No matter how good Helen Mirren looks right now, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Older actresses and celebrities always look fantastic when they’re swanning up the red carpet, but they will have gone through the same changes in age as every other regular Juliet on the street. 

Aging hits all of us if we are lucky enough to get to that point in life, and knowing what to expect can take the edge off the changes that you could experience. So, pop the glasses on and settle down, as we’re going to take you through nine things that you should expect as you get older. 

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  1. Your Hair May Fall Out. Through life, many things make our hair fall out from pregnancy to stress. You can get more information from your doctor as to what you can do about hair loss in age, but it’s something that you should be aware of happening. It’s not nice, but slow down on the hairbrush!
  2. You Sweat Less. You may have been used to pump out sweat when you exercise or get too hot, but now you’ll sweat differently as your sweat glands shrink down and become less sensitive.
  3. Teeth Are Less Sensitive. Over time, the hard inner tissue of your teeth builds up, which makes your teeth much less sensitive on the surface. Handy, for the teeth you have left!
  4. Your Brain Shrinks. As you age, certain areas of your brain shrink down and it’s the areas that control learning and planning that shrink the most. 
  5. You’re Less Susceptible To Colds. By the time you’re in your later years, you’ve built up an amazing immune system with an excellent response. You’ve been there and caught that over the years, and it’s because of the years of colds you’ve already endured.
  6. You’ll Get Fewer Migraines. Most women who deal with migraines in life get them less and less as they age because of the changes in hormone levels that occur over time.
  7. Your Tastes Change. By age 60, most people lose half of their taste buds. This could be why you’re penchant for chocolate cake has come roaring back: you’re compensating with extra foods that are richer. 
  8. Hearing Loss Is Common. So many things are changing, and hearing is one of those things. It can begin early in life, but it’s something that is usually gradual from age 50 (or thereabouts). Hearing loss is common by age 65, which is why it’s important to see an audiologist as you age.
  9. You’ll Feel Happier. Older folks? Far more contented with life as they age. All the hard stuff feels finished and the children have flown the nest and are living their own lives. So many studies are out there telling us that older people are more contented with time, which serves why they are jollier! 

All of these things are just a part of life. Some things are nice, some not so nice, but all in all, it’s a part of life!

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If you dream of freedom and unrestricted, freewheeling travel, then you’ll probably have considered a campervan or a motorhome holiday before. When there are so many incredible road trips to be taken in the world, it’s not hard to see the appeal of a break in multiple locations, exploring on your own terms. The campervan holiday is gaining more and more popularity, and Instagram feeds are filling with scenic shots of beautifully fitted retro camper vans, gleaming Airstream trailers and super modern plush motorhomes. Searches for videos by people who live part or full time in their vehicles – commonly referred to as ‘tiny homes’ –  are up. More and more of us are feeling the oppressive weight of consumerism and the push to earn more and more spurious status symbols, and rejecting that in favour of pursuing minimalism and life experiences instead. And even if it’s only for a few weeks, the motorhome holiday feeds into that. The idea of packing up a few belonging and driving off into the sunset is massively appealing. Touring Europe in a camper van is a brilliant place to start – you can experience so many locations and cultures in a relatively close together distance, which lends itself to this kind of experience. But actually taking the step to make that trip a reality can be daunting – if you haven’t experienced this type of break before and aren’t sure where to begin. Here’s what you really need to know to begin planning your dream motor break.

Getting Your Wheels Sorted 

Of course, the first logical step is to get your transport and your accommodation sorted in one fell swoop by organising your vehicle. You have a few choices here – there are plenty of companies who rent fully equipped vintage restored camper vans or all mod cons motor homes, and if you’ve never used one before, it’s a great place to start. You could also look at purchasing one, either new or secondhand – there are pros and cons to each option. If you do want to purchase, then consider whether you also need add-ons such as camper trailers.Renting is definitely advisable if it’s your first motorhome holiday – there’s no way to truly know whether you’ll enjoy it and want to use it frequently otherwise. But you have to do what feels right for you. If you’re planning a period of several months of travel, it could well be wiser to buy one.

