Do Sleep Masks Actually Work?

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Though there is little research to back the claim, sleep masks seem to help some people who find it difficult to doze off and find that precious sleep. They block out artificial and natural light sources, helping create the dark, quiet environment ideal for good sleep. They are designed to give your mind the idea that you are in comfortable, safe surroundings—the ideal environment for a good snooze.

Do Sleep Masks Work?

How effective sleep masks prove to be will depend on the wearer. Staying alert is an essential tool to human survival; it has been since the dawn of time. For you to fall asleep, your mind needs to be sure that you’re not in any form of danger. This is where soundproofing walls and blackout curtains come into play.

Sleep masks come in handy if you don’t own such curtains, work night shifts, or happen to have your bedroom window outside a street light. They block out that light that could cost you your sleep if you’re sensitive to light. They help signal to your brain that you’re in a safe space, so it’s okay for it to shut down and allow you to sleep. 

A good mask should help you fall asleep faster, assuring you of more shut-eye. This allows you to concentrate on whatever tasks you have ahead of you the next day. You can enjoy better short-term memory and be in a better mood throughout the day.

Are There any Disadvantages?

Do you have sensitive skin? Then you might want to avoid sleep masks as they can react with the skin around your eyes when put into contact with it over several hours. You can work around this challenge by finding out which fabrics you’re allergic to and avoiding masks made using that fabric. Masks made from breathable fabrics are recommended for people who struggle with acne. 

If you fail to get the right fit, sleep masks can add greatly to your discomfort at night. One that is too small will exert pressure on your eyelashes or eyelash extensions. Masks that are too tight may cause you to wake up with blurry vision. They can also cause the premature onset of wrinkles. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for this; buy a 3D sleep mask or one that has adjustable straps. 

What Options are Available?

You don’t have to struggle with a sleep mask that hurts your eyelashes or roughs up your skin. When you begin your hunt for an eye mask, you will realize that there are many options suited to deal with different needs. There are also masks to match different personal tastes You can make a fashion statement as you journey through dreamland.

A silk mask will be of great comfort to those with sensitive skin. If you wish to make that fashion statement on your long-haul flight, a silk mask will ensure you stand out. Weighted masks are designed to distribute weight evenly around your head to relieve any pressure from your eyelids or eyelashes. 

Cool masks take comfort to another level by distributing temperature evenly through the mask. If you fall asleep more easily on your side, you should opt for a slim mask. These masks are made from ultra-light materials to make you feel as if you haven’t put anything around your head. 

What Else Promotes Sleep?

Important as they can be in creating a dark, serene environment conducive for optimal sleep, sleep masks are not a panacea for all sleep issues. Before you begin browsing through the offerings on various online shops, it will be helpful to pinpoint the reasons why you find it difficult to fall asleep. Changing your evening diet to avoid sugar and alcohol or turning off all devices an hour before bedtime might be more effective solutions.

It could also be that your mattress is costing you a good night’s rest. Your mattress may be too soft, offering little support to your back. Or it may not be ideal for your preferred sleeping position. For example, side sleepers need support on their hips and shoulders. If you’re able to find the best mattress for side sleepers, you could potentially solve your sleep issues for the long term.

Do Your Homework Before Shopping

Before you begin window shopping for a sleep mask, it is wise to find out why you’re struggling to find sleep. Even the most effective or comfortable of masks won’t keep out stress if that is what’s causing you sleepless nights. A bit more physical exertion in the course of the day may be just what your body needs to shut down at night.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Awesome Ideas To Help You Show Appreciation To Your Employees

Jennifer Hard
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2
Reading Time: 4 minutes

We all know it can be tough keeping employees motivated and happy. They often have to deal with changes, a lack of resources, difficult customers, or long working hours. These things can be demoralizing, so it’s really important to keep them emotionally buoyant. The answer is simple, show them appreciation! Let them know that they are a valuable member of the team.

Perhaps you are wishing to encourage your staff in this way but don’t know how to go about it. This article will give you some amazing tips on how to show your appreciation.

A Thank You Card

It’s cheap, and it’s simple, and yet it can have a big impact on your employees. For most of us, cards are something we’ll only get at Christmas time or on our birthdays.

Why not cheer up one employee every week with a thank you card, writing down what has earned this appreciation? It could be a work-related achievement or even something funny they did. You could send an e-version by email if you don’t have the time and resources to issue paper cards.

