My wife and I did very well last January in managing to pull off the wedding of our dreams, right before this pandemic kicked in. Of course we had no idea at the time what would unfold in the months to come, but nonetheless it was a bullet that we were more than happy to have dodged. We had planned the outdoor wedding for long time and I have to be honest that it was touch and go whether or not we were going to be able to come through with all of our plans. In retrospect it went very well and based on that I wanted to share some tips with anyone out there who is planning such a wedding, to help it go off without a problem.

Spare Toilets

It didn’t take long for the toilets in the venue which we were outside of to fill up and that is why I am so thankful that the guys at Diamond Environmental Services were able to step in and help. I was actually a friend of ours who first suggested that we get extra toilets, based on her own experience of her wedding. This is a suggestion that I am more than happy to pass on.

Getting Enough Juice

One issue which we managed to prevent at the 11th hour was not having enough power, and it is easy to underestimate just how much juice you are going to need for something like this. When you break down the number of lights which you are going to need, the DJ booth and every other electrical outlet which is required for this type of event, you quickly recognize just how much you will need, and a generator is going to be absolutely essential here. Even if you are able to hook up to the mains of the venue, this is still a necessary step that I would recommend.

Walkways

Something else we nearly slipped up was walkways, and making sure that they were solid enough for people. The issue on our wedding day was that we had a very light drop of rain, which was enough to make the plastic walkways that we had in place slippy. We were able to use the stone pathways of the venue but had that not been the case then we would have been in trouble. The last thing that you guests want is their high quality shoes to get ruined because you haven’t planned well enough for the weather.

The Venue

If you are going to have a wedding outside a venue then I would suggest trying to get the marquee as close as possible to it, in order to make your lives easier. Again this is why we were thankful to have the extra toilets because there were some who just did not want to make the long walk into the venue and back again. In need of a wedding suit? Plan this earlier on to make sure you get the perfect fit. Look and feel your best on this once in a lifetime experience.

Some helpful tips to make sure that your day is amazing.

A great number of people have spent their lockdowns writing stories and unlocking their potential when it comes to expressing their creativity through literature. There has also been a number of high caliber authors such as Paolo Boffetta, who have been using their social media to help budding authors to realize their potential with tips and advice. Today we are going to follow on from what many authors have been discussing, and take a look into what exactly it is that makes a great author.

To those of you who wish to pursue this as a career, here is what you should be aiming for.

Great Researcher

It is important to remember here that authors do not simply sit down and have ideas flowing out of their heads, they have to do background work first. The very best authors are those who carry out the best research, because it adds more depth and credibility to their work. If you are writing a story about the legal system or about nurses and doctors, you have to know what you are talking about. Even if you have worked in these fields, there is still work to be done in order to deliver the most accurate information.

Storytelling

Interestingly, whilst many would suggest that you would first have to be a great writer in order to be a great author, it is in fact storytelling which is much more important. Being a good writer is required of course, but even if you are a high quality wordsmith, lacking storytelling ability will ensure that you are never a great author. Conversely, there are those who cannot write perfectly, yet understand the pace and the rhythm which is required in order to be a great storyteller.

Relatable

In order to get the reader to buy-in to the story, it has to be something which they can relate to. This is what readers are looking for in all stories, no matter whether they are about martians or architects. Great authors truly understand their audience and they are able to design their tales in such a way that instantly asks for the buy-in from the reader.

Character Development

And finally, one of the true hallmarks of a great author is one who is able to bring characters to life. Character development is essential to every story, it is what makes the story believable and what drives it forward. Following on from the need to make a story relatable, this is often achieved through the use of characters and the depth with which they have. To use this previous example, a well thought out martian character can be relatable if they have similar personality traits or struggles as the reader. The importance of characters cannot be understated and the best authors are able to create iconic and relatable characters in their stories.

These are the key aspects of what and characteristics which make a great author.

 

If you’ve been keeping up with recent news around the world, you know just how crazy the weather can be in places that were completely unprepared for the inclement events that came their way. And while you can’t prepare for every possible outcome, there are things that you can do to ensure that you and your family will be safe if a storm or other natural disaster comes to your neck of the woods.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for preparing your home for when a natural disaster unexpectedly strikes.

