of Alan’s son Howard who is now the MD of Astonish! His insight to expand the business through new factory machinery and working with retailers from the discount Arena catapulted Astonish to new heights in business. Howard also took a risk by relocating to a bigger factory in 2009 which allowed the business to grow even more with the capacity for bigger orders.
What has been the biggest hurdle you have had to overcome since joining the business?
The biggest hurdle has to be expanding the business and moving into a new factory. With so much competition in the cleaning product arena and brands fighting for shelf space, you have to be top of your game as customers demand the best! Retailers will only want to stock a product that they know their customers will purchase again. This is why our in house lab spends over 6 months developing a product and making sure it equals or out performs the brand leader!
Looking back, is there anything you would do different?
That’s an interesting question! As the saying goes, we learn from our mistakes! Although as a company which is always growing and moving forward, we don’t regret anything, we just learn from it. There maybe products we have made but sadly they didn’t work. We made refills in the 1980s in the form of a tablet you mixed with water but it didn’t take off. You could say we were ahead of our time! We are constantly working on our sustainability.
Tell us more about what inspires you…
Kindness and compassion inspires me! The world can be a cruel place in so many ways but show me a person who has a good soul, can see every person as an equal, campaigns for the rights of all, an animal lover..that inspires me!
If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Ethical Eco Cleaners
Are Astonish products safe?
Yes! All Astonish products are designed to be safe and reliable.
Unyielding in our pursuit for sustainable production, we offer various collections of eco- friendly cleaning products, personal care and more. We do our best to avoid including harmful chemicals when we can, especially those of a synthetic nature that can be harmful to the skin and nature.
We’re constantly evolving and looking to obtain innovative alternatives that minimise waste. We have one planet and we want to keep it clean!
Our products are not toxic or flammable. They are all cruelty free and vegan.
Are your ethical accreditations official or is a stock logo?
Good question! A lot of brands create their own vegan and cruelty free logos but not Astonish. We are officially certified by the vegan society, Cruelty Free international and the Vegetarian society! Not only have we had an independent audit on our formulas but we are supporting organisations who campaign against animal testing.
How do you want people to feel when they use your products?
Cleaning has a feel good factor! The thought of cleaning may not be exciting but once you pick up your Astonish products you will be reassured that they will do the job and also give you a sense of satisfaction and achievement! Cleaning helps you escape your anxiety. I know from experience that listening to music and cleaning my home makes me feel great! Our products contain some great fragrances too so your senses will be stimulated as well as your mind.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
My day starts with me walking the dog in the local countryside. I love this time as it helps me wake up and I feel great seeing my Old English Sheepdog running as I know she is in her happy place too! I’ll then drive over to the factory and answer all the messages from customers via email and social. We have an active Instagram account with customers sharing their Astonish Cleans which are fantastic!
I’ll then take a trip round the factory, taking photos and videos to use for our social content. Our followers love seeing the factory in action, it’s quite calming to watch. You can catch some clips on our Instagram highlights! @astonishcleaners
How much has social media played a role in the success of the brand?
Social Media has played a vital part in connecting to our customers! Before the internet we would receive hand written letters from customers, sharing their experiences with Astonish. Now we have instant messages, testimonials and product demonstrations! It’s such an important marketing tool now and we are so grateful for it!
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I’d love to visit Iceland (not the store! I’ve been there as we have Astonish in there) Iceland the country, and Greenland always seemed interesting!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Wow! That’s another good question. I always focus on the positive! Life is a constant battle isn’t it… a hurdle always pops up. You just have to either jump over or crawl under it… but keep moving forward. Life is fleeting so live it to the full! Everyday really is a blessing!
What is your proudest moment with Astonish?
My proudest moment has to be raising £100,000 for the NHS charities during lockdown. It all started from a lockdown activity on our instagram stories. We asked our followers to create a design on their bottles… the theme being the heroes of the NHS. Which resulted in us manufacturing the limited edition bottles and all the profits going to the NHS.
What’s next for you and the brand?
We are currently building a new factory not far from our current one so that will be a big challenge for us as there is so many factors involved. ( factors for a factory! ) We have just created a new collection of disinfectants which are all cruelty free, vegan and contain essential oils! They should be hitting the shelves now. We have also created some refills for the sprays which will help save money for a lot of customers and reduce their plastic consumption. We are constantly working on ways to improve our carbon footprint which includes new products made from paper packaging and 100% recycled plastic.