A Customized Gift

You could give an employee a medal or trophy that symbolizes their role in the company. For example, you could give your receptionist an Olympic medal with “The World’s Best Receptionist” engraved on it. If fun was had during a work social, something with ‘The World’s Worst Karaoke Singer’ may raise some laughs in the office. If you have an annual sports day, a medal or trophy would be ideal, and if finances are limited, you could print off some paper certificates instead.

Gifts are never better than celebrating peoples’ individuality. It may be that you want to have something made using a 3D printer. A visit to https://prtwd.com/ shows that many people opt for custom 3D printing, or something large scale or made of metal. Professional companies are able to turn your designs into physical products, whether it’s a vinyl figure or keychain.

A Flexible Schedule

It may be that your team has just completed a grueling period of extended overtime. Alternatively, a long-term project has finally come to fruition. You could offer flexible working hours to reward them, for instance, by allowing them to come in later or finish earlier for a brief period.

This would allow your employees some extra time to catch up with their friends and family or simply to recharge themselves.

best-management-tips

A Work From Home Option

Some extroverts may react against anything that keeps them away from daily contact with their colleagues. This doesn’t apply to everybody, however. It may be seen as an extra perk if people are able to work from home for a while. It may fit in better with their work-life balance and give them shorter days. This is because it would remove the time they normally spend traveling to and from work.

Needless to say, this option should only be given to those you trust. Whilst they may be working remotely, you will still have work they need to be completing on a daily basis.

An Extra Day Off

One great work reward is not needing to be there! Whilst you may not have a sufficient budget to pay them something as a token of your appreciation, you could give them an extra day’s holiday. Some companies routinely allow their staff an extra day off on their birthday as an innovative way of celebrating.

You could offer people the chance to take a day off in lieu of the overtime that they have worked. Some people value their free time more than money, in which case this would be greatly appreciated.

Free Snacks And Drinks

Why not bring some freebies to work? It will help them not feel taken for granted. Some of the things you could provide are :

– free snacks and drinks (candy, cakes, chocolates, fruit, etc.)

– a free breakfast option, such as bagels or donuts

– free lunch options that are easy to make like sandwiches, salads, etc.

You could also let them leave early on the day they celebrate their Christmas lunch or dinner if you are prepared to foot the bill, better still!

These have been a few ideas you could implement to make your staff feel more valued. Also, check out the ‘Employee Of The Month’ concept and research some team building exercises, too. They could include paintballing, ropes courses, and more. In return for your kindness, people will be happy where they work, will stay there, and will put in plenty of effort to maintain your business on a daily basis.

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Moving Abroad for Your Studies? Here’s Why You Need a Travel Insurance for Students

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Let’s face it: moving to another country to pursue higher education is a dream for many, and the last thing that you would need to worry about is finances. Having said that, regardless of the course you want to study or the country you want to move to, it is likely to cost you heaps of money. Despite your ability to afford tuition charges, you would still have several other expenses to fulfill.

Moreover, unpredictable risks are inherent to international travel. Hence, it becomes of utmost importance for you to invest in travel insurance for students to safeguard your wellbeing from any sort of unprecedented circumstances. 

In travel insurance policies, many things are covered such as loss of passport and other documents, medical expenses, and support during emergencies. Travel insurance for students is designed to cover any uncertainties that may arise to ensure your wellbeing while staying abroad. This includes medical expenses, hospitalization charges, misplaced passports, and forlorn circumstances.

The Need for Buying a Travel Insurance for Students

If you have never lived alone in the place before, studying in a foreign country may prove challenging. There are many difficulties associated with living alone abroad. When you purchase travel insurance for students, however, you can rely on the insurance provider to assist you in a time of need. 

Apart from his, there is a requirement to purchase travel insurance for students in the majority of the most favoured foreign destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and others. 

Nevertheless, if students plan to visit a country that does not require them to invest in travel insurance, they are encouraged to do so as it is extremely beneficial in terms of protection and financial savings. 

The Upsides of Having a Student Travel Insurance

The benefits of travel insurance for students depend upon the insurance policy or insurance provider one chooses. However, some of the basic travel insurance for students provide support for:

  • Permanent Impairment caused due to an accident
  • Medical and Treatment Expenses at a hospital
  • Maternity care 
  • Emergency dental treatment and recovery
  • Loss of passport and other necessary documents
  • Pre-Existing healthcare conditions
  • Mental healthcare conditions
  • Loss or Delay of Checked Baggage
  • Bail Bond
  • Study Interruption
  • Compassionate Visit
  • Treatment for Expectant Mothers
  • Cancer Screening and Mammography Examinations

What Makes You Eligible for Travel Insurance for Students?

