The British industrial revolution was powered by mill towns like Bolton. Industrial heritage is all around you in the town, which boasts plenty of surviving mills, as well as grandiose Victorian public buildings, demonstrating the town’s great wealth in its heyday.

The mills closed long ago, but Bolton today is an optimistic town, proud of its heritage and hopeful for the future. It’s also famously friendly, actually voted the friendliest place in England by the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
So the town has charm and great historical importance, but what is there for the modern family wanting a great day out?

Beautiful Countryside

It wasn’t an accident that the industrial revolution kicked off in the midst of the lovely moorland scenery around Bolton. It was the streams gushing down from the high ground of the moors that powered the cotton mills behind the revolution.

The West Pennine moors provide 90 square miles of wild countryside, full of recreational possibilities for a great day out enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. You could go for a day out, just walking or biking and stopping off in some of the pretty moorland villages.

A nice place to start might be the village of Belmont, about five miles out of Bolton, where you can see a historic mill which is still operational, as well as some small modern enterprises that are bringing new economic life to the village. There’s a pleasant walking route round the Belmont reservoir, an attractive church and a couple of famous pubs to visit.

Although the moors are elevated, the inclines on many routes are fairly gentle for ramblers and cyclists alike. Local Bolton real estate agents like Bridgesfords.co.uk are seeing increased interest in the area from people that want to change the pace of their life and enjoy the activities, making it a positive lifestyle choice.

Action-packed Entertainment

If you’re looking for a something bit more exciting but still fun for all the family, except the very young and very old, you could do worse than trying out Air-Vault, a trampoline centre that anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy.

Air-Vault features a course of 90 interconnected trampolines for you to navigate in whatever style suits your ability and takes your fancy. The other bouncers will all be too busy enjoying themselves to see your clumsy first attempts to get off the ground. But it’s not hard to get the hang of it and lose your inhibitions, and you’ll be bouncing away like a pro before long.
Trampoline is great aerobic exercise and it definitely burns the calories. Above all, it’s great fun.

Animal Farm

If you have a family of young animal-lovers, you can take them for a happy day out to an appealing children’s farm a few miles north of Bolton. Smithills Farm lets kids get close to all sorts of animals, from the expected farmyard familiars and pets to exotic Burmese pythons.

It’s run by a family with a long history of dairy farming on the land who diversified the business to create an experience that’s perfect for animal-loving kids.

As well as the animals, Smithills farm has tractor tours, a bouncy castle, an adventure playground, donkey rides and a café with a very child-friendly menu.

Historic Hall

On an educational note, Hall-i-th-wood is a rare and beautiful Tudor wood framed house, built in early 16th century, and now a museum. The hall was once the home of a rich merchant, before being split up and rented out to various families. One such tenant was Samuel Compton who was living there in 1779 when he invented the ‘spinning donkey’, a machine that revolutionised the cotton industry.

Mr. Compton was an inventor and craftsman rather than a businessman and he didn’t profit much from the machine that made so many fortunes for other people. He was persuaded not to apply for a patent, with the result that his machine was copied and used without any payment to him. He struggled to feed his family and died in poverty, though somewhat helped by voluntary donations. Compton was recognised after his death and his statue was erected in the town.

Hall-i-th-wood, where he worked on the donkey, was bought in 1899 by Lord Leverhulme, the self-made man who founded the Lever Brothers soap empire. It was turned into a museum in honour of Compton. Today, the rooms are laid out to convey a feeling of domestic life down the ages and there are helpful volunteers, happy to answer questions. You may be able to see the attic where Compton hid his invention from prying eyes. Entrance is free!

Bolton is a friendly northern city, close to natural beauty, but full of life of its own. It has well-regarded theatres, hosts a renowned food and drink festival, and overall, it’s hard to see the attraction of expensive southern cities in comparison to the down-to-earth appeal of a town like Bolton.

Imogen Lane is a single parent with 3 daughters aged 12 and under. She enjoys writing about family matters once the girls are asleep, using this time as her wind-down Mommy time!

We’ve all heard the phrase; there are never enough hours in the day. But the simple truth is, there are. And if you feel as though you never have enough time, then something needs to change. If you can’t get through your work and personal commitments in the time available, then it’s time to reassess.

