Buying the perfect Christmas gift is always challenging. Especially if you are buying for adults. I mean, there are only so many gifts of socks, deodorant gift sets or chocolates you can buy year after year. So when I do my online shopping I always look for websites that offer something different. That's where the website Wanapix can help. This is an ad.

Wanapix sells a range of quality personalised gifts that your friends and family will love. Set up by Jesus and Eva in 1984, their photoshop was the place where all the locals took their camera film to be developed. Since then the business has grown and expanded and now they ship hundreds of thousands of shipments every year. 

Being eco-friendly is close to the company's heart and 100% of the energy they consume is from renewable resources. They also recycle tons of paper and cardboard from factory waste.

But enough of their eco-credentials, let us look at the unique gifts that they sell for Christmas. These are my favourite items.

Engraved Tree Of Life Necklace £13.50

Personalised heart-shaped photo cushion £24.80

Personalised wall calendar £9.45

Hiring an accountant may seem like an extravagance but hiring an accountant may be the best thing you could do if you are in business. Accountants compile your financial records, prepare them for the tax office and can help you save money, so the cost of hiring an accountant can balance out. 

1. Accountants are specialists

Accountants are specialists in their area. They know all the intricacies of tax, they know what IR35 means, whether you are a limited company, partnership, or sole trader.  You may think that doing your tax records yourself may save you money but it may cost you money if you get your tax wrong. So an accountant can prevent you from getting fined by the tax office and file your records in a timely manner. I would say it's always worth hiring an accountant but especially so if you are a new business, the turnover is large or your accounts are complicated.

2. They can offer you advice

Accountants are great at offering you advice. They know what tax breaks you can have, what you can put down as legitimate expenses, and some of these you may not be aware of. They can explain how having a company car works, how much of your phone bill you can book down to the business and what tools of the trade means. All ways in which they can save you money,

3. They free up your valuable time

If you don't know what you are doing with your tax records then it can take a long time to prepare your records and it can take a lot of knowledge. Freeing up time you can spend on other valuable things like marketing and selling. Utilising the services of experienced Accountants Penrith (or elsewhere more relevant) frees up your valuable time so you can work on other aspects of the business. Time is also money as they say. An accountant can do your tax records in a fraction of the time it would take you.

4. They can help you grow your business and make money

Accountants can analyse your books, and see what is selling well for you and what is not. They can also look at your profit margins and help you adjust them. They can also help you look at gaps in the local and national markets and look at how and where you can expand.  By doing this you can grow your business. 

5. They can advise you on loans and other types of funding

Accountants can advise you on start-up loans, government loans, private loans, grants and other types of funding available. They can advise on the best rates of interest thus saving you money. They can help you organise and prepare a business plan you can take to loan providers, which is especially useful for a start-up or when expanding your business. 

So these are some ways in which hiring an accountant can save you money. So if you are in business it's a business expense that is definitely worth it!

*Collaborative post

Of course, it's important for children to be computer literate these days as computers are everywhere, and teachers can use technology in many ways these days, whether they are teaching in a classroom or online. Parents can also use technology to help with homework or homeschooling. 

The Benefits Of Technology

Traditionally schools often relied on book-based learning and lectures. This can be boring if not taught well. Technology can be a useful way to make learning fun and interactive. Technology can take into account different learning styles easily, such as visual, auditory, verbal, logical and kinesthetic. Immersion into technology can help children retain information and that can only be a good thing. It goes without saying that computers are needed in a modern classroom but let's look at some of the other ways teachers can use technology.

1. Video conferencing platforms

Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype and GoToMeeting are perfect for teaching remotely. Many of these platforms are also free.  Zoom is a popular platform and gained many loyal followers during the lockdown when many people had to work from home. It also offers a whiteboard where teams can plan and learn. These video conferencing platforms are great for teaching online, so you can teach from anywhere in the world. 

2. Screen recorders

Teachers may require a screen recorder for online classes and meetings. A screen recorder is great for teachers to record whole lessons and meetings or parts to play back later in case a student or colleague has missed it.  Movavi does a Windows 11 screen recorder to capture from a webcam, take screenshots, make screencasts and more. It has an easy-to-use interface, can record audio and easily share videos. 

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets can be a very immersive form of teaching. Virtual environments can be seen in 360 degrees. For example, an app like Anatomyou lets you become part of the anatomy of a person in an immersive way. Studies have shown that using VR as part of a learning environment helps students retain information more than a traditional lecture.