When it comes to signing up for travel insurance for students, there are very few requirements. In most cases, determining an individual’s eligibility for insurance depends on their age. Only students who have reached the age of 16 or older are eligible for student travel insurance plans. A student travel insurance plan isn’t available to those over 35 years of age. Above all, the applicant should have enrolled in a certified educational institution.

What Does Travel Insurance for Students Not Include?

Although travel insurance for students is flexible and can be customized according to the applicant’s requirements and destination of travel, there are certain exclusions from the plan. Some of those include: 

  • Elective surgeries and treatment
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  • Self-Inflicted injuries
  • Health condition caused due to drugs and alcohol abuse

Travel Insurance for Students is a Crucial Investment

Statistics show that with globalization, there has been a dramatic shift in the study patterns of students with the availability of numerous options overseas. As a result, the number of students moving to foreign countries each year is on the rise. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs brings us the 2019 statistics on Indian students studying abroad, which reveal that 753,000 Indians are studying at universities abroad. 

Although it is a wise decision considering education and employment opportunities, it also becomes crucial to invest in travel insurance for students due to the risks associated with the whole process. It is important, however, that you pick a plan providing the best coverage when looking for a student travel insurance policy. Care health insurance lets you choose from an extensive range of options when it comes to travel insurance for students. Make sure you are well prepared to study abroad by purchasing a suitable policy.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Glasses vs Contacts: Are There Differences and Which Is Better

Jennifer Hard
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

If you have poor eyesight, the chances are that you need a pair of glasses or contact lenses to help you see better. Before you get any, you need to decide on which one will work better for you. It would have been better if everyone would afford both, but that’s not possible. 

When you are looking to choose the right one, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each. Know the differences they have, to find out which one is better. You can have a look at the pros and cons for each below. 

Glasses

The first and obvious option to look at here is glasses, and there are two types: single vision glasses and multifocal glasses. The single vision glasses are used to correct distance issues; the multifocal glasses help with distance and with near vision like reading. 

For the multifocal glasses, there are different frames. These are;

  • Trifocals – have three areas covered in one. The top half is for distance, the third area is used for vision, and the bottom is used for reading. 
  • Bifocals – the upper half of the lenses for distance and the lower half for reading. 
  • Progressive – they are trifocal and bifocals with no division. They will transition between the vision areas. 

Before, most of the glasses were made out of glasses, but as things progressed, today, most of them are made of plastic. Plastic is lighter, which means it can easily be treated with coatings. The downside is that they are far more likely to scratch as opposed to glass. 

Pros

  • It reduces the urge to touch your eyes; even if you do, it will be minimal. When you avoid touching your eyes, you also reduce the chances of irritating your eyes. This will also reduce the chance of you getting eye infections. 
  • When you have sensitive or dry eyes, glasses won’t enhance the problem
  • They are generally cheaper over the long term. Unless you break them, you don’t need to replace the glasses often. When you have a change in prescription, you can keep the frame and only replace the lenses. 
  • You are also protected from environmental factors with glasses. Factors such as debris, sand, and wind won’t affect your eyes. 
  • You can make a bold fashion statement with the right glasses. 

Cons

  • They sit approximately half an inch from your eyes, which may affect your peripheral vision. 
  • You may not like how you look in glasses
  • Your glasses can be affected by elements, and when that happens, your vision may be obstructed. 
  • The frames can put pressure on your nose leading to headaches

Contact Lenses

These also serve the same purpose as they are used to correct vision. They are tiny thin discs of plastic – can be glass at times, and they sit directly on your eyes. For contacts, there are only two types; rigid, and you can call them hard and soft contacts. 

The popular types of contact are the soft ones which are made of plastic. You can read this article to find out more. The reason for their increase in popularity over the years is because they are comfortable. And they are comfortable because they hold more water and never touch the cornea. 

Types of soft contact lenses

contacts-lenses-guide
Photo by Lensabl on Unsplash
  • Daily wear – worn during the day and cleaned at night 
  • Daily disposable – you use them once and dispose of them 
  • Extended-wear lenses – can be worn overnight, but you need to take them out once a week for cleaning.

Pros

  • Conform to the curve of the eyes, and this will provide a broader view of the area. This will prevent vision distortions and obstructions
  • You can have them on and play sports 
  • It would help if you are worried about what you wear clashing with the contacts you have on
  • Aren’t affected by weather conditions
  • You can get contact with different eye colors and special effects. This can be a good move when you pair it with your Halloween costumes. 
  • Can reshape your cornea while you are asleep, and this can temporarily correct myopia. That means you can see clearly the next day with no need for help. 