Where can people find out more?
Please visit astonish.co.uk to find out more about Astonish cleaning products and also join our social channels! @astonishcleaners You will find Astonish in Asda, Morrisons, Wilko, The Range, Poundland, Dunelm, Home bargains, B&M and online via Amazon.
Ian Fleming, best known as the creator of the enigmatic spy James Bond (and Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, of all things) probably never anticipated his famous action hero becoming both a British icon and a major marketing event. The bookmakers have kept markets for the next James Bond open for decades, now, meaning that guessing the identity of 007 is almost as popular a pastime as picking the next US president.
Of course, within Bond’s lifetime, which goes all the way back to 1953’s Casino Royale, society has changed in a number of ways. While a Bond with blonde hair, the ever-pouting Daniel Craig, almost caused the apocalypse back in 2006, the current listing of new MI5 recruits seems (slightly) less concerned with physical characteristics. The character’s Britishness is still sacrosanct, however.
Betfair notes that fans betting on the next James Bond are particularly enamoured with the chiselled frame of Tom Hopper (Dickon Tarly in Game of Thrones) and Richard Madden (also in Game of Thrones, as Robb Stark). The next few entries in the list might seem like charitable additions – not because the characters aren’t suitable but because they’re starting to seem like so much old milk, having been associated with the role for years.
Tom Hardy (7/2), Idris Elba (8/1), and Superman Henry Cavill (8/1) all seem like perfect candidates for Bond but, again, they have for a while. Rege Jean Page (Chicken George in Roots) and James Norton (Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley) round out the most likely candidates for the Bond mantle in the bookmakers’ eyes but there’s still one person in the bookies’ good graces that could surprise us all.
Lashana Lynch
Lashana Lynch would have become the first female James Bond in history if cast in an upcoming movie but she already grabbed the 007 codename in the 2021 film No Time to Die, starring Craig. While, for many, this might make her a shoo-in for the Bond role, she’s an outside 10/1 to get the nod, behind the unlikely Cavill. Lynch has previously appeared in the movies Still Star-Crossed and Captain Marvel.
As far as her spy career is concerned, Lynch’s Nomi remains a side character in the Bond franchise. Fleming’s work is filled with classical nods to masculinity and, while Bond’s serial dating has been toned down in recent entries, fans of the franchise have been very vocal about keeping the character male. In such a slow-moving and fraught film series, though, a spin-off for Nomi might be a blessing.
While interesting, the debate over the next James Bond inevitably becomes a bit of a circus once the top ten is out of the way. Callum Turner, who played Theseus Scamander in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, is probably the last sensible suggestion before the only qualifier necessary for inclusion is an individual’s maleness. Michael Fassbender? Maybe. Damian Lewis? Possibly. Jason Statham? No.
The next entry in the James Bond franchise won’t come out for a while now so expect plenty of input on the lead’s identity over the next few years.
Famous for its fantastic ski runs, the Dolomites may not be the first place that comes to mind for a foodie getaway however, this rugged, dramatic landscape is the backdrop to some of the finest Italian cuisine. I took an out of season trip to this beautiful corner of Italy and took a culinary journey up the mountains.
Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti
I checked into the luxurious Lefay Resort and Spa, a modern, mountain hideaway located in Pinzolo This oasis of calm is the perfect base to explore this gastronomic region, rich in tasty, unique dishes.
This expansive mountain range is dotted with restaurants. After a morning hiking up to Vallesinella in the Madonna de Campiglio region, I was ravenous and ready for lunch. Hugging the side of the mountains is Chalet Fogajard, an alpine lodge straight out of Heidi. This beautiful rustic retreat offers spectacular views of the Brenta Dolomites and is the perfect location for lunch. As the afternoon sun sneaks through the rugged rocks and clouds, I enjoy a well-earned, cold glass of Nosiola and soak up this outstanding location. The charismatic owner, Eduardo greets me and swiftly seats me opposite the fire in a snug nook of this charming restaurant. All the menu uses local in season produce. It’s simplistic, fresh but the finish and presentation of all the dishes makes it feel that bit more special than your run of the mill Italian mountain hut.
