Gina Kay Daniel

Why Your Lifestyle is Changing Your Face

Friday, 20 July 2018

Have you ever noticed how your hands are a lighter shade than your face? Your hands are flexing thousands and thousands throughout the day, which means they have a lot of blood flow. Lots of veins spread out from your wrist to your palm and fingers. Fresh oxygen is getting to the muscles and skin, so in fact, your true healthy color is on your hands. The face, however, has lots of tiny muscles but the main blood flow travels up to the brain. Your face doesn’t move a lot even when talking, so old liquids and blood just sought of hangs around. But what can change this, without buying expensive beauty products?

What are your habits?

We wear our lifestyle on our faces. The things we do without having a second thought, often end up hurting our looks. One glass of wine a day is fine, but too much alcohol makes your face puffy and bloated.

Another is obvious and staring you in the face. Smoking has a number of horrible repercussions on your looks. Your cheeks lose their natural color and become duller; a slightly grey shade. Your face becomes drier also and thus wrinkles form quicker. Cutting back on drinking is far easier than stopping smoking but many pharmacies offer a stop smoking service. Just walk in and talk to the pharmacist behind the counter, and they will direct you to the right kind of nicotine alternatives to you. From gum, patches and even to sprays, you can get your nicotine through different ways without harming your complexion.

When I stopped smoking, I noticed a huge change in my complexion. My face wasn't as dry, and I slowly started to get colour back into my cheeks.

Xo

Wednesday, 18 July 2018

Money management is something we are all expected to be experts in. However, we are never taught about managing our finances at school. The last thing you want to do is end up making a mistake that could put you in a grave monetary position, but it is easily done when you are learning as you go. Here are five ways you can manage your money and stay in the black...

Download your credit report

Begin watching your spends by downloading your credit report. This is easy to do today. Your credit score is important in terms of securing finance, renting properties, and so on. If your score is bad, you need to work on improving it through paying off debts and avoiding making credit applications. You can also launch a trans union dispute if you do not agree with your rating and believe that it is incorrect.

Create a budget

Everyone should have a budget. It does not need to be complicated. All you need to do is use a spreadsheet and track your incomings and outgoings so that you can see how much money you have left over. Not only does this prevent you from not living beyond your means, but it means you can achieve your saving goals too.

Assess all of your outgoings

Most people are spending more money than necessary. Now would be a good time to go through all of your expenses to see whether there are any savings that can be made. Don’t hesitate to call up all of your providers and suppliers to see if they have any lower tariffs or deals for you to take advantage of. You would be surprised by the amount of deals that suddenly become available once you say that you are thinking about leaving.

Download a spending app

There are lots of different apps you can download nowadays that can help you to track the money you spend. Most of these apps are available free of charge and they enable you to log your purchases so you can see where you spend most of your money. This will enable you to get a better hold on your finances.

Use Voucher Code Websites

You should add some voucher code websites to your browser so that they are easily accessible whenever you make a purchase online. You can easily save between 10 to 30 per cent when making purchases online, or benefit from other offers like free delivery. All it takes is a quick look online to find discount codes.

So there you have it: five things you can do to start managing your money better today. If you follow the suggestions that have been mentioned above, you should be able to achieve greater control over your finances, which will help you to make better decisions going forward.

Xo

Unless you’ve recently won the lottery, it’s highly likely that luxury travel is one of those dreams you think are unachievable. For many, it’s no more than a once in a lifetime experience: Going on your honeymoon might well be the only time in your life when you can embrace the idea of taking a loan to afford a holiday like no other. But what would you say if you were told that you could enjoy and afford luxury vacations without breaking the bank every year? First of all, a word of advice: you don’t need to get married to a millionaire for that. In fact, luxury and affordable travel can go hand-in-hand if you put your savvy holiday planner cap on. Here’s how to make it work.