4. Interactive Whiteboards

Do you remember blackboards? Well, some classrooms have replaced them with interactive whiteboards now, especially for information technology lessons.  It is connected to a computer screen using a digital projector.  The teacher can interact with the content on the board, and write on it with a variety of tools, including using their finger, bringing up internet searches and more. It is a great learning tool for students as depending on what software is used it can address almost all learning styles, especially if the teacher encourages the student to interact with it. 

5. Creative Apps and websites

Online quizzes, virtual games or simulations, and presentation software like Powerpoint or Canva can all be used by the teacher to help engage students. Encouraging students to create their own podcasts, create a digital book with Apple Pages, or create a digital comic with Adobe Sketch or Storybook That, is a great way to encourage creativity. Of course, teaching students about how to use the internet for research goes without saying and some top websites include the BBC Bitesize, National Geographic Kids and TEDEd.

So these are 5 ways teachers can use technology whether teaching in a classroom or online. There are many more ways too. Using technology to teach can be exciting, immersive and interactive and can help students retain information. It can also teach them to use technological hardware, software and the internet and these are important skills for future job prospects.

*Collaborative post

As a travel destination, Germany is known for many things including its architecture, its castles and historical sites, the rich culture of food and music, and its beer. 

Beer Is Part Of The Culture

Many of us chose the perfect outfit but discover that none of our jewellery seems to go with it. Perhaps you own a variety of necklace designs but are unsure which goes best with a given outfit. Choosing the right necklace for a specific outfit or neckline can be a challenge.

Choosing the perfect necklace for your outfit's neckline can be tricky but if you stick to a few rules, you can look smart and elegant and emerge as the party's most beautiful guest. Here are some tips to help you match your necklace with the most flattering neckline to enhance your appearance. This guide offers my top suggestions for matching your neckline and necklaces.

Strapless

Decide on shorter pendants. They'll maintain the focus on your collarbone and your outfit's neckline. Your neck may also look better with shorter pendants.  Layering necklaces can make a strong fashion statement when worn with a strapless top or dress. Layering necklaces might include a variety of pendants, with beads, charms, or other accessories. Changing the colour of the chains is another option if you're wearing several pendants.

Put on a princess necklace like a plumeria necklace. This will keep people looking at your shoulders. Given the gap between your neck and the top you're wearing, this is an excellent time to display your jewellery if you want to wear a strapless top right now. You can add a medium Belcher chain to your outfit to keep it looking stylish and new.

Pearl chokers and diamond chokers can stand out when worn with strapless dresses. Another choice is necklaces with a focal design to maintain the grace and elegance of a strapless dress or top.

With a round collar blouse

With a choker, you can style your round-neck blouse. Depending on the design it may be made of diamond, pearl, or gold, and you'll be sure to make an impression with how you look.

Multiple necklaces can look good, but choose ones with varied finishes and lengths. Or necklaces with large statement pieces if you want a bold look.

V-neckline

With your V-necked dress or top, you could wear a triangular V-shaped necklace that stops just above the neckline. Additionally, this draws emphasis to your décolletage.

Unquestionably, shirts or blouses with a V-shaped neckline give an elegant look. They are a flattering cut for most people and they help lengthen shorter necks.

Large-sized necklaces will often be too bold and make you forget the V cut's subtlety and elegance but sometimes it's fun to wear a bold necklace.

A halterneck

Big extravagant necklaces do not fit well with this style on the neck. Wear smaller necklaces with delicate finishes with this kind of clothing.

Another alternative would be necklaces with accents, such as stones in the centre, which are neither too dazzling nor large with embellishments to appear graceful.

Asymmetrical Necklines

Wear a necklace with its own asymmetry. You can wear any sized pendant as long it is in proportion to your neckline. The asymmetrical appearance is enhanced with necklaces that feature beads of various shapes. Wear a choker if you want to be on the safe side.

Turtleneck or polo

Turtlenecks shouldn't be worn with chokers as the jewellery will be hidden beneath. Necklaces of medium to long length go well with turtlenecks. Turtlenecks work particularly well with opera chains and can distract from your neck's prominence. You are welcome to select a statement piece pendant that is large.

Avoid leaving too much gap between your neckline and neck to draw attention to your necklaces when wearing high-neck polo shirts, just like with halter tops. A straightforward gold or silver chain is an unfussy look that is classic and never goes out of fashion.

Another alternative is to wear a turtleneck or polo next with a long necklace which can be a flattering look and can add to the glamour of the outfit.

Summary

I hope this guide has helped you match your clothes to your necklaces and pendants. Choosing the right necklace to wear can be challenging when every garment has a unique neckline. I hope this has been an informative and helpful guide on picking the appropriate necklaces for your outfits.

*Collaborative post