What You Need To Know If You Want To Be A Model

https://unsplash.com/photos/_KaMTEmJnxY

If you are thinking about becoming a model, there are a lot of steps you need to take to ensure success in this industry. Below, we reveal some of the tips and advice to help you become a success.

Read current job descriptions to get an understanding of what is needed

There are a lot of different misconceptions about the modelling industry. A lot of people believe that there is only one type of look, i.e. tall and skinny. However, this is not the case. We have recently seen Rihanna embrace all models in her fashion shows, and this is a trend that is only going to continue.

The best thing you can do is take a look at different modelling job descriptions online so you can get a better understanding of what is being asked for at the moment.

Also, plastic surgery is another area whereby a lot of people have different beliefs about the modelling sector. Some people think that it is frowned upon. However, the plastic surgery that is available from the leading clinics today is made to look natural, and so people will not even notice the difference. This is especially the case if you go for a treatment such as a neck lift, which provides suitable rejuvenation to your skin and ensures that your face looks more defined and provides anti-ageing benefits. Treatments like this certainly won’t rule you out from a modelling career.

Understanding a modelling agency's contract terms

As a model, the contract you have with your agency is imperative. If you have never signed a contract with an agency before then it is imperative that you do your research and gain some knowledge regarding standard contracts. If you don’t then you can easily fall victim to a contract that has been poorly constructed and does not match with your terms. This article will enlighten you to the making of a standard modelling contract so that you do not sign your first one blind sighted.

So let’s begin by discussing what you can expect to read when you lay your eyes on your very first contract. The beginning of the contract usually contains a small section stating that the model (you) appoints the agency as your personal manager. The contract will then also state that the agency consents this and is going to act as your personal manager. Most of the time you will note the agency is stated as your ‘exclusive worldwide manager’. This doesn’t mean that you cannot work for other agencies or sign elsewhere. In fact, it is recommended that you do. However, what it does mean is that you will need to seek the approval of the mother agency before you do so.

Once this introductory part has been outlined you should then find a section whereby the agency explains their role in this agreement. 99 per cent of the time the agency will make it clear that they are there to offer advice and counsel on a whole number of issues. However, they will also state that they are not there to actively find you work or look for employment opportunities. This is one of the main points that is stressed in the contract. This may concern you. After all most people join modelling agencies to find employment. But don’t worry; there are a lot of tax laws and restrictions put in place which is the reason why the agency has to state this in their contract. Aside from this, the agency will also state that they will take a percentage of the gross money you earn. The percentage obviously differs from agency to agency. Nonetheless, most tend to set it at approximately 20 per cent.

Aside from the points that have already been mentioned, one other notable aspect about modelling contracts revolves around the fact that you must agree that the agency is allowed to sign any documents, such as paychecks. This means that they can legally act on your behalf. And don’t forget; nothing is free. You have to pay for everything. From your modelling book, to testing, to featuring on the agency’s website. Everything has a price.

This should have given you a much better idea regarding what you can expect to be stated in a modelling contract. It is important to go into this with knowledge regarding the contract and what it should contain so that you don’t end up stuck to an agreement you are not fully happy with.

Five Ways To Update Your Bedroom

From relaxing in the morning, resting before going to bed and sleeping, your bedroom is a room that you spend many hours in each day and in your lifetime. Because of this, it is important you enjoy your time in your bedroom and make a place that you are proud of and can relax in. Depending on your budget, there are many things you can do to your room to make it your sanctuary, from changing the flooring, adding cushion and a throw, to new wardrobes and a feature wall. Below are five ways to update your bedroom.



Image from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-bedroom-1454806/ 

Change Your Flooring

Flooring is key to making a room look new and finished. Whether you opt for laminate flooring or carpet, there are so many things to think about. From the colour you are using to the type of material and how resistant it is to daily use. By updating your flooring you can make your room look completely different, and depending on the design more spacious. If you aren’t sure what type of flooring to go for, Instagram is great for getting some inspiration. Many people post different designs that may be exactly what you are looking for. 

