How to Work Out Which Perfume is Right for You

There are many different fragrances out there. Head into any perfume shop, and you’ll notice shelf upon shelf of scents; from designer offerings to celebrity-endorsed options. Not only is it virtually impossible to know which to select, but it’s also tricky to understand the terminology. With that in mind, here are some useful tips.

Understanding perfume, and choosing the perfect one for you



  • Firstly, you’ll probably have noticed that there are all sorts of different words for perfume.
  • Perfume. If a fragrance is called a perfume, that means it’s got a high concentration of ingredients. It lasts longer than other scents, and as such, is the most expensive to buy.
  • Eau de parfum. Eau de parfum is still a high-quality product, but contains a slightly lower concentration of ingredients, so it’s a little bit cheaper.
  • Eau de toilette. This is the next level down, which means it’s more reasonably priced, but won’t last quite as long.
  • Eau de cologne. Eau de cologne is weaker still, and tends to be only splashed on to add some temporary scent.

What ingredients? 


  • Fruity aromas. If you’re in love with more natural beauty, look for perfumes with fruity notes. Plenty of fragrances are citrus-based, for example (like Neroli Portofino), and some feature apple, such as Creed Aventus. These scents are often fresh, invigorating and ideal for day-time wear.
  • Floral scents. Floral-dominant perfumes tend to be reserved for feminine fragrances (though some masculine scents use them too). Common floral ingredients tend to be lavender, rose (Velvet Rose and Oud is a great example), jasmine or violet. Coco Mademoiselle is a good example of a fragrance that uses floral notes in an updated, interesting way.
  • Exotic aromas. Exotic scents immediately take you to the Far East or Middle-East, with scents such as oud oil, sandalwood, patchouli or amber. They tend to be rich and intense, and ideal for evening wear – sites like Copycat Fragrances are good for searching for inspiration.
  • Unexpected notes. Some perfumes (especially contemporary ones) have unexpected ingredients, such as pink pepper, coconut, pineapple or vetiver (which smells quite grassy). If you’re looking for a signature scent, this could be a good option for you.

How to sample the right one


Work out if you’d rather have a fresh, fruity perfume, or something a bit more sultry and mysterious. Then, head to your nearest department store and tell them the sort of ingredients you’re looking for. A good salesperson should know their products, and thus be able to assist you. 

As it’s a treat, you should embrace the experience wholeheartedly. Take your time. Don’t, for example, try to sniff too many in quick succession, as your sense of smell will be confused! If you don’t love the idea of testing them in a shop, try ordering some sample-sized bottles from an online retailer. These often have a few applications each, providing you with the ideal chance to test them out in a range of different circumstances.

Let me know, do you have a perfume you love?

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Going Green In The Office

With such a focus on going green to help the environment in the media, it is little wonder people are looking to go green in all aspects of their life. So how can you go green in the workplace? 

I’ve been attempting to go green in every aspect of my life but sometimes I need a little guidance. When I was doing research recently into a more ecological way of life I came across Pebble magazine, a magazine about sustainable lifestyle and green living which I really enjoyed reading. I also came across research by a company called Seareach. 


Seareach, carried out a survey to find what makes your office green and which elements play an important part towards an improved workspace. These are their findings. 

Paperless – Work is stored digitally 20%
Labelled waste bins – Suitable for recycling 18%
Solar panels for electricity 14%
LED bulbs – Use less energy and more efficient 12%
Green heating 9%
Reusable bottles 7%
Bike facilities 6%
Electric car charging points 6%
Motion-triggered lights 5%
Plants and natural light 3%

So how have I gone green in the workplace? Like 20% of offices, I’ve gone paperless and chosen to store my paperwork digitally. It is very rare that I need to use paper but even if I do, I scan it in and save it digitally for the future. I then back up important documents on an external hard drive as well as Cloud storage.


We have also installed LED bulbs where possible - did you know the energy consumption of LED lights can be up to a 75% saving, compared to halogen bulbs? Although LED bulbs are more expensive initially to buy they use less energy and are cost-effective in the long run.

As my workspace is in my house, I don’t have the need for labelled recycling waste bins as it is only the three of us but I can definitely see the need for them in a large office - it certainly encourages staff to recycle.

Another way we’ve tried to go green, both in and out of our workspace, is by using reusable water bottles. We take them everywhere, filling them up wherever we can, rather than buying bottled water. Bottled water is expensive compared to tap water and I would only use bottled water in a country where the tap water was not safe.


