Category Archives: SEX & LIFE

Tips on sexual health, mental health, relationships, and everyday healthy life.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Moving Into Your First Apartment? The Guide For Millennials

Moving Into Your First Apartment? The Guide For Millennials

At some stage of our lives, we all have to fly the nest and spread our wings in our own place. While it may be comfortable and cheap to live with mum and dad, we do need to start standing on our own two feet at some point. Which means that for many of us, we need to start making some very big life decisions. This could mean managing your finances a little better and be making some important decisions about how you spend your money. It might mean taking more interest in the long-term of your career and what the future might hold for you. Or simply it could mean that you start to live on your own.

There are many stages of our lives that this sort of change could start to dominate. You may be on your way to study at a university where you live in a different town or part of the country. You may have been promoted with work and your career so re-location could be on the cards. Or perhaps you feel that the time is right to live on your own and be independent. Whatever has brought you to this decision, apartment living could be the answer. Which is why I thought I would share with you some of the steps you can take to moving into your first apartment.

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Don’t neglect the boring stuff

Signing a lease or getting a mortgage proposal are two of the things we can all be eager to rush into, depending on what you want to do. But it is important to make sure you do some life admin before taking such a big step. This helps you to avoid any issues in the future in regards to debt, finances or your lifestyle.

Have enough money to do it

It may be something you are desperate to do, but before taking that big leap of faith, you need to take a step back and really ensure you have enough money to do it. What are your current outgoings like? Can you afford the extra expenditure? What about the state of your savings? Do you even have any? All of these things are important to consider as renting or buying a place is a big financial responsibility.

Emptied cardboard box with the flaps open standing on a wooden parquet floor conceptual of packaging, mail, storage, or removals

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Finding the right place

Once you have really sweated over the financials and the logistics side of things, now can come part of the fun. Deciding and finding the right place to settle and put down your own roots.

The location

First up, look into the location of where you may want to live. You need to consider a few different things before settling on the right place. Start off with considering your commute to your workplace. Are there any decent public transport links? Can you make it into work in good time? Then you may want to think about how you spend your spare time. Do you like heading into your local town for nights out? Are bars and restaurants and a social scene important to you? Working all of this out will help you to determine the very best location to spend your days.

The style of property

One of the things you need to consider is the type of property you want to be living in. Apartments come in many different shapes, sizes and styles. You could be finding a shophouse for rent or looking buy an apartment in a big tall building. It will all depend on where you look to buy or rent, the location, and the type of properties that are readily available to you. The style of property can be determined by your budget. You may not be able to afford a penthouse with dramatic views, but perhaps something similar a little further out will fit in the budget. Try and be open-minded and look at all sorts of options.

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Whether to rent or whether to buy?

One of the biggest decisions you might want to make is to whether you rent or buy. Of course, your budget may be determining the answer to this dilemma already but here’s what to think about. Firstly, you may want to think about a trial basis for a certain location and type of place, which means renting could be the ideal opportunity. You may want to think about trying it out in regards to the expenditure, and leasing for a short-term could give you the taste of independent living you crave. If in doubt, speak to a financial advisor who can advise how your financial situation could be affected or what you may be able to afford.

How are you planning on furnishing the apartment?

You need to be considering exactly how you plan on furnishing the apartment. There are plenty of options that you could be considering. What you have to remember is that you don’t need to be investing in expensive or state of the art things. Start off with the basics. A chair or sofa to sit on, a bed and some storage for clothing. The essential kitchen items you need such as a kettle and toaster. Then all the smaller items that get you by such as plates, cups, glasses and cutlery will need to be bought and paid for.

Furnished or unfurnished?

However, you might want to think about whether you choose an unfurnished or furnished apartment. This tends to be a choice if you are deciding to choose a rental option, and could save you a fortune of outgoings for your first place. Furnished properties vary in regards to what they have in them. You may find that some are fully kitted out with everything you could possibly need, but bare in mind you could be paying for the privilege in your monthly rent. Others are more basic with just offering the larger and more expensive purchases you would have to make. Which ever you decide, make sure you think about what option would be best for your right now. Renting especially may not be your long-term position with a property. But the things you own and put in the place, are yours to keep.

