Celebrate in Style: 4 Trendy Birthday Party Ideas for the Modern Woman

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When it comes to celebrating birthdays, it can be difficult to come up with unique ideas to make the day special. If you are planning a birthday party for a group of females, many options can cater to a range of interests and personalities. Here are four fun and creative birthday party ideas that will help make the day unforgettable.

Have some fun with a bingo club night

For a fun and exciting birthday celebration, head to a bingo club for a night of games and laughter. Bingo is a classic game that has been enjoyed for generations and is the perfect activity for a group of friends. Take a look at your local or online bingo clubs, gather your friends and family, and head to your local bingo hall for a night of fun and entertainment. Many bingo halls offer food and drink options, so you can enjoy snacks and drinks while playing. For added fun, you could suggest a fancy-dress theme that everyone should adhere to.

Knock up an Italian feast with a pizza-making party

For a more laid-back birthday celebration, consider hosting an evening pizza-making party. Invite your friends over and set up a pizza station with all the necessary ingredients and toppings. This is a great way to get everyone involved in the party and have fun creating their own personalised pizzas. For something different, suggest some unusual toppings. You can even make it a competition by having guests vote on the best pizza creation. To add to the festive atmosphere, play some upbeat music and serve drinks and snacks while you cook.

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Relax with a spa day

If you want to pamper the birthday girl and her friends, consider hosting a spa day. Book a day at a local spa or create your own spa experience at home. Set up a relaxing environment with candles, soothing music, and comfortable seating. Offer a range of treatments, such as massages, facials, and manicures. You can also provide healthy snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the day. This is the perfect way to unwind and indulge in some much-needed self-care.

Get competitive with a games night

For a fun and social birthday celebration, consider hosting a games night. Gather your friends and family and set up a range of board games, card games, and party games. This is a great way to get everyone involved and keep the energy high throughout the night. You can also provide food and drinks to keep everyone fuelled up for the competition. To add to the fun, have guests bring their favourite games to share and swap. Keep a leaderboard and award the winner with a prize at the end of the evening.

There are many unique and exciting ways to celebrate a birthday party. From bingo club nights to spa days, there are options to suit all interests and personalities. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to create a fun and lively atmosphere that will make the birthday girl feel special and loved. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a memorable celebration that will be cherished for years to come.

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Arran Sense of Scotland Glen Iorsa Collection

Having shared my love for the Arran Sense of Scotland Hot Toddy Candle, the collection I am sharing with you today could not have come at a better time! Meet the Arran Glen iorsa range.

At this time of year when we are on a festive comedown, back to work, trying to get back into a routine, deal with the stresses of modern living and the weather, taking time out for yourself has never been so important and with these products, creating a spa-at-home sanctuary is a breeze.

I am often at my most relaxed in water, perhaps being a Cancerian is the reason for this, but the bathroom is a place of sanctuary and self-care; a place where I feel I can retreat to unwind, take time for me, wash the stress away and just relax. I am a huge fan of products which have a calming and relaxing influence over my sense of self and with Glen iorsa you get the notes of lavender and spearmint blended with tiny indulgences of geranium, sage & patchouli. Glen Iorsa takes its name from the calm serenity of a remote glen on the Isle of Arran.

Starting with Glen Iorsa Lavender and Spearmint Bath & Shower Gel (£16) and it is the most wonderful scent to relax and unwind with.

Described as being the ultimate scent to help you relax and transport you into a world of tranquillity and peace, the Glen Iorsa Bath and Shower Gel is fragranced with the essential oils of lavender for soothing skin and relieving stress, with spearmint oil for refreshing and resetting body and mind.  It is also enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, so not only does this bath &shower gel cleanse and nourish the skin, the lavender calms and reduces stress and the spearmint awakens and resets the body and mind.

Once you've finished showering or bathing, the second product I have to share is the Glen Iorsa Lavender and Spearmint Calming Pillow Mist Spray (£15) which is just divine.

This mist is designed to promote relaxation and create a sense of peace and as with the bath & shower gel, it has the calming properties of this Lavender and Spearmint.

Sink into a relaxing sleep amidst the soothing aroma when used as a pillow spray. To use, the advice is to spray a couple of spritz onto the skin directly after showering or bathing or within your room before settling down for the night and it can also be sprayed directly onto your pillow to promote a restful night's sleep.