Views at Chalet Fogajard
Starter was a flan of ricotta cheese with fondue and cannelloni served with cabbage and beef Carne Salada – a classic Garde Trentino dish bursting with flavour. Now this is a bold statement, but I stand by what I say, the lasagne here is by far the most delicious I have ever tried. Unlike traditional lasagne this had no meat and was instead made with four simple local ingredients – homemade pasta, radicchio, butter and casolét, an Italian cheese produced in the mountains and valleys of Trentino-Alto Adige. This Italian staple was delicate yet rich in flavour. Desert was a light, fluffy chocolate mousse served with homemade biscuit followed by a selection of liqueurs made by Eduardo’s wife, using herbs and plants foraged from the local hills. Be warned, these fragrant sips pack a punch.
Alimentari Caola, Pinzolo
Back in Pinzolo, I head to Alimentari Caola, an Aladin’s cave of tasty morsels. Owner Antonio lives and breathes his business. This 100-year-old delicatessen has been in the family for three generations and stocks some of the best produce from the surrounding area. His passion for all things local is reflected in this modest two floor store that houses over 350 local wines, 167 types of Grappa (17 of which are from the region) as well as some of the finest cheeses including some produced by his son. Downstairs Antonio has created a space to sample these delectable wares. I got to try the delicious creamy Fiori, Crozzon and Malga cheeses as well as rich, juicy hams from the region. Nibbles of local bread and Carne Salada are served with oils from Lake Garda. This is accompanied by a glass (or two) of Ferrari Rose, a dry and delicate sparkling wine. Alimentari Caola is more than a delicatessen, it’s a hidden gem, a place you must go if you want to buy some authentic Italian produce. Pick up some amazing chocolate and wine or Italian oil and cheese while tapping into Antonio’s knowledge of all things local.
The tasting menu at Grual
I conclude my stay with a gastronomic treat back at Lefay Resort. There are so many great places to eat in the region but the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Grual, offers a unique, culinary experience that’s a real tribute to the Dolomites. Executive chef, Matteo Maenza, has designed an eight-course ‘altimetric’ tasting menu that reflects the territory and a specific altitude. The menu highlights the natural characteristics of the three mountain ranges, starting from the valley floor with ingredients such as red turnips and white fish, then moving up to alpine pastures with wild herbs, apple and brown trout then finally reaching the high mountains with char, deer, and roe deer. The menu is 100% seasonal and Maenza often takes mountain walks with his sous chef for inspiration. Every course was paired with an excellent wine and beautifully presented. I adored the Spaghetti Monograno Felicetti with smoked mountain butter, cornelian, and deer. The Arctic char, Trentino bread purée with wild broccoli was to die for but the pièce de resistance was desert which consisted of Caramel Tarte Tatin, puff pastry ice cream and almond chips as well as a final course of walnut emulsion, chocolate mousse, blackberry compote and mountain pepper ice cream. I finished the evening with a bespoke herbal tea made from herbs locally foraged. I was truly spent, while each course was modest in size by the time I finished my eighth I was full up.
Lefay Resort is a great location to explore this gastronomic region and experience a fusion of Italian and Alpine cooking.
Over the last few years, much has been made about the potential of cloud technology and how it could represent a new frontier in computing. As more and more companies migrate their IT services to cloud providers, the sector has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the entire IT industry – but just what is the cloud and how can it benefit both companies and individuals?
The cloud – a simple definition
In essence, the term ‘the cloud’ can be thought of as any computing service that is handled remotely and delivered to clients, usually over the internet. Thus, cloud tech can be used for anything from storage to running apps or processing complex computing operations remotely – normally the kind of functions that are far beyond the scope of the local device.
Cloud services are often delivered in the form of subscription packages – particularly in business cloud computing – which can be upgraded or downgraded with ease and give companies greater agility when it comes to managing their IT provision. In addition, by relying on support from technicians with azure certification or similar, changes to the size and scope of digital services can be made at the touch of a button, improving the ability of firms to react to changing circumstances and market conditions.
However, while the cloud may sound as though it’s just the preserve of big corporations, its effects have been wide-ranging across all areas of society. Indeed, even if you aren’t aware of it, it’s highly likely you already use several cloud-based applications daily.
Examples of services you possibly didn’t know were cloud-based
In recent years, companies big and small in all sectors have migrated en masse to cloud tech as a way to speed up and improve their services. In fact, in some cases, these platforms wouldn’t exist were it not for the cloud. Below are just a few examples of platforms and services that rely on cloud-based technologies:
Online email services: If you use an online email service like Gmail, you’re actually logging into a cloud server to send and retrieve mail. This allows users to be able to search back through months – even years – of emails, all stored remotely.