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The type of furniture you may need to think about

When you first start looking, and you find a suitable place that isn’t furnished, now comes the time to consider furnishing it with furniture. You don’t need to be going out and buying expensive things, especially as your first place. Things like beds and sofas are investment pieces so you will need to build up to it and buy things as and when you can afford them. You could be really frugal and choose to look in charity shops or online on websites like eBay. Buying second-hand furniture could be a great way to save money on what can already be an expensive move.

What other things do you need to think about?

Finally, you need to start thinking about the other expenses you will have to protect not only yourself but also your property. For example, when you rent a property the building isn’t necessarily your responsibility, so people think that insurance isn’t relevant, but you still need to think about your contents and items. Other things to think about would be to be a little more savvy with your outgoings. Meal planning and filling up the fridge rather than eating out or take a-ways could be the way forward once you are in your own place. It may save you a hefty amount each week.

I hope these steps help you when moving into your first apartment.

 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.

 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Creative Ways to Decorate Your Front Door

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

Creative Ways to Decorate Your Front Door

Every season brings many changes to our surroundings. No matter whether you live in a house with a yard or in an apartment on the 3rd floor, there are certain spaces that can be decorated and freshened-up.

Nature itself will always complement the look of your house, especially if you own a yard, but when decorating our front doors with something creative and unique, we’re bringing a whole new look to our living area.

Here are a few creative ideas on how to decorate and refresh your front doors without necessarily copying your neighbors’ ideas, or without getting stuck with uninspiring decor examples from arts & crafts magazines.

DIY Decor

The main entrance to your home can reveal much more about you than you’d ever think, so why choose universal decor ideas when you can get creative with the DIY approach? Express yourself by going for the inspiring front door decor designs and you’ll be surprised to see how many creative solutions will emerge in the process.

If you want to pay homage to your family name, the DIY monogram letters are a great solution for such front door decor. Use a pattern to cut the shape of the letter and cover it with moss, twine, fabric, or buttons. Even led lights can do the trick and they will light up your front door at night.

Freshen up your front door with flowers, umbrellas, rainboots, and watering cans. Place some faux flowers in an old umbrella and use a hammer and a nail to hang it on the front door. Or put the flowers in a pair of rainboots and place them at the center of the front door.

Don’t go for the common wreath decor. Take a watering can, fill it up with plants and secure it with a ribbon to make an adorable decorative solution.

Use a custom-made chalkboard as a front door decor by painting the interior of a frame or tray with chalkboard paint. Write some welcoming and heartwarming words to welcome your guests in a creative way. This solution is helpful when you need a few hours of peace and quiet because it takes a second to write the messages like ”On vacation!” or “Shhhh… a lunch break!”. Also, you’ll certainly be surprised from time to time when you discover cute messages that were written by your friends and loving neighbors.

Safety First

Our working and living areas should be secured with high-security measures, no matter whether you’re a homeowner looking for a safe solution, or a business owner who’s after a high-performing security system for your company. There are a few smart and creative solutions for securing the front doors, you can always turn to a professional locksmith in Parramatta whose superior customer services will get your house back on track by providing it with safety and security.

Opting for the old-school security measures will only bring the vintage looks to the doors, so turn those classic chain locks and padlocks into a door decor rather than the security solution. The multiple-point locking systems are great for the indoors and main door security, as well as the double locks with built-in alarm systems. No one wants to see their beautifully decorated front door scratched and damaged in the burglar’s attempt to break in. Always secure your home since the aesthetics are conditioned by the safety.

These ideas will help you look beyond the wreaths and padlocks and have your creative flow going. Choose your favorite idea and start decorating!

 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. 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Coping With The Fallout Of Trauma

Coping With The Fallout Of Trauma

If you haven’t heard of it, PTSD is one of the leading debilitating disorders in life for those who have been through a trauma. Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing experience, and PTSD – or post-traumatic stress disorder – is the fallout of that traumatic event. You may have come across PTSD when people speak of the military, and it’s very common in soldiers because of the events they are exposed to on a daily basis. The thing is, PTSD can be triggered in everyday events in life if they take a sinister turn.

