What makes camping such a wonderful experience is the opportunity to step away from all the demands of everyday life and get a chance to relax and unwind. It allows you to enjoy the wonders of nature, as well as the companionship of friends and family. And unlike expensive vacations in remote locations, camping is easily accessible to anyone. All you need is some basic equipment and a good camping site.

As you get closer to nature, you will have to learn how to live in harmony with it. In the end, we all are responsible for the pristine environment, so we should do our best to keep it clean. To do so while camping, you should stick to reusable dishes, prepare meals yourself, use natural cleaning supplies, and camp in designated areas, among other things. As you plan your next camping trip, make sure you follow the environmentally-friendly camping tips described below. 

Pick the Right Gear

The gear you will need while camping depends on your preferred camping style. However, one thing is certain: don’t bring anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. This means that you should avoid taking any luxury items and gadgets with you; instead, focus on things that will add to your comfort and convenience.

On top of that, you can limit your impact on the environment by choosing sustainable solutions. For example, a solar generator for camping trips is a great alternative to traditional batteries, as it allows you to recharge the necessary devices using a renewable energy source. Moreover, instead of buying brand new camping gear, you can easily find second-hand equipment, which will be as good as new and much cheaper.

Stick to Reusable Dishes

If you plan to eat meals at the camp, it is much better to bring your own dishes. This will not only help you avoid using disposable plastics but also reduce the overall amount of trash you produce. Dishes made out of paper and cardboard are an excellent choice if you are planning a short stay, as they are lightweight and biodegradable. Metal or wood bowls are a better choice, however, as they are much more durable and easier to clean and can serve you for a longer time.

Prepare Meals Yourself

Preparing meals yourself is a great way to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint. There are plenty of easy camping recipes you can try, such as omelets, stir-fries, chili, and so much more. Just make sure you use fresh ingredients and refrain from eating too much meat, as it is a resource-intensive product.

When preparing for the trip, consider getting organic foods. Not only are they often healthier alternatives to processed ingredients, but they are also grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides, making them much more environmentally friendly.

Use Natural Cleaning Supplies

When it comes to cleaning, a good way to use fewer chemicals is to opt for natural cleaning supplies. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are just as effective and more eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners. You can also add some essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint, to give them a more pleasant scent.

Needless to say, you should stay away from any strong disinfectants, as they can be really harmful to the environment as well as your health. The same goes for body products, so make sure to bring biodegradable soaps and shampoos.

Camp in Designated Areas

Camping in the wilderness provides the opportunity to see the most beautiful wonders of Mother Nature. However, if you want to make sure you don’t damage the environment, it is vital to camp in designated areas only. Otherwise, you risk scaring away animals, disrupting their usual habits, and posing a general threat to everything around you, especially if you plan a campfire.

There are numerous campgrounds located near trails and actual wilderness, so you can enjoy the beauty of nature without spoiling it, not to mention that such sites are often safer and more convenient than wild camping.

Make Your Campfire Safe

Campfires are an inseparable part of camping. However, if you want to keep them safe, it is essential to follow some basic rules. First and foremost, never leave a campfire unattended. This means that you should always make sure it is completely out before going to sleep or leaving. And if you use firewood, collect it from the ground and not from living trees.

To ensure you have a safe fire, it is essential to clear the area of all dry materials. Also, keep the fire in a pit that has been dug for that purpose. And, if possible, add some fireproof materials, such as sand or clay, around the campfire and then use it to put out the fire to minimize the risk of spreading.

Dispose of Waste Properly

The next time you go camping, avoid using plastic bags and throw your trash in the designated bins. This way, it will be easier to sort it out and limit the amount of waste going to the landfill. In addition, you should consider bringing reusable containers with you, so you can carry everything you need rather than use disposables.

If possible, try to avoid burning any trash, as it can cause wildfires. The same goes for glass bottles, so make sure you rinse them out before putting them in the recycling bin. Also, as tempting as it may seem, don’t try to get rid of food waste by throwing it away. Instead, look for a dumpster near your campsite and dispose of it there.

