But if you are looking for ways to live a healthier life despite this, then why don’t you check out these 7 mobile phone apps for healthy living?

Workout Trainer

Regardless of whether you go to the gym or not, the Workout Trainer app will help you to get fit with over 1,000 free multimedia workouts taught by some expert personal trainers.

The app will guide you through all exercises with motivational, step by step, timed audio, photo and video instructions.

Download the free Workout Trainer app for iPhone.

Nike Training Club

The Nike Training Club acts as your own personal trainer, wherever you are, and whenever you want them. This awesome free app helps you get toned and strong with over 100 bespoke workouts.

There are detailed instructions and audio support available to help you perfect each of the Nike Training Club’s dynamic drills. Simply choose a workout that suits your goal, choose some music to workout to, and see the results!

Download the free Nike Training Club app for iPhone.

RunKeeper

This great app helps you to track your progress when you are running, walking, riding your bicycle, and even when you are hiking! Utilising your iPhone’s GPS system, it plots your progress on a map which is logged after each event and can be accessed via their website, and it tells you how many calories you have burnt too as well as your average pace.

Download the free RunKeeper app for iPhone.

MyFitnessPal

If you are trying to stick to a weight loss regime, then you need to use the MyFitnessPal app. It has a comprehensive database of over 2 million types of food, and you can easily add food items to your meals by scanning the product’s barcode or doing a text search for it.

The great thing about this app is that by entering your current weight and height details, and your goal weight, it calculates how many calories you should be consuming each day, making it easy to plan your healthy meals.

Download the free MyFitnessPal app for iPhone.

Weight Watchers Mobile UK

This free iPhone app makes it easy to connect to Weight Watchers from wherever you are! You can create shopping lists from recipes, search a comprehensive food options and meal ideas database with over 35,000 entries, and track your weight loss progress in an interactive chart.

Download the free Weight Watchers Mobile UK app for iPhone.

Cardiograph

The Cardiograph app helps to measure your heart rate by using your iPhone’s camera to take pictures of your fingertip and calculate your heart’s rhythm.

Results can be saved for reference, and you can even set up profiles for keeping track of multiple people using the app!

Download the Cardiograph app for iPhone (£1.49).

WebMD

Self-diagnosis of any problems you may have should never be taken as fact, and you should always go and see your doctor if you are feeling unwell or you wish to discuss something of concern for a proper, professional diagnosis.

But having said that, if curiosity has gotten the better of you, you could always use the WebMD to help pinpoint possible causes for any ailments you may have, which will in the very least arm you with information that you can discuss with your doctor.

Download the free WebMD app for iPhone.

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Anyone who has been in college knows the standard exam cramming foods- pizza, ice cream, popcorn, coffee, and whatever fast food place is open at 3AM. However, these foods are not only bad for your waistline; they are actually bad for your brain! Certain fats and carbohydrates can slow the brain and body, leaving you sluggish and mentally unprepared to face the mental challenges ahead. The next morning, you will feel bloated, queasy, and exhausted.

A whole host of studies show you’ll have much better results if you study while snacking on the following brain-boosting foods.

These foods are scientifically proven to improve cognitive function and will also help you maintain efficient levels of energy without the dreaded crash that comes from eating junk food.

Walnuts

Walnuts are the perfect study food. They contain ALA, which promotes blood-flow and helps deliver oxygen to the brain. Walnuts will also give you energy that will keep you awake during late nights.

Berries

Berries are some of the best brain-boosting foods in existence. According to a study published in the Annals of Neurology, eating a diet full of berries leads to improved memory and focus- two things that are necessary for performing well in school.

Fatty Fish

Don’t turn up your nose at sardines and kipper fish. Fatty fish are the ideal foods for boosting brain power. Containing health omega-3s, EPA, and DHA, your brain will stay more focused and remember more than ever. If you are stumped on how to eat these snacks while studying, they taste delicious on crackers.

Dark Chocolate

Don’t give up munching on chocolate just yet. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and caffeine which can help improve mental clarity and acuity. Just choose a chocolate low in sugar to prevent unhealthy crashes.

Water

Guess what? Water is good for you! This is well-known to everyone, but still many people do not drink enough. A dehydrated brain has shrunken brain tissue, which means it is harder for the brain to function. Stay hydrated to keep your brain sharp and ready for anything.

Fruit

Fruits are good for the brain in a variety of ways. Fruit can improve memory recall, stimulate blood flow to the brain, and keep you focused and alert. Some of the best fruits include kiwi, watermelon, plums, oranges, cherries, and peaches.