Photo storage and editing apps: With the ubiquitous rise of mobile devices and phones, we’re taking more photos today than at any point in history. However, like our desire for ever-smaller gadgets persists, it’s simply not feasible to store all these photos locally – hence the rise in popularity of photo storage apps like Google Photos. Instead, these applications rely almost entirely on the remote capacity and processing power of dedicated servers for saving photos – as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to allow for retouching and editing tasks.
Social media: Any social media app that allows you to log in on different machines (for example, on your cell phone, laptop or desktop) will be cloud-based. Apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter make extensive use of cloud computing tech.
Streaming email services: Applications like Spotify and Netflix use cloud tech to deliver their vast swathes of content to users over the internet via streaming, thereby removing the need for users to store the files locally.
File-sharing and backup storage apps: Popular services like Dropbox and Google Drive use cloud storage to store and transfer files between users.
Christmas is coming, which means festive celebrations are coming. Although this time means evening celebrations with family, friends and work colleagues, some will have reservations during this supposedly festive period. One of the most common reservations is wanting to look and feel their best.
However, with organising festive social events, buying presents and arranging family activities – taking care of yourself is often forgotten about.
With plans being put in place to celebrate, it is understandable that you will want to feel and look your best. There are things that you can do to help you achieve this. Fortunately, many of these are just small changes that can make a significant difference.
Consume Plenty Of Water
Possibly one of the most convenient and affordable ways to improve your skin is by drinking water. During the festive holidays, you might find yourself consuming more alcohol than usual. It might help you to feel merry. However, it can also impact your skin. Since alcohol is high in sugar, it may cause your skin to break out more. It can also be incredibly dehydrating, which causes the skin to look tired and dull. Over time, the build-up of toxins will also take its toll on your life and your ability to cleanse. As a result, this becomes visible to the face, affecting how radiant it should be looking.
To maintain a healthy glow, hydrate yourself by consuming 6-8 glasses of water every day. You can even try drinking warm water with fresh lemon juice mixed in. Keeping hydrated will help to prevent your skin from looking dull and lifeless, as well as help in improving how you feel. Additionally, it can help to reduce how painful the hangover is the next day.
Alternative health options include drinking coconut water, swapping caffeinated hot beverages for herbal teas and green teas. These are rich in skin-protective antioxidants.
Updating Your Skincare Routine
Healthy skin plays a big part in looking your best. It can also help you to look and feel healthier. Each day our skin is exposed to the sun and other environmental pollutants. Once the damage has been done, it can be challenging to reverse it. For this reason, it is essential to have a good skincare routine. Try to find out about your skin type and what ingredients are the best for helping to treat it. You can then find the products you can incorporate into your skincare routine to help brighten and give your skin an envious glow – especially in these colder months.
With a good skincare routine in place, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. It can boost your confidence, as when you look good, you feel good – which is how many of us want to feel as we celebrate Christmas.
You might even want to treat yourself to an early Christmas present and go for a facial. Going for treatment could help to increase cell turnover. Additionally, it can help to treat any active acne and prevent further breakouts from occurring.
Changing Old Habits
You might feel like it is time to switch up old habits. It could be reducing sugar intake, cutting out caffeine or even quitting smoking. For instance, quitting smoking could improve the appearance of your skin. If cutting out smoking altogether might be challenging, switching to a vape can help you to stop smoking cigarettes. Using a vape will allow you to continue consuming nicotine. The benefit is that you will have more control over the amount that you intake. As such, you can reduce the amount you intake, gradually lowering it to the point where you no longer need nicotine. If you’ve never vaped before, we advise you to find some nice disposable bundle package vapes and give it a shot.
By changing old habits now and implementing new ones, you may find that you are more likely to stick with them going forward. Aside from helping you to feel and look good in time for Christmas, you will continue to feel that way for the new year and beyond.
Take Time To Exercise
The thought of exercising in these winter months can be off-putting. However, partaking in some form of exercise can help to change how you feel. Whether it be a long walk or a 20-minute run, you will feel good about yourself afterwards. Any form of physical activity that gets the body moving can help to change the way you feel about yourself. An additional benefit is that it can have physical changes to your body.
Incorporate Healthier Foods
Vitamins A, C, E and K are essential to healthy skin. They can also be effective when applied topically and well as including them in your diet. Vitamin C can help in strengthening your blood vessel walls, whilst vitamin A helps promote firm skin. Vitamin K can help to strengthen your capillary walls. When capillaries are broken they will leak deoxygenated blood to form dark circles.
