Showing posts with label room. Show all posts
Showing posts with label room. Show all posts

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Chester ‘Chet’ Hanks, son of Oscar winning-actor Tom Hanks, is reportedly wanted by British police for allegedly causing 1,200 pounds worth of damage to a hotel room after an alcohol-fuelled night out, reported Daily Mirror.


 


The 24-year-old rapper caused damage to the four-star room at Gatwick Airport, just outside of London. “After partying at a club in the capital, he then went back to the hotel with a British actor friend and three female promoters. He was sick in the car park and then went up to the room and got really loud,” a source said.


 


“He asked the girls if they would join him but they are not like that. So, he started screaming and making a right noise, all you could hear was this smashing and crashing. Next morning he was gone but the room was trashed. Everything was smashed and there was glass all over the floor,” the source added.


 


 


A police spokesman confirmed that a guest at the hotel had caused damage to a hotel room, and that police had “been given the name of the suspect, a 24-year-old man from the USA.


 


“We are working with other agencies to try to trace him so he can be interviewed.”


 


The news comes just days after Chet – who admitted in November due to substance abuse since the age of 16 – allegedly had his Instagram account suspended for using an objectionable word. Chester re-activated the account few days back.


 

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


If you want to reduce the negative environmental impact of your home, one good place to start is by looking at how you light your house.


 


Making small changes to your lighting could save energy and reduce your bills.


 


Here are some things to try:


 


  • Try break the habit of automatically switching on a light when you enter a room. Think about whether you actually need the artificial light first? Perhaps just opening the curtains a little wider or sitting closer to the window will give you all the natural light you need.

 


  • Think about the light bulbs you use. Standard light bulbs create a lot of heat making them incredibly inefficient. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and you could significantly reduce your CO₂ emissions.

 


  • Decide whether you need to light the whole room. This is particularly important in large rooms or offices. If you are the only person using the room, it may be more practical to use a small lamp rather than switching on the main lights.

 


  • Look at how the layout and decoration of your room affects the natural light available. Replacing thick curtains with blinds, or painting the walls in lighter colours could improve the light levels without having to resort to artificial lighting.

 


  • Finally, remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room.

 


For more tips on how to make environmentally-friendly changes within your home, take a look at The Eco-Living Handbook by Sarah Callard and Diane Millis, published by Carlton Books.

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


When the temperature drops, most of us automatically turn up the heating. But of course, this not only leads to higher energy bills but to an increased output of carbon emissions too. So are there ways to stay warm and snuggly without increasing your energy costs? Here are some ideas:


 


Check for drafts – if you feel a chill in the room, check that you aren’t exposed to any drafts. It may be worth repairing broken window seals, investing in thicker curtains, or investing in draft excluders to help save on your energy bills.


 


Install insulation – if you don’t have adequate insulation, you could be losing a big chunk of the heat from your house through your attic. Check if you have insulation and if not, research what options are available to you.


 


Individual radiators – if you are you able to control your radiators individually, remember to turn them down in the rooms you are not using. There is little point heating every room in the house if you’re only using one or two rooms each day.


 


Get together – if you’re sat in the dining room, your partner is in the living room and your children are each in their own bedrooms, then you could be paying to heat four separate rooms. Why not come together as a family in just one room – to play a game, read together or watch a DVD? It will give you valuable family time and allow you to switch off the heating in the unused rooms.


 


For more tips on saving energy, visit: www.futurefriendly.co.uk


 

If you’ve got a family, then you will already know how important it is for their wellness and wellbeing that you manage to keep them active. With so many sedentary passtimes for kids these days, from TV shows to games on tablets, it can be hard to get them moving as much as you would like. It’s also hard to juggle work, school, general family life and taking part in a physical activity.


 


Setting a good, healthy example is an ideal place to start. It’s important to think not just of your own heart health but that of future generations in your family. A shocking study last year actually found that teens and children who are obese actually have as much plaque built up in their arteries as a 45 year old adult. This naturally sets them up for a lifetime of serious health problems and diseases. If you manage to find a way to be fit, it will increase the chances of your child being fit too.


 


One great way to do this is for you all to take a class together. Ask around at your local community centres and fitness classes to find out about any classes such as aerobic or yoga which are offered to whole families. If your littlest children are too young to participate in classes, then try to look for classes that help you incorporate a baby or young child into the yoga moves, or a class that involves pushing a stroller to keep fit. If you don’t have children, then grab your partner or even your dog and do some yoga or go for a long walk.