Change Your Wardrobes

A nice set of wardrobes can take the focal point of your room. It may be that you have had the same set of wardrobes since you moved in and the room could do with an update by changing them. Depending on your taste, you could opt for a fully mirrored wardrobe as this could help make the room look brighter, bigger and you can use the mirror when getting ready. If you already have a mirror installed in the room, you could opt to not have one and benefit from the warming colour of your wardrobe.
Install Artwork On The Wall

Do you have anything hung on the wall, or have you just left it as white space? If it’s empty, why not install some artwork to break up the room and add another dimension. Artwork can be a great way to add colour and express yourself. If you don’t want to have artwork, you could always opt for some photography, maybe you have some photos from a holiday that you could get printed. Throughout the year you can then swap the prints to something different, constantly changing how the room looks and updating it. If you want to print your own prints, it’s often cheaper to do it online and have it delivered. You could also look at adding a mirror to the space. Mirrors add depth to a room as well as character and style. Whether you opt for Antique French Mirrors or something a little more contemporary, there is something out there to suit every taste and style.

Blankets and Cushions

If you are looking to keep the costs down, then purchasing a blanket for your bed and some cushions is a great way to update the room on a budget. Blankets can change the feel of the room instantly, matched up with new cushions and you will not recognise the room as it was before. As with your artwork, you can change your throw and cushions every couple of months, regularly updating the room to a different feel. Cushions come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s worth visualising how they will look on your bed before purchasing. But remember, cushions do take up a lot of space, so if you plan to store a couple and switch them about, just make sure you have a place to keep them.

Feature Wall

If you don’t want to completely redecorate, then repainting or adding wallpaper to one of your walls and making it a feature wall is ideal for updating your bedroom. A feature wall will allow you to add a different dimension to your bedroom, adding a new texture or style to the room. By updating one of the walls, it won’t cost you a lot, or take a lot of time, meaning it could be done in a day or two. Plus, picking new wallpaper or paint is exciting and fun for you and your partner to do together (If you can agree on things that is).

When it comes to updating your bedroom, the list is endless. There are so many small little things that you can do, to even larger changes. The main thing is making sure your changes fit within your budget and that you don’t overspend. It could be that you choose to delay changing your bedroom until you can do a complete overhaul, alternatively, you may choose to do it as part of a whole home renovation.


What changes have you recently made to your bedroom? Have you changed anything from the above? Let me know in the comment box below, I would love to hear from you.

 

3 Ways to Avoid Jet Lag

Jet lag is caused by crossing several time zones in the same day, and your body will know that you have done it because of the disturbed sleeping patterns that result. Your body will perhaps take one or two days to recover if you have crossed just one time zone, or even three to five days if you crossed six of them. The main effects will be that you experience insomnia and extreme fatigue. These symptoms can, however, be reduced if you travel by private jet. Companies, such as Jettly, are chartering jets to their customers that have all the facilities to tackle the jet lag you might otherwise experience afterwards.


Air
Private jets can help with jet lag because they have lower cabin pressures than the commercial airliners generally have. It can be the quality of the air that you breathe which brings on fatigue, which is one of the main symptoms of jet lag. Breathing in the air where there is a low cabin pressure will in turn apply less pressure to your lungs and heart, and along with lower humidity, improve your chances of a more relaxing kind of flight. It is the combination of this lower or preferred pressure, a temperature that is comfortable, and being regularly hydrated by the personal service on private planes that will help to prevent jet lag.

Light
The transition of lighting confuses the body when we see and experience it during the wrong time of day. Private jets can combat these changes by having programmable high-tech lighting systems installed. In contrast, during commercial flights, passengers will regularly be woken up by internal lights. These unwanted lights at those moments have potential to interfere with a body’s biological time clock and, as a result, contribute to jet lag.