Cons

  • Most people have problems applying the contacts in their eyes
  • Reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the eyes, and that can cause severe dry eye syndrome
  • If you sleep with your daily lenses, you will wake up with gritty, dry, and red eyes

Before choosing which way you’ll go with regards to contact or glasses, you need to have all the facts. Above are some of the things you need to know about each and how they can affect your eyes. You will get to finally decide on which one is the best option for your needs. 

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Melanie Kreutz on Unsplash

How To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents And What To Do After They Happen

Carol Highland
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2
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Every year, more than 6 million accidents occur in the United States. When you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, the last thing you want to deal with is a fleeing driver. The state of Florida, unfortunately, has a high rate of hit-and-runs. In terms of hit-and-run accidents, Florida ranks third in the country. Hit-and-run accidents are also a problem in New Mexico and Louisiana.

Many people blame city infrastructure for the high number of pedestrian accidents. The majority of cities were not designed with pedestrians in mind. Instead, they are designed to facilitate motor vehicle travel at the expense of pedestrian safety measures like sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian overpasses, bike lanes, and efficient public transportation.  

How Can You Avoid a Pedestrian Accident? 

When a pedestrian is hit by a moving car, the consequences are often fatal. As a result, all pedestrians must take precautions to reduce their chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Even though not all accidents can be avoided, you should always take steps to protect your safety. Pedestrians should take the following precautions to avoid pedestrian accidents:

Obey all traffic laws: Pedestrians should not cross the street or break any other traffic laws. If there are no sidewalks, walk in the opposite direction of traffic to better view oncoming traffic. Also, it would help if you never hitchhiked on the side of the road. It would help if you didn’t do business with drivers, either. 

Use the crosswalk: Safe zones and regions to stroll around are marked as zebra crossings in the urban design and planning of a vast state like Florida. Furthermore, junctions now have pedestrian crossing signals to ensure the safe passage of pedestrians. These white and black lines are for pedestrians to walk on safely, but they can also be used by automobiles. This is since they are visible while driving and frequently include electric signals to aid both drivers and pedestrians in navigating the roadways.

avoid-pedestrian-dangers
Image par Clker-Free-Vector-Images de Pixabay 

Remain visible to vehicles: When walking in high-traffic areas, the CDC recommends that pedestrians wear bright, reflective clothing to make themselves more visible. Pedestrian deaths are more common in cities, at non-intersection sites, and at night.  

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident 

If you intend to file a personal injury claim after an accident, showing negligence should be one of your primary concerns because the victim always bears the burden of proof. This, however, should not be your primary concern right after the accident. Your lawyer can assist you in proving negligence in a pedestrian accident and fighting for your right to compensation. After a pedestrian collision, here’s what you should do. 

Seek Medical Attention 

The injured pedestrian’s single-most-important priority after being struck by a vehicle should be to seek medical attention. It would make no difference if you were hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle. Nothing is more vital to a pedestrian accident victim’s physical, emotional, legal, and financial well-being than seeing a doctor as soon as possible and receiving all necessary medical treatment.  

Call Law Enforcers 

To report an accident and request assistance:

1. Dial 911.

2. If you are unable to summon help, have a bystander assist you.

3. Tell the dispatcher you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian.

The police are especially vital since they must take statements for a police report and examine any underlying causes of the accident, such as a DUI or other related crime.  

Do Not Give Recorded Statement 

Almost every driver who hits a pedestrian is clever enough to call their insurance company soon away. Then their insurance company contacts the individual who was injured. Their goal is to capture your version of events. The issue arises when the questions are intended to lead you to a response that will benefit them in their pedestrian injury claim.  

Gather Evidence 

Photographs are generally an excellent idea if you can collect helpful evidence after your mishap. Please take pictures of any physical injuries, the accident location, and the area around it. Witness testimony can be pretty beneficial in a personal injury case.  

Call An Attorney 

The sooner you hire an attorney to handle your case, the sooner you may focus on your physical recovery and avoid dealing with insurance companies. Hiring the services of a skilled personal injury attorney will help you establish your case more quickly. It will also improve your chances of winning the case dramatically. 