Having both the Lavender and Spearmint together is not a blend I've come across in many products and unsure how it was going to work but I can't tell you just how wonderful it is and definitely a scent concoction that would be amazing to use in an oil diffuser.  Alongside the bath & shower gel and the calming mist, this range also has a body lotion, soap, hand wash and hand cream in the same scent.

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Holistic Silk Pure Silk Lavender Face Pillow

Until you have tried a silk eye mask, you haven't felt luxury and Holistic Silk is a brand I just happen to absolutely love.  I was very kindly sent their Pure Silk Lavender Face Pillow and it might be my most favourite thing ever.

Described as being a full face pillow, it is made from skin-loving hypoallergenic 100% 22 momme Mulberry Silk and it is just beautiful. It was inspired by the experience of extensive lockdown anxiety and Holistic Silk refers to it as being their most powerful de-stressing tool yet.

Let the perfectly weighted seeds and Lavender work their magic whilst your skin reaps the benefits of Pure Mulberry Silk to soothe and hydrate. Enjoy a facial massage whenever you need one.

Available in a range of colours, I have the beautiful Saffron shade and it can be used to help to relieve headaches, migraines, eye strain, sinus pain and perhaps the most useful aspect - hangovers. It can also be used to induce sleep and silence mind chatter and is ideal for power naps, making a ten minute rest feel like an hour.

To get the best use out of this face pillow, the advice is to very gently squeeze to release the soothing and sleep inducing Lavender fragrance, whilst rotating to ensure seeds are evenly distributed. Then, all you have to do is simply lie back and place over your face to promote deep relaxation.

As I suffer with headaches, a condition called Barometric headaches to be precise, I am never keen to take over the counter drugs, preferring instead to let my body work it out alone, that said, I do use cold flannels, eye masks and temple rubs.  During my last few flare ups of headaches, I took to using this Face Pillow and as you can see, it is a bit of an odd look.

So, being shaped like a sheet mask, there is, as you can see vents for both your nose and mouth and because it is perfectly weighted with organic seeds and real Lavender, it works to gently stimulate those facial acupressure points for clarity and calmness. 

For me and my headaches, I've found the weightiness of it to be soothing and relaxing and just laying down, with my eyes completely covered, gives me that time out and it fits perfectly to my face. If you can't already tell, I just absolutely love it and the time out it gives me to unwind, relax and de-stress makes it worth every penny.

You can find this mask from Holistic Silk right here for £90

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Made by Coopers

Made by Coopers is a brand with an incredible story to tell. An idea that came about whilst travelling around India on a three-month yoga expedition, which was a personal healing journey for Clare. During their travels, Clare and Darren spent time at an Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala, learning all about the power of plants and natural healing, as well as lots of yoga, meditation, and early five a.m. chanting ceremonies! Following this powerful experience in the Ayurvedic retreat, the idea was formed to start a range of natural products, infused with essential oils, with a focus on emotional wellbeing, which is where Made by Coppers started their journey.

I was kindly two products from the Calming Range, one that is described as being a range which uses the most soothing essential oils to clear away negative energy, slow down a racing mind and promote peace and tranquillity.

Within the calming range you will find products such as a Pillow Mist, Room Spray, Candles, a Temple Balm, Bath Salts, Oil Blends and more. Essentially, everything you need to create that calm, Peaceful and tranquil space can be found right here. I was kindly sent two products from the range.

The first item is the Vanilla Rose Bath Blend (£22.50) and anyone who knows me, will know that I love bath salts and this particular blend is quite something.

Described as being a nourishing bath salt blend, it is made with the essential oils of Vanilla and Ylang Ylang which help to rejuvenate the skin and help you relax and unwind and coconut oil for its moisturising and nourishing properties. Alongside those oils you will find the salts:

• Dead Sea Salt - Contains 21 minerals that soften and soothe dry skin.
• Epsom Salt - Helps relieve tired and aching muscles.
• Himalayan Salt - Contains 84 minerals that soothe and repair damaged skin and promote renewal.

Then to really make this Bath Blend really special, you will find rose buds and petals which float on the water and ultimately it is the feeling of floating within the water amongst the salt really is so incredibly relaxing.

The second item comes in the form of a candle and it is called Sleepy Head (£24) and it is the can be used in your evening routine when preparing for bed or on a wet and windy afternoon when you want to sit back, relax, grab a blanket and watch a film.

For anyone who loves their essential oils, Made by Coopers is definitely a brand to try. This candle uses Organic Lavender and Frankincense essential oils which come with a whole host of benefits such as: 

• Frankincense - As well as being calming and relaxing, it is also known to relieve anxiety and chronic stress. 
• Organic Lavender - Ultra calming and floral  known to alleviate anxiety, stress and depression.

