If you spend a lot of time at your desk, whether it’s in the office or at home, then you’ll know how important it is to keep items on your desk that allows you to stay focused, motivated and productive. Having the right set up is vital not only for your productivity, but also for your wellbeing. Your workspace can affect your mood, so make sure you have a comfortable, adjustable chair and a suitable, spacious desk to ensure your workspace creates positivity. For all your office furniture requirements, visit www.furniture-work.co.uk for a range of office chairs and desks.

So what items can you keep on your desk to help you stay focused and driven? While everyone’s answer will be different as a workspace is unique to the owner, there are certain items you can have which will help your productivity.

Plants

Plants are a great addition to any desk if you’re looking to increase productivity. Research shows that bringing nature into the workplace can help reduce stress whilst increasing creativity and focus. Plants such as peace lilies, snake plants and pothos make ideal desk plants as they are low maintenance and don’t require as much sunlight.

Photos

Having photos of loved ones on your desk is a great way to generate positive thoughts, as these will act as a reminder of happy memories. Work can be stressful sometimes, and it’s easy to get frustrated throughout the day but the photos on your desk will be a gentle reminder to try and stay calm and positive and this will help you push on with your work.

Clip on fan/desk heater

If you work in an office you will know all about the air con wars that occur on a daily basis. If the temperature is too hot or too cold then this can make you feel uncomfortable and unhappy, and will therefore make you less productive. Consider a clip on fan if you get too hot. If you find yourself always reaching for an extra layer, you can buy desk heaters.

Desk tidy

Although you may not realise it, a tidy desk can have a huge impact on how productive you are at work. If your desk is cluttered, it can leave you distracted and struggling to complete your tasks. To ensure your productivity levels remain high, clear away any papers you don’t need and stay organised with a desk tidy that can hold your papers, pens and stationery.

These are just some items you should keep on your desk to help you stay focused and productive. If you have any tips you would like to share, join in the conversation using the hashtag #MyDeskStory.

Are you constantly left with a suffering bank account by the end of the month? Or are you hoping to meet certain financial goals but don’t have the means to do so? It can be tough managing your money, and it’s so easy to splurge on accidental impulse buys or lose track of your monthly outgoings. If you want to learn how to be better with your money, take a look at these top tips.

Save

There are no two ways about it. If you want to be smarter with your money, you need to start saving. Saving money aside in a separate bank account each month will help you get to grips with your finances and generate a rainy-day fund. A rainy-day fund is a sum of money that can be used in emergency situations when you need a bit of financial help. Whether you unexpectedly lose your job or need to pay for a costly maintenance repair, it’s always a good idea to keep some savings aside. This should ideally contain enough money to cover at least three months of bills and other essential outgoings, which is why it’s so important to start saving as soon as you can.

Budget

Budgeting is a great way to monitor your monthly income and make sure you don’t spend your money too quickly. This involves taking some time to create a plan each month on what you’re going to do with your money. One of the easiest and most effective budgeting methods is the 50/30/20 method. With this, you split your monthly income into three categories — your ‘needs’, your ‘wants’, and your savings. ‘Needs’ comes under things like rent, energy, water, food, transport and other essential bills and costs, which should go towards 50 per cent of your overall monthly income. Then, ‘wants’ is 30 per cent of your monthly income set aside for treats, splurges and social spending. 20 per cent of your income then goes on your savings. This might leave you with less expendable income than you’d like, but if so, it’s a good opportunity to look at ways you can cut your spending. Whether that’s making your own coffee rather than buying takeout, or shopping in a cheaper supermarket than usual, there are plenty of ways to cut your costs for better money management.

Invest

One of the best ways to boost your finances so that you have more money to spend or save each month is by investing. There is a range of investment types you could go for, but property investment remains one of the most popular and often the most lucrative option. Of course, this can depend on the area you invest in and the type of investment you choose. Companies like RW Invest offer property investment opportunities in prime UK areas like Liverpool and Manchester, with high rental returns of up to 7 or 8 per cent. Investing in buy to let property in these cities gives the chance to earn rental income each month, but also generate a large return on your investment when you decide to sell thanks to high property price growth. If you do decide to invest, make sure you’re in a good place financially to do so, and fully research all aspects of the investment process.

