Bad Habits You Can Break Today

Hi lovelies,

We’re all guilty of some bad habits - we’re only human after all. But when your energy levels are starting to suffer and your health isn’t what it should be, that’s when you know it’s time to make some important changes.

Breaking bad habits can take time, and it isn’t always easy. But if you’re willing to make some positive changes, you can get your health back on track and feel more energized and youthful than ever before.

Want to know more? Here are some bad habits you can break today.

Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

Always eating on the move

A hectic work and social life can mean that you tend to eat on the go, a lot. From a take-out lunch to constant snacking, you’re not doing your body or waistline any good by always eating out. If time is short, then some quick and healthy recipes you can turn to in a hurry are always good for helping you maintain a balanced diet. 

Staying up too late

Do you tend to burn the candle at both ends? All of those late nights will soon catch up with you. It’ll show in your eyes, your skin and your overall mood. Sleep is more important than you might realize, and by making an effort to go to bed earlier, you can help yourself restore your energy. If something’s stopping you from getting your eight hours a night, like work or going out too much, then it’s time to start saying no and making some important decisions for your health.

Things that are causing serious damage to your health

While some bad habits won’t have a serious effect in the short-term, there are others that can cause long-lasting damage. Drinking too much and smoking are two of the worst things you can do for your health, but they’re also some of the hardest to stop. Getting a Juul Starter Kit could be a good way to help you give up smoking cigarettes, while drinking less will also make a difference to your overall health. Remember that your doctor can advise you on some of the best ways to quit to help you benefit your future health.

Not moving enough

Exercise is incredibly important for maintaining your health. It helps to keep your heart and lungs strong, while also making sure you keep your weight within a healthy range. 30 minutes a day is all it takes, so take a look at some of the ways you can fit half an hour of exercise into your day. Your mood will improve, as will your energy levels, to help you live life to the fullest.

Breaking bad habits takes time, but some say you could form a new habit in as little as 30 days. Make some positive changes to your lifestyle to help you put your health first and give your future self the best chance at a long and healthy life. You control your own destiny, so start breaking those bad habits now.

*This is a collaborative post.

Episode 8: Five Ways To Know You’re Ready for a Healthy Relationship

Hi lovelies,

Today on the podcast we're discussing five ways to know that you're ready for a healthy relationship.

1. You’re complete on your own - not perfect

2. You’re self-love game in on point

3. You’re over your ex

4. You’re seeking a partner - not a therapist or a parent

5. You have a strong support system - friends and spiritual

As always, I’m honored that you’re joining me on our journey to self-love, self-care, self-worth, and self-discovery. It is my hope that this podcast adds some joy, love, happiness, and actionable insights to your life.

If you haven’t already, be sure to pick-up a copy of Sugar Pills: 10 Days to Awaken Your Inner Power on Amazon, here: https://amzn.to/2GNPDL6

Or grab it on Amazon Kindle, here: https://amzn.to/2vxKzWc.

You can also enjoy all of my favorite things to get your joy back with my “Self-Care Starter Kit,” here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/candywashington

For more on practical self-care: http://candywashington.com/self-care

Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @candywashington and check out my site, candywashington.com.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, here.

7 Things You Mustn’t Forget When Traveling Abroad

Pixabay. CCO Licensed

Hi lovelies,

Many of us forget items like toothpaste or sunglasses when travelling abroad. As irritating as this can be, it’s usually not the end of the world – such items are easy to replace once you’re out there.

However, there are other items and documents that you can’t afford to forget. In some cases, you may not be able to travel without these items. In other cases, your health could be at risk by not remembering them. Here are just 7 essentials that mustn’t forget when travelling abroad.

Passport
Without a passport, you won’t get further than the airport. A passport generally isn’t needed when travelling on a domestic flight, but for any flight or boat trip abroad it will be mandatory.

If you don’t have a passport, you should give yourself a couple months to apply for one. Passports expire after time, so it’s also important to check the dates and renew your passport when necessary (some flights don’t allow you to travel on a passport that has less than six months on it, so you may want to renew your passport before it runs out just in case).

Visa
Many countries also require you to apply for a visa before entering the country. There are usually different types of visas depending on whether you’re travelling as a tourist or travelling for work. Tourist visas tend to be fairly cheap and straightforward, whilst working visas can be pricier and more complicated.

Nowadays most visas are electronic – you may not automatically get a paper copy (although it can be worth requesting one). To apply for some visas, you may need other documents. For example, you may need a flight reservation for a visa or you may need proof of accommodation. Make sure to do your research so that you have everything you need – there are companies that can help with visa application process.

Money
Unless you plan to beg whilst you’re out there, you’ll need some money (or at least, access to money). Some countries may not even allow you to enter without proof of available funds. It’s often worth having a combination of cash and card – some countries will be largely cashless, whilst others may rarely accept card, so having both forms of payment covers all bases.

In the case of cash, it’s sometimes cheaper to buy currency whilst you’re out there, so you may only have to bring a card. Alternatively, you may find it’s cheaper to buy cash beforehand to get the best rate. There are pre-paid travel cards that you can also look into to avoid exchange fees – you’ll want to buy these beforehand.

Your phone/charger

Most of us are so attached to our phones that forgetting them is unlikely, but it can happen – particularly if you leave your phone on charge overnight and have an early flight. In most cases, it’s the charger that gets forgotten. Whilst you may be able to buy one abroad, your phone may die before then if you’re on a long-haul flight.

You technically don’t need to take a phone (people used to travel without them), but most people wouldn’t dream of it nowadays. Besides, apart from offering emergency contact, phones are often used for navigation, translation, taking pictures and various other purposes.

Travel insurance
If you need medical attention when abroad, it could pay to have travel insurance. Without being able to afford treatment, some hospitals may refuse it.

Travel insurance can also be handy for reimbursing you if your flight is cancelled or if baggage is lost. You should shop around for insurance before you leave to find the most affordable and comprehensive plan. Make sure to print off confirmation documents too just in case they are required.

