Three Simple Ways To Boost Your Self-confidence

Often as a woman, we are our own biggest critic, and if you’re not feeling good about yourself, your self-assurance can start to fall. Research by Development Academy shows that over half of people feel they've lost out at work because they've not been assertive enough. To boost your confidence and lift yourself up here are three simple ways to boost your self-esteem. 


Copyright: alexskopje Shutterstock

1. Revamp Your Underwear Collection

If you’re wearing something you feel great in, it’s likely you’re going to exude confidence. However, while our clothes can help boost our self-esteem, what’s underneath is just as important when it comes to feeling content in our own skin. 

Revamping your underwear collection could help you regain your self-esteem, so why not treat yourself? If your current underwear is a bit grey and uninspiring treat yourself to some new lingerie or hosiery to put that spring in your step. Wearing new underwear can give you a big boost even if you are the only one that will see it and shapewear can give you curves in the right places and support where you need it.

 If your hosiery collection is currently looking a little drab, you could invest in some fun new fashion tights or sexy hold-ups or stockings. Whether you decide to go for a sheer, opaque, spotty or diamond design, you should be able to find a pair that makes you look and feel great. If you’re stuck for inspiration, you could visit your local high street store or browse what’s available online from hosiery experts such as Tights And More.

2. Treat Yourself To A New Hair Style

Changing your hairstyle could give your self-esteem a kick in the right direction. If you’re usually unadventurous when it comes to your hair, now might be the ideal time to treat yourself to a hair makeover. Adding in a fringe, taking some length off to the end to make a sharp bob, dyeing it a different colour or adding in some long and luscious extensions can revamp your look. 

 If you’re stuck for ideas, speak to your hairdresser. As a professional, they should be able to give you their expert opinion and advice. Book yourself an appointment and you could leave the salon feeling like a new woman.

3. Try Out A New Makeup Look

Simply switching your makeup look could give you the confidence boost you’ve been looking for. If you’re fed up with your current collection of cosmetics, you could splurge on a few new items to add to your makeup bag and try out some different techniques. Whether you decide to perfect a sleek cat-eye with liquid liner or want to ditch your usual gloss in favour of a slick of red lipstick, there are endless makeup looks you could try before finding one that makes you feel amazing. 

 If you are not sure where to start, have a look at the many Vloggers on YouTube for makeup inspiration. A favourite of mine is Lisa Eldridge.

4. Upgrade Your Smile

It’s also important to consider upgrading your smile if this is something that you are feeling self-conscious about. Everyone should be able to smile without worrying about what people are going to think, or without feeling uncomfortable.

It might be true though that there doesn’t seem to be anything that is working, so it’s time to speak to a dentist. Depending on the condition your teeth are in, they may suggest dental implants, or other forms of treatment to help you get a smile that you love moving forward.

Knowing how to improve your self-confidence can be tricky. However, by making some simple changes such as these, you could soon become a much happier version of yourself.

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Hotel Chocolat Valentine's Day

I'm a bit of a chocolate connoisseur and one of my favourite brands is Hotel Chocolat. This award winning British company, produce ethical luxury chocolates with gorgeous decadent flavours. At the heart of their chocolate is their ethical stance, as they help support cocoa farmers and their communities in Saint Lucia and Ghana. 

Angus Thirwell the co-founder and CEO eats chocolate every day in his research and desire to make sure the company produces the best. Every single recipe is tested personally as he is such a perfectionist.

I adore the attention to detail in every Hotel Chocolat delivery.  Every package is perfectly packed, even the tissue paper is branded with the Hotel Chocolat logo and sealed with the emblem, as well as a branded bag and gift card.


This Valentine's Day they have some beautiful and delicious chocolate boxes for their fans to devour. I was sent a box of to review - the 'Hearts And Truffle Gift Box'.