 


You might also want to think about redesigning your living room. A room that is focused around the TV and has a shelf full of DVDs or video games will not encourage fitness, so instead make the room a nice space to spend time together, without making television the focus.

More often than not, sexual health and wellness is in the mind. After all, would you want to get down to it if the “mood” wasn’t right? This is where setting a sexy environment in which pleasure is celebrated can help to enhance your sexual wellbeing. Holistic practitioner Chrissie Wildwood asserts, ‘The concept of the healing power of pleasure is grounded in the new science of psychoneuroimmunology.’ Meaning that creating a sexual, sensual atmosphere isn’t just good for your relationship; it’s also good for your health! Wildwood explains, ‘Pleasing experiences such as falling in love, listening to music, receiving nurturing massage, and inhaling pleasant fragrances actually strengthen the body’s immune defences.’


 


According to the Sinclair Intimacy Institute, ‘A romantic atmosphere can awaken the stirrings of passion and elevate lovemaking from the ordinary to the extraordinary.’ Sex therapist Margo Anand, author of The Art of Sexual Ecstasy, notes, ‘A sanctuary protects you from the hubbub of the ordinary world. It possesses distinct qualities that set it apart: silence, beauty, elegance, sensual delight. It engenders feelings of confidence and harmony and sets the stage for moments of special grace.’ If you set aside a space or “sanctuary” for romance, it gives you and your partner the ability to explore a new dimension of sexual connection – but how do you create such a space?


 


1. Location, Location, Location: While you may think the obvious choice of location for your sexual sanctuary would be your bedroom or living room, there is the danger that these spaces will be too cluttered with the sights and sounds of daily life or too restful to encourage profound sexual exploration. Therefore, the Sinclair Intimacy Institute instructs, ‘Choose a room that will provide a respite from daily distractions. Those who cannot set aside a room for this purpose can temporarily transform an everyday space such as the bedroom or living room. This sanctuary should protect you from the outside world, providing a safe and peaceful environment free of computers, phones, televisions, alarms and children.’


 


2. Decorate Together: ‘Ideally, couples should create their sacred space together so that it reflects each of their tastes,’ says the Sinclair Intimacy Institute. ‘Once the space has been thoroughly cleaned and removed of any clutter, decorate with sensual colors, fabrics, textures and objects. Inexpensive tapestries or colorful sheets hung from the walls or ceiling can transform an ordinary room into an exotic temple of delight. They can also easily be removed if this space serves other purposes. Consider incorporating decorative prints, photographs or artworks that suggest romance or erotica.’


 


3. Involve All Your Senses: Certain elements can really fan the flames of passion, so make sure these are included in your sexual sanctuary. The Sinclair Intimacy Institute recommends, ‘Select ingredients that delight all five senses. Candles, decorative lights, fragrances, incense, scented massage oil, plush pillows, feathers, bells or other musical instruments (a stereo is fine too), water, and a few sumptuous treats such as chocolates, olives, or fruit are possible accoutrements. Experiment with a variety of “tools” to create the proper atmosphere and spawn new romantic possibilities.’


 


4. Plan Your Rendezvous: Once you’ve got your area set up, it’s time to get ready for a long night of sexual wellness! The Sinclair Intimacy Institute advises, ‘Wear something sensual and revealing — lingerie, a velvet robe or silk kimono. Light candles or dim the lights to create a soft, warm ambience. Then, infuse the room with a favourite fragrance. Men are certain to enjoy lavender, pumpkin and orange, which have been found to send blood rushing to their “power stations.” A spritz of ylang ylang, eucalyptus or mint can also titillate the senses.’

Your kitchen may be slowly killing you, but not in the way you think. While you may predict this article is about to warn you about the wellness dangers of radon or gas links, your wellbeing is actually at risk from kindness and proximity.


 


According to Neil Izenberg, founder of KidsHealth.org and a paediatrician at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, ‘When my 1840 Philadelphia row house was built for its seafaring owners, the kitchen was in the basement — like every other home on the block. If the family wanted a hot meal, someone had to tramp downstairs and stoke up the fire. Fire and smoke inhalation were chief among the many health hazards the 19th-century kitchen presented. In an era without refrigeration, food poisoning was a constant danger. Home-preserved foods filled in dietary gaps, but if stored improperly botulism became a real — and deadly — risk.’