If you’re looking for tips on how to safely drive during winter, simply check out this video and continue reading to discover 6 valuable tips, that you’ll find useful when winter arrives!

 Valuable tips on driving in the winter months:

1. Seriously consider purchasing winter tyres

While you may be tempted to drive in winter without equipping winter tyres, doing so would be a huge mistake as regular tyres don’t provide enough grip to drive on wet, ice or snow covered roads.

Why do you need more grip to control your car in winter conditions? In wet wintery conditions, your car is far more likely to slide around, which is extremely dangerous as if you’re not about to control your car, you may end up sliding into a barrier or another car.

One activity which is particularly dangerous whilst driving in winter is turning around sharp corners, as your tyres need plenty of grip, when your car is making a sharp turn on an unreliable, slippery wet or icy surface.

So if you want to feel confident driving in winter conditions, it’s well worth purchasing a full set of winter tyres, which you’ll be able to fit onto your car, when winter approaches.

2. Make sure that your headlights work properly

As the sun goes down earlier in winter and it often can get dark before 5pm, so it’s crucial that your headlights work properly, so that you’ll be able to safely drive in dark areas. That may not be well lit up by street lights. As while most inner city areas will be adequately lit up at night, in the suburbs and out in more remote areas, working street lights may not be as prevalent.

3. Make sure that you follow other cars from a safe distance

Another way to ensure that you keep safe on the roads, during winter is to make sure to follow other cars from a safe distance. That will allow you to bring your car to a complete stop, in the event of an unexpected emergency, without bumping into or crashing into the car in-front of you. This is also important in case your breaks fail in which case you would need replacement brakes.

If a car follows your car too closely, flash your lights twice quickly, to remind the car behind you to slow down and to create a safe following distance between your two cars. As sometimes other individuals may be unaware that they’re following your car too closely.

4. Make sure that you have an emergency kit in the back of your car

It’s also a great idea to keep an emergency kit in the back of your car, so that you’ll be well prepared in any scenario.

5. If you plan on driving in the snow, make sure to travel with snow chains in the back of your car

If you travel in snowy areas in winter or live in a city where it snows, it’s a wise idea to travel with snow chains. Which are required in scenarios where you plan on driving up steep hills in the snow.

6. Make sure to check your tyres for punctures

Also make sure to check your tyres for punctures, as it’s extremely dangerous to drive with punctures in your tyres

So there you have it six valuable tips on safely driving during winter. That are well worth keeping in mind, when winter arrives!

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The nose is the most prominent feature of the face, which makes sense since it literally sits right in the middle of it. When we met someone for the first time, the facial feature that draws their attention most is the nose. It may be hard to admit, but a large or poorly shaped nose is noticed right off the bat.

For this reason, tons of Americans have invested in a rhinoplasty procedure, which you might also know as a nose job. There is no shame in wanting a nose that is appealing to the eye. Luckily, that is a possibility for anyone, even if you were born with a less-than-perfect nose.

Wanting to learn more about this type of cosmetic surgery? Read this beginner’s guide to a rhinoplasty procedure.

What is a rhinoplasty?

As we mentioned before, a rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is meant to alter the nose. Not only can it help with the shape and appearance, but it can also significantly improve the way the nose works. You can opt for a rhinoplasty for either cosmetic reasons of the overall functionality.

What is the first step in getting started?

With any rhinoplasty procedure you will be required to set up an initial consultation with the surgeon. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know the surgeon performing the procedure and also learning about the steps involved. During this time the surgeon will examine you (your nose specifically) and determine the best treatment route.

Always ask as many questions as possible during this time. This will allow you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to go ahead with the procedure. Never go through with a rhinoplasty if you don’t feel comfortable with the surgeon. Not only should you feel confident in the surgeon’s qualifications, but also with the overall vibe of the facility.

What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty procedure?

