Category Archives: Featured

10 frequently asked questions about life insurance

Posted on by

Life insurance offers an effective way of helping your loved ones lead a comfortable life when you pass away. Usually, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum amount or monthly payouts to help them take care of daily expenses, mortgage or even your funeral costs.

If you’d like to learn more about life coverage, the following 10 FAQs are a good place to start.

What is term life insurance and how does it work?

This is the most common type of insurance designed to protect your loved ones if you pass away within the agreed duration in the policy. It helps settle any financial burden the beneficiaries could face due to the loss of your income.

Put simply, you pay a monthly premium to your insurance provider within the specified term, and upon your demise, your beneficiaries will receive a payout. For example, if you take a life insurance policy for 25 years, your family can claim it if you pass away within those 25 years.

Can I get life insurance through my employer?

It’s common for many employers to provide life insurance in what’s referred to as a ‘death-in-service benefit. As with regular life insurance, it pays out a lump sum if you pass away while in employment and is usually four times your annual salary. While this is sufficient, you might need additional cover depending on certain factors like the amount of mortgage you owe or any other financial provisions for your beneficiaries’ future.

Does the life insurance payout stay the same regardless of when you pass away?

Well, this depends on the policy you take out. For example, in the case of level term insurance, the payout is the same whether you depart in the first year of the policy or the last. For a decreasing term insurance policy, however, the payout becomes smaller over the years. This is suitable for repayment of mortgages because the amount of mortgage also decreases over time.

Can I buy life insurance that will pay whenever I pass away?

Yes, you can buy Whole of Life insurance or what’s known as life assurance. This allows your family to claim your policy regardless of when you depart. For this reason, life assurance is normally more expensive than term life insurance because it’s a guarantee that the insurer will pay eventually.

How much does life insurance cost?

Your needs will determine the life insurance cover you take out. The premiums also vary depending on the type of policy, the risk of the claim and the sum insured’s size. Besides, older persons will pay a higher premium than their young counterparts. Similarly, a person in poor health can expect to pay a higher premium than those in healthier states. Other factors that insurers consider include hobbies, occupation and lifestyle (whether you smoke and your weight).

Can the policy payout regular income rather than a lump sum?

Sure! You can go for a family income benefit. With this plan, your beneficiaries will receive a monthly payout if you’re diagnosed with a critical illness or pass away during the contract period.

Can I still get a policy if I’m older or have a preexisting condition?

Yes, but the cost of premiums may be higher as a result. It’s still possible to buy life insurance when you’re over 50 years and some firms will even accept you without health questions.

Will a life insurance policy always pay out a benefit?

Many policies feature payout exclusions e.g. suicide or drug-related death. Insurers may also decline to pay in case of non-disclosure where the insured has not notified the insurer of changes. For instance, the policy would be voided if the individual claiming began smoking after being insured but didn’t notify the insurer.

Do I need life insurance if I am healthy and young?

When taking out life insurance, the most significant factor is whether anyone else will lose financially upon your passing away. Do you have family members who would struggle to take care of household expenses? Will your partner be able to pay for your joint mortgage if you departed today? All these are critical questions to ask yourself. Regardless of your age, life insurance is necessary if someone relies on you for financial support.

Should people with mortgages buy life insurance?

Yes, this is one of the few reasons why you should consider a life insurance policy. It provides reassurance to your loved ones that their home is safe even after you’re gone.

Can I make changes to my policy?

While you can usually make amends to your life insurance policy, this could raise the premiums. You should also update your insurer about any changes concerning marriage, a new home or a new addition to the family.

Have another new question that we didn’t answer in this guide? Let us know in the comments and we’ll be happy to add it here.
Collaborative post with our brand partner.

 

Cardio Crushers: The Best Exercises For Heart Health

Posted on by

Strengthening your heart is one of the best things you can do to live a long and healthy life. As you probably already know, your heart is a vital organ that supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to all parts of your body, which is why keeping it in tip top condition should be on everyone’s priority list. Leading a healthy lifestyle, keeping active and eating a nutritious diet all contribute to good cardiovascular health, and today we’ll be focusing on 6 of the best exercises that you can engage in to strengthen your heart. Read on to find out more! 

