Jasmine Anderson, Author at Pucker Mob

How To Support A Pregnant Friend

Being pregnant is one of the best, yet most difficult states a woman can be in. Therefore, it is our duty as her friends to try and be as supportive as we can, and help her through those times.

If you are unsure how best to support your friend during pregnancy, here are some useful tips.

Don’t be frank about childbirth

Whatever you do, do not tell her about your horror birth story, or the one that you heard from a friend. Birth is scary as is, and during pregnancy, women are fed with statistics, and information about what can go wrong with their baby, and the least they need is someone adding to their fear.

Stressing out a mom-to-be is not good for the baby, and you might even end up losing a friend if they do not want to hear the negative sides of the pregnancy.

Stick with the usual by telling her that it isn’t that scary, or that once she holds her baby, all the pain goes away.

Let them be naive

First time parents are always naive. They have no clue what’s in store for them, and better yet. They should wear their look through rose-colored glasses for as long as they can, and enjoy their pregnancy. If they tell you something like “How hard can babies be, anyway? They just eat and sleep.” you just smile and nod your head. If they compare having babies with having baby pets, do not hold it against them, and forget they ever said that when they have the baby.

Give her a complete maternity bag list

A maternity bag list is a little challenging to make if you have no idea what you need. Things like lip balm are not the first item to come to mind when packing for the hospital, but it is one of the most essential.

If you want to support your friend, make a detailed list of all the things they need, and write explanations for items that may not be as common.

Or better yet, go to that friend, and pack their bag with them. They will certainly appreciate your help, and not have to bend over to pack everything they need for the most important stay of their life.

Treat her before the baby comes

As a pregnant woman, you can’t do many things. So, those few things that are available are important. You can make her an appointment for a nice foot rub, or a face massage, something to soothe her and wipe away the stress.

Or you can treat her to some food tasting, or even some wine tasting if the doctor approves.

Take her shopping

One of the most exciting things you can do for your pregnant friend is taking her shopping! Buying all the cute baby clothes for her little one will inevitably make her day. Additionally, you will help her with choosing clothes that are necessary, and avoid piling up on the things that the baby will not even need, or will grow out of quickly.

It goes without saying – carry all the bags for her, and take her for a celebratory cake at the end of your shopping spree.

Plan the most amazing baby shower

Most first time moms don’t really know what they need for the baby, and a baby shower is a great help for that. You can invite all her friends that are already moms, and know what a new mom can use, and don’t forget to invite her mom, aunts, and grandmas.

Sit with your friend and ask her what she would like the theme to be, and don’t accept no for an answer. Most moms think they are being too much for wanting a baby shower, but if you cave and miss out on throwing one, she will regret it.

Get balloons, finger food, favorite snacks and ice cream, and make it a cheat day when all the cravings are totally fine, and she can enjoy it endlessly.

Having a pregnant friend means sharing all the great (and the not so great) moments with them. Hopefully, these tips helped you understand what kind of friend you need to be.

Header Image Source

About The Author

Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom, with a Fine Arts Bachelor’s degree. Expressing herself through different mediums is what keeps her spirit bright. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet. You can follow Jasmine on Twitter

The Most Effective Natural Ways To Achieve Radiant Skin

Most ladies strive to get that perfectly luminous complexion in the most natural way. Even though many products can help you achieve that effect, we can never be absolutely certain which one is adequate for the skin. What’s more, if you don’t have to resort to using man-made products but rather implement some natural way of getting glowing skin, why not try it out? Without further ado, here are some bombastic and utterly beneficial all-natural ways you can revive the look of your skin and make it more glowy.

Nourish your skin with proper foods

Whoever desires to get a radiant complexion, the most pivotal piece of advice they should incorporate is eating a diet that’s rich in various vitamins, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables. There’s no denying the fact that consuming foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats like avocados and nuts, will help you get healthier-looking skin. Not only that, but when you avoid any processed foods, saturated fats, sugar, and salt, you prolong the radiance of your complexion and maintain a long-lasting natural look.