Keep The Structure Of Your Home Safe

Because you might only have a short time to get any forewarning about an impending natural disaster that’s headed your way, it’s best to always be prepared for anything that might be on the horizon.

As part of this, you’ll want to be sure that the home you’re living in with your family members or loved ones is structurally safe and secure so that it can protect you from all that’s going on outside. To do this, Nick Gerhardt, a contributor to the Family Handyman, recommends that you focus your attention on windows, doors, and your garage, as these tend to be the most vulnerable parts of a home during inclement weather. Also, if you have any concerns about the foundation of your home, make sure you get this looked at by a professional so you can fix any issues before they get exploited.

Consider Your Quick Action Plans

When a natural disaster is imminent, you’ll likely have to act fast. As a result, you’ll want to know what to do beforehand so that you can execute plans quickly rather than floundering as you think about what you should be doing or doing next.

To help you with this, Nicole Price Fasig and Nicole Saporita, contributors to Good Housekeeping, recommend that you make a plan of action for how you’ll respond to various emergencies that are most likely to hit your area and then practice your plan to see what changes might need to be made. Doing things like turning off your main electricity line or water line as well as quickly removing outdoor hazards is a great place to start.

Maintain Necessary Items

Once a coming natural disaster hits the news, stores usually get swarmed by people trying to prepare. So to avoid this mad-dash, it’s wise to always keep certain necessary items on-hand.

In general, you’ll want to keep enough food and fresh water at home to last your family for at least a few days. Also, hygiene products and some camping-type gear can be very helpful. And, in certain events, Elizabeth Rivelli, a contributor to Bankrate.com, shares that you should also have things like sandbags and other emergency materials to protect your home and family.

If you’re wanting to be more prepared for a potential natural disaster that hits your area, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do this.

Getting a pet is an exciting time, but there are also lots of challenges, and things that could be worrying if you’ve not done your research in advance. Today we’re taking a look at some of the things you’ll need to know when you have a pet so you’ll feel prepared and confident.

Where’s the Vet?

It’s important to know where your vet is when you’re caring for a pet. You don’t want to be searching “emergency vet near me” during the actual emergency – you need to be focused on your pet’s needs.

Registering for a vet as soon as you get your pet (or finding a new one when you move to a new area) means you have an existing relationship to call on when you’re worried, that you know where to go when disaster strikes and perhaps most crucially, you have experience getting your pet there under less stressed circumstances. Whether it’s carrying the cat up the road in a carrier, getting your dog into the car, or even decanting a fish into a transport vessel, experience with the logistics of a pet visit makes doing it under pressure easier.

What Do They Eat?

While you might expect exotic pets to have very specific food needs that you need to get right for them to be healthy, the same can be true of more mainstream pets. Even cats and dogs need different foods at different times in their lives, can have intolerances and allergies, or might need dietary changes to help health conditions.

Start with their age – kittens and puppies need specific food formulations to support their growth. These should be clearly marked in the supermarket, but make sure you know how old your pet is, and when it moves from the juvenile to adult stage of life. This can vary based on the breed, so do double check or get your vet’s advice if you’re not sure.

Exercise

Most pets require some form of exercise to support their physical and mental health – an understimulated pet can have weight problems and even suffer from anxiety and depression.

Find out what sort of exercise and how much your pet might need. For habitat bound pets, feeding live food can help to simulate the physical and mental exertion of hunting in the wild. Other pets require a more direct hand – dogs need to be walked and it can’t be too much or too little. Too long a walk can be harmful, especially to a growing dog, but getting outside provides opportunities for play, exploration and socialisation that are vital to its wellbeing.

Cats get a lot of exercise and stimulation exploring outdoors, but if you have an indoor cat you’ll need to work harder to fill its needs. Keep a larger stock of cat toys and rotate the ones you use to provide variety, and find room for a climbing tree. Find what engages your cat and make time to play with them every day to ensure they’re getting the stimulation and exercise they need to support their health and happiness.

