LIFESTYLE: SHOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A JOB?

You’ve been offered a job – but it involves moving to a new area (or possibly even a new country). Do you take it, or do you pass up the opportunity?
For many of us, this can be a hard decision to make. To help you make the right choice, here are some of the key things you should factor in.
Research into the job
First and foremost, you need to be sure that the job is worth it. Find out how much it will pay and what other benefits it offers. Then consider the type of duties you’ll be doing and whether there will be any compromises. It could be worth researching into the company to work out whether previous employees have enjoyed working there. It’s possible that you may have been given a job working for the same company but with a different branch – in this case, you may still want to do some research into this individual branch to see what customers and employees alike think.
Research into the area
Next, you need to be certain that the area is right for you. You can research what it’s like to live in certain locations online using guides such as this post on moving to Brisbane. Visiting the location in person could be worthwhile to get a strong feel for it. Some of the key factors to research may include the cost of living, the climate, the local attractions and amenities and the local culture. If you’re moving to a new country, you may even need to consider learning a new language, new laws and new customs.
Consider what’s best for your family
If you have a partner or kids, consider what they think of the move. If your partner has a steady job and your kids are in school, it may not be fair to uproot them. That said, if the opportunity is exciting enough, your family may be eager to make the move. Involve them in the decision-making process and make sure that it is a unanimous decision.
Consider the cost of moving
Moving long-distance can be a costly and stressful process. Make sure that you can afford a moving company (if you’re selling your current home and buying another home, you may also need to be able to afford a solicitor, a mortgage valuation and a down payment on your next property). Moving internationally is likely to be even more expensive and may also involve visas.
Consider what you’ll leave behind

Leaving friends and family behind can be one of the hardest parts of relocating. It can be particularly hard when moving to another country. That said, there are now so many ways to keep up communication long-distance from social media to video messaging. On top of your loved ones, consider whether you’ll be leaving behind a current home or a current job that you love. It’s possible that you may be eager to leave your current life behind and start fresh. Alternatively, you may be in a comfortable place and may lose a lot by moving.
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LIFESTYLE: THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT: 5 STRANGE HOME NOISES SOLVED

Keep hearing strange noises in your home? Don’t worry – it’s probably not a ghost. Many unusual noises can be easily explained and may in fact be signs of problems. Here are just five common unusual noises heard around the home and their likely causes.
Scratching
A scratching sound in the walls could be a sign of a pest problem. Mice and rats are the most common culprits – these animals are nocturnal so you’ll likely hear the scratching at night. Squirrels, birds, bats and cockroaches could be other offenders.
By hiring the help of a pest control service such as 000 Pest Control you can get to the bottom of the sound. Getting rid of pests could be essential for preventing the spread of disease, preventing contamination of food and preventing damaging to your home as a result of chewing and nesting.
Whistling
Whistling is likely to be caused by wind. Even if there are no windows or doors open, it could be getting in through cracks in walls, door frames or window frames. Sealing up your home could be necessary to prevent this noise. It could also help to prevent cold drafts getting into your home in winter.
Another possible cause of whistling could be an unclean air conditioning filter. This could be something to consider if you have an air conditioning unit (the noise will likely be more constant)
Banging
Banging noises in the walls can be alarming, but it could simply be ‘water hammer’. This is caused by water slamming against closed faucets in pipes – usually after turning off a tap suddenly. Most pipes should have air chambers that prevent this noise from occurring, however this air can escape. You can read a simple guide on how to get rid of water hammer here at The Spruce.
Banging can also occur in a heating system. This could be a boiler problem that may require calling a plumber to fix.
Popping
If you hear popping noises coming from windows and floorboards, it could simply be due to changes in temperature. This can cause materials like wood and aluminium to expand and contract, which can cause a popping noise.
Such a sound may be fixed by regulating the temperature more evenly in your home or by limiting sun exposure (in the case of windows). Usually such noises are nothing to worry about – you should only worry if small cracks start appearing or gaps in seals start to appear.  
Gurgling
Gurgling sounds can often be heard in radiators. This is a sign that there is air trapped in the radiator and that it needs to be ‘bled’. Bleeding a radiator can be done oneself using a radiator key.
Pipes and boilers can also create gurgling sounds as a result of trapped air or debris. This could be worth consulting a plumber about if it is loud and frequent.


