Category Archives: SEX & LIFE

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

Divorced? Here’s What You Need To Do Now

Divorced? Here’s What You Need To Do Now

Making the decision to get a divorce is never an easy one, particularly if there are children involved. You might have been trying to make it work for months or even years but to no avail. If both you and your partner are severely unhappy in your marriage, a divorce can be the best solution for everyone. But once you’ve come to an agreement, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Even though it’s the right thing to do, it can still be an emotional and overwhelming experience. So if you’ve just decided to get divorced and are unsure what to do now, follow these simple steps.

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Talk about child custody

This is likely to be the most difficult conversation you will ever have. But it’s also the most important. You and your partner need to decide how you intend to continue providing care, time and support for your children. Consider how you can equally spend time with them, particularly over holidays, birthdays and weekends. Be realistic and always focus on your kid’s best interests.

In addition to this, you should also discuss how you want to break the news of your divorce to your children. Talking about this beforehand gives you time to prepare for their reactions. If you find it difficult to come to an agreement, get in touch with Gillespie, Shields, Durrant & Goldfarb or another family law firm.

Check your finances

Running a house will be different now you only have one source of income. You might have to survive on less and stretch your money further each week. The cost of getting a divorce can also be notoriously expensive. So one of the most important things you need to do is check your finances. Visit your bank and talk to your financial advisor about your current situation. They may be able to suggest ways in which you can save more money each month. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to set up a new bank account. If you think you might struggle, you should also start looking for additional employment. Download LinkedIn and other free job search apps to get started.

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Decide where you will live

Another vital discussion you need to have with your partner is where you will both live. One of you might want to stay in the same property whereas the other might want to move out. Or perhaps both of you want to move out and sell your old home. Remember to consider your kids before making a final decision. If you do decide to sell, work out a fair way to divide the money equally. This is an agreement you should have witnessed by an attorney, as your property is likely to be the most expensive asset you have. This will ensure that when it is sold, no foul play will occur.

By following these simple steps, you increase your chances of having a more honest and amicable divorce. This can benefit not only you but your children as well. If you’re still finding it difficult to come to terms with your divorce, talk to a divorce counselor or your doctor.

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.

An App A Day Keeps The Doctor Away: Keeping On Top Of Your Health

An App A Day Keeps The Doctor Away: Keeping On Top Of Your Health

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We all want to keep healthy but often find it difficult to find the time around work and other responsibilities. But there are easy ways to keep fit and in good health that don’t involve hours down the gym on the treadmill. Nowadays, we’re more attached to our phones than ever. This can be a hindrance: you might spend hours checking your Facebook newsfeed when that time could be better spent on self-improvement. But you can also use new technology to your advantage. The health and lifestyle industry is booming, and there are now all sorts of apps out there that will help you to check and monitor your health. Here are a few of our favorites.

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Personal Health Apps

Personal health apps can help you to check your symptoms without leaving the house. The Doctor App, for example, allows you to have a video or phone call with a qualified medic within minutes, check your symptoms in real time and have 24-hour access to healthcare support. If your symptoms aren’t severe or indicative of an emergency, this is ideal. It saves you searching your symptoms on a search engine and scaring yourself sick with horrific, far-fetched diagnoses. It will also help you to know whether you can care for yourself from home or whether you should seek further professional help. Remember, if you are experiencing chest pain, severe bleeding, fits or seizures, difficulty breathing or bouts of losing consciousness, call 999. These are emergency situations and no time should be wasted in getting them seen to.

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Pedometer Apps

You have your phone on you all day. Your phone can track how many steps you take and how many flights of stairs you ascend and descend. It is recommended that the average adult takes 10,000 steps a day. So check how you measure up to this. You might find that you’re a lot more sedentary than you originally thought. If you are, take a stroll in the park after dinner. It’ll boost your steps, get some fresh air into your lungs and leave you feeling relaxed and healthier.

