Planning the perfect weekend away together is about knowing who you are appealing to. You might be right off the mark on what they would consider a great day out, so we’re here to help. As long as you know what they’re into, you’ll find a way to have fun with them here. For the nature lover There is only one right answer for the nature lover: camping. There is simply nothing like being out there in the thick of it, with the sounds of the creatures lulling you to sleep on a bed of, well, not roses but something close, probably grass. And there are a lot of great ways you can do it. If sleeping on grass isn’t your idea of comfort, you can borrow a van or put the seats back and sleep in the car. Getting a van or truck is a great idea because you can sleep under the stars. You can look into glamping, or campsites with a few shared amenities if you’re someone who cannot take bathing in the river as part of a sufficient skincare routine. However, it’s worth mentioning that bathing in seaweed is a common treatment due to its skincare benefits, so maybe head to the coast. But the brilliance of camping is the isolation. Once you’re done wandering and exploring the area, you can share stories. Scary stories around the campfire, sure, but through normal chat, the deepest of secrets seem to come out in camping. Plus, you’ll get really close to your friends when you’re huddled together to stay warm. For the art lover The art lover isn’t fussy. They know art is subjective, they just want to be inspired, which is why it’s actually very easy to keep them happy. The obvious answer to a memorable day out for an art lover is to find an art gallery, but spring for the tour or tutorial. So many of us are just embracing the pretty colours when we want to know more. Reading art is difficult. For a free day out, simply pick a city and go a wander. Street art is taking off, and it seems like no major city nowadays is without its commissioned murals on the sides of buildings. And they are impressive. Depending on where you are, you can even download a trail around the city that pinpoints every mural. Stop in a café for a coffee, or maybe some hidden gem small business stores and get to know your city in the process. For the thrill-seeker There are two main options for the thrill-seekers for a great weekend away: rollercoasters or extreme sports. If you’re more into the rollercoaster idea, maybe it’s time to visit your nearest theme park. The best thing about theme parks, especially today, is that the rollercoasters are the draw, but there is so much that the less …brave (foolish) of us can enjoy. There’s usually a bowling alley and arcade and of course, all the stalls where you can win a prize. For the more active thrill-seekers, there are plenty of experience days provided by companies like Virgin that will offer a fun day out. Have a go at car racing, sky diving, rock climbing, zipwires, bungee jumping and more to get the adrenaline running. The middle ground would be sports like skiing, trampolining, and paintball. For the bookworm If you’re someone who always has their nose in a book, you might actually like any one of these options. You will love the peace of nature that allows you to keep reading, and perhaps the fantasy-style wonder of the woods. You will love the romance of the carnival where every teen romance seems to end up if there isn’t a prom mentioned. And you’re bound to love the adventure element of the thrill-seeking options. But if you’re looking to add to your TBR (to be read) pile, you should definitely take a wander around your city. While you’re looking at the murals, you’re bound to come across one or two tiny bookshops that need to be explored, and you might find something unique, like an out-of-print story or an inscription inside. If you’re on a holiday or vacation, there are cities built around the heroes of literature, like Stratford upon Avon in the UK, the birthplace of Shakespeare and a beautiful lake district spot for tourists. If you’re in North America, it might be easier to visit Stratford in Ontario, Canada, which feels like Disneyland for Shakespeare fans. And then there is Edinburgh, Scotland. So many of literature’s heroes come from Edinburgh. Yes, you’re likely to come across a few Harry Potter-themed stores for the young ones, but if you reach the right pub you might run into Ian Rankin and Trainspotting’s Irvine Welsh. But wandering the city you’ll also see nods to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’s Robert Louis Stevenson and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’s Murial Spark.