When you go through a traumatic event, your body shuts down mentally to protect your emotions and help you to cope with the feelings more slowly. When you go through a horrific event that puts your body’s stress to the limit, you can be left feeling like you have to pick up the pieces of your shattered self-esteem. Coping with the aftermath of a traumatic event in life takes a lot of time and sometimes, compensation. If you have been through a vehicular accident, the resultant shock and stress on your brain can cause flashbacks that can make you feel weak, shaky and afraid. Your body goes into shock after a trauma because it needs to allow you to heal physically before it can work on your mind.

There are those out there who cope with a traumatic event by looking into the legal side. When something horrible happens, the feeling of needing justice to help move past the event is one that is overwhelming. Companies like http://nealefhima.com/riverside/lemon-law/ specialise in helping others to get the compensation they need to help them to get through the loss they incur as a result of an accident. This type of closure can go toward the coping with PTSD and other feelings after an injury. There is no right way to cope when a stressful event happens, there is only the best way. The coping mechanisms you choose to use to gain closure and heal your mind are just as important as the physiotherapies and hospital time spent getting over the physical side of an accident.

Recovery is a process, and it’s so important for people to understand that before they can move on mentally. The stress reactions that you feel may not just happen once, and may continue over a period of time. For some, this is debilitating and can prevent them from working. For others, the resultant trauma following the stress is as bad as the accident or event itself, as it can make you feel helpless and scared. One of the best ways anyone who has survived a traumatic event can cope is through talk therapy. Support is critical in the aftermath of fear and so group therapies, one on one counselling and cognitive behavioural techniques like these are going to help toward that recovery that is so necessary. Relaxation methods like yoga, meditation and exercise can also go a long way to helping your recovery.

 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.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Top Self-Care Strategies For Your Mental Health

Top Self-Care Strategies For Your Mental Health

With so many suffering each year from one mental illness or another (around 20% of all men, women, and children), it’s important to remember to care for your mind, body, and soul. Embarking on a Psychotherapy journey can help alleviate a lot of mental anguish and stress. For example, Counselling Kingston believes everyone can benefit from talking to a therapist or clinical counselor.

In addition to any professional help that you may require for your mental illness, such as medication or therapy, living healthily is an important part of managing your illness. Your diet, lifestyle, recreational activities, friends, and routine can all have a major impact on how you feel, physically and emotionally, and so can also have a huge impact on your treatment plan. Here is a short list of self-care strategies that can help you to ensure that your lifestyle has no negative impact on your mental health or treatment plan.

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  1. Express Yourself

Whether it be through drawings, diary entries, or dance sequences, it is always beneficial to express your feelings and not bottle things up. If you find it hard to explain how you feel in words, you could show your drawings and paintings to your therapist as a form of art therapy.

Expressing yourself artistically is also a great way to keep your mind and body active and not dwell on negative feelings and emotions.

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  1. Get Active

As above, being active is a great way to escape from negative feelings as you generally will focus on the physical activity you’re partaking in, rather than anything else. It’s also proven to reduce stress, as it pumps your body full of endorphins, which trigger a positive response in the body. Scientists have proved that endorphins are very useful at elevating your overall mood, decreasing levels of tension, and improving your self-esteem. In fact, a simple five-minute aerobic session has been shown to stimulate anti-anxiety effects

Read: NEW BEAUTY ROUTINE: FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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  1. Be Social

Talking through your feelings with someone you can trust may be a great help in managing your mental illness. Regardless of whether the person is a family member, a friend, or a therapist, just having someone listen to what it is you have to say and showing that they care about you and your feeling can really heighten your self-esteem. They may have also encountered similar problems to you or have had similar feelings to you and so may be able to provide advice, as well as emotional support.

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  1. Learn About Your Illness

Learning as much about your mental illness as possible may help you to feel more in control of it, which will reduce your levels of stress and anxiety. Having a read of some blog posts and websites or even taking a psychology degree online will all provide you will masses of information, all of which could help you better manage your illness. They could provide you will information on different types of treatments, as well as information that you could give to your friends and family so that you know that they, too will always know what to expect.

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  1. Eat Healthily

Evidence has indicated that the foods you eat have a big impact on the development and management of certain mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Those who have some level of mental health issue report eating fewer healthy foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, and more unhealthy foods, such as chocolate and chips, whereas over two-thirds of mentally healthy people report that they eat much more healthily. Stimulants such as alcohol and coffee, as well as many drugs, also have links to the development of certain mental illnesses. This shows that a healthy meal plan is an incredibly important factor in managing many different mental illnesses.

