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Are you looking for ways to raise money for your favorite charity or cause? If so, you may be considering hosting a fundraiser. Fundraising can be a great way to bring in money for a good cause, but it can also be a lot of work. Don’t worry—we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to plan and execute a successful fundraiser.

1. Running a Jog-a-Thon Fundraiser

There are many types of fundraisers that you can choose from, and the best one for your organization will depend on your goals, budget, and audience. One popular option is a jog-a-thon fundraiser. This type of fundraiser typically involves participants collecting pledges from sponsors in exchange for completing a certain distance (usually a set number of laps around a track). Jog-a-thons can be a great way to get people involved and active, while also raising money for your cause. If you’re considering to hold a Jog-a-thon fundraiser, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need to secure a location for the event. If you have access to a school or community track, that would be ideal. However, you can also hold the event at a local park or even on a street with marked-off laps. Once you have a location secured, you will need to promote the event and start collecting pledges from sponsors. You can promote the event through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth.

2. Planning a Silent Auction

Another popular option for fundraisers is a silent auction. Silent auctions can be a great way to raise money, especially if you have access to donated items from local businesses or community members. When planning a silent auction, you will need to procure items to be auctioned off, as well as secure a location for the event. Silent auctions are typically held in conjunction with another event, such as a gala or benefit concert. This way, you can maximize attendance and raise even more money for your cause. Once you have procured items for the auction and secured a location, you will need to promote the event and start collecting bids. Bids can be collected via paper ballots or online bidding software. It is important to set a start and end time for the auction, as well as have someone available to monitor the event and close out the bids.

3. Holding a Bake Sale

One of the most classic and popular fundraisers is a bake sale. Bake sales are a great way to raise money, especially if you have a lot of volunteers who are willing to donate their time and baking skills. When planning a bake sale, you will need to procure supplies, such as baking pans, ingredients, decorations, and packaging materials. You will also need to secure a location for the event, such as a school or community center. Once you have procured supplies and secured a location, you will need to start baking! Be sure to bake a variety of goods so that there is something for everyone. Once the baked goods are ready, you can start promoting the event and selling the goodies. Bake sales are typically cash-only events, so be sure to have plenty of change on hand.

4. Organizing a Garage Sale

Garage sales are another great option for fundraisers. They are typically easy to organize and can be a lot of fun. When planning a garage sale, you will need to procure supplies, such as tables, chairs, and canopies (if the sale will be outdoors). You will also need to collect items to sell. This can be done by asking friends and family members to donate items, or by holding a community-wide collection drive. Once you have procured supplies and collected items for the sale, you will need to start promoting the event. Garage sales are typically advertised through flyers and word-of-mouth. Be sure to list the date, time, and location of the event, as well as some of the items that will be available for purchase. On the day of the event, set up your tables and chairs and start selling!

5. Putting on a Talent Show

A talent show is another great option for a fundraiser. This type of event can be a lot of fun for both the performers and the audience. When planning a talent show, you will need to procure a venue, such as a school auditorium or community center. You will also need to start recruiting performers. This can be done by reaching out to local schools, youth groups, and community organizations. Once you have secured a venue and recruited performers, you will need to start promoting the event. Be sure to advertise the date, time, and location of the event, as well as some of the talents that will be showcased. On the day of the event, set up the stage and sound equipment and get ready for a great show!

6. Throwing a Party

One of the most fun ways to fundraise is by throwing a party! This type of event can be a great way to raise money and awareness for your cause. When planning a party, you will need to procure a venue, such as a hall or community center. You will also need to start planning the entertainment, such as a band or DJ. Once you have secured a venue and entertainment, you will need to start promoting the event. Be sure to advertise the date, time, and location of the event, as well as some of the activities that will be available. On the day of the event, set up the room and get ready to party. With this tip in mind, you should be well on your way to planning a successful fundraiser. No matter what type of event you choose, be sure to put in plenty of planning and promotion.

By following these tips, you can successfully plan and execute a fundraiser for your favorite charity or cause. And who knows—with a little hard work and some luck, you just might end up raising more money than you ever thought possible! Thanks for reading and good luck!