The main benefit of getting nose job is a major boost in confidence. Having an unsightly nose can significantly affect how you feel about your overall appearance. Like it or not, appearance plays a huge role in our confidence. When we don’t feel good about the way we look, it is hard to feel confident.

The second major benefit of a rhinoplasty procedure is the improved functioning of the nose. If you are having issues breathing, your general practitioner might suggest a nose job. In situations like these, this procedure can actually do the trick. It will improve the way your nose works, which in turn can improve your overall quality of life.

What is the average cost of a rhinoplasty?

The cost of your rhinoplasty depends on the state you live in as well as the surgical center you choose. On average, a nose job costs around $5,125 (as of 2017 statistics). If you live in a city with a higher cost of living – like Manhattan or Los Angeles – chances are it will cost you a bit more.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Your home is a place of comfort. You look forward to it after a long day at work, and even after vacation, there is nothing quite like the feeling of lying on your bed or on your couch. Now, if you had the option to transform your space into one that is more eco-friendly, wouldn’t you take it?

Everyone has a part to play in reducing their carbon footprint, and the actions that you take will not only affect you but those around you. It will affect future generations, and that includes your loved one’s future.

Thus, here are a few ways you can make your home more environmentally friendly.

Energy efficient appliances

Whether it’s your fridge, toilet, the toaster, your washing machine or some other appliance, you can always opt to purchase one that uses less energy and that is more eco-friendly. You should also unplug appliances such as kettles and toasters because even when turned off at the switch, they will still take electricity.

This is one of the first steps you can take to make your home space more sustainable.

Adding more plants to the space

Plants can improve people’s health, and you can never have too many of them. Plant more trees outside and even add some more potted plants inside your home, as this improves the aesthetics of your space and benefits the environment at the same time.

Saving water

What are the ways in which you save water at the moment? For instance, do you turn off the tap while you are brushing your teeth? Do you line dry your clothes rather than throw them in the dryer? How long are your showers?

The steps that you take in order to conserve water shouldn’t seem like a chore, but rather they are simple and efficient approaches to helping the environment in some shape or form.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

It is paramount that you follow the 3 R’s and that you reduce, reuse, and recycle. Ensure that your home has different bins depending on the garbage that you need to throw out. You can moreover make a point of reducing the amount of garbage you throw out in the first place.

Solar powered systems

Why not turn to solar power for a means of light? This will not only cut back on your energy bill, but it will also benefit the environment. It is a renewable energy source that also does not require a lot of maintenance on your part once it is properly set up.

You can learn more about home solar systems on www.goingsolar.com.

Get an energy audit

You can get a professional to come into your home and check what areas you can improve and make more eco-friendly. This is known as getting a home energy audit, and it doesn’t require a lot of effort on your part. The good news is that it’s a great opportunity for you to find out what current appliances are using an excessive amount of energy.

At the end of the day, there is only one planet that can sustain life. Everyone has a part to play in bettering the environment, and even small habits, like turning off the lights after you are no longer using a room, can make a difference. Start small, and slowly start to become more sustainable with time.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

What makes the Pacific Northwest great? Being a short drive away to beautiful forests, mountains, and the coast. Great coffee. Arts and culture.

And of course, all of our beautiful trees.

But the rainy weather that helps all of these trees flourish can also harm them as it provides the perfect climate for fungi that live inside of tree trunks and slowly decays the wood.

You love the trees in your yard and don’t want to lose any of them to tree rot, so what can you do to prevent it from happening? Let’s start with the basics.

What is Tree Rot?

Tree rot is caused by fungi entering a tree through exposed areas in the bark. These areas are weaker than places where the trunk is protected by undamaged bark. Once fungi enter into the tree, they reproduce within the center of the trunk, damaging the heartwood, which is the central part of the trunk.

Heartwood provides much of the stability and structure of a tree, especially mature trees. So when fungi break that wood down, the tree will become unstable and weak from the inside out. Over time, affected trees and branches may even fall.

This can cause damage to anything in the falling tree or branch’s path; your other trees, your property, and your family.

