Jewellery has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years. It is made from various materials, including gemstones, precious metals, beads, and shells.
Some cultures used jewelry to show status, while others made it for ritual or spiritual purposes. Learning a lot about a culture by studying its jewelry is possible.
Origins
The origins of chain pendant jewelry can be traced back to 2500 BC when they were first designed and created. Egyptians were among the first to create these gold chains, which often adorned beautiful pendants.
The early chain design was improved in the 8th century BC with the invention of the “strap” chain. This design involved strands of chains connected side by side to form a more flexible band that almost resembled fabric.
Chain pendants can be made from various materials, including gold, silver, pearls, and gemstones. They can also be engraved or painted and come in all shapes and sizes.
They can be worn as amulets, talismans, or good luck charms. They can also be symbolic, expressing a person’s spiritual beliefs. They can also be worn as a part of other jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet.
Styles
From ancient times, chain pendants have been popular and versatile jewelry designs. These types of pendants have many different meanings and can be worn to signify religious, protective, or devotional themes.
Gold chains became an important accessory to the elite class during the Renaissance. During that time, they were often embellished with pendants or brooches.
The pendants hung from the long gold chains were often adorned with images of saints, landscapes, and bible scenes. They were also often used as amulets and talismans.
The heaviest chains were made of solid gold, a material that was easy to work with and durable. They were also often woven with strands of chains to form a more flexible design.
Materials
Chain pendant jewelry can be made of many materials, but sterling silver and gold are the most popular. Both types of metal are durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Gold necklace chains are typically made of either 14k or 18k gold. Both karats of gold are considered the highest quality, but both can be very expensive.
Aside from gold, other common metals used for necklace chains are platinum, nickel, iron, and steel. These metals can be combined with gold to make an alloy stronger, lighter, and more durable.
Necklace chains come in various styles, from simple designs to eye-catching and complex styles. The type of chain you choose depends on what type of pendant you plan to wear with it.
Meanings
Chains have long been a symbol of tradition and culture. They are often worn in tribute to a family’s history or as part of a religious ritual.
They were also traditionally a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and silver chains were commonly worn by royalty and the rich.
In later centuries, they were even used to adorn women’s necks. They were used as decorative pedants and to suspend semi-precious stones from them.
Today, necklaces are still an important element in many jewelry styles. They can be worn alone or layered together and are often essential accessories for any wardrobe.
They can be decorated with various symbols and designs, including those from various cultures. Some popular examples include Laughing Buddhas, the lotus, and hamsa hands.
Whether you’ve been to lots of raves before or you’re just about to go to your very first one, you’re going to have to buy clothes for rave partying, specifically. Getting to put together a rave wardrobe is a big part of the fun and you don’t want to show up in your regular street clothes. You’re just not going to have as good a time if you’re wearing the same, old boring clothes instead of clothes designed for a fun time.
There are rave clothes for men and women and your style is completely up to you and how you want to look on the floor. The best thing to do is decide on an overall look and get the best pieces of clothing to make it happen. You can buy clothes right online so you don’t have to worry about going to a store that’s not going to have what you want.
Rave Clothes for Women
Women have a lot of different rave clothes to choose from and deciding on a style can take a much longer time than it does for men. Women get to pick from crop tops, rave tops, harness tops, and outerwear to build a look that best reflects their style for everyone else to see. Then there are entire collections of rave bottoms, joggers, skirts, shorts, and even belts and harnesses.
If that sounds like a lot of decision making then you’re very right and that’s not a bad thing. When your main goal is to put together an outfit that looks good and is easy to move around in, you’re going to have to put some effort into it. When you finally settle on a look that you want, it’s easy to find the clothes that match the look that you’re trying to get out of your rave clothes.
Rave Clothes for Men
Then there are the clothing choices for men and there are more than enough of them to keep you guessing as to what you should buy. Men can choose from collections of hats, tank tops, t-shirts, jerseys, pants, shorts, and outerwear for themselves. It can be a very daunting task, but the right clothing is going to stand out to you.