Sleep
Disturbed sleeping patterns also contribute to jet lag. It is much easier to sleep on a private jet than it is onboard a commercial airliner. For instance, a private jet will have, as standard, reclining seats, and often beds, too. This allows for a much superior sleeping environment to aid sleep. The personal service of private jet flight will even mean that you can ask the attendant if they can adjust noise and lighting levels to your preferred levels. If you have hired one of the larger private jets for a long-distance flight, where you have a bedroom to yourself, there is no reason why you should not get a perfect night’s sleep and avoid the jet lag.

In terms of the facilities on the different jets, the cabin pressure of the Gulfstream G650ER is less than half the pressure experienced on a standard commercial aircraft. The lights on, for instance, a Bombardier Global 7500, can change in accordance with a person’s biological rhythm. It is worth checking with the company who you are chartering your private jet off, just what different conditions can be experienced from travelling on the different types of aircraft on offer. To arrive at a location refreshed is important so that you are of the mind to conduct your business as soon as possible or to enjoy more of your holiday.

In summary, private jets can be seen to provide many of the solutions for jet lag. They can provide lower cabin pressures, more controlled lighting, and the privacy and comfort for passengers to sleep better. In addition, you could try sunglasses to help with lighting and aid sleep, and earplugs to help with noise. Both these have their limitations, though, so there is no substitute for the luxury a private jet can provide in creating the perfect environment in which to avoid jet lag and not to suffer its effects, the following day or on subsequent days thereafter.

For a scientific guide to beating jet lag, click on the attached article.

Women’s Wellness Retreats

With all the things on our to-do list these days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Self-care should on the top of your list. But what exactly is self-care?

Self-care is any purposeful activity that we do to nourish our mental, emotional, and physical health—for example, indulging in a nighttime skincare routine or creating a positive morning routine of joy, like drinking coffee while journaling your intentions for the day.

Purposeful travel is another form of self-care. I’m not talking about cookie-cutter resort stays that Hilton or Wyndham offers. More like unique places full of love and light. Wellness Retreats offer such places.

Retreat in Hawai’i

This seven-day Renewal Retreat on the island of Oahu covers every part of self-care. Offering guided meditations, socializing workshops, group explorations, and more. You can choose to attend a retreat or host your own!

“It’s a chance to expand your energetic capacity to connect from the inside”. -Agne Arbuckle, owner.

The retreat provides accommodations at the modern beach house on the property. Also, a private island tour, meal planning assistance, and a personal shopper. On-island activities and all transportation are included. Ange has also curated private and themed retreats where you will enjoy sacred experiences. Be present in every moment. Enjoy classes that will clarify your soul’s purpose. 

The Butterfly Effect Retreat

Because this seven-day Women’s Empowerment Retreat puts the focus on transformation, you'll learn how to live a more vibrant life—focusing on your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. 

“We are all put on this earth to live out our life’s purpose. Our soul is here to learn lessons specifically crafted just for each of us as individuals. Yet we are all truly one collective consciousness”. —AYMEE COGET, PhD

The Butterfly Effect retreats are held at various locations, such as California, Mexico, Florida, and Idaho. Check the website for a location near you.

Relax & Recharge Healing Retreat

 At the Mii Amo Destination Spa—located inside Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, Arizona—enjoy a 3-, 4- or seven-night stay. This all-inclusive retreat is a curated journey designed to bring forth the light within. Mii Amo is rooted in Native American culture focusing on recharging people through group immersion—particularly to achieve well-being and release stress and anxiety.

“Life is a journal of experiences.” -Mii Amo.

Included with your stay are speciality spa treatments. Dine with new friends while enjoying nurturing dishes prepared with fresh produce from the on-site garden. Choose how you discover yourself. Hike through the mountains or create in the art & design workshops. Your joy is up to you.

Rise Gathering Women’s Retreat

Explore all aspects of womanhood and connect. In essence, achieving a life of fulfilment and gratitude is the goal. Each day a new experience awaits, such as movement classes and mindfulness workshops.

