*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Trio Nutrition for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post. All thoughts are strictly my own.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Trio Nutrition for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post. All thoughts are strictly my own.
*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Swanson for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post. All thoughts are strictly my own.
**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate**Pexels - CC0 License
Figuring out when you should borrow money to get an education is something that a lot of people find challenging to work out. While it can be tempting to go along with the crowd and follow the path that everyone else walks along, it isn’t always the right choice for you. Ideally, you want to be conscious about it, figuring out if it is a good decision or if your time could be better spent elsewhere.
So, when should you borrow money to get an education?
You Don’t Have Other Funding Options
If you don’t have other funding options, that can be a reason to borrow money. However, you should look into every inexpensive service you can first.
For example, companies like Ascent Funding believe in looking for education-specific products. These often have special rules that allow you to pay less or delay payments until the future, once you start earning.
You Will Get Strong Career Support
Another situation where it makes sense to borrow money to learn is when the institution you’re going to is offering strong career support. Everyone there has the objective to ensure that you find reasonable work once you leave (even if it isn’t exactly what you want to start off with).
Many universities offer prestige, but they don’t deliver practical assistance. They don’t help you make progress or do what you need to do to be attractive to employers. Therefore, look for educational establishments with a track record of helping people like you thrive and get the job done.
You Have A Clear Repayment Plan
You could also consider borrowing money for education if you have a clear repayment plan. You want to make sure you can tackle the debts in the future.
The best way to do this is to:
Already have the money set aside (which is tricky when you’re young)
Line up a career that can provide the repayment cash flow you need
When you have a clear repayment plan, that can be a great way to put your mind at ease and ensure that you’re making the most of every penny you spend.
You Are Doing A High-Return Degree
Another reason to borrow is that you’re doing a high-return degree. Yes, it might be expensive, but that doesn’t matter as much if you expect to get the money back in the future (and then some extra on top of that).
High-return degrees are few and far between, but they usually lead to a high-value skill or profession. For example, you might do a medical degree because of the value of being a doctor, or learn software development because the market currently values it at a high level.
Once you get on one of these degrees, stick with it. While they can be expensive, the payoffs are also considerable.
You can make your situation even better if you decide to invest in a short-term, high-value program. So, for instance, if you can get a qualification that will open up the job market in 2 years instead of 4, that option is better.
**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate**
If you want to find a career that suits you, then you have come to the right place. This guide will help you to make all of the right choices, so you can find a career that not only reflects your interests but also gives you the highest chance of success.
Source: Pexels
Come off Autopilot
One of the first things that you need to do, if you want to find a career that suits you, is come off autopilot. You need to reflect on your happiness, as well as your motivation. If you can, spend a bit more time on things like self-reflection, as this is a good way for you to understand where you are, where you want to be, and what you would find fulfilling in your career. You also need to take control of yourself. If each day is bleeding into the next, then this will cause major issues for you, and it will also make it much harder for you to get the result you want on a day-to-day basis. If you want a career where every day is different, and you want a bit more excitement in your life, then why not look into commercial diving training?
Play Value
Playing the value game is a good way for you to find out what your core beliefs are. You can also take the time to understand your needs more this way, too. Start by asking yourself who would be on your dream team, what type of people you’d like to work with, and if there is anything you can do to try and make this happen. Things like this can make a big difference to your day, and as a result, your happiness.
Shiny Objects
It’s also important to look out for shiny things that may make a job seem far more appealing than it actually is. You might be offered a lot of things when you start a new job and this is great, but at the end of the day, you may also find that it distracts you from some of the things that make you happy, which is the last thing you need.
Switch out your Strengths
Another thing you need to do is take the time to swap out your strengths. You need to make sure that you understand the fact that although your strengths energize you, they may also drain your energy. If you understand this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to find a career that actually benefits you. Of course, finding a job that compliments the strengths you have can be difficult, but with a bit of time and patience, you’ll be well on your way to getting the job of your dreams. Of course, if you find that your strength aligns with your values then this is great and you should certainly pursue a job based on this, so try and keep that in mind if you can as it can have a huge impact on your happiness as a whole and the way you feel about things.
**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate**
The garden is often, oddly, an overlooked part of a property. Done correctly, a garden can add value to your home, provide some much-needed joy, and be a space where you and your family can unwind and make the most of the warm Spring and Summer months. Indeed, it’s not a complete exaggeration to say that, with a bit of work, your garden could become your favourite place on the planet.
If your garden is currently a little uninspiring, then this page is for you. We’ve put together a bunch of handy tips which, when put all together, will transform your outdoor space.
Think Big
Your garden will have a lot of potential; it’s up to you to unveil that potential. If you haven’t touched your garden in a while, then you’ve probably gotten used to a less-than-impressive outdoor space. Now’s the time to change your mindset and see what your garden could become with a little bit of work. If you’re not sure where to start, then take a look at some garden ideas for inspiration.