If there is one thing the pandemic has demonstrated, it is that life is short. This new perspective on life has led to many people creating a bucket list and ensuring they complete the important things in life before they turn a certain age. For many, turning 50 is a mark of an achievement; half a century in this world is pretty special. Now, while there is no right or wrong way to turn 50, there may be things you want to do before you reach the milestone age. If you need a little guidance, then here is our list of 5 things to do before you turn 50.

Perfect A Signature Dish

Cooking is an essential life skill, but once you have learnt a few dishes that you enjoy, you may find that you stick to only those few recipes and don’t try anything new. Before you turn 50, it could be a good idea to find a dish you have always wanted to learn about and perfect that recipe. Cooking can be a very relaxing experience and it is a great opportunity to learn something new. Once you have perfected the recipe, you could even invite some of your friends for a dinner party and show off your new dish. This is a good opportunity to get valuable feedback and you can work out if you need to tweak the recipe at all. If you’re struggling with ideas of what recipe to perfect, this article has some good inspiration for crowd-pleasing recipes.

Write A Will

A less exciting but still important thing to do before you turn 50 is to write a will. Although it may seem a bit morbid, having a will in place is a very important part of life as it means your loved ones will be taken care of when you pass. By the time you reach 50, you may have valuable assets that you will want to be passed on to loved ones and a will ensures that happens. If you already have a will, then before you turn 50 it could be a good idea to update your will, so it still reflects your wishes. Many people put off creating or updating a will because they think it is too much hassle or they are unsure how to go about making one. However, creating a will is pretty simple nowadays as a company like ELM Legal Services allows you to make a will online so you do not need to go through the hassle.

Travel The World

As travel restrictions are slowly lifting, now is the perfect time to explore the world and travel to the countries you have always wanted to visit. Before you turn 50, start making a list of places you want to see and then start planning on how you are going to get there. It could be that you take some friends along with you for the journey, or perhaps you want to experience the solo traveller life. Wherever you decide to go, travelling to new countries is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and have some new experiences. Travelling by yourself is a fantastic way to discover who you truly are, and you can even meet some new friends for life on your travels too.

Live Alone

Living alone can be a wonderful experience and if you have never lived by yourself before, then why not give it a try before you turn 50. Even if living alone is not a long-term plan for you, it could be beneficial to live by yourself for a bit and experience the freedom it offers you. You can learn a lot by living alone; it teaches you about your habits, routines and what makes you the most comfortable. Living alone has become increasingly popular and studies show that by 2039 nearly one in seven Britons could live alone. There is a reason why it is so popular, so why not give it a try and see if it works for you.

See Your Favourite Band Live

Going to see live music can be a magical experience as it gives you the chance to interact with your favourite band and connect to other like-minded people. Before you turn 50, make sure you get the opportunity to see your favourite band live. If you love their music, then seeing them live will be an even better experience and you will get to hear their songs in an even more intense way. It could even be a good idea to see if your favourite band are playing at any festivals and go and see them there. This gives you the chance to not only see your favourite band but also experience new music you may love.

If you are about to set off on a hunt for your dream home, you know that the process of applying for a home loan isn’t far behind you. While there’s a lot that goes into finding the perfect mortgage, much will depend on you and your current financial situation.

So, before booking an appointment at a lender’s office, it is important to take a hard look at your finances and set your expectations right. Unsure about what’s ahead? Answer the questions below and see where you stand.

How Much Do I Really Need To Borrow?

Just because you have met a generous mortgage lender or broker who is willing to lend a large amount of money, it doesn’t mean that you should accept the offer.

Remember that the more you borrow, the more other parties earn, and, often, it’s in their interest to offer the largest amount of loan available.

But the reality might be different from what the numbers say. For example, on paper, your salary might vouch for far larger monthly payments than you can realistically afford.

So, before meeting a lender, make sure to review your other assets, such as the equity from selling your existing home, and borrow only what you need to afford a suitable home.

Don’t forget that your finances can fluctuate over time, and you’ll need to be able to keep up with your mortgage repayments even when facing financial setbacks!

Am I Financially Stable?

Your current financial situation will impact the terms of your loan. If you are not in your ideal financial situation, consider spending a few months building up your credit score, employment history, and monthly income before applying.