To Sum Up

Camping is a great way to enjoy the wonders of nature and spend some quality time with your loved ones. However, if you want to minimize your impact on the environment, you should follow these environmentally-friendly camping tips. 

For example, use reusable dishes and avoid taking any disposable items with you. Also, cook your own meals and choose natural cleaning supplies. And if you are planning a fire, make sure you are safe and dispose of waste properly.

If you are planning a trip, make sure to use these guidelines for a greener camping experience.

IDEAL for meeting their exacting standards…

Hands up who’s got a best friend who is stylish, distinguished and discerning? 

Now, hands up who’s got a best friend who’s impossibly difficult to buy gifts for? 

Yep, we’re seeing the exact same number of hands raised sky high. And what beautifully manicured hands they are, we might add…

It can be tough to shop for a best friend who is so discerning (and, sometimes, a little picky) about cosmetics, fashion, flowers, and pampering products, but that shouldn’t mean that your best friend simply receives a card each year for their birthday. Instead, here are 4 elegant and sophisticated ideas for your best friend, IDEAL for meeting their exacting standards.

Splurge on High-End Cosmetics

While your best friend may wear makeup regularly, it doesn’t mean she treats herself to luxury or high-end cosmetics with the same consistency. After all, splurging on such items can feel frivolous, and in the current climate of fast rising costs, it can be hard to justify such purchases.

So, why not give her something really special that she will cherish (and perhaps think of you!) each time she uses it? High-end cosmetics tend to last longer since you require less of the product itself, as they boast the most cutting edge, high-quality ingredients, meaning it might not be such a frivolous investment after all.

Some of the more popular high-end brands to check out include Charlotte Tilbury, Natasha Denona, Bobbi Brown, Dior, Chanel and Pat McGrath. Even if your bestie doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, you can always choose something like a tinted lip balm, a fabulous bronzer or a luxurious mascara to take her eyelashes to the next level.

Flowers Always Put a Smile on Someone’s Face

If your best friend is one of those women who seems to already have everything – and it sounds like they might be – then we know how difficult it can be to come up with a gift idea. 

That’s when a gorgeous bouquet of carefully curated flowers comes to the rescue. The great thing about flowers is that they needn’t even be a birthday gift. If your friend is having a bad day, for instance, then ordering same day flowers means she will have something fresh, fragrant, and fabulous to cheer her up.

These arrangements may also allow you to choose a decorative vase to send them in, making even more of an impression. Just make sure you bear in mind the season, as well as her favourite colours and scents. 

Suddenly, we’re wishing you were our best friend, too…

Luxury Scented Candles Will Elevate Her Home

Speaking of wonderful, encapsulating aromas, another elegant gift idea is luxury scented candles. We’re not talking about the kind that you find at a big box store; instead, they should feature premium ingredients that will provide the ultimate throw and burn time, and that remarkably satisfying heft when you pick them up. 

A high-quality scented candle can last months, depending on use, and can be strong enough to fill many rooms with the scent. You could always put together a gift basket with a selection of candles with your best friend’s favourite scented candle aromas. Depending on your budget, you may want to add scented hand soap to go along with them. 

Some of our favourite high quality scented candle brands and makers include NEOM, Anthropologie, Urban Apothecary, Jo Malone and The White Company.

Read: The IDEAL home office aromas

A Sumptuous Lounge Wear Set – Comfortable and Stylish

Then we’ve got loungewear, which anyone can make use of. However, don’t just go for any loungewear – look for a set that is made from elegant fabric so it will feel luxurious against her skin. There’s a good chance she will love the loungewear set so much that she’ll want to wear it day and night. And hey; what’s wrong with that?

We just love the loungewear from Joseph, Baserange, Live The Process, Whistles, and Arket.

The Bottom Line

No matter which gift you end up choosing from this list, they will all ooze elegance and sophistication, hitting the mark beautifully and putting a big smile on your best friend’s face.

