Category: Lifestyle

You’ve applied for the job and been for an interview, and now the company has approached you with a job offer: excellent news, and congratulations to you. But hold on there; before you jump in and formally accept the job, there are a few things to consider before signing on the dotted line. You must ensure that they’re offering what was promised in the ad and that everything meets your needs.

Workplace Culture

You spend a not insignificant amount of time at work, and being stuck in a miserable environment will suck the enthusiasm out of anything quickly. The interview stage is your opportunity to assess how the company culture appeals to you. Ask questions that will give you some idea, and pay attention to how the interviewers answer – are they open and upfront or guarded and dismissive? If that offer comes your way and you have grave reservations, you may turn them down.

Salary And Benefits

Anyone starting a new position wants to earn what they’re worth, but employers often try to save money by offering low remuneration. Often people are too timid to try to negotiate a higher salary and will grudgingly accept a lower-than-expected rate. If you can’t reach an agreement, an employment lawyer is an ideal candidate to mediate negotiations. If a new employer is unwilling to offer a reasonable wage think long and hard whether the pay cut is worth your time (and there will be times it is!).

Location

Where a job is based can play a significant part in deciding if it’s the right one for you. And it’s not only distance from home that you need to consider but things like access (is there car parking or reliable public transport links) and proximity to amenities. Also, consider the route you’d be taking to get to work because a relatively short distance in heavy traffic quickly becomes a tiresome and lengthy commute. No one wants to drive an hour and then struggle to find parking daily.

Hours

You need to consider if the number of hours and shift pattern offered to suit your lifestyle needs. Not enough hours offered could leave you without enough money, and an unsuitable shift pattern can interfere with other aspects of life. If the hours suit you, each workday will be much more … Read more

Read More

You’ve likely spent the last few years in and out of the office and working from home thanks to Covid and its lockdowns. While working from home had its perks (wearing sweatpants every day being one of them) more and more people are flooding back to the office for the most part of the week. If you’re out of practice putting together smart but cool work outfits then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together some essential workwear pieces for your weekly rotation to keep you ahead of the sartorial game, so you can focus on bossing your career.

1. Glasses

Over 75% of the world’s adult population requires some form of vision assistance such as glasses. While typically an eye-health choice, glasses are a staple for the smart workwear aesthetic. With the rise of contact lenses, glasses seem to be disappearing as a fashion choice. While people often favor lenses, they can be uncomfortable after long periods of use. Add glasses back into your day-to-day to give your eyes a break. If you struggle with glasses because of your face or nose shape, try low bridge glasses, with frames that will enable them to stay in place better. Even if you don’t need prescription glasses, blue light glasses are amazing if you’re sat at a desk all day.

2. A Blazer

A blazer is the pinnacle of smart dressing but can also be paired with casual pieces for more of a laid-back look. Rather than opt for a boring black blazer, why not add a splash of color to your work wardrobe with a hot pink or pastel blue number? If bright colors aren’t your thing, stand out from the crowd with some interesting tailoring.

3. T-Shirt

A plain tee might not seem like an obvious workwear choice, but when done right it can be the perfect staple item for your 9-5 closet. Pair with pattern wide-leg trousers and some heeled boots, or pop under a sharply tailored blazer for an effortlessly cool look that’s still work appropriate.

4. Dark Jeans

Unless you’re working in a super straight-laced or corporate office, jeans are now acceptable in the workplace which makes day to evening dressing far easier! Pair in the summer with a floaty blouse and heeled sandals, or wear with black leather boots and … Read more

Read More

The spooky season is upon us, and the shops are filled with all things Halloween. Halloween can be a sustainable shopper’s worst nightmare, as cheap plastic decorations and costumes fill the shelves, and single-use Halloween items are in the highest demand. This can present a predicament for anyone who loves Halloween but hates waste.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make your Halloween party sustainable and enjoy all the spooky season has to offer without guilt. The right shopping habits, homeware and waste management tactics are crucial to help you throw a sustainable Halloween party.

Make Some Tasty Vegan Treats

Many of the Halloween treats you can find in supermarkets are not the best options for sustainability. Making your own treats and finger food for the party can be an excellent way to ensure that your party food has a minimal impact on the planet. This can include homemade vegan goodies, which provide health benefits as well as improved sustainability. There are plenty of recipes online to choose from that can help you cater to any taste and dietary needs.