Hotel/flight booking confirmation
Most hotels and airports will have booking information stored online, but in cases of technical problems or admin issues, it’s worth taking paper copies of your booking confirmation as a backup. Paper copies could also be useful for finding flight information or directions to a hotel if your phone isn’t working.

Medication
Certain medication could also be important when abroad. If you have a serious allergy, you don’t want to forget your EpiPen. Similarly, you don’t want to forget malaria tablets when travelling to a high-risk malaria zone. A basic first aid kit could also be useful in the case of an emergency.

Why Every Beauty Girl Is Obsessed with Heritage Store Rosewater

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Heritage Store

Hi lovelies,

Being able to leave the house confidently with just my natural skin and sunscreen is one of the most empowering things that I can do as a woman.

Feeling 100% comfortable, confident, and secure in myself with or without make-up, is an instant self-esteem boost that I need in order to take on the day or face anything that comes my way.

That’s why I incorporate rosewater-based products into my daily beauty and skincare routine since they keep my skin plump, hydrated, healthy, and glowing.

In the morning, after cleansing my face, I apply the Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner onto a soft cotton ball and then I gently apply it onto my skin. By using the toner, my skin is then primed to better absorb my sunscreen or moisturizer, so I know that my skin is getting all of the benefits of my skincare routine.

On the days that I choose to wear make-up, I like to set it with the Heritage Store Rosewater as a natural way to make sure that my make-up stays in place throughout the day. Plus, it only contains two natural ingredients, Rose Hydroessential Oil and Water.

It’s a refreshing way to end my make-up routine especially with its lovely and delicate floral aroma. 

Going beyond my simple beauty and skincare needs, I also love to spritz on the Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Spray on my body and in the air as a way to elevate my mood with its soft rose petals scent.

The sweet scent creates a peaceful ambiance in both my home and office.

I like to keep my bottle of rosewater cool in the refrigerator for an added sensation when I spray and massage it into my body and face. 

Another way that I stay moisturized throughout the day, is by making sure that I have a bottle of the rosewater spray in my purse, so I can refresh and re-energize while on-the-go.

I also keep it in my yoga bag, so I can spritz myself before class to calm myself and then another spritz after class to rejuvenate my skin. 

As an added tip for a fuss-free, at-home spa experience, I like to run a steamy shower and then spritz in the rosewater so I can enjoy the rose petal scent while I cleanse myself.

I also love to pour it into a hot bath for its added skin moisturizing benefits and calming experience. 

Want to get in on all of this self-care goodness and recreate these experiences?

Then pick up a few Heritage Store Products that are available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Lucky’s, Fresh Thyme, Natural Grocers, Target, Ulta, Urban Outfitters, as well as local co-ops, for an easy, natural, and cruelty-free beauty and skincare routine at-home and while you’re on-the-go.

Run Your Own Business? Here’s How to Make Your Life Easier

Pexels - CCO Licence

Hi lovelies,

No matter what industry you’re in, running your own business can be difficult. With long hours and complete responsibility, it’s not surprising that business owners feel the pressure. However, there are ways to make your life easier.

By working smarter, not harder, you can increase your downtime, operate more efficiently and increase productivity. In turn, you’ll be happier at work and be able to grow your business at a faster pace. 

Plan in advance
When there’s lots to be done, it makes sense to just get on and do it. Indeed, working hard is a key part of being a successful business owner. However, working without a strategy can limit your output and mean you miss out on important areas. 

By planning your day in advance, you can determine what tasks are really important and which ones can wait a little longer. Ranking tasks by importance and urgency is a good way to see what really matters and it will help to ensure that core business functions are always prioritized. 

Take a break
No-one can work 24/7 without suffering ill-effects, so don’t think you’ll be any different. Whilst starting a business does require long hours and almost constant availability, it’s important to schedule breaks too.

Whilst you may not want to take a full day off, ensure you have some downtime throughout the week. Business owners can often miss out on time with family and friends, so remember that your personal life matters too.

When you are at work, don’t try to work straight through. Not only will you lose focus, it will take you longer to get things done too. Instead, take a break every hour or two or schedule a break in between tasks to ensure you’re adhering to your schedule. 

Use automation
There are numerous ways to automate your business functions, and these are often the best way to make your life easier. With dedicated options for start-ups and SMEs, automating your advertising, bookkeeping or marketing is simple and straightforward. 

When you use Google Ads automation for enterprise agencies, for example, you can plan your PPC campaigns well in advance and monitor performance as and when you need to. Managing online marketing manually can be time-consuming, so why not take advantage of automation tools to streamline your workload?

Be prepared to say no
When you’re launching a new business, it can be tempting to say yes to every offer or proposal that comes in. However, you can’t please everyone all of the time. Furthermore, not every offer you receive will benefit your business. 

Learning how to say no is an important part of being a successful business owner and it will certainly make your life easier in the long run.

Enjoy yourself
Running your own business gives you the freedom to be creative and follow your dreams. Despite the difficulties and setbacks you’ll face, remember to enjoy your journey and make the most of being your own boss! 

Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Running Perfectly

Hi lovelies,

Being a homeowner brings with it a lot of benefits. Having the freedom to unleash your inner interior designer and decorate your rooms in your own style has to be one of the biggest benefits! However, there are also a lot of responsibilities that come with owning your home. Taking care of every aspect of your property is essential to keep it running smoothly. Regularly maintaining your home will help save you from the hassle of lots of bigger problems and expense in the future.

Here are some of the ways that you can make sure that your home stays looking great and in perfect working order:

Clear Out Your Clutter
Clutter is something that seems to creep into your home over time slowly. Everything can be neat and tidy, then one day you will look around to find that you are surrounded by mounds of ‘stuff.’ Clutter is a problem for many reasons, but some of the main issues are that it attracts dust and can be a major trip hazard too! 

Having lots of clutter littering your house can make it feel like an unorganized place to live, and in turn, can make life feel more stressful. To be able to relax in your home you will want it to feel like a homely sanctuary. Unfortunately, lots of clutter can have the opposite effect, and instead, create a stressful living environment.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. You can make decluttering manageable by taking time to tidy things away little and often. This is the key to keeping your home clutter-free and fabulous.

