There are a ton (literally) of items that are recyclable but are often simply thrown away. The UK alone sends a staggering 48 million tons of rubbish to landfill each year.

So to help combat this we have put together a list of 10 items that you never knew could be recycled.

https://www.scooploop.com/articles/10-things-you-could-recycle

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, celebrated their new year on November the 1st.

This date was a pivotal time of the year; when the seasons changed. However, more importantly, observers also believed the boundary between this world and the next became especially thin at this time, enabling them to connect with the dead. This belief is shared by some other cultures; a similar idea is mentioned around the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which also typically occurs in October and involves saying prayers for the dead. This is where Halloween gained its "haunted" them from.

The word "Halloween" dates back to around 1745 and comes from All Hallows' Eve and means ‘hallowed evening.’ Hundreds of years ago people dressed up as saints and went from door-to-door reciting songs. Children would also go door to door asking for soul cakes, a treat similar to biscuits, which is the origin of Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating.

Over the years as Christianity took over and the pagan undertones of the holiday were lessened, some basic traditions and elements of the holiday remained a part of our culture and simply evolved becoming what we now know and love as Halloween.

With the 21st of October being known internationally as ‘National Pumpkin Day’ it seems apt to look into the origins and history of one of our Autumn traditions; pumpkin carving. This activity is something that has grown over the last few decades and has now become a staple annual activity that all little ones look forward to.

There are now many pumpkin patches in the UK where you can go to pick your own perfect pumpkin before taking it home to carve in time for Halloween; adding to the activity and enjoyment.

It is believed that the custom of making jack-o'-lanterns at Halloween time began in Ireland. In the 19th century turnips or mangel wurzels, hollowed out to act as lanterns and often carved with grotesque faces, were used on Halloween in parts of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. In fact, the name, jack-o'-lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack.

Stingy Jack is a man who tricked the Devil for his own monetary gain. When Jack died, God didn’t allow him into heaven, and the Devil didn’t let him into hell, so Jack was sentenced to roam the earth for eternity. In Ireland, people started to carve demonic faces out of turnips to frighten away Jack’s wandering soul. When Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they began carving jack-o’-lanterns from pumpkins, as these were native to the region.

Since the Great British Bake Off began we, as a nation, have become far more interested in all things cake and baking related.

There is even a national day; National Cake Decorating Day celebrated on October the 10th. Used to recognize the creative artist in all of us. Whilst most of us are amateurs, many professional cake decorators started their careers as hobbyists and were drawn to the profession as it allows them to express themselves in an edible yet creative form.

Cake decorating is an art form that requires both patience and experience. The earliest ‘cake’ can be traced back to the Neolithic era. Archaeologists uncovered very basic cakes made from grains; which would have likely been cooked over a hot stone. However they bear little resemblance to the cakes we know and love today!

Why not practice new decorating techniques, try out a new kind of icing or create a one of a kind design to celebrate!

September the 29th is known internationally as World Heart Day, first founded in 1999 with the World Heart Federation. Celebrated across the world, World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families and communities around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health.

With heart disease and stroke being the Worlds leading cause of death, killing over 18 million people per year, World Heart day really does play a vital role in raising awareness and offering advice.

It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided!

The specific theme for this year is to raise awareness of CVD (cardiovascular disease). A few years ago world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer, hence the

importance of shining the spotlight on it this year.

If you would like to know more about World Health Day information can be found on the World Health organisations website.

Programmers’ Day celebrates the work of the world’s computer programmers. The day is celebrated on the 256th day of the year; a deliberate choice based on the mathematical intricacies of binary code.

The day honors programmers around the world.There is hardly a person in the civilized world who does not benefit from the tools of the programmer. They are developing stuff we probably can’t live without nowadays. They are responsible for your mobile phoneand all cool apps you are using, the software of your computer, your browser, the social platforms and websites you are browsing, not to mention all other trendy technologies.

Today we are celebrating the hard work and passion of our Scooploop programmers and we would like to wish them clean and bug-free code ;)

And here are some ideas how to celebrate the day of The Programmer:

⌨️ 1. Educate yourself about programming

Understanding how computers work is a great start to your programming journey.

⌨️ 2. Play coding games

Playing games is a great way to build your coding skills in a fun, no-pressure way. You can find and play some of the best coding games online for free!

⌨️ 3. Enrol in free programming courses

The internet is filled with great sites for free online computer programming courses. While coding games are a fun way to learn, it would be helpful for you to sign up for a programming course that will enhance your skills if you're serious about the field.

The 1st of September is recognised, according to the meteorological calendar,as the start of Autumn. With the Summer months in the UK now officially behind us and the nights starting to draw in again, do you think there have been a change in the seasons over the past years or decades?

Summer months seem to be passing in a blur of overcast days scattered with just a handful of sunny moments and seasons seem to be merging into one another. Has it always been like this? Or is this change a side effect of a much larger problem; global warming?

According to an annual climate report the combined land and ocean temperature has increased at anaverage rate of 0.08 degrees Celsius per decade since 1880; however, the average rate of increase since 1981 has been more than twice that rate! Since 1880 the overall global temperature has increased by only 1 degree Celsius, which doesn’t sound all that scary, but two thirds of that increase has happened since 1975. It is a worrying consideration that even if we were to stop all emissions today, we would not prevent some changes. However it is also a known fact that, the sooner we cut emissions, the smaller the changes will be.

So, do we think that we are already seeing the effects of global warming here in the UK? Or does it still seem to be an issue showingits affects only in the most extreme climates? Places such as the Arctic have been affected hugely, with the ice there now 65% thinner than it was in 1975. The arctic sea the smallest that it has been in the last 1000 years. Meaning that if emissions are not reduced considerably, and quickly, we could see ice free summers in the Arctic by the middle of this century! There seems to have been a recent increase in interest in the issue, with many programs and documentaries popping up surrounding the global warming topic. Extinction rebellion being featured in the news more than ever. And recycling in UK households increasing byalmost 10% over the last decade.

Do we think we are doing enough to combat the issue here in the UK and are we already feeling the repercussions?