Practicing safe walking behaviors is the best approach to avoid the unpleasant situation of getting involved in a pedestrian mishap. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and follow all traffic laws. A pedestrian accident’s consequences can be debilitating. As a result, file a personal injury claim as soon as possible following the accident. Some jurisdictions have a small-time restriction for filing these types of lawsuits, so it’s essential to get started as quickly as possible.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

8 Budget-Friendly Interior Design Secrets You Need to Know!

Carol Highland
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2
Reading Time: 5 minutes

It is safe to say that many people out there are not keen on keeping up with the latest interior design trends. There are many reasons why that is the case. For starters, most trendy pieces of furniture and decorations are rather costly. Other than that, if you are not a seasoned interior designer, it might be difficult for you to put these things together and create a great and interesting look.

Fortunately, this article should make it a bit easier for you! Here, you will find a list of budget-friendly interior design secrets, including buying stylish pillowcases in bulk, taking trips to the flea market, using books as design accents, placing potted plants around the house, and upcycling. Check it out!

Buy Stylish Pillowcases in Bulk

The most stylish pillowcases can be really costly. Because of that, you will be happy to learn that there are ways for you to buy pillowcases at a more affordable price. For starters, you should look for stores and shops that sell pillowcases in bulk. If you purchase a dozen pillowcases at once, the cost per piece will go down.

Alternatively, you can search for offers where you can buy pillowcases in one set with bedsheets and a mattress. This way, you can buy a pricey mattress like Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt and expensive pillowcases for a much lower price than usual.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay 

Take Trips to the Flea Market

If you want to save money on furniture and accents, you should consider taking trips to the local flea market. You will find plenty of interesting pieces there, all of which can be bought at affordable prices. They might not be brand new, but that does not mean that their quality is bad! On the contrary, many flea market sellers refurbish old pieces of furniture, which can make for unique and one-of-a-kind designs and patterns.

Use Books as Design Accents

People often overlook the power of books in interior design. However, if you spend some time browsing through the books you own and paying attention to their covers and sizes, you will notice that they can make for great design accents. You can place them on your shelves and underneath tables or use them as coffee table decorations!

Place Potted Plants Around the House

While potted plants are used primarily for decoration purposes, they can prove to be very practical. If your home is located in a heavily polluted area, you could place some potted plants near the windows. Doing this will boost the quality of the air inside your house significantly. Considering all the health benefits of indoor plants, it is an idea that you should definitely consider.

Upcycle Old Pieces of Furniture

You should keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to buy brand new pieces of furniture and accents for your home. In fact, you can upcycle old ones!

To do this, look for unique furniture pieces in second-hand shops and check out a few tutorials online. Whether it is about painting old wooden boxes or making unique decorative pillows, you should be able to find plenty of exciting ideas out there. You might be surprised by how many things you can do on your own!

Use Space Wisely

When it comes to interior design, most people tend to focus on looks and aesthetics. However, you should not forget about the fact that space is just as important. If you want to save money when decorating your home, you should use the available space as efficiently as possible.

Consider moving your furniture closer to the walls to save some space at the center of the room. Additionally, you can install additional shelves to create more storage space for all of the decorations you have.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Print Digital Artwork

If you are looking for inspiring ways to spruce up your home, you should consider printing digital artwork. There are many ways to do this. For starters, you could go online and look for pictures that catch your attention and that you want to use in your house. Once you find something, take it to a print shop and get it printed on a piece of paper. Then, all you have to do is frame it and hang it on a wall!

Use Warm Lighting

Lighting can be crucial when it comes to interior design. If you want your home to look stylish and interesting, you should pay close attention to the type of lighting that you use. To create a warm and cozy atmosphere, you should opt for lighting that produces soft and yellow shades. Doing this will make the room more comfortable and inviting.

In Conclusion

Designing your home’s interiors can be challenging. However, you do not have to be an experienced interior designer to transform your house into a beautiful space. In fact, you can do so without stretching your budget and paying too much out of your pocket.

Try to find good offers for pillowcases online and buy them in bulk. Moreover, fill the interiors with plants and books to bring more life to your home. Also, you might upcycle old pieces of furniture and take a few trips to the flea market. Using these and other tips we mentioned, you will have a much easier time decorating your home, even when your budget is not so spectacular.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

What are Heathergems?

Carol Highland
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2
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Even if you are a jewelry aficionado, you might not have heard of heathergems before. Heathergems are some of the most versatile and distinctive forms of jewelry available today. So what are heathergems exactly? They are a unique kind of gem that is made from the heather plant that grows on the moors of Scotland, specifically, Pitlochry, Scotland. That means heathergems are only manufactured in Scotland, which is just one of the many things that make them stand out from other forms of jewelry.

How Are Heathergems Made?