Don’t Skip Services
As a homeowner, sometimes you will inevitably need to call in the professionals. Calling in a technician is not something that only needs to happen when something breaks; it is something that you should do to keep your home well-maintained. Getting items such as your HVAC serviced regularly by a company such as mes-ac.com is crucial to keeping it working at its best. Not getting your heating and air conditioning means that potential issues won’t be picked up. If your HVAC unit then breaks you could find yourself uncomfortably hot in the scorching summer, and freezing in the winter months.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
The best way to handle potential problems in your home before they become a significant issue is to get them sorted out as soon as you notice them. If you think that you may have a leak, or you have seen a crack, it is far better to get it checked out when it first appears. Ignoring potential issues allows them to become a bigger problem at a later date. By taking action early, you will help to prevent the problem from escalating further.

Spring Clean
Spring cleaning is the ultimate way of showing your home some love. A good top to toe clean will help you identify any issues such as mold or mildew, and will help your home look at its very best.

*Photo credit for this collaborative post: Image credit - Pexels CC0 License

Homeowner Money Saving Tips

Hi lovelies,

Owning a home for the first time is a pretty big step, and it can feel like an expensive one at times, but it’s also one of the best investments you can make. So you will end up with many different types of bills coming your way within the first year so what ways can you make sure you don’t end up in the red and have plenty of money to keep your home in top condition over the years as well? 

DIY
When you’re home is your own you will want to make it personal and put your own personal touches on the decor from the beginning, this will make everything feel more like home and improve how you think about your property. So while you’re busy considering colour schemes also think about how you can save money by not hiring people to do the simple tasks such as painting, obviously you get full control over what and where everything goes, but also you can save a few pennies and do the work yourself as well. By getting on with the small tasks at home, you will also feel a great sense of pride when you’ve finished too. Be careful though, all your friends will be asking you to fix their houses if they hear about your new-found skills! 

Consider Your Finances
Unless you’re very lucky and have an inheritance to draw from, you will have to get a mortgage which brings a whole new world of calculations and shopping around to do, but there are ways you can keep the costs down by being careful and gaining some advice. Some websites show you comparisons on the different insurances, mortgage rates and information regarding finance options such as how to refinance home loan or other loans you can discover. Ultimately you want to pay as little interest and gain the most favorable loans as soon as possible, then do your best to pay them off as quickly as possible, it isn’t easy, but it’s the best way to get ahead! 

Reduce Food Bills
We all buy those few extra snacks on our weekly shopping that we know we shouldn’t but still do. But aside from cutting down on snacks, what else can you do to cut down on food waste costs? 

Well, meal planning is definitely a significant factor when it comes to saving money on your meals. Making sure you have a plan at the beginning of the week and sticking to it rigidly means you don’t need to guess what’s for tea every day. Also planning ahead really cuts down on your chances of failure, so write a list and keep check of the things that you need! You can even do your supermarket shop online now as well so you can order the same shopping weekly and amend it the next time you’re big shop is due. 

So now you have some basics to follow, you’ll still have the rest of your mortgage to pay everything off so be careful always to pay that first, but everything else can be managed effectively!

3 Ways to Turn Your Home into a De-Stressing Centre

Hi lovelies,

Stress will kill you. That’s something we’ve all been told growing up, and it’s also one of those bits of folksy wisdom that also turns out to be backed up by scientific evidence.

When our stress levels are elevated, it’s not just a matter of us “feeling” one way or another. The sensation of stress is connected to “stress hormones,” particularly cortisol and adrenaline. In short-term situations, elevated levels of these hormones may save our lives. But when they are heightened over a prolonged period of time, they contribute to systematic damage to the various organs of the body – not to mention premature ageing.

Our homes should be naturally relaxing paradises – but often they just add to the stress we are already experiencing.

Here are some tips on how to turn your home into a de-stressing centre, instead.

Fill it with furniture and features that up the comfort level dramatically

It would be difficult to relax and de-stress your home, if you had no comfortable furniture, and the overall ornamentation and style of the home naturally worked against you.

The first step in helping to turn your home into a de-stressing paradise, is to get some furniture that you find both comfortable and visually appealing. For some, that may mean classic shell chairs, for others, the kind of plush sofas you can melt into.

It’s generally pretty easy to figure out when your furniture is making it more difficult for you to relax. Just ask yourself the question, “is there anywhere in this house other than the bed where I’d feel comfortable curling up with a good book?”

If not, you’ve got some work to do.

Be sparing with the gadgets – and don’t have too many things going at one time

It’s difficult to de-stress when you are constantly being bombarded with information from all sides at once. And yet, that is the situation that most of us find ourselves in, in the modern world.

Not only do we have to deal with the demands of our bosses, take care of those ominous-looking letters from Inland Revenue, and deal with everything that goes along with maintaining family and social connections – but we also have to deal with dozens of daily news reports that convince us that we’re facing the end times. Then, there’s the latest entertainment gossip, and more.

If you want your home to be a de-stress paradise, consider going easy on the gadgets. Specifically, spend less time online, and less time watching TV.

Also, try to do only one thing at a time if you can, rather than overloading your attention and stressing yourself out by “multitasking.”

Always have the fridge stocked with nutritious, home-cooked meals

It’s hardly a secret that home-cooked meals, from whole food ingredients, are better for us than processed snacks.

But it’s not only a matter of how long you might live, or how free you might be from some kind of illness years down the line. Eating nutritious food – and the right amount of it – helps to regulate your hormones and keep everything behaving as it should.

When you don’t have enough nutritious food in the house, you’ll likely tend to either starve yourself (which contributes to significantly elevated stress hormone levels), or you will order takeaway, and experience mood and energy instability as a result.

Cook your food in big batches, and always keep the fridge stocked with nutritious meals.