Nonetheless, you should look for the lender offering the lowest interest rates, APR, and fees. For example, options like SoFi home loan rates allow you to keep your APR below 5% throughout the lifespan of your loan.

Can I Comfortably Manage My Debt?

While your mortgage repayments will be your largest monthly expense, don’t forget about other types of outstanding debt you might already have. Ideally, your monthly payments should not be more than 28% of your monthly income – and your total debt should not be more than 36% of your salary.

This strategy is known as the 36/28 rule and can help you manage your debt comfortably, even during temporary financial setbacks.

How Large Should My Down Payment Be?

Most homebuyers today spend an average of 6½ years saving for their first house. However, with more mortgage options available, you no longer need a 20% deposit to step up the property ladder.

At the same time, settling for a loan accessible with just a 3% deposit is not the best option for all buyers. Firstly, owning less than 20% of your home equity will require you to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance.

Additionally, lenders consider borrowers with a low down payment risky, which means that you won’t have access to the best rates and terms.

No matter how much down payment you can commit now, make sure to understand the implications of your choice throughout the life of a loan.

What Type of Loan Is Right for Me?

The choice of the right mortgage is not an easy one to make. Conventional loans are certainly the most popular type of mortgage. However, depending on your circumstances, you might also be eligible for guaranteed loans like VA, USDA, and FHA loans.

Additionally, if you are looking to invest in a rental property, there is a whole other range of financial products worth considering, which you will need to discuss with your lender.

Should I Opt for a Fixed-Rate or Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

When it comes down to choosing between fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages, the real question to ask is “how high is my risk tolerance?”. Most first-time buyers prefer the certainty and reliability of fixed rates. These are interest rates that are higher, but constant throughout the life of a loan.

Oppositely, adjustable-rate mortgages allow you to take advantage of low-interest rate environments (such as today’s) but they don’t offer any guarantee about how much your future monthly payments will be.

The Takeaway: Be Clear About Your Expectations

Setting your expectations correctly is the best way to prepare yourself and your finances for a home loan application.

The process might force you to find answers to questions like “how long am I planning to live in this house?”, “what can I do to boost my credit score?”, and “what type of property represents my dream home?”.

But nothing can benefit your long-term finances more than having a clear picture of what to expect.

Owning a car can be a huge asset for any student. It allows you to get to university and work easily, go on spontaneous trips with friends, and visit family easily throughout the year. It can be daunting to purchase a car, as it is likely the largest purchase you will have made yet.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make this significant purchase while ensuring that it doesn’t have too great an impact on your student finances. You should look for ways to save money in your everyday life, financing options, and smart ways to earn money to help you buy a car fast.

Get A Zero-Interest Credit Card

Credit cards can be excellent tools for anyone wanting to make a larger purchase. You’ll need a good credit score to be eligible for the best rates, so you should start building your score as soon as possible. A credit card with a long zero per cent interest rate is the best choice for large purchases.

Once you have made the purchase on your credit card, you’ll need to be strict with paying it off before the zero per cent interest rate ends. Work out exactly how much you need to pay each month and ensure you always pay it on time. If possible, pay off more than necessary per month to bring the balance down faster.

Take On Some Extra Gig Work

If you already have a part-time job while you study, taking on some gig work can be an ideal way to supplement this. This will allow you to save for your car purchase faster without taking on additional financing.

There are many gig jobs you could take on as a student, and most are ideal to fit around your studies, work, and social life. You could consider delivering food orders if you have a bike, offering dog walking services to local dog owners, or starting a blog to earn money through sponsors and affiliate marketing.

Save Money On Your Grocery Shopping

Saving money is just as important as earning money when you plan to make a big purchase. The more you save on regular expenses like grocery shopping, the more you can add to your car fund. One of the best ways to save money on your grocery shop is to switch from branded to generic items and produce. You could also shop in discount grocery shops like Aldi or Lidl.

Take Out A Personal Loan

A personal loan can give you a quick cash injection that allows you to buy a car. The downside of this option is that it might be challenging to find a lender willing to offer a loan to a student. You should get in touch with your bank to discuss your needs and find out what kind of personal loan they would be willing to offer. Like a credit card, you will need to make your payments on time to avoid penalties.