Tea

Tired of drinking water? Switch to tea! Green and black teas not only contain brain-stimulating caffeine, but they also contain other ingredients that improve the memory, clarify mental focus, and combat mental and physical fatigue. Green tea also contains the brain-boosting ingredient catechine.

Before you turn to the local fast-food joint to give you energy for late-night studying, try eating the above foods instead. If you consistently eat healthy foods rather than junk, you may be surprised at how much better you perform on your next series of exams. You will feel better, more energized, and keep your entire body healthy and happy throughout your school career.

This is a guest post by freelance writer Vic Abrams for Skinny Limits Juice Cleanse Delivery. Vic is a health and lifestyle enthusiast and a regular guest poster on related blogs. When not working she loves to travel and practice yoga.

Image: Thor

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Having two working parents, or being a single parent, presents a lot of challenges when it comes to child care. Between getting kids to and from school, making sure they’re fed after school, and having a plan when they need to be taken care of at night or on the weekends – it can be stressful. You can take kids to day care and rely on a network of family and friends to help out, but it’s easier to hire a nanny who will care for your children in their own home. Here are three ways that hiring a nanny can have a positive impact on the lives of your kids.

Home Care

When your kids go to day care, they don’t have the benefit of playing or doing homework in a place where they’re completely comfortable. A nanny affords your children the ability to be at home versus in a place where they may not have the quiet space they need or, at worst, don’t feel entirely safe. A nanny will get to know your home well, so she is able to navigate the ins and outs of your family rules and habits. If you are a high profile family, keeping your children at home is especially important to protect your privacy. You can find many individuals who have experience and special training who are looking for childcare jobs abroad from agencies like Bonne International.

Consistency

Child care providers at a day care center may come and go, but a nanny will become a stable member of your household. Hiring a nanny means that your kids will have another trusted adult in their lives that they can turn to for advice, and will know they can count of for their daily needs. Nannies make it possible for your household to run on schedule much more easily, so your children know that they can count on getting to school on time and having someone who picks them on without fail. When you have a busy schedule as a parent, this may be difficult to accomplish on your own.

Attention

Day cares have a higher ratio of children to adults, meaning that kids don’t get as much personal attention when they have to go to a day care center as they do with a personal nanny. Even when day care providers are caring, they simply can’t dedicate large amounts of time to one child because they’re responsible for so many other kids at the same time. Hiring a nanny will help your children feel like their needs are met more quickly and they will be safer as well.

Having a nanny in your home can add another trusted member to your household that will add value to your children’s lives. It will be easier for you to negotiate last minute schedule changes with a nanny than it would be with a day care center, which means your kids will always be taken care of. Nannies can sign confidentiality agreements, so your family’s business stays private.

Alice Pettaway has extensive experience in childcare and enjoys travelling. Her articles mainly appear on childcare blogs.

Image: Ann Larie Valentine

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When you’ve lost a loved one, finding ways to show respect and remember him can provide great comfort and bring your family together. A plaque dedicated to the deceased will help him stay alive in your memory each time you see it, and can also serve as a very meaningful decoration. Plaques can stand alone in your home, or be placed in a spot that is dedicated to your loved one.

Here are three tips for choosing the most meaningful plaque to honor someone you cared about.

Add a Personal Touch

A memorial plaque should really speak to the personality of the person who has died, whether he was fun and loud or well read and stoic. Choose a message that reflects the things he was most proud of, such as mentioning that he was a father or that he served his country in the armed forces. In some cases, you may be able to include a photo on the plaque as well as text, so pick one that you know was one of his favorites if possible. If your loved one had a favorite quote or saying, feel free to include it as a part of your plaque. Other things to add include meaningful scripture passage and significant icons, like a religious symbol.

Make it Durable

Create a plaque that will be long lasting. When the plaque will be outdoors, choose materials that will be able to withstand exposure to the elements, such as wind, rain or snow. Consider the plaque an investment, as it will probably remain in your family’s possession or the memorial spot that you choose for many years. Some plaques are made of metal and wood, while others are made of just one material. Depending on where the plaque will be placed, some materials may not be right for you; for instance, outdoor memorial plaques on untreated wood will begin to deteriorate over time.

Choose the Right Size

Select a plaque that will look natural in its location. For example, many families choose to construct a memorial garden in the name of their loved one. Get a plaque that can be noticeable in the garden, while still allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and plants that surround it. If the plaque will be placed in the home, design it around the spot you’ve picked out. For example, if you want the plaque to sit on your fireplace, take measurements to figure out how big of a plaque the space can reasonably accommodate.

