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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR UK FISHING HOLIDAY

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR UK FISHING HOLIDAY

A UK fishing holiday offers a host of benefits. You can take all the family, introduce the kids to fishing, and you can combine angling with other outdoor activities. There are fisheries, rivers, and stretches of coastline across the country, all of which offer different opportunities and different species of fish. What’s more, you will enjoy a different experience dependent on the season and even the time of day that you go fishing.

Plan your trip according to who will be going with you, their level of experience, and the additional and extra activities that you want to enjoy during your trip. There are some areas that are best suited to new anglers, as well as some spots that have been converted so that they offer accessible fishing opportunities for those in wheelchairs or that would be unable to traverse difficult terrain.

FISHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Planning a family fishing holiday means ensuring that you have all the equipment that you need. As well as camping gear and tents, you will need rods and tackle, fishing rigs for the whole family, and details of where to get the best bait and suitable accessories. In terms of online access to some of the best fishing gear around, check out this link for some guidance.

Don’t overlook packing toys and entertainment for the kids, though, because while you might not mind sitting on the riverbank for 5 or 6 hours at a time, it can become boring for kids.

Read: The best UK road trips to do with the kids before they grow up

Get the kids as involved as possible, having them choose the right bait, and have them follow weather forecasts. Get them to bait hooks, look around for live bait, and don’t be afraid to let them play. If they enjoy the outdoors, then they are one step closer to sharing your love of fishing. Make games and challenges of everything you do, and everything you get them involved in. It will make it more appealing to them and keep their interest longer.

SEASONAL FISHING

Much of the year in the UK is relatively mild. It can get cold in winter months, but waters rarely freeze, and although summer months obviously enjoy higher temperatures, the temperate conditions enjoyed in some inland rivers means that fish stock may not change too dramatically over the course of the year.

However, if you are introducing other members of the family to fishing then it may be best to avoid winter fishing. Temperatures will be lower and the chance of rain higher. Pack waterproofs, ensure that you have something for the kids to do if the weather gets particularly bad, and also ensure that you have the right bait and equipment for the season.

SEA FISHING

The UK has an abundance of beaches and coastline, and this makes sea fishing holidays extremely appealing. It combines seaside resort activities with the opportunity to land bass, flatfish, and flounder, among many other species. Although beaches tend to look similar, and the majority do offer snag free fishing, you should consider the specific features of the beach and the water to ensure that you have the right tackle. The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the best bait.

Almost any beach, or coastal area, offers decent fishing. As well as fishing off beaches like Chesil Beach in Dorset, you can also fish off sea walls and local landmarks. The power station in Morecambe attracts bass because of the warmer waters it produces, and local fishing tackle shop Gerry’s Fishing will provide advice on the best tackle and the best equipment for your trip.

RIVER FISHING

If you are looking to combine a family fishing expedition with other outdoor activities, then river fishing is a strong option. River fishing can mean sitting on the bank of the river, but if you really want to get the kids into your favourite pastime, then buy them a set of kid’s waders and let them loose in the water of the river.

The Frome is one of the best rivers for fishing. Grayling, sea trout, and brown trout are not only found in abundance but the Frome has also seen numerous record breaking catches. There are also sizeable salmon, and with this wide and varied a selection, it shouldn’t get boring for the kids, while the stock means that you should have enough of a catch to provide for the whole family come dinner time.

The still calm rivers of the UK are also ideal for kayak fishing. This type of fishing allows you to paddle into all those nooks and crannies where fish feed, potentially increasing your chances of reeling in a catch. However, kayak fishing isn’t as easy as it looks as you need to be proficient in both kayaking and fishing amongst other things. Be sure to read tips for fishing from a kayak before your embark on a kayak fishing adventure.

FISHERY FISHING

Fishery fishing is another good family fishing opportunity. Choose the right fishery or fish farm, and you will usually have access to at least two or three lakes. The different lakes are normally stocked with different fish, and the fishery owners should have introduced some unique features to make fishing the spot more interesting.

Some fisheries accommodate families and groups, providing entertainment and offering meals as well as fishing. Choose the fishery according to the type of fish, the amenities that you require, and its locale and proximity to local amenities. Carp fisheries are found through the country, and sites like Bluebell Lakes in Northamptonshire and Menards Carp Fishery in West Sussex are great for serious anglers, while Eye Kettleby Lakes in Melton Mowbray has everything from hot tubs to a restaurant on site.

