Stationary Bike
Fitness, Health

Benefits of Using a Stationary Bike

January 26, 2020

Most people who decide they want to work on their health and fitness will be trying to find the most effective methods possible. After all, time is precious, and the more calories you can burn in a shorter period, the faster you can get onto something else.

That’s why more and more people see the value in a stationary cycle. You don’t have to leave the house, but you also get to work on your fitness at the same time. Read on to discover why it might be time to clear a space in your home for such exercise equipment.

It Can Help You to Burn Body Fat

Getting fit and healthy can have the bonus of helping you to burn body fat, and a stationary cycle can help. When you work out at a high intensity on a bike, you can burn calories while building strength. The result? Fat loss. In some instances, you may be able to burn as much as 600 calories with one hour of use.

Many studies over the years have shown the value of eating well and accompanying it with a fitness routine. If you are ready to work on yourself to feel and look better, then a stationary bicycle may be an excellent place to start.

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Sleep Dentistry
Health

Why Sleep Dentistry Could Work for You

April 9, 2019

Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry, is when your dentist administers drugs to make you relaxed or asleep for your dental care. They may offer nitrous oxide to relax you, or oral sedatives to make you less anxious. If you would prefer to go to sleep completely, an IV drug can put you into a deep sleep.

Dental O So Gentle advise that sleep dentistry is not right for everyone, but it could be right for you. Read on to discover the many reasons why some people prefer this method for oral care.

You Have a Phobia

Dental phobias are more common than you think, with at least 20 percent of Australians putting off a dentist visit due to fear. As many as 85 percent of people also feel nervous or anxious before their dental check-up. If you have a genuine phobia or anxiety of the dentist, then sleep dentistry could be for you. Talk to your local dentist about the best way to approach your next check-up.

You’ve Had Past Bad Experiences

Unfortunately, accidents can happen. These may not only be traumatic at the time but make you less likely to see your dentist in the future. If you’re experiencing anxiety at the very thought of going for a check-up, then sleep dentistry may be for you. Your dentist might recommend nitrous oxide or an oral sedative to keep you calm.

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Group Fitness
Fitness

Why Group Fitness is More Fun Than Just Going to the Gym

October 2, 2018

Some people may see group fitness as going to the gym. While you are surrounded by people, it’s still quite an isolating activity – you just share a space with others. Gyms are effective for many people, offering a stimulating, encouraging area in which to carry out exercise with expert help on hand.

However, when it comes to the fun factor, solo gym workouts won’t be at the top of the list. Of course, you have access to a lot of different machines and workout equipment you wouldn’t have at home, but it’s not social like other options. That’s why group fitness classes such as BodyBalance are fast becoming popular workout options for men and women. They offer fun, excitement, and so much more. But, why?

It’s Social

As mentioned above, there is nothing wrong with using a gym for exercise, but it’s not a social workout session. Instead, you share a common area with people, but you’re on your own. Group fitness classes such as Sh’Bam, spin cycling, and even boot camp, are entirely social.

You get to meet new people on the same journey as yourself and have a few laughs along the way. What’s more, many people who join group fitness classes say the time passes so much quicker than if they were to exercise alone.

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Satin Robes
Beauty

Why Satin Robes Make the Perfect Bridesmaid Gifts

September 16, 2018

As your big day looms ever closer, it’s essential to begin thinking about what bridesmaids gifts you will be ordering for the special ladies in your life.  After all, they have put in a significant number of hours to help your day become a success, and without them, your wedding wouldn’t be nearly as stress-free it’s going to be.

A simple search online will see you looking at ever-popular bridesmaids gifts such as satin robes. While they aren’t something you would typically gift friends and family, they are a valid option for a wedding situation. Here’s why.

You Can Customise Them

It can seem a little cheap to head into the city and buy five of the same bridesmaids gifts. The same way a personalised santa sack feels more special for children, a personalised bridesmaid robe does too. In fact, it can even appear as if you spent no time at all sourcing them. However, if you buy bridesmaid robes, you can order them with customisation, so your bridesmaids know you put a lot of thought and effort into them. You can get wording such as “maid of honour” or even their names and the date of the wedding. While the customisation process – and the robes – are affordable, they appear special, unique, and luxurious.