A memorial plaque is a kind way of showing affection for a family member or friend who is no longer with us. Whether you create a memorial space, such as a garden or bench, or just place the plaque in your home, the material and size are very important. When in doubt, consult with other loved ones to figure out the best message for the plaque, so that you are honoring the deceased in a way that represents him well.

Image: donjd2

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Working from home is ideal for moms as you can set yourself hours and work around your kids. But what can you do exactly? There’s a ton of jobs you can look into!

Here are 7 work from home jobs for savvy moms:

Bilingual Senior Technical Advisor

If your customer service skills and technical knowledge is up to scratch this could be the at home job for you. It’s hard to believe that some of the most skilled technical advisors work from home! You can choose your shifts, whether it’s morning, evening or overnight. Your role will be to assist customers with any difficulties, keep them happy and the keep business running smoothly.

CEO/Executive Director

If you didn’t think you could run an entire business from home, you were very wrong. Companies are hiring virtual CEO’s and Executive Directors so they can widen their search for the perfect candidate. It also allows companies to keep costs low because of the saved office space. You must be suitably qualified and have excellent communication skills to apply for a position like this!

Company Chef

If you have a passion for food and the right qualifications you could be a company chef at home. Your duties would include preparing meals ready for staff at another company and delivering them. For this you would obviously need to live near the hiring company, but it’s great because you can work comfortably in your own kitchen with your own utensils!

Online Fitness Coach

Qualified personal trainers have now started to help people online, which is great as the demand for fitness and health professionals continually grows! You’ll prepare meal plans for your clients, fitness programs and support them, either on the phone or over email. However, it’s beneficial when taking up the role of an online fitness coach that you have had some previous experience working with clients in person.

Project Management

If you have great communication and project management skills then this virtual position could be your dream from home job. You’ll be responsible for keeping everybody involved on track and in touch. You could do this working for a single company or independently with multiple clients.

Holiday Planning Advisor

In a job like this one you’ll need to be able to motivate yourself, have good organisational skills and want to achieve. You’ll work with people wanting to go on their dream holiday and help them to make it perfect. Ultimately, this is a job that requires great customer service and sales skills. Not only will you converse with holiday goers, you’ll also need to communicate with hotels and hospitality groups. You’ll do this all over the phone or through email, allowing you to work freely from home.

General Administrator

Ok so probably not the most glamorous title but still an admin job is definitely something you could do at home. Administration usually just requires computer literacy and of course a computer. Most general administration work will include working on spreadsheets, emailing and probably typing up letters.

So there you have it, 7 jobs for savvy stay at home mums.

Image: Steve Ryan

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Soaking in a hot tub at the end of a long day is a great way to relax and unwind. Like any other major purchase, it it important to get all the facts and dispel the myths about hot tubs before buying.

The five most persistent myths about hot tubs are outlined below.

1. Cheaper Tubs Equal Big Savings

While a cheaper tub will save money at the outset, it can be more costly over the long term. Budget hot tubs are lower in price because they lack proper insulation as well as energy-efficient heaters and pumps. They have a higher operating cost and will break down more often. The warranty is often poor, leaving the user on the hook for repair expenses.

2. Better Tubs Have More Jets

There are different types of jets, such as pulsate and massage, and the total number of them is not indicative of how much someone will enjoy a hot tub. This is why it is important to test a tub before purchasing to make sure it is the best match for the person involved. Bullfrog Spas for example, has a unique program on its company website that allows prospective customers to virtually build their own hot tubs.

3. Eliminate Chemicals By Using Ozone

This is one of the most dangerous myths of all, utilized by dishonest sales people. All hot tubs require some type of chemical treatment in order to keep them as clean and sanitary as possible. It is vital for the new hot tub owner to thoroughly read the owner’s manual, which will explain exactly what needs to be done and what materials are required for maintenance.

4. Always Get the Most Powerful Pump

Powerful pumps are not for everyone. They not only incur bigger operating costs, they can also cause jets to work too forcefully, possibly hurting someone in the tub. The size of the pump should match the tub and the number of jets.

5 .Never Try Out a Tub Before Purchase

Any hot tub store that does not provide an operational tub for tryouts is probably selling an inferior product that is difficult to maintain, uses harsh chemicals and is most likely noisy. A prospective buyer should always be able to test a tub before purchase.

In the end, the best hot tub is the best one for the buyer. Shop around, test and decide.

The post Know Before You Buy: Five Hot Tub Myths Exposed appeared first on flowercarole.

