All posts by TipsfromTia

Prevention, Tips and Remedy is what you find when you read Tips from Tia. Tia is Radio personality, with tons of answers and tips on Organic Beauty, Health, Life, Home and Sex. TipsfromTia.com; a place where you can trust the tip you're given, and not rely on a dozen different answers. Some Tips are decades old, and all I can say is it may be your grandmother's tip,but with more appeal! Tipsfromtia.com a source you can trust. Remember, looking good; feeling good.

Making Your House As Cozy As Possible

Making Your House As Cozy As Possible

You’ve bought your new house and you’re understandably delighted! Now it’s time to make it officially yours by putting your own special touch on it. How can you do that I hear you ask? Well let me tell you.

The walls and floors are the main aspects to first sort out when decorating your house. This is going to be what your rooms are known for the foreseeable future so it’s a big decision. Your new house is going to bring the nosey neighbours or friends and family around so make sure they all leave with a positive outlook. What colour are you wanting the walls? Will you be using wallpaper or paint? It’s a decision that you can’t take lightly and one that could haunt you if you get it wrong. With flooring, the possibilities are endless and again you need to discuss with your loved one about the best type of material for each room whether they be made from wooden slats, marble or carpets. Each one can provide a different homely feel and it depends what you feel most comfortable with. Think of the whole outlook on the house before making a judgement. Does a farmhouse mix with marble? A bungalow go with wooden slats?

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Once all this has been done, then you’re at the stage where you can pick and choose your own furniture. Again take into account the room and the function of this room when you are decorating it. Are you a kitchen stool type of family? How many sofas and armchairs should there be in the living room and what material should they be made out of? Are bunk beds suitable for the kids or have they grown out of that stage now and deserve separate rooms? Already, you can see the number and variety of questions you will have to ask yourself in the process of making your house a home.

The fact that you’re never happy with your home is a common one. There’s always something to do, something that you want to achieve. Whether it be trying to extend the garden or clearing out the garage. So how about a conservatory? Yes, it will be more money out of your pocket and who really wants the builders in 24/7 but think about the end results. As quick as a flash, you’ll be able to sit in your new room and look outside at the beautiful sunrise and sunset from a room that wholly accepts the summer sun. Not only will it make it more well lit but also more airy, two  important aspects of a well loved home. If you want to include a welcome extra of underfloor heating in that dream too, then why the hell not. It will be a blessing during those cold winter months but at Christmas time, remember not to leave chocolate presents on the floor as it could get messy. Eventful memories indeed for this young writer. But happy ones.

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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.

The Lie-In King: Measuring Your Sleeping Patterns And Knowing When You’ve Had Enough

The Lie-In King: Measuring Your Sleeping Patterns And Knowing When You’ve Had Enough

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The Importance Of Sleep

We all know how important sleep is for both our mental health and physical health. For children and teens, it supports growth and healthy development. It is a time during which your brain makes new pathways and prepares for the next day ahead. It’s also time for physical repair of your body; for example, the healing and repair of your muscles, blood vessels and much more. But how much sleep is enough? How much is too little? How much is too much?

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Recommended Sleep

We spend a third of our lives asleep. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? But for adults, it is generally recommended that you get eight hours of sleep a night and those hours mount up. So why is this the recommended amount of time? Well, research suggests that those who regularly get less than this amount are 12% more likely to experience a premature death. The same studies found that those who regularly sleep for longer than this eight hours are 30% more likely to experience a premature death. Scary stuff, right?

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Not Getting Enough Sleep? Why?

Obviously, eight solid hours of sleep isn’t always possible. There are all sorts of reasons that people might not go to bed at 10pm and rise at 6am. Some are unavoidable, whereas others are. Some justified reasons for missed hours of rest might revolve around family and work commitments. You might have a lot of work on. You might have family events to attend and a 9am start in the office. Maybe you have a newborn baby who wakes you regularly. Perhaps you do night shifts. These are all fairly inescapable reasons. However, a lot of the time, the reasons we crawl out of bed, groggy eyed, after a couple of hours’ restless sleep are entirely avoidable. We might kid ourselves that it’s not our own fault that we’re unrested when it comes to getting out of the sheets. But a lot of the time it is. There are so many external factors garnering for our attention nowadays that we’re distracted. Think of all the times that you’ve stayed up scrolling through meme pages and your Facebook news feed. The times that you stayed out for “just one more†down the pub. Every occasion you’ve binge watched a series of Netflix through the night, knowing full well that you really should have closed the laptop a couple of hours ago. Matters aren’t helped by other stimulants. Artificial lighting, caffeine, alcohol and energy drinks, for example.

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Getting Too Much Sleep?

Too much sleep sounds like a luxury to those of us who wake at the crack of dawn for a daily commute. But it is a problem if you get more than eight hours’ sleep daily. It sounds bizarre doesn’t it? This is backed up by scientific evidence though. Scientists have conducted all sorts of studies on sleep and found that those who regularly got more than nine hours’ a night had a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. So why might you be sleeping too much? It might be good to check in with your GP to find out. Oversleeping is sometimes a medical condition called hypersomnia. Symptoms include extreme sleepiness throughout the day, which isn’t generally relieved by napping. Oversleeping could also potentially highlight a mental illness, such as depression.