Hire Professionals
It’s very much possible to create a beautiful garden yourself. With that said, if you don’t have any experience, then it’ll probably be best to hire professionals to do the job for you. They won’t only ensure that your garden looks great, but they’ll do so quickly. You’ll get an enviable outdoor area much quicker if you hand the task over to an expert. An experienced arborist can ensure that the trees in your garden are in tip-top condition, while a landscaper can help with overall garden design and planting. This approach does more than just get your garden into shape — it’ll make it one of the best in the neighbourhood.
Develop Your Gardening Skills
Even if you plan on hiring professionals to get your garden into shape, there’s still value in working on developing your gardening skills. That’ll ensure that you’re able to maintain and care for your garden moving forward. While some people seem to naturally have a “green thumb,” don’t worry if you don’t know the first thing about gardening — in this day and age, it couldn’t be easier to get started with learning the skills you need to keep your garden in tip-top condition. There are plenty of YouTube channels you can use to get started. Beyond that, it’ll be all about practice, practice, practice. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you become something of an expert!
Invest in Quality Outdoor Furniture
If you’ve taken the above steps, then your garden will be beautiful. But remember, your outdoor area isn’t a work of art that’s to be admired from afar; it’s something that should be enjoyed up, close, and personal.
And by that, we mean that you’ll be spending long spring and summer days out there. You can ensure that you and your family are inclined to spend time out there by investing in quality outdoor furniture that’s durable, aesthetically pleasing, and, most importantly of all, comfortable. There are budget-friendly garden furniture options available, but it’s best to extend the budget if you’re in a position to do so. The higher the quality, the more likely it is that you’ll sit out there.
Make it Private
The world is more chaotic than ever, and we all need a nice, private space to retreat to when it all becomes too stressful. Your garden, a calm environment where you’re less likely to spend your time doom-scrolling, offers the perfect space to do just that.
With that said, you’ll only really feel like it’s a private space if, well, it’s genuinely private. If you have neighbours, then it’s best to take some measures to ensure that they can’t sit in your garden. It’s unlikely that they actually would, but it’s best not to take any chances! You can make your garden private by adding a fence, some tall trees, and a covered area. That’ll give you peace of mind that you can unwind freely in your garden without worrying that you’re on display.
Add a Water Feature
Water features are, to us, vastly underrated. They offer so much, and can help take your garden to the next level. Not only do they add aesthetic appeal, but they’re also highly calming and can even attract wildlife to your yard. There’s nothing better than spending a calm, sunny morning outside with a cup of tea in your hand, listening to the sound of running water and watching passing birds stop by for a drink. While adding a water feature might sound like a big task, the truth is that it’s much easier than most people think — in fact, with a little bit of time and elbow grease, it’s possible to install your own water feature in a day or two.
Make It Social-Ready
Your new garden will mostly be for the benefit of you and your immediate family, but it can also be for your extended family and friends. There are few things nicer than opening up your outdoor space to your loved ones, especially on warm summer days when people want to simply unwind together. Look at buying some extra seating that you can get out when people pop by. You can also add a BBQ and an outdoor sound system — they’ll ensure that you and your loved ones are kept well-fed and having fun all day long.
Summer-Proofing
It’s nice to sit out in the sunshine, yes, but if the sun is too hot, then you’ll be wary — rightly — of spending time in the sunshine. It’s recommended to look at adding some shade to your yard, which won’t only keep you and your family safe from the sun’s harmful rays but can also help to maintain the quality of your garden. Plants and lawns can wither when they’re exposed to too much heat. Pergolas offer shade and style, though you can also look at a shade sail. Have a large tree? Speak to your arborist about how it can be used to create shade.
**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate**
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Taking care of your garden year round is going to ensure that you have some healthy plants. You are going to get some vibrant blooms and have a thriving outdoor space.
Every season you are going to have unique challenges and tasks that you have to do. This is why it is important for you to stay tuned with the natural rhythms of the year.
This will help you to get your garden looking it's best. Take a look at this seasonal tips that will help you keep your garden looking great all throughout the year.
Spring: Wake Your Garden Up
Spring is all about getting prepared for new growth. As the weather begins to warm up you can start clearing away dead leaves. Power up your leaf blower with a Worx battery to make the task easier.
You can also cut back any plants that need a fresh start. It's a perfect time for you to test out your soil and add compost or any organic matter you want to in order to boost nutrients.
This is also the best season to start planting herbs, annuals and cool season vegetables. Remember to watch out for those weeds they grow very fast in the spring.
They can take over before you know it. Doing some regular weeding early in the season will save you from a lot of problems later on.
Summer: Keep It Growing
When summer arrives your garden is likely to be very much in full bloom and in production mode. The main focus that you should have during this time is making sure that you are maintaining and watering it.
Be sure to water early in the morning and late in the evenings as it will stop evaporation and reduce the risk that you will scorch your plants. Keep an eye out for signs that there are pest and diseases around.
This is because the warmer months will often bring out those intruders in droves. Deadend flowers so that you encourage more blooms. You can use mulching to retain moisture and suppress those weeds.
Fall is a great time to look back at what worked in your garden and what didn't. It's also a time for you to prepare for the colder months.