Did you know that August the 26th is known as National Dog Day? To appreciate mans best friend and all the joy they bring to our lives!

First celebrated in 2004 it is a relatively new celebration, created by animal advocate Colleen Paige. The day helps to raise awareness of the many dogs needing rehoming throughout the country. During lockdown numerous families looked into adopting pets as the country began to work from home. However with companies now returning to the office rescue centres have seen a steep increase in the number of animals looking to be rehomed.

It is only right that we honor these animals as not only do they bring comfort and joy to our homes, in some cases these animals put their lives on the line for us. There are dogs that protect our safety and freedom by detecting drugs and bombs, as well as those that pull victims from wreckages and tragic situations. Plus, we have dogs for the disabled, blind, and law enforcement. From these heroic dogs to our family friends, these dogs hold special places in our lives.

Here are some ways in which you can celebrate National Dog Day and get involved:

Volunteer at your local shelter

With record numbers of dogs looking for new homes, shelters are always happy to have a helping hand.

Walk a dog

A great way to spend some of your free time & fun for all participants! If you don’t have a dog of your own there are now apps and websites that you can sign up to. Linking you with local dogs in the area looking for walks.

Donate to animal welfare organisations

Making a donation to any shelter is a fantastic way to help out and always much needed and appreciated.

Join our Dog Lovers Loop!

Get involved and become a member of our dogs lovers loop. With funny memes and cute pictures it’s a welcoming dog focused loop for all. https://www.scooploop.com/loops/dog-lovers

In order to show our love for orangutans and to recognise the most iconic victim of the palm oil industry, International Orangutan Day has been set for August the 19th.

This day is created to help encourage the public to take action in protecting this amazing species in the wild.

Just a century ago there were more than 230,000 orangutans in total.

However now there are only 7500 Sumatran orangutans, making them a critically endangered species. With many of them living in captivity rather than in the wild.

There are currently only 50,000 to 65,000 orangutans left in the wild, and it's estimated that about 2,000 to 3,000 orangutans are killed every year. This corresponds to 5 to 8 orangutans being killed every day!

Meaning that at this rate orangutans are very likely to become completely extinct within 50 years.

From 1992-2000, the population of the Sumatran orangutan is considered to have declined by more than 50%. Its relative, the Bornean orangutan, population fell nearly 43 percent in the past decade, from 35,000 in 1996 to 20,000 in 2006.

Since these studies were done, deforestation rates have continued to climb which means the actual populations could be well below these.

Something has to be done to save orangutans and that is the reason for International Orangutan Day!

If you’d like to get involved and show your support you can head over to www.redapes.org. Here you can find plenty of information & even a link to sponsor your own orangutan; a fantastic and unique gift for all ages.

With the Summer holidays just around the corner I am sure we are all asking

ourselves the age old question… What do we do with the little ones & how do we

keep them entertained for 6 whole weeks?!

Thankfully, now the restrictions have been lifted across the country, there are

many more activities to enjoy, places to explore and educational camps running.

With national parks having opened up, the summer holidays are an ideal

opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful English countryside. Pack a picnic

and some outdoor games and head into nature to spend a day enjoying the

weather….and not to mention burning off some energy.

Look out for the trails with activities along the way such as Alexandra Park,

Queens Wood – a circular loop walk with stunning views and entertainment

along the way.

A slightly more unique option is taking them off to an open air cinema. With

many throughout London showing a variety of movies suitable for all tastes this

is a great day out and a real treat for both the kids and the adults. Hampton Court

palace and Blackheath common are just two of the venues hosting film nights

over the holidays. Make sure to book in advance though as these tend to be

popular events, and it is always advisable to arrive early to bag the best seats.

Notting Hill Carnival, although slightly different this year, is still a great choice.

This event being held virtually creates the perfect opportunity to host a festival

inspired BBQ at home. Arrange to make outfits with the children to wear on the

day and create homemade decorations. Ask them to help with the baking and

you’ve got yourself days worth of entertainment in preparation for the grand

finale!

Then there are of course all of the usual suspects; the farm days and zoo trips.

Escape rooms, museums and swimming baths. Whatever you decide have a

wonderful summer full of memories and smiles.

Every year on the 12 th of July the world celebrates Malala day.

In the name of Malala Yousafzai who at the age of 17 was the youngest recipient

ever of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Born on the 12 th of July 1992 in Pakistan Malala started advocating for womens

rights in education from 2008.

On July 12, 2013, Malala Yousafzai, a sixteen-year-old Pakistani girl engaged in

the promotion of women’s education, delivered an impassioned speech at the

United Nations headquarters on the need for gender equality in education. The

address saw several rounds of standing ovations for the teenager and the day,

July 12, was soon declared as Malala Day in honour of the young activist.

Prior to this Malala had a regular blog in BBC Urdu on her life during Taliban

occupation of Swat. She soon attracted public attention from across the world

and was sought after for interviews in newspapers and television shows.

In October 2012, Malala was attacked by Taliban gunmen and was in a critical

condition. Soon after, she was sent to the United Kingdom to recover.

Despite the attack by Taliban, an undeterred Malala soon returned to the public

arena, more fierce in her views than before, and continued her advocacy for

gender rights.

Based out of Birmingham, she founded the ‘Malala Fund’, which is

a non-profit organisation that helps young girls go to school. She also co-

authored a book by the name, “I am Malala” that became an international

bestseller.

To celebrate we would like to invite you to post your favourite images below; taken by yourself or just an image you admire. Lets share our love for photography and all the memories and happiness it brings.

So when did personal cameras first become available?Over a hundred years ago the firstcamera, the Kodak, was offered for sale and people were amazed by the invention. While the first cameras were large and bulky, each later design evolved until some cameras were as small as a pen.

Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. The portable and easy-to-use features not only allow us to take photos quickly, but we can also edit them on the fly. Smartphones with built-in cameras include features that allow us to share photos instantly, too.