They Look Stunning in Pre-Wedding Photos

If you have booked the full wedding photography package which includes “getting ready” photos, then satin robes are going to look the part. If all your girls are dressed in their robes preparing for the wedding, these can make some excellent shots. What’s more, these pre-wedding sessions are often where a lot of memories are made. Therefore, you can look back on them in the years to come, having a slight chuckle over what happened during those moments.

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Wine and Food
Food

Solving a Problem: When Wine Won’t Match Food

August 25, 2018

Not everyone is a wine connoisseur – including those who are frequent restaurant diners, and even those who spend time browsing online wine websites. While you may pride yourself on having a nose and a palate for picking out hints of oak and grass in your bottle of choice, there is going to be a time where you can’t figure out how to match food with wine. The truth is, some food will stump you, as will some wine.

If a lot of what you do is guesswork and taste-testing to ensure something works together, it’s essential to know there is a method to the madness. When wine doesn’t match, use this list below as a ‘go-to’ for solving the problem.

Sweet Wine

Is that wine that arrived in the mail from an online wine website a little too sweet? Rather than worry about how you’re going to create a successful pairing, we’ve got the answer. Any sweet wine is going to work well with sweet desserts, honey, chocolate, and dried fruit. Oddly enough, sweet wine also goes well with parmesan and blue cheese. Therefore, sweet wine is the perfect accompaniment to a harvest board you prepare for your nearest and dearest, or to go with dessert at a restaurant.

Red Wine

As a rule of thumb, any red wine you see on a restaurant menu or for sale by an online wine provider is going to be quite heavy. Of course, there are lighter red wines, but even ‘light’ is no match to a Riesling or Italian dry wine. If you find yourself with a high-alcohol or very oaky red wine, pairing is easier than you may have thought. On the nights you plan on cooking a stew, beef, or any hearty and meaty meal, it’s time to crack open a bottle of red.

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Engagement Rings
Lifestyle

Engagement Rings: What to Look Out for in the Four Cs

July 22, 2018

When you are looking to purchase engagement rings, there is a lot to consider. After all, it’s representative of your love and dedication, so it has to be every bit the picture of perfection. Aside from the look, price, and size, four words mean equally as much, and they refer to the diamond.

Cut, clarity, carat, and colour are four Cs of which you should be aware. Here’s what you need to know.

Cut

When referring to the cut of a diamond, it’s easy to assume that it means the shape and how manufacturers cut it. However, the cut means the reflective quality and how dazzling that diamond looks in engagement rings. The best-cut diamond is one that has light beaming up from the centre of the stone, as opposed to being dull and lifeless. If a diamond “leaks” light, and has minimal sparkle, it has been poorly cut.

Clarity

Most diamond engagement rings you come across at your local jeweller’s aren’t entirely perfect – but they are to the human eye. However, the diamonds can often contain small marks known as inclusions which dot around the diamond. While they aren’t visible to you, they can affect the clarity rating of the diamond. A diamond classed as “internally flawless” with no inclusions has a rating of FL-IF, while an imperfect diamond with large inclusions is SI-3.

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Travel with a Pet
Travel

How to Travel with a Pet

June 24, 2018

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and even when you desire a luxury Bali villa or five-star resort on an island, you need to consider their needs as well. If you can’t bear the thought of putting your pampered pooch into care while you go on holiday, sometimes you don’t have to. If you think your pet needs a holiday just as much as you do, here’s how you can travel with your pet. It’s challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Study the Laws

Depending on the country you are visiting, you may find that taking your dog with you is not as challenging as you think it will be. While, of course, some countries ban all foreign dogs from visiting due to the risk of disease, some nations have a more relaxed approach. Therefore, to know for sure how catered for your dog will be, do your research.

Find out whether your dog will need to go in quarantine, and if so, for how long. Depending on the length of your holiday or trip away, you may find it’s in your best interests to leave your furry friend in a boarding facility. However, if you intend on being away for several months, it may be worth the effort.