You can start by removing spent annuals and harvesting the last of your summer crops. Be sure to rake up leaves and add them to your compost pile if you have created one. Autumn is also the best time to plant bulbs that will bloom in the spring.
You can also divide perennials that have become crowded. If you're growing vegetables you should think about planting cold hardy varieties like carrots, spinach and kale.
Winter: Plan and Protect
Winter may seem as if it is a quiet time but there is still a lot of work for you to do. You should protect your plants by covering sensitive ones with burlap or mulch.
Be sure to insulate them from harsh temperatures. Keep your pathways free of snow and ice especially if you have garden structures that are going to need regular checking.
You can start planning for the upcoming year during the winter. Review your seed catalog, sketch out your garden layout and order supplies. It's also one of the best times for you to clean up and sharpen your tools so that when spring arrives you are ready.
**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate**
During the early phases of child rearing, your appearance and beauty routine isn’t the number one priority. However, the time eventually comes when you want to get back out there and start looking great again.
But how do you do that? What should be a part of your post-baby beauty routine?
That’s the topic of this post. It explores some of the elements you might want to include, focusing on simple additions that will make you look great.
Here’s everything you need to do.
Collagen Support
Collagen support should be top of the list of things to focus on after having a baby. You can lose collagen from the skin during this period, so figuring out ways to replace it is essential.
Pregnancy depletes collagen because of hormonal changes. However, you can replace it (or at least give it some support) with sheet masks and collagen supplements. Peptide-rich creams also seem to work, although the mechanisms may be different.
Collagen support helps your face to look and feel plumper over time. You should start noticing some significant effects by around month three, though it can take longer than that.
Mood-Lifting Fragrances
Another ingredient you might want to add to your post-baby beauty routine is mood-lifting fragrances. These can help you deal with postpartum blues and exhaustion that can sap your energy.
The best fragrances are the ones that feel uplifting and suit you personally. These can transform how you feel, giving you the inner feelings that help you glow on the outside.
Many people find that scent ties to their emotions. These can change how you feel quickly because of the link between the nose and brain.
Simple essential oils around the house are fine. However, you can get aromatherapy systems and kits. You can even use scented skincare if it doesn’t irritate you.
Toning
You could also add toning and firming to your post-baby beauty routine. Sometimes, pregnancy can leave you feeling pillowy or wobbly, but exercising can sometimes solve the problem.
For more severe issues, a tummy tuck could be useful. These help to restore the shape of your abdominal area when conventional lifestyle interventions can’t.
The more toned and defined you are, the stronger you will feel. You will have more confidence. You may also find that it makes you more mobile, allowing you to get around more easily.
Multitasking SPF
Another ingredient to add to your post-baby routine is multitasking SPF. Hormonal changes during this period of your life can make you more prone to sun sensitivity and melasma.
As such, a strong sunscreen is essential.
The best options are the new tinted SPFs with moisturizer. These smooth your skin tone, making you look your best, even if you’ve had prior sun exposure.
You can include a multitasking SPF in your routine while your baby naps. Applying a little to your face is an element of self-care that’s easy to include and feels nice when you do it.
Dry Shampoo
You may also want to include dry shampoo in your post-baby beauty routine. These products can be helpful when you want to make your life easier and more convenient.
When you’re looking after a baby, you don’t always have time to shower and wash/dry your hair. But, at the same time, you don’t want it looking greasy and flat. That sort of thing can kill your confidence.
That’s where dry shampoo enters the picture. It removes grease and other gunk, and helps to get rid of some of the problems with the roots of your hair.
If you buy dry shampoo, make sure that it’s texturizing and high-quality. Don’t buy anything with a lot of damaging chemicals in it, as these could harm you or your baby.
When using dry shampoo, allow it to work in your hair and then let it flake out. Usually, it’ll remove any excess grease all by itself.
Lip Love
Another way to jazz up your postpartum beauty routine is to pay some more attention to your lips. The stresses of being a new mother can sometimes cause them to look chapped or dry out, so you’ll want to take extra care of them when you can.
You will especially want to look after them if they’ve become dry or chapped because of licking them. Again, you need to restore the natural barrier and bring them back to a state of health.
You can also use simple petroleum jelly if you have any. It is usually safe to apply to the exterior of the body (even if you don’t use it inside).
Eye Cream With Caffeine
Being a new mom can make you far more tired than usual (for obvious reasons), which shows around the eyes. Many mothers wind up with bags and other problems.
If you have puffy eyes and dark circles, you can often manage them with caffeine-containing creams. These often have a spectrum of ingredients that fights the tendency towards bags, helping you look and feel refreshed, even if you’ve been through a difficult week.
Make sure you dab the caffeine cream around your eyes and on other parts of your face if necessary. Then leave it to absorb into the skin and exert its effects.
Exfoliation
Lastly, you’ll want to include some exfoliation in your post-baby beauty routine. These techniques can brighten dull complexions and help you look fresh.
These days, most derms recommend using chemical exfoliators. These work at a deeper and more sophisticated level than mechanical options, providing more natural results over time.
Most women use lactic acid. However, you can use glycolic or mandelic acids as these will also work well.