ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Embrace Your Individuality In Your Kitchen

Embrace Your Individuality In Your Kitchen

We all love a beautiful kitchen. When you go to buy a house for the first time, it’s one of the first rooms that seals the deal for you. The kitchen is the hub of the home and a space you need to stand out so that you can impress your guests. It’s also the space you may use to do most of your entertaining.

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The kitchen is one of the rooms that is most renovated in the home. Sometimes it’s down to the fact it needs a refit, but others it’s purely for decorative purposes. Kitchens are built boring – it’s just a simple truth. They’re so uniform in their looks that it’s easy to just move in with a space that is done for you with cupboards and cabinets already installed. Customising your kitchen to make it look a little different isn’t a cheap job, but you can make your kitchen look fantastically expensive with just a few tweaks.

  1. Start with your layout. Your kitchen has to work for you as you will be the one using it the most. You need to make sure the distance between the sink, the stove and the refrigerator are as short as possible and make sure that you choose counters that are the right height for all who will be using them. If you’re not a fan of kitchen countertops, why not choose a kitchen island instead?
  2. Don’t forget your sink. Most sinks are built-in to cabinets and are under the kitchen window. You can place your sink anywhere you like but if you want to be truly different, why not go for a free standing kitchen sink cabinet? You can really put a touch of originality into your kitchen simply by going for a freestanding unit instead of a built-in one.
  3. Remember that the kitchen backsplash is important, but know when to splurge your dosh. Your kitchen backsplash is the exact place you want to spend your money. Kitchens are visually exciting, and you need to ensure that your backsplash fits the bill. Express your style, express your personality and make them unique to you!
  4. Lights matter! Most kitchens are pre-installed with those horrible strip lights that make you look like the walking dead. Swap these out for a feature light like a chandelier or a set of spotlights, and install a dimmer switch. Sometimes you need a bright, slightly harsh light so you can see what you are cooking. Other times, you want softer lighting so you can enjoy a meal. It’s all about ambience.
  5. Always think long term when you design your kitchen. Think about the design down to your faucets so that you can have a kitchen that will last you through time. Well, until the next time you decide to redesign it.

Your kitchen is your social space to entertain and you want it to look as luxurious as possible without spending through the roof to do it. Have fun designing your kitchen – it’s yours to transform as you see fit.

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

Eco Home Inspiration

Eco Home Inspiration

Thanks to growing concerns about the environment, more and more of us are becoming more eco-conscious in our home choices. Rising CO2 levels are dangerous for the planet, and so we want to do our part to cut back.

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According to estimates from the International Energy Agency, about a third of all the energy used in the world is used by households. This means that individuals, like you and I, can make a big difference to our carbon footprint by thinking carefully about house design. Here are all the ways to make your home more eco-friendly.

Go Small

Large homes are great if you’ve got a big family, but if it’s just you and a partner, then you might want to go small. Smaller homes are far easier to heat up during the winter thanks to their lower energy requirements and the fact that there is a smaller volume of air to heat up.

Insulate Everything

According to Conserve Energy, around 50 percent of a household’s energy consumption goes into heating and cooling. That’s why it’s so important to invest lots of money into thick insulation for the walls and the roof. To do the work on the roof, you’ll need a specialist roofer. Once you’ve got the insulation in place, you can reduce your energy bills by up to forty percent.

Make Use Of Sustainable Building Materials

When it comes to looking after the environment, it’s not just the amount of CO2 we care about. It’s also the effect of extracting building materials from the natural world. Extracting conventional building materials can cause damage to ecosystems and damage the water table. As a result, many more eco-conscious home buyers are looking for sustainable products which pose the least risk to the natural world. You can use all sorts of products to build your home, including things like reclaimed plastic, lumber and glass.

Harvest Rainwater

Many homes, especially homes located in drier climes, can damage the natural environment by drawing down too heavily on the natural water table. This is why so many eco-conscious homeowners are now investing in systems that help them to harvest rainwater, taking it from the sky, rather than from depleted local lakes and reservoirs. Collected rainwater can be used for some of the most water-intensive home activities, such as sprinkling the garden and flushing toilets.

For those who really want to conserve water, there is also the option of buying “water-conserving fixtures†– showerheads and taps which use less water than their regular counterparts. These water-saving fixtures can help you cut your water bills while protecting the natural environment and saving energy.

Plant Trees Strategically

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Ideally, you want sunlight to be able to pour into your home and warm it up during the winter. But some landscaping prevents this. Make sure that your trees are positioned in such a way that they don’t block the sun’s ray’s from coming through your windows. If you do want to plant trees on the southern end of your home, make sure that they’re deciduous. In the summer they’ll help shade your house, and in the winter, when they lose their leaves, they’ll allow the sunlight through.

