Lilac City Momma

Lynn

How to Prepare for Your First Massage

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If you have never been for a massage before, you may be wondering if there are any major rules to follow, but fortunately it is very straightforward. Usually, people focus on worrying if they need to shave their legs, but smaller details like this are not an issue and your massage therapist will not judge the appearance of your body. There are a few things to be aware of, but they are related to health and wellbeing. To make the most out of the massage, consider these contributing factors.

Stay Hydrated

When getting a massage, your circulation is increased and so is your blood flow – this can be naturally dehydrating. You should drink a lot of water both before and after a massage to help flush out the toxins that are released during the massage. Avoid alcoholic beverages too close to your massage appointments for best results.

Suitable Clothing

To be prepared for a massage, you will want to find suitable clothing to wear. If you are getting a back, neck and shoulders massage, you will want to wear something that can reveal those areas. However, you do not need to reveal more than you are comfortable with and do not need to be fully nude for the massage (though you will always be covered with a towel).

Check Your Skin

If your skin is too sensitive and irritated, the massage therapist may refuse to begin the massage – in your best interest. It is best to postpone your sunbathing plans until after getting a massage. To save complications when you arrive, be sure to notify them in advance if you have any open wounds or even severe sunburn so that they can avoid the area.

Plan Your Route

The last thing you want to do is struggle to make it to your appointment and arrive feeling stressed. This can close you off from being able to unwind during the massage. Plan how you will get to and from your massage therapist and always make sure to schedule the appointment conveniently so that you are not in a rush.

Tip: Avoid booking a massage that will require a long commute – if you are in Oxford for instance, search for “massage Oxford” to be met with relevant results and avoid your appointment feeling like a chore rather than a treat.

Shower Early

Both showering and getting a massage will increase blood circulation, so you want to avoid a hot rinse too close to the time of your appointment. Instead, leave a gap of a few hours to avoid sweating through your massage.

Wait to Workout

Working out will not only increase your blood flow and heart rate, but also work your muscles. This can interfere with the massage and you might not see as many benefits. Skip the gym the day of your massage; your body will thank you.

Ask Your Massage Therapist

Finally, do not hesitate to reach out to your massage therapist to clarify anything that you are unsure on ahead of the massage. They are the experts and will be happy to advise you, based on their own process.

 

10 Top Tips for a Budget Wedding

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Planning a wedding but don’t want to break the bank? Here are some top tips on how to plan a budget-friendly wedding.

Avoid Peak Wedding Season

One of the first decisions you make is also one of the biggest determiners of how costly your wedding will be. Choosing an off-peak season will be less competitive and more affordable. Avoid the summer months and aim for winter, spring, or the fall instead to save on your venue hire costs.

Consider Renting and Hiring (not Buying)

Renting and hiring can save you thousands, the only downside is that you will have to return the items within a set time. If you are happy to say goodbye and save the closet space, borrow a wedding dress and suit for the day—this could mean being able to spend your big day in a luxury gown.

When looking to hire a wedding car, look for reasonable deposit costs and flexible services. The experts at englishweddingcars.com serve as an example for providing an affordable, high-quality service. When searching for a wedding car to hire, consider whether their fees are budget-friendly to save on unnecessary spending.

Seek Newly Established Photographers

Everyone wants the perfect photos to help them remember their special day, and often people will splurge in hope that the expenses will be worth the memories they can reflect on. Whilst experienced photographers may have a wider skill set, many up-and-coming photographers can offer work of the same caliber for a fraction of the price whilst they work to build up their portfolio and client base.

Limit the Flower Decorations

As beautiful as they are, the cost of flowers can soon add up with wedding planning. Get creative and search for cheaper alternatives to decorate with. Greenery is a good alterative if you are wanting to keep the natural element, but balloons, candlesticks, fairy lights, or fruits and veggies can also make a great substitution for a venue to impress.

Opt for Online Invitations

You might not think the printing will add up, but guest invitations can amount to quite a sum. Thanks to the internet, online invitations are growing in popularity and offer a solution to buying countless cards and then covering postage. Another alternative is building a wedding website and sending the link to your guests. This way, they can remain updated on the venue, date, and time, and see all the wedding photos in one place.

Shop Dress Deals in Advance

If you are adamant that you want to buy a wedding dress so that you can keep it as a wedding memory, start shopping early and keep track of bridal sales. You are more likely to catch a good deal early on than at last minute, and emergency dress searching will get expensive.