Holidays in the UK, who’d want them hey? Well, us, quite frankly. Sure, we’re not blessed with a daily dose of sun, and sure, we don’t boast the very finest of the continental culture which we’ve taken for granted for so long, and sure, our cuisine isn’t the most lauded or applauded, but our shores still have plenty to offer. 

Some of the best bits of a British holiday are most brilliantly realised on an old school, family friendly camping trip. We get to deploy our stiffest upper lip at the inclement weather, we can luxuriate in some Great British bangers thrown on the barbie, and we’re able to curtain twitch at our neighbours from a whole new vantage point; through the netted entrance to our tent.

In all honesty, camping in the Great British countryside does genuinely have plenty of upsides, blessed with picture-perfect villages, stunning natural scenery and a can-do, anything goes spirit that fits the rustic alfresco vibes perfectly. 

If you’re planning on taking your family on such a trip this summer and you’re looking to reduce the stress levels, then have you considered hiring a minibus for such an adventure? Doing so can make the whole trip run much more smoothly, and with that in mind, here are 5 reasons to hire a minibus for your next family camping trip.

LESS STRESS WITH KIDS 

‘Are we there yet?’ Well, no, we’ll never get there, because life is an existential journey whose only true destination is something we’re not going to go into right now, darling. But anyway, no. We’re not there yet.

Long road trips, especially with kids can become tiresome in an uncomfortable vehicle, but that isn’t something you’ll have to worry about in a minibus, which provides ample space, excellent seating, and versatility – meaning your children don’t have to sit next to each other if they don’t want to. 

Anyone with a large family knows that comfort in the car is paramount to any journey, whether short or long. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable, irritable and whinging children (and grownups) in a small space while on a road trip or family journey. Talk about killing the spontaneity of the open road!

This can be eliminated by considering a spacious and comfortable minibus with adjustable seats, air conditioning and additional safety features. 

YOU CAN MAKE IT A GROUP HOLIDAY

A holiday with just your family can, well, be a little boring (sorry if you’re reading this guys!). You do spend every day together after all. 

After a while on the road, the kids miss their friends, you miss having time without your kids, and everything starts to feel a little claustrophobic. The great thing about hiring a minibus, however, is that when using one, things can easily be made into a group holiday, with friends onboard and fun to be had. 

As the experts at theminibuscentre.com point out, generally in the UK, larger minibuses can accommodate up to 17 people, plus additional space for four wheelchair users, with all the accessibility equipment coming as part of the package. This means your camping holiday can be a broad, exclusive one.

While a group holiday probably means more children, it also means more adults. You can even take it in turns driving the minibus with other adults in the group, giving you some much needed relaxation time! Alternatively, you could, of course, take a load off entirely and hire a minibus with a driver. What luxury!

Read: 7 IDEAL tips for planning the perfect family road trip

RAINY DAYS ARE A BREEZE

If you’ve ever camped in the UK, then you’ve no doubt spent plenty of time taking shelter in your car, all crammed together and a little bit soggy while the seemingly never ending deluge continues outside.

Sure, you can pretend you’re enjoying it, perhaps even turn the radio up extra loud and have a singalong, but being cold and wet in a car isn’t fun, let’s be honest.

Should a storm strike on your family camping trip when you’ve got a minibus close to hand, you can simply decamp to the safety of the vehicle with enough room to stretch out until the rain passes.

You can even host a tea party, enjoy your dinner in safety, or play a few board games to pass the time, all with enough elbow room to avoid any grumpiness in the little (and larger) ones!

YOU CAN PACK EVERYTHING YOU NEED

One of the hardest parts of packing for any family holiday is deciding what to take and what not to take. Prior to parenthood, no one warned us about the amount of stuff you’d need to get through just one day with kids. Let alone, a whole damn holiday with the family. And on a camping trip, the need to find room for ‘stuff’ is amplified tenfold.