Try using nature-based collagen

The essential protein in our body and skin is collagen, however, as we get older our natural reserves of this vital protein start lessening. To compensate for the lack of this crucial protein and keep your skin hydrated and healthy, you should try out some products that will help boost natural collagen production. If you desire to maximally hydrate your skin, protect it from harmful UV rays, and reduce oxidative stress on skin cells, you can try out all-natural marine collagen. Not only will you get radiating skin, but this marine collagen will help prevent fine lines on the skin and slow down the aging process.

Drink plenty of water

Water is the essence of life. With that notion and the sheer fact that our skin is made of cells that need lots of water to be able to function well, the conclusion is that we should drink more of it if we want to have healthy and radiant skin. No matter how serious and demanding your obligations are, you should always keep a bottle of water by your side, and drink it even when you are not thirsty. The key is to drink about 8 glasses of water per day if you want to have healthier and glowing skin.

Increase vitamin C intake

To get maximally luminous results, besides eating foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, you might want to increase your vitamin C intake as well. There’s no better ingredient for naturally achieving glowing skin than consuming foods and drinks that are rich in this vitamin. The research has proven that people who have eaten more foods like citrus fruits, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers for brighter skin tone. Not only that, but vitamin C can help fade hyperpigmentation, promote coll and elastin production, and even reduce the risk of some skin diseases.

Don’t forget about your beauty sleep

If there’s one thing you should never neglect, that’s sleep. Everybody who plays a watchful eye on his or her health and beauty needs to prioritize sleep. By sleeping at least 7 hours per night we help slow down aging, strengthen skin’s fine lines and wrinkles, and improve its elasticity. If you don’t get your beauty sleep, besides feeling grumpy, you become more stressed and agitated which doesn’t allow the skin to heal and only causes more damage to your general health.

Get active

You don’t need to do excessive gym workouts to help your skin regenerate and become more radiant, but by doing some moderate-intensity activities you’ll surely get the glowing goal you’re aiming for. Even doing 90 minutes of fun activities like brisk walking, cycling, or Pilates help increase blood flow which brings vital oxygen, minerals, and nutrients to the skin. Any form of exercise can help you get brighter and healthier skin.

Skin that is hydrated, clean, and radiant is healthy-looking skin. Try out some of these natural skincare routines to revitalize the look of your skin and you will get that meticulous radiance.

About The Author

Header Image Source

8 Ways To Keep Your Long Distance Relationship Interesting

Maintaining a steady and nourishing relationship can be a challenging task, especially a long-distance one. The distance itself can be a hard thing to handle, but unless you spice up things you might get into an unwanted argument or even a breakup. Let’s leave those thoughts behind and start thinking about some fun, lucrative, and interesting things you can incorporate into your long-distance relationship to make it more interesting.

1. Spruce up things with online games

Distance should never be an obstacle, but rather be represented as an invigorating way to make your relationship blossom. One way to make that happen is to play online games together and get competitive. If your partner is a keen gamer, there’s no better way to stay “connected” than by playing online games together, chat, and compete against each other. A little competition might make you connect more.

2. Surprise them with a gift

Social media platforms, texting, and emails help communication get wild, however, a thing that will undoubtedly spark off romance is sending actual presents and gift boxes or baskets. There’s no better way to show someone who is miles away from you how much you care than surprising her with a fantastic gift that will arrive at her doorstep. Nowadays you can find fantastic gift hampers for your loved one that can be delivered to their house, and with a special message inside, they’ll surely be over the moon.

3. Find your favorite show

If you had the opportunity to be in the same city, you’d probably spend hours and hours watching some cool show together. No problem! Just because you’re not in the same city doesn’t mean you can’t do that, what’s more, enjoying quality TV time will actually make you more closer. Set aside a time every day to sit down together to watch an interesting episode at the same time, comment on things afterward and predict a few situations.

4. You’ve got (snail) mail!

Anything handwritten has more meaning than any other printed item. Getting a pen and paper to write a special love letter is, to be honest, more difficult than sending a regular text message. Hence, it’s more meaningful. So, if you desire to keep a long relationship interesting, pick up a nice greeting card, write some dazzling quotes, sketch cute doodles, and send it off. Once you see your partner’s reaction, you might become a loving pen-pals.

