Tips for a Happy Home on a Budget

On television and in the movies, happy families always seem to have huge homes with lavish possessions and plenty of money. Although it’s undeniable that more money makes life run a little smoother, that doesn’t mean it is essential to living a happy life. Since your home is the place to unwind after a tough day, it’s important that you are able to make it your personal sanctuary of fun and comfort. Even if money is tight, there are ways you can transform your home life into your own version of paradise. Here are a few tips to help you out.



Eat Well



Sometimes it feels as if the easiest way to feed yourself and your family after a tiring day is to simply order food for delivery or takeout. While this can be a fun treat when done in moderation, having takeout every evening of the week is not only unhealthy for your body but also for your mind. Teach your family the importance of a healthy diet by showing them how to cook using different recipes and methods that spark their creativity. Making the evening meal doesn’t need to be a lonely chore; invite your kids to help out and let them feel the sense of achievement in contributing to the happy household. Here are a few basic ideas on what to cook with children:

·        Homemade pizzas – fun and messy, very tactile

·        Pasta sauce – simple and quick

·        Soup – great for getting fussy eaters to take their vegetables

Keep Clean



Being a parent is tough. Tougher still is the attempt to relax in an untidy or dirty environment. Children are not known for their habitual cleanliness and having toys strewn about the floor or tables covered in paint and food makes it difficult to unwind. Teach your kids that it is fine to make messes as long as they clean up after themselves when they’re done playing. Not only is this a valuable life lesson about taking responsibility, it is also a great way for you to sit back and let someone else tidy up for a change.



Comfort



Depending on your local weather and the type of building you live in, changing seasons can negatively affect how much you are able to feel comfortable in your own home. Being too hot or too cold can make people irritable and less productive, meaning they are more likely to decide against doing tasks they know they should. If you want your home life to be happy and run smoothly, keeping the rooms well ventilated and at the right temperature is surprisingly important. You might find that your home’s HVAC system is old and in need of a tune up – if this is the case, you can search for "HVAC repair near me" on Google that will ensure the workings of your home are much more comfortable for you and your family.



Décor



When you first move into a new house, there are a few weeks of excitement and a sense of potential when it comes to decorating. After a little while, however, you begin to settle in and the urge to revamp your living space dies down. If you’re feeling bored with the way your home currently looks and feels, here are a few things you can change to bring life back to each room without spending lots of money:

·        Choose fun new colors for the walls and let kids have their say when it comes to their bedrooms

·        Replace old towels and bedding with fresh new ones

·        Find new tiles for the kitchen and bathroom

·        Update a single piece of furniture such as a sofa or dining table to create a big impact with only a small change

Outdoors



Especially for those with young children, having somewhere outdoors to enjoy is a huge bonus to a happy home. When the weather is good, it means that the expected mess that comes with having kids can be contained to the back yard. For adults, having a place to sit and enjoy the sunshine can be surprisingly therapeutic. If you don’t have an outdoor space, you can find window boxes to install and have your family plant flowers and vegetables that give a similar sense of engaging with nature.



Organize and Play



By concentrating on keeping your home organized, you will ultimately have more freedom to relax. When everything has a designated place of storage, you won’t have stressful mornings trying to locate car keys or school bags. Just make sure to strike a balance that allows for moments of spontaneous play and fun. Living in a tidy environment lets you appreciate the little messes instead of worrying about them.





Making your home a happy place to be doesn’t have to be an expensive task. In fact, as detailed in this article, you can start making these changes on a budget that will make a positive impact on your living environment straight away.

Draw From Inspiration & Spice Up Your Home

There’s just do much you can do with the rooms of your home, and so many different things that you can put in them to make your home look great. But picking something and knowing where to put it might not be your forte. So we’re going to show you some ideas for the three main rooms in your home. Your bedroom, living room, and bathroom. Hopefully we will be able to inspire you with some great ideas, and also show you where else you might be able to draw inspiration from. Most of you reading this will be very house proud, so finding new ways to spice it up and look great is essential. So, keep on reading, and we’ll give you a room by room guide that we just know will work!