This is definitely something you want to be aware of so you can try and prevent it from happening with your own trees.

How to Detect Tree Rot

Since fungal rot happens from the inside out, it can be hard to tell just by looking at your tree that there’s something wrong. A tree that is suffering from decay can look perfectly healthy at first glance.

Still, there are some signs you can look for.

The most obvious visible sign is “conks” or mushroom growths appearing on the outside of the tree’s trunk or branches. When these start appearing, it is a sign that there is a lot of decay inside the tree as conks feed off of rotting wood. In this case, you should contact an arborist as your tree could pose a safety hazard.

You can also look for openings and holes in your tree. Since fungi get in through exposed wood that is not covered by bark, identifying problem spots can help you monitor your trees and keep them safe.

Insects like termites and carpenter ants are also drawn to rotting wood and may be present around your trees.

Also, know that all kinds of trees can be affected. While some trees are more resistant, like some species of conifer, no species is completely immune to rot.

How do I Prevent Tree Rot?

Prevention is the most important step to making sure your trees don’t get fungi in the first place. If none of your trees are currently affected, great! It is essential to make sure they stay this way.

Once one tree on your property is affected, the rest are more easily affected because fungi can spread through the soil to neighboring trees. It’s difficult to remove fungal spores completely from the soil once they’re present, so prevention is very important.

One easy thing you can do is make sure your trees are getting the proper amount of water. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get a lot of moisture. You need to make sure that your trees are not getting too much water as this can encourage fungal growth. Of course, don’t overcompensate and not water your trees enough.

As well, make sure your trees are being properly pruned. Cut off excess branches neatly to minimize the amount of damage done to the tree. When the wood of a tree is exposed, it allows for an entrance to fungi, so make sure that you are keeping wounds in the trunk as small as possible. Getting a professional to help prune your trees guarantees that you won’t accidentally cause damage.

If you have young trees in your yard, it’s a good idea to work with them while they’re still growing rapidly. By shaping them early in their lives, it will be less likely that you’ll have to do significant branch removal in the future.

This is important because young trees are less susceptible to structural damage from rot. Because young trees are still growing, any damage from rot will be contained and the structure of the tree will not be compromised as much. But older trees that get heart rot are more likely to suffer structural damage and collapse.

The older a tree is, the more vulnerable it is to storm damage. While serious storms do not frequently happen in the Pacific Northwest, sometimes we do get heavy winds that cause breakage. If a storm has damaged your trees, remove any broken branches and trim as necessary to help your tree recover.

On top of this, check your trees every year or so to look for signs of rot, and to make sure your trees’ new growth is properly supported by existing structures.

What if I Suspect My Tree is Rotting?

While prevention is the best thing you can do, sometimes your trees still develop a rot problem.

Before doing anything, be sure to call a professional arborist to assess your situation. They will be well-trained to assess the extent of the damage to your tree. Since tree rot can be largely invisible, it can be hard to tell how damaged your tree is, especially if you’re not well-versed in trees or have never had experience with this problem before.

If the damage has not spread very far, it might be possible to save your tree. But if the rot has spread too much, it may be better to remove the tree to prevent damage to your other trees and property.

Contact a reputable tree service company to have an experienced professional help you make the correct evaluation and safely remove any hazardous trees.

Join the discussion on this topic with One and Co by visiting our contact page.

If you’re heard your friends or family members rave about how massage therapy has positively impacted their lives, and are looking for the best massage sydney cbd has to offer it’s well worth continuing reading to discover a few of the key benefits of massage therapy and why you should book a massage.

Some of the benefits of massage therapy:

1. A great massage will soothe your mind not just your body

One of the reasons why so many individuals enjoy getting regular massages is that when you lie down on a massage table, you’ll be able to let your mind drift off and relax whilst you’re enjoying your massage. So if you frequently feel stressed out, over worked and tired and find it difficult to relax, it’s well worth booking regular full body massages.