5. Go on a weekend getaway

Even if distance impedes from seeing each other on a daily basis, when you do find time to see each other, you should make it memorable. Book a fabulous weekend getaway and choose the perfect villa escape to maximally celebrate your reunion. Plan to meet in a new place to spice up the relationship, go somewhere where neither of you has been there before. It doesn’t have to be a costly trip, but rather a fun vacation where you could enjoy each other adequately.

6. Get sassy

For an utterly sensational long-distance experience, you should get a little bit dirty. As you need to compensate for the lack of quality physical time, you’d better spice things up to keep things active. Send sexy photos to each other, let your partner how much you love him/her in a sassy way, don’t be shy and spruce things up with a hot video. The distance can make things hotter, and when you meet up finally, the result of long-awaited physical attention will be bombastic.

7. Never miss out on anything

Maintaining good communication is a must in a long-distance relationship. Do your best to always keep track of activities your partner is doing, and try not to miss out on anything. Sharing your worries as well as all the positive things that are happening to you daily will undoubtedly make your bond more tightly. Share your dreams and future wishes, and in this way, you will grow together more profoundly. Give your support and advice whenever you can, and try to be “present” even on a video call on every major event your partner is attending.

8. Surprise them with a visit

Planned trips are awesome, but surprising your special someone is even better. Work together with your partner’s best friend or family so that you can surprise them with a visit. There’s nothing more amazing than seeing that shocking grin spread across your loved one’s face when they see you in person. Do this when they’re least expecting, maybe when your partner is having a tough week or when there’s a reason to celebrate something big.

Making a long relationship work is a daunting task, but a doable one. The key to a successful relationship, no matter the miles between, is mutual trust, respect, honesty, and a little bit of spark to make things extra spicy.

Header Image Source

About The Author

4 Tips for Getting Back into Dating Scene After A Bad Breakup

Getting back into the dating scene after you’ve been burned can be pretty difficult. Regardless of how long you’ve been dating, a bad breakup can make you question many things – from why the breakup happened to even your self-worth.

And then comes the time when you begin to wonder whether you should get back into dating or not. The thing is, you’ll have to, at some point. But the time you take off from dating depends solely on you. Still, whether you’re ready or not, there are some things you should know.

When it comes to the dating scene in Australia, things have changed in many ways due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Since we were restricted to physically meet and date traditionally, we had to think of smart ways to meet people and date. That’s where the popularity of online dating and dating apps grew, and it continues to grow further.

Now, that you’re aware of that, we can check out all the tips that can help you get ready to start dating again.

1. Don’t date immediately after the breakup

It’s common knowledge, but it’s never a good idea to immediately get back to dating after you’ve ended a bad relationship.

Deciding when to start dating is tricky and there is no rule that you should follow. It only depends on you. However, jumping from one relationship into another can be a recipe for a disaster. Feelings are still running high – both positive and negative ones, and getting into another relationship when you still haven’t really gotten over your ex can be messy.

That’s why you should take time to heal your wounds, stop obsessing over your ex, and accept the fact that it’s over. And do all of that on your timeline.

2. Have fun first

If your previous relationship has been a serious one but ended badly, the worst possible thing that you could do is get into another serious relationship without having some fun first.

Don’t rush things and don’t throw yourself headfirst into another serious relationship. Have fun while dating, explore your options and most of all learn from your previous mistakes. Simply take time to meet different people and be open-minded!

3. Hire a dating agency or date online

Meeting people after a bad breakup can be daunting, what if you get hurt again? Thankfully, these days we have many different options that can help us break the ice and meet new people.

When first starting to date again after a bad breakup you have the option of online dating, dating apps, or hiring a dating agency. With online dating, you have all the time you want to chat with someone before deciding to meet them in person – no need to rush things. Additionally, many dating sites and apps are free, so you won’t be spending money in vain.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to waste your time and energy on meeting people with whom you have nothing in common or no connection at all, you can let professionals help you out.

Relationship experts from the best dating agency in Sydney can help you meet people who are serious, who match your personality and profile type, and who share your views and values. All this without wasting time and energy on countless dates.

