ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

The Art of Turning Your Backyard into an Outdoor Living Space

By Guest Blogger, Kevin J.

The Art of Turning Your Backyard into an Outdoor Living Space

How many times do you look out at the sunny day and wish you had an outdoor space that was more usable? Whether you have a large backyard or one that is simple, small and enclosed, we’re willing to bet that it is under-used, so what can be done to make it more usable?

We have taken a look at three excellent ideas that will encourage you to make more use of the outdoors, and what could be better than enjoying the sun in your own personal outdoor living space? So, here are our ideas – start with these, and you’ll soon have a great outdoor living space that you can enjoy to the fullest.

Lay a Deck

All the rage at the moment – and with good reason – decking should be the first thing you consider if you want to transform your outdoor space into a viable living area. You might think it expensive, but in fact it is one of the most cost-effective methods of bringing alive an outdoor area. Whether you have a simple courtyard-type space or a larger garden area, a decking space either attached to the house or in a separate part of the yard has many advantages: it is easy to keep clean, rainwater drains from it, and will be a great place with heaters installed for use in even the winter evenings.

You can install decking yourself – there are many videos online that tell you how – but we strongly recommend that you check out local providers as a professional job will give you better results, and you may be surprised how affordable it will be.

Add a Gazebo

The sun is beautiful, warm – and dangerous! Even with ultra-levels of sun screen on your skin, it’s still possible to get too much sun, and if you’re one of those people who suffer from the heat, some shade is always welcome. So, in addition to your beautiful new deck, why not add a gazebo?

These affordable and very practical items take the form of an open-sided tent – although there are many you can buy with optional side screens for protection against the wind – and are easy to set up and take down. So, you can choose whether you want to have a permanent gazebo or one that can be used only when necessary, and there are some surprisingly attractive models on the market, too. It’s worth having a look around at the different sizes, and perhaps picking one that covers a portion of your deck and leaves the rest open to the sun.

Build a Fire Pit

Great for those evenings in the fall when the nights become a little cooler, a fire pit is an excellent addition to your back yard. It’s one for the adults, of course, but keep the kids at a safe distance and they can enjoy it too. It’s easy to do: clear a nice flat area – preferably close to your decking so you get the full effect – and build a circular wall with bricks. It’s best to cement them in place if you want it to be a decent one.

Leave a few holes in the wall for the air to get through and build it to a sensible height so that you can drop wood in – and you have a great fire pit for added warmth on cooler nights, meaning your outdoor space is more usable than ever!

These are just a few of the ideas we came up with for making your outdoor space more usable, and we reckon there are many more, so make up a list and you’ll soon enjoy the backyard more than you ever thought you could.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

 

Author

Kevin has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin’s work at PlainHelp.

BEAUTY

Natural Skin Care Essentials

By Guest Blogger, Brigitte E.

Natural Skin Care Essentials

 

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Ever since ancient times, women have taken care of their bodies and had their own skin care routines. Certainly, beauty products have evolved and, in spite of that, women still stick to the organic and natural skin care products. So, we’ve singled out a couple of natural go-to essentials you might want to try.

Channel your inner Cleopatra

For the ultimate glowing skin, dare to use some old tricks that one of the best-known women in history adored. It’s no secret that Cleopatra loved to take baths in donkey milk in order to preserve her youth and beauty. It is believed that milk rejuvenates the skin and gives it a healthy radiance. The Egyptian goddess also liked to rinse her face with apple cider vinegar, and she used the luxurious combination of milk and honey as a facial mask. Milk and honey are beneficial in many ways, since they contain antibacterial properties that hydrate and clean impurities. Honey serves to moisturize the skin, while milk exfoliates it. You can easily make a DIY mask by mixing these two ingredients, and applying it on dry areas. Rinse after ten minutes, and repeat this royal treatment a few times a week. Also, honey seems to be an excellent choice for healing your flaky lips. Before you go to bed, coat your lips with a light layer of honey and you’ll wake up with softer and more kissable lips.

Rose water- yes, please!

 

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As romantic as it sounds, it’s made from water and rose petals. This magical beauty potion has gained popularity among many women today, and it can be used regularly as a face cleanser. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, rose water reduces the skin irritations and shrinks the clogged pores. Also, there’s a rose water toner you could use after removing your makeup, which will leave your skin perfectly smooth and refreshed.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, can I eat ’em all?

 

What’s more beautiful than the beauty itself? An edible beauty in the form of different food for glowing skin. That’s right, you’ve heard well. The newest trend of healthy treats with beauty benefits has emerged, and we are happy to share the good news. Finally, we can eat raw chocolate without feeling guilty, and plus it’s vegan and it keeps our skin healthy. You could also include certain puddings and mousses in your diet, as they leave your skin hydrated and soft. I think I’ve found my latest obsession, how about you?