Pick one destination at a time

Everyone has a bucket list of all the places they’d love to visit. If you’re the kind of person who can easily get influenced when watching a film or chatting to your friends, it’s fair to say that your bucket list is probably growing regularly. But, whether it’s a short or a long list, your dream luxury vacation begins by actually making a list of the top destinations you want to see. It doesn’t matter whether they’re close or far away, whether they’re cold or hot. Start with writing down the countries that excite you. As a rule of the thumb, you might want to select the top 3 to 5 items on your list and research each destination. When is the best period to visit? Do you need any additional vaccination? Do you need a visa? Gather as much as you can, as you’ll use the research to pick the best-suited destination for your situation.

You don’t save money when travelling solo

There is no such thing as a solo luxury vacation. If you’re planning on indulging over the holiday, you’ll find that sharing the costs is the best way to afford a luxury accommodation such as the Seminyak villas in Bali. You’ll notice that renting a house often comes out a lot cheaper than booking a hotel room if you travel with a few friends. Additionally, if you’re worried that some friends might take advantage of a common money pot, you can suggest using an app to split expenses evenly. This can be especially useful if you’re travelling with friends.

Book savvy

There is no denying that a luxury holiday doesn’t cost the same than a backpacking trip. However, if you know how to use the savvy booking force, you might be in for a financial treat! For instance, you can ditch Kayak or even Skyscanner when looking for the cheapest flight. Google Flights is the best tool to find the best flight at the best price for your trip. You’ll also see that sticking to loyalty programmes isn’t always a lucrative business. Indeed, it can be stressful to maintain your premium mile status, and in comparison, the rewards are not always worth the effort.

In conclusion, you don’t need to take a loan to enjoy a little bit of luxury during your holiday. However, be aware that there’s a big difference between allowing yourself one luxury, such as renting a beautiful villa, and transforming your holiday into a diva-like challenge. One luxury at a time is more than enough to make the most of your premium vacations!

Xo

Friday, 6 July 2018

When I was in university, I really wanted to create a free zine filled with poetry submissions, art and writing that I could place around my campus. I was just starting to learn all about feminism and I really wanted to spread some information about what I already knew. Although my views on feminism have changed, there’s still a creative side to me that wants to create booklets and zines that I can sell filled with poetry. After creating the Liverpool Luna Collective, my life has been kind of devoid of anything to do with the arts – but I’d love to create a little zine with my friends one day. Here’s how you can create your own zines and manuals…

How to Create a Zine for Free

Zines are always the best choice if you’re looking to create something with friends, showcase art and written word for free, or to highlight political issues you feel are important for everyone to hear about. They’re don’t have to be too big, or long, and can be made by folding colourful paper and stapling together. You can make these with friends, form a collaboration and ask local coffee stores to have them on offer for customers. I love this idea, and it’s still something I’d like to do in the future. My favourite zine at the moment is Polyester Zine.

How to Make a Manual

Whether you’re looking to create illustrated manuals for your business, or visual manuals for instructions, making a manual on a small budget isn’t too difficult. Manuals can be used to create fun comic strips, to have on your website for your readers, or can be printed off and placed in public stores for people to read when they want. Manuals are small and a lot less fiddly than creating a zine, so if you have some money behind you, give a manual a try. If you have a small business, one environmentally friendly business solution includes the use of manuals online, reducing the amount of paper wasted on print.

How to Create a Magazine

Magazines are a lot trickier than zines and manuals, and you will need a large team and social following to get it off the ground. A lot of magazines have a niche, target audience, and enthralling content that make the reader want to purchase a copy or subscription. In my opinion, starting an online magazine is a better option. This can virtually be done for free, and means you can branch out into print should you wish to do so in the future. With an online magazine, you also get the choice to choose everything you want, from theme to editors and writers. If you’re getting into SEO, it’s also a good way to earn money down the line, should you wish to do so.

Xo

Wednesday, 4 July 2018

Recently, me and my partner have been talking about moving across the country. We’re not sure where we want to go yet, but we’ve seen a few places we love the look of. I couldn’t really find a post on what to do if you’re planning a big move like this, so I decided to write one up myself! I love a good tip post, so here’s one for you if you’re looking to move across the country in the future.