It is possible to have it all. You can have a great career and a fulfilling family life. But to achieve this, you have to be realistic. You also have to prioritize and get organized.

1. Reassess

Sit down with a cup of coffee, a notebook, and some colored pens. Write down a list of everything you do in a typical day, from the moment you get up in the morning. Include everything, including showering, getting dressed, etc.

Go through each item in turn and work out whether there are any things that you can get rid of. Is there anything you’re doing in the day that is unnecessary?

Next, is there anything that could be shared or delegated to someone else? For example, could you and your partner take it in turns to take the kids to school and pick them up? What about household chores? Is everyone doing their fair share? This should also be applied to work.

 

Is there anything you would like to add to the list but can’t because you don’t have time? For example, would you like to time to take a class one evening per week? Or would you like some time just for yourself? Make a separate list of these items in another color.

Why do you think you don’t have enough time? What is taking up the most time? What are the problem areas?

Taking time to reassess and get an overview of your life is a good place to start. You need to know where you are before you can move forward.

 

2. Create Time

Though it is necessary to schedule and be organized, you also need time in your day to just be. Every minute should not be mapped out for you. But, there is nothing wrong in making the most of the time you have available.

For example, how do you get to work each day? And how do you get to meetings etc.? If you drive, you could be wasting valuable time. Instead, consider taking one of the many inter-city bus routes. Many services offer a range of facilities, including plug sockets and wi-fi. If you let someone else do the driving you can get work done on the journey. This could be checking through emails, making notes, drafting correspondence, etc. But it will free up time later in the day. Also, you will be helping the environment by keeping the car at home.

Another example of how you can make time is to identify wasted time. What do you do while the kettle is boiling? Rather than standing and waiting, you could be washing a few pots.

Or, could you get up fifteen minutes or half an hour earlier? This would create some time to complete chores or just relax.

The flip side to this is that you do need downtime. Sometimes you need time just to be and think. If making a cup of tea is the only time you can do this, then it’s fine to do nothing. Similarly, if you have little time to read or listen to music, you could do this on your morning commute. It’s not about filling every minute of the day. It’s about choosing wisely.

 

3. Work

Often issues arise around work. The idea of work/life balance is a distant concept. You need to figure out why this is. Is this what you signed up for? In some professions, working long hours is the norm. For example, the medical profession. Even so, there are limits, and it is important to set boundaries. But if this isn’t what you signed up for, it might be time to rethink.

First, work out why you are working around the clock. There could be any number of reasons for this:

• You are not trained for the job and therefore everything takes longer
• Colleagues are not completing their own workload, and this is falling to you
• Your manager has unrealistic expectations
• You’re covering for absent colleagues
• There is too much work and too few resources
• You find it difficult to say no

Whatever the reason, you need to take action. Sit down with your boss and explain the situation. Go through the reasons why you believe this is happening. Explain how it is impacting on your life. You can then work together to put strategies in place to resolve this.

4. Setting Boundaries

When dealing with situations at work or in your personal life, it is important to set boundaries. Be clear about what you are prepared to do. If you’re talking to your boss about additional work, let him/her know what you are prepared to do. Some overtime may be okay but set a limit. If you’re working late one night, ensure you leave on time the next night. And if you are staying late, be clear about what time you will be leaving.

It is important to do this in all areas of your life. If there are events that you don’t want to go to, be firm and say no. You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just setting your own boundaries. How you plan and live your life is up to you.

 

5. Find Economical Ways To Complete Tasks

Are you completing tasks in the most economical way? Are there quicker ways to complete them? At home, this may involve looking at smart ways to do the cleaning and chores. Do you have the right tools for the job? Is there another way you could approach it.

At work, do you have adequate equipment and software? Could streamlining processes and systems save you time? If there are ways you can streamline work, try to implement it.

It’s not possible to increase the twenty-four hours we have in the day. But it is possible to make the most of the time we do have at our disposal. Setting boundaries and learning to say no is a good place to start. Work out where the problems are and what is eating into your time. Once you have an overview of this, you can take steps to fix it.

Fleas, I’m sure all pet owners can admit, is not a fun topic nor something anyone wants to experience.

You may recall my previous post about BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) where I mentioned that once upon a time we had a dog with fleas. You may also recall that I said it was not a pleasant experience.

This is Magoo.