The making of heathergems is a precise, painstaking process perfected by Scottish artisans over a long period of time. One of the tricky things about making heathergems is that the plant only blooms twice a year on the Scottish Highlands. When the heather plant is fully grown, its stems are collected and then stored in a building as it dries out. Once the heather stems are dry, they are cut down and the bark is removed by a special machine. Several stems of various thicknesses are then bundled up together.

The dried and bundled stems are dyed a variety of different colors and placed in a vacuum chamber where a heated dye is released. Next, the dyed stems are soaked in resin and compressed using 60 tons of pressure. The compressed block of heather is placed in a mildly heated oven to help it set; once it has fully set, it is removed from the oven and the rough edges are trimmed off of it. Finally, the block is cut into different pieces of varying thickness, and then different shapes are cut out of it using a computer-controlled cutting machine. The shape and size of those pieces are programmed into a computer and the machine does the rest.

Experienced artisans sand off any imperfections to make sure that each piece is completely smooth and flawless. A different set of skilled craftspeople use up to five coats of lacquer on each piece to give them a distinct sheen and long-lasting durability. The final stage is to fit those gems into a variety of different jewelry pieces.

Heathergems Jewelry 

One of the reasons why heathergems are so appealing is that they can be used in different kinds of jewelry. The following are some of the pieces in which you can find heathergems:

  • Pendants
  • Necklaces
  • Earrings
  • Brooches
  • Rings
  • Bangles
  • Bracelets
  • Cufflinks
  • Pocketwatches

In addition to jewelry, heathergems can be used in Christmas tree decorations, Sgian Dubhs (Scottish ornamental knives), and quaichs, which are Scottish drinking cups. The versatility of heathergems adds an impressive pop of color and texture to practically every kind of decorative accoutrement.

The Symbolism of the Heather Plant

Heathergems are special not just because of their beautiful appearance but also because of the meaning and symbolism of the heather plant from which they are derived. While the heather plant grows all over the world, it has a special meaning to the Scots. The white heather plant symbolizes good luck, protection, or wishes that come true; that is why a sprig of white heather is usually put in the bouquet of Scottish brides. That is also why Clan Ranald from the 16th century believed that they won a war because they placed white heather in their bonnets. They also included sprigs of heather in their heraldic standard.

The purple heather symbolizes admiration and solitude, and its beauty has inspired famous Scottish artists. The Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson included the heather plant in some of his works, like Bonnie Auld Scotland, Heather Ale, and Kidnapped. The singer Rod Stewart— who is of Scottish and British ancestry— wrote a song called Purple Heather.

It is not surprising that artists could get inspired by the heather plant, but you don’t need to be one yourself to understand the pleasures heathergems can bring. Just go to a Scottish jewelry store and pick up a piece of heathergem jewelry for yourself to find out why they are so beautiful and entrancing.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Winter Outfits for Kids: It Is Time to Get Ready

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Although winter is a beautiful time of the year, it is still frosty. And so that your baby does not catch a cold on the eve of Christmas and New Year’s holidays, we have compiled a list of the most necessary things for your kid.

The List of Winter Clothes for a Baby

Do not think that the beginning of autumn is not the time for buying winter outfits. It is quite contrary since the cold times begin suddenly, and all the parents will rush to The Trendy Toddlers boutique and other stores, and you risk that the necessary sizes will be sold out. Therefore, be sure to prepare for winter 2021-2022 in advance.

So, here is what you will need for your kid:

  • Parka/overall. If, in the fall, it was warm and cozy in the coat, then, in the winter, you need to buy something denser for the children. An excellent option is a parka. If the child makes it dirty, you can easily wash or wipe the outerwear. In addition, it does not get wet if it suddenly starts raining or sleet. 
  • Shoes need to be bought of a good brand so that they are not slippery and comfortable for a kid to stand and, most essentially, run. Boots made of leather and natural fur will be a good option. They will keep the baby’s feet warm and not get wet. 
  • A hat, scarf, and mittens are some of the essential winter items. In order not to catch a cold, you must definitely put them on your kid. Now a lot of original prints have been invented for hats, and a scarf and gloves can be matched. In addition, you can make them yourself. 
  • The cold season is associated with sweaters. To make the kid like them, you can buy, for example, a sweatshirt with his favorite superhero or princess. The jumpsuit is well suited for children of different ages.
  • Warm dress. Every girl’s wardrobe should have at least one dress! And this applies to the fair sex of different ages. 
  • Pants or skirts. Trousers are suitable for a boy, and a cute skirt is necessary for a girl, which will look stylish with an original turtleneck or a bright sweatshirt. 
  • Turtleneck. This is one of the most versatile pieces in a kid’s wardrobe. If it’s cold outside, you can put a turtleneck under the sweater, and the child will immediately feel warmer. 
  • Pantyhose. They are both beautiful and warm. If the weather is not good, you can put them on under the kid’s pants. If it’s warm, then the little ones can show off in them, wearing an elegant dress or skirt. 
  • T-shirt. To keep you calm, put a soft T-shirt under your sweater or dress. With it, the child will be warmer. 
  • Backpack. Any outfit can be complemented with this simple accessory that little kids love so much.