We all know that choosing a present for someone special or for a special occasion isn’t as easy as it sounds. It can often take a lot of thought, time and stress. There’s one thing however that is perfect for almost all occasions and something everyone loves…and that’s FOOD!

We’ve compiled a list of the some of the most delicious treats that makes perfect presents and the only difficult part of the whole process is not eating the treat yourself.

Gourmet Sugar-Free Chocolates

For those who are keeping an eye on their waistline or are diabetics, sugar free chocolates are a great choice and are savoured by people of all ages. Not only is it a great gift, with less guilt after munching away, it’s also an excellent stress buster. You’ll often find gorgeous chocolate packages and baskets varieties along with different types of chocolate on offer, such as dark, milk, liquor and unsweetened.

Old Fashioned Sweets

Traditional sweets, the type of sweets you used to find at your local sweet shop are a great way to remind people of their childhood and days out to the fairground or beach. You can often find all the sweets you’ve dreamt of and can remind yourself of their great taste such as a wide selection of boiled sweets, space dust, pear drops and not forgetting sherbet. They are the best sweet memories you can give to your loved one.

Cupcakes

Hands up all those who don’t like cake? Yup that’s what I thought! Who doesn’t love cake? And you can’t beat a cute cupcake as a present. You’ll find many online sites that offer homemade, customised cupcakes, where you can personalise each one with a message or picture of your choice making it extra special. They are all beautifully decorated and you can pick your preferred type such as chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. They make an ideal treat for your girlfriend, definitely worth an: ‘awww’. They are also a great present for special occasions or celebrations.

Biscuits

Biscuits make a special, tasty, food gift for any occasion or to add to a gift hamper. You’ll find they are far from your traditional box of biscuits you’ll find on the supermarket shelf. They are more unusual although in some cases nothing beats the classics such as shortbreads and cookies. Homemade biscuits are the best and they come in all shapes and sizes, there’s a biscuit to suit everyone and best of all we all know it’s a tradition to share a box of biscuits unless it’s your own. You can again personalise your biscuits similar to the cupcakes, such as ‘Happy Birthday Claire’ or even have someone’s name spelt out in biscuits surely that’s everybody’s dream come true?

Image: Rego Korosi

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Whether you want to sell your house or just increase its value it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. There are some DIY quick fixes to help get your house into shape and in turn create a niftier price tag to be placed on the market.

Paint, paint, paint

A simple paint job is a cost-effective way to improve your home. Freshly painted walls help rooms to appear both clean and modernised. It also helps to brighten up a room and make it appear well cared for. When you’re choosing your paint colours, opt for neutral colours, as they appeal to the larger audience helping to make your home desirable to more people. A gallon of paint, doesn’t cost the earth, neither does the added accessories such as rollers and brushes. Make sure you patch up any holes no matter their size.

One idea to create a smooth finish is through the use of primer. Apply the primer and once dried, lightly sandpaper the wall and then apply the first coat of paint. Once that has dried, sand it down again and apply your final layer of paint.

Screen hardwood floors

It’s a fact that buyers prefer wood over carpet; however refinishing it is far from cheap. An idea is screening, helping to reduce dust, time and money, a light, simple sanding then a coat to finish.

Windows

Buyers will be looking for light and great views not dated drapes and a darkened room. One thing to consider is energy-efficient blinds as the cheap paper or plastic blinds you may have don’t add any value to your house. Replace them with nicer drapes or wooden blinds etc.

Front door

Installing a front door if affordable is one way to add some character to its exterior. If you can’t afford a new door then a fresh strip of paint will do wonders. Replacing the door mat is another cheap option, this is important as it’s one of the first things people will see when viewing your home and can really make a difference.

Landscape

Keeping in mind first impressions, your garden is something that needs to be taken into consideration. You don’t need to spend tons of money; just a simple mowing of the lawn can help create a well-groomed garden. Plant some eye-catching, bright flowers near the front of the door. Buyers will spot that you take care of the outside of the home, which helps to reflect that you do the same for the inside.

Energy Efficient

Replace your light bulbs with more energy efficient ones and even consider increasing their wattage. This will help create brighter rooms and also save you money on utility bills!

Install Crown Moulding

A simple DIY task, but helping to add character, buy the preferred moulding, cut it to the correct size and then attach it to the top of the walls with the use of a nail gun. Although it does involve some woodworking and the correct tools, it’s still inexpensive and easy to do yourself.

Image: Drew & Merissa

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Colours

The best colours to choose for a luxurious look are colours like brown, beige and taupe. The deeper the shade you choose the more luxurious the look! You can find purse friendly paint pots at your local Wilkinsons or even try Homebase.

