A Little Luxury For Me

Family

What happens when you can’t make your marriage work?

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Finding yourself in an unhappy marriage can affect all aspects of your life. From your home life and children to your work and finances, being in an unhealthy relationship can take its toll. You might be feeling overwhelmed by the practicalities and the emotional impact that the prospect of divorce can bring.

Marriages break down for various reasons and, sometimes, people just grow apart. If you’re in this situation, it can be helpful to take a step back and consider your next actions.

Consider support and guidance

Before rushing into divorce, it might be helpful to seek support and guidance from a counsellor, whether as a couple or individually. Non-judgmental support can help you reach a decision about how to proceed, whether that’s together or by separating. This can be particularly helpful if you both have the same goals and are willing to work together to get your marriage back on track.

Take a break

Sometimes, having time apart can be useful. Set some ground rules and use the time to reflect on how you want to move forward. Establish boundaries in relation to communication and the time you take. Allow each other space to decide the process moving forward and agree on a future date to discuss feelings.

Consider reconciliation

If you’re unhappy in your marriage but reluctant to call it a day, you might want to consider working through the rough patch to reconcile the relationship. This is more likely to work out if you’ve taken the time to reflect on your marriage and are able to communicate your wants and needs with your partner.

Communicate with your children

If you have children, it’s important to communicate with them. If they’re old enough, explain the situation without arguing in front of them and refrain from attaching blame.

It’s a good idea to seek advice from family law solicitors, especially if you’re struggling to come to a mutual agreement over custody. It’s important to prioritise children’s welfare and take the time to reassure them through this difficult situation.

Begin divorce proceedings 

Should you both feel that the relationship is unsalvageable, even after taking the time to reflect, then you might decide that divorce is the only option. While you no longer need to assign blame to one party to be granted a divorce, you’ll still need to apply legally. You’ll need to organise finances, your living situation and arrangements for children.

Feeling as though your marriage is not working can be truly disheartening and overwhelming but there are ways to try and work through the situation. Most importantly, it’s vital to go easy on yourself, try and keep things as amicable as possible and, if you do choose to separate, consider what’s in the best interests of any children.

Four games suitable for large groups

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Whether you’re hosting a party with colleagues, a dinner with friends or another special occasion, you’ll probably want to come up with some games to keep your guests entertained. There are plenty of other benefits to playing games in a big group like friendly competition and helping people get to know one another.

However, not all games are suitable for large groups, so you’ll want to choose the ones that can be easily incorporated into a big group of friends. To help, we’ve put together this handy guide on some of the best games to try next time you host a party with a large guest list. Continue reading to find out more.

Murder mystery

Ask your guests to get kitted out in their best detective gear to solve a murder plot crafted by you. Make the story as complex or as simple as you wish – remember, the aim is to have fun. If it’s your first time hosting one of these, you’ll find plenty of beginner guides online, which make it straightforward to plan an epic murder mystery.

Bingo

The game of bingo has long been played in large groups. In the UK, there are approximately 3.5 million Bingo players, proving just how popular it can be. The rules are simple, numbers are called at random and you must mark them down on a sheet. A line or full house determines a win.

Bingo can also be played online, allowing your large group to participate whether you’re all together or spread out across the country. This makes a game of bingo readily accessible for friends who may not be able to make it in person to your gathering.

Charades

Split your group into teams of two to three players. Have each team write down a word or phrase on paper and what category it’s a part of, such as a movie, TV show or song. These should be references that all players will know.

Pick out a piece of paper from a bowl at random, then act out whatever word or phrase is written down. Use a sand timer to ensure players don’t go over the time limit.

Icebreakers

Playing an icebreaker game is great for big groups who want to learn more about each other – especially if people are meeting for the first time.

Examples of games to try include two truths and one lie, matching facts up with the right person or quick-fire improvisation.

How to provide a life of luxury for your pup

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The bond that we have with our dogs is undeniable, they are essentially our fur babies. Much like us humans, dogs also enjoy the lavish life.  While spoiling them rotten may seem odd to some, there’s nothing better than boosting your dog’s quality of life, even if it’s a smidge too much.

If you want to give your pup the 5-star treatment, here are a few ways you can get started.

A new high-quality bed

On a typical day, dogs get around 10-12 hours of sleep. It’s for that reason that they need a top-notch luxury dog bed to make the most of those all-important hours. Don’t just choose any bed that tickles your fancy, however. Make sure the bed is suited to your dog’s size and body type.

Should they suffer from any medical conditions, opt for a bed that matches their needs. For example, large breeds or dogs with joint complications will benefit most from an orthopaedic bed. Smaller pups on the other hand would greatly appreciate a heated bed for those cold winter nights.

Feed them nutritious meals

While you don’t need to be serving your dog a three-course meal every night, the higher the quality of their food, the better they’re going to feel. For dogs in particular, the raw diet is increasing in popularity due to the health benefits it provides, which can include better digestion and healthier skin.

You can opt for standard pet food instead though but just make sure that you carefully read the labels and provide them with optimal nutrition. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure or sign up with an online meal plan provider who will cook meals tailored to your pup’s requirements.

Regular trips to the park

Walking your dog is something you do every day, meaning may find yourself doing the same route each time. While this is still good exercise for the two of you, dogs need some variety in their lives. And what better than an expansive green space filled with new sights, sounds, and smells?

Try to head to a dog-friendly park each week and let your dog roam around and explore their surroundings. Take some games and a ball with you as well to provide some enrichment activities. If for some reason you can’t make it to the park, such as due to bad weather, why not play inside or in the garden instead?

Get them looking their best

The way to feeling your best is by looking your best, and the same goes for dogs. Make sure your canine companion feels clean and fresh by bathing them regularly, as well as brushing their fur, wiping their face, and clipping their names.

You don’t need to do this yourself either. Head to a professional groomer so your dog truly does get the best service possible. You’ll definitely have heads turning on your next excursion.