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The Bedroom

The bedroom is the one room in your home that you want to be able to associate with comfort, and it’s so easy to do that. The first thing that we think you need to do, is get that relaxing vibe going on. There’s so many great candle holders that look like great accessories, and indoor plants which give the room a natural feel. Darker and more neutral colours are also recommended as it keeps the mood relaxed, rather than making your room feel like it’s vibrant and awake with bright colours. Black out curtains in a darker shade are also recommended. There’s nothing worse than being woken up by sunlight early in the morning! A nice fur rug for the floor will finish the room off nicely, but make sure it’s one that matches the theme of the room. If you have wooden flooring it’s definitely advised to have a nice rug, especially as the floor will get really cold when the warmer weather comes!

The Living Room

The living room is definitely more of a social room, but it has to be relaxing as well. It’s easy for a living room to feel overcrowded with items. People tend to cram sofas and coffee tables and whatever else in there, and it’s not the sort of style you want to be going for. Less is definitely better, and you can draw inspiration from the Vitra House Bird design. Simplicity really is a favourite in terms of interior design at the minute. But we do understand if you want more seating area, so a corner sofa is always a good way to go. You can usually get a lot more space, without having to clog up the room.

The Bathroom

A good bathroom is just so good to look at, and there’s only one way to really make an improvement, if you haven’t done it recently that is. We’re talking about a bathroom renovation, which are well worth the money. It’ll add value to your home, and improve your ability to use it. Walk in showers are definitely popular at the minute, with stone colours being the growing trend! The more natural and earthy colours and types of stone you can use, the better it’s going to look.

6 Office Design Ideas

Many people resent stepping foot into their office. For those who work from home or those who just need to get some work done, it’s merely a room that houses a computer and some documents. In order to really enjoy spending time in your office, it’s a good idea to make it a place that you want to spend time in. Create somewhere that helps you focus, but somewhere which is a space you would happily enjoy a cup of coffee in. Below are a few ideas to help you create an office that really works for you.

1.    The double-up

If you live in a small home, you might resent the idea of devoting a specific part of your home to your office equipment. After all, in a small house, each room should feel comfortable but functional. Installing a murphy bed is just one way of doing this. By adding a subtle desk and reading area, with a discrete fold-out bed, your office can turn into a sophisticated bedroom in a matter of seconds. This is ideal if you regularly have guests staying over.

2.    Book-shelf feature wall

If you strongly disagree with Marie Kondo’s assertion that your books should be handed into a second-hand shop when not used, then it’s time to make the most of your collection. If your office just wouldn’t be an office without plenty of books, then turn bookshelves into a feature wall installment. Break up sections with decor, ornaments, and plants to help create a breathable space.

3.    Laptop tray

Finding a desk with a laptop tray is one of the most discrete ways of keeping your office tidy. Being able to conceal your laptop leaves room for either a desktop computer or other gadgets on your desk. It can also be used to hide all manner of paperwork, or maybe even your phone and tablet devices.

4.    Think outside the box

Wheeled chairs may be the norm in traditional offices, but do you necessarily need one in your home office? Do you even need a traditional-style desk to work from? Thinking outside the box can result in your having a truly eye-catching office that inspires the urge to work, or even creativity.

5.    Unique plant-life

No matter how hard we try to avoid it, specific plans will always remind us of corporate offices. However, houseplants always help brighten up the atmosphere and keep the air clean. Whether it’s a spider plant or a tall Yucca plant, it’s a good idea to find something that doesn’t remind you of your first job. Go to your local garden center and find something that’s unique but easy to look after.

6.    Statement lamp

Light is an incredibly important feature of a happy office. Having enough light to work by and create an open atmosphere will make you much more likely to want to spend your time in your office. Choosing a chic and trendy statement lamp is an easy way of doing this.



Designing a home office should not be all about pragmatism. Designing a space that is creatively stimulating and comforting to be in will make you far more productive. Choosing artwork and features that appeal to you will make it feel like your own personal study.

Advice For Helping Someone Addicted To Prescription Drugs

There is currently a prescription drug epidemic in the USA with astonishing numbers of people becoming addicted to prescription drugs. This can very easily happen to someone, and more and more people are finding that they know someone who is battling addiction, which can be awful to watch. If you know somebody that is abusing prescription drugs, then it can be hard to know what to do because it is an incredibly sensitive issue yet one which is crucial to tackle. So, what can you do about this? There are a few key steps to take, and each should put you on the right path to help the one you love to overcome their problem.

