Archives for August 2019

August 6, 2019

Best Home Gym Ideas for Apartments

Having a home gym is not only a good idea for the more athletic among us, but all of us should consider having at least some workout routine at home. However, apartments aren’t that overflowing with space so that you can choose whichever piece of gym equipment to place in them. Most apartments are big enough to fit only a treadmill or a spin bike (in best cases both). But even if your apartment is short on space, you can still provide yourself with a quality home gym. All you need is a bit of creativity and knowledge of space-saving techniques. Here are some ideas to help you create the best apartment gym you can. 

Cardio with a view

If you are among the lucky ones who have enough space to fit a treadmill in your apartment, then you should also think about where it would be best to place it. A great way to create an outdoor exercise experience is to have it facing the window. This way, you will have an illusion of running outdoors, and if you open the window, you will get the full experience. The best place for a spin bike is also next to the window, as well as all cardio-related equipment. However, keep in mind that placing a dumbbell rack right next to windows might not be such a good idea, mostly because accidents can happen (and you don’t want them happening next to your windows). 

Go for space-saving equipment

In order to save more space, you need to keep in mind that the equipment has to be bought reasonably. If you overfill your apartment with equipment, there won’t be much space left for you to move around. So, you need to choose adjustable, space-saving equipment. For example, you can buy adjustable dumbbells and do deadlifts, goblet squats, weighted lunges, or any other workout with this single piece of equipment. Check those commercial gym fitouts out there to get a better idea of what kind of equipment would suit your home gym best. 

Yoga mats for less noise

Apartment buildings have one problem that it’s hard to avoid (and it’s not parking space). You guessed it – the problem is noise. While you do your workouts at home, your neighbors will most definitely complain about the noise at some point. Luckily, you can go around this problem by investing in quality, spacious yoga mats that provide a base for noise reduction. If you can do jumping jacks on it without your neighbors making a fuss about it, then you can also do your stretches, ab workouts, and yoga. Plus, you will secure your floor from getting damaged from heavy weights and dumbbells.

All-in-one exercise with resistance bands

Those of you who already practice daily workouts with resistance bands know why they are so awesome, but it’s about time for those of you who still don’t know to find out. Resistance bands offer you the ultimate workout with your own body weight, which is excellent for waking up those muscles which have been long asleep. You can use them for your triceps pushdowns, arm workouts, overhead lat pulldowns and many more. They are especially great for leg and gluteus maximus workouts. Since you can level the resistance, make sure you get light, medium and heavy resistance bands so that you can change them as you advance.   

Collapse space with a FID bench

The bench you really need is one that can be collapsed into all positions you desire. FID stands for flat, incline and decline, which means you should aim for a bench that can complete all three positions. Lifting is pretty hard without a bench (not to mention dangerous) if you are a fan of heavy weights. However, benches do take up a lot of space, which means that a single bench in your apartment will instantly become a focal piece of the room. But if lifting weights is your main goal, then this shouldn’t be a problem.  

Keep in mind that no matter how big your apartment may be, the gym should only be a part of it. Don’t overflow your apartment with gym equipment only to find out one day that you constantly trip over weights and dumbbells. Make a gym that works in symbiosis with the rest of your home and serves its purpose without damaging the balance of your home. 

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August 6, 2019

10 Exercises You Must Do This Winter

There are so many exercise and diet myths published that it can be difficult to know what you should be doing if you are trying to lose weight or to get fit generally. Some myths are very misleading and so, care should always be taken. This article cuts to the chase and looks at 10 common exercise myths that really must be done during those winter months. By making a little effort, you’ll feel so much better.  

  1. Go for an early morning jogging session

As much as running is great for you, running in the winter months when it’s cold can bring a new set of challenges. If it’s cold, your body will be stiff and muscles tight and it is all-too easy to injure yourself. It only takes an ill-prepared jarring movement and back could be injured or, if your body is not warmed up sufficiently for pounding on pavements, the leg joints or muscles can be strained. It’s important to do a thorough warm-up first and to take your time with this.  Stretch out the body, get the muscles nice and flexible and wear the appropriate clothing.  

