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With marijuana legalization becoming a reality for many, and the marijuana industry growing at such a fast rate, there are now many cannabis consumption methods on the market. From edibles to tinctures, dry herb vaporizers, blunts, bongs, joints, and more, it can be quite confusing for someone new to this.

The choice of an appropriate cannabis product depends on the purpose of use. Thanks to its properties, cannabis is used both for specific medical conditions and for well-being overall. Among the well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis plant-based products is considered to be cannabidiol and Delta 8. Cannabinoids offer numerous health benefits, for instance, Delta 8, is mostly associated with relaxing properties and helps with medical conditions such as stress and anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. This and other advantages explain the rising demand, hence the availability of cannabis products in online stores, such as CBD2Heal, Dr. Ganja online CBD shop, Hemp Heroes, and physical stores as well.

More than this, with marijuana having been illegal for so long, not many people are aware of how to consume it, or what the different consumption methods are. If you are interested in trying marijuana or are looking for a different way to consume it, here is what you need to know about the different consumption methods, and information to help you choose one that is right for you.

Dry Herb Vaporizers

Of all of the consumption methods available in the world today, one of the most popular is the dry herb vaporizer. These are not new devices but have slowly gained traction as more states legalize. Dry herb vaporizers are devices that allow users to heat cannabis without combustion to the point of vaporization, which makes them a relatively healthier alternative.

One of the biggest benefits of using this consumption method is that you can consume discreetly on the go, since most are small and portable, and don’t leave behind much of the potent lingering smell associated with marijuana. More than this, they are available online at sites like https://www.grasscity.com/, which means that not only do you have a wide variety of devices at your fingertips, you can also easily compare.

Edibles

The next consumption method are edibles, which aren’t that new either, and have become quite popular amongst consumers that don’t want to smoke or vape. Edibles come in a variety of different shapes and sizes since they are food items infused with marijuana. There’s just about an edible for every taste bud, from candies to gummies, lollipops, cakes, brownies, and most recently even beverages.

The biggest benefit of using this consumption method is that it has the longest duration of all consumption methods. As such, it is mostly used by those who need relief from constant pain, or those looking to experience the effects for basically an entire day.

Tinctures

Tinctures are another consumption method that has become quite popular, especially by those that consume marijuana for medical purposes. Tinctures, like edibles, don’t require the user to vape or smoke anything, instead, a few drops are placed under the tongue. Tinctures are usually small vials filled with concentrated THC that is infused with an alcohol substance.

The biggest benefit of this consumption method is that the dosages are very accurate, so you know what effects you will be experiencing if you are familiar with the THC concentration. They also provide the benefit of lasting for quite a while (2 to 3 hours), but not so long as edibles.

Joints

If you are new to consuming marijuana, then perhaps the best place to start would be with one of the most iconic consumption methods; joints. A joint is cannabis that has been rolled up in rolling paper and has been referred to as cannabis cigarettes. Joints are easy to use since they don’t require any equipment other than a grinder.

The biggest benefits of joints are their ease of use, as well as the fact that they have a very quick onset, and effects typically last between 1-2 hours, depending on how much is consumed.

Blunts

Blunts are very similar to joints but look more like cigars. This is because they are hollowed-out cigars that have been filled with cannabis. These cigars are typically made from tobacco leaf, which means that they contain nicotine, and for many people that give a certain buzz that they enjoy.

For new users who haven’t consumed nicotine before, this method might not be for them. One of the biggest benefits of blunts is that they can contain a relatively large amount of cannabis compared to joints, and they can be placed into cigar cases for more convenient portability.

Bongs

Finally, one of the most iconic methods of consumption are bongs, which date back thousands of years. Bongs are essentially beakers that are filled with water, which acts as a method of filtration. Bongs have a bowl in which marijuana is placed, and a mouthpiece from where the smoke is inhaled.

One of the biggest benefits of this consumption method is that it is great for sharing, and relatively large amounts of marijuana can be consumed in a short amount of time. For example, one could consume a joint in one bong hit.