The Hearts And Truffle Gift Box


When I opened the box I was delighted as they were beautifully presented, it really had the wow factor. The box was an assortment of filled  hearts and truffles. A combination of chocolates with and without alcohol, this box was a real treat. 

In a box you get a variety of chocolates including carrot cake  raspberry smoothie, passion fruit margarita, classic champagne, mousse au chocolate, pink champagne, praline hearts, salted caramel and berry delightful.  My favourites were the passion fruit margarita, the classic champagne and the carrot cake chocolate. The carrot cake chocolate had a smooth inner full of lovely dreamy chocolate. It also did actually taste of the frosting that you get on carrot cake too! The classic champagne had a decadent hit of alcohol and a fabulous flavour inside the milk chocolate outer shell. Truly divine! The passion fruit margarita was tingy, zingy and delicious with the taste of lime coming through the sweet smooth centre.

This 'Hearts and Truffles' gift box makes a super gift for a loved one on Valentine's Day or a surreptitious treat for the chocolate lovers amongst you.

Hotel Chocolat asked me if I would like to send a box to one of my friends as a Valentine's date treat and I choose my friend Linda Hobbis. I've know Linda for about 4 years, and we met online through our love of entering competitions. We met up when I ran a Welsh competition group and we still see each other now and again to catch up. What I love about Linda is her dry sense of humour. She always makes me laugh and is like a wise old owl, or should I say wise young owl! Linda runs the lifestyle blog Mother Distracted which I recommend for a great read, it really shows her great writing style and her personality shines through.

 If you are looking for a box of chocolates for Valentine's or Mothers Day, in fact any occasion, I would highly recommend Hotel Chocolat. What woman, or man for that matter could resist these super chocolates and there is plenty of choice on their website too with Valentines gifts from £2.50? Luxury chocolates of outstanding quality make a very happy recipient.

 Tell me have you tried Hotel Chocolat?
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Top Tips For Driving In The US

Driving abroad can be stressful. After all you don't want to get on the wrong side of the law or the wrong side of the road!

Myself and my husband have driven abroad on many occasions, and particularly love visiting the United States of America. The last time we visited we went on a fantastic California road trip.


      San Francisco


Los Angeles



San Diego

We drove across California from San Francisco to Napa, then LA, down to San Diego and over to Las Vegas. It was an amazing experience driving along the twisting and turning Pacific Coast Highway with it's beautiful coastline, the redwood groves of the Big Sur, the upmarket little village of Carmel where Clint Eastwood was once mayor, stopping for whale watching at Monterey Bay. It's a trip that we will never forget.


We have also driven from Orlando down to the Art Deco and happening city of Miami and then to the stunning scenic Florida Keys, finally stopping at laid back and happening Key West.

Key West

You see some sights along the way, like this giant lobster below at the side of the road.


Giant Lobster

Our next trip will take in the 'Deep South' of America from Atlanta to New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville. This area is called the Mojo Triangle - the birthplace of jazz, blues, rock n roll and country. To say I am excited is an understatement.

During our time driving in the USA we have learnt some useful information, hints and tips that we think are invaluable to those that are driving in the US for the first time. Below are some of these tips that we have learnt from driving in the US over the last 10 years. 

Top Tips For Driving In The US

1. Each state has different driving laws. Most of them though are very similar but you always should check the actual state/s driving laws before you land and with the car hire company when you pick up the car.

2. You need a full valid driving licence to drive in the US and some states will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid licence. Many car hire companies will refuse to hire to those under the age of 25 although some will if you pay a surcharge. If you live in the UK you will need to register with the DVLA for a 'licence check code' to share your details with the car hire company. This is valid for 21 days and allows them to check if you have any endorsements now that the paper part of the licence no longer exists.

3. A great tip is to ask what the total car hire charge is including all fees. You will be charged more for car seat and sat nav hire and taxes are always on top. You may also be charged more to hire/drop off a car at the airport, and if you are driving over state lines.