These candles not only help you to relax and unwind, it also uses a much more sustainable, Coconut and Rapeseed wax, so there is no black smoke when the candle is alight.

These products work incredibly well to help you to reduce stress and anxiety which in turn allows you to enjoy a deeper, more fulfilling sleep. A great gift for anyone who loves their well-being products or even a wonderful treat for yourself, Made By Coopers has an amazing range of products which I cannot wait to explore in more detail.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Evening routine with Feather and Down

Now the nights have drawn in, as my Nan used to say, getting home from work in the cold is never fun, but thanks to Feather and Down, there is something to look forward too. If you haven't come across the brand before, Feather and Down believe there is very little more important than a good night's sleep and for that, they have created an award-winning range of products which work together, or on their own to encourage and aid a restful nights sleep.

Whether you prefer to have a nice relaxing soak with a bubble bath or a hot steamy shower, Feather and Down has created two products that you absolutely do need to try. Starting with the Sweet Dreams Bath Essence (£7).

Whilst the water is running in your bath, allow for a few inches of water before pouring in a few capfuls of Sweet Dreams Bath Essence. 

Immediately as the essence hits the water, the bubbles begin to form and then there is the most wonderful fragrance which fills the room. As this is a product to help relax and unwind, those notes of Chamomile and Lavender quickly envelope you and make for an amazing relaxing experience.

If a bath isn’t an option, there is the Melting Shower Cream (£3) and if I don’t have the time to relax and unwind in the bath, then you can bet I am going to enjoy that shower. 

Again with the infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils, the notes of both fill the bathroom as soon as the cream comes into contact with the water and steam. A slightly stronger scent than the Bath Essence, it is a wonderfully relaxing aroma that fills every inch of every room.

The third product is the Sweet Dreams Pillow Mist (£7) and again, using the infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils, the mist not only encourages calm, tranquillity and a restful night's sleep but is also a really relaxing scent. 

To use, you should spray a generous amount onto your pillow to relax you as you drift into a peaceful sleep. I tend to spray mine as I am towelling myself dry and apply my body lotion, giving it time to sink into my pillow and fill the immediate surroundings.

This is an incredible range of products which include others within this scent. The use of Lavender and Chamomile are known to increase the type of brain waves associated with relaxation and together they make for an incredible team. What’s more, this collection is so purse friendly, it is readily available in Boots, Superdrug, Amazon and Sephora UK to name a few.

 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

What to Look for in a Reliable HVAC Service?

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Whether you need to replace an old air conditioner with a newer, more energy-efficient one or perform routine maintenance on your current system, doing so is a very challenging endeavor. After spending so much money on a heating and cooling system, it only makes sense to have it maintained by qualified experts. The HVAC firm you use is crucial to your comfort, health, and safety. 

The appropriate HVAC tools and equipment for installation 

A proper and secure execution of a task requires the use of these instruments. And if you think this gear is simple to get by or inexpensive, you'd be mistaken. These instruments are often not widely accessible and are niche-oriented. So, we know you're wondering: how does this pertain to me? When making a decision, it's important to find out whether the Los Angeles heating and air company provides its workers with access to and training on appropriate software applications and tools. The firm you want to steer clear of is one that uses third-party installers but doesn't provide its workers with any kind of toolkit. Since the installer has already made the purchase, you have no control over the quality of the finished product. Too often, it's not even the right tools. 

Electronic measurements and test instruments 

As this is occurring, air is being drawn across or blown over a coil that the refrigerant is moving through by means of two fans. What aids the refrigerant in these coils in changing condition and pressure is the volume of air that is pumped over them. The "heat" from within the house is moved outside, and the remaining air provided inside the house is "cool" because of the air flow and the change in the refrigerant's condition. Before any refrigerant can be injected, the copper lines must be prepped at the time of installation. To prevent contamination from the brazing process, nitrogen must be pumped into the system while it is being brazed. 

The right equipment is very important 

After welding the lines, the HVAC contractor must do a leak test at 150 PSI. The compressor will be damaged if test pressures are increased to more than 150 PSI. Once the lines are leak-free, a specialized pump and a digital micron gauge are required to achieve a vacuum of 500 microns. Compressor failure may occur if a vacuum is not pulled on the lines prior to adding refrigerant. Following these steps will ensure that your air conditioner works well for the estimated 600,000 times it will be used over its lifetime. Possessing high-quality tools for testing, configuration, and HVAC services can help ensure a nearly flawless setup. Exactness is of utmost importance. 