ACCESSIBLE FISHING

It isn’t just the kids that should enjoy a fishing holiday. If you’re planning the trip then it is safe to assume that you like fishing, but this amazing outdoor activity can be enjoyed by people of any age and skill level.

Accessible fishing is becoming more widely available throughout the UK, providing wheelchair access to well stocked fishing spots and marks. The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads have a number of accessible spots, with ramps that can be moved to the water and moved to different areas when required, and other councils and boroughs are also introducing similar accessible fishing policies. Don’t miss out.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The location that you choose for your fishing holiday will help determine how successful a family expedition it is. If you’re going sea fishing, then locations like Morecambe are ideal. Seaside resorts have a mass of activities beyond fishing.

Choose a river that is close to local entertainment, or take plenty of outdoor equipment so that you can all enjoy outdoor activities together. Take a mobile phone and even a portable DVD player, but try to limit the time that your kids are allowed to play on these.

A fishing holiday is not just a fishing opportunity, so don’t overlook the holiday element of the trip. Try to accommodate the likes and dislikes of all family members. Don’t expect everybody to fish for the whole time that you’re away, and provide alternative entertainment for those hours when you’re not at the river bank, on the sea wall, or fishing a well-stocked fishery.

10 UNEXPECTED WAYS TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME – OUTDOORS!

Editorial Team
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10 UNEXPECTED WAYS TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME – OUTDOORS!

With so many people still working from home in the second half of 2021, we think it’s fair to say that outdoor space has increasingly come at a premium.

With the presence of COVID in our lives predicted to continue for the foreseeable future, and with it, a continued change to our living circumstances, it’s never felt more important to make the most of our gardens, front yards, patios and more.

For those keen to upgrade those spaces, there’s an added incentive beyond the pleasure of relaxing in renewed outdoor spaces; doing so can add significant value to your property.

Value is, of course, a hard thing to conceptualise. From a house owner’s perspective, value can be measured by how much an upgrade adds to the monetary value of the property. But it can also simply represent the benefits that the owner receives from the house and its features. Considering both, here are 10 unexpected ways to add value to your home – outdoors!  

THE BEST WAYS TO ADD VALUE – OUTDOORS 

The Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report for 2021 lists some big remodels that offer value, but they also reveal that even little hacks, such as adding outdoor lighting or protecting your deck, can make a big difference, too. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the report found that 29% of UK residents want to move to a property that has more outdoor space. The most value-adding outdoor improvements included:

  • Swimming pool (£7,707)
  • Bifold doors/French windows to the garden (£4,654)
  • Vegetable patch – (£6,093)
  • Decked patio (£4,227)
  • Outdoor cooking area (£6,859)
  • Garden Bar (6,687)
  • Home office garden room (£9,008)
  • Summerhouse (£9,118)
  • Landscaped Garden (£8,547)
  • New Driveway (£8,012)

Let’s get out there into our garden and dig a little deeper…

SWIMMING POOL – £7,707

A Reuters report published in August of last year revealed that pool sales had skyrocketed as consumers splashed out on coronavirus cocoons, in both the USA and Europe. And as we mentioned earlier, a swimming pool can add nearly 8 grand of value to your property.

That said, while the return-on-investment (ROI) on a pool seems attractive, it’s not always the right upgrade for a homeowner. Unless you enjoy swimming and use it often, a pool can be a double-edged sword during a home sale. 

A pool makes a house an automatic “no” for some prospective buyers because of maintenance and upkeep requirements. Considering that a pool can cost much more than £7,000 to install, make sure you do your research and learn what’s involved before taking the plunge.

BIFOLD DOORS TO THE GARDEN – £4,654

Designed for maximum visual impact, bifold doors that open onto the garden are growing in popularity. In fact, Business Wire predicts that the global bifold door market is going to grow by a whopping $184billion by 2024. 

It’s easy to see why; bifold doors welcome the outside in, flooding the home with natural light and lifting the resident’s moods in the process. 

