Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Four Reasons Why Devon is the Perfect Place to Retire To



The county of Devon is a treasure the UK is proud of and it’s easy to see why. With beautiful beach resorts and stunning countryside, it has become a popular retirement area for people from the UK and further afield. Here are four reasons why you should consider retiring to Devon.

The Gorgeous Beaches

Devon’s coastline is home to what is known as the English Riviera, the jewel in the crown of the country’s beaches. Bestknown is Torquay, which has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times, but there are other delights to explore including Woolacombe and Saunton Sands. Rugged cliff faces, bright blues seas and golden sands make the beaches of Devon the perfect place to spend your retirement.The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to while away the hours hunting for fossils while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the area.

A National Park on Your Doorstep

The uplands of Dartmouth National Park are home to rare wildlife species such as barbastelle bats and the conservation of the area ensures it is protected from becoming spoiled. For those who love being outside, especially ramblers and walkers, spending time in this beautiful national park is an ideal way to make the most of your retirement.

The Literary Connection

Booklovers have been drawn to Devon since the mid-20thCentury due to the area being home to crime novelist Agatha Christie. Christie’s novels, which include the Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple mysteries, continue to be popular – in fact, the sixty-six books attributed to her have now sold over twobillion copies, with only Shakespeare and The Bible being more popular. 

Christie was born in Torquay and there is a blue plaque marking the site where the home she grew up in once stood. Her family’s holiday home at Greenway is a National Trust property where you can find out more about the novelist’s extraordinary life. An experience no bibliophile would want to miss.

An Area with Seniors at Its Heart

Although Devon is an in-demand area with people of all ages keen to live there, it continues to be a popular retirement destination. It has a strong sense of community spirit which makes it a pleasurable region to live in and due to the demand for retirement properties in the area there is a wide choice of housing available from large, detached properties to bungalows to flats. If you feel the time has come to have support on handa specialist care home such as valeviewheights.com could be ideal. With landscaped gardens to enjoy and a wide-ranging programme of activitiesavailable, it is a terrific way to be part of a community which caters for the needs of older people looking to make the most of their golden years.

With so much to enjoy, you will never be bored in Devon. With the bonus of having some of the best weather in the UK, it feels like the sun always shines in Devon!




Photo

https://pixabay.com/images/id-1085075/

Monday, January 23, 2023

5 Popular Gemstones for Engagement Rings in 2023



When considering buying an engagement ring, you may think it is better to be safe than sorry and may decide to opt for a ring with the traditional diamond in a pretty cut.

However, as any jeweler will tell you, diamonds aren't always a girl's best friend.

So, with 2023 finally here and Valentine's Day around the corner, what are the most popular stones to choose when buying an engagement ring?


Diamonds


Okay, so it's unavoidable to talk about when it comes to engagement rings, but this part will be brief.


Diamonds have been traditionally associated with love and commitment, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. They are also a symbol of eternity, purity, and luxury. Diamonds are also the birthstone for April. If you want an engagement ring with a unique diamond cut, like a princess cut, head to Chapter 79 to look through their engagement rings.


Sapphires


Do you remember back in 2011 when there was the Royal Wedding between Kate Middleton and Prince William? Do you remember how popular sapphire rings were due to Kate's engagement ring having a large sapphire at its center?


Sapphires are typically associated with nobility and faithfulness and are often given as engagement rings to symbolize the depth and permanence of love. The blue color of sapphires is also thought to represent loyalty, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. Additionally, sapphires are known for their durability and hardness, making them a good choice for a ring that is worn daily.


Rubies


This deep red stone has a prominent link to love and passion, making it ideal for an engagement ring. In some cultures, rubies are also thought to bring good luck to the wearer, making them a desirable choice for an engagement ring.


So, if you are looking for a genuinely striking engagement ring, one where the centerpiece is a ruby is a good choice.


Tanzanite


Tanzanite is a blue-violet or even indigo variety of the mineral zoisite, which is only found in one location in the world, in the Mererani Hills of Tanzania, Africa.

Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone that is said to symbolize love and commitment. It is often associated with the color blue, which is traditionally associated with trust and loyalty. Some people also believe that tanzanite has spiritual properties and can help to promote healing and inner peace. So, this could be an ideal stone choice if your fiancee-to-be is spiritually minded.


Alexandrite


Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It is known for its color-change property, which means that it appears to be different colors under different types of light. Alexandrite appears green in natural sunlight or fluorescent light and red, purple, or reddish-purple under incandescent light. The color change is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium in the crystal. It is mainly found in Russia and Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, and Madagascar.


Alexandrite is said to symbolize balance, joy, and harmony. Its color-change property is often associated with change and adaptation, making it a fitting symbol for a commitment to a life-long partnership. The green color of Alexandrite represents growth, abundance, and health, and the red color symbolizes passion, love, and energy.






Photo

https://pixabay.com/images/id-2042101/

Friday, January 20, 2023

5 Facts About How Exercise Helps You Live Longer


Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, a private personal training studio, puts longevity in the spotlight

 

FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia – (January 18, 2023) – Most people think exercising is a good idea. They know it’s likely good for them, but they may not know just how good it is for their longevity. According to research by Harvard Health, those who follow the minimum guidelines for physical activity reduce their risk of early death by as much as 21%. Those who exercised two to four times that amount per week reduced it by 31%. Those are some excellent reasons to make exercise a regular part of the routine.

 

“Being physically active regularly is important to living a better quality life,” explains Jennifer Scherer, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “Understanding how important exercise is to longevity is the first step.”

 

Here are 5 facts about how exercise helps people live longer:

  • Heart Health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Exercise can help reduce the risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease. Harvard Health reports that physical activity leads the body to make healthy changes in blood vessels, muscles, metabolism, and the brain. All of these things together lead to a healthier heart.
  • Creating Balance. An exercise program focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and body awareness can help reduce the risk of falls that can lead to other health issues. The CDC reports that each year there are around 34,000 deaths caused by falls in those over the age of 65. 
  • Improving Mood. Exercise can improve your mental health and lower the risk of anxiety and depression, leading to a happier and healthier lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic reports that exercise eases the symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins and taking the mind off of negative thoughts. Additionally, it helps people to be more confident.
  • Being Social. Exercise can bring people together and help build lifelong relationships, aiding in a longer and happier life. Many people find that being a part of a social group helps to improve their quality of life. Whether joining a walking club, bowling team, or biking club, there are social benefits to being physically active with others.
  • Healthier Eating. Those who are more physically active tend to care more about their diet. Focusing on a balanced nutrition plan and an exercise program provides the perfect marriage for a long healthful life. Diet and exercise combine to create a healthier body that will help people live longer. It's hard to outrun a horrible diet, but exercising regularly makes people more aware of the fuel they are taking in.

"Exercising regularly seems like a hurdle to many people," added Scherer. "The hardest part is getting started and then keeping it going. We help people to create and stick with healthy plans for the long haul."

 

Fredericksburg Fitness Studio is a private personal training studio that offers a range of services to improve health and wellness, including medical exercise, personal training, in-home medical training, virtual personal training, nutrition coaching, and a Pilates reformer program. All workouts on it are custom-tailored for the individual to address their physical fitness concerns. The Pilates Reformer program features a versatile machine designed to provide resistance. It can be used when standing, sitting, or lying down. 

 

Fredericksburg Fitness Studio doesn't offer memberships as other gyms do. They offer private customized fitness programs that are available by appointment. Many people who go to the studio are referrals from physical therapists and doctors. The wellness professionals at the studio communicate with the medical teams to keep them up to date on patient progress. To learn more about Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, visit the site: https://www.fburgfitness.com.

 

About Fredericksburg Fitness Studio

Founded in 2008, Fredericksburg Fitness Studio offers personalized fitness programs, nutrition coaching, and medical training. The private personal training studio was started by Jennifer Scherer, who has a background in human physiology, anatomy, nutrition, weight training, and exercise. The studio has a team working to help people reach their health and wellness goals. To learn more, visit the site at: https://www.fburgfitness.com.