Taking photos has become so easy. According to Business Insider, in2017, we took over 1.2 trillion digital photos! From a large boxy camera to one that fits in our pocket, cameras have come a long way! Here are some interesting camera day facts to enjoy:

1. The word photography comes from the Greek meaning to draw with light.

2. The first photograph ever taken was shot by a French scientist named Joseph Nicephore Niepce. The famous image took 8 hours to capture because of the long exposure needed for the camera.

3. Some of the most popular subjects of photography in the 1800’s were corpses. Many famous individuals were photographed after their deaths, however this was not an uncommon practice for regular people too.

4. One of the most famous photographs of the 20th century is the ,Afghan Girl.’ Pictured below. The girl in the image had no idea her photo had become famous until she was shown it in 2002!

D-Day, observed annually on June the 6th brings overwhelming memories of the brave men and women who fought a strategically planned and well-executed battle that ultimately led to the end of the Second World War.

The codename Operation Overlord became known as the beginning of the end of World War II. Following the Battle of Normandy, which began on June 6, 1944, along a 50 mile stretch of beaches, including Utah and Omaha Beach, the attack became known as D-Day.

While there are many explanations for the name, one reason may be due to the military countdown to the designated day and hour of the assault. D represented Day and H represented Hour in the military.

The battle liberated Northern France with more than 160,000 Allied troops from Britain, the United States and Canada under the leadership of General Dwight Eisenhower. The troops manned more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft the day of the initial landing.

More than 75 years after the end of World War II, these memories remain fresh to veterans and families alike. The rest of us look to their legacy and the rich history of events told through museums and memorials.

There is not a more important time than today for us to remember and honor them as we reflect on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Countdown to the end of May bank holiday begins as we look forward to working

that week we would all love to be working permanently; the 4 day week!

But how did bank holidays come around & what are we celebrating with this

holiday?

First introduced in 1871 the name ‘bank’ originates as traditionally all banks

were closed on these public holidays. Although historically bank employees were

one of the only sectors who did not get to take the day off as a holiday. They were

too busy using the bank holiday to work on accounts and tidy up the

bookkeeping.

Bank holidays and public holidays are often used interchangeably and may all

seem the same to us; an extra day off work and an extended weekend. However

the difference is public holidays are derived from common law whereas bank

holidays are derived from statute law.

So with this long weekend ahead of us and the last bank holiday in the UK until

the end of August; how are you planning to spend the extended weekend?

According to weather reports the South of England is set to have a glorious few

days filled with warm weather and clear skies. And I am sure you will be with me

when I say there are not many things that can beat a warm UK summers day full

of beer gardens, country walks and Summer fares.

Below are some ideas as to how you can spend this weekend:

1. The Drive in Cinema.

Offering a unique experience with an American style drive

in movie screen. Hosting a range of films from Godzilla to Mortal Combat this

event has something for everyone.

2. National Trust parks & houses.

Many National trust properties have once again

opened their doors to the public following the easing of restrictions.

3. A picnic in the park.

Gather up your supplies and head out for a day of fun in the

sun. A picnic is always a hit with everyone and you can make a full day of it by

taking some outdoor activities along with you.

4. Visit Skylight.

An amazing rooftop bar hosting a summer fare complete with

croquet, pop-up bars and pergolas.

5. Take a trip to the seaside.

Make the most of the weather and head to the shore

for a stroll along the beach and a 99 cone. Although likely to be busy over the

bank holiday weekend it is sure to be a road trip with something for everyone.

Whatever you decide to do and however you decide to spend your bank holiday

be sure to make the most of it!

World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20. On this day Anton Janša, the pioneer of

beekeeping, was born in 1734.

The purpose of the international day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other

pollinators for the ecosystem. So why are bees so important?

In order to be able to feed the world’s growing population, we need ever more food,

which must be diverse, balanced and of good quality to ensure the progress and

well-being of humankind.

Bees are renowned for their role in providing high-quality food (honey, royal jelly

and pollen) and other products used in healthcare and other sectors (beeswax,

propolis, honey bee venom). But the work of bees entails much more!

The greatest contribution of bees and other pollinators is the pollination of nearly

three quarters of the plants that produce 90% of the world’s food. A third of the

world’s food production depends on bees, i.e. every third spoonful of food depends

on pollination.

Every individual can contribute to the preservation of bees and other pollinators:

🐝 Plant nectar-bearing flowers for decorative purposes on balconies, terraces,

and gardens.

🐝 Buy honey and other hive products from your nearest local beekeeper.

🐝 Raise awareness among children and adolescents on the importance of bees

and express your support for beekeepers.

🐝 Set up a pollinator farm on your balcony, terrace, or garden; you can either

make it yourself or buy at any home furnishings store.

🐝 Preserve old meadows – which feature a more diverse array of flowers –

and sow nectar-bearing plants.

🐝 Cut grass on meadows only after the nectar-bearing plants have finished

blooming.

🐝 Offer suitable farming locations for the temporary or permanent settlement

of bees so that they have suitable pasture; as a consequence, they will

pollinate our plants, which will thereby bear more fruit.

🐝 Use pesticides that do not harm bees, and spray them in windless

weather, either early in the morning or late at night, when bees withdraw

from blossoms.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May the 12th, the

anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth and is used to mark the contributions

that nurses make to society.

Historically, as well as today, nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics

and pandemics - providing high quality and respectful treatment and care.

They are often the first and sometimes the only health professional that people

see and the quality of their initial assessment, care and treatment is vital.

Nurses account for more than half of all the world’s health workers, yet there is

an urgent shortage of nurses worldwide with 5.9 million more nurses still

needed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play. Without

nurses and other health workers, we will not win the battle against outbreaks,

we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals or universal health

coverage. So lets take today to celebrate all that our nurses do for us & our

country.

Tonight step outside and look up at the sky to appreciate the stars as today is

National Space Day - celebrated on the first Friday of May.

First created to inspire us all in the pursuit of knowledge and progress we could say

that National Space Day’s history starts at the beginning of the universe itself, when

an intense pressure and temperature resulted in the Big Band, exploding the

universe and everything into existence.