A bit more expensive than standard French doors, bifold doors make a statement and lend a more modern feel to a home. Usually, a bifold requires a level threshold, so talk to a builder about whether this is the best option for your home.

Read: 4 IDEAL things to consider before buying bifold doors

VEGGIE PATCH – £6,093

An incredible 26.7 million Brits grew their own produce some time in the last year, and out of that figure, 7.4 million tried growing fruit and veg for the first time. 

Yep, it seems that lockdown created a ‘crop-growing revolution’, and we’re very much here for it (feel free to send us any excess courgettes you’ve got from your most recent glut, by the way).  

Indeed, over the last couple of years, growing vegetables has not only became a way to pass the time, but it has brought people wellbeing benefits, too. A well-tended vegetable garden can certainly add to the asking price of your property, but that’s not all; a veggie patch can add value to your life in other ways, too. 

Growing your own veg is a wonderful way to get in some gentle exercise; as a matter of fact, approximately 300 calories an hour can be burnt through gardening. Moreover, nurturing your own crops, from seed to plate, can do wonders for the mind and soul. We think that gardening is like taking a multivitamin for the soul, and your body will be thankful, too, for all of the nutrients it receives absorbing through all that freshly picked produce you’re eating.

Read: The IDEAL beginner’s guide to growing your own produce

DECKED PATIO – £4,227

Adding a deck to your home can provide great ROI and an opportunity to upgrade your outdoor space while you’re still living there, too. Composite decking is a good choice when it comes to choosing the material for your decked patio since a composite deck tends to last much longer than standard wood decking and, therefore, doesn’t cause the same strain on the environment. 

What’s more, the materials used in composite decking tend to be primarily sourced from recycled materials, furthering the product’s green credentials.

With a decked patio, you might want to consider adding an outdoor cooking area, extra space for outdoor entertaining and a convenient spot for potted plants. Speaking of which…

OUTDOOR COOKING AREA – £6,859

Sit back and imagine prepping, cooking and enjoying your meals at home, alfresco style. Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity and add a new dimension to your home which can be enticing for potential buyers if you ever want to sell up. Indeed, an outdoor cooking area can add £6,859 to the value of your home, on average; a number that’s certainly not to be sniffed at.

While of course you can add an outdoor grill and a pizza oven, why not go the full hog? We’re talking about fully kitted out, outdoor kitchens. Think about adding a fridge, which can limit the need to go back inside, as well as wine coolers, sinks and ovens, side burners, vent hoods and more…all of which can really up the convenience of your outdoor cooking space and add value to your home in the process.

GARDEN BAR – £6,687

“God I miss the pub”. It’s a lament nearly all of us have uttered at some point during lockdown. It’s also a longing that led many Brits to build their own outdoor pub or garden bar sometime during the previous 18 months

Whilst it feels like a frivolous endeavour, there’s a method to the madness, here; a garden bar can add nearly £7’000 to your property’s value. And that’s before you decide to charge for drinks out there!

HOME OFFICE/GARDEN ROOM – £9,008

If you’re keen to boost your home’s value and your garden has room to spare, then adding a garden office is an easy way to bump up the price; to the tune of approximately £9,008, in fact. 

Many see the home office space as becoming a permanent feature of our working lives. As such,  installing a garden room or even a well insulated shed (or ‘shoffice’, as we like to call it) is not only an investment but can make your life easier and more comfortable if you, too, are working from home. 

Creating a devoted area will enable you to focus on your work and deadlines with renewed vigour, and enable a little connection to nature in a time when our relationship with the outdoors has become rather fleeting. 

Practically speaking, you may need to apply for planning permission to build the garden office of your dreams. Check planningportal.co.uk or contact your local planning authority to check if you do indeed need permission. 

SUMMER HOUSE – £9,118 

Instead of creating a new space for your office, why not diversify and create a space for relaxing in your garden which can double up as an office when the house gets too busy? 

A summer house makes a fantastic addition to any garden with the space to take it; these buildings are extremely versatile and can be set up to suit any need, acting as a second dining room or living room and adding aesthetic intrigue to the garden, too. 