Working Out If Your Sleep Pattern Is Healthy

We all have different lifestyles, but not to worry. Sleeping straight through the witching hours isn’t the only way to get a healthy night’s kip. Here are a few ways to check that your sleeping pattern is healthy, whether you’re sleeping in the day or night.

  • You fall asleep within 15-20 minutes of lying down in bed
  • You regularly sleep for a total of 7-9 hours in every 24 hour period
  • While in bed, your sleep is continuous (you don’t wake regularly and struggle to get your head back down)
  • You awake feeling refreshed
  • You feel alert during your waking hours and are able to be productive
  • You don’t have any nighttime concerns, such as snoring, sleep apnea or restlessness

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Getting A Better Night’s Sleep

So now we understand the importance of sleep, how do we go about improving our sleep cycle? Well, lifestyle changes are going to help dramatically. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Distraction

We’re easily distracted. When it comes to going to bed, turn the television off, put your phone down and put your laptop out of reach. Minimize external influences that may keep you up later than you need to be.

Comfort

For some of us, the reason that we are unable to get to sleep easily is discomfort. You should make sure that the room you’re sleeping in is a comfortable haven with a good atmosphere. If you’re sensitive to light and sound, consider investing in black out blinds, sleep masks and earplugs. Noisy neighbours or housemates can also pose a problem. A lot of the time, people don’t realize that they’re making too much noise. Politely confront loud individuals and they’re likely to change their behaviour and be more considerate. Make sure that there are good vibes in your room. A cluttered, messy room can be hard to nod off in. A clear, tidy room has a less busy atmosphere and will leave you feeling more relaxed. A final thing to consider? Your bed. Your bed should be comfortable. If you have springs poking in your back, it’s not surprising that you’ll be tossing and turning all night. If it’s time to replace your mattress, Check out My Green Mattress Pure Echo (solid review here).

Medical Issues

As we mentioned earlier, bad sleep patterns may be a consequence of medical issues, such as insomnia, hypersomnia and sleep apnea. If you believe that you might suffer from any of these issues, or other issues, contact your GP. They will be able to diagnose your problem and offer you treatment. Be it tablets or counselling. There is a way to help you. You just need to confront the problem, seek help and find out what will be the best method of treatment for you as an individual.

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.

Dealing with a Small Space the Best Way Possible

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

Dealing with a Small Space the Best Way Possible

Even the wealthiest people have to deal with small spaces at some point in their life – not every room in the manor is huge (well, this might not be completely true). Making the most out of small spaces goes beyond mere functionality, albeit this might be the most important aspect of it. A properly made up room is always pleasant to look at and be in, which means a great deal in terms of mood and productivity.

Decluttering

image-1-3This step is definitely the most important one – you cannot really have a properly organized space if it is cluttered in any way. Approaching decluttering, regardless of how easy it might sound, often turns out to be tricky – there are probably many items in there that you’ll think twice (or more) about throwing away. In order to clear up the room of unnecessary stuff, you’ll need to detach yourself from these objects – they are objects, after all and you can’t be sentimental about all of them. The best way to approach ridding yourself of clutter is by designating items that truly are of sentimental value to you – you need to do this on your own, whilst being objective. Secondly, think about items that you haven’t used in more than a year – unless it’s equipment for emergency, chances are that you won’t be needing these. Items that you have deemed unnecessary, but too valuable to throw away are best put aside.

Sell the Unused

The items you’ve put aside can probably be sold or given away. Think about your friends and family here – could any of your close ones make use from these items? If the answer is ‘yes’, then start handing out the presents. The remaining unused stuff should be sold. Think about websites such as eBay and Amazon and put the stuff up for sale as soon as possible – it might take some time for offers to start popping up. When you realize you’ve rid yourself of the clutter, proceed to the next step.

Organize Properly

image-3-3I know that you’d like a large wardrobe and that wall shelves might not be to your liking. But you are dealing with a small amount of space here – you’ll have to come to terms with the fact that you are making the most out of a room, not making it into something that it isn’t. Naturally, you always have the option of tearing down the walls, but instead of doing this, think about adding another door to the small space in question. Doors Sydney have many convenient solutions that won’t compromise your idea of a small room. In any case, make sure that you realize that you won’t be able to disregard the wall shelves and other items, convenient for small spaces.

Light

image-8Light plays a key role in any part of your house – it can seriously affect your mood, productivity and make a room appear larger (or smaller, if not properly supplied). Windows big enough for daytime are crucial in order for your small area to appear larger, but if there is no room for windows on your walls, a quality skylight will do the trick. When it comes to nighttime, you’ll have to opt for proper lighting. Placing mirrors in the target room will help scatter the light everywhere, but without quality LED lights, these reflections won’t do you much good. LED lights do tend to be more expensive than your regular lighting, but pay off in the long run and are great for the environment!

image-4-2Making the most of a small space might be a arduous task for your weekends, but putting a small space in order will help you get an extra room, to working at home, study or simply make it the place where your enjoy your hobby.