Serve Drinks In Reusable Cups

Plastic or cardboard single-use cups are one of the biggest issues for any party. You need to provide cups for your guests to drink from, but you might not want to use anything breakable like glass, particularly for a party with kids. An excellent compromise could be reusable plastic cups that will serve you well for this party and many more to come. You could look for Halloween-themed reusable party cups or choose something more generic, like red Solo cups. Make sure to give them a good clean after use and store them safely for your next party.

Buy Your Pumpkins Locally

What is Halloween without pumpkins? Pumpkins make an excellent addition to Halloween décor for your party, and carving them can be a fun party activity for guests of all ages. Rather than sourcing your pumpkins from a supermarket, where they may have traveled many miles to end up on the shelves, consider visiting a local pumpkin patch to buy the pumpkins for your party. This can also make for a fun, Halloween-themed day out for you and your family – a definite win-win!

Choose A Theme

The theme for your party can make a big difference in how sustainable … Read more

Read More

It can be really hard to know what to get someone going through something tough, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a severe illness, or someone close to them. These five gifts for those in need are inexpensive but thoughtful ways to show them you care and want to be there for them as they struggle with their situation.

The Gift Of Listening

Often times all you need is to have someone be there for you and listen to your thoughts and feelings. If your friend or family member doesn’t have someone available, then this may be the perfect time to lend them a listening ear. Be sure to remain quiet and listen with an attentive ear. Part of this type of gift is being available at any given time during the day. It also means that you should initiate a conversation either in person or with a phone call. When people are grieving, they may not know who wants to listen, so reaching out is always appreciated and helpful. Giving a hug or holding their hand can also make them feel your sincerity while they share their most vulnerable moment with you.

The Gift Of Service

The gift of service is a reminder that you are needed. Whether it’s as a handyman, maid, or chauffeur, when you make yourself available to someone else, they feel comfortable enough to lean on you in their time of need. This type of service provides closure and will let the person know that they can rely on you when things get tough again. In this sense, it can be an incredible experience for both parties involved because the receiver knows they have someone there for them, even if they don’t have to ask for help every single time. On top of that, when we do something for others without expecting anything in return, it not only makes us happy but also helps us stay grounded and humble about our own lives by taking into account what others may need from us.

A Handwritten Letter

Send a handwritten letter. Letters never get old! Yes, even though text messages make communicating easier, they can also disconnect us from people who live far away. Sending letters lets people know they’re thought about without being reminded that they are miles apart. The … Read more

Read More

If you’ve recently moved to Nashville, you may not feel like you fit in. Relax – that is both normal and expected. Nashville is not an acquired taste; it is wholesome and filled with the hopes and dreams of the young and old – but it does take some getting used to.

Below are five ways to embrace modern living in Nashville. By following these, you’ll fit right in faster than you can learn to say y’all when referring to literally anyone.

1. Be Friendly

People in Nashville are friendly and welcoming by nature, so if you really want to fit in – practice being friendlier. That might not seem difficult for most, but if you’re from big cities like New York, friendliness doesn’t come quite as naturally.

Keep a smile on your face and always be willing to discuss the weather – country people have a certain type of way, and it is beyond charming. You will be obsessed in no time.

2. Take Up Running

To fit into the modern Nashville scene, dust off your running shoes and head out to one of the famous riverfront greenways. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, there is a section of the Cumberland River Greenway that runs for over 3 miles, with some parts along the road and others that run right along the river.

So, order your favorite protein bars and get those steps in.

3. Become A Foodie

From country biscuits to world-class cuisine, Nashville has a uniquely different foodie vibe. The bar scene never sleeps and there is always an Instagrammable place nearby to order a bite to eat.

If you’re new to Nashville, know one thing –the hot chicken is out of this world and deserves developing a secondary stomach, just to try them all. Nashville has a seemingly bottomless weekend brunch menu, complete with tableside mimosas and delicious foods like bacon jalapeño cheddar grits – it just doesn’t get any more Nashville than that!

Nashville Real Estate is a treat, with vibrant neighborhoods and trendy places to buy inner city apartments. It is among the nation’s best markets for buying and owning long-term rental properties.

4. Get Into The Music Vibe

Nashville is singularly one of the most musical cities on earth. With Music Row and countless famous singers and bands performing here annually, it is no … Read more

Read More

Area charts are used to display changes in the magnitude of data over time. They are similar to line charts, but instead of having lines connecting the points, they have rectangles that are filled in with color to represent the magnitude of the data at a given point. This makes it easier to see how the data changes over time. Let’s take a closer look at area charts.