Not with a minibus. Overhead storage bins are perfect for ping pong rackets, a boules set, and other sporting equipment that will keep the kids entertained, and, more importantly, tired out. 

In addition, smaller storage is available under the seats, as well as larger storage options in the back, the whole family will be able to enjoy travelling without being packed in like sardines among all of your bags. 

YOU CAN TRAVEL IN STYLE

Goodbye Eye Spy; hello, proper in-vehicle entertainment! 

Whilst we wouldn’t dream of knocking all the old-school games we used to love playing in the car, if you’re keen to diversify your entertainment options onboard, then you’ll be pleased to hear that you can rent minibuses that are appointed with all the latest tech.

Think high quality music systems, built in TVs, a coffee and drinks machine, mini fridges, drop down screens with gaming options, swivelling leather armchairs…the works! 

Sorry, we got a bit over excited there. And we think you might too, if you hire a minibus for your next family camping trip. Bon voyage!

As Jo Cox once so eloquently put, ‘’we have more in common than that which divides us’’, and this is certainly true when considering the world’s birthday traditions, which are as fascinating as they are frivolous, and as distinctive as they are related. 

This is even true in subregions, where traditions sometimes cross borders, but equally, are often wholly unique. Today, we’re considering the Nordic countries, and the ways in which they celebrate another year spent on this earth. With that in mind, here are some interesting birthday traditions from Scandinavia.  

Denmark: Flags At The Ready 

Flags make quite the appearance at a Dane’s birthday celebrations. As Scandinavian Standard explains “Not every country boasts such an unwavering love for their national flag as Denmark does.’’

And the Danish flag, known as the ‘The Dannebrog’, is particularly appropriate for marking birthdays, as it symbolises celebration and happiness, and it’s common to see the flag and its famous red and white adorning everything from birthday party invitations and cards to the cakes themselves. You might even see the flag in potted plants or on lawns to show revellers or guests the way to the party!

Even more fun is the miniature flagpole that decorates the birthday table in Denmark, making the celebrant feel like a seriously big deal.

Danish Cakes & Flowers

When you’re celebrating a birthday in Denmark, the expectation is that you get the drinks in, host the party, and even bring your own birthday cake to work.

But what cake, we hear you ask? Well, a layer cake is the common choice, often in the red and white of the Dannebrog. For children, a type of cake called Kagemand or Kagekone (‘cake man’ or ‘cake woman’) is popular. It’s simply a cake made in the shape of a person and, traditionally, the cake eating element of the birthday begins with the cake being decapitated, whilst the children scream and generally get overexcited.

Did you know that in Danish birthday flowers are called ‘blomster mors dag’ and ‘fødselsdags blomster’? Traditionally, birthday flowers come in the form of an elegant bouquet, full of purples, yellows and other royal colours. White roses should be avoided, as they are associated with mourning. Flowers are usually wrapped when given as a gift, with the preferred colour for wrapping paper being the red of the Danish flag.

How to say Happy Birthday in Danish: Gelukkige verjaardag

Denmark: Sun Salutations

In Denmark, you’re also considered responsible for the weather on your birthday, and considering the country is one of the coldest on earth, that certainly is some responsibility to bear!

Don’t be surprised if, when the sun is shining on your birthday, Danish people express their gratitude to you, saying ‘‘Thanks for the sunshine’’ or words to that effect. This is because Danish tradition dictates that the weather on your birthday reflects your behaviour over the past year.

Sweden: Birthdays In Bed 

In Sweden, it’s traditional to wake the birthday boy/girl up, no matter how old they are, and serenade them with ‘Ja må du leva’ while they’re in bed. It’s also customary to have breakfast prepared and served to you in bed, and to open your birthday presents in bed, too, which sounds like heaven to us!

Similarly to Denmark, the colours of the Swedish flag, (blue and yellow) are used in the birthday party decor, and will often appear on the cake.