LANDSCAPED GARDEN – £8,547

Rated People’s estimate of £8,547 could be on the cautious side, here! According to Post Office Money, landscaping your garden can add a whopping 77% to the value of your home! Really…

Indeed, a great-looking garden can make all the difference – not only creating a space that you want to enjoy – but making your property look well maintained in the minds of potential buyers, in terms of valuation. 

The Post Office’s study found that shelling out a mere £2,750 on a landscaped garden can add an average of approximately £40,000 to your home’s value. Oh, and mature plants, trees and flowers can rack up an extra £3,716 of value in the eyes of potential buyers.

However, getting your hands on a landscape gardener may be harder than you think right now. According to the Society of Garden Designers, there’s been an unprecedented demand for garden designers recently.

If you can’t book a decent designer at the moment, may we suggest binge watching episodes of ‘Garden Rescue’ with Charlie Dimmock and award winning garden designers the Rich Brothers, who travel across the country, giving old and tired looking gardens a makeover for inspiration? Secondly, let us direct you to our article on 5 IDEAL landscape gardening ideas that are relatively easy to do yourself.

NEW DRIVEWAY- £8,012

Pay attention to your parking area. A driveway showing signs of wear and tear, perhaps lined with cracks and faded from the sunlight, will detract from that wow factor you’re seeking when one arrives at your home.

A well-laid, aesthetically appealing driveway design, on the other hand, can add value to your home and even attract potential buyers that may just be passing by. 

Remember the driveway sets the tone and character of your house. As such, you want to make sure it matches the overall aesthetic of the exterior of your home. 

When designing your driveway, don’t overlook the entrance. It doesn’t necessarily have to be all that elaborate, but it should be inviting and offer guests an intriguing insight into your home. Moreover, it should also be in keeping your home’s setting, be it urban or rural. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

It seems that the whole of Britain is intent on upgrading their outdoor spaces at the moment. Don’t get left behind!

For more home improvement ideas, check out the full Rated People Home improvement Trends report for 2021 here.

Hosting A Themed Party: 6 Of The Best Themed Party Ideas For Sophisticated Adults

Editorial Team
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Hosting A Themed Party: 6 Of The Best Themed Party Ideas For Sophisticated Adults
Ideal for throwing a fantastic themed party that doesn’t feel like organised fun…

So, you’ve been charged with the task of hosting a themed party for a bunch of friends, family, stragglers and strangers? Whilst we wouldn’t want to scare you off the task to the point you call in to your own party sick, we would say this; you’re one brave host. 

It’s not an easy task to throw a grown-up party that manages to straddle sophistication and a certain sense of frivolity and friskiness. Throw ‘themes’ into the mix, and you’ll find the grumpier attendees of the pack huddled in the corner, clutching a can and muttering about ‘’hating organised fun’’.

That’s if you choose the wrong theme, of course. Get the theme right, however, and you pretty much guarantee a night overflowing with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a grand soirée, introducing a workable, fun-filled theme will elevate your party to new heights. With that in mind, here are 6 of the best themed party ideas for sophisticated adults.

A Vintage Speakeasy Party

Journey back in time to the roaring twenties, to the era where Prohibition was in effect, and hidden bars, also known as speakeasies, were all the rage. Encourage your guests to don their most fabulous flapper dresses and dapper suits. Lay on the ambiance with jazz music, dim lighting, and classic cocktails served in crystal glassware. No speakeasy would be complete without a secret password at the entrance, of course!

If you’re looking for inspiration on the dress code, check out our guide to some retro and vintage pieces that every wardrobe needs.

A Casino Royale Party

At your very own Casino Royale, your friends can try their luck at poker, blackjack, or roulette, whilst feeling very suave and swanky doing so. A dress code suggesting sophisticated evening attire will contribute to the glamour of the evening. To keep the stakes high but friendly, you could arrange for guests to ‘buy in’ with a charitable donation.

Of course, to have a fun and successful themed casino night, you’ll need to set up the space properly. You don’t want any distractions during a tense game, so firstly clear any surfaces that will be used for gaming.

You’ll likely need to invest in some equipment specific for the game. This includes a deck of cards and poker chips, at a minimum, but if you’re going all out, then a dealer button, poker case, timer, poker mat or cloth and perhaps even an automatic card shuffler will all enhance your evening. Alternatively, you could outsource the minutiae of the games organising to those in the know, online.