Feeling stressed? Then it’s time to boot up one of these 5 games

So, you’ve had a long day, maybe a long week or even a long month? We’ve all been there. Sometimes when you get that stressed it can be hard to relax. But don’t worry, we have found the secret to chilling out, even when your brain is absolutely fried… Relaxing games.

Yes, many people associate gaming with high levels of stress and concentration. But there is a whole world of warm, cozy, and relaxing games out there. And we’d like to open your eyes to them.

All the games below are going to help you drift off into another world full of fun, relaxation, and small tasks to complete that will give you that serotonin rushes your brain so desperately needs.

#1 – Stardew Valley

If you have never played this game before then you need to change that as soon as you finish reading this article. This AAA game is less than $15 and has hundreds of hours of gameplay to offer you. It is available on PC, Mac, and every modern console.

You play as a farmer who has moved onto their grandad’s old farm to escape your life working for big business in the city. Soon after you arrive in the town you will discover that everything is not what it seems…

This game was made by one man over the course of three years and is updated at least 3 times a year. The game’s creator took everything he loved about the games Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, and Pokemon, and mixed them together to make one of the best farming simulators to be released this century.

The game gives you the freedom to choose how to spend your time – you can fight in the mines, farm, fish, collect artifacts, or woo the villagers. Whichever you choose to do, you will have a great time.

Also, like every other game on this list – it has the perfect soundtrack.

#2 – Book of Travels

This is a game that is still in early access and is only available on Mac and PC. However, if you are gaming on your computer and want to spend some time walking around the most beautiful setting released in 2021, then head over to Book of Travels.

Book of Travels is a TORPG (tiny online role-playing game), where you are put into servers with a maximum of 7 other people. So crossing paths with another play is a rare and exciting experience.

If you like games that don’t hold your hand and you enjoy playing a game until you understand what is going on then this will be the perfect game for you.

#3 – Solitaire

If you are really stressed then you might want to go a little old school and play some spider solitaire with yourself.

If you need to unwind then online solitaire is the perfect choice for you. You don’t have to worry about sorting or dealing the cards, you can just click a button and have fun sorting the cards into the right piles.

There is no better feeling than beating the deck when you play solitaire.

#4 – Journey

This is another older game that you may have already heard of, however, if you are stressed then now might be the perfect time to check it out.

When it was first released, Journey won award after award for its incredible soundtrack, stunning visuals, and out-of-the-box gameplay.

We won’t tell you too much about the story because it is best to go in knowing as little as possible. But, prepare to have your heart warmed by a game that was made two consoles generations ago and is still one of the best-looking games out there.

#5 – Planet Zoo

If you grew up playing the Zoo Tycoon games then we have some really good news. A new, updated, and better-looking version of those games has been released.

Planet Zoo has everything you loved about the Zoo Tycoon games – the cute animals (but now they are made of more than 3.5 pixels), zoo building mechanics, and physics-defying paths. But this new game comes with a story option, way more animals, and much more exciting building and gameplay options.

They also went all out on the soundtrack. Not only is it one of the most relaxing soundtracks out there but it is also insanely catchy – you will be singing it all week.

Everybody knows that lives change, and they must adapt to the changes or else they and their families will be left behind. You may have already made plans for the future, but it is important to plan for the unexpected as well! Here are some tips on how to prepare for the future and keep your family safe, too.

When Something Happens

You may be worried about what would happen if something happens to you. If someone depends on you, how will they make it? Any loved ones must get support from the community to get through this difficult time. The Social Security Administration can help with your funeral costs and other expenses that may come up from the loss of a loved one, such as paying for groceries or temporary housing until arrangements can be made.

But you need to think about a more legal side to this, as well. Finding relatable life insurance providers should be your number one, right now! If you die without life insurance, there would be no way that your loved ones could pay for their bills or other expenses that need to get paid! So, one of the best things that you can do is find some great life insurance options and buy a policy from them.