Swedish Cakes & Flowers

When it comes to cakes, the Princesstårta (Princess Cake) is by far the most popular confectionary to enjoy on birthdays in Sweden. This cake was named in honour of the three princesses, Margaretha (from Sweden), Martha (from Norway), and Astrid (Queen of the Belgians), and is a layered cake of sponge, pastry cream, raspberry jam and whipped cream.

The cake is covered by a layer of green marzipan, giving it a smooth, rounded top, and a truly distinctive appearance.  

It’s not uncommon to give flowers to someone on their birthday in Sweden. If you’re going to send ‘födelsedagsblommor’, which means birthday flowers, then our friends from Bloom Post recommend sending Sunflowers, Mini Carnations, Gerbera Daisies, Snapdragons, Miniature Rose and Cyclamens.

How to say Happy Birthday in Swedish: Grattis På Födelsedagen

Read: 11 IDEAL happiness hacks from Sweden with love

Norway: A Unique Birthday Song

The Norwegian birthday song, ‘Hurra for deg’, is a riotous, uplifting affair, which sees friends, family or coworkers form a circle around the birthday boy or girl and sing the song. 

The guys at Life In Norway break down the lyrics here:

Hurra for deg som fyller ditt år!

Ja, deg vil vi gratulere!

Alle i ring omkring deg vi står,

og se, nå vil vi marsjere,

bukke, nikke, neie, snu oss omkring,

danse for deg med hopp og sprett og spring,

ønske deg av hjertet alle gode ting!

Og si meg så, hva vil du mere?

Gratulere!

Which translates as,

Hurray for you for celebrating your birthday!

Yes, we congratulate you!

We all stand around you in a ring,

And look, now we’ll march,

Bow, nod, curtsy, we turn around,

Dance for you and hop and skip and jump!

Wishing you from the heart all good things!

And tell me, what more could you want?

Congratulations!

As you can tell from the lyrics, there’s plenty of action to go with this merry tune, and the birthday party usually perform them with gusto. 

Norwegian Cakes & Flowers

A type of sponge cake known as Bløtkake is a popular choice for birthday cake in Norway. In fact, it’s also served on the 17th May, Norway’s national day.

Here, several layers of light sponge are sandwiched around jam, custard and whipped cream, before being covered entirely with more whipped cream. Then, fresh fruits are used to adorn the cake. And guess what colours those fruit should be? Yep, the colours of the Norwegian flag; that’s red and blue. Usually, strawberries and blueberries are used.

It should be noted that certain types of flowers should be avoided for celebrations in Norway; lilies, carnations, white flowers, wreaths and any others associated with funerals aren’t appropriate for birthdays.

How to say Happy Birthday in Norwegian: Gratulerer med dagen

Round Birthdays

In all three countries, birthdays with round numbers (20, 30, 40…) have particular significance, and are observed in a much more enthusiastic manner, with all the usual traditions turned up several notches, and an extra effort made to truly celebrate the birthday in style.

How do you celebrate your birthday?

How we dress and how we express ourselves are so intertwined that it can sometimes be hard to know where one ends and the other begins.

Indeed, the clothes we wear (and the ones we don’t) play a key role in asserting our personality, able to bring swagger, confidence, elegance and glamour, all at the simple unbuttoning of a suit jacket or the tightening of a belt buckle.

But choosing what to wear and how to wear it can be so tricky when you’re so invested in the decision. That’s where a personal stylist comes in. Once a role reserved for the stars, more and more people are now choosing to avail themselves of the services of a stylist in order to get their look – and attitude – just right.

Today, we’re speaking to Paola Farina, a personal stylist with a unique talent, about how she can help you realise your aesthetic vision, and the IDEAL reasons to hire a personal stylist. Let’s explore further.

Who Is Paola Farina?

Paola Farina started her career in fashion in 2000 and founded her own company, Paola Farina Styling, at the end of 2018, after a fruitful experience as a consultant for communication and events at Sky Italia and Elsevier.