•    Understand Addiction

First, you need to understand addiction because it is highly complex. You should also be able to recognize the signs of drug abuse, and these can vary depending on the type of drug being used. Before you take any action, you should spend time researching addiction and the particular drug so that you have a better idea of what they are going through.

•    Offer Support

Many people who are suffering from an addiction to drugs do not reach out as they fear that they will be shamed or judged. It is for this reason why it is vital that you reach out and offer your support to them and express your concerns. They may react negatively, but it is essential that you say something before they hit rock bottom (which can make it much harder to recover). You should speak to them in private when they are sober and make sure that they understand that you are coming from a place of love.

•    Encourage Them To Get Help

It is likely that there will be denial or reasons why they can’t seek treatment, but you need to be persistent without shaming them (it is a good idea to practice what you want to say beforehand and plan for every reaction). It is a good idea to have already researched an outpatient drug rehab treatment center which you can look at together.



Support Them During Their Recovery



There is a lot of focus placed on how you can help someone to seek recovery for addiction to prescription drugs, but this is only the start of their journey. You must also be there for them throughout their recovery, as there are sure to be a few challenging days where they need to be able to rely on their support system. Stay involved as much as possible to show that you are there for them and help them to take steps which will allow them to rebuild their life without drugs after they have finished their treatment.



The prescription drug epidemic in the USA is worrying, and most people now know someone who is or was battling addiction. It is difficult to know what to do in this situation as it is incredibly sensitive but also important that action is taken. These are the main steps to take, which should put the person on the right path to recovery and a life without drugs.

Linen Closet Door Organizer #TackleItTuesday

We were spoiled in our previous home of 17 years with a huge linen closet in our main bathroom, so big the kids could even hide in it for hide-n-seek. I longed for a closet that was NOT in the bathroom so people could grab things they needed without having to wait for someone to get out of the bathroom.

Then we moved to THE DREAM HOUSE and have a cute little hallway linen closet. The challenge is that it is not deep and the shelves are not wide.

Here's a BEFORE picture of our entire linen closet. I feel like we have fewer toiletries and medicines than a lot of people do, but still it's an unorganized mess no matter what I do. Looking for allergy medicine results in everything getting knocked over.

Here's a picture of the guilty shelf:

So I ordered this lil sweetie on Amazon and problem solved! I got the ClosetMaid 1233 Adjustable 8-Tier Wall and Door Rack, 77-Inch Height X 18-Inch Wide,white but you can also get a 12-inch organizer.

Here's the AFTER picture. Everything is organized in the door and the shelves look much neater! Thank you to my awesome husband for making this happen and making my organizational dreams come true!

There was even more of the white bar that my husband did not use, so when he installed it, he could have gone all the way down the door. This was really all we needed so he stopped it just below the doorknob. There were several more baskets as well.

Side note: Turns out we have 24+ bath towels for 7 people who live here plus the occasional guest, and that's too many. We have 3 bathrooms, so let's say there are 3 towels in each bathroom = 15 towels hanging out at any given time in the linen closet, which is already overstuffed. I made sure 5 of them were clean and then put them in our ongoing giveaway bag.

If you love closet organization, check out what I did with sheet and pillowcase storage in the linen closet.

*affiliate links in this post

Can't Sleep Because Of Insomnia?

Your body and mind need enough rest so that they can function optimally. The most effective way of providing your body and mind with this rest is through having enough sleep. But there are a lot of people who do not get adequate sleep because of different reasons. Some are too busy that they only have a few yours to sleep. Others suffer from insomnia where despite going to bed and trying to sleep they are unable to sleep. If you suffer from insomnia you will feel fatigued even during the day because your body and mind will not have had ample rest. This makes it paramount to know the most ideal ways of dealing with being unable to sleep or having irregular sleep. So, can’t sleep because of insomnia? Here are some of the most helpful solutions that can help you deal with insomnia.

Getting the Right Bed and Mattress

The condition of your bed and mattress plays an important role in determining the quality of sleep you get. If you sleep on a bed which makes you uncomfortable you will not be able to sleep properly and you might even wake up at night because of the discomfort. Therefore, you should ensure you sleep in a good mattress which is optimally comfortable and can support your body properly. SleepingCulture provides information about type and brand of perfect mattress – check out their website.