What is an area chart?

Area charts are used to display the magnitude of change over time for a given data series. The area between the x-axis and the line is filled in with color, shading, or a pattern to represent the magnitude of the data. This type of chart can be used to compare values between different points in time, or to visualize how a value changes over time.

There are many different types of area charts, each with its own unique properties and uses. The most common area chart is the line chart, which is used to track changes in data over time. Other kinds of area charts include the stacked area chart, the 100% stacked area chart, and the clustered area chart.

The line chart is the most basic type of area chart. It is used to track changes in data over time. The line chart consists of a series of data points, or markers, connected by lines. The height of the area below the line corresponds to the magnitude of the data. The stacked area chart is a variation of the line chart. It is used to compare data over time. The stacked area chart consists of a series of data points, or markers, connected by lines. The height of the area below each line corresponds to the magnitude of the data. The area below the line is filled in with color or shading, which allows you to compare the data for each data point.

The 100% stacked area chart is a variation of the stacked area chart. It is used to compare data over time. The 100% stacked area chart consists of a series of data points, or markers, connected by lines. The height of the area below each line corresponds to the magnitude of the data. The area below the line is filled in with color or shading, which allows you to compare … Read more

Read More

If you want to create the most beautiful and memorable holiday atmosphere, you need to pick the right flowers. Flowers are a major part of any celebration and add a lot of character to any room. When it comes down to choosing the best flowers for holidays, here is your one-stop guide.

Valentine’s Day

If you’re looking for flowers ideal for lovers, look no further than red roses. These gorgeous blooms are perfect for any occasion, but they’ll especially shine on this day. They’re ideal for celebrating love.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something romantic and intimate to share with someone special in your life, consider giving tulips. They’re delicate and come in a wide range of colors, so you can find one that’s right for your partner.

Easter

If you want to add a unique touch to your Easter decor this year, try adding some bright colors with tulips, roses, daffodils, and other flowering plants. You can also use small pots filled with colorful flowers like pansies or violets to create an amazing centerpiece for your table!

If your budget allows it, consider hiring someone who specializes in floral design because they can give you ideas on what would look best in your space and what type of arrangements would suit your needs best!

Mother’s Day

If you’re looking for a way to show your mom how much you appreciate her, consider getting her a bouquet of classic flowers and potted plants. Mother’s Day celebrates mothers and marks the start of spring. Flowers are associated with new life, and they’re a great way to bring some cheer into your mom’s life as she enjoys her special day.

If she loves gardening as much as you do, why not give her something that will excite her? A succulent plant would be an excellent choice because it’s low maintenance and easy to care for. It’s also perfect for someone who wants something colorful but doesn’t want anything too big or expensive looking around their home or office.

Thanksgiving

You can have beautiful, colorful flowers in your home all year round. But when it comes to Thanksgiving, fall mums are the best time. With fall mums and seasonal bouquets, you can give everyone in your family a bouquet that will last for weeks without withering. You don’t have to … Read more

Read More

The fashion industry has been infatuated with hoodies since they first achieved popularity in the early 1990s. Men have gradually started to wear hoodies thanks to changes in fashion, particularly when it comes to hoodies, despite the fact that they used to think they were very childish. But right now, men’s hoodies are the entire trend, and it’s common to find men with multiple hoodie collections in their wardrobes.

Over the years, the designs of men backwood hoodies have also evolved and become more stylish, making them fashionable and fit for any man’s style.

One of today’s most often worn clothes is the hoodie. Now more than ever, hooded sweatshirts serve more purposes than just keeping warm. Due to its straightforward design, it lends itself well to unconventional fabrics like knitwear, silk, tweed, lace, and other materials in bright colours and prints. A popular style of the hoodie is the large one.

VERSATILITY

If it’s not a sports hoodie or looks nothing like a sweater, a hoodie’s best feature is that it can be paired with almost anything. Men’s fleece hoodies look great with khakis, jeans, or chinos. Without compromising your sense of style, you may pair any of these pants with sweatshirts.

COMFORT

Hoodies are made of soft material, which makes wearing them comfortable. When you’re wearing a hoodie, it feels comfy, like you’re wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. Additionally, earphone wearers can enjoy listening to music without worrying about their ear buds slipping out.