“We gather as women to ignite the innate potential within each of us. We honor the power provoked when we unite with passion and purpose”. -Rachel & Tami, co-creators of Rising Gatherings

Energize your body and mind with yoga, and inspired conversations. Take a dance or cooking class with new friends. Participate in group lake activities and go on nature walk-and-talks where you will connect to a life of gratitude. 

Big Sky Yoga & Riding Retreats

This three-night stay in Clyde Park, Montana, is different than a lot of yoga retreats because it’s made especially for horse lovers. They welcome yogis and riders of all experiences. 

Spend your days practising yoga in the restored barn—then kick-off your boots at the old-fashioned cowgirl camaraderie. You’ll have full access to the 1,500-acre Double T River Ranch as you explore the connection between yoga and riding to improve your overall wellbeing.

“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with nature.” Joseph Campbell

Did you know Big Sky Retreats aren’t just in Montana? Find the right retreat for you in the United States and abroad. 

• Cowgirl Photography (Bozeman, Montana)

• Body Empowerment (Bozeman, Montana)

• Cowgirls vs. Cancer (Clyde Park, Montana)

• Luxe Cowgirl Yoga (Clyde Park, Montana)

• Winter Wonderland & Wellness (Emigrant, Montana)

• B-Luxe Cowgirl Yoga (Emigrant, Montana)

• Yoga & Hiking (Big Sky, Montana)

• Luxe Cowgirl Yoga & Creativity (Three Forks, Montana)

• Yoga, Vineyard & Spa (Philo, California)

• Yoga Vineyard (Tuscany or Sicily, Italy)

• Cowgirl Yoga & Hiking (Patagonia, Argentina)

• Luxe Yoga, Hiking & Spa (French Alps)

Wellness Travel is Important to Your Health

Subsequently, there are two types of vacations. One kind starts with joyful anticipation of time away and requires minimal packing. You look forward to new experiences and meeting like-minded friends. There is peaceful tranquillity in knowing that everything that has been prepared is for your total well-being.

Then there is the other kind. Planning your yearly routine. It requires list-making and planning time which could prove mentally exhausting. People who own timeshares often take these kinds of holidays over and over. That’s why places like Wyndham are now seeing all-time highs in Wyndham ownership cancellation. Moreover, people realize wellness and self-care are the keys to happiness. Not the number of excursions one can fit into a single vacation.

Gift Ideas For The Workaholic In Your Life

If you are still wondering about what kinds of gifts you might be able to buy people for Christmas, it’s not too late to buy some last-minute presents for the people you love. It’s often challenging to know how to actually approach this, but one way is to think about what they tend to really enjoy in their life and then work out how you can support that as best as you can. In this article, we are going to take a look at what you can get the workaholic in your life this Christmas which they will really love.


Pic Source - CCO Licence

Coffee

Usually, those who like to work a lot tend to need something to perk them up in the mornings so that they can get to work as easily as possible. Therefore, this person could be the perfect recipient of some decent coffee, which can actually make for a nice gift in many cases. If you are thinking about doing this, you might want to try and make it as special as possible, for instance you can take a look at some coffee gift sets and see if they work. Or if you want to spend a little more money, you can buy that person some coffee-making tools such as a percolator or a french press. Just make sure they don’t already have one before you buy it.

Snack Subscription

If you get the feeling that this workaholic could probably do with taking a break every now and then, you might want to consider buying them a snack subscription. If you have never heard of this, it’s actually quite simple: it’s just a kind of club where you get snacks delivered each day which you can enjoy at your leisure. For many people, it can prove to be a great way to break up the day, and the snacks can be as healthy or treat-like as you want. For many people, this is going to be a great gift as it is the kind that keeps on giving all year round. And it is surprisingly affordable too.