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First Aid Apps

First aid is a skill that many of us lack. This is concerning. Basic first aid should be part of everyone’s knowledge. Download a first aid app to learn basic skills. For example, how to carry out the Heimlich maneuver, how to do CPR, take care of minor burns or scalds, minor bandage cuts and stop minor bleeding. These are all things that could prove life-saving in medical situations.

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Mental Health Apps

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. There are mental health apps out there to help you. Some apps specialize in breathing exercises. Others offer basic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Whatever your problem, there is an app to guide you through it. If you are worried that you could pose a danger to your own or other’s lives, you need to seek professional help immediately. If you can wait, arrange an appointment with your GP. If your issue is urgent, contact emergency services or phone 111 for advice.

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.

Surviving a Long Distance Flight

Surviving a Long Distance Flight

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Traveling to a new place is incredibly exciting, but long plane journeys can be tedious. You’re sat in the same spot for hours on end, you’re restless, bored and there’s probably a baby screaming its head off nearby- typical. Thankfully there are things you can do to make any long distance flight run as smoothly as possible. So you’re at your destination enjoying yourself before you know it!

Bring Lots To Do

While most flights will offer movies and entertainment, it’s so worth bringing your own stuff too. When tablets are so portable, bringing yours on board gives you endless opportunities. While in-flight wi-fi is still in the early stages, you could download plenty to watch and do before you leave home. You could download a full series to watch, a long flight gives you lots of time to really indulge in some tv. And we all know how quickly time passes when you’re watching something you enjoy! Plug sockets on planes are usually restricted to first and business class, although many will offer a USB charging port which is suitable for a tablet. So find out beforehand what’s available on your flight. If not, you’ll need to pack a couple of good quality portable chargers. You can play games on it, read books and if you invest in a Bluetooth keyboard you could turn it into a mini laptop and get some work done. While working might not be the most exciting, it will still keep you occupied. And when you have a long stretch of time ahead of you it’s good to make the most of it!

Get Some Sleep

There’s definitely an art to sleeping on a plane. But it’s well worth trying, even if you’re not sure if you can. It will make your journey go by more quickly, and you’ll be less exhausted when you reach your destination. If you have a night flight it will be easier, but even if you don’t there are ways around it. An eye mask to block out light and some ear plugs to block out sound should get you well on your way to drifting off. You could check out an ear plugs guide to work out which will be the best to go for. A supportive neck pillow is a useful investment for traveling, as if you do manage to drift off you won’t wake up with a cricked neck!

Pack Some Skincare

Flying is notoriously bad for your skin. If you find you end up with breakouts or dryness after a flight, there are things you can do on board. Remove your makeup using cotton pads and some micellar water, a gentle yet powerful makeup remover (bearing in mind you can only take 100 ml or less of liquids onto planes, so you will most likely need to decant this into a smaller bottle). Use a light, hydrating face mask to replenish the moisture and then follow this up with a moisturizer afterwards. You can always re-apply your makeup half an hour before you’re due to land if you don’t want to go bare-faced at the other end! A makeup bag with all of your essentials is a handy addition to your flight bag.

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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.

Mmmmm Is For Massage – Your Guide To Relaxation

Mmmmm Is For Massage – Your Guide To Relaxation

After a long day at work, there is nothing more soothing than doing nothing for a few minutes. Of course, what we face when we open the front door is a house full of hungry kids, pets and partners! If you find it difficult to grab those few minutes to yourself, then why not make it your resolution to change things? Here are just some of the ways you can relax and unwind each day:

Massage Chair – According to http://www.shiatsuchairs.net/, there are lots of different chairs on the market that provide a much-needed massage in the comfort of your own home. You can use them while you’re reading with the kids, watching the TV or catching up with your blog! Some are, of course, pretty pricey. Others are simply backed cushions you place on your regular chair. If you can’t get out of the house for a massage, then a massaging chair could be a great alternative.

Massage Therapies – There are dozens of different massage styles out there. If you can find the time each week for a regular appointment with your masseuse, then you could be on the way to a more relaxing lifestyle. Indian head massages, sports massages, Swedish massage – the list goes on! You and your partner could also take classes to learn how to do these things yourselves. It could become a regular thing you do for each other, like date night. Use essential oils to help you feel deeply relaxed and refreshed.