Feel free to complement this list. However, do not buy too much because you risk that some outfits will not be worn at all.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Traveling To Athens? Here’s How To Make Your Trip More Exciting

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

In a post-lockdown world, the prospect of traveling seems like a mirage. Although for many, this is now becoming a reality. It has been a long time since many have or been able to travel freely, so there is much to learn before setting out on your travels. Some things have changed, and there are often particular entry requirements for each country you are traveling to so ensure you check these in good time.

Traveling to Athens, the home of democracy, is exciting no matter what. If you are looking to make your trip a trip of a lifetime, here are some ways to do that.

Visit the Vibrant Markets

Athens is full of bustling markets that are a unique opportunity to do some exploring and discover hidden treasures. Markets are a great way to get to know a place, and you’ll find yourself amongst the beating heart of Athenians. Some of the best markets to visit include:

  • The Meet Market
  • Athens Central Market
  • Monastiraki Flea Market

Athens Central Market is great. If you enjoy your food, you will love this spot. You can bathe in the local vibe and enjoy the Greek cuisine, your mouth will be watering with the array of fresh veg and fruit, meat, nuts, honey, fish, and spices.

If you really enjoy food and Greek cuisine, take a cooking class whilst you’re in the city and go home with a fresh new skill.

If you love to get to know the locals and fit right into a city, you will love visiting Athens markets. You will also be able to support small, local businesses, which is a huge plus!

Parthenon

Oftentimes, visiting the major attractions around the world usually falls a little flat. However, this is one world-famous attraction that certainly does. Clearly seen amongst the Athens skyline for over two thousand years, this place will leave you in water.

Try and visit when it is emptier and cooler as you will be able to enjoy it best. You might want to visit when it first opens at 8 AM.

Athens Riviera

Did you know about this secret spot? You can enjoy the city, and the beach. The Riviera boasts beaches, bars, and restaurants up and down the coastline of Athens.

You can visit beaches complete with sunbeds, and bars. If you prefer quieter areas of sand or rocks for some diving, the Riviera has that too.

If you thought you’d given up a beach holiday for the city, you couldn’t be more wrong. You have the best of both worlds in this majestic city.

Lycabettus Hill

If you want the most gorgeous panoramic view of the city, this is the best place to visit. You can choose to walk up the hill or take the funicular. At the top, there is a small church, and a café to quench your thirst. This is certainly one of the most instagrammable spots in Athens. 

There really is much to explore in this wonderful city. You can spend your time enjoying the places we previously mentioned. However, if you want to continue your adventures in Athens, another beautiful view is Vrahakia. This place is a local fave to watch the sunset and is an incredibly romantic spot. If you’re on a couple’s trip, visit the top of the Areopagus hill with a drink or some food to watch this magnificent view.

Have A Steam Bath

Athens is hustling and bustling but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit in some relaxation time. Plaka, one of the oldest neighborhoods, is home to a traditional bathhouse where you can indulge in the present moment.

See A Show

Since ancient Athens, residents have enjoyed performances and now is your chance to do the same. After all, what better place to see a show than here? You can visit iconic venues, and have an evening of entertainment.

The National Theatre has been putting on Greek tragedies for over 100 years and has recently begun showing more modern productions. These include English supertitles so don’t be worried about a language barrier.

There is so much to see and do in this city, this just touches the surface. The atmosphere of Athens is one of the most important parts of visiting, you will feel the electric energy and ancient touch as you roam around.

Pencil in some relaxation time amongst your activities to give yourself the right balance, and enjoy yourself to the max. The bathhouses and beaches will rejuvenate you and leave you feeling blissed out. Any foodie will absolutely thrive in Athens as you make your way around the city’s delicious food spots.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Enric Domas on Unsplash

Weight Gain After Quitting Smoking: Why It Happens and How to Handle It

Carol Highland
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2
Reading Time: 6 minutes

There are several things that doctors commonly recommend doing for patients with a variety of health issues: staying physically active; eating healthily; and quitting smoking. And if, for whatever reason, you’ve opted to take the latter advice, that might be the best decision you could have made. But the one thing you may not have thought about was the side effects. 