You don’t have to be an expert at raves to know that getting your clothes together in advance is going to work in your best interests. Get your style onto your body and show it off to the club!
Getting a good night’s sleep can have a huge impact on the way that you feel, both mentally and physically. Waking up feeling refreshed and raring to go is far better than being exhausted and dazed, but what steps can you follow to make sure you sleep well?
Thankfully, this handy guide contains some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to get the best night’s sleep possible. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more!
Change Your Diet
You may be surprised to realize this, but your diet can have a dramatic impact on the way that you sleep. There are a few key rules that you should aim to follow with regard to food if you want to sleep well, starting off with your timing. Eating within 2-3 hours of your intended bedtime can play havoc with your digestion, as your metabolism slows down during the night while you relax which makes digestion a much more strenuous task. So, it’s best for you to steer clear of heavy meals and big snacks before bed if you want to enjoy a good night’s rest. Another issue that can disturb your sleep is spicy and oily food. It’s best to keep spicy and oily food to a minimum, at least for a few hours before you intend to go to sleep, as it’s much harder for your body to process these types of foods. As a result, you’ll likely fall victim to gastrointestinal distress when you lay down to sleep, causing you to toss and turn in discomfort. So, stick with light meals that are easy to digest for your dinner, keeping spicy and oily food for lunchtime only!
Reduce Your Screen Time
A further step that you should consider following if you would like to improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep is to reduce your screen time. In today’s modern world, it’s extremely rare to find someone who doesn’t use a smartphone or a computer at least once every single day, as most people tend to get at least 5 hours of screen time from morning to evening. In many cases, young adults and teenagers actually spend a staggering amount of time using smartphones or computers, with some kids reaching 12-14 hours each and every day. The artificial blue light that is emitted from these screens can play havoc with your body’s natural circadian rhythm, as it tricks you into believing it’s still daytime, therefore keeping you awake for much longer. Minimizing your screen time, or at best avoiding your smartphone for a few hours before bed, will certainly be of benefit for your quest to sleep well. The less you use your smartphone or computer, especially in the evening, the better your chances of getting a great nights rest!
Try Plant-Based Solutions
Last but by no means least, why not try out a few plant-based solutions to help you get the best night’s sleep ever? Plants have long been praised for their countless health benefits, yet in today’s world it’s more likely to find a chemical-filled sleep aid rather than a natural, plant-based alternative. It’s a good idea to steer clear of chemical sleep aids, especially those that you can get over the counter for a few dollars – they’re unlikely to work and may trigger uncomfortable or unpleasant side effects, too. Plant-based solutions tend to have very few potential side effects due to their natural ingredients, and in many cases, they work extremely well when used properly! For example, brewing yourself a hot mug of chamomile tea is a brilliant way to drift off into a deep sleep. Chamomile is a flowering plant, and to get tea you simply have to dry out the leaves and petals – this means you can likely find a pure, organic version. To add to this, lots of people now realize the potential benefits of hemp and cannabis. Products like THC-O might be able to improve your sleep long term, but what is THC-O? Always make sure that you do a little research into any plant-based solutions before you decide to experiment with them, as knowing the risks and rewards will help you to achieve your sleep goal in a safe, efficient way.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how to improve your sleep has never been such a simple task when you can take the opportunity to utilize some of these brilliantly effective techniques and ideas.
This week’s choice is Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and it is a cannot put down book.
GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK A soul-stirring novel about what we choose to keep from our past and what we choose to leave behind, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here and the bestselling author of She’s Not There
Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, and raising their beautiful son, Asher—was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined that she would end up back in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in and taking over her father’s beekeeping business.
Lily Campanello is familiar with do-overs, too. When she and her mom relocate to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they both hope it will be a fresh start.