So, if you are stepping back into dating waters, start with online dating or maybe hire an agency. Currently, some of the most popular dating sites and apps in Australia include Bumble, Hinge, Raya, Tinder, and many more.

4. Don’t take your ex back

A very common mistake that many people make is to take their ex back even after the bad breakup. The problem is that getting back together has nothing to do with love and everything to do with habit.

You’re both so used to each other that the prospect of meeting new people and going through the whole dating process again seems impossible. Sometimes a breakup is the best possible solution even if it doesn’t seem so at the moment.

Don’t fall into the trap of getting back together, you’ll be more miserable in that relationship than on your own.

Without sugarcoating things, stepping back into the dating scene after a bad breakup will be difficult. It will take time and a lot of work, but eventually, you’ll need to put yourself out there. However, the key is to take your time, don’t rush things and you’ll know exactly when you’re ready to move on and start dating again.

Header Image Source

About The Author

Pregnancy Tips for Young First-Time Moms

Finding out what you’re expecting comes with a lot of happiness but with a lot of anxiety. Not knowing what to do at first and how to act now that you have a bun in the oven, causes plenty of stress to moms-to-be. However, there’s no need to worry too much. Even though you’re now growing a new life inside you, your routines shouldn’t change drastically. Yes, you will need to modify your lifestyle slightly, but no, you won’t have to go from being super active to staying home and resting. Relax, grab a cup of tea and keep on reading for a few tips that will make your pregnancy stress-free.

You can continue to exercise as before

If you were an active gym member before you got pregnant, there’s no reason you should stop with your daily workouts now. As a matter of fact, physical activity and workouts, are more than recommended for pregnant women. Not only does exercising slow down pregnancy weight gain, but it also combats fatigue. Make sure you consult with your gynecologist about the types of exercises that are best for pregnant women, and yourself especially, because every pregnancy is different.

Watch your diet

Even though you’re eating for two, you shouldn’t eat recklessly. Sure, you can allow yourself to go on a craving banter every now and then. However, you shouldn’t overindulge in carbs, sweets, and everything that you’ve tried to avoid before you were pregnant. Many women use pregnancy as an excuse to stuff themselves with all those junk food and desserts that they successfully avoided, to keep their body in shape pre-pregnancy. You should treat your body the same this time and eat only nutritious foods, which are healthy for you and the baby.

That’s why you should get healthy pregnancy meals and provide only the best for you and your baby from day one. Ordering pre-made meals will be perfect for moms who are unsure of what the most nutritious options are.

Practice self-care

Practicing self-care is especially important during pregnancy. That will be a time of immense stress and expectations, and can often leave you exhausted from all the planning and thinking. So, when you feel tired, take a nap. When you don’t feel tired, rest anyway. You’re growing a new life, and that’s a work on its own. Better yet, stock up on those zzz’s because when the baby comes, you may not have the time. Drink plenty of water to keep you and the baby hydrated and in good shape. Treat yourself to a pregnancy massage at least once a month, and more often closer to your due date. Meditation can also be invaluable, allowing you to find your inner peace and completely de-stress.

Don’t forget to take prenatal vitamins

Having healthy food will get you plenty of nutrients, but you should still make sure you get enough of those prenatal vitamins. To ensure the baby’s healthy development and your well-being, supplement your diet with essential prenatal vitamins and minerals. Consult with your gynecologist first, so you’l know with which vitamins to supplement your diet. While some women may need more iron, others will require more calcium or zinc. You should not get them by yourself, but always schedule a consult with the doctor, to know which vitamins to take in each of the stages of your pregnancy.

Final thoughts

Becoming a mom is the biggest miracle in life, and as such, will come with a variety of emotions and feelings. To make sure that your child develops well and is healthy once born, follow the aforementioned tips and have the most carefree pregnancy ever.

Header Image Source

About The Author

Trending Bathroom Decor Ideas for 2021

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be comfortable in our home all the time. Regardless of the amount of time we need to be at home, we should always feel like there’s no place we’d rather be but there. That’s why 2021 will be all about making our place of residence look and feel like the coziest and most tranquil places of all. Bathrooms will go through a serious makeover as relaxation and spa time have become crucial parts of our everyday routines. This is how bathroom design will change in 2021.