Quitting smoking is extremely good for your body; the capacity of your lungs improves, your skin starts to look healthier, and your cardiovascular system becomes stronger. However, your body must adjust to the change, and as a result, some adverse effects, such as weight gain, may occur. Fortunately, if you understand why they take place, you have a good chance of dealing with them successfully.

If you want to learn some basic information on why people gain weight after quitting smoking and how you can manage that, you came to the right place. In the article below, you will find just that, along with some helpful tips. Read on. 

How Does Quitting Smoking Affect Your Weight?

After quitting smoking, the usual weight gain is 5 to 10 pounds. While this isn’t much in comparison to the benefits of greater health and a longer life expectancy that come with quitting smoking, many people may still be unhappy with it. Here are the main reasons for this particular type of weight gain.

The increase in appetite that many smokers experience is the most common cause of weight gain after quitting. You stop getting your daily intake of nicotine which normally would suppress your appetite, so you start eating more.

Cravings for nicotine are one of the reasons why people cannot quit smoking immediately. They find themselves reaching for cigarettes without even noticing it. Cravings also lead to increased snacking on foods such as chips, chocolate, cakes, and crisps. This may cause weight gain as well as gut problems.

One of the ways that many people choose to manage cravings is switching to vaping. While this activity is not isn’t fully risk-free for your health, it can help you cut down on your daily nicotine intake. The variety of vaping liquids helps with that – they come in many flavours and nicotine doses (such as those offered by Doozy Vape Co) so that you can enjoy huffing and puffing while fighting your addiction at the same time.

Apart from these two, there are some other reasons why people gain weight when they quit smoking. They include:

Stress: When you quit smoking, you need to change your habits. This can lead to you eating more because food frequently makes you feel better. Some people eat when they are stressed because it provides them with pleasure and relief. However, excessive eating can, unfortunately, lead to weight gain.

Sleep disorders: People who quit smoking frequently experience sleep issues. For example, nicotine withdrawal causes insomnia, which can lead to an increase in hunger and late-night snacking.

Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal sleep disease in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly. This puts your body under even more strain. The good news is that smoking can sometimes be the root of this issue, so eliminating it from your life may make treating sleep apnea much easier.

Fluctuating hormone levels: Nicotine is a stimulant. It boosts the body’s metabolism by increasing blood sugar levels, heart rate, and breathing. Your metabolism slows down when you stop smoking, and your body begins to function normally again. That means your body burns less calories than it used to, which may lead to weight gain.

weight-gain-cigarettes

How to Deal with Weight Gain After Quitting Smoking?

Unfortunately, you cannot stop your body from gaining weight after quitting smoking. You may, however, manage this problem in a healthy way if you aim to stick to a well-balanced diet and stay physically active. Here are some tips on how to do that.

  • Exercise often – at least 3 times a week if possible – as this will help you feel better by increasing your metabolism. Make sure that you choose an activity that you actually enjoy, because otherwise, you may give up on it pretty quickly. Also, try to increase the intensity of your exercise over time – this will help you get more benefits from it.
  • Get enough sleep. Having a good night’s rest is necessary for overall health and well-being, but it’s also important for maintaining a balanced weight.
  • Stay away from alcohol – it’s one of the most common causes of weight gain. It’s also a depressant that can worsen your mood, which is something that many ex-smokers struggle with.
  • Stick to a balanced diet rich in fibre and nutrients. Keep an eye on your calorie intake, but don’t cut on them much. Diets usually fail because they lead to feelings of deprivation and hunger, which, in turn, cause people to binge eat. Eat just as much as your body needs. 

The Bottom Line

Quitting smoking is a fantastic thing to do because it improves your health, makes you happier (though certainly not immediately!), and allows you to live longer. It may, however, lead to weight gain, which is almost unavoidable in most people. You shouldn’t be concerned, though. While quitting cigarettes may result in a few extra pounds, staying in shape does not have to be difficult.

Even if your weight continues to rise, you may keep it under control by staying physically active and eating well. The goal is to figure out why you’re gaining weight in the first place – whether it’s due to an increase in appetite, hormone issues, stress, or cravings – and then address it. You can also talk to your doctor about the best approach to quitting smoking while minimising the negative consequences, such as switching to nicotine patches or vaping.

At the end of the day, all that is worth the effort – because with quitting smoking, you gain much more than you lose.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image credit: Total Shape

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