Incorporating healthier foods into your diet can also help you with your sleeping pattern. Having a good night’s sleep is also a great way to look and feel your best. When you have had the recommended hours of sleep every night, you feel energised for the day ahead.
Look After Yourself
Feeling and looking good can bring out a confident side of you. It could be a side that you might not have realised you had. It will be one that will get noticed by others.
The festive season can be overwhelming at times. With so much to prepare and plan, it can be easy to push yourself and your needs aside. If you choose to put yourself first, it can sometimes leave you feeling a little guilty. However, you should not feel guilty about taking some time for yourself to recharge, re-energise and refocus. Time to yourself is needed to ensure that you do not get burnt out or overwhelmed with everything that needs completing.
Ultimately, the festive season should be enjoyable. When you feel and look your best, it can help you to enjoy the season. Something that you deserve to have.
Are you in two minds whether to rent or buy a new home? This is a dilemma many people face in the shifty post-COVID times. Buying a home is a huge step which many people are reluctant to take, and for quite a few reasons no less. Settling down means continuous investments in your home and usually mortgage in tow – but being a renter also has its downsides, along with the perks such as freedom to move whenever you want and less taxes to worry about. To help you plan your next home move, here are some strategic steps you ought to take into account if you want to get the biggest property bang for your buck.
Consider your financial standing
Buying a home entails extremely high costs. Settling down in your own four walls is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and it entails a rather high financial standing. From the down payment, mortgage, and renovation expenses to the price of furnishings and taxes, being a homeowner does come with a pretty exorbitant price tag. Nevertheless, it might prove to be a worthwhile idea down the road as you will be able to save your money in the long run when paying a mortgage as opposed to monthly rent. When buying a home, location is even more important as you will have to live there a while to get a return on investment. Make sure to search for homes that will have a high return like a mortgage in Virginia Beach.
To settle down or to stay on the go
In case you are not a huge fan of living in the same place all your life, it is a better idea to remain a tenant for the foreseeable future. No strings attached may be costlier, but it does allow you to change place of residence whenever you decide. In addition to that, it is a better option in the short term since it will not require a life-binding financial commitment such as a loan against property or a mortgage. To get a better idea of the rent vs. buy ratio, you can look into the offer of Midland apartments for rent and Midland homes to buy and add up the figures and compare the costs on an annual basis.
Be aware of your living expenses
Staying a tenant is a good option if you are able to balance your income and living expenses as it allows you to avoid sometimes prohibitive expenses of buying and owning your own home. On the other hand, in case your living expenses are high and you are living from hand to mouth, you may want to reconsider your options and take out a mortgage to get a place of your own. Of course, you will need your credit score to be impeccable in the latter case and you will need to have at least some cash in savings to be able to fund the property purchase through to the end.
Think about home maintenance costs
If you’d rather not fuss with home upkeep and regular home maintenance costs, purchasing a piece of property might not be a good solution. Every home needs tender, love, and care, but as a homeowner, your responsibility will be higher and your costs might punch a hole in your long-term budget. As a renter, on the other hand, you can negotiate home upkeep costs with your landlord and have them take care of the maintenance expenses and works required for the place to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing, such as plumbing repairs and wall paint numbers.
Building equity over time
As a homeowner, you will have quite a few expenses to think about, but you will also be in for some tax relief and you will also be able to build equity as time goes by, which will allow you to improve your long-term credit rating. As a renter, your living costs and financial commitments may not be as high, but you stand a risk of your landlord terminating the lease at any moment of being evicted without a good reason. Both of these scenarios are pretty real in the shifty COVID-19 property market for both renters and landlords alike, so make sure to take all the details and small print into account before you bounce off to sign a property purchase contract or an apartment lease.
Buying a home sounds amazing, especially if you are a huge fan of security and settling down for years to come. Nevertheless, home ownership comes with a stack of risks in tow, and it might not be a good option for everyone. On the other hand, being a renter does come with a high level of freedom and flexibility, but it is not a good option in the long run as it entails high monthly expenses and little or no room for savings, especially if you are struggling to make ends meet. When deciding whether you should settle down in your own home or to remain a free flat-flier, there are quite a few things you will need to bear in mind – and if you are still here, now you know the basics of home owning vs. renting strategies. Good luck with decision-making, and be sure to count your blessings whichever call you eventually venture to make!