4. Children are kept in the back seat of a car in the appropriate car seat/restraint up to the age of 12. Check the laws on the type of car seat required for children before you go as it varies from state to state.

5. A tip we have learnt for driving anywhere is to carefully inspect the car before you hire it and when you return it. It is useful to take photos or a video on your camera/smartphone for evidence.

6. Hiring a SatNav from your car hire company can be expensive. Consider renting a SatNav from eBay with preloaded US maps or buying one from Walmart when you are there, that you can sell on or keep if you plan to visit the USA again. Alternatively, download the free Navmii smart navigation and travel app to your phone.

7. Most gasoline (petrol) stations require you to pay before you fill up and this often means a trip to the attendant in the kiosk as many UK credit or debit cards don't work at the pump. When you hire the car there are two options to return the car empty and to return the car full, so don't forget to fill up if you have picked the second option.

8. In the USA they drive on the right and you generally keep right. Roads are wide, often with a number of lanes. Speed limits vary according to state with urban or rural roads being different and the maximum speed limit on a freeway (motorway) is anything from 65 to 80 MPH. Near schools, the speed limit is usually 20 MPH and if you see a school bus with flashing lights you should stop in both directions. Some states require headlights when it is raining. 

9. In urban areas you will see HOV on the road - these are for High Occupancy Vehicles or carpool lanes. If you have multiple passengers in the car you can take these quicker lanes to help bypass traffic.

10. Making right turns on red signals after stopping and ensuring the path is clear, is allowed in most states unless there is a specific restriction posted at the intersection, or the traffic lights show a red arrow in place of the standard red light. In New York, they will not allow you to go right on red.

So here are my tops tips for driving in the US. For more top tips check out the best travel tips from Around The World travels. 

 I have done my utmost to make sure this information is correct but I would always advise you to check for up-to-date information on driving abroad before you go as advice can change.

For more information about driving abroad and driving etiquette including the do's and don't and the little eccentricities peculiar to that country check out this useful interactive graphic here.

Tell me, have you ever driven in the USA? Would you give it a go?

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All Boxed Up - Beauty Box Review

Beauty offer company All Boxed Up offers beauty boxes at great prices. I was offered the chance to review the latest box which is full of full priced items.

This beauty box has over £113 worth of products for only £19.99 including postage and package. You choose the box on their website so you see exactly what products you will receive and pay for before you get it. Perfect for me as I am not a fan of surprises.


 When the products arrived, in the New Year New You package, immediately I was struck with the big beauty names, especially Cowshed and Sanctuary Spa. I am a big fan of Cowshed products, and I remember the time I stayed at the Dean Street Townhouse where they used Cowshed products in their bathroom. I was very impressed with this, especially when I smelt how wonderful they are!

 So let me tell you about this beauty box. Firstly when the products arrive they come in a no nonsense cardboard box. This is to keep the cost down and pass on all the savings to you, the buyer.  Most if not all of the products on the website are full sized products. This is certainly different to other beauty boxes I have seen in the past, and a welcome perk.

 This box contained the following items below.
Percy and Reed Lovingly Light Foaming Treatment Mask 150ml £20 RRP and 
Cowshed Wild Cow Invigorating Body Lotion 300ml £20 RRP

Now let's start with the Percy and Reed Lovingly Foaming Treatment Mask. This is a foaming mask that you apply like a mousse to freshly washed hair. You comb it in and leave it for between 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse. It is formulated for fine flat and dry hair. My hair is fine and flat and dry on the ends so I was excited to try it. I have to admit I was disappointed. I applied it to my hair but not my roots, but it just made my hair look greasy. One good thing is that it didn't weigh the hair down, however I didn't feel it conditioned it either.  Now every person's hair is different so it could work for your hair but this product wasn't for me.