Embrace Minimalism

Some people have sophisticated themes in mind, but if you can keep that off the table, you are looking at saving money. Simplistic designs are much more affordable when it comes to venues, decorations, and even wedding cakes, but can still be impactful in an elegant way.

Cut Down on Name Cards and Menus

Another tip for avoid printing costs which is simple but effective—instead of having individual name cards and menus on tables, design one seating plan for everyone to see as they enter the venue; and shrink down the menu quantity to one per table or create an online menu that is sent out beforehand.

Budgeting with a Buffet

Wedding catering can add up, so it could be wise to provide a buffet to allow the meals to be personalized and keep your wedding guests fed. This will prevent waste and will also be cost-effective.

Playlist over Performers

To tone down your wedding and save on spending, you and your partner could decide on a special playlist together and enjoy it through speakers, therefore diminishing the need for live music.

 

Tips for Applying for a Degree in Architecture

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There are three college degrees for aspiring architects: the associate’s degree, the bachelor’s degree, and the master’s degree. The associate’s degree is a two-year degree that is offered by community colleges and some universities. A bachelor’s degree is a four-year degree that is offered by universities. The master’s degree is a two-year degree that is offered by universities. Keep reading for tips when applying to architecture school.

Applying to an Architecture Program

The first step in applying to an architecture program is to determine which degree is the best fit for you. If you are interested in pursuing a career in architecture but are not sure if you want to commit to a four-year degree, the associate’s degree might be a good option for you. The associate’s degree is a shorter program, but it will still give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career in architecture.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in architecture and you are willing to commit to a four-year degree, a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree is the best option for you. A bachelor’s degree is a comprehensive program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in architecture design.

Once you finish your B.A., you may decide to complete your master’s degree which is a more intensive program than a bachelor’s but it will give you more specialized skills to further your career. With a master’s degree, it’s a lot more possible to get higher-paying jobs and more senior roles and responsibilities.

Finally, a Ph.D. in architecture is a professional degree that prepares students for licensure as architects. The program is typically a three-to-five-year, full-time degree which includes a year of professional practice. The first two years of the program focus on the history and theory of architecture, design, and construction, while the third or fourth year is dedicated to professional practice.

Once you have determined which degree is the best fit for you, the next step is to research architecture programs which you can do by consulting a college counsellor to help with the college application process and pinning down your academic goals. There are many different architecture programs available, so you need to find one that is the right fit for you. When researching architecture programs, be sure to consider the following factors:

The program’s curriculum
The program’s location
The program’s cost
The program’s accreditation

Once you have found a few architecture programs that fit your criteria, the next step is to apply to them. Be sure to submit all of the required application materials, including your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Once you are accepted into an architecture program, the next step is to prepare for your future career. Be sure to attend all of your classes, and ask your professors and advisors for help when you need it. Additionally, be sure to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and design competitions.

What To Expect in Architecture School


It’s important to know that the coursework is rigorous while studying to be an architect but it’s also very rewarding. Upon graduation, architects are able to not only design buildings, but also understand the complex systems that make them work. Architecture school is not all about design. It’s also about learning how to think critically and solve problems. Students are taught how to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. They also learn how to work as part of a team. One of the best things about architecture school is that you get to work on real-world projects. You might be asked to design a new building and work with contractors or renovate an existing one and have to collaborate with manufacturers such as Mariani Metal Fabricators Limited. You might also be asked to come up with a plan for a city or a neighborhood where you’ll need to ask important questions to a lot of different individuals in order to achieve the architectural goals of a certain project.

Architecture school is not for everyone. It’s a demanding program that requires a lot of hard work. But if you are passionate about architecture and want to learn everything there is to know about it, then architecture school is the right choice for you.

Different types of Funeral Plans

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Are you also planning for later life? Funerals can range from standard services at a funeral home, church, synagogue, or mosque to more unusual options like a sea burial. Let’s look at five different sorts of funerals so you can determine which one is best for you or a loved one when the time comes. So, how can you choose the right type of funeral for you or a loved one? The type of funeral that would best honor your life is based on how you live or lived. Here are many different funeral plans for over 50s.