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LIFESTYLE: 7 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING AN UNUSUAL PET

Almost every single person thinks about owning a pet at some point or another. The type of pet they choose is usually based on who they are as a person. Those who want a low maintenance pet often pick a fish, or even a cat - who is pretty self-sustaining! Those who want to get out of the house and have a companion who will be interactive with them would normally choose a dog for their playful nature. The thing is, cats, dogs and fish are lovely, but they’re not that unusual. 
There are plenty of other pet options out there that are far more unusual and exotic than the standard household pets, and you could choose to go with one of those if you wanted to! Remember, though, that while you want to have an unusual pet, they may not be ok to own in some parts of the world. You should also consider whether your unusual pet should still be in the wild. So, let’s explore some of the most important things that you should be considering before you choose to get an unusual pet!
Person Holding Red and Black Snake
  • Is It Legal?
There are so many laws surrounding the ownership of exotic pets that you need to know whether you are allowed to own the pet that you are so interested in. Some states may be very specific about the pets that you are allowed to own. Some allow every animal and that makes choosing which pet you have easy. Don’t forget, the legalities don’t just stop with which pet you choose to get. You need to consider whether the way in which you are keeping them is correct. You don't want to own a horse, for example, without the right horse stables as that wouldn't be kind to that horse. Know the laws and rules surrounding the animal that you are hoping to own, and spend time doing your research properly!
  • The Right Vet
Before you decide to go for an animal that is truly exotic, make sure that you do your research on the vets in your area. You are going to need to ensure that yours are able to specialize in the right animal. If they can’t treat your pet, they’ll be able to lead you to someone else who can and that will be a big help for you when you need their help.
  • The Right Food
It’s easy to feed a dog or a cat. The food is already in the grocery store and you can just pick it up with the rest of your grocery shopping. You may not be able to find the right horse grain or live animals for the tarantula you’ve decided to buy. Each animal needs the correct food for the right nutritional balance. There are some animals that can really suffer if they’re not given the right food. Those cute little sugar gliders you’ve seen are lovely to own, but they require a delicately balanced diet, otherwise they’re prone to paralysis. 
  • Their Environment
Exotic pets often require temperature-controlled environments, and you need to meet their specific temperature and sunlight requirements. They need the right enclosures, the right lighting and the right level of heat. Without them, their environment will not allow them to thrive and they can become ill. You need to research their exact needs and that includes the expense and the building difficulty. It can help to talk to other owners of the exotic pet that you want to own and get the lowdown from those who are well-versed in ownership of that pet.
  • Their Mental Health
Animals are highly intelligent and individual creatures, and you need to consider their mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. Some exotic pets can be left to it and live alone, but most other pets need a companion to be at their best health. They can come depressed if they are left alone too much and if you ignore your pet, they can become destructive. This is something that you want to avoid! 
  • How Long Do They Live?
If you choose to own an animal that lives for a longer time than you will (think about giant tortoises!), then you need to think about what your plans are for after you die. Adding the welfare of an animal to your will is not a bad thing to do! Caring for any animal is not something that you should take lightly, which is why you should consider that they will be aging along with you!
  • Their Temperament

Animals are not like humans. Their moods aren't as predictable even when you look out for behaviours. Exotic animals can be temperamental, and the less domesticated you go, the more aggression you may have to deal with.

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LIFESTYLE: THREE REASONS YOU SHOULD BOOK A TOUR HOLIDAY

Putting plans into place to explore different parts of the world is exciting, but at the same time can be a little stressful. This becomes more apparent if you’re planning on visiting more than one destination per trip, or are a little undecided on where you want to go. There are sometimes too many options to choose from and it can make it difficult to minimise your choice down to just one. This is one of the main reasons that more and more people are choosing to look at tour holidays as a way to see more of the world. 
Photo by Kun Fotografi from Pexels
With so many different destinations on offer and professional tour guides to show you all the best bits, it’s no wonder this has now become popular. Let’s have a look at three reasons why you should book a touring holiday next: 
Like-Minded People 
One of the great things about a touring holiday such as from Galway Tour Company is that you will find that you’re normally travelling with like-minded people. After all, they have chosen the same tour as you so, obviously have an interest in seeing the same sights and destinations. Most people who have been on one before will tell you about how they have met some really good, interesting friends that they have kept in touch with after their trip. Some people get the misconception that these are just for single people, but this isn’t the case, tours are ideal for single people, couples, groups of friends and even families, You can find family tours available where you can travel with other families with children around the same age. 
The Organising Is Looked After For You
If you’re like most people, you will probably take no enjoyment from organizing a trip that involves multiple destinations. It can be tricky to match everything up like your travel between locations, accommodations for a few days and all the different sights that you want to see. There is nothing wrong with creating your own itinerary, however, using a tour style holiday can take away the worry and stress of trying to piece everything together as it is already all done for you. The tours will have a set itinerary that visits a set amount of destinations, there will be accommodation provide, some food provided and all travel between locations, you will even have a private tour guide or two (depending ont he size of the group) to show you around each location. 
Insider Information About Your Destinations 
On a touring holiday, you have a wealth of knowledge to hand and access to insider facts and advice about your destination. The tour guides that are provided on tour holidays are with you for your entire trip (you do get free time) so that they are hand for any questions. They are highly trained, have usually lived in the country for a long time and can offer you little bits of information that will help you to get a more authentic expereince. 

These are just three of the good reasons you should book a tour for a holiday. Do you have any other reasons or fun experiences of tours that you share in the comments below?
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[AD] BEST BOLOGNESE RECIPE


I've decided to get back into healthy eating and thought i'd share one of my favourite recipes. This Bolognese recipe is super quick, easy and affordable and best of all it's really healthy. The recipe is perfect for all the family and is full of loads of hidden veggies and herbs so it tastes amazing!  