 


Now, however, we’re less at risk to these hazards, so you don’t have to worry about kitchen wellness anymore, right? Izenberg notes, ‘Our kitchens, like our girths, have grown substantially, in terms of size and of function. They’ve become part of expansive entertainment complexes in our homes. A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders reports that three out of four new-home buyers want their kitchen and family room to be a combined space. That makes sense. People like to hang out and socialise in their kitchens. Now great spaces are full of wonderful, convenient devices — with super-size refrigerators, stoves that could service a restaurant and large enough cabinets to store provisions for a small army. Even our dinner plates are bigger than they used to be. Comfy chairs, computer stations and a large-screen TV — virtual necessities — round out the picture.’


 


It’s a nice picture, but it perhaps covers up a dark underbelly; bigger kitchens mean bigger people. With all that storage for food, all those appliances and all those nice places to sit and eat together, there’s nothing but opportunity to sit and eat together. As a wellness writer, one tip I often hand out is to avoid “family-style dining” as this can cause you to keep dipping into a host of dishes on the table, without really realising how much you’re eating. However, if the dining room and the kitchen are one room, how can you help but keep going back for more – it’s all right there! Izenberg comments that his plans for his new kitchen will give him a similar problem of convenience: ‘Soon I’ll be able to amble (or, more likely, roll) a mere five feet from my kitchen counter stool to my couch to watch Chopped, Top Chef or Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The refrigerator, pantry and containers of food will remain alluringly in sight (and all beautifully lighted, I might add). I won’t even have to leave the room during a commercial. And why would I leave at all? The kitchen has Wi-Fi.’


 


He continues, ‘Many of the safety issues of yesterday’s kitchens are gone. No one in my family is likely to tumble into an open hearth. But new kitchens pose a more subtle danger to our health by doubling as a comfortable social, entertainment and eating hub. Retail marketers have long known that when tempting food is within close range of our eyes or nose, we tend to eat more of it. In our new kitchens, it’s just too darn easy to get to addictive snacks and calorie-rich drinks…There are, of course, many reasons for the nation’s obesity epidemic, with its staggering health implications. But surely modern home design plays an important and under-appreciated role.’

Doesn’t it seem somewhat ironic that the thing you have to do to make a baby becomes the very thing you can no longer do once the kids arrive? Sure, it’s sex 24/7 when you’re newly married, but as soon as you’ve got a baby to take care of, you can feel like it’s bye-bye to bedroom fun for the next 18 years. However, having a sex life while being a parent shouldn’t be a mutually exclusive proposition; it is possible to still enjoy a healthy sexual wellbeing when there are kids in the house – just make sure you’ve got a good, working lock on that door!


 


1. Find the time: When you’ve got kids, even finding the time to clean your teeth in the morning is a struggle, let alone setting aside space in the schedule for getting intimate. However, a little re-organisation is in order if you ever want to spend time with your partner, even if your children are in the house. Going to bed at the same time can help to ensure you’re more in sync, especially if you go to bed a little earlier instead of watching TV all night after the kids are asleep. If you’re still feeling a bit weird about having sex with your kids in the next room, send them to family or friends for the night so you can have some proper alone time.


 


2. Protect your privacy: If you’ve got little ones, you might be reluctant to go to the loo or shower by yourself, let alone closing and locking the door, in case your children need you for some sort of emergency. However, once your kids have graduated to a big bed, it’s time to instill a greater sense of privacy and teach them to respect closed doors. Respecting other people’s space in general is an important life lesson to for your children to learn, and it can give you and your partner the opportunity you need to be together without the fear of unexpected interruptions.


 


3. Keep the noise down: Having to be q-u-i-e-t at all times can really cramp your style, but there are practical things you can do to prevent advertising what you are doing behind closed doors. First, pay attention to your bed: If it is hitting a wall, move it; if the squeaky springs are giving the game away, invest in a new mattress. When getting intimate with your partner, turning on a little music – in your room and/or your kids’ rooms – will go a long way to mask any noise you make. Putting your kids in front of the TV may also have the same effect – just make sure it’s an engrossing enough programme that they won’t notice you’re missing!


 


4. Sex when you have young kids: If you have a newborn sleeping in the cot next to you, having sex can feel a bit weird. It’s important to bear in mind that whatever you do and however loudly you do it, your baby won’t remember it. Nonetheless, there are some very simple ways to get around this issue. Move your baby/toddler into another room – it’s something they’ll have to do eventually anyway. If the baby’s already asleep and you’re reluctant to move him or her, try snuggling in another room in the house, you might enjoy a change of scenery!