The return of the tub

Keeping in mind the fact that relaxation and comfort have become imperative in the previous year, bathrooms will go through a significant change. From showers, many homes will upgrade their baths with tubs. They will allow them to have all the necessary soothing baths to help them find their Zen. From asymmetrical to black tubs, we’ll be seeing a true revolution of bathtubs in 2021. A claw-foot tub in an edgy black hue will give a dose of luxury to your bathroom. It will also offer a lovely contrast if you go for glossy white or earthy-toned walls. In addition to claw-foot tubs, many will go for flat-bottomed models, to enjoy an extra special soaking experience.

Spa-like feel

Bathrooms have always been the sanctuaries where you’d run away to when you needed to completely unplug, and forget about the hard-working day behind you. That’s why in 2021, we’ll have every little bit of spa in our bathrooms. Think earthy hues, plants and clean lines to make for the utmost spa-like feel. Milky wallpapers and tiles, beige and light brown floors in combination with greenery around the windows will allow you to feel like you’ve gone to your favorite spa. Incorporating natural elements will add to the warmth factor, so consider unfinished and painted wood wall treatments as a part of the decor.

Back to nature

Natural hardwood finishes will be one of the most popular floor options in 2021. Instead of going for actual hardwood floors, you can choose quality vinyl flooring in some of the fabulous wood mimicking finishes and have all the natural-looking effects you need. Cement paired with natural wood will be another groundbreaking trend when it comes to bathroom design. We’ll be seeing countertops with an array of mixed materials just waiting to make our bathrooms look more natural.

Marble surroundings

Marble has definitely left a mark in the previous years, which is why we’ll be seeing lots of it again in 2021. From marble tiles to bathroom accessories, you can expect to see marble finishes all around you. Countertops with marble finishes have been all around social media, not allowing us to fall out of love with this luxurious design. Ceramic and porcelain tiles that mimic marble is also a wonderful choice to consider for your floors and walls. If you combine it with dominant wood patterns, the perfect mixture of the two materials will create a clean and elegant décor composition in your washroom.

More sophisticated lighting

One of the bathrooms trends of 2021 will also be more sophisticated integrated lighting. If you’re going for a clean, polished interior, backlit mirrors, and medicine cabinets will fit into the concept flawlessly. One of the most popular options includes illumination behind the mirror, instead of on the ceiling. Not only will this option offer ambient lighting without added reflections on the mirror, but it will also make the vanity appear weightless and spectral. Furthermore, with backlit mirrors, you’ll get a perfect nightlight when dimmed.

Final thoughts

2021 will be all about comfort and natural design. So, if you feel like it’s time to redesign your bathroom, think about adding a bathtub to it. With the mixture of natural elements and integrated lighting, your bathroom will get that perfect spa-like feel that you need to feel completely at ease.

Header Image Source

About The Author

How to Cheer Up Your Loved Ones in Isolation

During these uncertain times of isolation, most of us are feeling down and unmotivated. You might have some of your loved ones locked up in isolation not being able to find anything to do. To cheer them up and make them feel better, here are some of the things you can do.

Check-in on each other

Sometimes all we need is a loved one to be here for us. By simply being there for your friends and family and listening to them when they need to get something off their chest, you can show them how much you love them. It’s important that we create a safe space for our loved ones where they can feel like they can talk and unwind without being judged, especially during these times.

Take on a project together

You can also help take your loved one’s mind off of the quarantine by trying something new and fun with them. No matter what you choose, a dance battle on TikTok, a cooking challenge, or a push-up contest, you will be making new memories with a friend which will definitely cheer them up.

Make room for gratitude

Even though the future may seem very uncertain right now, you need to celebrate small victories and enjoy your everyday blessings. Encourage your loved ones to start journaling. Taking some time off at the end of the day to write down all of the things you’re thankful for can actually be very helpful and freeing. Remind them that each new day brings new gratitude and a new chance.

Write, don’t text

Text messages are pretty much the main means of communication these days. However, if you want to go a step further, you can send your loved ones a handwritten note telling them how much they mean to you. Though it may seem silly, this type of positive affirmation can really help someone who’s struggling right now.