  1. Cycling 

 

Cardiovascular exercises don’t have to keep you constricted within the four walls of a gym or slaving it out on a treadmill. Cycling outdoors or in a park is one of the best examples of this! Cycling has been long known to be one of the best heart healthy exercises that aid in reducing the chances of high blood pressure and heart disease. Just a 30 minute hop on your bike 2-3 times a week is enough to elevate your heart rate and significantly strengthen your heart muscles. Furthermore, the average person can burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes of cycling, resulting in weight loss that can also lighten the burden on your heart should you be a few kilos over your ideal weight. 

 

  1. Swimming

 

Swimming is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise and is also the perfect option for anyone who is suffering from joint problems which make running, cycling or walking difficult. The buoyancy water allows you to move your limbs and joints more easily through their normal range of motion and can assist in reducing the impact and stress placed on your legs, knees and arms. And of course, enrolling yourself in a water aerobics class or simply swimming laps a few times a week can offer you a full-body workout that will strengthen not only your body, but your heart. 

 

  1. Strength Training

 

Strength training has been steadily gaining popularity over the last few years and although it is often assumed to be the antithesis of cardiovascular exercises, you’ll be surprised at how beneficial it can be for your heart. Building up the other muscles in your body is a fantastic way to strengthen the heart and research has shown that those who engaged in an hour of weight training per week had a 40%-70% lower risk of heart attacks. If picking up weights isn’t your thing, fret not. One of the most effective forms of strength training is when you utilise your own body weight with exercises such as push-ups, squats and pull-ups. 

 

  1. Jumping Rope

 

Jumping rope isn’t just for kids on the playground…in fact, there is a reason that professional boxers all over the world include a jump rope in their exercise routine and training regimen. This simple yet effective exercise that can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home is cheap, easy to do and will also give your heart a great workout. Jumping raises the heart rate up to 3 times faster than other exercises, thus providing cardiovascular benefits in a much shorter time compared to most other exercises. You learn something new everyday! 

 

  1. Interval Training

 

Interval training is a form of exercise that switches between short bursts of high intensity exercise with longer periods of recovery. This is a favourite amongst many gym goers as it is a great way of fitting in a full workout in a very short span of time. An example of interval training could be as simple as running for 1 minute, walking for 3 minutes and then repeating this pattern/cycle another 3-4 times. You don’t need any fancy equipment to engage in interval training, and the best part is it raises and lowers your heart rate  to burn calories and improve the overall function of your blood vessels.

 

  1. Walking

 

We get it, some people just don’t like sports or exercising, so if you’re one of those people, you’ll be pleased to know that the simple act of walking is a great way to boost your heart health. Most experts recommend getting in at least 10,000 steps per day which isn’t too difficult if you’re out and about most of the day. Walking can quickly raise your heart rate and is much easier on your joints than other types of exercise. The great thing is that you can do it anywhere and anytime, making it one of the most practical forms of cardiovascular exercise that anyone can think of!

 

____________

 

Whether you choose to hit the local swimming pool a couple of times a week, go walking with a loved one or simply engage in some heart pumping high intensity workouts, regular exercise is essential to maintaining a strong and healthy heart. As always, don’t forget to consult your doctor before embarking on any new exercise routines and cheers to good health!

 

My Writing Process Julie Shackman.

Posted on by

I am a writer of feel-good romance and live to the North of Glasgow with my husband and two sons. I trained as a journalist and studied Communication & Media, but I always wanted to be an author. We  adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, who we named Cooper, just before Christmas and he is often my writing companion!

What you have written, past and present. 

A Secret Scottish Escape is my fifth published book. My first two novels, Rock My World and Hero or Zero, were published digitally by the London based publisher Not So Noble Books and my next novel after that, A Room at the Manor, was released by Allen & Unwin. Book number four, The McKerron Castle, was released in audio by Bolinda.

Years ago, I also had two children’s picture books published in Dublin, but I always wanted to write feel-good, escapist romance and that is the genre I love to read.

What you are promoting now. 

I am promoting my latest feel-good romance, A Secret Scottish Escape, which is being released by the wonderful HarperCollins imprint One More Chapter as an ebook on 21 May and in paperback on 19 August. I can’t wait to share the tale of Layla and Rafe!

A bit about your process of writing. 