The Cowshed Wild Invigorating Body Lotion is packed with essential oils to wake you up, invigorate and moisturise. With essential oils of lemongrass, ginger and rosemary it had a warm smell, that was long lasting. In one way it reminded me of the smell of a really lovely spicy Thai dish. It is certainly a smell that will wake you up in the morning and the added benefit of Cowshed products is that they contain no parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates or artificial colours and are suitable for vegetarians too.

 Sanctuary Spa Luxury Bath Float 300ml £10 RRP and Timebomb Derm Warfare Night Serum 30ml £38 RRP

Sanctuary Spa are a well known brand that offers a range of skin and body products based on what they use in their Covent Garden spa. The products are mid range luxury products but I feel at an affordable price. This gentle smelling Sanctuary Spa Luxury Bath Float left a lingering smell on the skin. Especially formulated to make you sleep the fragrance is made of Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, and Patchouli. I was pleasantly pleased that this didn't smell overpowering. Add to running water, and the bubbles will help you relax and reduce tension and stress. A very nice bath product that I can see would certainly help you to relax. Almost all relaxing products these days seem to have lavender in and I can categorically say there is no lavender here!

The Timebomb Derm Warfare night serum is a brand I hadn't heard of before but when I realised that the company's brand ambassador is Lulu then I was eager to try it, after all she has the most amazing skin, don't you think? This product is priced at £33 normally so a definite luxury product. You apply this product at night to clean skin avoiding the eye area and it helps to make your skin radiate by removing dead skin cells. The product has a very slight tingle when applied and I was concerned it may irritate my sensitive skin but it didn't at all. I am looking forward to seeing the effects of this product over the next month. The only thing I could say which is slightly negative is that I feel they could work on the fragrance or even make it fragrance free.

Pecksniffs Dry Body Oil 100ml £25 RRP

The Pecksniffs dry body oil is a product enriched with argan oil and smells of sandalwood and vanilla. I think it is a unisex fragrance that both men and women could use. Although it is a dry body oil, it certainly doesn't feel greasy on the skin and it absorbs well. I didn't feel it was a 'heavy duty' moisturising product, so it was perfect for my combination skin.

 As you can see this beauty box is excellent value for the price and perfect for adventurous beauty lovers everywhere. Even if you don't like all the products you will still save a huge amount of money on the recommended retail price of these items and you get to try new items and new brands too. If you don't like anything, you can always gift the item to a friend or relative. All offers are 'one offs' and once they are gone they are gone.

 I'm going to be checking this website every month for their new beauty boxes. In my opinion, this beauty box by All Boxed Up is highly recommended.
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What Can We Do To Stop Our Homes Flooding

The weather in the UK in the last few months has been wet, windy and depressing. It feels like we have have had constant rain since November and I can barely remember the last sunny day. As Storm Gertrude batters Wales, with roads closed and winds of up to 80 miles per hour many householders are again worried about weather and flood damage. It only seems like yesterday that Storm Abigail caused chaos to those in the North of England and just before Christmas too.

Seeing the devastation the floods have caused, has made many people try to apportion blame and question things. Could the government do more to help? Is climate change to blame? How can home owners take action to prevent their homes become flooded in the future?
Copyright: gemphoto Shutterstock

Government Help

David Cameron has called for more to happen to prevent future flooding and some people may say this is too little too late, but I feel as least something is finally happening. I wonder though where the councils will find money for improved flood defences, as it has to come from somewhere. Will it come from education, or the NHS, is a question that has to be asked, and if so will party of these services become neglected? 

As well as investing in engineered flood defences I hope the  government will be forward thinking and invest in natural flood defences too.  Investing in wilder landscapes and natural flood defences in urban and country areas can go a long way to prevent flooding.  Habitats such as upland bogs and moors, woodlands, wetlands and species-rich grasslands act as giant sponges, absorbing and holding water and slowing down water runs into rivers. Planting trees can also help defend against flooding. I hope this natural way of help preventing floods will be the way forward in the future.