Pay it forward

Any act of kindness can bring a smile to your loved one’s face right now. Doing simple chores for them or ordering groceries so they don’t have to is one of many ways to show them how much you care about them. Plus, non-profit organizations can always use some extra help.

Exercise together

You can also exercise together. Any type of physical activity can really brighten your loved one’s mood and make them feel better about themselves. There are many exercises you can try in the comfort of your home. For instance, you can try doing yoga, following guided meditations, or doing some basic stretching exercises for flexibility.

Plan the future

The future may be uncertain, but believing that things will be over can give you a sense of hope. This way you can plan certain things and have something you can look forward to. Come up with a mood board with your friend and work on mutual goals that you can achieve together.

Plan a virtual treasure quest

If you want to reduce the time spent with digital devices, encourage your friend to take a break from using social media with you. Come up with a scavenger hunt. This fun activity will help you focus on something other than mindless scrolling through Instagram posts and stories. You can make a trace full of clues that can lead you to the final answer/prize.

Make them a thoughtful gift

Every once in a while you can remind your friend of how much you love them by sending them small and thoughtful gifts. There are many creative ways to tell your friends you appreciate them through thoughtful gifts. You can create a photo board or come up with gift baskets filled with their favorite things. Gift baskets are great because you can put anything inside them.

Give each other a makeover

Changes can be good right now, especially because we all feel like we’ve been standing in what place for months. You don’t have to make any drastic changes such as cutting off your bangs, but some kind of a makeover, even if it’s tiny, can give you a sense of freedom and creativity. Organize a video chat with a friend and give each other a makeover via a video call. You can plan different outfits together or try new hairstyles together.

Put together a soothing playlist

Lastly, if you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, making a soothing playlist with your friend that can help both of you calm down during stressful times can be very helpful. You can make a playlist that includes different kinds of soothing sounds such as the gentle sound of breeze and rain, or the sound of waves or a waterfall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many creative ways you can fill in the time you spend at home not being allowed to go outside. Spending that time with loved ones and showing them how much you care is one of the best ways to do so.

About The Author

5 Best Online Dating Tips You Must Know

Are you here because you’re ready to up your online dating game? If that’s the case, you are in the right place!

You can forget all the old dating rules as they don’t really apply anymore – almost everything you knew before is gone, especially if you’re going to be dating online. If you’re still skeptical about online dating, let us tell you that online dating has become huge, and pretty much everyone is doing it – so there is nothing to be worried about.

Now, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced online dater, there are certain dating rules that you should be aware of.

Getting a date can be challenging no matter if you’re straight or gay – so we decided to make a list of the best online dating tips that could help you out!

1. Make time for dating

If you really want to date you must make time for it. Most people who decide to start online dating are people who have busy lives. So, for people who are juggling professional and social obligations, it’s only logical to dip into online dating waters.

Dating online shouldn’t take much of your time especially if you choose the right kind of dating site. Thankfully, this day and age have brought us tons of different online dating sites – anything from straight dating, mature dating, popular gay matchmaking services, and so on.

When you choose the right online dating site or app you won’t have to spend much time looking for your perfect match!

2. Make a good online dating profile

Since first impressions are highly significant and they do matter, it’s important to invest some time in making a profile that will stick out and be unique.

Start with choosing the right photo – a photo that will show all your features, hair color and even a hint of your personality. You can add more than one photo, one that will be a close up of your face and another one that will give a good view of your whole body.

Then think about what you’ll write about yourself. Before you start let us tell you that you shouldn’t brag too much or be way too modest also don’t just list out things you like or dislike. Think beyond all that, be honest and truthful about your likes, tastes, and dislikes – the point of this dating profile is to catch the eye of someone who has similar tastes and likes as you.

3. Keep an open mind

We all start dating with some sort of expectations in our minds. But when it comes to online dating it’s a good idea to keep an open mind. If you are a picky dater, chances are that you’re going to pass right next to the person who might be the perfect match for you.

Don’t just rule out people because they don’t fit into your criteria. Think outside the box, get out of your dating comfort zone, and give people a chance. Because, ultimately, taking a chance on people is exactly what dating is about, isn’t it?