Get a Vet Check

To ensure your dog is in tip-top shape for travel, it’s crucial to take them to see their vet. Most countries that do accept pets will ask to see records of vaccinations and any other health problems or treatments they have also had. Seeing your veterinarian will also give you the opportunity to ask questions and find out whether taking your pet with you is the best decision.

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Acne as an Adult
Beauty

Acne as an Adult? Here’s Why

April 10, 2018

You may think that acne is a teenage condition and one you grow out of when you become an adult. While most people do, sometimes it comes back with a vengeance – but why? There are many reasons, including using toxic products over organic skin care products. Find out below so you can tackle the problem sooner rather than later.

Using Damaging Skin Care and Hair Products

Unfortunately, the market is full of harmful products that we put on our skin and hair every day. While they might be all you’re used to or all you know, did you know they can be quite damaging? Some hair and skin care products can clog your pores, leading to breakouts you haven’t seen since you were a teenager!

Where possible, opt for organic skin care products, or products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic.

Hormone Fluctuation

Even a slight imbalance in your hormone levels can see your body go into panic mode, producing acne and inflamed pimples. Usually, women get acne more than men do and, when relating to hormones, tends to happen due to pregnancy, menopause, and periods. You may also experience breakouts during a change in your birth control pill. While organic skin care products can go a long way toward helping you deal with the problem, it can’t fix your hormonal levels.

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Build Your Core
Fitness

The Best Exercises to Build Your Core

March 27, 2018

There is a common misconception that to get that perfectly strong core you need to avoid carbs at all costs and spend every waking moment at the gym. However, that’s not the case. There is an abundance of core building exercises that you can do in the comfort of your home, and help you to build those core muscles fast. What’s more, you can still indulge in the occasional cake…

Building your core muscles is also about more than just looking good, it’s about feeling good as well. Your core muscles are your body’s framework, and they protect your organs, help you to move, and stabilize your entire body.

Add these exercises to your repertoire, and benefit from a stronger core than you’ve ever had before.

Crunch

Crunches target your upper abdominal muscles, and they are a popular addition to many different workout routines. To complete the perfect crunch, you lie on the ground with your hands behind your head, and your knees bent forward. Lift your upper back and shoulders off the ground in a forward motion, while pushing your lower back to the ground. Complete in sets of ten and enjoy the burn as you tone those upper abs.

Side Plank

Similar to a standard plank, a side plank works your oblique muscles and can be held for 30 seconds to a minute, or in 10 seconds lots if you’re new to core-building exercises. Just lie on your side, bend your arm at the elbow, and put it beneath your shoulder. Your hand should be placed on your hip. Make sure your shoulders, head, hips, and ankles are all aligned, and force your body toward the ceiling. You should be balancing on your shoe with your feet crossed over each other.

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Cardio Exercises
Fitness

Cut Fat Quickly with These Cardio Exercises

February 18, 2018

Whether you’re trying to fit into a new dress or suit, or you’re looking to make a dramatic lifestyle change, it’s time to begin working out. While all exercises are beneficial for your health and well being, many are designed to cut fat quickly – particularly cardio workouts. We’ve included just a few of the many cardio exercises that can help you lose weight fast.

Elliptical Machine
Whether you choose to purchase an elliptical machine for home use, or you prefer to use one at the gym, you will find it’s an effective weight loss method that puts minimal pressure on your hips and knees. While elliptical machines are not as effective as some of the other cardio machines, they are perfect for those who require low-impact exercises to achieve the same desired results.

At a moderate pace for an hour, you can burn between 400 and 600 calories. However, you can alter your workout by increasing the speed, resistance, and intensity.

Jump Rope

Jump rope is included in many different workout routines for both men and women, and for a very good reason. It’s a low-cost form of cardio exercise and offers a host of benefits. It takes up no room at home, you can do it almost anywhere, and there is the potential to burn as much as 1,000 calories in an hour. What’s more, you also benefit from better coordination and increased strength in your arms and shoulders while you burn fat at the same time.

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