I find it very difficult to write straight onto the PC, so I tend to write long-hand in one of my many notebooks (!) and then type it up. I usually go to my favourite tea shop to write, but since lockdown, that hasn’t been possible, so I have been learning to write on the sofa, in the kitchen and whilst staring out of the window in the office! I also have to have music playing. Listening to lyrics seems to work for me as well.

Do you plan or just write?

I used to be a real panster, but have got a little bit better since  my last couple of books. I haven’t been planning everything, but write more detailed notes now on character background, settings and where the story is headed.

What about word count?

I just tend to write the first draft, get it all down and then tweak polish and edit after that. if I can write about 1k-1,500 words a day, I’m pleased with that. The most I have ever written in a day was 4,500 words. I wouldn’t like to do that too often!

How do you do your structure?

I make lots of bullet points in my notebook, referring back to themes and characters. It can look rather chaotic, but it seems to turn out ok in the end!

What do you find hard about writing?

I procrastinate alot! I also have a habit of browsing through social media or reading the paper and then have to have a stiff word with myself.

What do you love about writing? 

I love creating worlds and characters that readers can hopefully lose themselves in. I think we all really need to be able to do that – especially now!

Advice for other writers. 

Don’t ever give up. Keep going, keep writing and keep reading. A published writer is an unpublished writer who never quit.

UK Amazon Link –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Scottish-Escape-heartwarming-women-ebook/dp/B08T5WWNDR/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

US –

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Scottish-Escape-Julie-Shackman-ebook/dp/B08T5WWNDR/

 

Why does a Home Encounter Structural Damage?

Posted on by

A homeowner tries to keep his home as tidy and neat as possible. Overtime, he experiences structural damage and doesn’t understand what causes some issues like uneven floor, cracks on wall, termite infestation, etc while he is keeping up with the maintenance. 

 

The first thing you should know is that a structural damage to your home isn’t your fault, unless you choose low quality material. More than 80 percent of damage is due to structural defects while almost 20 percent is caused by framing related issues.

 

As soon as you notice these damages, you try to find a Minneapolis foundation repair service provider. Before you ask for professional help you should know what’s the main cause behind structural home damage.

 

What Causes Structural Damage?

Here are two main reasons behind this big issue.

 

Soil movement

This movement is never in your hand and many times the damage is resulted from it. There are two types of movement one is due to settlement and other is heave from expansive soil. Although many homes experience damage due to hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes but mainly the soil movement is the major cause.

Expert construction agents build homes to deal with active soil movements over time. According to industry standards, builders need to adjust the design in a way that settlement won’t cause big issues.

When a home has a basement, it usually moves more than 12 inches due to swollen soil. As far as the entire house structure is concerned, the change is almost six inches. As the basement moves more than other structures, this uneven movement leads to serious structure damage. Professionals of foundation repair companies assess your home movement and then come up with a solution that minimizes damage effects.

 

Settlement Consolidation

Native fill soils is another reason for structural damage.Geotechnical engineers usually design how to create composite soil for fill material. If that compositte isn’t perfect then the weight of home usually compact the material and lead to settlement.

 

 Sometimes, builders don’t supervise the fill soil placement process, this ignorance costs homeowners big bucks later on.Hydrostatic pressure results in hydro-collapsible soil, and it’s another reason behind foundation wall damage.

A team of experts from a foundation repair company properly assess the foundation, they do geotechnical investigation and quantitative study so that they better understand fill material and types of soils. Once the gather this vital information, they suggest the best solution.

 

Water Issues

Many home structures experience instability due to water. You need waterproofing services for your basement and attic so that you won’t have to deal with major structural damage. When you have wooden beams, floor and structure then water in those areas cause structural problems.A home with leaked pipes experience major problems later on. Water can easily saturate soil and result in significant home problems.

 

Address Issue Quickly

No matter your home structure experiences damages due to water, soil movement or settlement, you should contact Minneapolis structural repair services asap. Experts do visual inspection and then start fixing the main issues. If you don’t call them quickly, damages in one area spread to another quickly requiring you to spend lots of money on structural repair of your home.
This is a collaborative post with our brand partner.