4. Be confident and be yourself

When beginning this online dating journey it’s important to always be confident and always be yourself. Relax and just be yourself. People don’t like fake and false people, so the best advice we can give you is to always be yourself.

Know exactly what you are expecting from a partner and a relationship and always be open about that. Also, know what sort of values your potential partner should have and don’t settle.

Yes, we said that you shouldn’t be too picky and that you should give people a chance, but that doesn’t mean that you should settle for less or that you should disregard your standards. Be confident about what you want and expect from a potential partner!

5. Stay safe when dating online

Most dating sites are safe and people who use them provide truthful information about themselves. However, it’s never a bad idea to be cautious and know how to stay safe when dating online.

Before ever agreeing to meet in person, make sure you have video chatted or chatted by phone before your first date. Also, always meet up in public places and tell someone else about the details of your date.

Before ever starting online dating make sure that it’s something you really want. Don’t start a profile only to realize that you’re not truly in the mood to look for a potential partner. Sometimes, online dating takes time and dedication and also an open mind – so make sure you have all of those before you give it a try! And don’t forget to use these online dating tips.

About The Author

Jasmine Anderson is a lifestyle blogger based in Australia. She is an incurable daydreamer, who finds inspiration in little, everyday moments. Spending time at her cozy home office with her two cats, writing her blog, is her favorite thing in the world follow her on twitter

Interior Design Tips: How to Bring the Outdoors In

You’re a huge nature lover but you don’t really know how to incorporate these natural elements into your interior? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are nine useful tips on how to bring the outdoors in and give your home a magical makeover, so be sure to stay with us. Just keep on reading, check them out, and get down to business right away!

First of all, opt for a natural color palette

Bringing the outdoors in can’t be complete without incorporating a natural color palette. In fact, it’s the beautiful colors that make nature so appealing and aesthetically pleasing, right? So, if you want to choose the appropriate combination of colors, all you need to do is to take a look out of your window. Of course, this goes for people who don’t live in the middle of a concrete jungle, but in a place where nature can be seen in its original form. As for the color palette, it should include all shades of green in the first place. Lime green, fern green, olive green, shamrock green, basil green… Possibilities are infinite with this one! Also, don’t skip the earthy shades such as beige, burnt orange, and all shades of brown. Combine them with metallic accents in gold or bronze and you’ll do a fantastic job with this color palette!

Use natural materials as much as possible

The next step is using natural materials in your home. This is one of the easiest ways to make your home décor feel close to nature. If you want to give your home a complete makeover, make sure to start with replacing your flooring. Instead of human-made solutions, you should always go for natural flooring. These feel much warmer and more inviting, and some of the most popular materials are wood, bamboo, and cork. Of course, hardwood floors are a bit more expensive than cork or bamboo ones, but they will certainly pay off in the long run. Speaking of your curtains, bedding, and other home decorations – these should also be made from natural fabrics. Cotton and linen are frequently used in millions of homes these days. These are very breathable and lightweight so you won’t make a mistake if you incorporate them into your home, too!

Complement your space with a bunch of houseplants

Needless to say, houseplants are an absolute must in any home. This is particularly true if you want to incorporate some elements of the outdoors, so don’t wait any longer and give potted plants a try. Just remember that certain plants require specific conditions. For example, there are many types of plants for shade that don’t need to be exposed to direct sunlight in order to grow properly. This is the most challenging environment for a plant to grow in, but there are still plants that do extremely well in such conditions. These plants are usually characterized by deep green foliage; however, there are also some colorful types you’ll love to see in your space. Kaffir lily, winter daphne, and mona lavender are just some of them, so take them into consideration and you won’t regret it. That’s a promise!