Unbelievably we’ve only been exploring space for less than 60 years with the first

space flight being undertaken by the Soviets on April 12 th 1961.

Fun space fact:

Did you know sound cannot be heard in space. Sound travels from one point to

another by making vibrations in molecules and atoms. Because there is no air, and

therefore no medium through which sound can travel, outer space is eerily quiet.

Also check out Scooploop group with all the latest space-related news:

https://www.scooploop.com/groups/all-about-space

Water is life. Water is also a joy - from swimming in the sea or swimming pool on hot days, to relaxing in the bathtub after a hard day. Water is hygiene. Water is rain, the joyful spring one and the hated November one. You can talk about water endlessly, because it is needed everywhere and for everything. But did you know that the water is running out... and we have to start taking care of it.

1. First, the taps

Check all of your taps in the kitchen and bathroom. If one is leaking, check if it is enough to replace the gasket or if it is better to buy a new one. Even if only one tap in your home is dripping water, it is wasteful. These drops add up to many litres of wasted water every day, week, or month. In principle, this also applies to the garden hose and the toilet. The latter is often a problem. The red stains you often see in the bowl (which are a nightmare to clean) form when there is a leak in the toilet and the water flows in a small trickle constantly.

2. Second, limit showers

Someone once counted how much water is used for an average shower. It turns out to be 15 to 30 litres of water per minute! That's a lot of water. And although it is a great pleasure, especially after a hard day or physical work, it is worth doing something good for the earth and shortening this pleasure by half. By doing this you will still have enough time to wash yourself properly, but you will be aware that you have done something good. It is similar with baths. An average bathtub is around 200 litres. Let's say you pour only half of this; 100 litres, just to sit in a bubble bath. It is much less than a shower, but it is worth considering whether it is really a necessary part of your life. Maybe you are able to limit this pleasure to one day a week?

3. Third, turn off the water

Do you brush your teeth and keep the water running? You want to take a shower, so you run the water first to warm it up? Do you wash by hand, although you have a dishwasher? How many times is the tap water running for no reason? Or rather for no good reason? You probably don't realize it right now, but pay attention to it and you'll find that it is more common than you think. Start looking after yourself and your loved ones. You will save not only water, but also money.

4. Fourth, the dishwasher

A dishwasher is a great device that saves time and water. This does not mean, however, that it does not consume it at all. It turns out to be up to 75 litres for each wash. Therefore, remember to only turn it on when it is full. The dishwasher will not take less water because it is partially empty. So it is better to fill it up before using. The same applies to the washing machine, it is better to do the laundry less often, but with a full load, than to wash a few things every day. Apparently it is also the case that a washing machine with too few things washes worse than one that is full to the brim.

5. Fifth, if you wash something in the sink

If you need to wash a dish in the sink, or prepare vegetables for soup, don't do it under the flowing water. Pour water into the sink and wash what you need there.

6. Sixth, you need to water your lawn less often

I know it's hard to watch your garden deteriorate and your grass turn yellow and become more like hay. Unfortunately, watering consumes a lot of water. Many countries with a really difficult hydrological situation even prohibit watering lawns in summer. There are high penalties for breaking this rule. However, if you do decide to water, do it once and properly. If you water just a little the water will evaporate quickly. However, if you water it deeply, thoroughly and for a long time, the water will soak deep into the roots and keep the grass in a good condition for a long time.

7. Seventh, make friends with a broom

If you live in a house, I’m sure you wash your driveway or sidewalks with water to keep them clean. These activities waste huge amounts of water. It is better if you sweep everything up. It is a much more tiring and dirty method, but definitely ecological.

8. Eighth, wash your car less often

Nobody likes a car so dusty that you can draw or write on it with your finger. However it is best if we keep washes to a minimum. Whether it's a manual or automatic car wash, it uses thousands of liters of water just to keep your car shiny until the next rain ...

9. Ninth, look at what you buy

If you intend to replace your washing machine or dishwasher in the near future, remember to pay attention to how much water they use. Sometimes it is better to pay more and have energy-saving equipment alongside using much less water. Thanks to this, in the future you will not only do something good for the world, but also save money, because the investment will definitely pay off.

10. Tenth, take care of your clothes

While this may seem unsanitary, some garments do not need to be washed after each wear. Jeans, tracksuits (as long as you do not exercise in them), jackets, coats, scarves, hats, skirts, you can wash less often. Thanks to this, you will not only save water, but also protect your clothes from quick damage, because frequent washing accelerates the wear and tear on clothes.

11. Eleventh, collect water

If you have a garden, you can try to collect rainwater. This is an old method from the 18th century and earlier, but very effective in collecting water for garden watering. It will probably take some time to collect enough water to water your plants, but it is worth trying to save water.

12. Twelfth, don't let the water evaporate

If you are one of the lucky ones who have a pool, even an inflatable one, remember to keep it covered when not in use. This will prevent the evaporation of water, which would then need to be refilled.

13. Thirteenth, use the same water twice

For example, the water you use to wash the fruit can be used afterwards to water the flowers. Place some utensils under the tap, collect the water and use it later to water flowers or wash the vegetables. There are many situations where water used for an activity can be reused.

There are many simple ways to save water, but we are not yet trained to pay attention to them on a daily basis. It is worth taking care of changing habits in everyday life. Small steps taken by many people will give great results.

To mark World Book Day join one of our amazing virtual book clubs linked below.

Offering recommendations, reviews and entertainment!

World Book Day’s mission is to allow every child & young person to have a book of their own, through fundraisers, providing resources and inspiring minds.

Invite your friends and relatives to our book clubs and lets start the discussion today

www.scooploop.com/groups/the-book-club

www.scooploop.com/groups/book-club

As the world returns to normal we cannot afford to return to our normal habits.

April the 21st is the time to give thought to our World and the climate change that is happening before our eyes.

Join the world’s leaders for Earth Day 2021.

Together, we can prevent the coming disasters of climate change and environmental destruction.
Together, we can Restore Our Earth.

The theme for Earth Day 2021 is Restore our Earth, which focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world's ecosystems. In this way, the theme rejects the notion that mitigation or adaptation are the only ways to address climate change.