  1. Start Walking as Much as You Can.

Walking is a great way to get fit and it takes very little time to start to build fitness. Be careful not to overheat in those cold winter months as you will still sweat so opt for breathable layers and wear a breathable jacket too. A lightweight wind-stopper jacket can also help to combat those icy gusts of wind. When stopping for a break, make sure you stay warm, cover up before you start to get cold. There are insulating jackets that are lightweight which will work well. 

  1.     Go trekking every weekend

If you can get out and about every weekend, it will do you the power of good. Go somewhere scenic and breathe in lovely fresh air. If you can set aside your weekends, you will develop your fitness levels consistently and look forward to your treks. When you go trekking, you decrease stress levels and improve mental wellbeing. The very act of hiking improves cardiovascular health and depending on short or long hikes, will provide balanced training for your muscles.

  1.     Go outside and exercise

Exercising outside is always fun and it adds a new dimension to any fitness regime. There are things to consider, however. In the winter months, it will be dark earlier and cold. Safety must always come first. There are some appealing advantages at working out outdoors – scenery and fresh air are just two reasons why getting outside can enhance exercising. You may find you work out harder too…whether going for a run on the beach or hiking up a steep hill.

  1.     Do yoga in an open atmosphere

Yoga has often been practiced outside; it is a wonderful way to reconnect with self as well as with the elements. Yoga helps to replenish the mind and body, but the same rules apply in that you must remain warm while still wearing clothes that allow movement. Circulation decreases when you feel chilled and this slows down the effectiveness of the organs too, also, the muscles and joints are less flexible. Practicing sun salutations builds heat within the body and so, are a great way to take your yoga outside.

  1.     Head to the gym

A gym is a great way to get fit and it has the added benefits of an even temperature throughout while you work out. It also enables you to work out all muscle groups and have the benefit of a professional trainer on stand-by to ensure you get the best workout for your body.

  1.     Start stretching exercises

We all feel a little sluggish and less motivated to work out in the winter but if you find it difficult to get out and about, start some stretching exercises at home first of all and then, in time, take your stretching outside. Stretching in the morning helps to wake up those muscles and to prepare them. It also increases blood flow to the muscles. Try a hamstring or piriformis stretch as a starting point or if you like yoga, perform several Salutations to the Sun and this stretches the whole body. Tune into the muscles you are working and then, this will become an integral part of the whole process. Warming up is vital for the muscles and joints so don’t skimp on this.

  1.     Turn shopping into exercise

If you are often guilty of jumping into the car when going shopping, try when possible to walk to the local shops instead especially if you only need a few items. Do a little power walking and get your lungs working and your heart rate up. Wear the right breathable clothes however as you do not want to sweat and get cold. By alternating driving to the shops and walking, you will find your fitness greatly improves and you will feel better.

  1.     Do household work

We all must do the housework and jobs – whether inside or out in the garden will need to be done. Instead of considering them as a chore, consider them as exercise and embrace bending and stretching. Spend a little time in the garden digging the flowerbeds or creating space for growing vegetables. This affords a great workout and will revitalize mind and body.

  1. Play winter sports or play outside

Forget huddling up over the central heating in the winter, don your warm clothes and get out there and join in the wintry fun. There are many winter sports available or, simply take time out for a long walk, or, free that inner child and just have fun. Take the family to the local park and play tennis or football. Join a local athletics group and have coaching while you build up your fitness levels. There is so much exercise fun to be had.

There are so many options for fitness and the winter months or myths need not stop you in your tracks. Just create a fitness plan of action and invest the time and energy and you will reap the rewards quite quickly. 

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August 6, 2019

How to experience Toronto like the locals do

Toronto Unsplash.com

Toronto is one of the world’s great cities.

It is a place with incredible variety and offers something for everyone who visits. Of course, every major city – Toronto included – has the side the tourists see and a side that the locals enjoy away from the buzz of the millions of visitors. But what if you want to experience Toronto just like the locals do? Well, we can help. Here are some top tips to help you along the way.

  1. Take Public Transport

It is probably easier to take Ubers or taxis everywhere you go. You could even rent a car. But if you want to get a sense of what really makes Toronto tick, then you have to travel around the city as the locals do – on public transport. 