Dame Zandra Rhodes Leads the Charge for a Stylish Spring Clean

Posted on by

The much-loved British fashion icon has created an exclusive print for Recycle Your Electricals. The campaign aims to get UK households to stop throwing away or hoarding their small old electricals and start doing something useful with them, like donating or recycling them.

recycling, electrics, electrical, phones, toaster, Zandra Rhodes,

The print appears on an ethically sourced, organic cotton tote bag featuring Dame Zandra’s trademark ‘Painted Lady Head’ illustration, with bold and colourful electrical items placed around it. Fans will instantly recognise the work of one of fashion’s most respected names. Profits from the sales of the bag will go to a cause close to Zandra’s heart, Waste Aid, which helps fight poverty, pollution, and climate change by sharing waste management and recycling skills in the world’s poorest places.

The bags will help Recycle Your Electricals launch this year’s Little Spring Clean campaign, which encourages UK householders to de-clutter and sort their unused household electricals, which are creating the world’s fastest growing waste stream. The totes are a handy and stylish way to help people recycle, by popping their electricals into the bag rather than a bin, ready to be taken to the nearest recycling point.

In the UK alone we are holding onto 527million small old electricals, and 155,000 tonnes of waste electricals are thrown away in general household rubbish each year. However, if the thrown away or hoarded electricals were recycled, 2.8 million tonnes of CO2 emission could be saved, equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road. Any item with a plug, cable or battery can be recycled, such as mobile phones, laptops, hairdryers, speakers or irons.

A passionate campaigner for sustainability, Dame Zandra led the way for a greener approach to fashion, and living, before many others. With impeccable fashion credentials and an eye for stunning design that oozes personality and demands attention, there was no better person to support the campaign.

Dame Zandra Rhodes said, “I knew right away that Recycle Your Electricals was a campaign I wanted to get behind. I’ve been a huge advocate of zero-waste fashion for many years and really helped to get it on the radar of the general public. Now, we must also raise awareness of the problem of old electricals. Not many people know that they can, and should, be recycled or donated. I hope that people buy my charity tote, pop their electricals into the bag ready to be recycled, and organise their own ‘Little Spring Clean’ to help do something about this problem.”

Scott Butler, Executive Director, Material Focus the not for profit behind the Recycle Your Electricals campaign said:  “It’s wonderful to have Dame Zandra Rhodes on board for this campaign. Not only is she a champion of sustainability, but she is a true fashion icon. The bag she has designed is both useful and stylish and I hope it encourages everyone to organise their own Little Spring Clean and start recycling their unwanted electricals.” 

The Dame Zandra Rhodes exclusive print tote bags are available in light brown or white and cost £12 from www.shoprecycleyourelectricals.org.uk all profits go to Waste Aid. Pop your unwanted electricals into the bag before finding your nearest recycling or donation point at  www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

 

Animal by Lisa Taddeo Book Review

Posted on by

Lisa Taddeo, Animal, book, book review,

Animal is a searingly dark book. Lisa Taddeo takes you into the dark heart of what trauma does to a woman. All of those ‘tiny little rapes’ and things that happen that build up to the pure rage of a woman. It is so refreshing to have a writer who writes about women to unapologetically, and who writes about their anger and rage. Even if the character is one who makes bad life decisions. Yet Taddeo writes the story so perfectly that she unwraps the psychology of her character and how she came to be who she is with precision. You don’t need to like female characters.

Taddeo is so brave and writes with no filter. It is how all writing should be done, of course. That makes the writer no less brave for putting a story out there. There was never any doubt that Animal was going to be one of the books of 2021. But beware, before you read it: brace yourself. You will not be able to forget it.

This is the first novel from the author of Three Women which was a global phenomenon.

I drove myself out of New York City where a man shot himself in front of me. He was a gluttonous man and when his blood came out it looked like the blood of a pig.

That’s a cruel thing to think, I know. He did it in a restaurant where I was having dinner with another man, another married man.

Do you see how this is going? But I wasn’t always that way.

I am depraved. I hope you like me.

MEET JOAN: 24th June 2021.

Animal is available here.

 

Orla Kiely Spring 2021 Collection | Frost Loves.

Posted on by

I have to confess that I love beautiful things. I mean, who doesn’t? If you want beauty then Orla Kiely is the answer. Known for bold, gorgeous, patterned designs: Orla Kiely has a new Spring 2021 collection of bags. The hardest thing is choosing just one of them. The quality is as high as it can be obviously, it is Orla Kiely. Buying one of these bags is an investment piece. It is impossible to open the package and not gasp. If you do anything this month then treat yourself, or someone else, to one. You deserve it and you will not regret it.