Earth day 2021 kicks off with a global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising and hundreds of young climate activists. It will consist of panels, speeches, discussions and guest speakers such as Greta Thunberg.

Learn more and get involved at www.earthday.org

I'm so stressed out! I have had such a stressful day today that I have no strength for anything! Tomorrow I have a tough day ahead of me, I'm so stressed out. It's been a really stressful week ... You know that feeling? Everybody knows! Unfortunately! Stress is one of the signs of our times. Everything stresses us out. Not a day goes by without stress. Since stress is, and will be with us forever, let's learn to deal with it.

1. Do exercise

Do you ever have the feeling, after a hard day full of stress, despite the enormous fatigue, you feel like doing something? Some people cook, some clean, some mow the grass around the house. But the best way to get rid of the stress and this extreme mental fatigue is exercise. During exercise, the brain releases endorphins, i.e. happiness hormones, so although you feel tired, you are also more relaxed. Additionally, practicing sports lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol. The best results are achieved by regular sports and routine. Your body will be very grateful for such efforts. As a reward you will also sleep better. Stress has a very negative effect on sleep, often leading to insomnia, which further intensifies the feeling of negative emotions. That is why a relaxed body sleeps better and sleep is good for health, so ... get ready to start exercising!

There is one more reason why you should exercise. Regular physical activity will positively influence the appearance of your body, so your self-esteem will also improve. Hence, there is a straightforward path to greater self-confidence, which in turn will make your co-workers and bosses see you as a more competent person.

2. Love yoga

Since we are already discussing physical activity, yoga also has an amazing anti-stress effect. Yoga is a series of exercises that have a relaxing effect by learning to breathe and control both the body and the mind.

3. Or maybe a walk

Not everyone likes or can play sports. But that does not mean that there arent alternative. Walking the dog, walking in the forest or Nordic walking in the park are equally good and effective ways to exercise. You can go alone and have time to think about many things, or with a friend to take your mind off your problems and talk about something pleasant. Or maybe you just need to tell someone about your problems, maybe you will solve them easier (and calm your shattered nerves) if you say out loud what is happening, listen to the advice and opinion of another person. During a walk you will get additional oxygen and calm down. Anyway, the very change of surroundings, leaving the house for pleasure, birds singing, the plants around you will act like a cure.

4. Supplements - yes or no?

You can also consider taking supplements. But be very careful here, it's best to consult a doctor, because poorly chosen supplements and vitamins can do a lot of harm. But to the point, what can help you and what should you consider?

Our grandmothers already knew that lemon balm is the best for stress. Lemon balm is brewed like mint, and both herbs come from the same family. It is best to drink it in the evening, before going to bed. Lemon balm gently relieves stress and can be purchased at any pharmacy. Ashwagandha, used in Ayurvedic medicine, is also a good supplement. It helps with stress and anxiety. In addition, you can reach for green tea, which, as it contains many antioxidants, has a good effect on our health. If, however, you have problems with sleep, you can reach for valerian. My primary school biology teacher always talked to students who were afraid of tests, and advised them to drink a bucket of valerian before leaving the house. It has a calming effect and has hypnotic properties.

5. Candles - not only romantic

If you don't have a problem with lighting up scented candles (they make some people nauseous, especially those sweet smells like vanilla or cinnamon with apple), this is also a great way to relax. If you like stronger fragrances, you can use essential oils. There are several fragrances that have a soothing effect on the nerves and the body, e.g. lavender, rose, bergamot, Roman chamomile, sandalwood oil. If you have a free evening, take a bath, and place a few candles or a vessel with essential oil in the bathroom. The heat will intensify the smells, and your warm skin will absorb everything better.

6. The less coffee the better

It sounds illogical - after all, the caffeine contained in coffee stimulates, you probably think that only thanks to it you are able to start functioning in the morning. However, it is worth limiting the number of cups or mugs of coffee. Remember that caffeine is also found in tea, energy drinks and even chocolate. Unfortunately, the excess of caffeine (and it will mean something different for everyone) causes over-stimulation, and this, contrary to appearances, can increase anxiety. This doesn't mean you should give up the pleasure at all, but remember that your veins should be flowing with blood, not coffee.

7. Dear diary …

Sounds a little old fashioned? Scientific research has shown that if you are very stressed about something or have a serious problem, it is worth writing about it. It will allow you to see your situation from someone else's perspective. Perhaps thanks to this you will find that the situation is not as hopeless as it seems. And this is the first step to success, which will be a relaxing day, month, year, or maybe the rest of your life. If you do not want to write about what stresses you, write about what is good in your life. This way you will also see that it is not too bad, and perhaps you will be more relaxed about topics that have been asource of stress so far.

8. Friends

Nowadays, when the epidemic is raging, it's more difficult than ever, but if you can't meet in person with family or friends, try to keep in touch with them on a regular basis by phone or online. Talking to someone close to you can be very helpful and relaxing, even cleansing, it can open your eyes and allow you to look at your problems from a completely different perspective.

9. Take care of closeness

Physical closeness is of great importance in our lives. Hugging, kissing, and sex are the most natural methods of reducing stress, relaxing and focusing on pleasure. That is why it is worth taking care of this sphere of life and, importantly, teaching children that closeness is an extremely important element of life.

10. Laughter is good for health

This rule has been known for a very long time. And it is still relevant today. Because how can you stress when laughing? And besides, when you laugh, your muscles relax, and when they relax, you lose stress. But what is there to laugh at, if you feel like crying? Watch a comedy or some stand-up. Call a friend who you know always has some funny stories or engaging stories to tell. You have to find your own way to laugh.

11. Learn to say no

So the more assertiveness in your life, the less stress. How is that possible? Sometimes it happens and you take on more than you can do, because the boss insisted at work, because your friend is not getting better and asked for help, because at home, the wife / husband / partner wants to rest, so they ask you to take over some of the duties.

That's why it's so important to say no. People will not be offended, on the contrary, they may start to take more consideration of you. Firstly, with less on your mind you will have less stress, secondly, people will start to see you as a firm and in control person. Either way, you will gain quite a lot from it.

