Like many people in January, you’re trying to keep yourself occupied and looking ahead to happier times. So, you’ve been out in the garden getting things ready for the spring months. As a result, there’s a lot of garden waste that you now have to get rid of - or at least do something with. Some of the waste is natural - we’re talking twigs, weeds, plant trimmings, leaves and so on. But, you may also have some waste that’s not natural - like rubbish that’s blown into your garden, old broken plant pots, etc.

New York is one of those destinations that many people have on their bucket list. It's an iconic destination, with so much to see, from the Empire State Building, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. 

If you are thinking of visiting New York in the Spring then you've chosen a great time to visit. Now the weather in New York is known for its extremes, think hot muggy summers and freezing cold winters, but Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit for more ambient temperatures, that are better for sightseeing. The weather can be unpredictable though so it's good to be well prepared on what to wear. So let's have a look at what clothes to pack for New York in the Spring.

Comfy trainers

New York is a huge city and you will be walking miles. Ditch the flip flops and open-toed shoes, instead pack some comfy fashionable trainers to cover the miles walking. The last thing you want is for your feet to be aching and for you to get blisters. Protect the trainers with a waterproof spray so you don't get wet feet.

Long sleeve cotton tops

Layers are a great idea for the Spring weather in New York. It could be cold in February whilst April will be much warmer but still showery. Make sure you pack a selection of cotton long sleeve tops that will also be breathable when it gets warm. Neutral tones are always good for a capsule travel wardrobe but personally, I like a splash of colour with bright blue florals or pink or red designs.

Lightweight waterproof coat

No packing for New York would be complete without a lightweight waterproof coat. It won't take up much space in your suitcase, can go in a backpack when you are wandering around the New York streets and provides much-needed protection from the showers you will get in the Spring.

Dark denim stretch jeans

Stretch jeans are my go-to for every day where and dark denim stretch jeans are comfy and are smart enough so they can be worn day or night. Pair with a long sleeve shirt for those spring days or a camisole and sparkly top for nights in the New York bars. 

Evening tops

New York has an abundance of great restaurants and cool bars and people do make an effort to visit the theatre too, so pack some smarter clothes for the evening. Most places don't have a dress code, I even saw someone super casual in simple jeans in a Michelin star restaurant in New York.  I personally though feel better if I make an effort to dress smarter when going out to a nice restaurant or bar.  

Stylish trench coat

In the evening you want something smarter than a lightweight coat. Pack a stylish trench coat in a neutral colour so it will go with everything. A trenchcoat provides another layer of warmth but a waterproof layer when you are walking to that cook bar or restaurant. 

Classic boots

Classic boots are a wardrobe staple that can be worn day or night. Again go for comfortable boots and avoid high fashion designs with tiny heels as you will be walking a lot. If you pick the right style, a classic boot can be worn with jeans or dresses.

Woolly knitwear

Essential Accessories

The weather changes a lot in the Spring so pack some of these accessories for the different climates. Pack some cool sunglasses for those sunny days with a good sun protection factor.  Pack some woolly gloves for those cold mornings and evenings. Pack a scarf for those windy days and trips on the Staten Island ferry. 

Anything else?

Just add some socks, underwear, nightwear, and a folding umbrella and you are good to go! Lastly don't forget a backpack or day bag for your essentials and an evening bag for those smarter places as well as a couple of pieces of your favourite jewellery.  Let me know, have you visited New York in the spring?

Check out my post on how to use the New York Citypass for inspiration. 

*Collaborative post

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment containing female hormones used to replace the estrogen (also called oestrogen in the UK) or estrogen and progesterone that the body stops producing during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy is mostly used to treat commonly experienced menopause symptoms such as night sweats, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood shifts, weight gain, and sleep problems.

Hormone replacement therapy mainly focuses on replacing the estrogen and progesterone that the body no longer produces after menopause. The two main types include:

• Systemic hormone therapy

The systemic hormone therapy comes in a skin patch, pills, ring, cream, gel, or spray form typically containing a higher level of estrogen that is absorbed all through the body. It can assist in treating the common symptoms of menopause.