In Toronto, you can take a bus, a streetcar or even hop on the subway. The most iconic public transport journey in Toronto is the 501 streetcar, which is one of the longest routes in North America. Not only is it a piece of living history, but it is also a fantastic way to see some of Toronto’s many neighbourhoods without the need to go on a sightseeing tour. You see locals going about their business, but you will also save a few pennies to spend in other places around the city.

sightseeing in toronto

  1. Ride a bike

As Ben Groundwater says in his “The One Thing” blog series, you would be wise to visit Canada and Toronto in the summer months. That is certainly good advice when it comes to renting a bike. Cycling is a fantastic way to get around this beautiful city. Toronto, like many major metropolises, offers bikes to hire from 80 automated stations. Grab one of those for a few hours and explore the city in any way you see fit.

  1. Get an apartment

Hotel rooms are easy, comfortable and expensive but they don’t help you replicate the lifestyle of a local. So, when you are visiting the city, why not stay in an AirBNB the next time? This will even give you the option to stay with a local, by renting one of their rooms, or stay in your own apartment. But either way, you will get the chance to live a little more like the locals do.

toronto mural

  1. Find a neighbourhood restaurant, bar or cafe and make it your own

Toronto has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to places to eat and drink. When you are staying in the city, try and find a locals’ place and go there regularly. Not only will you build up a great relationship with the owners, but you are likely to bump into plenty of locals too and they can give you an entirely new perspective on the city. It can be the best possible way to get good recommendations for places to go and sights to see, too.

(Images: Unsplash)

 

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August 3, 2019

17 Eyeliner Hacks You Can Use on a Daily Basis

 

brown eyes with liner

Do you need any help with your eyeliner? Are you just starting to try the cat eye trend, or flicks, or any other eyeliner makeup trends? If you need all the help you can get, we have some tips and hacks to maximize the use of your waterproof eyeliner.

Creating the perfect winged cat eye is challenging. Thanks to these unconventional hacks, you can draw your perfect line easily.

  1. Use matching eyeliner and eye shadow for long-lasting makeup

You can easily make your makeup last longer by setting your eyeliner with a matching eye shadow. Start with a pencil liner, and then lightly dust eye shadow in the same shade on top of it. This will hold the liner in place.

  1. Create a guide for liquid liners

Not all of us are experienced enough to use liquid eyeliner easily. And your hand might not be steady enough. If that is the case, line your eyes with a pencil liner first, and then use liquid eyeliner over it. Liquid liners add more definition to your look.

  1. Get an instant eye lift

To lift your eyes, use white eyeliner as a brow highlighter. The line below and above your eyebrows using a thick white liner. Then, smudge it out with a sponge brush to define the brows.

  1. How to make your own gel liner?

If you do not have any gel liner close, you can easily make your own. Just warm the tip of a kohl liner with a lighter. Make sure to hold the tip of the lighter above the flame for just a few seconds. Test the pencil on the back of your hand to see if it works, and then line your eyes.

  1. Sharpen your perfect line using a petroleum jelly

For some people, getting a perfect line might be too challenging. If that is the case, you can easily draw a rough line first. Then, sharpen it using a cotton swab and petroleum jelly. It is easy to erase mistakes if you do not nail it the first time.

  1. Create a natural look by applying eyeliner between lashes

If you crave a natural look, tightline your eyeliner by applying it in between the lashes. Do that instead of applying it across the top of the lash line. You can do this easily by filling in your top lashes from the underside. Your eyelashes will look fuller, but not made up.

  1. Dots for a perfectly straight line

For those of you having challenges drawing a straight line, line your eyes with dots first. Then, connect the dots. But be careful, the dots should not be too big. The dots should be the same size you’d like the width of your line to be.

  1. Create ombre effect with your eyeliner

Ombre is one of the more popular coloring trends, and you can create it by fading a lighter color into a darker color eyeliner. Start at the inner corner of your eye. Line the first three-quarters of the lash line with a light eyeliner, for example, white.

Now, get a dark eyeliner, and go through the outside corner of the eye. Move toward the middle of the eye, and stop halfway. Get a sponge, and blend the middle section where the two colors meet.

  1. Use two hands for a perfect line

Applying eyeliner is a two-hand job. Stand in front of a mirror, and use the non-drawing hand to hold the eyelid taut. Make the wing on the outer corner first, and then taper the line out halfway across the lid. This eyeliner hack makes life easier.