*Photo credit for collaborative post: Pixabay - CC0 License

4 Things To Remember When Buying Your First Home

Hi lovelies,

Buying your first home is a big step and it’s the most expensive purchase you’re ever going to make, so you need to make sure that you don’t rush into things. It’s harder than ever for young people to get their foot on the property ladder and people spend a long time saving up the deposit that they need. When they finally get there and it’s time to start looking at houses, a lot of people find that they don’t really know what they’re looking for. If you’re about to start looking for your first home, here are a few simple tips that you should follow. 

Photo From Pexels CCO License

Always Budget First 
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re looking at houses, but if you want to avoid disappointment, you should always budget first. If you start looking without a clear budget in mind, you might fall in love with a house, only to realize that you can’t afford it. You need to look at how much you have for a deposit and what you can realistically afford to spend each month. It’s also a good idea to look into home loan pre-approval so you can work out what kind of mortgage you’re likely to get before you start viewing houses. If you go in with a clear budget in mind, you can manage your expectations and you won’t waste time looking at places that you will never be able to afford. 

List Your Priorities 
When you are trying to narrow down your options, you need to make a list of your priorities for the house and for the area that you live. Do you want somewhere with a nice outdoor space? Do you want a big kitchen? Are you willing to live in a rural area where there isn’t much going on or would you rather be nearer to the centre of a city? If you list your priorities and then rank them in order of importance, it will be a lot easier to choose which houses you want to view. 

Imagine Yourself Living There 
When you start viewing houses, you need to think about the practical stuff and check for any damage or signs of damp etc. but you also need to really think about whether you could imagine yourself living there. It’s important that your house feels like a home, and even a house that is perfect on paper might not necessarily be right for you. Keep that in mind when looking around and try to imagine where you would put all of your things and how you would use the different rooms. 

Always Get A Survey Done 
No matter how many times you look around a house, there are always things that you will miss. You don’t want to buy a house that has lots of hidden problems that are expensive to fix, which is why you need to have an independent survey done before you buy. A surveyor will be able to spot things like roof damage, damp problems, faulty plumbing, and dangerous wiring. You won’t notice these things yourself, so always get a professional opinion as well. 

If you follow these tips when you are viewing houses, you can make sure that your first home is perfect.

4 Great Ways To Make Your Wedding Day More Personal

Hi lovelies,

Weddings are filled with tradition, which is great, but sometimes it feels like you’re just doing things because that’s how they’ve always been done. Some people love tradition and they want to have the typical wedding, but a lot of people are moving away from that these days. Instead of following all of the traditions, they’re finding ways to put their own stamp on the wedding day and make it more personal to them. A wedding is about celebrating your relationship, after all, so making it more personal is the best way to make it special. If you want to make your wedding more personal, here are a few simple ways to do it.

Pixabay CCO License

Write Your Own Vows 
The wedding vows haven’t changed for a long time and although there are variations on them, they’re all basically the same thing. A lot of people find that they don’t really connect with the vows that much and they don’t feel very personal, so they decide to write their own instead. It gives you more of an opportunity to tell your partner how you feel about them. Some people want them to be soppy and romantic but if that’s not what your relationship is like, you could write some funny ones instead. If you don’t know where to start, visit https://www.theknot.com/content/tips-for-writing-your-own-wedding-vows for a good guide on writing your own vows. 

Choose Your Own Playlist 
If you book a wedding DJ and get them to choose a playlist, you’ll get the same songs that you always get at weddings. If that’s the kind of music that you like, you might be happy with that. But if you and your guests would rather have something different, why not choose your own playlist instead? You could even book a wedding band (check out https://www.alivenetwork.com/hirelivemusic/wedding_bands_in.asp?area=Hertfordshire for a registry of the best ones) and get them to play covers of all of your favourite songs. Picking your own playlist makes the reception more fun and personal for you and it gives your guests something a bit different. 

Ignore Wedding Dress Trends 
One of the most important parts of the wedding planning process is picking your dream dress. If you love the idea of a traditional dress, that’s great, but you don’t have to do that. It’s your wedding and you can do whatever you like, so think outside the box when it comes to picking a dress. 

Create Your Own Wedding Rings 
Wedding bands are another thing that you can easily personalize. You could just buy some rings from a jeweller, but there are some great places where you can get custom made rings from. A ring with the wedding date or an inscription on is a lot more personal than a ready made wedding band. You don’t have to go for a traditional gold or silver either if you don’t want to, you have complete freedom over the material and design so you can pick something that is ideal for you. 

You don’t have to follow wedding traditions if you don’t want to. If you want to make your day more personal to you, these are the best ways to do it. 

Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon: Special Guest Candy Washington

Hi lovelies,

I had the pleasure of being a special guest on the Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon Podcast, listen here or below for the interview!

Episode 76: First-Time Filler, What it Means to be an Influencer, and Stigmas in the Beauty Industry with Candy Washington

In this episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, I chat with the amazing influencer Candy Washington! Candy is an independent, passionate girl boss who graduated from Georgetown University and went on to create The Billionaire Blogger Society! She gives tips and counseling to other influencers and has written her own book, Sugar Pills: 10 Days to Awaken Your Inner Power, about confidence and expressing your creativity. We chatted about her new web series, first-time filler, and stigmas that influencers and plastic surgeons face.

Find me on Instagram here!
Find Candy on Instagram here!
Learn More About Sugar Pills here!
Shop My Amazing Skincare Line here!

Episode 7: Stop Networking and Start Cultivating - 5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence

Hi lovelies,

Listen above to the latest episode or on iTunes, here. I’m honored that you’re joining me on our journey to self-love, self-care, self-worth, and self-discovery. It is my hope that this podcast adds some joy, love, happiness, and actionable insights to your life.

If you haven’t already, be sure to pick-up a copy of Sugar Pills: 10 Days to Awaken Your Inner Power on Amazon, here: https://amzn.to/2GNPDL6

Or grab it on Amazon Kindle, here: https://amzn.to/2vxKzWc. 

You can also enjoy all of my favorite things to get your joy back with my “Self-Care Starter Kit,” here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/candywashington 

For more on practical self-care: http://candywashington.com/self-care.

Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @candywashington and check out my site, candywashington.com. 

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, here.

Why Every Beauty Girl Should Rethink MicroArt Makeup by Tanya York

Hi lovelies,

So like many of you, I initially had my reservations about semi-permanent make-up, but after meeting the lovely Tanya York, who has an amazing MicroArt Makeup clinic in Beverly Hills, that provides state-of-the-art treatments, all of the myths and taboos that I had about it were debunked.

The semi-permanent treatments can last up to 3 years, with as-needed touch-ups and maintenance in-between and the experience can yield extremely natural-looking results with no downtime.

 Tanya recently celebrated her 10 year anniversary of being in the beauty business and after 5 years of development, the treatments can be performed on all skin types and is great for correcting skin discoloration and other skin issues. Plus, it’s formulated with mineral-based pigmentation for a natural look-and-feel.

She’s perfected the three aspects needed to ensure semi-permanent microart success: products, equipment, and technique and it shows with her international clientele. Each procedure is customized for the specific patient and there’s a two appointment system in place to test drive the make-up.

THE SCOOP ON TANYA YORK
Serial entrepreneur Tanya York who started her career as a special effects makeup artist in the Hollywood movie industry over 20 years ago created MicroArt Semi Permanent Makeup.

After many years of development, working with a team of electronic engineers and cosmetic chemist MicroArt was finally perfected as a solution that eliminated all side effects of permanent makeup as well as looking so natural that no one can tell you are wearing makeup.

The Hollywood Reporter named Tanya one of Hollywood’s most influential women when she was in her mid-20 and by the time she was in her 30’s she graced the cover of Entrepreneur magazine in the Young Millionaires issue.

Tanya, who was born on a Caribbean island and raised in England, is the founder and sole owner of MicroArt Inc. and has previously owned and operated numerous corporations, including international film distributors, a movie production company and a Yoga studio.

Boscia's Beauty GirlBoss Lan Belinky + How to Get Glowing Skin

Hi lovelies,

As a social media influencer, I get to go to some pretty cool parties from swanky soirees to sweaty workouts, but one thing that never disappoints is seeing the smiling face of Lan Belinky, the co-founder of boscia whether sipping designer mermaid cocktails or getting our groove on while boxing.

Lan’s vision, energy, and overall girl-boss-ness isn’t just inspiring, but it’s also infectious and makes you want to up your entrepreneurial game. So if you’re like me and ready to up level in life, check out Lan’s story below and since we obviously love all things beauty and skincare, don’t forget to get the skinny on boscia’s new Renew Collection!

LAN BELINKY

CO-FOUNDER, boscia

With deep rooted beauty beginnings, Lan Belinky was destined to lead a global skincare brand. Born and raised until her young teens in Japan, the infamous center of skin care innovation, Lan was fascinated by the infinite beauty trends and tactics she was continually exposed to. Mesmerized by her Grandmother's meticulous 6-step beauty ritual and her Aunt's unique product application practices; the allure of the beauty world naturally beckoned.

In the Spring of 1996, Lan's family moved to the United States so her Father and boscia Founder, Gen Inomata, could realize his dream of bringing Japanese influenced skincare stateside. Lan spoke solely Japanese at the time and worked diligently to learn English as a second language and acclimate into the American culture that was so brand new to her – but always, always held close her Japanese roots.

Fast-forward a few years later, Gen's dream was realized and boscia was born. Lan attended The University of the Incarnate Word and graduated with a degree in Business Marketing, while spending every available moment helping to cultivate boscia. After graduating, Lan joined boscia full-time and helped lead many of the brand's major milestones including the first foray into prestige retail. Lan passionately believed in the power of boscia's fusion of botanical (BŌ) science (SHA), and that powerful skincare results could in fact be obtained from good-for-you ingredients. Lan attributes much of her contributions to boscia's growth directly to her biculturality. boscia's first collections (Tsubaki, Sake and Charcoal) were all inspired by her Japanese heritage as was BB Cream, which was the first of its kind to hit the US prestige retail market and garnered staggering success. In the Summer of 2010, Lan unearthed the Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask which catapulted to skincare fame and created the instantly gratifying peel-off mask craze. The Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask continues to reign as a boscia fan-favorite. 

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boscia PEPTIDE TRIO EYE CREAM

Available on boscia.com + Sephora, ($40)

This ultra-rich eye cream packed with boscia’s signature triple peptide blend deeply softens, nourishes and hydrates the delicate eye area, targeting fine lines and wrinkles to achieve a well-rested, youthful appearance.

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT

Peptide Blend

• Stimulates and increases skin cell renewal

• Smoothes and plumps fine lines and wrinkles

Green Tea Extract

• Antioxidant-rich formula repairs and protects skin from aging

• Calms irritation, evens out discoloration and soothes redness

Hyaluronic Acid

• Locks in moisture to keep skin looking hydrated, plump and supple all day long

• Minimizes dryness, fine lines and wrinkles

Organic Almond Oil

• Nourishes skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Reduces dark circles skin impurities

Organic Avocado Oil

• Conditions skin and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles

• Boosts collagen production

Organic Sesame Oil

• Deeply moisturizes, softens and smooths skin

• Removes toxins from the surface of skin

• Inti-inflammatory and antibacterial aids in clearing skin and preventing blemishes

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boscia RESURFACING TREATMENT TONER WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Available on boscia.com + Sephora, ($28)

This AHA and BHA infused treatment toner with 20% Acid Complex exfoliates and revitalizes dull, dry skin to reveal a brighter and healthier complexion. Apple Cider Vinegar tones and softens wrinkles while Willow Herb and Jojoba Leaf gently nourish and hydrate to reveal more even, radiant baby-soft skin.