Processes for safe heating, ventilation, and air conditioning 

There are many different types of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment, each of which has its own set of safety requirements and recommended procedures. If even one of these guidelines is broken, the wellbeing of your loved ones might be put in jeopardy. 

The safe performance of your system during installation and throughout its lifetime is contingent on your possession of the appropriate tools, as well as a staff of workers who are trained, experienced, and employed full-time and who are able to use those tools as well as people who adhere to best practices. What exactly is it that we can say? It is critical to get information on a company's security and education policies before agreeing to work for that organization.

*this post is an editorial post and it may contain PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Temple Spa Repose - A Product with a purpose

Throughout the whole of October, Temple Spa will, for every full-sized jar of REPOSE not only will you get another one for free, but a donation of £6 from each purchase will shared between both Age UK and Eden Farm.

For many years now, every October Temple Spa has raised money for a charity that shares the brand's values and this is where Age UK and Eden Farm fit in. If you didn't know, Age UK is a charity that is all about bringing joy and cheer to older people who are lonely. Loneliness is a reality for so many elderly people and it is estimated that 225k of them can often go one whole week without speaking to anyone. So what Age UK is to give support and friendship to thousands of older people when they have no one else to turn to and we can all do our bit to help. Then with Eden Farm, based in Zambia, it started out as a charity that cares for orphaned and vulnerable people. It has evolved and developed in to a children’s village providing homes for children in family units of 6, looked after by a House Mother. The village has grown to include Eden School, a primary school that now provides daily education for over 200 children. These children are from subsistence farmer families who are some of the poorest families in Zambia, and the education they receive has the potential to dramatically change their lives and in turn the lives of their families. More can be found here.

As a product, REPOSE is Temple Spa's best-selling night cream, and it is one that I absolutely love and have featured on my blog a few times. Described as being an aromatherapy night cream and often referred to as being ‘a good night’s sleep in a jar, REPOSE is one of those products you reach for when you just need some time out, to relax and unwind and think of absolutely nothing. What I love, is that you apply Repose to your face and neck and start to massage it in, take the time to breathe in the incredible scent or if you really want a treat, apply a thicker layer to your skin and let it slowly absorb, something I actually love doing before I get into a hot bath, when I have no plans other than to lay back in my bubbles and do absolutely nothing. 

REPOSE uses a blend of essential oils, including the likes of chamomile, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, geranium, bitter orange and clary all of which are all renowned to aid deep relaxation and bring a sense of calm. Working alongside the essential oils is hops which are known for their calming benefits and they help to control anxiety and stress and relax your body and mind.

You can find out more about Temple Spa supporting these charities on their website here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Building Better Habits

It might surprise you that both bad and good habits take a few months to make or break. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules - for example, smoking.

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But you can build good habits in your life and break bad ones with enough motivation. It might be something like stopping smoking and switching to vaping with a vape starter kit or vape flavour concentrates. Or it might be turning off notifications. 

Here are a couple of ways that you can build better habits: 

Choose one

If you are hoping to be a completely new person overnight, this isn’t usually sustainable. Instead, you need to choose one thing at a time that you want to build or break. For example, if you want more free time consistently, you will need to avoid cutting things out of your schedule. 

Build your free time, and avoid the things that can wait. Choose one thing at a time, and give yourself 3 months of doing it consistently - then add something else. 

Motivation 

The reason you are doing something can be the determining factor in its success. For example, if you have health concerns and you know that your habit of eating fried foods or not working out isn’t helping - you have a strong motivation there to get started. 

Keep your why at the forefront of your mind at all times. 

Triggers

Habits are reinforced by triggers - and that means that as soon as X happens, you do Y. Look at the triggers like people, places or outside factors that impact your behaviour. Limit your exposure to those things for the designated 3 months and see how you feel. It can be tricky when it is people who are your trigger, but in the long run, it is better for you. 

Routine 

Perhaps at a specific time of day, you find yourself searching through the fridge for snacks - even though you have eaten and are not hungry. This routine means you will always do this until it is changed. 

Create something to do in that time slot that means you are otherwise occupied and can’t carry out that routine. You can do this for anything you find yourself doing that you rather you didn’t do. 