Orla Kiely bag, Orla kiely, backpack

As we step into Spring 2021 and the world starts to open again after the latest lockdown, you might be looking to refresh your style. Bright and bold prints that evoke happiness and instantly update your wardrobe are easy to come by, thanks to Orla Kiely’s latest collection.

The popular Irish brand, famed for its colourful prints and signature patterns, has launched a brand-new collection of handbags, with a retro feel. The S/S ’21 season features geometric flower patterns, stylish stripes and clean, simple designs that fit effortlessly into any lifestyle.

With rucksacks, crossbody styles and new purses; the latest collection offers something for every taste; with many using the much-loved durable matt-coated cotton canvas that Orla Kiely has become known for. Designed to withstand unexpected spills and rain showers; these handbags and purses are the definition of stylish but practical.

All handbags can be bought directly via www.orlakiely.com

 

Bromell Handbag: £115

Available in Solid Stem Sunflower, Stripe Flower and Nouveau Stem designs.

The petite Bromell crossbody comes with a zip closure, two carry handles and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. Made from a coated cotton canvas, it’s neat enough to carry under your arm and equally stylish when worn as a crossbody.
Orla Kiely , bag, fashion

Bestie Backpack: £160

Available in Stripe Flower, Solid Stem Sunflower, Nouveau Stem and Classic Multi Stem designs.

The Bestie is Orla Kiely’s staple backpack tote and the brand’s bestselling bag! It’s been perfectly designed for anyone who travels regularly. With a sleek shape, it’s surprisingly roomy with a zip pocket on the front for easy access to your essentials. It has multiple pockets to store your valuables safely and can fit A4 documents and laptops up to 15 “.
Orla Kiely backpack orla kiely backpack

Tennison Backpack: £240

Available in Lobster Pot Rockpool and Flower Tile Navy designs.

Your new favourite backpack for all occasions. This medium-sized bag is roomy enough to hold your essentials and more. Part of the brand’s new Barkcloth collection, it offers a sophisticated alternative to leather, with a sleek and stylish silhouette. The bag comes with luxe gold hardware and an elegant little hand strap for easy carrying.
tennison orla kiely backpack

Forget Me Not Crossbody: £90

Available in Stripe Flower and Beluga designs.

This version of the Forget Me Not can be worn across the body using the long, adjustable strap that attaches to the wallet. It’s roomy enough to fit a large smartphone along with all your card, receipts, and coins, so you need never misplace your phone or purse again.
Orla Kiely crossbody bag Forget Me Not Wallet: £80

Available in Solid Stem Sunflower and Nouveau Stem designs.

The Forget Me Not wallet is classic in shape and function. It has a multitude of compartments and slots to keep your cards, notes, receipts, and coins organised.
orla kiely wallet

Iveley Mini Crossbody: £88

Available in Stripe Flower, Beluga and Nouveau Stem designs.

Featuring a long adjustable strap, the colourful Iveley mini can be worn either crossbody or on the shoulder. Made from Orla Kiely’s much loved durable matt coated cotton canvas, it’s designed to withstand unexpected spills and rain showers.
Orla Kiely crossbody

Fielder Crossbody  print: £130

Available in Stripe Flower, Beluga and Solid Stem Sunflower designs.

The Fielder is a reliable crossbody you’ll want to take everywhere. Made from Orla Kiely’s much-loved matt-coated cotton canvas, it is water-resistant, scratch-resistant and wipeable, with two additional pockets for all your everyday needs.

 

 

Frost Loves Spanish Skincare brand Sepai

Posted on by
With the last couple days highlighting that summer is nearly upon us, many of us realise that after the year we’ve had, our skin needs some TLC.
Spanish skincare brand, Sepai delivers ultra-performing, customisable skincare that mimics the effect of a personal trainer for your skin, with the ultimate concoction to condition your body. This bodycare cocktail hydrates, firms and revitalises skin.
I love Sepai Sublime Youth. This all-purpose rescue oil is deeply nourishing and leaves skin glowing. You can use it on its own or mix it in with your regular products. I cannot recommend it enough. It has left my skin looking so much better.
sepia , beauty, reviews