Research the Area

Before making any decisions, always research the area you like the look of. Maybe visit for a weekend, take a look at fellow bloggers who have visited, and see if the area offers you something exciting, like interesting restaurants, groups, or decent schools if you have children. For me, I know I’d like to be Vegan down the line, which is why I would be looking for somewhere that has a wide range of Vegan stores, restaurants and more.

Pack Light

You’re travelling to literally another part of the country. Make sure you pack light. If you’re moving, you’re moving for a reason. Pack light and buy what you need when you get there. Obviously, if you need to pack furniture, you will need someone like Black and Yellow Moves to help you. Furniture is a necessity (unless you’re renting a furnished property) so make sure you choose a mover who is trusted. If you’re planning on a move to the city centre, M25 Removals London is perfect for moving furniture in the city.

Book your Travel in Advance

If you’re not travelling with your furniture, you will need to ensure you have your travel booked in advance. Train and coach tickets can be expensive when booked last minute, so take a look for tickets a few months in advance if possible. If you’re driving, ensure you purchase enough fuel (and car snacks obvs).

Plan for a Long Journey

On your journey, you’ll need food, books, or movies. I tend to load my phone up with episodes of my favourite show or create a new playlist to listen to. Whilst travelling, why not take some time to plan what you’re going to do when you arrive? A new city or town can be daunting, but super exciting.

Take the Leap

If you’re a home bird like me, it’s important that you bite the bullet and take the leap. It’s nice staying in your hometown, but f you have the travel bug, getting out of your comfort zone is the only way you’ll know who you are.

Xo

Monday, 2 July 2018

Whether you’re looking to shave money off your monthly bills, or you’re looking to help the environment, here are some top tips on how to save energy in your home, and in turn, reduce the amount of money on your monthly bills.

Install a Home Energy Monitor

There is a range of smart monitors you can buy for your home. If you’re considering this as an option, ensure you browse the smart meters available to you. Smart meters take a look at the energy you are spending in your home and let you know in real time what you can do to reduce the amount of energy you’re using without just receiving an overpriced bill at the end of the month.

Replace your Light Bulbs

Replacing your current light bulbs with energy saving LED bulbs is a great and effective way to ensure you’re saving energy. Speaking to an electrician will ensure you know the ins and outs of this process and how replacing your old bulbs can reduce your monthly bills by up to a third.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Most of the time, losing money on your energy bills comes from poor appliances and fixtures. Much like lighting, ensuring your appliances are energy efficient is a way to reduce your bills over a longer period of time. The Feature Radiators Collection offers energy saving radiators for your home, along with other options! You can also take a look at your washing machine, fridge and freezer in order to gauge their energy-saving level.

Ensure your House in Insulated to a Good Standard

Over time, insulation can deteriorate, slip, or become less effective in your home. It might be worth checking your insulation with a professional. Not only can improving your insulation save you money on your energy bills, but it can ensure that your house stays warmer for longer in the winter months.

Reduce Water and Energy Usage

When we think of saving energy, we always look at what we cut down on in terms of household items, appliances, insulation etc. One thing we don’t always look at is our own usage in terms of reducing our water and energy usage. To conserve water, stick to baths or shorter showers. Also, enforce a hosepipe ban on yourself. In the summer, watering our garden can add so much money to our bills. Holding off on using hosepipes is a sure fire way to ensure money savings on your monthly bill.

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

I've moved a total of 5 times in my 25 years, and moving doesn't really get any easier. It can be hard getting your head straight, let alone your affairs, belongings and moving process. I've learned a few things over the years though, and below are my top tips for moving home without a hitch!

Plan

This is a super simple step, but it's really important. The first thing you need to plan for is what you need to pack. Is there any big items of furniture? Sofas, beds, and appliances will more than likely require you to hire a removal service. Take a look around the area, ask for recommendations and always check put removal services before you make a booking.