Paola Farina certainly knows her stuff when it comes to fashion, with certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, plus several other stints across the globe in key fashion houses. All of this has given her the tools required to excel as a personal stylist, image consultant and shopping assistant. 

Her services are requested by individuals as well as by renowned companies. She has worked with groups such as Mondadori and Condé Nast, as well as numerous online portals, from MTV to TgCom. Today, she is based in Milan and works as a personal stylist to celebrities and mere mortals, alike. She also offers services to third parties around the world through her online presence and social networks.

Now that we’ve all got acquainted, let’s take a closer look at those IDEAL reasons to hire a personal stylist like Paola.

Sartorial Makeover

Many seek the advice of a personal stylist in revising your wardrobe and adding outfits that enhance their own personal style. A personal stylist is the ideal person to help you stand out from the crowd if you’ve decided to ‘rebrand’, helping you choose a new wardrobe that’s both synergetic and unique.

As we all know too well, a sudden, drastic change in personal style can often lead to jarring visual results. But a personal stylist will help guide you through this process gradually and seamlessly, able to consider your body type, face shape, unique colouring and more, before deciding on a new sartorial style that will complement you and only you.

As Paola tells us, ‘’A personal stylist is first and foremost a fashion stylist. It is not about making or creating new models for you. Rather, it will be a question of identifying, using ingenuity, the type of outfit and accessories you need for each of your trips, whatever they may be. The choice of clothes will be made from a morphological and colorimetric analysis of which she holds the secret.’’

We couldn’t agree more.

Image Consulting

If a person’s clothing style says a lot about their personality, it is the same for a company and the image it conveys to the outside world. 

Yep, personal stylists don’t just style individuals, believe it or not. Image consulting is a major part of the job description too, and a key skill of the personal stylist. 

In some cases, the very best personal stylists are given the chance to enhance the image of a company, a structure or an association via their clothing choices, as well as their hair, make-up and even the decor of their office. 

As Paola says, a great personal stylist ‘’is able to study customised solutions to expose the image of a company in the best possible way. It is often a mistake for many to think that the services mentioned here are only for a reserved category of individual. Hiring a personal stylist is in itself a better investment with multiple benefits, both on a personal and team level’’. 

Accordingly, if you’re part of a company looking to refresh their image, enlisting the services of a personal stylist is a wise move.

Express Shopping 

Picture this; you have a job interview. You’re wearing your finest, sharpest white shirt whilst simultaneously savouring your usual caffeine-based pick-me-up and practising your well-rehearsed lines. We all know what happens next.

Instead of arriving at the interview wearing a massive coffee stain and a look of embarrassment, a personal stylist can be your knight in shining armour, using their access to express shopping and their connections across the city to deliver you a brand new sparkling white shirt in your ideal shape, size and style.

An Implicit Knowledge Of What Goes Together

Of course, one of the key skills of a personal stylist that sets them apart from, well, you simply looking in the mirror and deciding what to wear, is their implicit knowledge of exactly what goes together. 

As Paola points out, ‘’personal stylists have experience in styling such a wide range of clients, and along the way, will have developed an implicit understanding of both what’s currently in fashion (and what’s not!) and what pairs perfectly together’’. 

Giving you a bird’s eye, impartial view of what you need to look your best, free from emotion and preconception, a personal stylist can guide you in new directions that you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

More Than Just Fashion Advice

A personal stylist is all about helping people look and feel their best. They invest their time and energy into helping clients gain new perspectives, insights and confidence, not only into their clothing choices, but also into their life. 

Some say that finding a good stylist is a lot like finding a good therapist; the help one gives can extend far beyond the agreed brief! 

Paola tell us that a personal stylist’s ‘’soft skills need to be on point, with social intelligence and emotional intelligence all vital in this job.’’ 

Accordingly, the best personal stylists can lift your mood, imbue you with a new sense of confidence, and restore a certain strut you’d perhaps lost somewhere in your past. 

Now, where do we sign up?