12. Don't leave anything for the last minute

This is the key to success at work, but also a way to avoid additional stress. So plan your day at work and after work. Write it on a piece of paper, in a notebook, calendar or find the appropriate computer program and write down everything you have to do with dates. By controlling your responsibilities, you will not allow everything to get out of control. If it helps you relieve your stress even to a small extent - it's worth a try.

13. Music therapy

The best soothing, calm, instrumental music. Listening to it makes your body relax, lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, and can even lower your stress hormone levels. Celtic and Indian music is especially recommended. But actually listen to what you like, the mere pleasure of listening to your favorite artists will make you feel more relaxed. Personally, I love to turn on natural music in the evening, and the most relaxing sound for me is the rain and storms.

14. Become an artist

Really painting, embroidering, pasting, carving, molding clay or whatever you like to do / always wanted to do, will be a great way to relax. Do you think you have no artistic talent? There is a solution for you too. Coloring books for adults have become very popular in recent years. They require high precision, and therefore focus. And by focusing on something other than your problems, you will calm down and relax. Believe that coloring is addictive!

15. Take a deep breath

Remember when your mom used to say that the best way to calm yourself down is to take a few deep breaths and count to 10? Yes, this is still a great way to deal with stress. Deep breathing makes you focus on what you are doing, which means you can forget about the problems or reasons why you are so upset. Remember to inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Slowly and deeply. Do you feel the tension dropping, heart beating a little slower and blood flowing in the arteries slower? This is how deep breathing works.

16. Don't forget to eat

Everyone reacts to stress differently, some cannot swallow anything, others eat their feelings. Neither method is healthy or beneficial. It is worth remembering that your diet has a huge influence on how you feel. Hungry, even if you don't feel it, you are weakened, you work slower, and as a result, when something doesn't work out, you get angry more easily. On the other hand by eating everything you can get your hands on, usually salty and sweet snacks, you only lower your self-esteem and expose yourself to remorse, which in itself causes unnecessary stress. A balanced diet, regular meals, and avoiding dehydration are some of the basic ways to reduce stress.

17. Sleep is health

And again, you must have heard it from your mom many times. But that's the truth, even when it comes to dealing with stress. Unfortunately, stress and sleep problems often go hand in hand. You are awake because you are nervous, you experience the events of the whole day, you cannot calm down and as a result the night passes almost without sleep. And when you lack sleep, you are all the more nervous, because you are tired, because your head hurts, because you are cold, although the sun is out. This creates a vicious circle. To make it easier to fall asleep, you can use a few tricks: don't watch TV before bed, take a bath, go for a walk, don't stay up late. Wait for a moment in the evening when you feel like you might fall asleep. And don't be surprised that you fall asleep better if you go to bed at a quarter past 10 rather than midnight. Use the advice contained in this text, because they all have a calming effect, and thus - put you to sleep.

It doesn't matter if you are an avid cook or just starting your adventure with cooking, good advice is useful to everyone. Sometimes obvious, sometimes quite unexpected, but always useful and worth remembering.

1. Don't put too much on the pan

The basis of well-done meat is that the heat is evenly distributed. Therefore, it is very important that you do not put too many pieces of meat in the pan. If there is too much meat, there is a risk that not everything will be fried at the same time and that you will serve your guests with pieces that are not fried and pieces that are overcooked. Neither one nor the other will make you a second Nigella.

2. Red meat needs a rest

What does this mean in practice? The steak, even a deep-fried one, cannot be dry. To keep the center juicy, leave it alone for a few minutes before you slice it. Everyone will love your steak with this simple trick.

3. Aromatic spices are well-stored spices

If you want your spices to retain their flavor and aroma for a long time, it is best to store them in a dry, dark and relatively cool place. A kitchen cupboard or drawer is best, except for those near an oven or stove.

4. Do you know what to do to make it easier to cut herbs?

The answer is so trivial that ... you never thought of it. The trick is to sprinkle salt on the board before slicing. It is this that will make the herbs stay where they should, for as long as they should.

5. Do not pour out the cooking water

If you want to make an insanely delicious pasta sauce, leave a cup of cooking water. Add it to the sauce to serve the pasta with. The starch contained in the water will naturally thicken the sauce, and the taste of pasta cooking will increase the taste of the dish.

6. Make thoughtful stocks

Do you know this feeling: you open the fridge, look at the shelves and see nothing interesting? Do you decide to order something to go again, because you have nothing to cook dinner with? With our help, this will never happen again. Here is a short list of the basic ingredients that you can always use to create creative dishes:

1. Freezer: minced meat, chicken fillet, frozen vegetables, fruit and ice cream.

2. Dry products: soda, flour, rice, groats, sugar, pasta (various types), bread crumbs, coffee, tea.

3. In the fridge: eggs, cream, milk, kefir, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, butter, olive oil, a few vegetables, fruit (apples, lemons).

4. In your home pantry it is worth having: tortilla, jam, canned corn, canned peas, canned tomatoes, canned beans, pickled cucumbers, pickled cucumbers, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, canned tuna, tomato paste, potatoes , peppers, and lettuce.

7. Don't throw it away, use it.

And how to do it? Start by properly storing vegetables and herbs. A paper towel will be a helpful and irreplaceable element here. Believe me, you will love this method, because it will keep your vegetables and herbs fresh for two or three times longer. How to do it. Herbs (dill, parsley, chives, basil and others) wash and wrap in a towel, then wet the towel. Store everything in a container that you keep in the refrigerator or directly in the refrigerator. It is a bit different with vegetables. They will stay fresh longer if you don't wash them and wrap them in a dry paper towel. Try it and you will see for yourself that this method is life changing.

8. A revolutionary way to make rice

Put the cooked rice into a hot frying pan, in which you will melt a tablespoon of butter. Fry the rice until it becomes even more powdery. You can also make something like a rice crust - kids love it! Adults ... also. If you like, add turmeric or sweet or smoked paprika while frying.