Next, plan what you need to pack, and how you're going to pack it. I organise my packing by room. So I won't start packing another room until the one I'm in is done. This way everything is grouped. I also label my boxes. So group together your clothes, make-up, accessories, furniture and miscellaneous items into sections, and go from there.

Prepare Prepare Prepare

Prepping for a move is really important too. Make sure everything is where it should be. I'll always set aside a day before packing in order to check what I definitely do need, and what I definitely don't. Any clothes I don't want, I'll sell on Depop to make some extra money. Any other items I'll either bin or take to the tip. As well as this, I'll give the rooms a quick tidy, ensuring everything is ready for me to start packing when the time comes.

Pack According to Room

As mentioned above, always ensure your packing room to room. You don't want your kettle mixed up with your underwear, and you don't want your toothbrush to end up with your bathroom items... This is a simple step, but I like to think it makes the process easier. During the planning, you should decide how you're going to pack and stock up. Also, ensure you have enough Adhesive Tapes and packing boxes to tide you over. You don't want to be cut short on boxes, and you definitely don't need your items spilling everywhere.

Label EVERYTHING

Again, another easy tip, but your future self will thank you. Buy some label rolls and label all your boxes, what's in them, and if the box contains fragile items. When packing, it can get to a point where you end up chucking your boxes in your moving van/car - this just reminds you to be careful where possible!

Xo

Monday, 25 June 2018

Whether you’re running a small or large company, there are so many ways that you can make your place of work more environmentally friendly. I’ve outlined some of the major changes you can make below. But even if you cut down on letters, and send emails instead, you’ll be taking a step in the right direction. The earth is in a particularly fragile state at the moment and whether you believe in climate change or not, the amount of plastic in our oceans is a giant cause for concern. Taking steps to help the environment in your place of work is a sure fire way to do your bit and reduce your carbon footprint a little.

Packaging

Packaging is one way to cut down on our plastic usage in the workplace. For many companies, especially those who provide food and perishable services, plastic wrapping is used on almost a daily basis. To combat this, you could switch to paper packaging. Offered by Focus Packaging, paper packaging can offer a similar solution to your packing needs.

Cut Down on Paper

Another thing we majorly waste here in the UK is our paper. If your print of a lot of documents, one way to help the environment is by creating a digital archive. Scanning your documents onto your server ensures a digital backup for your files, and means that documents can be forwarded on to members of staff and customers should you need to. If you still need to use paper, ensure you recycle where you can.

Ditch Plastic

If you have a water cooler in your place of work, why not buy glasses for customers and staff members to use? These can be washed after use, and means less plastic waste on the whole. Many offices that use plastic water cups waste, on average, 40% more plastic than offices that do not. It also saves you the expense of buying more plastic cups when you run out.

Solar Paneling

If you’re looking for a major change, then solar paneling could be the change for you. Not only does this save you in energy bills, but you’re using natural resources to power your business! There are so many solar panel companies out there at the moment, so make sure you do your research before settling on one.

Xo

Friday, 15 June 2018

I’ve always believed that taking a break from blogging is important, and it’s something I’ll always stick by. I really like my blog, I can curate it, write about what I want, express my views and rant into the void of the internet.

In a way, it’s a form of therapy. I still live with my parents, and I always dream of decorating my own home, on here I can design my dream home, take a look at my goals and actually have something that looks pretty and that I can call my own for once.

However, at certain points in my life, I need to take a step back and really think about who I am and what I want to achieve. I’ve always struggled with my sense of self, and right now I’m struggling a lot. Last week, I had the sudden urge to delete this blog. A part of me still thinks that I might.

I’ve become very disillusioned with the blogging community, and the way others view it, at the moment. Blogging has become a warped personality contest, something that everyone does to validate themselves online, and I’m seeing it more and more. Young girls are producing this perfect life online for themselves, but do we ever think about how damaging that can be? It’s extremely unfair to ask a young girl to be perfect, but so many bloggers have become this “perfect” blogger, and the cycle just goes on and on. It’s important to know that it’s okay not to be perfect. You don’t have to be rich or own designer products. Blogging started as a way to inspire people, to show your story, to be yourself. It has become a popularity contest and, for the majority, a way to find validation online. It’s okay if you don’t want this for yourself.