Pic Source - CCO Licence

Wine Club

This is a great one when you want to make sure that this person is truly letting themselves unwind. With a wine club subscription, they are going to be able to get wine delivered each month - or alternatively, they might be able to put money into the club in order to then use it whenever they want to buy a bulk load of wine. That could come in handy for Christmas next year, for example, or just whenever they next take some time off work. If you are always trying to tell this person they should unwind and relax, a wine club subscription could be the perfect way to make that extra clear.

As you can see, there are some great gift options for the workaholic in your life, so consider each of these in turn if you want to make a difference for them this year.

Its ok to not like christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This is the time of year you are meant to be happy. The forces happiness season is upon us. Come on paint on that smile and get festive. Well, I am here to tell you it is ok to not be ok at this time of year. If you have been following me for a while you will know why I hate Christmas. If not you can read the post called the last 20 years. There are lots of reasons people do not like Christmas and it is perfectly ok to want to curl up in a ball and want to hide under you duvet. 

It is funny isn't it at this time of year the pressure is on to be the happiest version of your self. To well show no weakness or vulnerability. For me, Christmas represents everything I don't have. It floods me with memories of the night in question or Christmas with the family who abandon me. As soon as that first Christmas song hit the radio I am triggered. Enter the nightmares the random flashback and the feeling of doom. Yes even after 20 years I still get flashbacks. I don't even know If they are flashbacks manifestations my mind has made up or dreams. Either way, they happen. 

One random but maybe interesting fact about me I have a fear of the snowman from the film. The song creeps me right out as does the whole film. I know what you are thinking but no this has nothing to do with the rape. I have had this since I was very young. I am not sure if I believe in premonition but maybe my mind knew to hate something about Christmas and this was it. But whatever it is I can not stand that song or the film or anything to do with it. I once worked the snowman ballet at the theatre and some of the staff would torture me about it. Even making me go on stage with 8 of the bloody snowmen as they rehearsed. To say shock therapy did not work would be an understatement. 

We do not have to love Christmas we are allowed to feel bad. It is ok that it triggers us. No matter what your reason for having a bad taste in your mouth about the festive season I am here to tell you it is ok. Especially this year. Most of us are not seeing our loved ones and everything that was fun about Christmas has or will be cancelled. 

I am not saying I do not have a nice time with my loved ones but I am saying it is a struggle for me. I find it all just a bit hard and harder as I don't want to explain to people why it is hard on me. I mean its not an appropriate conversation with my in-laws. Hey, I want to cry today because 20 years ago I was raped and my family have always been let downs but used this as the perfect excuse to get rid of me. it's just not going to happen, is it? 

What I now do is not put any pressure on myself during the festive season. I do what I want to do. Yes, this year is not ideal. But I still feel blessed I have people around me that love me. I use the festive season to feel how I feel If I am sad that is ok. If I am happy that is ok too. Because this is my life. I need to live it for me and feeling my feeling is an important part of this. I dont think I will ever properly heal from my past but every day I get stronger and heal a bit more.

 

If you are needing any help or need to speak to anyone check out these helpful sites they have helped me in the past. 

Samaritans

Mind

nhs

I want to take a minute to say If you are reading this I want you to realise it is ok to not like or love Christmas no matter what your reasons are. No matter how big or how small your option and your feeling matter. You do not have to paint on a smile. Why should you. Be you! you are strong! You are allowed to feel bad. It is ok to not be ok. It is so important if you are struggling to seek help. Please if you are struggling to speak to someone. If you do not feel comfortable to speak to a family member check out the links about or contact your doctor. You are worth it, you are loved and you matter. 

How to make the best and most affordable christmas cards and gifts

Well we are all not anticipating this Christmas to be this different were we? Wow I mean we are all inside more and we dont want to venture outside. Which is fine we have all accepted it and now we are left with how to fill our time or worse how to fill our family time. We have all exhausted all the normal things like youtube, workouts and baking. Oh my gosh, I love baking but how many more banana breads can one woman make. The answer is I can not make any more without the content sigh from my family. Even the dogs dont get excited about them. I have hit a new low in my baking. So we are in need of something new to fill our time, don't we? Enter my new obsession crafting.