  1. Spoon for a cat-eye shape

Cat eyes makeup is one of the hottest trends. And it is usually a sign you are at the top of your game. To master the shape, use the edges and curves of a spoon. Use the handle to draw the angled line, and the curve of the spoon to create the shape. Fill it in to finish the flick.

  1. Business card for the perfect flick

Speaking of that flick, you can use the edges of a business card to get the perfect flick. Or you can use any sharp line for the flick. Trace the line of the business card if drawing freehand is hard and challenging.

  1. Makes your eyes bigger

Every woman wants her eyes to pop and look big. Well, you can do that with a simple trick. Line the waterline with a white liner. If you want eyes to appear slimmer, line the inner rims with dark eyeliner. Use white or brighter liner to make them bigger.

  1. One trick to change from day to night outfit

If you are out the entire day, and you don’t have time to change your makeup for an evening going out, you can easily try this trick. Simply add glitter liner to instantly transform your look. This works even if you do not like to wear eyeshadow.

  1. Use magnifying mirror

When it comes to applying eyeliner perfectly, you have to use a magnifying mirror. It will give you a closer look at the action.

  1. Brown eyeliner for a flattering look

Many women opt for black eyeliner. But instead, try brown, to get a more universally flattering look. An ashy brown liner will work on all eye colors and shape. And it looks less harsh than black eyeliner.

  1. Clear tape for a cat-eye guide

Here is another trick you can try for getting the perfect cat-eye makeup. Place the edge of the tape in line with the bottom lash line. Angle the top toward the end of the eyebrow. Go with the eyeliner to get the perfect line.

  1. Erase all mistakes with dark eyeshadow

We all make mistakes. And whatever mistake you make with the eyeliner, you can easily erase it. Just soften the look with a dark eyeshadow to cover all of your mistakes.

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August 1, 2019

Camilla Belle’s Effortless Summer Dress from Garnet Hill! 

 Camilla Belle shared a series of Instagram photos wearing Garnet Hill yesterday! The actress looked casually chic as she posed in Garnet Hill’s Linen Tank Maxi Dress in Rose Stripe while enjoying the summer weather  ($78;www.garnethill.com)
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August 1, 2019

Gadgets Can Be Accessories, In Your Home And On You

Sometimes we don’t realize that the type of gadgets that we have on us and in our home can be a reflection of who we are. For example, there might be the person who is into vintage and quirky stuff, who may not necessarily invest in the latest tech trends, but still have an older mobile phone for the vintage look. Then you have the person who is ultra modern and on trend, the person that has that phone when it is released and the latest software updates. With that in mind, here are some of the tech trends and gadgets that can be an expression of who you are.   

 

 

The trend setter 

Maybe you are a bit of a trend setter. Are you the type of person who wants to have the latest gadgets and things in your home? Someone who wants to have the latest things in their life, wanting to keep up with trends and the latest gadgets, definitely will see themselves as a trend setter. This could be having the latest iPhone every time it is released. Having things such as the new in clothes that get launched each season in their favourite high street shops. The trend setter will also be ahead of the time in terms of other factors, like wanting to be sustainable in their home or even having things working remotely such as switching light bulbs on, with a click of their phone.

The entrepreneur and work at home professional 

You will be able to spot the entrepreneur and work at home professional with a simple glance. They are the ones with the computer laptop case, looking all smart. They are the ones that are sitting in high street coffee shops, working with their Americans and slices of cake. They will want the latest tablet or laptop on the go, where they can utilise the latest software features highlighted on websites like https://setapp.com/news/best-macos-catalina-features. They will want to be productive, ahead of their game, and working as much as possible while still living their lives to the max. Dressed sharply and looking professional, these people are easy to spot. 

The quirky one 

The quirky one, we all have someone we know in our lives that fall under this bracket. When it comes to technology they may be a bit of a phobic. Avoiding the latest iPhone and tablets and sticking with vintage classics like the good old fashioned Nokia 3210 model. The ones where they enjoy playing games on their phone such as snake and don’t want to be able to upload to their Instagram on the go. These are the people that find amazing fashion finds in thrift shops and charity stalls. They are the ones with the funny stories, the ones with that are unique and yet you can’t help but feel drawn towards them. 

So which one do you fall into? Are you the one with the latest gadgets or do you avoid anything to do with technology? 

(Image source: pixabay.com)

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