Cocoa & Shea Butter body lotion

Regardless the season, you must always nourish your skin to keep it safe from losing elasticity and firmness. There are plenty of softening lotions that deserve a spotlight, but this one’s a real gem. It moisturizes the damaged skin, and it should be included as a part of your daily routine. It’s also good for the body parts we like to neglect like elbows, knees and heels. It smoothens and nourishes even the driest parts and it smells amazing, too.

Fruit infused water

 

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I guess we don’t have to tell you how hydration is important for your entire body. If you’re not hydrated enough, your whole body suffers. It happens very often that people forget to drink water over the day, or even worse, they drink it only when they’re thirsty. To make drinking water fun and tasty, you can jam pack your favorite juicy fruit combinations in a glass bottle, and enjoy your flavored water.

Bentonite clay does wonders

Regardless of your skin type, you could use a bentonite clay mask as a part of your daily beauty regime. Make a mask by mixing one teaspoon of water and one teaspoon of clay to get a thick paste. Optionally, add a drop of an apple cider vinegar and mix it altogether. Apply the mask on your face and neck, avoiding the under eye area. Wait for 30 minutes, rinse it with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Repeat this process 3 times a week and you’ll notice how your skin gets smoother and fresh.

Remaining young and fresh is what every woman today dreams of, and with these natural products be sure you could prolong your beauty and health in the easiest way possible.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

BEAUTY, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

What is acne and how is it formed?

By Guest Blogger Erick B.

What is acne and how is it formed?

 

Acne is a common problem among teenagers and many adults. Acne is primarily caused due to inflammation where build-up of sebum or oil on our skin occurs. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands that are located at the hair follicles. When there is a collection of sebum on the face, it attracts dirt and grime. If the hair follicles are closed, it leads to a whitehead. And if the hair follicles are open, oxidation occurs and it results in forming a blackhead. When bacteria enters these follicles and cause inflammation, it causes acne.

 

Who gets acne and why?

 

Our skin produces more sebum when the body has more testosterone. This happens when we hit puberty and therefore, acne occurs more during puberty. However, some factors such as stress, a high-carb diet, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a very dry skin and pollution can also cause acne in adults.

 

How can you control acne at home?

 

Acne can be treated and controlled by simple home remedies such as applying white toothpaste on the breakouts, applying tea tree oil or frankincense oil, using aloe vera gel, application of ice pack and consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet.

 

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

SEX & LIFE

Stressful Life Events and How to Deal with Them

By Guest Blogger, Diana S.

Stressful Life Events and How to Deal with Them

 

We all wish our lives were smooth sailing, with little to no turbulence and with all of our loved ones by our side. Very few people actually like big changes, especially if the changes stem from something negative. But, life isn’t perfect, and there will be times in your life when you will be stressed beyond your limits and you will feel like things are falling apart. Here’s how to recognize some of the most stressful events in life and how to deal with them in a healthy way:

Divorce

When you marry someone, you promise you’ll be with them forever. However, people change, and sometimes – they grow apart. Not everyone who falls out of love gets divorced, but it is perfectly okay if you do. Divorce happens, especially if the people married very young, if their marriage was arranged or if it was made because of other circumstances than love. Still, the divorce itself isn’t the most stressful part: everything that goes along with it is. Getting a divorce usually means one person moving away, splitting all of your belongings and sharing custody of your children. If a marriage ends badly, it can lead to nasty lawsuits and years of bad blood until everything settles down, with the majority of the conflict, unfortunately, being absorbed by the children. If you want your divorce to be as stress-free as possible, make sure that you both act civil. It happens, people fall out of love, and whatever the reason for the divorce is, you can settle it in a calm manner. Your nerves aren’t worth that couch you want. However, if one side feels they are being damaged, they should express clearly why they feel that way and contact a lawyer.

Moving house

Sometimes, life forces you to uproot your whole life and family and move them to a new place entirely. If you’re moving out of necessity, because you’ve gotten a job offer in Australia that you just have to take, there isn’t much you can do but make the move as painless as possible. This will, once again, be the hardest on the kids. If they are in school and they have friends and activities that they love, you will have to make sure you make the transition easy for them. Hire a local furniture removalist in Melbourne, get the house prepared before you even get there and make sure the kids’ rooms are all done up. Contact the schools and local sports and art centers to make sure they have a place to do their favorite activities in, and if you know any people there with kids of similar ages, make sure you start having dinners together as soon as possible. Most importantly, make sure you explain to your kids why you’re moving. If they understand that this is something that has to be done, and if you get them excited about the new opportunities in their new home, it will make it much easier for everyone.

Death of a loved one

There is really nothing as tragic as losing someone you love, especially if they were someone who were close to you and with whom you spent a lot of time. It can be a big shock but it is an inevitable change which you won’t be able to avoid. When a loved one passes away, it’s important to give yourself the time and space to grieve. It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to be upset and it’s okay to need time alone. You might feel better surrounded by family and friends, but there will be time when you will need to close the door and have a cry by yourself. It’s important that you eventually accept their passing and remember your loved ones by honoring some traditions they loved.