Murder Mystery Party

A Murder Mystery party provides a thrilling, interactive experience for your guests. When done right, we should add…

Because, when arranged without paying attention to the finer details of the game itself, a murder mystery can feel like a sloppy, chaotic experience. And no one wants that.

Choose a sophisticated theme such as a 1920s murder mystery or a Cluedo style manor house murder. For added theatre, why not enlist the help of some particularly thespian-forward friends and families to help roleplay the various characters within the story. 

If that sounds like a step too far in organising terms, then several companies sell Murder Mystery kits that make setting up the evening a cinch. Some even involve interactive and virtual features easily accessible online.

Some of the more popular kits currently available in the UK include:

  • Murder Mystery Flexi Party: This brand offers a variety of kits, suitable for various group sizes. Their plots are engaging and they provide downloadable content.
  • Paul Lamond Games: They produce a series of murder mystery dinner party games that come with a DVD for an immersive experience.
  • Cheatwell Host Your Own Murder Mystery: This includes everything you need to host a successful murder mystery night. It includes character scripts, invites, menus, and clues.
  • The Murder Mystery Company’s Murder Mystery Zoom Parties: Social distancing measures might be a thing of the past, but a virtual party can still be a useful move. This company provides virtual murder mysteries.
  • Murder 57: They host professional murder mystery events but also sell boxed murder mystery games that you can host at home.
  • ITM Games: They offer a wide variety of murder mystery games suitable for different occasions and group sizes.

The Great Gatsby Lawn Party

A themed party inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby provides an opportunity for guests to dress in their finest 1920s attire. The dress code should ideally encourage guests to wear flapper dresses, pinstriped suits, feathered headbands, and pearl necklaces. 

Organise croquet games, serve picnics, and sip mint juleps and champagne while lounging on an assortment of rugs and cushions. Don’t forget to play jazz tunes softly in the background for a truly authentic feel.

If you sense things are turning a little more raucous (Great Gatsby parties are known for their wild abandon, after all), then it’s time for a dance-off. Stick on some big band jazz and ragtime tunes from artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, and Bessie Smith; these lively, rhythmic tunes would keep party-goers in the spirit of the times and on their feet throughout the evening. Hopefully, with the right encouragement, you might even see the Charleston, Foxtrot, Shimmy, and Jive being attempted!

Wait, that sounded like my cherished vase smashing into a thousand pieces…

James Bond Party

Sure, we’ve already hosted a Casino Royale party a little further up the article, but why not pull the focus away from the poker table and on to your favourite 007 flicks? Ask your guests to dress as their favourite Bond characters and enjoy a night filled with intrigue and glamour. Serve Martinis (shaken, not stirred, of course), and consider adding a film screening of a popular Bond film to the festivities. Arriving in an invisible car is, perhaps, optional.

Mad Hatters Tea Party

For something a little quirky, yet sophisticated, a Mad Hatters Tea Party can be a real hit. This Alice in Wonderland themed party encourages creative costumes and opens up a world of opportunities in terms of refreshments, from an array of delightful English teas and a sumptuous spread of cakes, biscuits and sandwiches, all the way to something altogether more psychedelic.

Indeed, incorporating some offbeat elements – like rhyming tea-party rules or conversation starters pinned under each teacup – can lend an air of frivolity and playfulness to proceedings, one that’s well in keeping with the spirit of the Mad Hatter’s party.

The Bottom Line

These are just a few themed party ideas guaranteed to make your event one your guests won’t soon forget. More than anything, remember to add your own personal flair to the theme you choose. Start planning and prepare to host a fabulous soirée that will undoubtedly be the talk of the town. Toast to good company, splendid costumes, and unforgettable memories!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK MORE EXPENSIVE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK MORE EXPENSIVE

In an ideal world, you’d have Kevin McCloud on speed dial, Rose Murray is your best pal and confidante, Jo Berryman’s living across the road and you’re married to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Hang on, perhaps not that last one. 

Sadly, this isn’t an ideal world, though we’d rather like it if it was. 

Luckily, there are ways for you to get an upscale, bespoke aesthetic to your home’s interiors without breaking the bank. Without further ado, here’s how to make your home look more expensive.