Trees are more than welcome in indoor spaces, too

Yes, we know that it sounds a bit silly, but trees are welcome in indoor spaces! That’s right, so keep that wonderful option in mind and compliment your interior with a beautiful tree. There are many ways to make that indoor tree thing happen, and the first one is to put it in a large planter. Of course, no one says that you should go for some giant trees that have nothing to do with indoor spaces. Instead, opt for smaller trees such as a calamondin orange tree. This is a beautiful dwarf fruit tree that can survive inside all year long. Apart from looking great, this tree will also produce tiny oranges and gorgeous white flowers whose scent will make your entire home smell amazing. Parlor palm is another great solution for indoor spaces. The best thing about it is that it requires low-light conditions and sporadic watering, which makes it a low-maintenance plant!

Let the natural light in

Everyone can agree that there’s nothing better than natural light. If you agree be sure to install huge windows wherever possible. This is a great option if you’re up for a home remodeling simply because big windows are the best sources of natural light. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and can’t afford it at the moment, you should definitely invest in brand new curtains. This is particularly important if you have thick drapes that block out light. In order to let the natural light in, switch from thick drapes to lightweight curtains. These should be made from the aforementioned fabrics – mostly cotton or linen. Apart from letting the natural light in, these will boost the flow of fresh air at the same time. If you ask us, this is the single benefit that you shouldn’t overlook!

Opt for sustainable furniture

Incorporating natural elements into your home is much more than choosing an appropriate color palette and natural fabrics. It’s about embracing the natural vibe in every single element of your interior – including your furniture. In case you didn’t know, the furniture industry has significantly changed recently. Many manufacturers have switched from conventional to sustainable furniture options, but do you know what it really means? Well, it means that they are no longer using toxic, petroleum-derived chemicals and illegally harvested wood to produce furniture. Instead, they are opting for sustainable materials such as recycled wood, wooden pallets, bamboo, and even seaweed to make pieces such as tables, nightstands, sofas, and similar ones. These are environmentally-friendly materials that don’t pollute the air, water, and soil. Give them a fair shot and you’ll love the feeling that you’re helping our planet instead of harming it!

Cultivate a living wall

Vertical gardens are gaining momentum these days, due to their space efficiency and beautiful aesthetic. Because a vertical garden is a perfect choice for everyone who wants to have a garden but doesn’t have enough space in their backyard. As their name clearly says, these should be built vertically – from the ceiling to the floor or vice versa. Vertical gardens are a great way to bring the outdoors in – in a both aesthetic and practical way. Apart from looking amazing and complimenting your interior, a vertical garden will allow you to grow your own fresh herbs, healing plants, flowers, and similar stuff, too. Also, this is a cool DIY project your kids can take part in! You won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive equipment and supplies. A few affordable wooden planters will do the trick, so give vertical gardening a try and you won’t regret it!

Utilize wood and stone in your home

As mentioned above, wood is one of the most popular materials when it comes to home décor these days. It’s also one of the biggest trends in the furniture industry, too – especially among the manufacturers who are switching to sustainable materials. This is a good enough reason to incorporate it into your home and add a natural vibe to your indoor space. After all, there aren’t many materials that scream ‘nature’ in a way wood does, right? Aside from wood, you should take stone into consideration as well. Even though it’s often associated with coldness, we must say that stone also represents permanence, stability, and endurance. A combination of wood and stone is probably the best option out there. It will bring a perfect balance of warmth and coldness, while emphasizing the natural elements in a simple yet effective way. It doesn’t get better than that, does it?

Decorate with natural accessories

Last but certainly not least, bringing the outdoors in should be done by decorating with natural accessories. And what does it mean? It means that you should pick attractive home accessories that are perfectly coordinated with your furniture and overall color palette. For example, a bunch of decorative pillows is always a good way to decorate and fill in some blank spots. Just be sure that these pillowcases are made from completely natural fabrics. Paintings that represent nature are a great idea, too, as well as scented candles that feature your favorite essential oils. You can never go wrong with intricate embroidery and handmade lace, so make them a part of your home and you’ll do a phenomenal job!

As you can see, there are so many amazing ways to upgrade your interior by bringing the outdoors in. If this is one of your top priorities at the moment, just stick to our useful design tips and you’ll undoubtedly make it happen. From picking the right color palette and natural materials to adding some houseplants, letting the natural light in, cultivating a living wall, and many more – each of these steps is beyond awesome. Follow our guidelines and you’ll do a fantastic job with your home makeover, that’s a promise!