 

It was almost inevitable that Frank Lampard was going to lose his Chelsea job despite the fact that he should have been a better chance at the position. We all know however just how Chelsea like to go about things and the likes of Roman Abramovich loves nothing more than sacking a manager. Almost as soon as Frank’s announcement was made, Thomas Tuchel was drafted in having recently left PSG. Tuchel has had a successful career thus far, although this is rarely a precedent for guaranteed success in the Premier League.

During pre-season Rick Andreoli Montreal and I were actually discussing a potential title charge for the Blues. Now however they are currently languishing in 9th position, what exactly can Chelsea now hope for?

Champions League

Despite the tough start and in spite of changing managers, Chelsea aren’t actually that far away from the top 4 and it is certainly something which Tuchel will have his eye on. Given the fact that so many teams are currently losing points in the league there is certainly a chance that Chelsea could finish in those top 4 places. Now the idea of a title challenge which Rick and I had is long gone, but Tuchel will certainly be charged with keeping the team in the Champions League for next season.

Reinvigorated

Based on the experience that Tuchel boasts, that Lampard didn’t, we can certainly expect to see some players reinvigorated in terms of their play. We know that Tuchel has worked with the likes of Pulisic at Dortmund and he has also dealt with some of the world’s biggest players in Mbappe and Neymar. That experience will be absolutely essential in making sure that the likes of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner really reach their potential at the club.

Cup Chances

IT would be remiss of us to forget that Chelsea are still in with a shout of the Champions League and the F.A. Cup, and there is no reason why the new manager will not have an eye on these. The Champions League last 16 will see the Blue face a tough opponent in Atletico. We cannot forget however that this is a Chelsea team which is dripping with talent and once Tuchel gets his own mark on the team, we can expect to see some real progress. There is no reason at all that Chelsea cannot beat Atletico over 2 legs.

Big Spending

Chelsea fans will have to understand that this summer they can expect to once again go big in the transfer market. This could see some big arrivals for the club and Tuchel is no stranger to spending big amounts of cash, as the purchase of Kylian Mbappe showed.

Ultimately Chelsea fans may be sad to have lost Frank as their manager but the reality is that Tuchel is a fine replacement and they should be excited about the months and years to come.

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The brilliant lifestyle coach and social media influencer Faii Ong uploaded a video last month which really taught me something about mental health in adults. The point that he was making was that so many of us struggle with mental health in our 30s and 40s because of the reduction that we see with regards to socializing. Now many of us come out of school or college with hundreds of ‘friends’ yet gradually of course we lose touch with so many. The lack of acquaintances in our adulthood is not necessarily the issue here, the problem is that we don’t have enough friends, which of course serve as a great way for us to live our best life and give us an outlet too.

As an adult it is no doubt harder to meet people, but there are many ways in which you can still make friends, let’s take a look.

Joining Clubs

Much like when we are kids, meeting people who share our passions is a great way for us to engage with others and to make friends. The best way to find people who do share our passions is to join a club which focuses on it. For example if you are a sports fan then you could join a tennis club or a pool club, if you like to read then there are book clubs you can join which will introduce you to people who share your passion. The point here is that in order to find like-minded people, you need to go to places where they celebrate your passions.

Following Up

Something which many of us are guilty of is not following up with someone after we have met them for the first time. We can often fool ourselves into thinking that everyone has their own right circle and that they will not be looking to meet up or to do something else, the reality however is that most people would love to be invited out or invited to do something.

Using The Web

The internet is a great way to meet people, especially through organized meet-ups. These can take place for any number of reasons, an event which someone has set up, the chance to go for an adventure with people or simply to meet up for a coffee and discuss the finer points of life. The key for you to make friends is to engage and become a part of this kind of event, this is how you can make friends.

Less Judgmental

If you met your oldest friend for the first time today, would you be friends with them? Perhaps so, but in most cases it is unlikely that they would become your best friend. This is because as we get older we become more judgmental and therefore we close ourselves off to people. In order to make a friend you don’t need to love everything about them, you simply need to get on and have shared interests, and that is it.

Focus on this post-lockdown for a much healthier lifestyle with an abundance of friends.