Textures

Mixing different textures and materials is a great way of making your space luxurious. If you need things like bedspreads and cushions, try to spend a bit more on the bedspread as this will be a noticeable piece in the room. You can afford to spend less on the cushions as these won’t be as noticeable. However, selecting the right cushions is still important as these are still going to contribute to the overall look. Try BHS for some fancy looking cushions that are very much affordable!

Metals

The metals you choose to have in your room can be any you wish. They don’t have to match in the slightest. The only thing you need to remember about mixing metals is that they shouldn’t be over polished, and they should look quite earthy.

The Little Touches

The little touches are often what makes a room feel luxurious and special. One thing that really gives a room a luxurious feel is bamboo. You can purchase bamboo from your local florist, then all you need to do is chuck it in a vase and it will look after itself! The tropical wood-like stems are best for this.

You can make your bed resemble that of a 5 star hotel by simply adding a thick comforter. Buy a cover purely for decoration to go at the end of the bed. Fold it up to add a bit of height to your bed, and marvel at it’s luxuriousness.

Ensure the bed linen you purchase is practical (not a dry clean only fabric). Choose washable fabrics that don’t require loads of care to keep in good condition.

Before going shopping, have a look around your home. Try in the loft, under the bed, the cupboard under the stairs, anywhere you think hidden treasures could be residing. Try to use old furniture, ornaments, and other miscellaneous items in new and inventive ways. That old teacup could give a whole new lease of life to your bedside table!

Adding a posh looking light shade is another nice way of re-vamping your room. You can find loads of cool, unique styles at shops like TK Maxx.

If your room is big enough, adding a bed end footstool (also known as an ottoman) to the end of your bed can help your room soar in the style stakes.

Follow these little tips and you’ll soon be sleeping in a room that could have been stolen straight out of Marilyn Monroe’s home!

The post How to Create a Luxury Bedroom (On a Budget) appeared first on flowercarole.

So you’re in the process of planning what to do for this year’s annual summer holiday; you’d love to jet-off to a faraway country and spend two weeks basking in glorious sunshine, but given your current financial status, it doesn’t look as though you’ll be strolling across that white-sand beach anytime soon.

So now you’re wondering what to do now that vision of your dream holiday has come swiftly crashing down – do you settle for a quick, last minute and cheap holiday, or do you just skip the summer breakaway altogether?

Well, luckily for you, you don’t need to do either of the latter – because there’s much better alternative for you: a boutique break. Yes, that’s right, it’s time to swap the beaches for bars, and swap the sunshine for spas.

As well as being all the rage with trendy holidaymakers of the moment, boutique breaks have the added bonus of being able to give you that well-deserved break, without costing you a fortune.

So, to help you on your quest in finding the perfect holiday option this summer, here are three tips on how to book a brilliant boutique break away:

Choose the Perfect Location

The beauty of a boutique break is that you don’t have to travel far to have fun; you can simply book yourself into a hotel in the next city and it’ll still feel like you’re miles away home.

Classy cities and chic countryside villages are the perfect locations for boutique breaks and you can choose either, location depending on what you want to get out of your holiday.

If you want to opt for a more vibrant holiday, cities such as Edinburgh, Dublin or London will be the perfect choices, but if you’re after something a little more peaceful and relaxing, then opt for a rural countryside location and you can lose all of your worries in the wilderness.

Choose the Perfect Hotel

So, quite often when we go on holiday, we spend the majority of the time out and about exploring, rather than relaxing in our hotel rooms, but with a boutique break, it’s time to do a little of the opposite.

The hotel that you choose will help to determine just how amazing your boutique break will be. Search for hotels online using sites such as Expedia to find ones that have plenty on offer, from breakfast in bed to luxurious swimming pools or spas, so you have both the opportunity to wind down and relax, as well as have plenty of things to keep you occupied when you’re away – particularly when the Great British weather isn’t looking too great outside!

Choose the Perfect Activities

The whole point of boutique break is do something a little out of the ordinary – so once you choose your location, choose things to do that you normally wouldn’t choose to do when you’re on holiday.

Visit historic places of interest, venture out on long walks or drink in stylish cafes during the day, and when it turns to night, dress up in your best glad rags, head out for a night out on the town and finish off your boutique break by dining in a fancy boutique bistro – you’ll never settle for anything else again!

Ella Mason, an experience freelance writer, wrote this article. Ella specialises in providing useful and engaging lifestyle advice to others.

Image: Porto Bay Trade

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