Magoo was my parents dog however when it came to his care, most of it fell on me.

Once upon a time, I took Magoo to the groomers and was anxiously awaiting their call so I could pick him up. After an extended perioud of time, I called the groomers only to discover that they had found fleas on our sweet little Mr. Magoo.

As you can imagine, I was not thrilled. That call was followed by Magoo getting a flea bath, our home and my parents home being cleaned and all carpeting and rugs being treated for fleas, and of course, figuring out where exactly they came from.

Turns out our little Mr. Magoo had made friends with some bunnies.

Now that we have Balty, we do our best to make sure he stays flea free!

We have learned that the best way to prevent a flea infestation is to use flea control regularly, on time, and never miss.

BRAVECTO is PERFECTO

If you are looking for reliable flea control, BRAVECTO is just what you need.  BRAVECTO is a tasty oral chew, and the only chew that kills fleas for 12 weeks with just one dose2. As an added security measure, BRAVECTO offers text, email and sticker reminders it’s easy to be on-time with your next dose!

*BRAVECTO kills fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.  BRAVECTO is approved only for dogs 6 months or older.

Find a Vet Near You

To find a vetrinarian near you that can prescribe BRAVECTO, click here.

My Pet Rewards

Signing up for MyPet.com My Pet Rewards can help you save money while protecting your dog from Fleas and Ticks. Register for savings by clicking here.

 Connect

For more information about BRAVECTO, be sure to connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688

There is something about super sexy lingerie that amplifies a woman’s sex appeal a million times. Lingerie styles set trends in the arena of body image. Romantic nights are incomplete without a wardrobe of super sexy lingerie. Whether you are trying to bring romance into your life, or up your game of seduction, every strategy will revolve around a piece of super sexy lingerie. 

Super sexy lingerie items do not only highlight a woman’s beautiful body and feminine charm, they also add to her confidence by making her feel sexier and more powerful. A woman should invest in good lingerie because it will make her feel feminine and beautiful on the inside and sexy and confident on the outside. That apart, well-fitted lingerie adds to the over all look of any ensemble. These days, when lingerie-inspired clothing is a rage, it has become all the more important to invest in super sexy lingerie pieces. We have all come across instances when a perfectly beautiful dress was ruined by a pathetic inner wear choice. Investing in good lingerie is also wise because a beautiful piece of lingerie sets the right mood inside the bedroom. It can reignite passion. 

What are some of the lingerie items that are super sexy?

Gone are the days when a bra or a night gown was the basic choice to look sexy. Almost every woman has thongs and strapless bras in her wardrobe. It is time to move beyond these regular lingerie items and invest in something more sensuous. There are many lingerie items that you can use to bring variety to your intimate closet. 

For women who are slightly heavier, a baby doll negligee is a boon. It covers a woman’s weaker areas while accentuating her curves in the just right way. Babydoll negligees come with a matching panty and are quite comfortable, as they are made from soft fabrics like chiffon, and silk. They expose the right parts in the right way. On the other hand, for women who are not afraid to embrace their sexier side, a body stocking is the perfect lingerie item. A body stocking is a fitted hosiery item that covers a woman’s entire body. It is made from sheer and form fitting material. Only a woman who is confident about her body will be able to do justice to this lingerie piece that will undoubtedly remind a man of the very sexy cat woman. 

For women who like to play peek-a-boo, the bustier is the perfect lingerie item. It exposes a woman’s body in a limited way and leaves a lot to one’s imagination. A bustier is essentially a bra that extends till the waist. The best thing about a bustier is that it creates the illusion of an hour-glass figure and sensual curves. That apart, a woman can recycle it as shapewear. For women who are sexy yet conservative, a shortie nightie made of charmeuse is the perfect choice. A shortie nightie is a loosely fitted chemise that reaches a woman’s thigh. As charmeuse is made from silk or satin, it gives a woman that extra bit of femininity that is an asset inside the bedroom.
Corsets and camisoles also make super sexy lingerie items. Corsets are a favorite of almost every woman who isn’t afraid to embrace her sexuality. They have been winning women’s heart since the 16th century. Corsets accentuate a woman’s bust while reducing her waist, thus creating the illusion of a perfect body. These can also be worn over pants or under suit jackets, so can be worn as super sexy lingerie or as ready-to-wear.