Preparing To Hit The Road

Once your wheels are sorted, there are several things you need to do to get prepped for your European trip. First of all, never embark on a driving holiday abroad without comprehensive insurance – both for the road and for foregin travel. Of course, no one likes to think of the potential for bad things to happen, but sometimes life likes to throw us a curveball. Finding yourself in a foreign country with no access to healthcare if you get ill or have an accident or without breakdown recovery when you’re stranded in a remote location is not something you should let happen. Find travel insurance cover and shop around for the best price. Sometimes if you’re hiring a campervan, breakdown cover will be included, but if it’s your own then make sure you have your policy in place well before you set off. You may also require an International Driving Permit depending on what your destinations are, and you should apply for this well in advance. Making sure you are legally allowed to drive the motorhome in your country of choice is definitely the first step! Once that’s sorted, spend some time getting your travel documentation in order. You will need to take quite a few things with you – store them together in a plastic document wallet somewhere secure. Of course you’ll need to take a valid passport for everyone travelling – ideally with at least six months before expiry, any visas that you require, an in-date driving licence for each person who will be driving on the holiday (both parts), personal travel insurance documents, a European Health Insurance Card –  which guarantees you care while in Europe, if you are eligible – a pet passport and details of their vaccinations, travel details and bookings, details of campsites or hotels that you are planning to stay at, personal contents insurance in case of loss or theft, and a vaccination record for yourself. You will also need quite a lot of documentation relating to the vehicle, especially if it’s your own – the original copy of your Vehicle Logbook, vehicle insurance valid in the countries that you’re travelling to, an MOT certificate which is up to date, breakdown cover details, any tollpasses, and be aware that if you are driving in France, you’re legally required to carry a breathalyser kit as well. If you’re hiring your motorhome or camper van, then you will need proof from the hire company that you are allowed to cross international borders in it. It’s quite a lot to remember, so be sure to gather all your paperwork in good time before you need to set off.

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What You Need To Take

With the paperwork all sorted, what you need next is create a personal packing list. As travels in a motorhome typically tend to be longer than average breaks, and you are more likely to be visiting multiple countries with different weather, this can be harder than it seems. Holidays on the road should be all about freedom and spontaneity, so you want to take a minimal approach to packing. But equally, as you aren’t staying in somewhere with the amenities of a hotel, you also need to make sure that you have all the bases covered yourself. Try to pack lots of lightweight layers which you can combine in different ways to suit different weather conditions. Taking long sleeved, thin thermal tops, cotton tshirts, and ultralight down jackets which pack away to nothing but which are warm, is a really good move. You may need items such as a waterproof or swimming clothes, and you may choose to take a sports kit if you’re going to be exercising while you’re away, as well as hiking boots if you intend on serious walking or climbing. Other essentials to pack include a first aid kit and a small medicine chest with things like paracetamol, plasters, eyedrops and antihistamines as well as high factor sunscreen. Don’t forget chargers for all of the electronics you may be planning on taking – speakers, phones, cameras, laptops or tablets, a Wifi dongle and a torch with spare batteries. You also need to pack a box of kitchen essentials – condiments, salt and pepper, basic utensils and pans, sponges and washing up liquid, cutlery, plates and glasses. Being well prepared will help to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you don’t have any last minute panics on the horizon.

Last Minute Vehicle Checks Before You Go

Your vehicle is about to become both your home and your transport to get you around Europe, so it’s essential to know that it’s in tip-top condition and that you’re prepared in every way. Start by taking your van to the nearest weigh bridge –  most places you will need to phone in advance, and pay a variable fee on obtaining the weight. Keep the paperwork you get with you as proof which may be needed abroad. Then perform your vehicle maintenance checks – the tyre pressure, washer fluid, windscreen wipers, door locks and then all the vehicle systems – sat nav, heating, air con, solar panel, batteries etc.