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT

AHA’s (Glycolic Acid)

• One of the most powerful and effective Alpha Hydroxy Acids

• Removes dead skin, smooths fine lines and minimizes pores

• Regularizes skin by treating and reducing blackheads and blemishes

• Reduces hyperpigmentation and age spots

BHA’s (Salicylic Acid)

• Beta Hydroxy Acid extracted from Willow Tree Bark

• Removes dirt, product buildup and dead cells from the surface of skin

• Purifies and reduces blemishes and breakouts

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Rich in Vitamin C to help stimulate the natural production of collagen, tone and smooth skin

• Balances skin by removing bad bacteria and regularizing skin pH

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

• Calms and soothes sensitive skin

• Nourishes and combats dryness with moisture binding ingredients

Willowherb and Jojoba Extracts

• Improves skin elasticity and suppleness

• Minimizes inflammation, redness and irritation

5 Things To Do In Miami

Hi lovelies,

Miami is one of those cities thats reputation precedes it; every travel lover who has been to the US will have a story about a great time spent here. It has a rich history for being the home of the most glamorous beach bums and the wildest parties, but there is something here for everybody, and if you have the opportunity, then it’s certainly worth the trip.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Miami, however, then what should you do here? We’ve noted down 5 of the must-see places for travel fanatics.

#1: Chill out on Miami Beach

One of the things that Miami is most renowned for is its beaches, and it’s a perfect place to visit due to the fact that it’s both a city and a surfers paradise. If you’re in the city, you simply need to head down to Miami Beach and South Beach, and spend a day soaking up some rays, watching the world go by, and checking out boat rental Miami options if you want to be as cool and stylish as the locals!

#2: Head down to Ocean Drive

If you’re somebody who loves walking around the city and seeing some of the most interesting places, then Ocean Drive should certainly be on your list. It is quintessential Miami; from the art deco buildings to the beautiful palm trees, this place will give you everything that you expected from the city. There are many cafes here, so if you want to get a bite to eat with the locals and feel so Miami, then here’s your spot.

#3: Go to South Pointe Park Pier

Some travel lovers will prefer to relax, and this is nothing to worry about in Miami. South Pointe Park offers some beautiful green areas, and if you’re a fan of cycling or simply walking around the park, then this is a perfect place to go. Head to the pier around sunset if you can, but at any time there is something here that’s worth seeing. There are even free meditation classes here, which is pretty great, huh?

#4: Swing by the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
You wouldn’t be fully enjoying a city if you didn’t see the finest art that they had on offer, and Miami is no exception when it comes to brilliant works. Whilst there are plenty of options out there, the ICA has some beautiful sculptures worth seeing, and guess what? It’s free. For an inexpensive day away from the hustle and bustle, be sure to check out some of the great art galleries in Miami!

#5: Drink in the cocktail lounges
Of course, Miami has a reputation for being a party city, so it would be pretty rude not to enjoy a cocktail (or two) while you’re here. There are so many cocktail bars around that you’ll be spoilt for choice, and we’re just saying, most of them are extremely Instagram-worthy. Check out some of the options, and enjoy living it up like the locals whilst sharing your travel stories with the awesome bartenders.

Enjoy your time in Miami!

Image credit for this collaborative post: Image credit

7 Ways To Take Better Care Of Older Relatives

Hi lovelies,

Older relatives play a huge role in shaping our lives. From moms and dads to aunts, uncles, and grandparents, they work themselves hard to provide a great start in life and even better future. As you grow older, you tend to see a reversal in the roles you once held. After being taken care of your entire life, it’s difficult to realize that those older than you now need your help. Becoming a caregiver in any sense of the word is tough. It’s an often upsetting, exhausting, and stressful responsibility. To take better care of your older relatives, here are seven things that you must do. 

1. Learn More About Caring
To effectively care for your loved one, you must have a clear picture of their everyday needs. Looking after a senior is nothing like looking after yourself or a child. There are many health conditions that those later in life typically suffer from. You can only provide the right help and support if you learn more about these issues, especially when they affect your relative. Researching these conditions can be upsetting, but it will help you to prepare for what’s to come.

2. Make Changes At Home
Although your relative needs extra support, they might not necessarily have to move out of their home. Most seniors want to hold onto their independence for as long as possible, so, while it is safe, you should allow them to do so. That being said, you will have to check that their house is equipped for their needs. Safety features, like handrails and medical alert systems, might need to be added, and you will have to remove as many trip hazards from the house as you can. 

3. Find The Right Support
The older your relative gets, the more help they will need. Depending on your circumstances, you might not have the time to take care of them like they need to be. When you both start to struggle, it will help to seek out professional support. There are plenty of options to consider, from live-in home care to nursing homes. Make sure that your relative gets a say in the support that you choose. If there are other loved ones to lend a hand, you can ask for their help too. 

4. Look For Warning Signs
Asking a stranger to help care for your loved one isn’t easy, regardless of their qualifications and recommendations. What makes this worse is hearing all of the stories about nursing homes and carers that abused their patients. If this were ever to happen to your relative, you could contact a personal injury attorney about seeking compensation. For this reason, and the welfare of your relative, you should look out for warning signs that the professional you hired isn’t doing their job. 

5. Attend Important Health Checks
Annual health checkups are crucial at any point in life but are especially important for seniors. After all, you become more at risk to a number of different conditions as you grow older. The trouble is, many older people avoid these checks whenever they can. If you suspect that your relative is doing this, then you will have to step in. Rather than expecting your loved one to go alone, you should ask when their appointments are and tag along with them. 

6. Fight Against Social Isolation
Isolation isn’t always thought of as a serious issue for seniors. When there are so many life-threatening illnesses to look out for, loneliness isn’t a primary concern. However, studies have shown that loneliness can have a devastating effect on physical health, as well as mental health. Because of this, you must encourage your relative to be more socially active. As well as increasing your own time with them, you could suggest joining a club or visiting friends. 

7. Take Care Of Yourself
When taking care of a loved one, putting their needs above your own can easily become second-nature. The problem with this is that, if you don’t look after yourself, you won’t be able to look after anyone else, even your relative. You need to make time for exercise, three healthy meals a day, and plenty of rest. It can also help to join a support group for people in your situation. By talking about your struggles, you’ll find it much easier to overcome them. 