9. Water doesn't like salt

Well, maybe not really, but it certainly doesn't like it at the beginning of cooking. It is true that there will be many people that will disprove this theory, but ... water for porridge, rice or pasta will boil faster if it is not salted.

10. It doesn't taste good - salt it

Usually, we don't like food because it's too bland. The solution is a little salt. It makes food taste good, but beware, too much is not healthy. Oversalted is worse than bland.

11. Great caramelized onion

Do you use stewed onions in your kitchen? You get the feeling that something is missing. The solution to all your onion problems is sugar. Put the chopped onion into a hot pan with olive oil and add the same amount of sugar as salt. How much? Here you have to trust your culinary instincts. One thing is for sure, the caramelized onion will enhance the taste of any meat dish.

12. A piece of butter makes the sauce the best of the best

This is the key to success that every chef knows. Therefore, the next time, at the very end of preparing the sauce, add a few pieces of cold butter to it. In this way, the sauce will not only gain taste, but also look - it will be smooth and shiny.

13. Dry the meat before frying

Or baking ... before each heat treatment. Wet, non-drained meat will stick to the pan or other pan. If you dry it beforehand with a paper towel, it will have a delicious ruddy skin after preparation.

14. Roasted nuts? But why?!

Have you ever wondered why in all recipes using nuts, they have them roasted? Do you think it's an extra job, a waste of time? This is wrong. Roasted nuts gain flavor. You can do this in a dry, preheated pan or in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.

15. Family dinner - a family nightmare?

No, no and no. It doesn't have to be that way. If you're planning a party, plan simple dishes that take only a little while, not an eternity to prepare. And it's best to focus on one dish and to make it the hero of the table. Baked chicken with extras such as mashed potatoes with butter and cream accompanied by lettuce and baked cherry tomatoes is always a hit! Good luck :)

16. Dry meat is a thing of the past

We will tell you the biggest secret of meat preparation. Well, before you prepare pork chops, chicken or roast ham, put the meat in the brine. Thanks to this, it will keep the flavor, juicy centre and tenderness on the outside.

17. Sometimes it is enough to be patient

The key to a perfect roast is not to turn it nervously every several or even a few minutes, but patience. Stew or bake the meat calmly, don't come around and check it constantly. Continuously looking into the tray only releases the heat needed for the meat to cook well.

18. How often do you sharpen your knives?

Exactly! Probably rarely, maybe you don't even remember the last time you did. There is nothing worse than blunt knives. So remember once and for all, before you start cutting, use the sharpener first.

With Covid lockdown eased recently throughout England, what had you missed doing the most?

Pubs opened on Monday and people flocked to their local beer gardens to enjoy the new found freedom.

Despite the uncommonly cold weather, in true British fashion, patrons wrapped up, walked out and headed for a drink with their nearest and dearest.

With restaurants and non essential shops slowly beginning to open heres a list of activities for this coming weekend to keep you busy

https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/calendar/2021/04/17

Happy International Pet Day Everyone!

With almost 50% of UK citizens owning a pet, it is easy to see how important our animal friends are to us.

With the first domesticated animal being.. .you guessed it, the all time favourite dog. Thought to have first been domesticated between 13,000 and 30,000 years ago!

Over the years our love for our small friends has grown and diversified to include a whole range of species, from tarantulas and lizards to birds and sugar gliders.

Here are some fun facts for you to help you celebrate today:

https://brightside.me/wonder-animals/20-curious-facts-about-pets-thatll-make-you-love-them-even-more-757860/

Have a great day!

Travel is always a logistical challenge. The more people, the more children, the more complicated the logistics. Here are some tips; what to do to make life easier for yourself and others and make your next trip a pleasure rather than a pain.

1) Always Have Something To Eat With You

Especially when you are traveling with children. It is a known fact that a hungry person is an angry person, and a hungry child becomes unbearable :) Remember that you can’t take drinks through security. So will most likely have to buy these once you are ‘airside’ from one of the many shops. However an exception is made in certain situations, for example with babies milk. Despite the strict guidelines airlines have regarding beverages, no airline prohibits snacks. These can be extremely useful for everyone, for example, if the flight is delayed or if you have a transfer with many hours of waiting. What can we say, sometimes we eat not only from hunger, but also from boredom, and at the airport you can get bored. It is also an option for those on a budget, as eating at the airport costs much more than almost anywhere else.

2) Do Not Pack Large Bottles Of Water

Of course, you can bring a bottle of water to the airport itself, or even two:) But you will not go through check-in with drinks with a capacity of more than 100 ml. It is worth remembering this so that you do not end up throwing your supplies into the trash, or even worse (which is not so rare), so that you do not stand in front of the gate and drink everything quickly.

3) Remember About The Toilet

Seems silly and frivolous? Nothing could be further from the truth, we forget to use the toilet under stress and when we are in a rush. We will look after the children sooner than we think about ourselves. Therefore, it is worth remembering as one of the basic points before a trip: use the toilet, at home and at the airport. You never know when you will have this opportunity again.

4) If Possible, Choose Flights Early In The Morning

Early morning flights are rarely delayed, so you have a much better chance of getting to your destination on time. Don't forget to bring a pillow and a blanket, especially if you're traveling with a baby. There is a good chance that on the way to the airport, and even at the airport itself, your toddler will want to take a nap.

5) Arrive At The Airport Much Earlier

I know it is easy to say and harder to do, but it is really good practice to plan your trip so that you will be at the airport 2 hours before departure. By doing this you will avoid the stress associated with possible traffic jams on the roads or the queue for check-in. Traveling nerves are not welcome, and nothing is more stressful than being late for a flight.

6) Anything You Can - Do Online

In fact, most of the flight activities are done online. If possible, check-in and pay any fees online. You can do it 24 hours before departure. This will save you time and often stress at the airport.

7) Check Everything A Few Times

Make sure you pack everything, e.g. documents, wallet, medicines, if you take any, phone, charger, bathing suit or swimming trunks, or on the contrary, winter clothes, children's toys, favorite mascot. In a word, everything that is missing will make your life difficult while traveling and when at your destination.