Tackling renovations can seem like a daunting task to homeowners. Whether you’re afraid of rising costs, missed deadlines, or expensive contractors, deciding to renovate can feel like a major step. The bottom line is that renovating and updating a home increases its value on the market — but don’t worry; you won’t have to pick up a sledgehammer and start knocking down walls to benefit from renovations! Several simple and affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations give your home an edge above the competition and, more importantly, your wallet a break. So if you’re thinking about putting your house on the market or just planning ahead, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you can increase your home’s value without putting a dent in your budget. Read on for six DIY projects that will increase your home’s value! Paint the Front Door While it might seem too simple, painting your front door can significantly impact the first impression prospective buyers have when walking up to the house for the first time. After all, you know what they say about first impressions! To play it safe, you can always refresh the original paint colour to get rid of the natural wear-and-tear that occurs over time. Many hardware stores offer colour-matching services, so don’t sweat if the original paint colour is nowhere to be found. But if you really want to make a statement, choose an eyecatching shade that coordinates with your landscaping and house trim. Shades of blue have long been a stylish choice for doors. So, go with a sophisticated sky or dark blue for stately elegance, or choose a bright shade for some modern flair. Change Up Your Hardware The little things can add up during a renovation, and changing out hardware is a small but effective detail. Instead of completely redoing your cabinetry or replacing your doors, which can both carry a pretty heft price tag, pick a stylish and cohesive hardware set and switch out your old handles and knobs. Whether your style leans more modern or more traditional, make sure the hardware matches throughout your home. This ensures that the house has a level of cohesion that future buyers will love. If you want to make a statement, choose a hardware finish that contrasts with the colour of your cabinets, like black or bronze against light colours or satin nickel or brass against dark colours. Copper is an on-trend choice that’s sure to turn heads. Revamp Your House Numbers One simple but often overlooked update is adding new house numbers to your home’s exterior. Like we said earlier, first impressions are important, and what’s a better introduction to the home than a stylish display of house numbers? There are many different styles, fonts, and finishes when it comes to purchasing house numbers, so be sure to choose one that coordinates with the home’s overall aesthetic. Modern and mid-century modern fonts are particularly on-trend at the moment. For added contemporary flair, experiment with illuminated numbers. This might be the easiest tip yet — all it requires is a quick trip to the hardware store and a couple of minutes of drilling! Paint the Interior While this might seem like a no-brainer, it’s a tried and true tip that is sure to add value to your home. Even if you don’t want to change the colour, refreshing an old coat of paint makes your interior feel clean and fresh and hides any chipping or stains. To play it safe, you can choose a blank-slate white or grey colour. Or, you can select an on-trend paint colour to add a splash of style to the home. Subtle greens and blues are becoming increasingly popular interior design shades, and choosing toned-down hues means that you can still treat them as neutrals. Give Your Gutters Some Love Clogged gutters full of leaves and debris are a total eyesore, especially for homes with trees in the front yard that make gutter maintenance a constant battle. Not only do they hurt curb appeal, but unkempt gutters can lead to costly damage to walls and roofs. Before putting your home on the market, give your gutters a good deep clean, removing any leaves, twigs, and other debris and scrubbing away any unsightly staining. Then, install some gutter covers — guards for the gutter that keep them free from falling leaves and reduce the amount of maintenance needed in the future. Update The Light Fixtures Light can make a major difference in the overall aesthetic of a home, so don’t overlook it when considering renovations. The builder-grade light fixtures that came with the house might get the job done, but they won’t help your home stand out in the crowd. Choose new fixtures that match the style of the rest of your home. You can even match the finish of the fixtures to the finish of your new hardware for maximum stylistic cohesion. This would also be a great time to update your lighting to be more eco-friendly and efficient since the addition of earth-friendly updates to your home can increase its overall value. Now It’s Time to Renovate Now that you are equipped with six cheap and easy tips to increase your home’s value, head to the hardware store and get started on your DIY projects! Be sure to check out our other House & Garden articles for more inspiration on your next design project.
Do you love the smell of vanilla, rose, or mint? Do you love using the scents in the products you use? If so, you might be interested in learning the history of aromatherapy and the science behind it. Historically, aromatherapy has its roots in traditional medicine. It is a quick and easy way to bring balance, peace, and calmness to those using it. But what is the real history of aromatherapy and how is the science behind it proving to be such an important part of our lives? Read on to learn more. History of Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the oldest and most continuous form of healing in the world. It is the art and science of using natural plant extracts to support the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. But the question is, when did aromatherapy start? The history of aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for religious ceremonies and healing practices. It also dates back to ancient times when people would burn herbs and spices to purify their homes and ward off evil spirits. The Science of Aromatherapy The science of aromatherapy is based on the principle that certain smells can affect the mind and body. The sense of smell is the only sense that is directly connected to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions, mood, and memory. When you inhale an essential oil, the molecules travel through the nose and into the lungs, where they are then absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. There are books you can use as references to learn more about these essential oils. Visit MyLSP.com for lists of options. How Aromatherapy Works During the last century, scientists began to investigate the healing properties of essential oils and how they work in the body. They found that these natural compounds can interact with our limbic system. Nowadays, aromatherapy is used as a complementary therapy to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain. It is also used to improve sleep, boost energy levels, and promote clarity and focus. Just make sure to do some research on how to use aromatherapy properly to experience its effectiveness. Types of Aromatherapy There are three main types of aromatherapy: First, is inhaled aromatherapy which is also known as diffused aromatherapy, which involves using an essential oil diffuser to disperse the oil into the air. Another is topical aromatherapy which involves applying a diluted essential oil to the skin. Also, we have cosmetic aromatherapy which are essential oils used in the body as a moisturizer, cleanser, and skin and hair care products. Get Yourself Into Aromatherapy Now that you learned the history of aromatherapy, you now understand how it all started and how it helped people overcome stress. The science behind aromatherapy has begun proving many of its benefits for a long time now. While more research is needed to determine the efficacy of aromatherapy, there is some evidence that it can help promote relaxation. It can be used by diffusing essential oils, applying them topically, or even inhaling them directly from the bottle. If you’re looking for ways to improve your health, give it a try! Read on for more aromatherapy-related articles like this one.
Beauty, Travel, Fashion, Taylor Magazine Contributor, Book Review Writer 