Smoking and oral health

Smoking cigarettes or cigars and chewing tobacco increases your risk of gum disease, stains the teeth and slows your body’s ability to heal, which means that recovery from dental procedures takes longer. Smoking also contributes to bad breath and an increased risk of bone loss, which occurs when the bone tissue in the jaw loses density.

Giving up smoking will benefit your oral health, as well as reducing your risk of a number of life-threatening illnesses, including high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes and cancer.

Can I smoke when I have braces?

The answer is yes you can smoke when you have braces, but the advice from dentists and orthodontists is to use the investment in braces as an opportunity to quit for good. Speaking with orthodontic experts like those at Invisible Braces UK will give you a more clear indication of the relationship between smoking and your oral health.

Smoking does not have adverse effects on the actual brace, but it may compromise the treatment and affect the treatment time. If you use removable invisible aligners then it is best to take them out whilst smoking.

How does smoking affect orthodontic treatment?

Smoking when you have braces can be problematic for a number of reasons. The first problem is bad breath; bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth and when you have braces, bacteria are likely to collect around the brackets and wires and in smokers, this means that the unpleasant odour is likely to be stronger and more noticeable.

Smoking when you have braces is also likely to cause discolouration of your teeth; smoking is one of the leading causes of tooth staining and it is even harder to clean your teeth when you have braces, so the risk of discolouration is even higher. Many smokers find that they have spots of discolouration on their teeth when their braces are removed.

Smoking can also cause the salivary glands to become inflamed, which may affect the secretion of saliva; smoking can also accelerate bone loss, which may affect the stabilisation of the brace; this is turn, may change the anticipated treatment time.

It is common to develop mouth ulcers when you first have your braces fitted; normally, ulcers heal very quickly without any need for formal treatment, but smoking slows the natural healing process and you may find that it takes longer for your ulcers to heal.

It is possible to have braces if you smoke, but it is much better for you and your braces to try and give up; your dentist or doctor can help to provide you with advice and information about giving up smoking and they can put you in touch with local groups that can help you to quit; many people find it easier to give up when they are surrounded by other people in a similar situation.

DON’T rush to get a silly tattoo just because all your mates are doing it – especially if you are on a holiday in a foreign country (it is not cool to have a tattoo on your bottom).

DO shop about for a decent tattoo artist. Ask questions, have a look at their work, and if it is possible try and see someone who has used the artist before and have a look at the work they have had inked onto their body to help you decide.

DON’T get you girlfriend/boyfriends name after being together for 2 weeks. You’ll regret this when you’re marrying another man/woman and Jim or Lisa is inked on your body as a constant reminder of the silly teenager that you were.

DO understand that if you’re paying £15 for a full back piece, you are in the wrong tattoo parlour. You will pay more for a better quality tattoo! Yes some places will try and rip you off, but others are genuine. The ability to recognise the quality of a tattoo is more important than the price will make for a happy you, with an excellent tattoo.

DON’T place your tattoo somewhere where it is going to jeopardise your job, lifestyle or future. If you are all too aware that tattoos that are visible are against the rules, don’t do it! You will get sacked and no tattoo is worth losing your job. Also consider other factors like if you are getting married, or if that part of your body is visible at all times, or such as is the tattoo going to be offensive to other people. The position and placement of a tattoo is extremely important so think about it carefully, (try having the drawing of your tattoo printed a few times, and tape it to different parts of your body to give you an idea if you like it or not there).

DO follow the aftercare advised by your tattoo artist. Aftercare is essential for the proper healing of your tattoo. If you don’t follow the advice given, you may have an infection on your hands which can lead to terrible scarring, and possible blood poisoning. If you feel in any way ill, or like your tattoo is not healing correctly, immediately seek medical advice from your GP. Check out www.nhs.uk/video/pages/tattoos.aspx for NHS advice on tattoos and the risks of getting a tattoo.