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, SEX & LIFE

Do I Want an Indoor or Outdoor Wedding and Reception?

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

Do I Want an Indoor or Outdoor Wedding and Reception?

 

image-2-1It’s time to start planning your wedding, but before you start inviting your guests, you should think about the venues. Do you want to have your ceremony and reception in a restaurant, big wedding hall; or would you like it to be outside in the park, winery or at the mesmerizing Sydney beach? If you are having troubles deciding, then you should carefully list all the pros and cons of both options and see what best fits your budget and desires.

Indoor wedding

Pro: you don’t have to worry about the weather. Since you’re in a controlled environment, you don’t have to worry about sudden rain, snow or winds that could ruin your big day. You are basically safe to assume that both you and your guests will enjoy the wedding and reception in a comfortable and safe place.

Con: limited space. Every wedding venue has a maximum capacity, due to fire codes and other safety regulations. This may very well affect the number of guests you can invite. If you want a bigger reception, then you have to look for a bigger venue, which will be more expensive. Also, there might be some restrictions when it comes to decoration, which may alter the style of your wedding.

Pro: double purpose. Some venues have the capability to double both as a reception and ceremony venue. This can save you plenty of money if you are on a tight budget. Additionally, there are the benefits of being in a position to negotiate for lower package prices, catering services and even a free valet parking.

Con: higher demand. You should take into account the availability of the venues. If your wedding is during autumn or winter, then it will be harder to find available venues for your own wedding. During colder weather, the demand rises and you shouldn’t forget about that while planning your big day.

Outdoor wedding

image-4-3Pro: wide open space. Plenty of open space makes the whole wedding more family friendly. If there will be toddlers and children present who like to run around and move a lot, then it is easier to entertain them outdoors. Outdoor venues can accommodate many fun activities such as releasing birds, balloons, butterflies or paper lanterns and you can let the kids blow bubbles and enjoy. Also, if you have chosen to have a beach wedding, you can easily limit the open space with a few privacy screens from Sydney specialists and prevent any unwanted guests or letting your kids wander off.

Con: the weather. You can never know how the weather will turn out, so rain or snow could surprise you. Even though forecasts are close to predicting the weather, you cannot entirely plan it and the elements might end up ruining your big day. That’s why you should have a backup plan in case you are planning an outdoor wedding.

image-2-3Pro: little décor needed. The very nature is already you major wedding decoration. If you have chosen to have a reception at the park, you already have pretty flowers and plenty of greenery to complete the décor. If you are having a beach wedding, then there is nothing prettier than a mesmerizing landscape of a sunset or never-ending horizon. All you have to do is decorate the tables and chairs, and your wedding ceremony and reception are completely ready.

Con: restrooms. Even though many outdoor venues have restrooms nearby, it is probable that they are a bit further from the party. Decent walks may not be an issue for your guests, but it’s always good to ask about those facilities and their situation before booking an outdoor venue. It is beneficial to have a restroom nearby if some extreme or urgent situations do occur.

There you have it. The most common pros and cons people look at when deciding on their wedding venue. Sit together with your SO and see what fits your needs the best and have the most mesmerizing wedding day ever.

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

Relieve Stress the Natural Way

Relieve Stress the Natural Way

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It’s unfortunate, but because so many of us lead such busy lives, trying to juggle extensive work commitments with looking after our families, stress has risen to epidemic proportions, and more people than ever are turning to medication in a bid to get back on an even keel. That’s fine, but if you’re reluctant to see the doctor, or you simply don’t have the time to make an appointment (talk about stress), there are a number of natural stress relief techniques you can try first.

Always be Prepared

Whether you have a presentation in the morning or you just want to be able to get the kids ready and out of the door, so that you can get to work on time, there is nothing like preparation to keep the stress at bay. If you are always prepared for tomorrow, you’ll lighten your load and make that early morning stress a thing of the past.

Strap on Your Running Shoes

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If you’re chronically stressed out, sinking into the sofa when you come home from work might seem like the natural choice, but it won’t help you de-stress anywhere near as effectively as strapping of your trainers and going for a run will. When you run outdoors, you’re breathing fresh air and producing endorphins, as well as surrounding yourself with nature. All of these things will remove the stress from your life if you indulge in them regularly.

Mediate

I know, everyone and their dog is raving about the positive benefits of meditation, and although it probably won’t help you obtain enlightenment – not as long as you’re working and bringing up a family anyway – meditation really can help you de-stress by giving you some quiet time where you can relax, reflect and focus on the present instead of the presentation you have to give tomorrow.