Something I really wish to install is solar panels - these are great for the environment as they allow you to have lighting and run lower power appliances. There are many houses and businesses in my area who have made the move so it is definitely something I feel the need to move towards as I go greener in my day to day life.

The final way I’ve been going green in my office which also features in the survey is plants and natural light. I always like having plants in my office and around the rest of my home. Not only do they look good but they also help oxygenate the office - a double whammy! I’ve made sure I have plenty of natural light in my office too - I find plenty of natural light makes me feel more motivated to work.


I know I’ve still got a way to go when it comes to going green in the workplace, and in fact, my life. By reducing my energy consumption and moving towards digitally storing my paperwork, I know I’m slowly but surely getting there. How are you going green in your workplace? Do you have any things set up to help reduce and reuse?

By contributing little by little every day, we can all do our part towards creating a healthier environment. 

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Why We Love Traditional Watches In The Digital Age

Watches have come a long way since they evolved from spring-driven clocks in the 16th century to the classic and technologically advanced timepieces we know today. We have had the pocket watch, the wristwatch and the smartwatch and with the advent of the latter many thought the traditional watch would go out of fashion, but that is not the case, read on to find out why.

The history of the watch


Thought to be invented by German watchmaker Peter Henlein in Nuremberg in 1505, the first watch was a portable pomander watch designed to be worn on the body with a chain as a necklace. Henlein started a trend and pomander watches, which kept time with only an hour hand, and were made of drum-shaped cylindrical brass boxes became popular.
These portable watches were made possible by the invention of the mainspring, and kept time with the rotating balance wheel. 


Styles changed and in the 17th century, the pocket watch became popular. This made the watches flatter in style and smaller so they could fit in a pocket, and glass was used on the watch face so the time could be read easily. A watch fob attached the watch to the pocket by use of a chain or ribbon. Up to this day, pocket watches are still being made by makers such as Dalvey.

The first wristwatch is thought to be designed by Robert Dudley for Elizabeth 1 of England in 1571 and wristwatches were worn almost exclusively by women when men used pocket watches.  Most watchmakers produced a range of wristwatches by the mid 19th century but it wasn't until the end of the 19th century that military men wore wristwatches to help with synchronising manoeuvres. 


The watch continued to evolve with a notable point being the invention of the quartz watch in the 1960s, which ran on electricity and kept time with a vibrating quartz crystal. During the 1980s quartz watches took over the market from mechanical watches.


Today many of us have smartwatches that have the power on a small computer on our wrist, able to connect to social media, track our exercise, play music and more but there are plenty of us who still covet a traditional wristwatch.

Why we love traditional watches


Of course, a simple traditional wristwatch is a classic item that can do one thing well - tell the time at a glance and many people like that simplicity, but it is also a style statement. Fashion watches with different colour faces and straps can be matched to our clothes, the weather and even the seasons. 

 When we get to more expensive luxury Swiss made watches they have many fans for a variety of reasons. We love the tradition, the craftsmanship, the heritage, the status and the nostalgia. In a world where everything evolves these traditionally made watches stand the test of time! 

The crafting of a luxury watch like a Breitling is a skill that has been learnt throughout years of training, and years of hands-on experience and watchmakers are true artisans. Handmade automatic and mechanical movements last decades. These very best watches have durability and longevity that you don't get these days with many things.  We love the nostalgia of them, how they are made by craftsmen and how precise they are. 

There is a certain status observed with a luxury traditionally made watch, and many people aspire to own a luxury watch such as a Breitling, a Rolex or an Omega. These are watches for big life events, a 21st, a 40th, retirement. These watches are also precious items, handed down over generations to pass on to their children. They are a way to stay connected to our loved ones even after our death. 

Another part of the appeal is the association with sport and a glamorous lifestyle. You only have to look at watches being marketed with film stars and sports stars as ambassadors.  Although men do wear jewellery a watch can be seen as a more acceptable item of adornment to wear as well. Men love the nerdy features of watches too and the more complicated it looks the better for most men, and you don't have to be a pilot to wear a pilot's watch.

A collection of luxury watches or a collection of any type of watch is coveted and enjoyed by many people. Men, in particular, appreciate watches as an accessory and love collecting luxury watches. taking care of them, protecting them in watch cases by The Case Farm, and servicing them regularly. The pleasure of looking after a traditional watch like this cannot be ignored.