Regular Sleeping Time

To avoid insomnia you should also try to have regular sleeping time. This means that you should have a habit of sleeping at certain time at all the times. Sometimes we get too busy and find that we are sleeping too late. It is advisable to try and be organized so that you can finish what you are doing early to get time to sleep. When you have regular sleeping hour your body will get used and as a result you will be able to sleep without struggling. Check out the Ultimate Bedtime Wind-Down Routine!

Eating Habits

It is also advisable to avoid eating too much food before going to bed. This is because this will affect your body and you will not be able to sleep comfortably. Furthermore, you should ensure you finish eating at least one hour before going to bed. The importance of this is that the one hour will give your body enough time to digest the food you eat and this will allow you to sleep comfortably. If possible you can also eat the kind of foods that are known to enhance sleeping and at the same time avoid stimulants and other foods that prohibit sleeping such as coffee.

Good Sleeping Environment

While going to bed it is also important to ensure that you are in an environment where you can sleep easily. You should ensure there is no noise that can prevent you from sleeping. You should also ensure that the temperatures of your bedroom are ideal for sleeping. Furthermore, you should dim or completely switch off the lights while going to bed. The importance of this that the environment you sleep on plays an important role in determining how you sleep.

 Avoiding Sleeping During the Day

Most of us love sleeping during the day especially after lunch. This will prevent you from sleeping properly at night. The body will already be relaxed and therefore at night it will not need a lot of rest. Even if you are fatigued during the day you should try to persevere until at night. If you wait until it is sleeping time your body will require resting and as a result you will sleep properly.

Avoiding Stress

The mind plays an important role in determining how well you sleep. If your mind is distracted by stress you will find it hard to fall asleep. This makes it paramount to avoid situations that might stress your mind. In case you have a lot on your mind you can try different ways of relaxing your mind such as counting a thousand to one backwards. Such things will take your mind away from the stressful thought and as a result you will be able to sleep easily.

It is evident that insomnia is a condition which affects many people. But as outlined there are different ways of dealing with this particular issue and ensure you sleep properly. Most of these things such as getting the right mattress are simple and they will not cost you a lot. If you do the outlined things you will realize that you are able to sleep properly in a comfortable manner. Therefore, if you cannot sleep because of insomnia there are different things as outlined you can do to enhance the quality of your sleep.

Meeting Success - How To Properly Prepare Your Next Business Meeting

 

Business meetings are an integral part of day-to-day life for office workers throughout the world. Preparing and presenting in front of peers, management, or even clients takes up a great deal of your working day. It is critical that you know how to be efficient and organised to avoid wasting your colleagues and your own time. 

If you are a flexible or remote worker you may need some tips on how to effectively prepare for your next business meeting. Whether you are doing an internet search for meeting rooms near me to try to set the stage for your meeting or if you could benefit from some timeless wisdom for maximising productivity during meetings, you are sure to appreciate the points outlined here.

Let’s look at some of these tips and best practices to ensure that you are fully prepared for your next business meeting.

Know Your Audience

Regardless of the purpose of your next business, it is essential to know the names and roles of everyone who will be in attendance. First impressions make a big difference and using someone’s name when addressing them will make you memorable and will also get people to pay attention to what you want them to hear.

If you are presenting in front of existing or potential clients, learn everything you can about them and their business. Make it personal too, do not give a presentation that is geared towards everyone. Tailor your content to make it relevant for the people in the room.

Know Your Industry / Market

If you are immersed in a particular niche or industry, it is critical that you know the ins-and-outs of the field as well as contemporary developments taking place within it. Knowing what is going on will give you an authoritative presence and help you to be taken seriously by your team and by your clients. 

Prep The Location

Having a high-quality location to hold your business meeting can make or break the atmosphere of your proceedings. Especially if you are a flexible or remote worker, make sure to secure a meeting space with a premium provider. Doing so will guarantee that the space is ready to go when you arrive and will be complete with the furnishings and aesthetic décor to set the stage for your success.

These providers also know that the best meeting locations are easy to find and access. For this reason, you will find the best pay as you need meeting spaces in central business and financial districts which are close to central transportation routes.