The camisole is a perfect choice for women who expect both comfort and sensuality from a lingerie item. From lace to silk and nylon, camisoles are created using a any number of smooth and silky fabrics, and are loose fitting. On the other hand, a chemise is essentially a long camisole that fits hugs a woman’s body, and is worn by females who like to show off a good figure.

A woman’s lingerie wardrobe is incomplete without garter belts. Garter belts have the potential to add oomph to even a simple bra and panty. While silk and lace are the most popular fabric choices for garter belts, one can find them in leather as well. This super sexy lingerie item is a must-have for any woman who is intent on seduction.
There are so many lingerie items that women can use to bring romance and confidence in their lives. What is important for a woman is to choose that help highlight her sexier side.

 

Human beings have been eating animal products since the beginning of time, but advances in research are showing that doing so, especially often, can be detrimental to your health as well as the environment. For this reason, more people are turning to low-meat or no-meat diets, which offers a wide range of benefits.

You Could Get More Nutrients

 It may seem like cutting meat out of your diet would result in you getting fewer nutrients, but some experts believe the opposite is true. Not only does cutting out meat prevent you from eating as much saturated fat, which is detrimental to your cardiovascular system, but eating more vegetable-based meals can actually increase your intake of some of the most important nutrients. Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet often increases your fiber intake. Diets that are high in fiber can regulate your digestive tract and lead to healthier bowel movements, which helps to prevent colon cancer.
 
Vegan-friendly foods are also usually higher in Vitamins C and E. Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system, keep your gums healthier, and even help bruises to heal faster. Vitamin E offers benefits for everything from your skin and eyes to your brain and heart. Some studies believe it can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Meat-free diets are usually higher in antioxidants in general. Antioxidants not only protect against general cell damage, but may also prevent some types of cancer.
 

You Will Be Healthier Overall

 
Studies have shown that vegans and vegetarians are often healthier than their meat-eating peers, largely due to the fact that they aren’t eating energy-decreasing, artery-clogging fats. Vegans often have lower body mass indexes, and many report losing excess pounds once they changed their diets. Healthier skin, hair and nails are also common. A lack of meat in the diet can even lead to fewer migraines, fewer problems with allergies, and an easing of PMS symptoms. Perhaps the best benefit is the increased energy that most people report.
 

You Could Be Helping the Environment

 
Climate change has been proven, and with climate change comes changes in how we produce our food. As temperatures rise and more droughts occur, it becomes more difficult to sustain crops or livestock. However, even as we produce our food today, we contribute to the climate problem.
 
Factory farms, which is where most meat comes from, can make as much as 100 times more waste than the combination of every person in the United States. In many cases, that waste makes its way to your water supply. By cutting meat out of your diet, you are taking steps to ensure you aren’t contributing to the climate change problem.
 

You May Save Money

 
Many people mistakenly believe that eating vegan-friendly diets are more expensive than eating meat, but this isn’t exactly true, especially if you only purchase high-quality meats. While it is true that higher quality meats are more humane and aren’t as unhealthy as most, they are also very expensive. By cutting out meat, you will have more money to spend on local, organic produce, which is often more affordable than the meat you’re eating.
 

You May Reduce Your Exposure to Certain Diseases

 
Animal products leave you susceptible to a number of diseases that can make you very sick or even kill you. By cutting them out of your diet, you reduce your risk of being exposed to E.coli, salmonella, mad cow disease, or dangerous hormones and antibiotics. This especially important for children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, all of whom may never fully recover if they come down with illness due to bacteria contamination.
 

You Don’t Have to Cut Out Fun Foods

 
Eating vegan doesn’t mean you have to gnaw on a head of lettuce every night. More companies are recognizing the benefits of animal-free products every day. One such company, Hampton Creek, already has condiments and cookies on the market that are free of all animal products and low in cholesterol, and they have plans to release more than 40 new products this year alone, many of which will be available at a wide range of retailers across the country. Searching out vegan-friendly options can be time-consuming at first, but once you know what to look for, shopping may even become quicker.
 
While the benefits of cutting meat out of your diet are obvious, be it for your own health reasons or to protect the health of the environment, it is important to remember every body is different. You should not jump into a new eating routine without first getting the go-ahead from your medical professional.