As you can see we love traditional watches as much as ever. Let me know, do you have a traditional watch? Do you covert a luxury watch?

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5 Surprising Ways to Invalidate Your Travel Insurance

One of the greatest pleasures in life is travelling. There are several important things to prepare before travelling such as visas, itineraries, passports, accommodations, and all other trip details. One important aspect of travelling is travel insurance. There are a number of travel insurance policies available in the market today. The best travel insurance coverage will give you peace of mind, ensuring that you are protected and safe while on a trip. 


One thing that you don’t want to happen is to have void travel insurance. First time and frequent travellers sometimes overlook travel insurance claims that are invalid. How does this happen? In order to avoid these mistakes, here is a list of 5 surprising ways to invalidate your travel insurance: 

When you have a pre-existing medical condition that you fail to declare

One of the major questions that travel insurance companies ask is if you have pre-existing medical conditions. If you fail to disclose existing illnesses or medical conditions, it may invalidate your travel insurance claim. Your policy will cover unexpected medical expenses that incur while you are travelling, but it will not cover pre-existing conditions. You should also not travel when your personal physician advises against it. If you decide to ignore your doctor’s advice and still go on a trip, you will not be covered for medical expenses incurred as a result of a previously diagnosed health condition. 

When you participate in reckless or illegal behaviour

This seems pretty obvious: your travel insurance will not cover any claim that is a result of fraudulent or illegal actions while travelling. Your travel insurance will also not cover behaviour that arises from irresponsible or thoughtless actions such as ignoring rules or going to unrestricted places. 

When you fail to provide proper documentation

As a traveller, it is your responsibility to provide all the proper documentation needed for your trip. If you lack proper documentation and it results in a delayed or missed trip, you cannot reimburse expenses incurred. 

When you go to places that are dangerous

You will have void travel insurance if you decide to go to places that are deemed dangerous for travellers to go to. The World Health Organization (WHO) and your government usually give travel advice and have a list of places that are deemed dangerous to go to because of armed conflict or the presence of contagious diseases.

When you participate in extreme sports and dangerous activities

Most standard travel insurance policies do not include coverage for extreme sports and dangerous activities. However, if you pay an additional premium, you may be covered for such activities like skydiving or paragliding. You can participate in dangerous activities and still get proper coverage as long as you pay an additional premium.

In order to make sure that your travel insurance claim is not invalidated, make sure that you watch out for these things. You also need to read your policy thoroughly in order to know what is covered and what is excluded.

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Are Your Car Tyres Safe?

Do you know how to check if your car is fully roadworthy? Do you know how to check that your car tyres are safe and that it is okay to be driving? Here are a few tips on how you can ensure the safety of your ride.

Check The Pressure 



There is some really handy information on TyreSafe, designed to help you with what you need to know when it comes to all thing tyres. One such resource on the website is the tyre pressure checker - all you need to do is input the make, model and vehicle (engine type) of your car and they will let you know the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

Tyre pressure is so important as under-inflated tyres can affect handling and grip - they can also suffer from a sudden rapid deflation which is extremely dangerous, especially if you are travelling at speed at the time.

Running costs are also reduced if tyres are at their correct pressure - why wouldn’t you want to ensure your safety and lower running costs by checking your pressure regularly?

What Is Your Tread Depth? 


Would you know how to check the tread depth of your tyres? Not many people do! One such way is the ‘20p test’. The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm.

The 20p test is where you take a coin and put it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is obscured when inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit. If it is visible instead, then the tyres are potentially illegal and unsafe. You should always do the test around the three different locations around each tyre.

If your tread depth is correct, then the grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road so your car can function properly in wet weather. If this depth isn’t adequate, your vehicle may struggle to perform such functions and thus it isn’t as safe to be driving.

Something else to consider is the financial implications. Failure to comply with the minimum tread depth could mean a fine of up to £2,500 and up to three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Are You Safe For Winter or Summer? 


Something else to consider is the fact that your car needs to be suitable for winter driving - this often means getting some winter tyres which are specifically designed for such weather conditions. Steering, acceleration and braking are more difficult during this season as normal tyres have less grip. It is not just extreme conditions that can affect the performance of your tyres but also cold and damp roads too. 

Also, don't forget to check your tyres out before those Summer road trips as well. If your car is carrying more than usual you will need to check the tyre safety and pressure.