 

Life can get stressful, and that’s why it’s important to have a support network around you, one that will make sure you have someone to lean on when things get hard. Remember, the most important thing we have in the world are the people around us, so always keep them close.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

SEX & LIFE

New Caledonia for Families: Travel Tips & Advice

By Guest Blogger, Marie N.

New Caledonia for Families: Travel Tips & Advice

If you’ve been dreaming to take your family for an unforgettable vacation, there might a perfect destination for you. Only two and a half hours flight from Auckland or Sydney takes you to the beautiful archipelago of New Caledonia.

 

This magnificent place offers something for every family member. Visit remote islands, enjoy sunny beaches, try scuba diving in the crystal-clear water, enjoy local cuisine and admire the local history and architecture. A beautiful mix of Melanesian and French culture and history is the essence of this little tropical heaven.

A touch of France

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory, so visiting this archipelago means you are visiting a French version of a tropical heaven; so, remind yourself and teach your kids some useful phrases in French. Your kids will love trying them out during your visit. Encourage them to engage in a conversation with the cashier in the supermarket, or to have a chit-chat with the waiter while ordering food in the restaurant.

 

In addition to the language, you can enjoy French food. Enjoy a family picnic close to the sea after you visit a supermarket. There you can find baguettes, French cheese, butter and wine for a reasonable price. If you’re more of a fan of restaurants, you can enjoy in some of many New Caledonia’s French restaurants.  Try some of the French-influenced specialties of the archipelago like bougna, stewed shrimp, seafood vol au vent, or bulimes (Isle of Pines’ snails).

Explore the capital

Nouméa is the capital city and the first place you will visit when you land in New Caledonia. It is situated on the largest island of the archipelago, Grande Terre. This will be the starting point for your following journeys around the island, so first make sure to pick a relaxing and comfortable Noumea accommodation.

 

After you find the perfect spot where you can rest and leave your stuff, enjoy your walk to the city center through the palm shady streets that are full of Citroens, Renaults and Peugeots. Remember that you came to a tropical area, so make sure you put on a hat, sunglasses, and a sunscreen.

 

You will find some interesting sites when you reach the city center. Old buildings will evoke the memory of the old colonial times. You can visit Cathédrale Saint-Joseph de Nouméa not far from the city center. Climb on the top to take in a great view of the city and its surroundings.

 

While you’re still in Nouméa, make sure to visit Tjibaou Cultural Centre. This impressive piece of architecture is dedicated to the indigenous Kanak people that make around 40% of the archipelago’s population. Here, you can explore their history and art, most notable sculptures of this Melanesian people.

 

Visit the Loyalty Islands’ jewel

After spending a couple of days in the capital, it’s time to get in touch with a pure beauty of a remote island. Our advice is to take a plane from Nouméa to Lifou New Caledonia; after all, it is one of the archipelago’s most beautiful islands. You can experience many things here: impressive cliffs on the north and the south side, and beautiful beaches on the east and the west side of the island. Spend the day at the beautiful Easo beach and enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the white sandy beach.

 

But for the real snorkeling experience, visit the Baie de Jinek, a coral-filled bay that offers a beautiful underwater view. You will have to pay 15 AUD $ to access the water, but all the money goes to the protection of the island’s environment and keeping this bay intact.

 

You have a unique opportunity to understand how people live on such a tiny island in the middle of the ocean. Go for a walk through local villages and engage in a conversation with people. Again, your French language skills will be a great help. The locals are very friendly, and will be happy to present you their culture, folklore and cuisine.  

Something for the kids

You will spend a couple of days in Nouméa before the departure from this beautiful archipelago. Save this part of the trip as a special surprise for your kids who can explore the wildlife of this Pacific heaven.

 

The Aquarium des Lagons is a tourist attraction that vividly represent different aquatic ecosystems of New Caledonia. The aquarium is divided into sections, where you can find species from the fresh water of rivers and lakes, then those from the mangroves, lagoon, and from the deep ocean. Kids will enjoy watching many animal species like eels, turtles, fish, fluorescent nautilus, phosphorescent corals, giant shrimps, etc.

 

Another place that will thrill your kids is the Parc Zoologique et Forestier. It consists of a botanical garden and a zoo. The majority of over 700 animals and 130 species in the zoo are birds, while the botanical park mostly consists of sclerophyllous forest (aka primitive forest), with around 60% of endemic species. You can explore this beautiful place on Segways.

 

This beautiful archipelago is a great place to spend a vacation with your family. You can browse local culture, cuisine and the history of the urban city like the capital Nouméa, or enjoy the sun, beaches, cliffs, coral reefs and other natural beauty some of the remote islands. Either way, an unforgettable journey is guaranteed.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Everyday Tips from Tia