 

 

 

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Thursday, January 19, 2023

4 Ways to Adapt Your Home for Your Elderly Loved One



When you are preparing your house for an elderly loved one to come and stay for a holiday, or else to live with you on a more permanent basis, there is certainly a myriad of things to consider.


To help you organize your plans and maybe even give you some new ideas you had not yet thought about, continue reading to learn of four ways to adapt your home for your elderly loved one. 

 

1. Re-Equip the Kitchen 

 

As well as ensuring that you work out a new shopping schedule to include everything your loved one needs in terms of food and drink (as well as medication), the layout of the kitchen may well need to be adapted, certainly if they use a wheelchair. 


Lowering the kitchen worktop or, if this is not appropriate, ensuring that the kitchen table and cupboards are at an appropriate height is important. What is more, appliancessuch as the kettle and microwave, need to be repositioned to allow safe and easier access. 

 

2. Make Changes to the Bathroom

 

Alongside the kitchen, the other main area of your home which you should pay particular attention to is the bathroom.


Fortunately, established experts, such as those at beautifulbathroom.net, will be able to show you the entire range of mobility aids specifically designed and created to help older people and those with reduced levels of mobility, safely navigate their way around the bathroom. 


Some of the most useful bathroom mobility aids include:


• Grab and support rails.
• Emergency pull cord.
• Electronic bath pillow.
• Height adjustable sink & taps.
• Shower seat.

 

3. Focus on the Front Door

 

You may be fortunate enough to already have a sloping pathway to the front of your home, or it may be the case that your front door opens directly in line with the pavement.


Conversely, if the front entrance of your property is preceded by several steep steps, then you need to consider if your elderly relative will be able to navigate entering and exiting the house. If not, then you could either choose to erect a handrail on both sides of the steps, or else consider using the back door as a way into the home instead. 


In addition, if you usually have a variety of garden hoses, toys, and games and plant pots in and around the front and back doors, you should instead look to moving such items away from the entrances. 

 

4. Create a Relaxed Atmosphere

 

Presumably, even if you share your home with young children, your home is a happy, comfortable, and relaxed one and, as such, it is important not to change this natural dynamic and atmosphere ahead of the arrival of your parent


Instead, carry on just as you always have been, in terms of your daily routine and be aware that your loved one will more than likely still feel as if they are imposing and causing an inconvenience, even though there is nowhere else you would want them to be than with you.






photo source

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Red & Pink Stationery for a Heartfelt Valentine’s Day


 

Forget bouquets and texts this Valentine’s Day and instead opt for a traditional gift from luxury stationer’s, Pen Heaven. One that can be cherished for a lifetime.

For an utterly unique expression, why not surprise your sweetheart by going that step further and giving one of the most romantic gestures; a handwritten love letter straight from the heart. Used for centuries and immortalised on the big screen in many a love movie (who can forget Ryan Gosling in The Notebook!), a heartfelt note to the apple of your eye is 1000 times more meaningful than any text. And, it can be kept forever!

From personalized journals and luxury fountain pens to the finest writing paper and reddest ink, Pen Heaven proffer a fine selection of must-have items for Valentine’s Day in passionate crimson shades for every kind of lover.

Honouring the romantic ladies of the silver screen, the super elegant Esterbrook Estie Scarlet Gold Trim Fountain Pen, $185, reflects the passion and courage they embodied on and off screen. An exceptional gift for the leading lady in your life.

The perfect memento, this ornate Bomo Art Rose design journal, from $46, oozes vintage style and is ideal for storing all those lustful wittering’s and desires. Emboss the red leather spine with your lovers’ initials, date or place you met, or a pet name for a sentimental present to be preserved forever.

Strawberry red to inspire the flames of the heart, this Lamy Safari 2022 Special Edition Rollerball, $18, oozes Bauhaus style and offers an exceptional writing experience.