DON’T freak out! If you honestly despise your tattoo that much, there is removal services available that will take it away and your skin will appear like it was never inked at all! Check out www.noregretstattooremoval.com who offers laser treatment for the removal of tattoos across England. We are pretty lucky this is an option nowadays as bad ink mistakes are easy fixed now! Cover up tattoos are another option if you still want the ink in the same place but covering that horrible little goldfish you got when you were 16. The decision is yours but always remember there are options for removal!

If you are still slightly unsure about getting a tattoo check out www.tattootemple.hk/beginners-guide for a beginners guide to tattoos that will provide you with all the information you need.

If you can’t afford the mortgage on a house, don’t worry there are accommodation alternatives out there for you. Here is are a couple of some of the best alternatives to Houses out there at the moment.

Canal Boats: a large number of people live on canal boats these days, myself included and they can be a great alternative to living on land, as long as you don’t get seasick. I have lived on my boat for about a year now and it only cost me £12,000. I don’t have to pay gas or electric and most of my power comes from a solar panel on the roof. You can buy second hand boats from just about anywhere, I found mine on this site called Apollo Duck.

Motorhomes: another excellent alternative to houses. Motor homes can have all the mod cons showers, kitchens, microwaves and are often very well laid out so you will have enough room for all the essentials. It also means that you have the freedom to travel and won’t have to worry about having a place to stay. The place that my friend bought her motor home from is called Emm Bee and you can click here for their link. They have a good range of motor homes that can suit your individual budget and style.

I hope this Blog has given you some hope that a house is not the only option for you, and your alternative accommodation could be the start of a big adventure.

Thankfully, separation and divorce doesn’t carry the taboo that it once did, in a recent poll by YouGov, it was reported that only 4% of Britons strongly agreed that divorce was a taboo. That makes it just a little bit easier to open up and talk about it and thankfully we found a host of information and advice out there to help us detangle. We had spoken to a counsellor earlier in our relationship when we had been having difficulties relating to work-life balance and so we went back to the same agency, Relate have offices in Croydon and were more than willing to listen to us; even though we were both sure of what we wanted, it was still crucial for us to talk to someone else and air out all the things we were too afraid to say to one another. Strangely enough, as angry and upset as we each were, we actually ended up supporting one another on a few occasions too. I know we were lucky in that and I never fail to thank my lucky stars.

Even without such a support network, there’s still a lot of advice out there to help people deal with a relationship breakdown. Help Guide is a great resource that I’d recommend to anyone. They really help you to analyse the situation and think about now just how to deal with the change but to decide how you want to deal with the change and what you want to get out of it for the future.

The legal separation can prove tricky as there are a few legal conditions that you have to be able to understand first. First of all, there are about five legal grounds for divorce: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, having lived apart for more than two years (both must consent) and having lived apart for five years (one person alone may file).  For many couples this means that their separation will come long before their divorce. The financial implications can prove complex. It’s a great idea to speak to a solicitor specialising in family law: in Croydon, Goodsells Solicitors are absolutely fantastic. The lawyer will speak to you outwith office hours if need be and is genuinely committed to achieving the best result for everyone. It was a relief.

Three years after the breakdown of my marriage and a year after the divorce, I think I can safely speak for both my ex and myself when I say that it is almost the best thing we ever did, second to getting married in the first place. The end was a difficult and wearing journey and there were points in which I didn’t know if I’d get through it but in the fullness of time, we have moved on. We recognise how beautiful the good times were and now we’re looking for more of them in the rest of our lives – separately. If you’re struggling in an unhappy marriage, I’d urge you to take your time, try counselling, look at yourself and your partner, consider the issue from every possible angle and maybe you’ll work it out and be the stronger couple for it. If you can’t, use the support tools around you to change your situation and free up the rest of your life for whatever might come your way. It’s hard but it’s not impossible.

I had such a great time that I thought I’d share the journey and hope to inspire you too!