  • Traditional Religious Funeral Service:The family frequently welcomes visitors before the traditional religious funeral service. A viewing of the body in the casket may also be part of the visitation. There can be various kinds of funeral services here followed by religious leaders. A conventional religious funeral would most likely be your best option if you are religious or spiritual, or if you value tradition.
  • Non-religious Humanist Funeral Service:The fundamental distinction between a religious and a humanist funeral service is that the latter does not mention God or religion. Humanist funerals are both a dignified farewell and a celebration of life for the deceased. The tribute segment of a humanist funeral, which can even be written in advance by the celebrant and includes tributes from family and friends, is the focal point of the service. A moment of silence may be included in the service to allow attendees to reflect on the celebrant’s life.
  • A humanist service is a viable alternative for those who would rather not be associated with established religion. It’s also a wonderful option for families with members who practice different religions because the ceremony can’t make any religious references and may surely be spiritual without being religious. A humanist service is advised for someone comfortable having private recollections of his or her life recounted throughout the service because it is very personal.
  • Direct Cremation:There is no viewing, ceremony, or service before a direct cremation. A memorial service, on the other hand, may be held at a later period. Simple cremation is another name for direct cremation. Direct cremation, which does not entail a service, may be preferred by those who are extremely private. It’s also a good option for individuals who wish to save money because there’s no need for embalming or a casket, and the memorial ceremony can be held at someone’s home afterward. Cremation is environmentally friendly if we compare it to other means like burial.
  • Natural Funeral Service:A green or natural funeral uses fewer resources than a regular funeral, making it more environmentally friendly. A green funeral avoids embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable cement, steel, and other non-biodegradable materials used in traditional burials, and cremation’s carbon footprint. True environmentalists are more inclined to choose a green or natural funeral service. A green funeral is a way to go if you or a loved one is serious about decreasing one’s carbon footprint. A green burial is also a great option for an outdoorsman or environment lover because the body is buried in simply a biodegradable shroud, making it much easier.
  • Burial at Sea:A burial at sea is a sort of funeral in which the deceased is released into the water, usually by boat but occasionally by plane. The cremated remains of the deceased are normally scattered in this type of burial; but, full-body burials at sea are also possible.

Therefore these are the different types of funeral plans that happen to be existing in a society that you can select from.

How To Step Out for Your Morning Jog in Style

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You work out to look good and feel good. But while working out can leave you looking sweaty, flushed, and out of breath, you still want to look your best while you’re doing it. Fortunately, the greater focus on athleisure and the innovation that has spurred a wide variety of new outfits, workout technology, and other accessories has made it so that you can do exactly that. If you want to look great when you leave the house to exercise, here are a few tips on how to step out for your morning jog in style.

Get yourself a great pair of shoes and inserts for comfort and aesthetic.


There are a ton of great workout items that look great and help you enhance safety and performance. Take, for example, shoes. The shoes that you choose play a critical role in how your outfit looks and how well your morning jog goes. There are a ton of stellar brands out there, and you might even be able to find a pair that you can sync to a mobile app on your phone for more effective run mapping. With that in mind, you should focus on comfort, too. Let’s imagine that you regularly struggle with foot pain, knee pain, or back pain. Rather than simply settling, you could invest in a nice pair of orthopedic arch support inserts that keep your bones aligned and prevent pain during exercises like running. These will keep you comfortable no matter which sneakers you decide to put on. With high-impact exercises like jogging and running, you need to focus on safety and style!

Create a wardrobe that’s comfortable and stunning.
Everyone has their preferences when it comes to workout clothing and how it works with their body shape. For example, if you’re more of a casual jogger who likes to walk more than run, you might be able to rock a pair of jeggings with a comfortable tee. There are a lot of great denim pull-on jeggings out there to choose from for your morning jog. Of course, those who have a more vigorous activity planned alongside their jog may prefer spandex with a training bra that offers more support. Take some time to consider what type of exercise you’re going to schedule in your week. Then, create a wardrobe that’s both stylish and best suited for your level of activity. This will guarantee that you’re not feeling discomfort when it comes time to exercise.

Look for accessories that enhance your morning jog.


There’s no shortage of accessories that are designed to support you throughout your workout without looking bad or pulling attention away from your outfit. Many of these items are functional and necessary for your exercise session. One excellent example is water bottles. There’s a massive selection of handheld water bottles for running that will make it easy to keep water on hand when you need to hydrate. Of course, there are other more obvious examples of things you’re going to need during your morning jog, like a pair of classy running headphones that will help you listen to your favorite jams and effortlessly answer calls via Bluetooth when you need to. No matter what it is that keeps your runs looking and feeling great, make sure you have these things with you.

There’s a lot more that goes into exercise than just the motion. If you want to make sure that you look great when you step out for your morning jog or other exercises, use the guide above to create a fun wardrobe so that you look and feel your best.