Other Legal Options

You should also make a will. It might be hard to think about this, but if you have a family and plan on leaving them any property or belongings, then you must make a will. This means that you will have control over your assets after death and can leave them to whom you want, instead of just allowing someone else to decide what happens to your affairs. If there is no will in place, the court system could appoint an administrator for your estate, and they could decide where things go or not! This is why it is so important that you have one made right away.

Sometimes, even having a simple financial power of attorney can help with making sure that someone can handle loose ends after death as well. You and your family will want to be sure that there is someone who knows about all of the accounts and bills that you have, as well as how they run. Use this resource: www.kanialaw.com/tulsa-estate-planning-attorneys/tulsa-probate-lawyers, so you’ll have a deeper understanding of the probate process.

What If I Am Injured?

Just like if something happens to a family member, it is also important to make plans for yourself because things can happen to you as well! What would happen financially if something happened (like an injury) and you could no longer work? Or what about having some type of medical condition or accident that makes it so that you are unable to do the same job anymore?

If this happens, then finding good workers’ compensation insurance options should be your next move. This kind of policy will pay out benefits when someone gets hurt on the job. It will also protect your job and allow you to keep it after filing a claim for this type of injury.

The first thing that people do is try and come up with a business plan if they can no longer work! This should be something that you plan ahead of time as well.

Other Preparedness Tips

But often, some unknown “black swan” events could happen in the world, too! If something happens to the economy or a natural disaster occurs, this could be devastating for everyone. It is important to make sure you have some type of emergency preparedness plan in place, as well.

  • If possible, create an emergency fund or make sure you have enough savings set aside to cover any unexpected costs such as food expenses or bills (even funeral costs). The money put in here goes away fast when family members are providing care and other needs for those who cannot provide for themselves anymore. Make sure that you prepare for health emergencies by getting appropriate health insurance plans. Look into group rates because it could be cheaper than if you get an individual plan.
  • Try to make sure you have at least three months’ worth of savings in a different account if something happens to the main one. This way, your loved ones will be able to pay for expenses without having any issues.
  • Have all relevant documents together and organized so that it is easier to get things set up when someone needs help or other resources are available.
  • Don’t forget about making plans if there is an emergency evacuation needed. If you live in a flood zone or somewhere else where you know there could be a danger, take this time before it is needed to stock up on supplies for you, your family, and even the pets! Talk this over with them so that everyone knows what they need or where to go! Make sure all of the numbers are changed in case something happens at work or school about safety.
  • Make sure that you prepare for health emergencies by getting appropriate health care insurance options. Look into group rates because it could be cheaper than if you get an individual plan. It is also important to know what this option covers before signing up (make sure there are no exclusions). This way, when something does happen; everything will be taken care of right away.

You can also make a list of all of your vital information and make a backup copy somewhere safe! Consider buying some non-perishable items from which you can survive if things were bad enough! Another great way to prepare for emergencies would be to talk to neighbors about creating an informal circle of friends that would check on each other during difficult times.

There are plenty of things that can help make life better for everyone. All of the information here is to help get you started on some things that will be important, but there are even more tips out there as well! Take this time now so that you can have a plan ready if something happens to one or all of your family members. The best thing that you can do right now is to discuss what you can do to prepare with your family. Use this as a way to plan for any kind of future that could come, not just the one that you want. You never know what could happen down the line, and being prepared by getting insurance options is the best way to go about it!

It’s no secret that height is often a big deal for men. It’s one of the first things that other guys ask you about and it’s usually a deal-breaker for women when you’re dating.

Being a few inches shorter than your friends can knock your confidence and leave you feeling vulnerable. You can often be the target of unsolicited nasty comments or stereotypical jokes about short men.

Aside from the jokes and potential rejections from fussy females, being short does not give you any disadvantages. You can still be just as successful in your personal and professional life as your taller pals.

But it’s not always easy to feel confident in your own skin as a short guy. Here are some top tips to help you find your voice, no matter what your height.