Climate Change

According to the World Wildlife Fund, major floods that used to happen only once in 100 years now take place every 10 or 20 years. Weather patterns that people were used to for hundreds and thousands of years are changing gradually – and it is unlikely they will return to normal.  Whilst scientists research whether or not we can really reverse climate change, homeowners need to come to terms with the fact that this may not happen in their lifetime. It's not something that the average person can have any control over and that can give you a feeling of helplessness.

Home Owner Action
Flooding can cause real devastation

Copyright: SpeedKingz Shutterstock

Well all is said and done there are some things that home owners can do to help themselves in this situation and take some control. Firstly when buying or renting a home, do some research to see if the prospective house is in a flood plain area. The environment agency provides an online postcode search for England and Wales, enabling people to find out if the area they live in is at risk of flooding. If you do move into a home in this type of area be sure to take out insurance and check what it covers if you are flooded. 

Recently a survey by Simpson and Millar  asked 500 people what they thought of the recent flooding and examined the human impact. Whilst 62% of people thought that the damage seen could not have been avoided, 74% thought that the government could have done more to help.

Lisa Gibbs, partner and head of Conveyancing offers some good advice.

"  When you purchase a new house, searches are undertaken which include an environmental search report which will report on historical flooding in the area. It's important that all buyers ensure that they instruct their solicitors to carry out these searches; the cost is relatively low in comparison with the potential risk".

Buying property is an expensive business, and is makes sense that before buying a property the prospective homeowner assesses the potential flood risk. This may have implications on insurance and may even be a contributing factor in not buying the property at all.

If you do unfortunately own or rent property that is at risk of flooding, you can take precautions to minimise the risk. The Home Owners Alliance suggest measures such as moving electrical sockets higher so they are less likely to be damaged by low level flooding, replacing wooden floors and carpets with concrete with a damp proof membrane and laying ceramic tiles, and raising household appliances and entertainment systems well above flood level. 

In conclusion, I hope these pointers have helped you consider the risk of buying or renting a home in a potential flood plain and I sincerely hope that it doesn't happen to you or people you know.

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How To Find A Good Quality Tradesperson

When hiring a tradesperson to perform remodelling services, who exactly should you hire is one question that will be at the front of your mind. It is imperative that any tradesperson you hire is experienced, is fully licensed, and can present you with all required certifications to perform the services in your home. But, this is only the beginning. If you are looking to hire the top people and avoid remodelling disasters, these are some of the best places and ways to go about hiring these top local experts.


Copyright: Monkey Business Images Shutterstock

Use Online Sites 

 There are several online sites which will help you find a local tradesperson. myjobquote.co.uk and ratedpeople.com are two of the many sites you can visit to compare local experts. In addition to only showing you locals who are licensed to perform services they will also help you find specialised experts as well. So, whether remodelling the bathroom, the kitchen, or other rooms of the home, or whether you are looking for a plumber, plasterer, roofer or builder you can narrow down the search to find qualified experts in that particular line or trade.

Rely On Locals  

 You can never go wrong with word of mouth referrals. More often than not this is a trusted way, and has been for years, to finding the best local tradespeople. If you know a friend or family member who recently remodelled their home, enquire about their experience and ask who was hired. If you know anyone who had a poor experience with services, find out who they hired too and avoid them! The more you compare, ask around, and learn about local experts the easier it will be to find the tradesperson you need.

Use Online Services 

 Online referral sites, review sites, and forum based sites will also steer you in the right direction. Since you can read unbiased reviews posted by people who have recently hired a tradesperson and find out about their experience, this can help you narrow down the top local candidates, based on services you would like performed in your home.

There are hundreds of local tradespeople you can hire when time comes to performing remodelling work in the home. In order to know you are hiring the best person for the job, and that they are fully certified, these are some ways to go about comparing the top local experts. Furthermore, you can rely on these unbiased opinions and reviews which will give you better depth and insight about what you can expect when hiring a particular local expert.

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