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  1. Have A Routine

For mental illnesses such as anxiety, having a routine or a plan for the day can help to reduce stress, as you always know where you have to be and what you have to do next. Just be careful not to make the routine too strict; otherwise, you may get panicky if you have to deviate from the plan for any reason.

Read: GETTING INTO A GOOD HEALTH ROUTINE

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  1. Get Plenty Of Sleep

Getting too much or too little sleep can result in a range of negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and feeling depressed, and you will obviously feel very tired, even with too much sleep, which can make it difficult to cope with everyday life. You may also end up feeling lonely and isolated, as your tiredness may make you feel like you don’t want to be sociable. In extremely serious cases, if you already have a psychotic disorder, tiredness may even trigger a psychotic episode. For someone suffering from a mental illness, it is very easy to under or oversleep, which isn’t very good when all of these negative repercussions come with it, so getting into a regular sleeping pattern would be incredibly beneficial.

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  1. Know When To See A Professional

Managing your own illness through self-care strategies can provide many people living with mental illness a sense of control over their life and their illness, which in itself can help lower levels of stress and anxiety, raise your levels of self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of your mental illness. However, this isn’t always the case, sometimes things can go out of your control, and sometimes you may need the help of a professional, whether that be a therapist, a psychologist, or a doctor. If you start to feel as though things are getting out of your control or that you can’t cope with everyday life, it is always best to contact a professional, just to be on the safe side.

Hopefully, these self-care strategies will provide you a sense of control over your life and your mental illness. However, you must always remember that you can’t always do everything on your own. Sometimes the best strategy for self-care is knowing when you can’t completely care for yourself on your own anymore, and when that is the case, there is always someone that you can contact, whether it be family, a friend, or a healthcare professional, that will be more than happy to help you.

Tia and TipsfromTia.com are 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, TikTok, or Instagram. 

SEX & LIFE

Gifts For Guys: Birthday Treats For Your Man

Gifts For Guys: Birthday Treats For Your Man

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Having that special someone in your life is a dream come true, but finding the perfect birthday gift for him can be an utter nightmare. Very few men will tell you what they want, and they don’t even leave hints, making your life far harder. But there’s no need to fear; this list of ideal presents is here to save the day!

What are you waiting for? Let’s make this the best birthday he’ll ever have.

Encourage His Passions

Your man’s hobbies and interests are what make him so special. Showing your support for those activities is sure to make him smile. Whether it’s celebrating his artistic side or a love of sport doesn’t matter. Knowing that you’re involved with his passions will give him yet another reason to smile while he enjoys those things. That’s sure to win you good girlfriend points. Most importantly, though, it’ll put a smile on his face.

Book A Trip Away

Relationships are all about creating memories, and romantic trips are the ideal way to do it. Budgets and the seriousness of your relationship may influence the final decision. Still, sharing magical moments together is sure to be a big hit. Not least because it’s something for you both to look forward to too. In truth, those are the best times of your lives.

Food & Drink

They do say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. A trip to his restaurant or a home cooked meal will leave him smiling. If you’re worried about being boring, the Kikori whiskey review highlights just one example of how you can keep it exciting. With a combination of great food and drink to keep him satisfied, it’ll be one of his best birthdays ever.

Man Cave Additions

If your boyfriend/husband has a personal space for relaxation, buying him something for this room is an awesome idea. This could be gaming accessories, funny gadgets, or something else. Again, the exact answer will be influenced by his personal preferences in life. Ultimately, anything that can actively enhance his leisure time at home is a winner. On a selfish note, it’ll make it easier for you to get some peace and quiet when it’s needed too.

Shoes

Buying clothes for a man is always difficult, even when he is your significant other. Aside from the styles and colors, you need to acknowledge the fact that sizes can vary. The far safer option is to treat him to a great pair of shoe. The average man might not own as many pairs, which is why they are even more valuable to his life. This guide to different styles will tell you all you need to know. He’ll be looking better than ever in no time.

When it comes to buying presents for your man, simplicity is king. Those treats are all guaranteed to leave him thanking his lucky stars that he has you in his life. What more could any loving partner desire?

 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.