Something you might not know about me is I love giving crafting. I  also love giving gifts. I just love spending time picking gifts and gift cards for special occasions. I just love putting the effort into things for the people I love.  I think giving a little something is just a nice way to remind someone you care and giving something you have spent time making make it so personal. So Christmas time is the perfect time to get crafting right.  This Christmas is definitely the time to get crafting as we have a lot more time on our hand and need to fill that time somehow and especially this year we are all going through a hard time.  

2020 is the time to tell our loved ones just how much they matter and that you will always be there for them.  This crazy world can be busy, Can't it?  We have all gone months without seeing the people I consider my closest friend and family. So I like to really show them I care about them and do something a bit special. 

Today I want to share with you a fantastic little find. Design bundles. This a fantastic market place site which provides digital products such as Graphics, Templates, Mock Ups, Patterns, Illustrations and Craft Files. You might already know this site as it has over 1million happy customers. They have over 150,000 products to choose from. They are experts at connecting talented independent designers with us, discount seeking customers. They have a complete focus on customer service. Which you know is one of my top priority when it comes to buying any product. I was in customer service for years and I really value good honest customer care. 


Let me show you some of my latest favourites Christmas  paper cut template templates I have ordered. .  I love to make these into templates. The following are three designs, I have used to make amazing cards and gifts. I love being able to use digital files to make my own cards and gifts. I love crafting me I am a complete newbie so this helps me so much.  This Paper cut templates give me the freedom to choose the design and style I want to use and  I also get to choose what card style and colour I used too. I actually used different coloured cards for these designs. I'll tell you more about below. The cards and gifts I made I never took photos of but I will show you the mockups I made. As I have already posted them. Oops my bad sorry. 

The Templates are super easy to buy. You just pay online and download the files. It's that simple. 

This is the Merry Christmas design. It is super easy to make this you just buy and download the file. choose the paper you want to use. Print it. Then it is so easy to cut out the design. Just make sure you have really good crafting scissors. It is worth investing in proper crafting scissors for this. They need to be sharp and precise to get the design looking really good. I used this as a Christmas card. I actually made a little mistake when I was cutting and because I have the template it was super easy to reprint another one and start again. This is a great one to get all the family involved to make all your Christmas cards. I used glitter on the inside of the card to make it extra sparkly. 

These are the Christmas paper cut tags. These are gorgeous when you printed on a red and green card. Well on any colour to be honest but these are so pretty. Before I cut out the designs I added glitter to these. I just added a little bit of glue and sprinted some glitter on it and hay presto. Glittery Christmas tags. That you know will up your gift wrapping this year. Thes are perfect if you are being a bit more eco friendly and using brown paper that can be recycled as gift wrapping this year as they really stand out and make it look so pretty and that you made a real effort with your wrapping. 

This is the perfect and most thoughtful gift. This is made using Forest layered paper cut template. All you need to do is print the three templates cut them out and piece them together. I did mine in a different colour to the ones above as I knew they were for a little girls room. It is so cute. Just make and pop it in a frame. It makes the most special gift for a loved one. It couldn't be more simple to make. Not to mention it is so cheap. Let's face it this year has been hard for a lot of us. So saving money is also a winner at the moment. Using this template to make a gift is not only thoughtful but money saving for you. 

The most important thing when giving a gift or a card to make someone's day. You dont have to spend a fortune to make someone smile. I think we can all get a bit caught up in the Christmas hype.  I like to really think of the person I am gifting and make them smile or laugh. 

I find these paper cut templates to be not only a great outlet for my creativity but they save me a fortune too. Once you have them on your computer, you can reuse them as much as you want. You can make anything you want from cards to nice framed prints. I really hope this has got your creative juices flowing and you will consider making your own Christmas gift and cards this year.