One more thing to consider is the type of room to use for your meeting. Make sure that you are using your chosen space effectively to set the right tone for your meeting, whether that be in a boardroom, meeting room, or private office space.

Set A Schedule

Having a list of what you want to accomplish during your meeting and how much time to spend on each task or point is essential. This will help you to keep a consistent flow throughout your meeting without wasting time sorting through what to do next. Make sure to be realistic with your time management and leave some room for flexibility.

Take The Time To Prepare

As the saying goes, those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail. While it can take a great deal of time to prepare yourself for an important meeting, it can make all the difference to your success. While more casual and informal meetings will not always require the degree of preparation suggested above, be sure to keep these tips in mind when the matter at hand is significant for your business.

9 Hidden Gems In Italy

When it comes to Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is Venice and Rome. However, it is the hidden gems of Italy that will have you hooked and returning time and again. Right from its quaint villages to the colorful stacked houses, taking an off beaten part in Italy will pay off. There are a total of 20 regions that make up Italy and these hidden gems will leave you asking for more.

1.         Castelmezzano, Basilicata

Located against the backdrop of Dolomiti Lucane, Castelmezzano is a hidden gem that is paired up with another beauty on the opposite mountain, Pietrpertosa. There is a high-speed zip wire which connects the two Italian towns together. This town is mesmerizing when you view it from a distance. The surrounding area is full of hikes, natural parks, and forests. This beautiful town dates back to the 10th century and has an old-world charm. It should be on your list whenever you head to Italy.

2.       Trento, Trentino

Trento is the capital city of the Trentino region and it is ideal for a city break. It will not exhaust you but it will give you an opportunity to experience the best of Italy including food, art, culture and a vibe which makes Italy so unique and a favorite amongst travelers. The cobbled streets of Italy are clean and spotless, you can get more information on https://www.interhome.co.uk/italy/ about the best accommodation options here. You can spend a weekend here and take a walk in the streets with no rush to be anywhere. The destination is popular with the neighboring countries to visit by car but it is still off beaten destination in Italy.

3.       Matera, Basilicata

Matera has recently gained popularity amongst tourists and it was awarded the Capital of Culture in 2019. It is a must-visit. There are caves which make up the Sassi which is the old part of the city and it is incredible to explore. It is a quiet place with numerous lesser discovered attractions.

4.      Mantua, Lombardy

It is surprising that this beautiful city is still off the beaten path in Italy. Known for the largest residential building in Europe, Mantua gives you the best of art and architecture. It is surrounded by artificial lakes which is an opportunity for you to go on a sunset boat cruise. However, the real magic lies in the grand architecture in Mantua. The Ducal Palace has about 600 rooms and they are an architectural delight. Only a few are open to the public. It is impressive and worth a visit.

5.      Tropea, Calabria

Calabria will give you the best of azure water and sandy beach days. It is of great value and one of the best places to visit in Italy. This is a very affordable beach destination that is uncrowded and is worth your time.

6.      Varenna, Lake Como

Much has been read and written about Lake Como. It is a real gem and the most famous place in Italy. Varenna is across the water from Bellagio and it has mind-blowing castles and grand houses which have mountains above. Varenna has cute little coffee shops with lakeside views and is perfect for a long weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation.

7.      Alberobello, Puglia

Puglia is known for the Trulli houses. There are stone buildings with a pointed cone-like roof and it makes for a perfect postcard photo. It is a hidden gem but more and more people are discovering the place. Walkthrough the empty streets and discover the history of the iconic buildings. The houses are a blend of traditional and modern.

8.     Camogli, Liguria

This place will steal your heart in each and every manner. The charming Camogli still has the charm of a traditional fishing village in it. Camogli is a traditional fisherman town that has colorful houses and a laid back vibe. It has small backers and impressive hotels that will take your heart away.

9.      Martina Franca, Puglia

A very short drive from Alberobello, Martina Franca is one of the hidden gems in Italy. There is an opera festival in the summer where there are many visitors to this town. It has little restaurants and spotless settings which make it an ideal place to relax and unwind.

These hidden gems in Italy should be a part of your itinerary on your next visit. You will be mesmerized at the beauty and serenity you find at the stunning lesser-known destinations.