Consider A Short-Term Loan

A short-term loan can be an excellent option for anyone wanting to make a quick purchase. Unlike personal loans, short-term loans often come with fast approvals and accept more applicants, making them ideal for students.

You should ensure you pay back the loan within the agreed timeframe and understand the payment terms fully. You can find plenty of excellent options for short term loans from the expert brokers at Sunny.

Buy And Sell Items Online

If you’ve got a good eye for valuable items, you could begin buying and selling products online for a quick profit. Things like electronics and designer clothes or handbags can fetch good prices provided they’re in good condition. You could also buy and sell collectors’ items like Lego, comic books, art and more.

Earn Money Through Paid Surveys

There are countless options out there that offer money, discounts or vouchers in exchange for completing surveys. Many students opt for the cash paying surveys, but it is a good idea to use a selection of the above options. Vouchers and discounts can help you save money, leaving more in your pocket to put into your car fund.

Self-Publish An E-Book

If you’ve always loved the idea of becoming a published author, you’re in luck. Self-publishing is now easier and cheaper than ever before. One of the most significant expenses for publishing books in the past has been printing the hard copies, but with e-books, this cost is eliminated unless you want to go down that route. You can also do the proofreading and editing yourself to save even more.

Tutor Other Students

If you have a knack for a particular subject, becoming a peer tutor can be an excellent way to make more money. You could advertise your services on your university’s website, on university social media groups, or on the student union and library noticeboards. This is often a better option for students in the later years of their degree. For instance, in your second year, you could tutor freshers on a module you got a 2:1 or above in.

Do you ever feel like you’re struggling with your mental health? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are dealing with mental health issues every day. But that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer in silence. There are plenty of things that you can do to improve your mental health and feel better every day. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the top activities that can help improve your mental health!

Soak In A Bathtub

We all know how relaxing a nice hot bath can be. But did you know that soaking in a bathtub can also be good for your mental health? Studies have shown that taking a warm bath can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall mood. So next time you’re feeling down, try running yourself a hot bath and soaking in it for a while. You may just find that it helps to improve your mental health!

Exercise

It’s no secret that exercising is beneficial to one’s physical health. But did you know that it can also be beneficial for your mental health? Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, and help to improve mood and cognitive function. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your mental health, make sure to get some exercise every day!

Some great exercises to start with could be steady-state cardio it is not very straining and can be great for beginners. Another exercise that can be great is weight lifting, which can promote the release of endorphins and help your mental health. And if you are looking for something more relaxing then yoga might be the answer you are looking for.

Ride Horses

Riding horses is a great way to improve your mental health. It can help you relax and destress, and it can also give you a sense of accomplishment. Horseback riding is also a great way to get some exercise, which is another important factor in maintaining good mental health. Do your research before going horseback riding by reading blogs on sites like the equestrian mag, horse riding network, and others. And if you don’t have access to a horse, there are plenty of other activities that can help improve your mental health. Just get out there and start moving!

Spend Time With Friends And Family

One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re going out for coffee, taking a walk together, or just sitting and chatting, quality time with loved ones can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. If you don’t have close friends or family nearby, there are plenty of online communities and support groups that can offer the same level of care and support.

Get Involved In Your Community

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and help others while also improving your mental health. Giving back has been shown to reduce stress, improve moods, and increase self-esteem and life satisfaction. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, check out local volunteer opportunities or see if there are any causes you’re passionate about.

You can also look into ways to get involved in your local government or school system. Getting involved in your community is a great way to feel more connected and make a difference

Do Some Gardening

Gardening is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, both of which are great for your mental health. Gardening can also be a very therapeutic activity, as it can help you relax and de-stress. If you don’t have a lot of space, you can even do some indoor gardening with potted plants. Whatever way you choose to garden, it’s a great activity for your mental health.

You can try planting some potted plants. A good one to start with would be some easy-to-maintain flowers like begonias, marigolds, pansies, and others. If you are more of a classic gardening green thumb you might want to try your hand at raising vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and others.