Why not fill the charming Filofax Domino Soft A5 Organiser, $47, with memorable dates or special moments you have planned for the year ahead to win their heart over? Perfect for the retro at heart, this item can be embossed with initials or a sweet phrase for a memorable keepsake.

For the sophisticated love in your life, the Parker Jotter XL Rose Gold Ballpoint Pen, $25, is sure to win over their heart. Stylish and elegant, this design is perfect for those who write on a daily basis. Emboss with initials for a memorable and unique gift.

Make sure your written words of love get noticed with this Graf Von Faber Castell Garnet Red Ink Bottle, $32. It will give your cursive the true passion it deserves!

For ink from the heart only the finest writing paper will do and the Original Crown Mill Laid Paper A5 Writing Set, $20, will not let you down! Containing exquisite writing paper with matching envelopes (Royalty worldwide use the brand for sending out important invitations), this super-indulgent gift set will ensure your love letter(s) arrive in superior style.

An excellent addition to a writing set, the tradition Wax & Letter Stamp Seal, $18, will ensure those passionate words remain a secret until they find its lucky recipient.

Heartfelt Stationery

www.penheaven.com 

Monday, January 16, 2023

Loose Cannons by Diana Cannon-Ragsdale Is A Story Of Survival In A Dysfunctional Mormon Family



“Loose Cannons is an unforgettable memoir, a remarkable and astonishing story which will leave you laughing, crying, and cringing until the last page.” —Warren Driggs, author of Mormon Boy, Deep Water and Tortoise in the Road


The 411:


Kudos to Diana Cannon-Ragsdale for putting her difficult childhood and upbringing into words.

Loose Cannons is a sometimes emotional, heartbreaking, disturbing look into how dysfunctional family life is for way too many. We have no idea what goes on behind closed doors and being able to survive childhood trauma, young adulthood drama and even the baggage we carry into adulthood is commendable.

Some families have dark secrets be kind to one another because you have no idea what some people are going through.

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Loose Cannons (Legacy Launch Pad, May 4, 2022) In Salt Lake City, Utah, Diana Cannon Ragsdale’s family was a Mormon dynasty with ancestors who were contemporaries of Brigham Young—and they had many dark secrets to keep. Growing up at the mercy of her mother’s depression and father’s undiagnosed schizophrenia, Diana and her five siblings were left to fend for themselves as their mom and dad rotated in and out of psychiatric hospitals and police custody. Finally, in 1966, Diana’s mother left her family and the Mormon Church to start a new relationship with a woman, sending Diana’s father into a tailspin. In Loose Cannons, Diana traces her rebellious 1970’s girlhood— amidst her father’s multiple suicide attempts and remarriage to her mother’s sister. As she and her siblings barreled into adulthoods they weren’t ready for, they tried to rely on each other while reproducing broken relationships of their own. Eventually, after several divorces and while raising three children of her own, Diana reconnected with her estranged mother and inherited a lifetime’s worth of her journals. After decades spent searching for answers, her mother’s writing about swinger’s parties, sexual abuse, ancient wounds and broken attempts at happiness reframed everything Diana thought she knew about her family and herself. A debut memoir like no other, Loose Cannons is a harrowing and hilarious saga spanning more than 60 years of multigenerational trauma and dysfunction—and the spiritual power it took to overcome it all.


Friday, January 13, 2023

Is Charmed Worth Watching? Top Lessons to Learn

 

You want maximum entertainment and a few life lessons every time you watch a TV show. Fortunately, that is what you get by watching the TV show called Charmed. This charming TV show is one of the longest-running, boasting all-female leads. Its richness in content, lessons, and entertaining plot makes it worth watching. Above all, you'll love the following lessons.

Readiness Is Vital

This TV show encourages you to be prepared for anything at all times. Often, the lead characters would be on their everyday tasks when a demon or warlock suddenly appeared. In such instances, everyone is expected to handle the situation accordingly. According to the showrunner, Brad Kern, it would have been hard for the characters to survive without being ready for such occurrences.