Many of us felt that that turn of the year would see an improvement with regards to the pandemic yet sadly this is just not happening and many of us are once again facing a lockdown. Instead of dwelling on how frustrating this is or how sick we all are of this thing, today we are going to focus on something far more positive and take a look into some new skills which we can learn during lockdown. Mental health experts like Roger Wolfson have been warning just how important it is that we focus on our mental health during this testing time, and one way to do this is to have something to focus on, and here are some ideas as to what you could learn.

A New Language

Even if you only focus on getting to a level where you can converse, learning a new language during lockdown would be the most amazing way for you to spend your time. This is not only a skill which will test your mind, it is one which actually has a purpose and which you can use now and in the future. There are a wealth of resources online which you can find, many free, that will help you to raise your game and pick up a new language.

Chess

It is fair to say that watching someone play chess really does scream ‘classy’ and you can be that guy or gal if you focus your time during lockdown on picking up a new skill such as that. Chess is easy to understand the basics of, but it is a game which you could spend a lifetime playing and still not fully grasp every aspect of it, regarding tactics and strategy. This is a game which is fun and educational and which is seriously going to help with your mental health during lockdown.

Musical Instrument

Not having enough time is often the reason that people give for not picking up a new instrument, well now we have more time on our hands than we know what to do with. The choice of instrument is yours, the key is to buy it and then focus on investing time practicing the craft. It is true that some take to these things very naturally, but no matter how easily you take to the instrument, it is essential that you put in the hours and practice hard in order to keep pushing yourself and to get better.

And finally you could use this time to flex your creative muscles and learn to draw or to write a story. Again these are skills which we so often suggest that we are unable to do because we don’t have the time, yet the reality is that we now have an abundance of time and so investing it in ourselves seems like the best thing to do. Work hard and spend your time gaining a brand new skill, hopefully all of this will be over soon.

 

I was introduced to the ‘Couch to 5k’ app by lifestyle coach Roger Wolfson, and it turned out to be one of the best apps that I have ever used. Roger posted a video at the beginning of the pandemic about how people could stay in shape and he suggested this app, which was designed to get people running. Personally I have never ran before and the thought of running 5 kilometers was a scary one. I was encouraged however at so many comments on the video, from people who were saying just how inspirational the app was and how it helped them to achieve their running dreams.

I downloaded the application there and then, and I can honestly say that I now run 5 kilometers two or three times per week. I love the idea of this app, and here is why it works for people like me, who had no running experience at all.

Realistic Beginnings

For someone who was out of shape like me, it is amazing just how few people in the fitness world actually grasp what it is like to be in that situation. I have been to many gyms and they have put together crazy programs for me which I just couldn’t do, and which then stripped me of my motivation. What I love about this program is that it was designed by a beginner, and it is perfect for other beginners. The app starts off slow and to be honest the first week involves you running for 1 minute at a time, and walking in-between. The slow start means that you get engaged and you are more motivated to do it.

Actual Improvement

The program features 3 runs per week, with a rest day in-between, and this is a great way for you to measure your progress. For example in the first week, by day 3 you can feel the improvement that you have made, in just 3 runs. By the end of the second week however, the difference is absolutely amazing when compared with the first week, and so on. Being able to actively measure your improvements is huge when it comes to motivation, and that is what keeps pushing you to go again and again.

Clear Goal

Another reason why I think that this program works so well is that there are clearly defined goals and one huge goal at the end. Each week the intensity increases and you begin to run more and walk less, each day in reality has its own goal. Whilst this is happening, something that you know the whole time is that you are eventually working towards that magic 5 kilometer goal. What I love about this is that as you are accomplishing the daily goals, you are getting closer and closer to your big goal, and that of course continues to encourage you.

This is a great app for anyone who wishes to get started with running.

 

With the new year upon us, it’s time for people to start setting goals about what they’ll do or accomplish during the next year of life. But sadly, many people’s goals or resolutions won’t get accomplished simply because they either didn’t set the right goal or didn’t put the right plan in place to reach their goal.

To help ensure that you don’t fall victim to these mistakes, here are three tips for setting goals for the upcoming year.