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Yoga – It is possible to massage yourself with Yoga. There are several poses that could relieve tension in the neck, back and shoulders. Some say that Yoga can help massage your internal organs too. This might help relieve indigestion and other digestive disorders. Combined with special breathing techniques, Yoga can be ideal for helping you to relax. Best of all, it can boost your energy levels and focus too. There are plenty of online courses to get started. Why not book a weekly class as part of your ‘me’ time.

Bubbles – A bubble bath can be a wonderful way to relax and unwind after a tough day. Of course, if you have a jacuzzi bath it can be even better. Many jacuzzi baths have adjustable whirlpool jets that can be directed onto your achy areas. These can be ideal when you’ve been on your feet all day or overdone a workout. You can soak away all that tension and enjoy the scent of your candles too. Dim the lights, and enjoy a glass of something yummy.

Handheld – There are plenty of handheld or portable devices on the market that can target specific muscles in your body. Some are battery operated. They might add extra warmth and vibration to ease the tension in your muscle. Others are simple wooden roller balls that knead the area until you are soothed. They come as pillows, rollers, and even little mushroom shaped devices. If you have a bit more money, you could even buy an electric one that will heat up the area and may even prevent cellulite! How do you like to relax?

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.

It’s Not Just About The Bling: How Your Personality Is Reflected In Your Engagement Ring

It’s Not Just About The Bling: How Your Personality Is Reflected In Your Engagement Ring

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It is becoming more and more common for a woman to be able to choose her engagement ring – and it’s probably a good thing. It’s nice to daydream about being proposed to and seeing the perfect ring, lovingly selected. But for too many women, it’s not a reality. They see the ring and think: “oh”.

This is not just a question of expense, either. Whether it’s classic Verragio rings or something more individual, it has to represent the person wearing it. Sometimes the style is wrong, not something they would pick for themselves. It may not be the kind of thing that will put the relationship in trouble, but it’s not what you dream of.

So now proposals can involve a dummy, costume ring which will be substituted for the real deal with the input from the future bride. After all, if you’re going to wear it for the rest of your life, it’s pretty important that you like it!

If you have the opportunity to have a say in your engagement ring, you’ve got a lot to think about…

  1. Metal Colour

There are several options for metals, split into three different types. While there are subtypes (a silver colour could be platinum, titanium or genuine silver), the colours are the dominant focus.

Yellow Gold – Perhaps the most traditional, yellow gold bands have been the staple of engagement and wedding rings for years. Choosing this will show your respect for history and adherence to how things “should” be done.

Silver (or silver-coloured) – Much more modern, these have soared in popularity over the last decade. This option makes you more practical, with feet more firmly in the contemporary world.

Rose Gold – Going through a period of intense popularity, rose gold is a softer version of yellow with an antique feel. A rose gold choice is somewhat whimsical and fun and suits anyone who considers themselves a free spirit.

Think about your colouring. If you have pink skin tones, then either gold is a better option. For olive or yellow skin tones, silver-coloured is much easier to pull off.

  1. Gemstones and Their Cut

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If you want to stick with the traditional diamond, then there are numerous cuts to choose from. Square cuts have been widespread in recent years; while oval and princess cuts have a more retro feel. Try as many different cuts on, even if you think you won’t like them – you never know what might feel “right”.

Stepping outside of diamonds is acceptable also, and a good choice if your budget isn’t high. It’s better to have a good quality stone of anything than a poor quality diamond. Some of the most famous engagement rings of recent years have opted for other gemstones. For example, the Duchess of Cambridge has a sapphire as the main focus on her engagement ring. So don’t feel it has to be a diamond; assert your individuality by going for something different.

  1. How Will It Fit With Your Wedding Band?

This is an important step to consider. The two will be worn in concert with one another, so they should be complementary if you wish to honor customs. Alternatively, stark differences – perhaps even different metals – signify the different life stages they represent.

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.