Life is full of surprises. Ensure that you are ready to deal with anything thrown at you. You can successfully do this by mastering new defense skills, general knowledge, and mental growth.

Patience and Hardwork

Nothing is as valuable as unmatched patience and hard work. Embracing these two traits will eventually pay off, regardless of the time it takes. In the TV show, one of the sisters, Phoebe, struggles in her early adulthood without giving up. Her extensive input was central to her achievements eventually. At the same time, her sisters went through various changes over the years to be who they were.

Unless you are willing to put in the time and work, achieving your goals will be significantly challenging. While it could take time to hit the jackpot, it will eventually happen. However, you must be substantially strategic to get the best results.

Protect the Innocent

The world is rough, particularly for the naïve and the innocent. Charming boasts incredible adventures, from magic to sorcery. The lead actressesinvested their time, skill, and resources to save many beautiful souls. They aimed to protect the innocent, gradually endearing themselves to the audience.

In your everyday activities, it would be best to put in the time and effort to ensure the innocent are comfortable. Protecting them from unwanted judgments, vulnerabilities, and danger will give them a new lease on life. At the same time, it will leave you fulfilled.

In addition, you should fight for what you believe is right. For instance, most lead actresses in the show fought for their love, regardless of the odds. Fighting for these relationships left all the sisters satisfied and happy in the long run.

Girl Power Exists

This show revolves around three sisters who invest their skills and powers in fighting evil. They gradually redefined how society looks at women, eliminating the myth of them being humor accessories. This family of three sisters could conquer demons and evil by uniting even when the stakes were high. In addition, you see that unity in a family is everything.

You need a TV show that entertains and fulfills you. Nothing can be a better choice than Charmed, a popular TV series that has won multiple accolades. The insights above indicate why it is invaluable to watch this show.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Ways To Express Self-Love (and Why You Should)


Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, a private personal training studio, turns the spotlight on one's self

 

FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia – (January 12, 2023) – January is a self-love month, making it a great time to spotlight how to express self-love and when everyone should do it. Self-love isn't to be confused with being conceited or arrogant. It's something more authentic, in which people are gentle with themselves and do things to ensure their well-being, which integrates physical and mental health to ensure that people are giving themselves the care and consideration they should.

 

“Most of us do more to take care of others than we do ourselves,” explains Jennifer Scherer, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “It's important to give yourself the kind of love you give to others. You have to put your oxygen mask on before you can start helping those around you."

 

According to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, self-love is the state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. In other words, it means taking care of one's needs and not sacrificing well-being. While what people do to express self-love may differ, it should be a beneficial and positive impact. Making self-love a priority should help people have a better quality of life.

 

Here are a few ways to express self-love:

  • Giving yourself the gift of personal training is a form of self-love, as it permits you each week to focus on yourself and do something that benefits you and your health.
  • A monthly massage therapy appointment is self-love that shows you matter enough to care for yourself, your body, and self-improvement. 
  • You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of your nutrition, fitness, and health, and you'll be able to give that much more of yourself to others. 
  • Allowing yourself to go on a shopping spree for new clothes after working hard in the gym and on nutrition is a form of self-love. 
  • Positive self-talk, such as "You're capable of this!" "You can do it!" or "You are strong!" is a great way to show self-love. Consistent positive self-talk has been proven to help improve your overall mood throughout the day.

“We can’t be so busy in our daily lives that we don’t take the time to express self-love," added Scherer. "When we take the time to, we are better adjusted, happier, and live a higher quality of life, which impacts everyone around us. Make this the month that you  make self-love a priority.”

 

Fredericksburg Fitness Studio is a private personal training studio that offers a range of services to improve health and wellness, including medical exercise, personal training, in-home medical training, virtual personal training, nutrition coaching, and a Pilates reformer program. All workouts on it are custom-tailored for the individual to address their physical fitness concerns. The Pilates Reformer program features a versatile machine designed to provide resistance. It can be used when standing, sitting, or lying down. 