Take Baby Steps Toward Your Goal

Oftentimes, the goals people set for themselves at the beginning of the year are very vague and lofty. And while accomplishing this big goal might be your ideal, it usually takes a lot of smaller goals until you can reach this big goal.

To help you get to your ultimate goal, Elizabeth Scott, a contributor to Very Well Fit, recommends that you make baby step goals toward your big goal. For example, if you’re wanting to create a better relationship with your family members, set smaller goals that might include monthly visits to your grandparents in their assisted living facility, weekly phone calls to your parents or siblings, or sending quarterly update emails to other extended family members. By setting these smaller goals, you’ll work toward accomplishing your bigger goal in a more palatable way.

Make Your Goal Visible

Once you’ve set the goal or goals that you’re going to be working toward this year, it’s time to make your goals visible so that you are able to keep them in the forefront of your mind throughout the entire year.

One way to do this, according to Malika Boyd, a contributor to LifeHack.org, is to write your goal down and place it somewhere that you see everyday or multiple times a day. Then, each time you see your goal, you’ll be reminded of what you want to accomplish so that you don’t get halfway into the year without thinking about your goal again.

Get The Support You Need

Accomplishing new goals isn’t always easy. And while you might have the motivation to reach your goal now, you will likely find yourself wavering at one point or another.

To help keep you on the right course, it’s good to find the support you need to lean on when you don’t have the strength to carry yourself on all by yourself. Leslie Truex, a contributor to The Balance Small Business, shares that you should try to find someone that can serve as a mentor, coach, or even just an accountability partner for your goal. Ideally, this person should be able to give you guidance and advice when you most need it.

If you’re working on setting goals for the upcoming year, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this.

The United States holds many treasures. Each city is unique and lovely in its own way, however, there’ something special about DC that you cannot easily find in many places in the world. It is extremely interesting and a great place to live.

Those who are into cultural diversity and liveliness will quickly fall in love with this destination. It doesn’t matter whether you would go there to study or get a job, this city offers so many entertaining things that will keep your mind busy.

Moving is never easy, and it can be a bit intimidating, however, if you choose the right location, you will never regret doing it in the first place. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our reasons why you should choose DC as your new home.

Reasons Why DC is a Must

Gardens and Parks

No matter where you choose to go, it’s always a huge advantage to find a place where there’s an abundance of nature and DC is perfect for that. It offers lovely places like the National Arboretum, the National Mall, and the Tidal Basin. Go there when you feel like you are tired of the city chaos and bustle and put your mind at ease.

Amazing Schools and Universities

If you want your kids to attend high-quality schools, then opt for this capital. We suggest you find a quiet, lovely neighborhood where your children will be able to play and that has schools and universities nearby. Namely, some reviews suggest that Daro Apartments in Washington DC have great walkable neighborhoods, so something like this would be a great idea if you need something quiet and safe for walking. A nice neighborhood is always a positive trait no matter where you live.

Now, let’s go back to education. DC offers a first-class public education, and it is home to some of the best universities in the United States, such as George Washington University, Georgetown University, University of Maryland, and American University.

Home of Sport

All fans of sports (doesn’t matter whether you love to play it or participate in it) will be thrilled to know that this capital has numerous alternatives at your disposal. Washington is a city of baseball, football, and soccer.

People who live there will probably tell you that it is very common to come across people running at any moment during the day. It’s all thanks to wonderful green areas. Furthermore, DC has some of the biggest and most popular teams in the United States when it comes to sports disciplines.

Delicious Food

If you’re a true foodie then you’ll absolutely adore this fact. Namely, the capital has some of the best culinary places in the world. You can bump into restaurants of Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Arabs, and Indians.

However, if you’re more into Spanish cuisine, make sure to visit Jaleo restaurant where you will get to try out top-notch potato omelet made by the popular chef, Jose Andres. On the other hand, if hamburgers are more of your thing, ensure to eat American BBQ ribs.

While it might be tough to make this decision quickly, we are absolutely sure you won’t regret it. We just listed a couple of reasons why DC is spectacular, but you will get the opportunity to see it for yourself if you pack your bags and go!