And for just a short while, these new beginnings are exactly what Olivia and Lily need. Their paths cross when Asher falls for the new girl in school, and Lily can’t help but fall for him, too. With Ash, she feels happy for the first time. Yet at times, she wonders if she can trust him completely. . . .
Then one day, Olivia receives a phone call: Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned by the police. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent. But she would be lying if she didn’t acknowledge the flashes of his father’s temper in Ash, and as the case against him unfolds, she realizes he’s hidden more than he’s shared with her.
Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
Leadership is a crucial aspect of any business and can make or break a company’s success. Good leaders can inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward a common goal. However, becoming a good business leader can be challenging. This blog post will discuss some essential tips and tricks for mastering the art of leadership and achieving success in your business.
Introduction:
Being a leader is not just giving orders or telling people what to do. It’s about setting a vision, creating a plan, and inspiring others to join you in achieving it. To be a good business leader, you must communicate effectively, make difficult decisions, and lead by example. This blog post will explore some key elements of good leadership, including time management, communication, decision-making, and more. Whether you’re a new or experienced leader, these tips will help you to become a more effective and successful business leader.
1. Setting a Clear Vision
One of the most important aspects of being a good leader is having a clear vision of where you want to take your team or organization. A vision provides a sense of direction and purpose and helps to focus your team’s efforts toward a common goal. As a leader, it’s your job to create a vision that is inspiring, achievable, and aligned with your organization’s mission and values.
2. Communicating Effectively
Effective communication is crucial for any leader, as it allows them to convey their vision and goals to their team. As a leader, you should communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. You should also be able to listen actively and respond appropriately to the needs and concerns of your team. When you communicate effectively, you can build stronger relationships with your team, improve productivity, and create a positive work environment.
3. Making Decisions
Leaders are often required to make difficult decisions, and they must be able to do so in a timely and efficient manner. Good decision-making skills are essential for managing risk, solving problems, and keeping your team on track. To be a good leader, you must be able to weigh the pros and cons of different options and make the best decision based on the information available.
4. Leading by Example
The best leaders lead by example and set the tone for their team by living the values and principles they espouse. As a leader, you should be able to walk the talk and be a role model for your team. This means being honest, dependable, ethical, and willing to put in the hard work and dedication you expect from your team. By leading by example, you can gain the respect and trust of your team and create a positive work environment.
5. Empowering Others
Good leaders empower their team members by giving them the tools and resources they need to be successful. As a leader, you should be able to identify the strengths of your team members and provide them with the autonomy to use their skills to the fullest. Empowerment also means allowing your team members to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and be accountable for their actions.
6. Managing Conflict
Conflict is an inevitable part of any team or organization, and good leaders know how to manage it effectively. As a leader, you should identify and address conflicts before they escalate and be able to mediate disputes between team members. It’s important to understand that conflict can be healthy and lead to new ideas and solutions. However, it’s essential to remember that the goal is to resolve the conflict and not to blame or place fault on anyone, which will help maintain a positive work environment.
7. Embracing Change
Change is a constant in the business world, and leaders must be able to adapt and embrace it. Good leaders are comfortable with change and can create a culture that welcomes and encourages it. In addition, they can anticipate and plan for change and communicate the benefits of change to their team in a way that is understandable and motivating.
8. Time Management
Time management is a critical skill for any leader, as it allows them to prioritize tasks effectively and ensure that their team is working efficiently. Good leaders can set clear goals and deadlines and create a schedule that will enable their team to meet those goals. They also should consider workforce scheduling to ensure that their team can work together effectively while also balancing the needs of the individual team members.
9. Building Strong Relationships
Good leaders understand the importance of building solid relationships with their team members and other leaders in their industry or community. As a result, they can communicate effectively, show empathy and understanding, and create a positive work environment that fosters trust and collaboration. An example of a way to build strong relationships with your team is to show gratitude for their work by rewarding them for exemplary performance in their work.