Spend Some Time Reading

Most people tend to forget about the importance of reading. Just spending some time with a good book can help improve your mental health. It can help you relax and de-stress, and it can also provide you with some much-needed distraction from your problems. You can read anything from classic novels to novellas or even comic books and manga. Anything you enjoy reading is sure to bring some semblance of comfort and ease.

If you’re looking for something to do that will help you improve your mental health, make sure to spend some time reading. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.

There’s no doubt that good skin, health and wellness comes from within. Periods of being busy or having fun can mean we don’t always eat a balanced diet, get enough rest or hit our weekly exercise goal which is why it’s good to get a little helping hand. Cutting edge, premium nutrition brand, Swiss Vitae offers a range of science backed supplements that support and improve health and wellbeing. House of Coco Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles caught up with founder, Peji Kanani to find out more about the brand that is taking the wellness market by storm.

What led you to set up Swiss Vitae?

I began my career in one of the world’s largest technology companies, specialising in bringing FMCG brands to market through tech solutions. Years of working in a high-intensity corporate environment began to take its toll on my health and in 2021, I left the corporate world to focus on my own health and wellness.

In pursuit of optimal health, my research led me to Switzerland, whose population is one of the healthiest in the world and to set up Swiss Vitae. As a brand we are committed to produce the highest quality, scientifically backed supplements. Our mission is to empower every customer with the ability to gain and maintain optimal health, from the inside out.

What sets you apart from other supplements on the market?

We need our nutritional support to be flexible, and what better way than to choose liquid vitamin and minerals. Our shots are developed in Switzerland and produced in a state-of-the-art GMP certified facility. Liquid vitamins take less time to break down and be absorbed. If your body struggles to absorb nutrients, a liquid vitamin is easier to take than pills or tablets.

Bioavailability refers to how an ingredient is transported and absorbed into the bloodstream. Some ingredients on the market are less bioavailable than others. Swiss Vitae uses hydrolysed marine collagen peptides which are so small they are absorbed faster and more efficiently into the bloodstream ensuring they get to work immediately with very little wastage. Liquid shots have almost 95% absorption into the body versus pills or powder which is around 30%.

Tell us a bit about Swiss Vitae and the range

The current product range consists of three products. Immunity is a multivitamin for everyone. It’s a blend of 20 unique vitamins and minerals to strengthen your natural defence and immune system to help you feel more energetic.

Weight Control stimulates fat burning and boosts your energy. The unique blend of l-carnitine, garcinia cambogia, corn stigma and chromium picolinate improves the body’s metabolism, counteracts the absorption of fats and can help the body from producing free radicals.

Marine Collagen improves your skin. Our liquid shot is 12 times more powerful than any gel or powder. Each shot contains 3000mg of hydrolysed type 1 marine collagen, 120ml hyaluronic acid, which means you will see results much quicker and faster with our formula than any gel or powder.

Collagen is trending right now, who should take it and why?

Collagen is a type of protein that gives structure to tissues such as the skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, organs, teeth, muscles, and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for 33% of the body’s total protein mass. As we age, our collagen supply naturally depletes. This can result in tired and dull-looking skin, which is prone to wrinkles, and limp, lifeless hair. Using only natural ingredients, our unique formula is proven to support healthier, better-looking skin. Our collagen shot contains marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and seven different vitamins and minerals for improved skin health.

How important is it to include a supplement in your wellness routine?

We are all putting our best efforts into living our best life. We know to eat a balanced diet, get a good night’s sleep and live as active a lifestyle as our body allows however it can be difficult to tick every single box, every day. Adding supplements into your routine is a great way to give your health that extra boost.

How do you know the right supplement for your needs?

Healthy eating is important, there is no discussion about that. Many people are healthy eating on a daily basis, but still lack vitamins in their diet. Only a small percentage of people consume 250 grams of vegetables and two portions of fruit daily. Therefore there is a good chance that you are also deficient in some vitamins and minerals every day. Taking a high quality, all-round supplement like our Immunity Shot will ensure you are giving your body a good boost of vitamins.

What are the ‘essentials’ when it comes to supplements (i.e. what should everyone be taking for optimum health)?