Taking care of an older relative can definitely be difficult, both for you and the relative themselves. However, with the advice above, you’ll both find it much easier to adjust to your new roles.

*Image for collaborative post From Pixabay

InMode x Kelly Dodd: Get tight and right for summer

Hi lovelies,

Since “Hot Girl Summer” is the official mantra of the year, it’s time to get tight and right! Check out the beauty scoop below on how to take control of your beauty from the inside out!

Real Housewives of Orange County, season 14 premiered this week and Kelly Dodd is getting candid about her experience with FaceTite by InMode, a minimally-invasive face contouring procedure performed by plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Reagan, M.D of CosmetiCare (who is now her beau – post-procedure!).  

Dodd explains “I was frustrated with my undefined jawline and as a working mom who is always on camera I need to keep things right and tight without the downtime that comes with surgical, invasive procedures. FaceTite by InMode was the perfect solution for me and I’ve seen a significant improvement over the past 6 months with skin tightening and am so happy with the results."

FaceTite by InMode uses radio-frequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL), to heat body fat with a wand while tightening the skin for face contouring and refinement results. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with no excisional scarring and minimal downtime.

“A lot of patients come to me in their late 30’s and 40’s who start to see sagging in their skin and are looking for real results without excisional surgery and that is exactly what FaceTite by InMode achieves,” notes Dr. Brian Reagan.

Additional information on InMode: 
InMode is a medical technology company focused on developing products and procedures utilizing the most innovative radio frequency, light-based energy and laser technologies. Our minimally invasive and noninvasive procedures are clinically proven to reduce treatment time, recovery time and deliver real results so people can live their most beautiful lives.

Looking For Health Warning Signs In Your Older Relatives

Hi lovelies,

It can often be worrying to consider that our close ones and relatives are also potentially subject to health ills. Of course, we would rather shoulder than burden ourselves, but we have no choice in the matter. All we can do is care for them, look out for warning signs should behavior change, and also divert them to the best help if needed.

This can be important when caring for an elderly relative, whether they live with you, by themselves, or in a care home. While your relative is likely in good care from their healthcare providers or care facility employees, you know them most intimately, and that means you can likely be a great help.

Looking for the warning signs of health issues can be a subtle art, but it can be important. Knowing certain illnesses well, or researching terms such as ‘what is alzheimers?’ you can come across a range of excellent guides and explanations - and thankfully, tips to care for them well.

Let us see how else you might find these warning signs:

Changed Behavior
Changed behavior can often be the most easy-to-spot symptom. For example, it might be that they are continually forgetful about conversations you might have had. They might repeat certain things they say to you, or have trouble with their sentence structure. It might be that when calling on them, they had forgotten you had arranged the visit. A range of small little differences like this can often be easy to pick up. Unfortunately, sometimes events can be quite worrying. They may become frustrated when shopping for groceries, or have a hard time booking a taxi as they usually did. All of these things can require your help and the opinion of a medical professional, so be sure to look out for changed behavior.

Odd Habits
Of course, elderly relatives have more time on their hands, but by that age many of them are set in their ways to some extent. This means that if they start going on longer and longer walks that seem to be completely out of character, they sleep for most of the day, or there’s something else worrying you, talking to them about their renewed habits can be a worthwhile effort. Of course, most of the time a change could be healthy, but some times, the times you need to focus on, they might not be. Be sure to keep actively involved with the life of your relative to understand how and why this happens.

Physical Changes
It could be that itchy, red skin, or perhaps hair loss, or perhaps a range of other issues can be quite noticeable. Talking to them about visiting a medical professional for an expert opinion can be worthwhile. Don’t just chalk something up to old age, such as a slower walk, worse posture, or other issues. Most of the time it will be natural, but keeping that possibility open allows you to be attentive if there is an issue.

With these efforts, you’re sure to help your relative through the health symptoms that they might be experiencing.

Photo credit for collaborative post: Pexels

5th Annual Freeze HD To Host Star-Studded Benefit for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Hi lovelies,

I had the pleasure of attending the annual Freeze HD event last year and I wanted to share with you all of you the inspiring story behind this year’s event. Please read and watch and read below to learn about how you can join the HDSA “family” in the fight against HD purchase tickets or sponsor the 5th Annual Freeze HD on September 28th.

Go to http://www.HDSA.org/FREEZEHD today to purchase tickets and make a difference!

The Lion's Mouth Opens (2014) - Official Trailer from Lucy Walker lucywalkerfilm on Vimeo.

“The 5th Annual Freeze HD event, honoring Kelsey and Scott Porter (Hart of Dixie, Friday Night Lights) will be held at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles on Saturday September 28, 2019, benefitting the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA). Among the many volunteers lending their time and efforts to raise $250,00 for HDSDA, the Freeze HD host committee includes stars Rachel McAdams, Scott Porter, Jason Ritter, Jaime King, Bryce Dallas Howard, Simon Helberg, Marianna Palka and many more! Musical performances by Brian Logan Dales and The Dales Hotel, Katie Lowes & Adam Shapiro (Waitress) and Scott Porter.

Our first Freeze event was created by the talented Jason Ritter (Gravity Falls/Kevin (Probably) Saves the World) and Marianna Palka (GLOW) which featured a documentary that followed Marianna as she received genetic testing results for Huntington Disease. “

5th Annual Freeze HD To Host Star-Studded 

Benefit for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Host Committee members Rachel McAdams, Scott Porter, Jason Ritter, Jaime King, Bryce Dallas Howard, Simon Helberg, Marianna Palka and many more volunteer to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Huntington’s disease

Los Angeles, CA (July 26, 2019)- The 5th Annual Freeze HD event, honoring Kelsey and Scott Porter (Hart of Dixie, Friday Night Lights) will be held at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles on Saturday September 28, 2019, benefitting the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA). Among the many volunteers lending their time and efforts to raise $250,00 for HDSDA, the Freeze HD host committee includes stars Rachel McAdams, Scott Porter, Jason Ritter, Jaime King, Bryce Dallas Howard, Simon Helberg, Marianna Palka and many more! Musical performances by Brian Logan Dales and The Dales Hotel, Katie Lowes & Adam Shapiro (Waitress) and Scott Porter. 