 

Fredericksburg Fitness Studio doesn't offer memberships as other gyms do. They offer private customized fitness programs that are available by appointment. Many people who go to the studio are referrals from physical therapists and doctors. The wellness professionals at the studio communicate with the medical teams to keep them up to date on patient progress. To learn more about Fredericksburg Fitness Studio, visit the site: https://www.fburgfitness.com.

 

About Fredericksburg Fitness Studio

Founded in 2008, Fredericksburg Fitness Studio offers personalized fitness programs, nutrition coaching, and medical training. The private personal training studio was started by Jennifer Scherer, who has a background in human physiology, anatomy, nutrition, weight training, and exercise. The studio has a team working to help people reach their health and wellness goals. To learn more, visit the site at: https://www.fburgfitness.com.

 

 

 

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"5 Budget-Friendly Galentine’s Gift Ideas for Your Besties"

 





Whether you’re single, attached, or somewhere in the “it’s complicated” category, Valentine’s Day can still be a time to celebrate all the different "loves" in your life - especially your BFFs!! If you’re also shopping for a significant other, plus kids, a fur baby or two, the cost to share the love can climb quickly.


But don’t break up with this idea just yet! Here are five thoughtful Galentine's Day gift ideas your friends will love— that won't break your budget! 


1.     Customized self-care baskets. Got a friend who loves the spa or candle-lit baths? Put together a bundle of personal care products she can use to create some at-home "me-time": bath salts, bath bombs, essential oils, lotions, face masks, lip balm and the like. Plus, here’s a pro tip: Get the free Shopmium app and search for self-care product offers that’ll get you money back! Just set up a profile, tap the offers you like in the app, show a pic of your receipt, and watch the cash back flow into your PayPal (sometimes within hours).


2.     A special day out. Or in. Maybe your galentine loves to bake—get all the ingredients she'll need for an afternoon in the kitchen to make a few of her favorite desserts, breads, or cookies. Or maybe her love language is binge-watching with a friend. Plan an evening of wine, cocktails or mocktails, a customized charcuterie board, and let the streaming begin. Pro tip (again): Check that Shopmium app! The one full of cash back offers for everything from baking supplies to the best snack foods and delicious bevvies. (Hey, you could earn enough cash back in one shopping trip to pay for next month’s Netflix subscription.)


3.     An offer to babysit. If your bestie is a mom who needs a break, whether it’s simply sipping Starbucks in her car alone or hanging at the mall for an afternoon of retail therapy, offer to take her little one and give her some precious alone time. If you want to elevate your BFF status even higher, give her a basket of baby stuff that she probably goes through way faster than she’d like—diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, teething cookies, etc. That’ll let her feel like she can go splurge a little on herself. (Plus—tons of baby offers are just at the click of a button in the Shopmium app, so you can get some cash back on those purchases. too)


4.     Tickets to a show, concert, movie, exhibit, or anything that says, “let’s get out of the house.” Still feeling a little homebound even post pandemic? It’s time to trade those sweats and yoga pants for the latest high rise mom-jean trend (or, gasp, a dress) and rejoin society. Tickets for two to an event is a great way to get out get social, beat the winter blues, and make some fun new memories with your BFF.


5.     A handwritten letter in a pretty card. That’s right—you don’t have to spend anything, really, to give a meaningful gift, and if your bestie's love language is words of affirmation, this will fit like a glove. How often do we forget to tell our besties what we love best about them? Even platonic friendships need a little TLC, and if you think your galentine would dig it, write her a letter about all her wonderful qualities or reasons you think she’s the bomb or about a time when she went above and beyond for you. And if you feel like adding a little something extra - attach it to a small box of chocolates!


Cheers to a Happy Galentine’s Day with your besties—and a wad of cash back for your wallet.

 

The Shopmium app is available for free download in the App Store and Google PlayFor more information visit www.shopmium.com/us


Connect with Shopmium on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shopmiumus/    


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