Want That Picture Perfect Smile? Then Take On This Advice

Smiling is one of those things that can instantly lift your mood. No matter how rubbish you are feeling planting a smile on your face can change things. It can brighten your day. The same can be said for when you look back on pictures. Looking at yourself in those pictures should spark great memories. Often the smile is a big giveaway of the emotions you were feeling at that precise moment.

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But, for many of us, we can often look back on a picture of ourselves with dislike. Again, this normally boils down to the smile. Some people can feel less confident in front of a camera, forcing themselves to smile uncomfortably. Some may not have confidence in the beauty of their own unique smile and refrain from doing it. What we don’t want is to look back on those memories in years to come and not be able to remember the emotion or memory behind it. This is why I thought I could share with you some tips and advice to create that picture perfect smile. One that you feel confident in wearing no matter what the occasion.

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Brush your teeth regularly

People can feel less confident about their smile because of their teeth. So one sure fire way to improve their condition and appearance is to have regular teeth brushing routines. Making sure you brush them both morning and night for at least two minutes per session. What it does is enables you to make sure that no food or sugar is lingering on your teeth. In the long term, this can cause damage to the enamel, which further goes on to bigger problems like cavities or teeth decay. Keeping on top of your brushing can vastly improve the appearance of your teeth. You could also consider using a specialist toothpaste that helps brighten the appearance of your teeth.

Make sure you keep up to date with dentist visits

Keeping up to date with regular dentist visits is vital for good dental hygiene. It can be one of the quickest and easiest ways of highlighting any issues that you may be struggling with. Of course, things like that when ignored could go on to create further problems in the future. A regular visit will also make sure that your teeth are kept in tip top condition. It can be difficult to keep organized when it comes to booking in appointments, and there is a misconception that treatment can be pricey. This is where dental insurance and plans can help spread the cost. A great idea is to look into policies and information. You can see Guardian Dental here and other options online.

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Have confidence in your smile

One of the biggest things people can struggle with when it comes to their smiles is their lack of confidence. A big happy smile makes that particular person look extremely confident and sure of themselves. So if you don’t feel that way, then it’s less likely to be portrayed in your smile.

You may also have issues with how your smile looks cosmetically. This can also affect your confidence. If you worry about how straight your teeth are or how white they appear to be, then that is bound to have an effect on how you smile. Some people will then try and cover it up by not showing any teeth or forcing a smile. Confidence is not something you can learn; it’s more about how you feel. It’s about being more comfortable with how you look. Often addressing these issues can have a positive effect on how you feel.

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Consider teeth whitening

If one of the reasons why you don’t feel so confident in your smile is down to your teeth colour, then there is something you can do about that. Thankfully there are a couple of different options to consider. One of the easiest ways is to try a teeth whitening toothpaste. This will gradually brighten your teeth as you brush. These kinds of methods can take a few weeks before you can see visible changes. Alternatively, you may want to consider other options like teeth whitening sets. This is where you will create a mould to your teeth, insert a teeth whitening solution into it, and then use a UV light to help the solution start to work. This means using this mould a few times, but you can see visible results much quicker.

However, many cosmetic dentists offer a teeth whitening service. This, in principle, is similar to the at home kit, but a professional takes care of the procedure.

Make sure you smile naturally

Smiling naturally is one of the best ways to highlight your face and show off your features. Your smile is unique to you. So try and encourage yourself to smile more naturally. In front of the camera and socially. This will improve your confidence. A natural smile can even make your eyes light up. A forced smile can look fake and staged, which won’t be the effect you will be going for when trying to capture a memory.

Think about other cosmetic options

Are your teeth are causing you confidence issues? Or stopping your ability to smile naturally? Then you may want to consider alternative methods. There are plenty of cosmetic dentists that offer options to improve how your teeth and smile looks. There is the possibility of using braces to straighten your teeth, or even considering things like veneers for a more polished finish. All these options will cost you money, and surgery or any cosmetic enhancement needs to be well researched before any decisions are made.

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Eat and drink the right things

Finally, a lot of what we consume can have a huge effect on how our teeth look. Things like coffee, red wine, berries and tomatoes. They can all stain your teeth and cause discoloration. While it’s fine to treat yourself to these foods, make sure you give your teeth a good brush at your earliest opportunity.

I hope this advice will help you be more confident in front of the camera when smiling.

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