Your Destinations

When you’ve decided on the best route for driving through Europe, which hits all the major locations you’re most interested in, then you’ll need to decide where to stay when you get there. It’s much easier to plan out your stay using dedicated campsites – these also tend to have a number of amenities such as shops and launderettes – but you can also do wild camping, where you stay in a place that isn’t a designated campsite for just one night, and move on the next morning. Within Europe, there are sites called Aires, which are approved overnight stopping places, or you can opt to go completely wild. Download a few motorhome parking apps before you go, so that you can search for a site on the go. Make sure that you are safe and legal and also that you are security conscious. Although on the whole travelling in a motorhome or camper van within Europe is fairly safe, you still need to take sensible precautions, and keep valuables in a location which is a little less obvious. Make sure that you research the legal requirements of driving in each country that you’re planning to go through –  for example, in a lot of European countries, side lights must be switched on at all times, there may be low emissions zones that you cannot enter, and in many countries any fines issued must be paid on the spot in cash. Do your homework beforehand and then all you’ll have left to worry about is making a great road trip playlist before you drive off into the sunset!

The weekend rolls around and it’s like all our self control flies out of the window. A little switch flicks on in our heads that tells us its the weekend, and boom! The healthy mindset we had adopted Mon-Fri disappears. It can be frustrating when your resolve was strong only to completely deteriorate at the mere sight of the weekend. Of course, life should be about balance – everything in moderation is key if you want to live a sustainable healthy lifestyle. That being said, if you want to make smarter choices come the weekend while feeling like you’re still eating a treat, the ideas below can help you. Take a look and you’ll find 10 healthy snack ideas perfect for weekends! 

  1. Homemade Tortilla Chips and Dip

Homemade tortilla chips are possibly far more satisfying because you know you’ve made them all on your own. All you need is a piece of flatbread, pitta, or a wrap cut into portions. You can cut them into triangles, strips, or whatever you prefer. You can then spritz them with a little oil and pop them in your oven or air fryer until they are crispy.

For the dip, you can pretty much make whatever you fancy. You can make homemade salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, and herbs, or you could make guacamole with avocado, lemon, and anything else you like. Get experimental! 

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  1. Kale Chips 

Kale chips are super easy to make in an air fryer. All you need to do is place your kale inside with a little oil, salt, pepper, and maybe some lemon. It only takes 5-10 minutes and they are so tasty! You’ll get your nutrients in while feeling like you’re chomping on a treat. 

  1. Protein Mug Cakes

If you need a good way to get more protein in but also want to indulge in a sweet treat, a protein mug cake is the way forward! Again, this is something you can get experimental with. Grab a mug, add your protein of choice, a little baking powder, honey or sugar, peanut butter if desired, a milk or milk alternative, and maybe even a piece of chocolate. Mix it all together until it has a cake batter like consistency and put it in the microwave for as long as it takes to rise. Be careful not to overcook, as it can go rubbery! 

  1. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Spicy roasted chickpeas are a delicious treat to eat in front of a film. Toss drained chickpeas with a tablespoon of olive oil and air fry it for 15 minutes. You can then add seasoning, more oil, and lemon juice before putting them back in the air fryer for 5 more minutes. You can easily store these to eat later on by placing them in an air tight container and they’ll last a few days! 

  1. Energy Bites

There are a ton of ways to make yummy energy balls! For this, all you have to do is add your chosen ingredients together in a bowl, mix, place in the fridge for about 30 minutes, and then roll into balls. That’s it! You don’t even have to bake them. An idea of some of the ingredients you can use include:

  • Oats
  • Peanut butter
  • Ground flax seed
  • Chocolate chips
  • Cup honey
  • Chia seeds
  • Vanilla extract 

Try the above recipe and see how you get on and you might just like to play around and make up your own next time! 

  1. Hummus 

Homemade hummus can be enjoyed with your homemade tortilla chips, or you could use carrot sticks, peppers, celery sticks, or anything else of your choice. Simply drain and tip the chickpeas into a food processor, add some garlic, tahani, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You should also add 1 tablespoon of oil and a little salt before blitzing. Mix it yourself, getting the hummus from the sides of the bowl, and blitz again to ensure a good consistency. You can taste it and add something extra if it needs it! 