BACKWOODS HOODIES

Hoodies are a warm and practical wardrobe essential, whether you want to bundle up for winter or enjoy a cool summer night. The loveliest hoodies come in a variety of materials and styles, are warm, and go with practically any outfit.

Choosing the right hoodie for your needs and way of life is crucial while looking for one. Do you want one that will keep you warm if you reside in a colder climate? Do you favor a more breathable item that you can wear all year long? The ideal hoodie materials include cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two. Polyester is strong and moisture-wicking, while cotton is soft and breathable. Extra-insulating fleece is a fabric that can be created from either natural cotton fibers or synthetic components. Additionally, a sweatshirt will have more stretch and flexibility if … Read more

Read More

Organizing events is difficult enough as it comes, but organizing large-scale dinner parties can seem wildly overwhelming at first blush. The idea always sounds great; getting a big group of folks together to enjoy food and drinks is a social activity almost anyone can enjoy. But how do you get started planning a night that will truly satisfy your friends and family? Here are a few tips to help smooth the process. 

Actually Send Invitations

Yes, literally. Don’t send text messages or shoot random phone calls – send out physical or emailed invitations. By sending something intentional, you communicate to your guests that this will be a special gathering. Invitations can also help you with your planning process. Use a service like RSVPify to ensure you have a clear list of attendees. Additionally, ask guests to send you information about dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so you can plan to feed everybody fairly. 

Make Things Fun

The focus is food and company if you’re throwing a dinner party. The company will take care of itself; your focus is the meal. If you’re trying to get mouths watering from when your guests arrive, design a menu that your guests can hold or even take home as souvenirs. The idea behind sending specific invitations in the first tip was rooted in doing things intentionally, and the same is true here. The more you focus on the little details, the better your guests will remember this dinner for years to come.

Think Carefully About Your Menu

You’ll want to think about your menu in two forms: prep time and coursing. Having multiple courses means you’ll be a little less able to socialize with your dinner guests, but multiple courses can strongly impact the meal’s presentation. There’s no wrong choice, but it’s good to decide on this before the invitations have even been sent out. 

As prep time goes, you’ll want every facet of your dinner as fully prepared for serving as possible. The goal, as any chef will tell you, is to ensure that you have to perform as few steps to service as possible before putting plates on the table. Figure out exactly what you’re serving, and read recipes carefully. Sometimes listed time requirements don’t account for things like marinating or cooling times, but you need to. Lay out … Read more

Read More

When you’re feeling down, it can affect your productivity and energy levels and lead you to spiral into a slump. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple steps that you can take to lift your spirits on a bad day.

Read on to learn seven of the easiest ways to improve your mood instantly, from treating yourself to something beautiful or indulgent to exercise or other activities that boost your endorphins to give you those warm, happy feelings.   

Smile More Often

It might be hard to believe, but the simple act of smiling can sometimes be enough to fight away the blues. Every time you smile, you stimulate the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins that help to boost your mood.

The next time you’re feeling less than your best, try putting a smile on your face. Even if you’re faking it at first, before long, you might just find yourself smiling for real. What’s more, your smile can help to boost the mood of those around you, letting you pass on your good vibes.

Enjoy Some Chocolate

If you’re looking for a good excuse to sneak something sweet, try a bite of decadent chocolate to lift your spirits. Studies show that chocolate may help to improve mood while warding off negative emotions, whether through the sweet scent and rich, creamy taste or through compounds found in cocoa that have been linked to positive cognitive effects. 

If you’re having a bad day, indulge in some creamy dark chocolate for instantaneous relief. Whether it’s your favorite candy bar or melt-in-your-mouth caramels or nut clusters covered with decadent dark chocolate, you can savor every bite for a few moments of bliss. 

Treat Yourself to Flowers

Receiving a bouquet of fresh flowers has been proven to help boost your mood when you feel down. Flower vases around the home or office can help to soothe, relax, and uplift your spirits on bad days.

Don’t be afraid to treat yourself. You can order a bouquet of FruitFlowers® from Edible Arrangements® to enjoy roses, carnations, lilies, and more of your favorite flowers in a gorgeous bouquet paired with some decadent sweet treats – giving you two ways to improve your mood in one.  

Spend Time Outside

Reconnecting with nature is a great way to boost your mood both instantly and in the longer … Read more

Read More