Listen to Music

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A study published by the British Heart Journal found that listening to slow music will reduce stress, whether you’re working at your desk, commuting on the train or relaxing after a hard day at the office. So, tune your radio to a smooth station and reap the rewards.

Turn Off Notifications

It’s impossible to relax and enjoy your time away from work if you’re constantly being bombarded with phone calls emails and texts from the office, so take a stand and switch off your notifications after 6 P.M. Your business relationships will be just fine and you can  spend some time enjoying a family meal, reading a good book and enjoying a hot bath. You’ll feel much better for it.

Write It Down

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Instead of ruminating over a problem, going over and over it in your head some that you’re unable to sleep at night, write it down and forget about it. You’ll find it much easier to nod off, and a lot of the time, you’ll find the solution to the problem comes to you as you sleep!

Try Supplements

There are many natural supplements, including evening primrose oil, valerian root and magnesium which may people have found to be effective at promoting relaxation and a good night’s sleep. There can’t be any harm in trying them before you book an appointment with your GP.

Of course, if you try it the natural way and nothing works, visiting the doctor or a good therapist is probably a good idea.

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

How To Stay Alert All Day At Work

How To Stay Alert All Day At Work

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Let’s face it: living through a full work day can sometimes be challenging. Mondays are rough because you’re still on a weekend sleeping schedule, Tuesdays are just as hard because the monotony of your working week has really set in, Wednesdays are the day where your inner voice starts saying insistently that it might be okay to slack off a little, on Thursdays it seems as though the week will never come to an end, and on Fridays you’re much more inclined to think about your exciting weekend plans than whatever work’s on your desk. It can be hard to stay alert and focused all day long at work. Here are some tips to help you get your mind in gear…

Eat A Good Breakfast

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First of all, it’s extremely hard to focus through the morning at work if you haven’t eaten a good breakfast. Having the same thing every day can be yet another thing that adds to the monotony of the working week – so maybe it’s time to change up what you have. If you love toast every morning, then you don’t have to change that, but why not go a little wild with the toppings? If you love peanut butter then you could have it with apple slices one day and banana slices the next. One day you could even branch out and ditch the peanut butter and go for smashed avocado, the biggest brunch sensation of the last few years, instead. All you have to do is mash up half an avocado with a fork, along with a little citrus juice, salt, pepper and chili, for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. If you really aren’t big on breakfast, why not try making your own juices or smoothies? Invest in a high end juicer like the Super Angel and you’ll be able to make juices out of all your favourite fruits and vegetables – try out a green juice on the mornings you’re feeling particularly healthy, and go for tropical juices like coconut, mango and pineapple on the days you’re feeling a little more fruity.

Get Comfortable At Work

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It’s absolutely imperative that you’re physically comfortable at work. Sitting at a desk all day can actually be a big challenge for your body, so you need to make sure that your chair is as comfortable as possible. If your boss doesn’t want to splash out on ergonomic chairs then you could splash some of your own cash on a seat cushion that will help you sit properly all day. Make sure you rest both feet on the floor at all times so that your weight is balanced well. If you get headaches from the way the lights shine off your computer screen, you need to make sure that you ask your boss to move where you sit – your health is the most important thing at all times. Make sure that you take a break every hour to get up and stretch and walk around, whether you’re going to get a glass of water or going to the bathroom or simply going to look out of the window. Your body will thank you for it at the end of the day.

Change The Way You Snack

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Even if you’ve had the best breakfast in the world, a lot of us will become victim to the 3pm lull, after you’ve had lunch and when the sugar rush is starting to wear off, meaning that you’re becoming distinctly droopy-eyed and wondering if it would be a huge faux pas to curl up under your desk for a little nape. (Yes. Yes, unfortunately it would be.) It’s always a good idea to prepare some snacks for this time in the afternoon to give yourself a boost of energy. Steer away from chocolate and other sugary foods – although they’ll give you a burst of energy, the sugar crash afterwards won’t be worth it as it will make you even more tired. Instead go for a handful of pretzels dipped in peanut butter, or a small fruit salad, or carrot sticks and hummus, for a snack that will wake you up and provide you with some great nutrition.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

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Finally, in this day and age a lot of people can feel pressured into staying late every evening and into working through lunch. Make sure that you don’t do this – you’ll burn out and get sick. If you have too much work it’s time to talk to your boss about how to make your workload more manageable. In the meantime, remember that a lot of work is about knowing how to prioritize and delegate tasks in order to be successful.

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