Now of course, there are so many things to think about with a wedding, the first thing to do is make a list. And then another list. And another. Then categorise your lists. A good site to start with is Real Simple provide a great chronological checklist of what to organise and when. I also looked at blogs like this one for inspiration, it was great to see how other Western/Indian couples had married their two cultures: Neema and Sam’s wedding looked so beautiful, and their smiles were so genuine that I couldn’t wait for my own big day.

In the end, I left my husband and family to take care of a lot of the preparations as I knew I had the final say so if I wanted it. It’s traditional for the groom’s family to organise the wedding feast and, in all honesty, I knew they’d do a great job and it was fantastic to see the wedding emerge before my eyes.

Maharani Weddings was a great resource, they offer daily advice and tips about how to organise a great traditional Indian wedding.  As soon as I started looking at Indian bridalwear, I suddenly understood where children get their big ideas from. The dresses are simply jaw-dropping, the detail and colours are incredible. I discovered sonas couture and couldn’t have been happier. They brought such contemporary flair to the traditions and I was smitten.

I also decided to take care of organising the wedding photography myself as it’s a major passion of mine. There are some fabulous photographers catering for Indian tastes, like The Event Guru. Mark Carey also has great style but after falling in love with Neema and Sam’s wedding from the blog, I knew I wanted John Day because he captured all the joy and sincerity of a wedding day.

My in-laws planned an absolutely exquisite wedding and I could not have been happier than to take part in all the Indian ceremonies. A lot of cross-cultural couples have dual ceremonies to celebrate each heritage but being an adventurer it was more interesting for me to immerse myself in another culture. My advice to anyone organising an Indian wedding, especially as a non-Indian, is to simply enjoy it. Think of the dress, think of the food, and never look back. Writing this, lake-side in Nepal, I can confirm that the adventure continues in married life!

Jewels and Gems

There are so many options with jewellery crafting these days – you can make classic friendship bracelets with a variety of greens and complimentary colours, buy wonderfully complex green glass designs and hang them yourself on hemp rope. Beads and gems, like the ones available at Jilly Beads here can be used to spice up any given outfit, a cluster of gemstones stitched on to the lapel of a jacket make a wonderfully modern variation on a brooch.

Accessories

The 1920s flapper style is also making a comeback due to the release of Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The women then were known for their stunning and eye-catching headdresses, a great way to bring the emerald touch to your wardrobe is by customising a simple hair clip with peacock feathers, gemstones and other touches of green fabric. With such a colour, you can be bold or elegant, the choice is up to you. Frou Frou feather here have a great selection of feathers to choose from for any craft project.

Quilting

If you have time on your hands, there are some great off-cut fabrics you can use to make your Oz-inspired quilt that will make cuddling up in front of the movie all the more satisfying. Quilting is experiencing something of a renaissance amongst home-crafters as people remember fondly the old patchworks from their grandparents house. A homemade quilt will make a modern home look absolutely stunning, softening modern materials and complimenting them perfectly. Quilting, of course, is a little labour intensive, so another option is to fund someone else’s passion by buying from a confirmed quilter. Check out etsy for some great homemade options, like this fabulous emerald quilt wall hanging.

Furniture

Whilst redesigning your home every year in line with what a colour company proclaims fashionable might be a little beyond the realms and indeed desires of many of us. However, it can prove the inspiration for a few great renovation projects. A tired old chest of drawers or forgotten corner table could benefit immensely from a little TLC. There are two avenues available to you – the shabby chic option of painting and distressing layers of paint to create a faux antique style or the modern design based strategy typified by this great set of drawers with emerald chevron design.

The magazines are full of green and emerald inspired fashions, but as with any trend, they always mean more if you do some of the work yourself. Take inspiration from various style trends then combine them with your own imagination and handiwork and you can create some truly original work. Next step? Start thinking of gifts for your presents – that’ll banish the emerald eye for sure!