• Low-dose vaginal products

Low-dose vaginal products come in tablets, ring, or cream forms. It helps to minimize the absorbed amount of estrogen in the body. Due to these facts, low-dose vaginal preparations and normally used to treat urinary and vaginal symptoms of menopause.

Benefits of hormone replacement therapy

HRT may:

• Relieve night sweats and hot flashes
• Help with better sleep
• Ease itching and vaginal dryness
• Relieve pain when having sex
• Prevent fractures that are caused by osteoporosis
• Reduce the chances of heart diseases in some women
• Lower the chance of dementia
• Lowers the chances of depression

The risks of hormone replacement therapy

Research has proven that in most cases the benefits of hormone replacement therapy typically outweigh the risks; however, HRT may raise the chances of:

• Endometrial cancer brought about by taking estrogen without progesterone while still having the uterus.

• Blood clots

• Stoke

• A slight increase in breast cancer with combined HRT 

The risks vary depending on:

• Age

Women who started hormone therapy at 60 years or older or more than ten years from the start of menopause have a more significant risk of getting the above conditions. However, if the hormone therapy starts before 60 years or before ten years of menopause, the advantages should outweigh the risks.

• Type of hormone therapy

The risk of hormone therapy depends on whether the estrogen was used alone or with progesterone—the dose and also the kind of estrogen matter.

• Health history

Your personal and family medical history and risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, blood clots, osteoporosis, and liver disease are essential factors in determining if HRT is suitable for you.

Who can benefit from hormone replacement therapy?

The advantages of HRT may be more than the risks if a person is healthy and:

• Has average to severe the hot flashes

Systemic estrogen therapy is still the most suitable treatment for the relief of hot flashes and night sweats.

• Has many different symptoms of menopause

HRT can relieve vaginal menopause symptoms like itching, dryness, discomfort with intercourse, and burning as well as low mood, aches and pains, dry skin, and low sex drive.

• Needs to prevent fractures and bone lose

Systemic estrogen assists in protection against the bone-thinning illness called osteoporosis.

• Has estrogen deficiency due to a hysterectomy or experienced early menopause

If your ovaries were surgically removed before 45 years old, or you stopped receiving your monthly periods before this age, then your body is exposed to a lower amount of estrogen than women who experience normal menopause. HRT is indicated to help prevent symptoms such as heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, mood changes, and dementia.

This post is for information purposes only and does not offer medical advice. As always research is ongoing into the effects of menopause and treatments. Always see a menopause specialist for further information and a treatment plan.

Many consumers these days are changing their behaviour in the pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle. A recent survey by Deloitte of over 2000 adults discovered that 85% surveyed were making more sustainable life choices than previously and 31% actively seek out brands with a strong sustainability and ethical focus. 

As a small business you may have already thought about how to make your business more sustainable for the benefit of the planet but it makes great business sense too. Why? Well, it can drive consumers to your company especially if you actively promote your eco-credentials. 

You may have already been looking at what actions you can do, but let's have a look in more detail at how you can make a small business more sustainable. 

Source sustainable products 

Source products that are ethically made and use sustainable practices. For example, Fairtrade produce where workers, farmers and artisan craftspeople are paid a fair price for their goods. It's important to look at the supply chain too. When I had my own jewellery shop, we always sold diamond jewellery that adhered to the Kimberley Process, which helped prevent conflict diamonds.  We knew where the diamonds were coming from and could trace the source. 

Use eco-friendly packaging 

Conserve energy

Transportation 

It's the little things

Write a sustainability policy

Write everything you are putting into practice down into a sustainability policy. You and your staff can see what you are aiming to do, the action plans and how your business is helping preserve the planet. These eco-credentials should be on your website, in your literature and promoted when you advertise. This will then attract customers who want to buy from a business that has eco-friendly practices. 

So here are some ideas on how to make a small business more sustainable. Do you have any ideas? Is it a selling point to you, if a business is eco-friendly?

*Collaborative post