INGREDIENTS
2 tins of chopped tomatoes  
A few mushrooms
500g of 5% fat or lower mince beef
1/2 tsp of Schwartz Garlic Granules 
2 tsp  Dried Oregano 
1 Beef Oxo Cube 
2 carrots chopped 
2 onions chopped 
Low Calorie cooking spray 
Dried Spaghetti 


Method 

  • Chop the onions, carrots and mushrooms. I like to chop . ine quite small. 


  • Spray a non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat.  
 
  • Add the onions, carrots, mushrooms and garlic, season lightly and stir-fry for 7-8 minutes. I use Schwartz Garlic Granules as they are really easy to use, a lot less messing around than Fresh Garlic but still adds so much flavour to your dish. Like most herbs you only need a small amount but they add so much flavour and texture to a dish so it lasts ages! It tastes really good just like adding fresh garlic to your food as they only crush whole fresh garlic for a sweet and strong flavour. 
 
  • Add the mince to the pan, I use 5% fat mince but you can use any mince, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 3 minutes until browned.


  • Drain off any excess fat, then add the chopped tomatoes and oregano, crumble in the stock cube and bring to the boil.  
 
  • Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. 
 
  • Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Drain. 


  • I usually serve with wholewheat pasta and salad but this is such a versatile recipe and is perfect on top of wedges or with a jacket potato. You could even serve with pasta shapes and I like to add cheese on top and bake it in the oven to make a really tasty pasta bake which is super easy to make.
I hope you enjoyed my recipe, I know bolognese is a all round family favourite and it's such a classic dish! I love that it is super tasty but healthy and a firm favourite with everyone! Let me know if you give my recipe a try! 





“Schwartz have sent me (this product) for review, but all views are my own”
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TRAVEL: PLANNING THE BEST RURAL GETAWAY

City life can so easily become overwhelming, and often the only thing that can cure your woes is a rural break surrounded by natural beauty and fresh air. The different options you can explore when booking such a trip are aplenty, and this can mean deciding on the perfect location and schedule can be a little impossible! However, there are a few simple steps that you can follow to ensure that your nature loving getaway can meet your expectations and succeed in providing you with the chance to gather your thoughts and detoxify your mind away from the hustle and bustle. So, if you want to know more about how you can plan the best rural vacation, then read on for some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to get started today! 

Choosing The Right Destination 
The destination that you choose for your trip is potentially the most important factor. Opting for the wrong location could ruin your getaway, whereas choosing the perfect place for your rural vacation will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Of course it depends upon several different factors such as how rural you would like to be, which climate you would prefer, and what activities you would like to get up to, so consider these things before you begin your search. There are many areas of natural beauty accross the United Kingdom that can offer so many amazing and individual experiences, and it’s great to get outside and explore the nation in which you live when so much time is being spent indoors as the modern technological world advances forward. If you’re travelling with little ones or the elderly, it’s best to be somewhere that’s close to a town to ensure that there are enough ammeneites and services for them to truly enjoy their break too. 
Scheduling Unique Activities 
Exploring the natural world can be done in a number of ways, from hiking to diving, camping and more. The activities that you plan for your break will contribute massively to the overall success, so it’s vital that you can spend some time researching what’s going on in the local area once you decide on a destination. If you would like to experience Mother Nature without having to tackle some extreme sports, perhaps something like the Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin could be an option - taking a tour will provide you with the chance to visit the natural wonders and chat with knowledgable guides, removing the need to hire a vehicle or organise other transport to reach your location. 

Planning the best rural getaway has never been so simple when you are able to follow the steps outlined above! Start off by choosing the perfect location for your trip that boasts lots of opportunities to take part in different activities and experiences so that you can create memories that last a lifetime. Be sure to book some tours and other similar things to explore the local area!
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[GIFTED] BEAUTY: MISSGUIDED BABE NIGHT FRAGRANCE



How gorgeous is this packaging? I think it looks fab and it smells beautiful too! Babe Night is the new fragrance by Missguided. Normally known for their global fashion brand Missguided have an award-winning fragrance collection. The new addition is Babe Night which is a beautiful musky scent, perfect from day to night.

 'The intoxicating new fragrance opens with citrus notes of lemon, orange and green apple and develops with heady accords of orange blossom, jasmine and spicy pink pepper. Base notes of musky vanilla, cedar and patchouli'' This creates a really sexy scent, it's warm and inviting.

I'm normally a fan of scents like Black Opium and Alien and this is such a 'me' fragrance. Its beautiful! I would wear this all day and night as it's a really versatile scent. It's quite fresh at first but once settled its such a lovely musky scent.  I really like this scent and i'm going to check out the other Missguided fragrances as they have a few other scents to choose from.

You get a decent 80ml bottle for £28 which is really resonable. It's a tin can style bottle so perfect to throw in your handbag as it won't get broken.

Avaliable now on missguided.com for £28 for 80ml 

* gifted
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