Zenith Montre d´Aeronef Type 20

I maintain a soft spot for Zenith watches. They are, after all, the designers of the El Primero calibre, which has been so pioneering in the realm of chronograph technology which has completely revolutionised the industry . You can see some great photos of their new release on the Watch Insider website. This new version of the popular watch is so beautifully packaged, the Baton Rouge model is simply breathtaking.

Omega Seamaster

The next watch which really grabbed my attention recently is the Omega Seamaster 15000 Gauss. Again, it is their pioneering technology which can’t fail to get them noticed. The watch is resistant to up to 15000 gauss, which makes it the most anti-magnetic watch yet. Look out for Baselworld 2014 to see how their competitors will take on this technology to bring us something even more impressive.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 Flyback

As Zenith have never lost sight of their aviation history, so too have TAG Heuer kept their eyes to the race track. Carrera watches have a fascinating history which you can read about here and the new model does nothing to undermine this. In fact, the 36 Flyback has caused quite a stir amongst watch enthusiasts with its stunning design complimenting perfectly its philosophy of refinement and sportsmanship.

Erwin Sattler

Whilst it wasn’t his watches that stood out to me the most, Erwin Sattler’s precision crafted timepieces are so truly inspiring that I couldn’t fail to give them a mention here. Check out the website to see the innovative time-telling devices made for the home and workplace.

With designs like these, I can’t wait for the next Baselworld, scheduled for May 2014, which you can find out more about here. In the meantime the British Horogical Society has a fair in June. Keep the time free!

If you do want your perfect dress but are sadly do not have a budget of £21,000 then there are plenty of options you could do what one woman did, Momataz Begum-Hossain to be precise and head down to ‘Green Street, east London, where “tailor” signs are sticky-taped on to the windows’, she ended up only spending £200 on her dress and got exactly what she wanted. Though if you see the pictures it isn’t exactly your traditional wedding dress, hence why it may have been a bit less.

Getting a wedding dress from top designers like Armani or Valentino would usually strip your budget bare, but the high street store TK Maxx could be your answer to getting a designer dress for your big day. Most of the dresses are priced from £400-£800 so you won’t burn a massive hole in your purse.

Of course if you want your day to be extra special and don’t mind spending a little bit more then there are plenty of options out there. I would recommend Amelia Classics though, as not only do they have a fantastic range of wedding dresses, you can get your bridesmaids dresses and even your groom’s suit sorted out all under one roof. They were especially helpful to my sister when she got married, and she ended up looking absolutely beautiful on her wedding day.

So I hope this has helped you figure out how to get your perfect dress and helps to your make your wedding a day you will never forget.

It’s a phrase we’re all familiar with, whether it’s from newspaper reports or adverts. Yet if you go further, ask someone what their basic understanding of a compensation claim is, it turns out to be surprisingly hazy. “So-and- so falls off a gate, they’re then given such and such …”

Really? As far as the general public is concerned, that’s all there is to it. They don’t appear to realise that in fact it’s a very complex, nuanced field, with myriad variations and complications. You can’t even say that there’s a set time frame in which to make your claim, as this too depends on the type of claim.

So I thought I’d dig a little deeper and find out exactly what happens when a compensation claim is set in motion.

What is a claim?

In the most basic sense, a compensation claim occurs when somebody undergoes an unpleasant experience that was not their fault (this factor is extremely important) and they have suffered as a result. The suffering can be physical, mental/emotional or monetary (e.g. they’ve seen a loss of earnings due to their experience).  It doesn’t matter whether the victim is a world class footballer or an ordinary member of the public- if they’ve sufficient evidence that this incident has dramatically impacted upon their life, they’re entitled to make a claim.

Claims.com offers one of the widest range of compensation claim types available on the market today. They include, but are by no means restricted to: personal injury claims (which in itself varies from pedestrian injuries to trips and slips), all areas of employment (e.g. unfair dismissal, discrimination, bullying and harassment) and road accidents (whether whiplash to severe disability). Each area has its own unique features and time limits.

What happens?