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.

 

 

Preparing Your Home For A Healthy, Happy Winter

Preparing Your Home For A Healthy, Happy Winter

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The nights are drawing in, and there’s a definite chill in the air. As clocks start to go back around the world, we prepare for the winter months ahead. Mindfulness teaches us to embrace the changing of the seasons and everything they offer. Being present in the moment has a positive influence on our overall wellbeing.

Many people love this time of year and everything it offers. They love the coziness and the idea of winding down. While for others, the thought of the dark months ahead leaves them feeling depleted and low. Whatever your take on the winter months, there are a few simple tips you can follow to ensure a happy and healthy winter.

  1. Simple Maintenance Checks

Before you settle in and fully embrace the concept of hygge, give your home a little TLC. Make sure it is ready to face rain, snow, storms and plummeting temperatures. A few careful checks will ensure you spot any underlying problems and could save you a lot of money. Address any serious issues first, such as foundation crack repair or roofing fixes. Then move to less pressing problems. This will avoid damage impacting on other areas of your home. Your pre-winter checklist should include the following.

  • Check the roof and chimney for signs of damage.
  • Ensure the gutters are free from debris.
  • Make sure the drains are flowing freely, and there are no blockages.
  • Ensure you have sufficient loft insulation, which will save you money on fuel bills.
  • Bleed radiators and ensure they are functioning at full capacity.
  • Have chimneys serviced and swept.
  • Ensure heating systems are serviced and fully functional.
  • Consider cutting any large or overhanging trees. Branches can snap under heavy snow or during storms and could damage your home.
  • Fix any cracks in pathways which could be exacerbated by the bad weather.
  • Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
  • Replace mats in entryways and invest in a boot scraper.
  • Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Repair seals around windows and doors and check for draughts.

Let The Light In

During the winter months, many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. This is due to the lack of sunlight. Many of us wake up in darkness and return home in darkness after work. If the lack of sunlight affects you, make the most of the available light. Open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to enter. Spend time out of doors as much as possible. You could also consider investing in a SAD lamp.

Lighting candles, lamps, and fairy lights will add a welcoming glow to your home. Light some scented candles to contribute to the cozy ambiance.

Invite Friends And Family

Though much more time will be spent indoors, don’t isolate yourself. Humans need the company of others to feel safe, happy and fulfilled. So extend invitations to friends and family. Cook a hearty supper or bake some cakes. There’s nothing nicer than steaming mugs of hot chocolate while the rain beats against the window. Light a fire if you have one, gather together and enjoy the company.

Whether winter is your favorite time of year or you hate it with a passion, make the most of these months. Protect your home, cozy up and spend time with the people who matter most.

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.

Gifts That Will Make Her Fall In Love With You All Over Again

Gifts That Will Make Her Fall In Love With You All Over Again

Can love be bought? Probably not. But can you show your spouse how much you love them through the stuff that you buy? Of course, you can!

The cool thing about gifts is that they are a message through which you can tell your loved one more about yourself. Perhaps the biggest thing that they communicate when you get them right is your powers of empathy. You just seem to know what they love.

The other major factor is excitement: being spontaneous is just sexy.

So with that said, what gifts should you give your spouse to make her fall in love with you all over again? Let’s take a look.

Buy A Vintage Photo Frame

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There’s no doubting that you and your loved on share some wonderful memories together. And of all those memories, those from when you first met are probably the best. So what better way to remember them than to have them permanently enshrined in a photo frame? Have a look back through your old photo albums, or Facebook if you’re younger, and look for the perfect shot. They’ll love it.

Grab A Personalized Love Mug

This gift brings a whole new meaning to the term “mugshot.†You can now get your face, along with that of your spouse, painted onto a mug. Don’t just get them a run-of-the-mill mug this year. Get them something that is personalized and special.

Tell Her You Love Her With A Necklace

One of the unique gifts for her from Cuckooland.com this year is the personalized necklace. Personalized jewelry is a godsend for people who want to do something different for their spouse. You can write any message you like on a necklace or a bracelet. You can talk about how much you love each other. Or you can get something written that will appeal to the ego of the person you’re buying for. You could even make it funny – if that’s something that would appeal. (I’ll leave you to be the judge of that). At the very least, it’s goodbye boring, hello funky.

Giant Gummy Bears

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Newlovetimes.com has spent some considerable time working out what the best candy is for your loved ones. No, it’s not chocolate, truffles or even Haribo. No, the best loved up confection is – giant gummy bears.

Now, on the surface, it might not make a lot of sense to put gummy bears at the top of a romantic list of gifts. But remember, these giants weight upwards of five pounds and are genuinely huggable. She’ll get hours, if not days, of eating time out of these sugar colossuses. And when she’s finished, she’ll be able to snuggle up with whatever is left over. It’s a win-win situation.

Get Her A Boyfriend Pillow

If you don’t see your partner all that much, knowing what exactly to get her can be tough. Here’s an idea: get her a replacement of you. Or more specifically, a replacement of your arm and part of your chest. At night, she needs something to cuddle up with her. If it can’t be a giant gummy bear or you, a disembodied pillow arm will have to do.

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.