Everyone has a different lifestyle and at different stages of their health journey so there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Our essential product would be Swiss Vitae Immunity which is a blend of 20 vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system. Thereafter, it really depends on what your specific goals are. If you are active and looking to strengthen your joints and recover faster from workouts along with improving your skin elasticity, the collagen shot is a good option. If you are looking to reduce your body weight, our weight control drink which contains essential amino acids together with natural herbs will help you.

With stress levels rising and people looking for ways to boost their immunity levels and enhance their nutrition, wellness experts say this is the ideal time to introduce supplements into your wellness routine. Adding our easy-to-take supplements to your daily food intake and exercise regimen could go a long way towards keeping you healthy during pressured, challenging periods.

Do you have any top tips for people looking to boost their overall wellbeing?

A healthy lifestyle is important. If you take good care of yourself, you will feel better both physically and mentally. Time for yourself is key so aim to get a good night’s sleep, social contact and frequent exercise, as well as a balanced diet. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Swiss Vitae products are an easy way to incorporate positive healthy changes into your lifestyle. With one shot, you are all set for a new day.

What’s your vision for the brand?

Our vision is to inspire people to live healthy and happy lives. To realise that self-care is not a chore and that building good habits can be very simple. We expect further growth to come from the expansion of the product range and innovative product introductions such as sleep, anxiety, sexual well-being and recovery.

House of Coco readers can receive 40% off their first Swiss Vitae order just add HouseofCoco40 at checkout.

Does the thought of waking up in a distinctive hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, with stunning views and amazing food sound like your kind of thing? Well, you’re in for a treat!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa to give one reader and a friend a chance to enjoy an overnight staycation at the hotel. Included in the prize is a 3 course meal, breakfast for two and Lakeview Spa access.

And the best bit? It’s super easy to enter.

To enter simply make sure you are following @house_of_coco and @beechhillhotelandspa, then tag a friend you’d bring in the comments of this post. For an extra chance to win, share the post on your stories. Enter as many times as you like.

Good luck!

Terms and conditions : One-night staycation at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa, with a 3-course dinner for two, breakfast for two and Lakeview Spa access. T’s & C’s apply. Stay valid midweek, in a Select Room and subject to availability. Competition closes on the 20th April and the winner will be selected at random. The winner will be announced on our Instagram page.

Here at House of Coco we love stationery, so when we stumbled across The Friendly Paper Co, we were instantly obsessed! Founded by Emma during the pandemic, the business is going from strength to strength, despite launching in turbulent times, which is a testament to the type of woman she is.

We spent some time with her to find out more about her plans to expand in the US, what self care means to her and we got some insight in to her travel bucket list. Read on to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand The Friendly Paper Co…

Like a lot of great businesses, launching The Friendly Paper Co was a bit of an accident. I’d spent a few years as a freelance branding designer and to be honest, I had completely lost my passion for it. As a wedding gift to two of my closest friends, I designed their invitations, seeing their reaction and the creativity involved in designing all aspects of wedding stationery, it really triggered my love for design again.

After losing the majority of my client base due to the pandemic and suddenly having a LOT of free time, I decided to use it to my advantage and I spent most days designing products, setting up Etsy and growing my social media presence. A lot of people probably thought launching an events based business during a global pandemic was slightly mad, however I had a hunch that when weddings were allowed again, business would be booming…thankfully I wasn’t wrong!

Currently you do wedding stationery but do you have plans to branch out into other areas?

There are definitely a lot of plans in the pipeline for branching out into other areas. I’ve done a lot of custom work for birthdays, christenings and even office parties so I’m really looking forward to exploring those sectors. Recently, I did a pet party which is a really interesting avenue! So watch this space.

Starting a business during lockdown wasn’t easy for anyone. What was the biggest struggle you faced?

The biggest struggle was definitely the fact that weddings and events just weren’t happening! Pouring time and love into something with not much reward for a year and half was a little bit disheartening, however without having all that free time, I don’t think the business would be as successful as it is today. It was hard to keep motivated at times but you have to continue to work towards your goals and focus on the bigger picture.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I actually think I should’ve designed even more products at the beginning because now I absolutely don’t have the time! One of my goals for 2022 was to keep uploading fresh designs each week and growing the product catalogue but it is proving difficult with all the projects I have going on.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

My day starts at 5am with making the bed, some exercise, shower and breakfast. I will then set out the tasks for the day and head out for a walk to get some fresh air before beginning the work day.