10. Continuously Learning and Improving
A good leader is constantly learning and improving, and they are open to feedback and criticism. As a leader, you should be aware of your own weaknesses and be willing to work on them. Additionally, you should seek opportunities to learn and grow through formal education, mentoring, or on-the-job experience. By continuously learning and improving, you can stay current in your field and make better business decisions.
11. Being Adaptable
Good leaders should be adaptable and able to adjust their leadership style depending on the situation and the team members they lead. As a leader, you should understand that different people respond differently to different leadership styles and be able to adjust accordingly. This means being open to feedback, being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to try new approaches.
12. Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
Good leaders understand the importance of creativity and innovation in a business and create an environment that encourages it. As a leader, you should be willing to take risks, try new things and provide the resources and support your team needs to be creative and innovative. Encouraging creativity and innovation can lead to new and better solutions, increased productivity, and improved employee satisfaction.
13. Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is an essential aspect of being a good business leader. As a leader, you should balance your professional and personal responsibilities to be effective in both areas. Additionally, you should be able to encourage your team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance as well. By promoting work-life balance, you can increase the well-being of your team members and reduce the risk of burnout.
14. Networking
Networking is an essential aspect of being a good business leader. As a leader, you should be able to build and maintain relationships with other leaders in your industry, as well as with potential clients and customers. Networking lets you stay informed about industry trends and identify new growth and development opportunities. Additionally, networking can lead to new partnerships and collaborations, which can help you and your organization to achieve more than you could on your own.
Conclusion
Being a good business leader takes work, but it is a critical skill that can lead to success in any organization. It combines vision, communication, decision-making, and many other skills. Following the tips and tricks outlined in this blog post can make you a more effective and successful business leader. We encourage you to reflect on your own leadership style and see how you can improve, and don’t hesitate to engage with us and share your own tips and experiences on this topic.
Modern life is busy and it can make mealtimes far more stressful than they need to be. Many families are out of the habit of sitting together at the table and eating a meal at the same time. What’s meant to be a time of peace and an opportunity for bonding becomes another thing on the to-do list that seems more like a chore than a pleasure.
Then there’s the kids. Perhaps your kids can’t agree on what meal they want. Perhaps they easily become distracted by the TV or other devices. If you’re yearning to get back to stress-free meals, here are a few tips that can help.
Set It In Your Routine
Eating a family meal shouldn’t be something you only do when you get around to it. If you want to make a success of family meals, they need to become part of your everyday routine. When a meal is served, it should be everyone’s que to down tools and head to the dinner table.
When it’s part of your routine, it becomes a habit and when it’s a habit, no one questions why it’s being done.
Easy Meals
Cooking one meal for the whole family makes things a lot easier at meal times. Try not to offer alternatives to children if you can avoid them. Get everyone to eat the same meal so you don’t have to worry about cooking more than one.
Doing big and easy family meals will take up less of your time. You can even prep most of them hours in advance and freeze them so they’re ready and waiting when you need them. For instance, here’s a great crock pot pot roast recipe that pleases everyone.
No Devices At The Table
When everyone uses a device for something, it can be hard to switch it off long enough to have a family meal. Make a clear rule that no devices are allowed at the dinner table when you’re having a meal. This is your opportunity to eat and talk together while you have the chance.
If you find that conversation is lacking, try asking some questions and going around the table with answers. If you need to get creative, make up an elaborate story about your day to grab their attention.
Take Focus Off The Food
Meal times don’t have to be just about the food. If you’re all eating and running, you might want to think about doing something different. Think about what would make your family want to stay at the dinner table. Maybe you could turn one evening into a games night with buffet-style food.
Cook Together
Cooking works up an appetite. It’s great for young children to get involved with the preparation of the meal. Whether you have them cracking eggs for you or laying the table, it helps to build up to a meal rather than just being called to the dinner table when it’s all ready and waiting. For children, helping to prepare a meal can help instill a sense of value and achievement.
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