Use Local Garages or Suppliers 

If you are looking for the best quality tyres for your vehicle, make sure to check your local garages or suppliers. Stirling Autocentre, in Fife, is one such supplier that stocks the best quality car tyres for various car makes and models, all under one roof. You can often get decent quality tyres at affordable prices from local businesses. 

How often do you check the safety of your tyres?

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Can You Really Make A Business Work?

When you’re not naturally an entrepreneur, and you've got a great business idea, you can wonder whether you’re somebody who can go into business for yourself. Sometimes when things seem different or new to you, it can be overwhelming, and you stop yourself from doing anything. Maybe you tell yourself that you’re not experienced and that you’d never be able to make a small business work out? Maybe you look at what others are doing and you start to make comparisons? Either way, you may find that you’re letting your mind stop you from doing some really great things. 

However, you can make things happen if you really put your mind to it. In order for that to take place, there are some key steps that you might need to take and resources online for entrepreneurs who are eager to take immediate action on their business idea.

No matter what kind of experience you have, or where you are in life, you can absolutely create your own small business and make a success of it. So to help you to make that happen, let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to get things off the ground and up and running.

Getting Into The Right Frame Of Mind

First, you really need to ensure you’re in the right frame of mind. Banish negative thoughts and instead focus on the positives to ensure that you are excited about this and determined to do something special with it.

Considering Your Options

Then it’s time to think about the different options. Do you want to become a freelance writer? Do you want to create a product or offer a service? Do you want to make passive income? Do you want to open a shop? It's time to decide on your business idea and work out how to make the business work. There is free business advice out there so take it.  

Researching

The next thing that you need to do here, is research. Brainstorm different ideas, and then research if there is a gap in the market for it.  Think about how you can actually make some money with the business, and whether people are going to be interested in it or not.

Getting Started 


Getting Started

Then, you just need to start, it’s as simple as that. You can’t research forever and mull over the idea. Think about what you need to get set up, start working on a list of what you need and then focus on getting the finances together. As you progress, you may find it beneficial to seek the services of a company formation specialist to guide you through the legal requirements and paperwork. Your Company Formations Ltd, for instance, can assist with the incorporation process and ensure that your business is set up correctly from the start.

With regards to finance, consider bank funding in the form of a business loan with favourable terms. Make sure to mull over your options before jumping the gun with the first quote you receive.

Putting The Work In

Now, a lot of people believe that there’s a secret to success - that successful entrepreneurs know the secrets, and they don’t share, but that’s not the case. The main secret is that you need to work hard. You also need to be extremely focused on the business, be a quick learner on how to promote it and also look for a gap in the market. If you put the work in, and you’re able to dedicate yourself and commit to making this work, then you will find that things start to take off quicker than you could imagine.

Believing In Yourself

If you’re going to be able to make this work and actually allow yourself to blossom in business, then you really do need to believe in yourself. Other people believing in the idea can help too, get support from others and people around you as well.

Deciding What You Want To Earn 

The next thing that you’re going to want to do here, is to understand how much the business will make.  For this, do some research into the business ideas that you’re looking at, such as a Crossfit coach salary UK or the top earnings you can make for freelance writing, from selling your products or service and working out how you’re going to generate that income.

Setting Goals

Then, for you to help grow and get to where you want to be, you need to make sure that you’re setting goals for yourself. Do you want to turn over a set amount? Do you want to sell a certain number of products? Are you looking to expand in the future and open more than one store? Think about your goals, and then work out how you’re going to get there.

To make this process more effective, consider using a strategic planning tactics guide to outline your objectives and map out a clear path to achieving them. Breaking your goals into smaller, actionable steps not only makes them more manageable but also ensures that you stay on track as your business grows. This kind of planning can be a game-changer when you’re juggling multiple priorities and trying to stay focused.

Getting To Know Your Customer

The next thing that’s going to help you here, is for you to think about getting to know your customers a little better because if you’re going to be able to grow your company, you have to make the right decisions based on their needs. Look a how you can serve them better, and ask them! Send out surveys, encourage them to sign up to email lists, and question them in-store. It’s important for you to be able to take the time to get to know them and ensure that you’re always adding value to what you do.

Growing On Your Terms

Finally, grow on your own terms. Sometimes, it’s easy to think that you should be doing things in a certain way. Maybe you feel as if you should run a business as your friends do, or in a way that looks the best to the outside world but it's your business so do it your way. So stay true to your company, be consistent, and make sure that you do grow on your own terms. 

 Have you a great business idea? Do you own your own business? 

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