Although there may be subtle variations according to the practice you visit, your first move should be to meet with a lawyer specialising in the type of claim you wish to make, e.g. a personal injury claim, and discussing all aspects of the case with them.  They may ask quite probing questions, so it is worth being prepared. Have as much information to hand as possible- documentation if you’ve been signed off sick, accident reports etc. This is crucial if you want your case to be watertight.

Once the lawyer has access to all the facts, they will help you decide what action to take. In some instances it may not be feasible or appropriate to pursue it further; some clients just feel a sense of relief in having discussed their situation with an understanding third party.  For further information about what exactly a personal injury claim entails, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau site.

What is ‘no win, no fee’?

Until March this year, ‘no win, no fee’ cases were clear cut. A legal firm would represent you on the understanding that if you were unsuccessful for any reason, you wouldn’t pay a penny. This caused some to suggest that a ‘compensation’ culture had developed, ignoring the stringent checks lawyers have to make before they take on a case. The new regulations mean that while ‘no win, no fee’ still exists, you are expected to pay a ‘success fee’ if you win.

As this article in the Telegraph points out, the so-called ‘clampdown’ denies society’s most vulnerable members access to justice, particularly women. Their traditionally lower incomes, responsibility to family and disproportionate likelihood of being single parents may mean they’re reluctant to pursue a compensation claim. This development is in no way fair.

With drawbacks like these, a staycation starts to look more and more attractive. This sceptred isle might be small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in interest. You can soak up the dreaming spires and rarefied atmosphere of Oxford, enjoy the lush scenery and honey kissed bricks of the Cotswolds, the drama and poetry of the Scottish Highlands. There’s no end of eye opening landscapes to gallivant around!

Yet since I love a bit of variety, I thought I’d look into some of the wackier holidays on offer. B&Bs are out, the spirit of adventure is in! Here are three of the most different holidays I could find- I’ll have to ask my better half which is the winner!

Opus Camper

My first sight of an Opus Camper must rank as one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever seen! A cunning blend of a tent and a motorhome, it saves all that flailing around with guy ropes and pegs. You can put it up in an instant- and tuck it away just as neatly. Even the smallest cars can tow it without difficulty!

Like the Tardis, it’s bigger on the inside. That deceptively small area manages to pack in double bed areas, a sink and stove, a table and a work surface- everything you could need for a self catering holiday. It’s incredibly strong, too- its folding lids and racking can easily carry bikes, surf boards and the like.

Pricewise it comes in at £10,999, but consider what you’re getting for your money. This isn’t something that you’re hiring just for the weekend- it’s yours, to be used whenever and wherever you see fit, dramatically cutting down on boarding costs. You can take off and go wherever you like, adding a whole new sparkle to the traditional road trip!

See the Opus Camper website for further details.

Glamping

“What on earth is glamping?” I hear you ask.

For those not in the know, glamping grabs that old chestnut- the camping holiday- and completely turns it around. Short for ‘glamorous camping’, it takes the elements that scare many people off (tents, flies, mud etc) and substitutes them for something more exotic. How about camping out in a yurt, for example, or a tree house?

Before you dismiss this as a play thing of wealthy eccentrics, it’s picking up fans all over the world. It’s now possible to organise glamping holidays in destinations as diverse as Belgium and Bali.

To learn more about glamping holidays, visit the Canopy and Stars website.

Narrow boat holiday

Really seeking a holiday with a difference? Why not hire a canal boat and see the country from an entirely new perspective?

Again, it’s not a funniosity- the popularity of narrow boat holidays is growing year on year, with record numbers of bookings anticipated this summer. Don’t panic if you’ve never steered a boat before- the boat hire company will run through this with you, as well as put you in the picture about canal etiquette. It’s a whole new world with its own unique rules!

You needn’t worry about facilities either- boats can range from the basic to the luxurious, with everything you could want in the way of cooking and washing facilities. If you’d love to be king (or queen) of the canal, book a canal holiday today!

Visit The Black Prince website for further details.