Throughout the day I listen to podcasts, make sure I am engaging with my audience on social media and at the end of the day sit on my sofa with a turmeric latte and debrief the day in my head.

More recently, I’ve been trying to make sure that I have regular breaks during the day as I feel more productive coming back to the screen with fresh eyes. I always make sure I give myself plenty of time to eat too so that I am well fuelled.

What do you do when you are lacking creativity?

The most important thing for me when lacking creativity is to remove myself from the office for a bit and just clear my mind of all things wedding and design, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. Sometimes you just need to take yourself out of the work environment to recharge and declutter your mind. Even squeezing in a quick 20 minute HIIT workout can help to get those endorphins going! I definitely believe exercising first thing in the morning (even if it is a struggle some days) is how I manage to remain incredibly productive throughout the day.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has played a huge role in the development of the brand as it was all I could really rely on initially to build a following as I didn’t have any sales coming in. I spent a lot of time during the pandemic engaging with brides to be, wedding venues and wedding planners and many have become repeat customers which I am so grateful for. The work I do is so visual so Instagram and Pinterest have been invaluable platforms for the business.

Although I don’t have thousands and thousands of followers yet, the ones I do have are high quality and always engage with the brand. The online wedding community is a really lovely place to be!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I have a couple of go to quotes actually! The first is “dreams don’t work unless you do”. It keeps me disciplined and focused. At the end of the day the success of The Friendly Paper Co. rests on my shoulders and the amount of effort I put in.

The second is “old ways don’t open new doors”. This one is especially helpful when I feel stuck in a creative rut and it reminds me to innovate, think outside the box and if something isn’t quite working then it inspires me to find a new way!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?

100% Marrakech. It has always been a dream to stay in a beautiful Riad, spend hours wandering the Medina and eating and learning about all the delicious Moroccan food. For as long as I can remember I have been captivated by the architecture, colours/tones, patterned tiles and cuisine of this beautiful country and I cannot wait to visit!

What does self care mean to you?

To me, self care means nourishment. Cooking and nutrition is a huge passion of mine and I love to spend an hour or so rustling up something healthy and delicious in the kitchen. I am a firm believer that you get out what you put in and I know fuelling my body with the right food provides me with the energy to excel in all areas of my life.

Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?

I’m at a bit of an exciting stage at the moment as I’m just launching the business into the U.S! I’m opening a base in Los Angeles with my U.S business partner who lives in West Hollywood. She is extremely passionate about the brand so I’m delighted to have her on board. The wedding market in the States is so huge especially in California where they have year long sunshine and stunning diverse scenery. We’ve actually just been invited by @belledejour_floral on a styled shoot in Hawaii at the end of April which will be incredible!

The aim is to provide a full print service in many countries just like I do in the U.K because it really alleviates a lot of the stress for customers when somebody just takes care of everything for you rather than having to spend precious wedding planning time hunting for a print shop.

Where can people find out more?

To find out more about The Friendly Paper Co. visit www.thefriendlypaperco.com or explore our instagram @thefriendlypaperco. To get in touch email us hey@thefriendlypaperco.com.

If you made your personal list of the appliances you cannot live without, how long would it take? Before you could even come up with the list, let us start with the question, how much do you really use any of these? Then you will have your list slowly cleared up. It is true that there is something you cannot even start your days without, such as an alarm clock, toothbrush, or shower. But there are some things you barely lay your finger upon such as a DVD player. Despite the fast tempo of modern living, with all the challenges, sometimes we get to overload our living spaces with devices whose purpose we barely identify. So, in this line, we made a shortlist of the devices we could barely live without.

The Washing Machine

If you are wearing clothes, common sense is the need to wash them and it is where the idea for building the washing machine originates from. Thousands of years from now, people used to wash their clothes by beating them on the stone in the middle of the river or spring near the house. Before the washing machine we know was invented, there were manual prototypes of the washing machines known as agitators. It was basically a tube where the dirty clothes were put and washed with the help of paddles treating the clothes and removing the debris. On the other hand, a modern washing machine uses a two-drum principle to wash the clothes. The inner drum holds the clothes near the agitator and the outer drum holds the water in the machine. The two-drum system is responsible for giving your clothes freshness and cleanness.