For once, I’d love to go back to who I was before I started this blog. I was super into my photography, my poetry, my writing. I think at some point I was really overwhelmed by the gifts I earned from collaborations that I stopped taking notice of my other hobbies. I would come home from my job as a Copywriter and work for hours on my blog. At this point it’s become a chore, and that’s something that I never wanted this site to become. As much as I’m grateful for the opportunities this blog has given me, and it’s given me so many, I’ve come to a point in my life where I’m questioning if this is what I want.

I’m not the perfect blogger, or the perfect person. I’m flawed in many ways. Sometimes, I like to talk about that side of me, a lot of the time I don’t. I’m at a point where I’m unsure on what to do with myself and this blog, but I don’t want to do what I’ve done hundreds of times before, I don’t want to delete profiles and recreate myself. I need to take a step back and revaluate the direction I want this blog to go in.

This is why I’ve decided to give myself some privacy. I’ve removed my Instagram from this blog, and I’ve made a new twitter. My current twitter and the Facebook Page for my blog will still be up and running, and I’ll still be posting blogger opportunities on my Twitter for those who know me for my Blogger Outreach work.

Taking a step back is a way you can check in yourself, make sure you’re okay, and in a way a form of self care. So, if you’re a blogger whose feeling a bit down, like your blog has become a chore, or if you feel like taking a break, please know that it’s okay to do so. If you need any advice, or for someone to just listen, I’m an email/tweet away.

I may still post the odd post here and there. This will be content I have been working on for weeks, or collaboration work I have promised brands. When I’ve officially decided what to do with this blog, and which direction I want to take it in, I’ll write up a similar post to this one.

Xo

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

I’ve been out of the dating game for over 2 years now, and so many things have changed. One thing I do know about dating, is that I hate tinder and other dating apps like it. Tinder, it seems, is more about the occasional hookup – no strings attached type of thing. Although that’s okay for some, it definitely isn’t what I’m personally into.

Everyone’s different, and whether your recent searches on Google include “find cougar women near me” or “BDSM Communities Online” (check out Fetlife) then I am completely judgment free. Everyone has a right to their secrets, fetishes and kinks. But when you’re looking for something more meaningful, is it possible in this day and age to find someone you really like, and want to spend the rest of your life with?

When it comes to senior dating online, I know even less. It seems like less and less people are meeting in real life, and for those in the older generation who don’t even know how to use the internet, things can be super difficult. One way you could tackle this is to find senior speed dating events in your area. Alternatively, get yourself out there on social media. Facebook has hints and tips on how to understand the platform, which is perfect for someone who is unsure on how to make a life online for themselves. If you’re even more old fashioned, why not join a local club or community? You may find that windening your pool of acquaintances is the perfect way to meet new people in your area. Here are some of my updated tips, which, widely, I’ve accumulated from my friends!

Get Out There

This can be hard if you suffer from anxiety, but even if you’re out with friends, you might just find someone who really catches your eye. I met my boyfriend when he was working behind a bar and I was extremely drunk. Sometimes, things really do fall into place, you just have to let them.

Find Events

Local dating events are more common than you think. Simply google your location followed by “dating”, you’ll find that a lot of dating websites have ads at the top of the page trying to lure you in. If you scroll down, you’ll be able to find local pubs, clubs and other venues that host events like speed dating and other dating events.

Many dating events can also be found on Facebook. Use the events tab to see upcoming events in your area – or alternatively, you can search for “dating” in the search bar and see a list of upcoming events you can respond to.

Try Real Online Dating Websites

When I say real, I really mean “sites that aren’t just apps” like tinder and grindr. Plenty of Fish and Match.com are great for meeting new people, and there’s no obligation to meet them. You can simply talk at your own pace online until you eventually both decide that you would like to meet in real life. This is a lot easier if you suffer from social anxiety.

SLIDER