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  1. Banana Ice Cream

This is a super easy recipe that will satisfy an ice cream craving in no time. All you need is one frozen banana and one regular banana. Blend them together until they are the consistency of ice cream, and voila! You can also add protein powder or another flavouring if you wish. 

  1. Fruit Smoothie

Fruit smoothies can be customised to suit your needs. All you need is fruit, veg, maybe a protein powder, a nut butter, and any other additives you fancy. Here’s a recipe for a peanut butter banana one with a twist:

  • One banana
  • One scoop of vanilla, banana, or peanut butter protein powder (optional)
  • A milk of your choice (oat and coconut work well)
  • A spoonful of peanut butter
  • A small handful of kale leaves 
  • Vanilla essence (optional) 

All you have to do is blend together, and if you want it extra cold, add ice! 

  1. Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato chips are ridiculously easy to make. Chop into discs, add to your air fryer, and wait until cooked! You can also add oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. 

  1. Cinnamon Dusted Apple Chips 

Cinnamon dusted apple chips are the perfect snack for fall. Simply cut an apple or two into bite sized chunks and place them in your air fryer drizzled with a little oil. You can then cook for 10 minutes until crisp. When done, toss them in cinnamon and enjoy! You can literally use this recipe on any other vegetables, so get experimental with your veggies and your herbs and see what you can come up with! 

If you’ve been trying to think of ways to curb those cravings at the weekend, don’t do anything silly or extreme. Fads never work in the long run. Instead, have lots of the above ideas in your back pocket so you can whip them out whenever you need to. You’ll be getting plenty of nutrients and you’ll feel so much better for it. Enjoy and thanks for reading!

Every year, you may partake in an annual vacation. A couple of weeks sipping sangria, catching some rays and relaxing by the pool is just what the doctor ordered when you have an overbearing boss, a stressful job and no time to think. However, sometimes we want something a little more meaningful when we take a jaunt overseas. If you are keen to take in more vistas, enjoy immersing yourself in new cultures and you want to see the heart of a destination, then you need to consider hot footing it on a trip of a lifetime. Take a look at these amazing places worthy of your exploration.

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Say G’Day To Oz

Australia is a nation of magnificent contrasts. You could head to the wonderful city of Sydney to get your cosmopolitan kicks, or you could head to Melbourne – a foodie’s paradise. Alternatively, you might want to explore the outback and take a jaunt to one of the many national parks to meet the wildlife and get up close and personal with nature. Head to Aussie Holiday Ideas and you can check out what some real life bloggers have to say about their experiences down under. If you want to immerse yourself in the Aboriginal culture and learn about the history of a nation, then you can do far worse than heading to the land of Oz.

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The Land Of The Rising Sun

There aren’t many destinations that offer so much for the discerning traveller. From Shinkansen bullet trains to Taoist temples, this is a country that embraces the modernity of life while combining it with its passion to cling onto its heritage. If you fancy partaking in a spot of sushi and you are eager to see the authentic side of Japan, head to Shiwakawago. Only a few visitors are allowed every day into this rural traditional village made up of a selection of gassho houses that are still lived in to this day. Here you will get a real look at how Japanese people lived hundreds of years ago.

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Iceland

For the outdoorsy traveller who loves nothing more than immersing themselves in mountains, volcanos, cityscapes and sea trips, then Iceland has it all. You could head out onto the open seas for a spot of whale watching, or perhaps you’d rather a trip snow shoeing across a glacier. You could hire a car and take a tour across the mountain passes, taking in the snow laden vistas. Head to Iceland between October and March, and you might be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. There’s nothing more magical than observing the phenomenal light show of green solar flares lighting up the night sky. On many people’s bucket list, this incredible vista is best seen from one of the many dark spots away from the coast.

If you fancy a trip with a bit more oomph, consider one of these three hotspots. From here, you can tour neighbouring nations or immerse yourself within your chosen destination for a longer period of time to live like a local.