Kitchen Appliances

No matter if these are small or big devices, their role in our lives is immense. You can practically not cook without a stove, everything delicious already comes from the oven, you will never be able to deep fry once you try to fry chicken from the air fryer, you cannot make the dishes demanding specific measures without scales and measuring equipment, and what can give you speed as the microwave does. And, this is just the beginning. Let us start from the top, from the place where we store all the groceries-fridge. Besides the fact that this is the first thing we remember when we awake in the middle of the night, our living will be practically impossible without a big cold box. You would not have a place to store any of your food and keep it fresh and eggs, cheese, milk, butter, and meat are not really the fans of being left at the places exposed to microbes and warm places. These will spoil in no time. If you take an even broader image, there are some types of food that barely survive the path from the market to your home, and being let out of the fridge will lead to their utter spoiling. So, we add refrigerators to our list of essential devices.

Air Conditioning

We get to understand the importance of air conditioning during the summer when the heatwave hits hard. Some alternatives to this highly important home appliance are stationary fans and traditional ways such as draft. However, this can hardly help you stay cool during the summer season since these are just temporary solutions while air conditioning uses the technology of keeping the space cool for a longer time span. Also, this is not the only benefit of air conditioning since some people decide to get an air conditioner with multiple functions including heating as well. In cities, the most efficient approach for residences that are not linked to the town heating system is to utilize these devices to keep their rooms warm and adjust the temperature. When the production of these appliances started, in the initial phase, they were extremely expensive. After they were introduced to commercial production, the price of these systems started to decrease and today, because of their availability and use, these became one of the most used home appliances.

There are some inventions that made our world different and most certainly some of them are responsible for our efficient living nowadays. Truth to be said, sometimes we get to be addicted to piling these up without even using them, however, this is all the consequence of busy living and us orienting our lives towards quicker and more efficient dealing with the problems of the modern world. The main aim of appliances is to make our living easier but sometimes we should not tend to oversimplify it.

Horse racing is a sport which is popular all over the world, particularly on the Flat, where thoroughbreds are bred for excellence.

Whether you are interested in traveling to some of the leading meetings in the sport or aiming to own a horse one day, here are the three most prestigious Flat races around the globe.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Meeting in North America is considered to be the World Championship in the sport. This meeting takes place annually in November and the venue switches from year to year.

The feature race at the two-day meeting is the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It attracts the best middle-distance dirt horses from all the leading countries. It was won in 2021 by Knicks Go at Del Mar in California.

This year’s meeting will take place at Keeneland in Kentucky, one of the leading racecourses in the USA. Pegasus World Cup winner Life Is Good is the +600 favorite in the betting on horse racing online for the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the fourth leg of the Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. It follows the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Only one horse in history has won all four races, that was American Pharoah in 2015, winning the latter at Keeneland.

Derby

The Derby is the most prestigious Classic in the UK. It is only open to three-year-olds, so it is a race which sees the leading thoroughbreds from that age group square off every year. It takes place at Epsom Down in Surrey, a racecourse which offers a unique test with undulations across the track.

This race dates all the way back to 1780. The winner usually goes on to feature in many of the leading middle-distance races against older horses later in the campaign. It is also the second leg of the Triple Crown where it is sandwiched in between the 2000 Guineas and St Leger.

This event in June is as much about fashion as it is racing. There are a number of ‘best turned out’ awards across the day, while there are also hospitality areas with a stricter dress code.

Melbourne Cup

Known as the ‘race which stops a nation’, the Melbourne Cup is a huge event in Australia. It is held on the first Tuesday in November, and it is part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

The Melbourne Cup is the richest two-mile handicap contest in the world. It now attracts more international horses. In 2017 and 2020 it was won by Irish-trained horses Rekindling and Twilight Payment respectively. There have also been entries from Japan and New Zealand.

Like the Derby, this meeting is also a big fashion event. The official dress code is ‘big, bright and bold’. This reflects everything about the meeting which takes place in the summer in Victoria.

If you are planning to visit any of the three above meetings in the near future, have a great time and hopefully it is an experience you will never forget.