8) Limit Your Hand Luggage

Having your free hands will make it much easier to move around the airport and the rush associated with possible delays or transfers. By having few things with you, there is also less risk of losing or leaving something in a hurry. This method will also be perfect when you are traveling with children. Sometimes a long wait for a flight or a very early or very late departure time will make the little ones want to take a nap and you may very well end up carrying them to the plane. Imagine that, apart from the child, you have to carry your handbag and a backpack with books and toys. Horror? Maybe not, but definitely unnecessary stress, nerves and sweat.

9) Better Not Go Over The Baggage Allowance

Even if you are going away for a long time, you can pack your bags so as not to exceed the luggage limits. They are similar in most airlines: 20 kg for checked baggage (some airlines allow 30 kg) and 8 kg for hand luggage. In the latter case, you must also meet the requirements for the size of the luggage itself, not only its weight. If you have to take more items and your checked baggage is heavier than your allowance, be prepared to pay extra for excess baggage. Here it is worth checking the price list before departure so that there are no surprises.

10) Remember To Pack Chargers, Power Banks Or Spare Batteries.

I don't think I need to explain this. It seems obvious, but we often forget about chargers and cables for our devices. If you want to avoid the stressful search for a charger store and avoid overpaying for it, remember to always check that everything is packed before leaving the house. It is worth taking several chargers with you, not only to be able to charge several devices at the same time, but also to have spare, for example, when you leave one at the airport or in a cafe. A power bank is also a good solution, which will protect you from being cut off from the world when there is nowhere to recharge and the battery is already very weak.

11) Always Keep Your Flight Tickets And Passport Together

This will avoid the last minute search for where what is hidden. It's also worth finding out once and for all where it is best to keep these documents. For example, a side pocket of pants, necessarily zippered, an easily accessible but closed pocket in your hand luggage, or any other area that you think will work, but a potential thief will not be able to easily access.

12) Check If Your Documents Have Expired

Remember that if you need passports while traveling, they must be valid for at least 6 months. Additionally, visas maya be an important formality during the trip. Many countries allow the possibility of obtaining a tourist visa on the spot (quick procedure at the airport). However, there are some countries that still require a visa prior to arrival.

13) First, Find Your Departure Gate

Perhaps this is another piece of advice that seems so obvious that it makes no sense. Nevertheless, it's a good practice to find your goal calmly and then find some quiet cafe near it. In this way, when the time of your departure comes, you will not run through half of the airport with the fear that the gates will close in a moment and you will be left on the wrong side.

14) Dress Comfortably And Not Too Lightly

Even if you are flying out on a hot day and flying to an equally hot place, take some light sweatshirts or sweaters with you on the plane. Air conditioning in the plane can mess up a lot. Of course, for the trip itself, it is worth choosing comfortable things that do not hinder movement, that can be easily removed (outerwear) and put on. The kind in which you won't sweat or freeze. And ladies, the less jewelry the better, forget about high heels or wedges. Flat sneakers will work best.

15) Prepare For The Security Check In Advance

Instead of nervously removing straps, jewelry, taking out phones, laptops, tablets immediately before the inspection, it is worth storing all devices in one place in a handbag so that you can quickly remove them if necessary. Personal items such as jewelry or a belt should also be removed earlier. Thanks to this, they will be checked by the scanner and you will pass through the security gates without unnecessary problems and time wasting. This will make life easier not only for you, but also for other travelers who will be queuing behind you.

There is a high probability that the tips mentioned here are not exhaustive, but they are certainly useful and result from many years of experience and observation.

Happy International Women's Day to you all.

Take today to celebrate the ladies in your life; to celebrate women’s rights, and to spread a little love!

Do you know why we celebrate International Women’s day on the 8th of March?
The reason is more interesting than you might think… https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/international-womens-day

Are small businesses the dark horses of the high street?

What can we do to help save our local high streets?

Read our latest blog all about what we can do to help save our high streets.

https://blog.scooploop.com/2020/02/04/what-can-we-do-to-save-our-high-streets/?refso=facebook&refid=1&fbclid=IwAR0rfROB3TUQ77nZQBB1ZMCUo_iOz0rHLWhD_bPNAnzwXpXlF4wMEv1tL5M

Showing your companies voice is important but how do you do this?

Read our latest blog about the importance of having a social media presence and how it can help your business...

https://blog.scooploop.com/2020/02/20/the-importance-of-having-an-online-presence-for-your-business/?fbclid=IwAR0HK4-ti4-qnRpPV-DDjl1SfUeq0ChOzQOaPsaAu6ldgU1EdGw_gkYNPgs

How to make your business stand out in a crowded market...

Top tips to help you ensure your business reaches its full potential!

https://blog.scooploop.com/2020/03/16/make-your-business-stand-out-in-a-busy-crowd/?fbclid=IwAR2ZB772v9dpyny4J3tyExsTuHDARhIN1rvVeHyGs97-31cP4midAzGkUCs

We're here to support all small businesses in this time of need. Read our tips on how to help your local businesses throughout this hard time...

https://blog.scooploop.com/2020/03/20/how-to-help-your-local-businesses-during-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR1ifr7NkziW0mgrF2EemXv172XcvLm3cDotXlqCbUUzVic1lFbcpN-spTY

The importance of trust, credibility and verification when it comes to business...

https://blog.scooploop.com/2020/04/14/trust-credibility-and-verifying-your-business/?fbclid=IwAR2zq_KHLVf_WMShAUGBS1yvdkhzb-DSOLbgP8FhlL4rtuQmHSunsceE6Kc

Read our latest blog on tips that we offer to help build your customer base!

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many and varied wildlife species throughout the world!

To celebrate here are some fun facts for you to enjoy:

Did you know that snails can sleep for up to 3 years at a time?

Or that for every human in the world there are … 1000000 ants
How about that a bat can eat up to 1000 insects per hour

.
And a tarantula can survive for more than two years without food!

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/86578/50-incredible-animal-facts-youll-want-share

Have a great day

The Scooploop Team