Rewards

Set small rewards for each length of time you manage to achieve your goal. Small rewards offer us little bumps of satisfaction and happy hormones. Each time that happens, you will have more motivation to carry on. 

Make sure that you track your progress, too - so that you can see you are changing your habits. 

And, if you do slip up - no matter what, be sure to go easy on yourself and continue the next day. Negative feelings attached to trying to make improvements will mean that we are less motivated and feel bad that we didn’t ‘succeed’, but changing is a process that will happen along the way. 

Taking care of yourself as you make these improvements is essential: 6 Solutions to Step Up Your Summer Self-Care Strategy. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Best and Most Affordable Beauty Tips You Will Find in Las Vegas in 2022

2022 is a year that has come with numerous beauty trends. So, which ones stand out in Las Vegas? Let’s find out!

Hot days, exciting nightlife, and a refreshing dip into anything and everything, are the sizzle of Las Vegas. While everything about the city may seem exceptional, the reality is that these sizzles may cause beauty burnout. 

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The sun’s harsh rays in the desert could cause skin burns, frizzy hair, or even make your makeup run. Needless to say, you need to be at your best and look your best when spending time in Las Vegas. These best and most affordable beauty tips will surely come in handy in 2022:

 

• Non-invasive makeovers

When it comes to non-surgical makeovers, Las Vegas is the place to be! Known for its affordable prices, a multitude of people travel to the city to fulfill their beauty needs. Whether you’re seeking cosmetic dentistry Las Vegas from top professionals or non-surgical face rejuvenation, you can get all of it in the city that never sleeps. 

If you’ve always wanted to enjoy a more beautiful smile, or are hoping for some botox and filler, then there’s no better place. You can be certain that you’ll achieve cosmetic improvements to your skin, smile, and facial features. 

• Throwback and dramatic haircuts

You know what they say, everything is big in Vegas! If you thought that throwback hairstyles were gone with the decades, then you haven't been to Las Vegas. The city offers dramatic, vintage hairstyles such as the shag cut and 90’s bob cut. The good news is that the hairstyles are eye-catching, affordable, and low maintenance

• Natural beauty reigns 

There are many who don't prefer going full-faced with their makeup on a daily basis. And let’s face it- good makeup is rather expensive and it can be quite hectic to keep up with different full-face looks. 

That’s why natural beauty reigns will come in handy on a hot day. It’s all about using light beauty touches to enhance your natural features. If you prefer an effortless, natural look, then professional makeup artists in the city will get the job done. It’s all about radiant beauty! 

Bonus Tip: Drink plenty of water

Need we say more? Drinking water is one of the most essential beauty tips. They say water is life and it goes a long way into your beauty regimen. So, no matter your climate, you should ensure that you get an adequate supply of water. 

An overall lack of dehydration will make your skin dry and flaky. Living in hot Las Vegas weather doesn’t help much with this either. When you consume enough water, you'll be nourishing your skin, ultimately keeping it youthful and vibrant. 

Summary

There you go! The best and most affordable beauty tips will make your stay in Las Vegas even more wonderful. Even better is the fact that all these tips are pocket friendly and will leave you feeling like the best version of yourself. 

It’s safe to say that feeling good on the outside will equally make you feel good on the inside. Employing the aforementioned tips is the best way to get started!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Pros and Cons of Apps in Your Personal Life

There was a time when the only app you needed was a calculator. But now, our phones are packed with apps to help us with everything from booking flights to tracking our fitness goals. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which apps are worth downloading. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of using apps in your personal life. We'll discuss how they can make our lives easier, as well as some of the potential dangers of over-reliance on them. So, whether you're considering downloading your first app or you're already a seasoned pro, read on for an overview of the pros and cons of using apps!

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Make Your Life More Efficient and Organized

There's no denying that apps can make our lives more efficient and organized. Want to book a last-minute hotel room? There's an app for that. Need to remember to pick up milk on the way home? Set a reminder in your favorite task manager app.  Apps can help us track our goals, stay on top of our schedules, and even find new friends with similar interests. In short, they make it easy for us to get things done - and that's definitely a pro.

Too Much Organization

However, there is such a thing as too much organization. If you find yourself spending more time managing your apps than actually using them, it might be time to take a step back. Remember, the goal is to make your life easier - not harder!

Learning and Growth

Additionally, some people argue that apps can make us more reliant on technology and less capable of doing things on our own. While it's true that apps can automate certain tasks, they can also teach us new skills and help us become more independent. For example, there are now app-based meditation programs that can help beginners learn how to meditate without the need for a personal teacher. So, while there is a potential downside to over-reliance on apps, there is also an upside to using them as tools for learning and growth.