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes HD. Today, there are approximately 30,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease.

“Our involvement with Huntington’s is incredibly personal as it effects both Kelsey and her mother. After receiving the news that Kelsey's mother, Diane, was diagnosed with Huntington's, we also found out that Kelsey is gene positive and will develop it as well,” says Scott and Kelsey Porter, “We are determined to bring awareness to this disease and offer support to anyone who is affected by Huntington's. We are incredibly grateful to accept this honor from Freeze HD and cannot thank our friends and family enough for lending their voices and their support to this important and personal cause.”

Guests of the 5th annual event are invited to enjoy an evening of drinks, dancing, great music, celebrity guests, a fantastic silent & live auction and a few surprises! Our goal is to raise $250,000 for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA is the world’s premiere non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. 

ABOUT KELSEY AND SCOTT PORTER

A few days after Christmas in 2013, Kelsey and Scott Porter’s life changed forever.  Kelsey’s parents, Ken and Diane Mayfield, sat the family down and shared with them that Diane had been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. After coming to grips with what that meant for Kelsey’s mom, they realized that Kelsey had a 50% chance of having it as well. In an instant, a disease they had never heard of before became a permanent part of their lives.  

Kelsey and Scott had been married just 8 months at this point. They had always planned to start a family and knew this news would not change their minds. The first step was for Kelsey to get tested. In early 2014 they received word of her diagnosis. Gene positive. Huntington’s is in her DNA. At some point in Kelsey’s life, if there is no medical help, she will experience the effects of Huntington’s disease. 

 Undaunted, as Kelsey always is, she threw herself into figuring out how to have children that would be free of HD. She discovered PGD-IVF (Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis - In Vitro Fertilization), a process in which embryos are fertilized outside the human body and tested for specific genetic diseases before being implanted. Although an arduous process, the Porter’s children would not only be free of Huntington’s but this also meant HD could no longer be passed down by their children either. After the extensive testing, Huntington’s disease was eradicated from their family line going forward. The Porters now have two beautiful, healthy little ones, McCoy Lee and his little sister Clover Ash. 

Despite the positive of having children free of HD, Huntington’s is still a force in the Porter’s family. Kelsey’s mother is currently living with the symptoms of Huntington’s, as Kelsey will eventually too. It has been discovered that Kelsey’s grandmother also had HD meaning many other aunts, uncles and cousins have a fifty percent chance of having inherited the gene themselves. Since her mother’s diagnosis there have been four other confirmed cases in her family and the “at risk” numbers are staggering. When we say that, “Huntington’s disease is a family disease”, it should not be taken lightly. 

On Saturday, September 28, 2019 we will gather at Avalon Hollywood for drinks, dancing, great music, celebrity guests, a fantastic silent & live auction and a few surprises! Our goal is to raise $250,000 for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA is the world’s premiere non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. 

ABOUT HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE

Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes HD. Today, there are approximately 30,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD.  From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families.

HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA to this day.

To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800)345-HDSA.

We’ve Gone App Crazy

Hi lovelies,

iOS app development companies are in high demand, and it is not difficult to see why. You only need to look at the dominance of Apple products to see that there is a massive market out there for iOS apps. 

When it comes to iOS apps, the standards tend to be higher. This is because mobile app developers need to adhere to the strict standards that are in place. The Apple App Store has very stringent guidelines in place regarding user experience, as they want to create a premium app store. A lot of people also prefer the improved security of the software and the firmware when it comes to iOS. iPhone app development can accommodate features such as integrated data handling systems, measures implemented against the loss of data security, data encryption, and measures implemented to prevent data duplication. Of course, security is something you need to carefully discuss with your app development team – don’t just assume that because it is an iOS app it is going to be secure. You need to make steps to reduce identity fraud like never before. You also have a great platform to grow with iOS apps, as they offer great scalability, which is important for most businesses. All in all, Apple offers many benefits, however, other operating systems have their advantages too, which is why you need to discuss what operating system to use with your app developers. Their expertise is invaluable

In-App Ads

App developers may recommend that you use in-app ads as a way of making money from your application. If you are a regular app user, you will know just how common these ads are. They provide a welcomed alternative to charging outright for your app, which can put people off.

The best business app developers know how to incorporate in-app ads without having a negative impact on user experience. They do this by selecting the best type of ads for your application. We are going to take a look at five of the most common ad types in further detail to give you a better understanding. Firstly, we have banner ads, which aren’t a popular choice with most app development firms. These ads are placed at the bottom or top of the app during use. Banners can be somewhat irritating to the user, as they are distracting. If your developer is advising this approach, make sure they have a good reason why. After all, it does work in some cases! Another popular ad type is advanced overlay, which involves interactive adverts when transition points are used, i.e. when there is a natural pause in the app. Next, we have capture form, which involves offering incentives for users who enter their mobile number or email address, meaning these ads rely on user opt-ins. You also have notification ads, which is when a notification pops up in the smartphone’s status bar, and interstitial ads, which are very popular, as they are designed to generate clicks without causing frustration because they appear during natural pause points.

Factors Impacting App Store Ranking

Ranking highly in the app store is of huge importance for app development firms. They want to ensure that as many people as possible see your app and engage with your brand. So, what factors really influence your app store ranking? Firstly, we have positive ratings. Basically, the better the app; the more exposure. If an app has a five-star rating, it is going to be featured much higher in the app store than an app that only has a two-star rating. This highlights the importance of developing a winning app using the assistance of experts in mobile app development. The number of downloads you receive will also impact where you feature in the app store. Of course, this is somewhat of a catch 22, as you need exposure to get downloads. Developers will use alternative methods to increase downloads while your app is still working its way up the app store rankings. Your targeted keywords also play a big role. You need to select your keywords wisely, as you are restricted to a limited character amount when describing your app in the store. Finally, your title is also important. Titles with keywords in them result in apps ranking 10.3 per cent higher on average.