2. You’ll sleep like a baby after enjoying a massage therapy treatment

Even if you don’t manage to fall asleep during your massage treatment when you get home, your muscles and your body will be so relaxed that you won’t have any difficulty falling asleep. Better yet, you should find that you’ll sleep throughout the night, without waking up, after enjoying a relaxing, rejuvenating massage.

3. Your massage therapist will be able to work on areas of your body which are strained or tight

If you often suffer from aches and pains as a result of sitting at a computer desk all day or pushing yourself through daily gruelling workouts, you’re in luck as your massage therapist will be able to work on the parts of your body which feel strained. As an example if you have a knot in your shoulder, your massage therapist will be able to work the knot out of your shoulder, so that you feel as good as new again.

4. You’ll be able to work out to the best of your ability

If you get regular massages, your body will be free from aches and strains for most of the time, with will allow you to give your all to your workouts without having to worry about working out with nasty strains or injuries. As if you try to work out with strains or pain, all you’ll do is further antagonise your injury. Which may mean that you have to put off working out for longer. So if you hate missing out on your workouts, it’s a great idea to get regular massages.

5. You’ll get to spend quality time by yourself

While you will be in a room with your massage therapist, you won’t be expected to keep a conversation going and will be encouraged to rest and relax and to spend a bit of quality time by yourself.

So if you often feel burnt out by dealing with your friends, family members and colleagues on an everyday basis and find it extremely difficult to enjoy 30 minutes to an hour by yourself, you may find the well deserved break which you’re looking for by booking regular sessions with a qualified massage therapist.

So if you like the sound of some of the health benefits associated with undergoing massage therapy, it’s well worth booking a session for yourself today.

If you’re seriously considering going under the knife in order to get the breasts of your dreams, continue reading to discover some of the key benefits of choosing to undergo a breast augmentation treatment.

A few of the benefits of breast augmentation:

1. Your confidence will increase as a direct result of undergoing a breast augmentation procedure

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with having smaller breasts, if you’ve looked in the mirror for years and wished that you had slightly larger breasts, you may well find that if you choose to undergo breast augmentation that you’ll start to feel more confident in your body.

So if you’d love to be able to strut down the feet and feel confident and attractive, you may want to seriously consider undergoing a breast augmentation procedure. As in today’s day and age you won’t have any trouble finding a surgeon who’ll be able to give you the perky, natural looking breasts that you’ve always dreamt of having.

2. You’ll be able to fill out your favorite dresses better

If you would sigh every time that you’d look in your bedroom or bathroom mirror and catch a glimpse of yourself wearing a dress that you can’t fill out properly, you’ll love the results of undergoing breast augmentation. As post operation you’ll finally be able to fill out your favorite dresses.

Who knows as a result of your new and improved figure you may want to treat yourself to a shopping spree as you’ll fall in love with the way that you’ll look with your new breasts.

3. You may feel like more of a woman

While your breast size in no shape or form determines your femininity or womanhood, you may just find that you naturally feel more like a grown up woman and less like a little girl after undergoing a breast augmentation operation. Especially if you have an a or b cup chest and would prefer to have a c or d cup chest.

4. Your surgeon will be able to give you even perkier breasts than you have now

At the same time that your surgeon inserts your silicone breast fillets, they’ll be able to lift and sculpt your breasts so that they’re even perkier than they currently are. So if you envy women who are able to wear strapless summer dresses or dresses with thin straps or plunging backs without wearing a bra, you’ll finally be able to wear your own dresses without a bra.

Which is great news if you hate trying to force your chest into finicky strapless bras that are a nightmare to put on by yourself and which often struggle to stay in place.

5. You won’t let your self image hold you back from achieving your dreams

As an example if you avoid dating as you’re not happy with the size of your breasts, if you undergo a breast augmentation you’ll be far more likely to push yourself to go on a few dates. As you’ll feel far more confident about your looks with your new breasts.

So if you’re unhappy with the look, shape or feel of your current breasts, it’s a great idea to find out more information about undergoing a breast augmentation operation and finding experts in procedures like breast augmentation to help make your dreams and wishes come true!