 


5. Sex when you have older kids: If your kids go to bed at the same time of you, it’s harder to get your alone time and keep it secret. This is why it’s important to teach a closed-door policy as soon as possible, preferably from a young age. Make sure they know to knock first and wait for an answer before they come in – otherwise, they could be doing as much damage to their mental wellness as they are to your sexual health!

Do you feel your bedroom needs a makeover? The bedroom is your personal area and has to give you the positive vibes. It should bring peace when you are back home. It is important that you pay detailed attention to the furniture, the layout and the colours you use in your private room.


 


Here’s providing some interesting Feng Shui tips that will bring the charm and make your bedroom a peaceful area to live in.


 


Make it clutter-free


First and foremost, you need to keep your bedroom clean. The books in the book rack, clothes in the closet and things should look neat and tidy. A messy room brings in unnecessary anxiety and thus can make you feel drained. If you have something on your mind that isn’t allowing you to sleep, keep a diary next to you bedside in order to note down the important stuff. This will enable your mind to free itself and take rest.


 


Call for the nature


It’s a known fact that looking at nature can give your mind peace and can also lower down the blood pressure. Pick a plant or a flower pot that you like and place it in your room; this will bring in positive thoughts. A beautiful scenic picture, a mini fountain or a fish tank can also be a good idea.


 


Pamper your senses


By pampering your bodily senses, you can feel fresh and free always. Opt for a nice aroma scent like lavender or rose for your bedroom. Aromatherapy too can be useful. You can also try adding an incredibly plush rug or a chenille throw.


 


Paired up things look good


Any item that you keep in your room can bring in harmony if it’s paired with something else, like a matching pair of lamps or picture frames.


 


Include a metal element


Metal elements bring in qualities of sharpness, clarity, efficiency and precision. A balanced metal presence in your room will allow you to live with clarity and lightness. Feng Shui element of metal should be placed in the north area of your room. The metal can be in the colours of grey and white.


 


Colours do the trick


Colour plays a huge role in Feng Shui. Different colours represent different energy. Each colour is an expression of five elements i.e. fire, earth, metal, wood and water. Each element is used in a specific part of the area as per the Feng shui map. Pick a colour according to the energy you want to flow in your room for any specific part of the room. Play with different colours to spice up the space. Any décor items that go well with the wall color will bring in the vibrancy. Don’t shy away from bright colours. Experiment with different things and place your furniture where it looks good like around a contrasting colored wall.


 


Your electronics


It is noted that the electromagnetic fields from televisions, wireless devices, computers etc. while off, can interfere with the brain and nervous system signals, disturbing your harmonious sleep. The machines can keep you up late night and spoil your body system. Hence choose wisely.


 


A well planned strategy


Move your bed facing opposite the door. Place it against a solid wall painted with your favourite colour. Lock the door before you go to sleep so that your pet doesn’t disturb you in the middle of the night. Choose your bed linen smartly, a circular design works well. Pick bed sheet colours that are soothing to the mind.


 


Soothing piece of furniture or art


Pick a few little things like a pottery barn or anything that brings a smile on your face. A photo frame of your loved ones can also do the wonders.

Proving once and for all that sex is closely linked to emotional issues for women, a recent study has proved that women have better sex when they are on holidays. Of course, we’ve always known that travelling can benefit your emotional wellness and wellbeing, but now it appears that going on holiday can even make your sex life better!


 


The study has been dubbed The Expedia Pleasure Index, and it found that people who travel are generally happier people overall. Americans in particular love holidays so much that they were found to be happier when on holiday than they were on birthdays, weddings or even their marriages as a whole!


 


In addition to this, getting away from things can really help to make your work life better, your relationships better and improve your home life overall.


 


Couples that travel together are far more likely to be sexual and intimate together when they are on holiday than they would be when at home. This is because being away on holiday removes all those external stresses and strains and allows couples to focus simply on the two of them for a period of time.


 


There is also a way to bring this ‘vacation mode’ home with you – some people find that treating their bedroom as if it is a hotel room can lead to increased sex, as people get that same holiday feeling when they are in bed. That means, keeping clean sheets on the bed all the time, keeping candles burning in the room, having adult toys to hand and making sure that the room is not used for anything else, i.e. working or the children playing.


 


Others find that holiday sex is simply a case of being more relaxed, having new sensations (such as being in a different bed or in a new place) and that these things can be brought home too, by moving furniture around or spicing it up and having sex in different rooms.