Declutter Distractions and Stress

Are you trying to declutter your life and get rid of unnecessary distractions? Then you might want to consider ditching some of your less essential apps. There is software that can help with the decluttering process by identifying which apps you use the most and which ones you can live without. But before you do, take a moment to consider how they've helped you in the past and whether there are any other ways you could achieve the same goal without them. Review the pros and cons of each app to make an informed decision about whether or not it's worth keeping. Do you find that apps make your life more stressful? If so, it might be worth taking a break from them for a while. See if you can go a week without using any apps or even just delete the ones that cause you the most anxiety. You might be surprised at how much better you feel!

Increased Productivity

If you find that you can't get anything done without your apps, it might be time to take a closer look at how you're using them. Are they really helping you be more productive, or are they just distractions masquerading as productivity boosters? There's no right or wrong answer here - it's all about finding what works for you. If you feel like you need your apps to stay on top of your responsibilities, then, by all means, keep using them! But if you find that they're just getting in the way, it might be time to cut back.

Connect With Loved Ones

In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it can be easy to lose touch with the people we care about. But luckily, there are apps to help with that! Whether you're looking for a way to stay in touch with distant family members or you want to connect with old friends, there's an app that can help. There are also apps that can help you meet new people and make new friends. So if you're feeling lonely, don't hesitate to reach out and connect with someone using one of these apps. Just remember to be cautious when meeting strangers - always meet in public places and let someone know where you'll be beforehand.

Safety

Of course, there are also some safety concerns to keep in mind when using apps. Remember to only download apps from trusted sources, and be careful about sharing personal information with strangers. Additionally, it's important to keep your app passwords safe and secure - never reuse passwords or store them in an insecure location. Malware and viruses are a real threat, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself.

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All in all, apps can be great tools to help us achieve our goals and improve our lives. But like anything else, they should be used in moderation. And always remember to stay safe!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

5 Ways Too Much Sun Can Damage Your Skin

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Our skin needs some sun exposure to help generate vitamin D. This vitamin is important for our bones, our muscles and our mood. It is also important for the health of our skin. 

That said, too much basking in the sun can have the opposite effect. From sunburn to wrinkles, there are many ways in which the sun can damage our skin if we expose ourselves for too long without sun protection. Below are just a few ways in which the sun can damage our skin.

Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to UV light. The UV light eventually starts to damage skin cells and our inflammation response kicks in, causing redness. On top of being painful and making you look like a lobster, sunburn can increase the risk of developing other skin problems listed below. This is why you should try to avoid sunburn where possible by wearing sun cream and staying in the shade (particularly if you have fairer skin).

Hyperpigmentation

Our skin produces a brown pigment called melanin to protect it from the sun. Those with darker skin naturally have more melanin to provide added sun protection. Sometimes our skin’s ability to produce melanin malfunctions - providing too much melanin to certain parts of our skin and resulting in dark patches. This can range from small moles to large sunspots. Hyperpigmentation is more likely to occur as a result of prolonged sun exposure. To avoid uneven dark spots, limit time in the sun and wear sun protection. 

PLE

PLE (polymorphous light eruption) is a fairly common condition in which people become allergic to sun exposure, developing rashes across their body. This is different to sunburn in that it causes blotchy raised patches rather than even redness. Those with PLE need to take extra caution in the sun and should try to avoid prolonged exposure as much as possible . PLE can develop at any age and is usually genetic. 

Skin cancer

While sun exposure isn’t the only cause of skin cancer, it is by far the leading cause. Many people who spend long periods in the sun develop skin cancer throughout their lives. Skin cancer starts as a melanoma (which typically looks like a strange and uneven mole). By undertaking skin cancer treatment, you can remove these melanomas before the cancer spreads. Once you’ve had skin cancer, you’re likely to keep getting it. Taking action early is essential for preventing cancer from spreading from the skin to other organs and body parts where it can be deadly. 

Wrinkles

Excessive sun exposure is also a leading cause of premature wrinkles. The skin gets permanently damaged over time and loses its elasticity at a faster rate. This causes it to become dry and shrivelled. Spending a lot of time in the sun also increases development of facial wrinkles because many of us end up spending more time squinting (although wearing sunglasses can stop us from squinting). All in all, by reducing time spent in the sun, you could ward off wrinkles longer. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.