Find Your Style

When you find a style that makes you feel the most confidence, you won’t be thinking about your height.

Whether you love smart casual or you’re into luxury brands, figure out what type of clothing you feel best in. Fill up your wardrobe with all of the clothes, shoes, and accessories that make you feel like the amazing man that you are.

A pair of height adding shoes is one of the best things you can have in your wardrobe as a short guy. They’re going to discretely add a few inches without anybody noticing. And they don’t have to look unfashionable. Find a couple of pairs that match your style and you’re good to go.

Focus On Your Best Qualities

Height isn’t your only quality. It isn’t your whole personality! Instead of worrying about your height, consider all of your other qualities.

Can you tell a great joke and make the whole room laugh? Are you a talented artist? Are you unbelievably intelligent?

Focusing on your best traits can give you a confidence boost. It will help you to realize that height isn’t always the most important thing.

When you realize everything that is great about you, your self-esteem will increase. You’ll soon forget about your height and you’ll start living your life to the fullest!

Make the Jokes First

There’s always going to be one guy or girl who cracks a joke about your height. But if you crack the joke first, you won’t even give them a chance to say it themselves.

After all, it’s sometimes good to indulge in some self-deprecating humor. It gets the room laughing and makes people feel more comfortable around you when you show your vulnerability.

Another thing you can do is shut the person down as soon as they make the ‘short guy’ joke. You can do this by downplaying their joke or responding with something even funnier. This will show that you are confident in yourself, regardless of your height.

Enjoy the Advantages of Being Short

When you think about it, there are many advantages to being smaller than average.

For example, you have way more room to get comfortable in a car seat or on a plane. You can stretch your legs out and relax while the taller people around you have limited room. If there’s a low ceiling or a small doorway, you can stand tall without hitting your head.

People are often more willing to help you out if you’re shorter. If you’re at a concert seeing your favorite artist, people are more likely to let you stand in front of them.

When you can’t reach something on the top shelf at the store, it’s likely that a nearby shopper will give you a hand. This might spark a quick conversation and enables you to get friendly with new people in your local area.

Enjoy all of these amazing perks that the taller people in your life don’t get to experience.

Ignore the Haters

This may be easier said than done but you should always try to ignore the haters. Ignore the people who make unsolicited jokes or comments about your height.

The tips that have already been mentioned in this article will help you when it comes to self-love. Finding your own style and focusing on your best qualities will take your mind away from worrying about what other people think of you.

There are a lot of misconceptions around being short and a lot of people consider it a huge detriment. But focusing on yourself and dismissing other people’s opinions is key to your happiness as a shorter guy.

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.

Skincare & Body Care

1. Glow Hub, Purify + Brighten 3-Step Set, £27 from Glow Hub

2. Gallinée, Microbiome Essential Set, £55 from Gallinée

3. Tisserand Aromatherapy, Little Wellbeing Wonders Set, £15 from Tisserand

4. Ted Baker, Bathing Collection, £25, from Boots (this gift is currently on 3 for 2)

Makeup & Fragrance

5. UP Cosmetics, 10 Pan Full Face Palette, £45 from Boots

6. Illamasqua, Frankly Amy Beauty Box, £50 (currently £32.50) from Illamasqua

7. Miller Harris, Floral & Sweet Fragrance Trio, £45 from Miller Harris

8. ICONIC London, All Eyes on Me, £42 (worth £63), from ICONIC London

Beauty Accessories

9. Lola’s Lashes, Jade Kit (image above) and Sapphire Kit, £35 each from Lola’s Lashes

10. Otis Batterbee, The Total Face Brush Set, £45 from Liberty London

11. Beauty Hygiene Plus, Beauty Hygiene Essentials, £24.99 (currently £14.99), from Feel Unique

12. Fiils, Travel Washbag Mini Gift Set, £22 from Fiils

Enjoy gifting others this Christmas!

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!

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-black-blazer-holding-shopping-bags-974964/

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.