BE BOLD WITH YOUR COLOUR CHOICE

When it comes to choosing your primary interior colour scheme, crisp white walls are the obvious choice as they can make a room look bigger  – and bigger means more expensive, right? True to a degree, however, we think playing around with bold, rich colours can add a sense of luxury to a room that white simply can’t. 

Of course, you have to be mindful of the shades you use to achieve that high end look.  Sophisticated, smart and sexy, a dark navy can add an expensive edge to your walls. Indeed, there’s nothing like a rich navy to make your room look, well, rich.  

Historically speaking, blue – and particularly the iconic lapis lazuli – was once the most expensive colour to produce and was suggestive of wealth and extravagance in the homes it appeared in. 

Alternatively, green is the colour of money and envy, sure, but it also signifies nature and tranquillity. We think a lick of forest green gives a sophisticated, opulent look, especially when paired with bold brass and gold coloured accessories. Teal also brings an elegant tone to a room.

Other colours to consider are purple, associated with luxury and decadence and the colour of royalty. Though when used wrong, it should be noted, purple can come across as obnoxious. Black also brings with it a sense of luxurious glamour and can communicate sophistication when used skillfully. Then, pair any of these colours with a fluffy white rug that feels luxurious on the toes and you’re good to go!

MODERN STATEMENT PIECES 

Discreet yet bold choices when it comes to furniture can give the impression that you’ve hired a professional interior designer to make those bold choices for you. This is a risky, fraught balancing act, however; be careful not to add too many statement pieces to one room. If everything is special then nothing is special, as they say.

If you don’t have space to include new furniture additions to your home, consider reupholstering an old chair in some luxe fabric like velvet. Or, place a round rug under an armchair or piece of furniture you already have, framing the piece and giving a ‘look-at-me’ sense of gravitas to an otherwise ordinary living room mainstay.

Of course, if you are bringing new attention to an item through framing or its new placement front row and centre of the living room, do make sure it’s looking its best; a little sand-down, clean-up, re-upholster and tactful use of furniture polish should do just that.

LAVISH LIGHTING

What lighting fixtures do you have in your living room? If it’s just a regular main light, you could be missing an opportunity to impress guests with your ceiling space. 

If you’re after a worthy investment to make your room look luxe without spending big bucks on a complete redesign, adding a statement lighting fixture is the way forward. An elaborate fixture that can act as a focal point of the room and draw the eyes up from the floor is a neat touch that expands that sense of space in the room and makes it feel more luxurious.  

LARGE SCALE ART 

When done right, an inexpensive piece of art can look like a luxury, highly curated piece. Adding an oversized, attention grabbing piece of modern art can offer maximum impact at minimal investment. Alternatively, you could even create your own piece of modern art – all you need is a large canvas and some acrylic paint! 

Read: 4 IDEAL tips for adding artwork to your home 

ADD SOME ANTIQUES 

Antique accessories can add an ‘expensive’ air to your home without actually costing a fortune to accrue. Indeed, nothing gives a room a sense of grandeur like an antique item, tastefully positioned with a subtle standing. 

Bespoke candle wax suppliers Scents and Soaps suggest an antique candelabra is the ultimate, subtle centrepiece. Or, why not add an oversized mirror with a gold gilt frame? When paired with gold taps, doorknobs and other fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen, you can achieve a sense of overblown opulence without having to make a huge investment. 

MORE MIRRORS 

Speaking of mirrors…

Hanging mirrors serves to reflect the light in a room and also increase the visual square footage – giving the appearance of more space than you actually have. As such, hanging mirrors is one of the most failsafe solutions when trying to give the appearance of spaciousness and, accordingly, luxury.

Should you have a home office at home and you’re keen to allow more natural light in, then click here to find out just how to do that.

A PERSIAN RUG 

Maybe it’s just us, but a Persian rug has a transformative effect on any room, adding a luxurious aesthetic. A timeless choice, a single rug can take years to craft and at auction, these carpets have been known to sell for over one million smackeroos. There are, of course, different varieties of Persian rugs and most rugs cost in the thousands. 

Of course, a genuine Persian rug is out of most people’s price range, but hope is not lost; most modern rug makers sell Persian inspired rugs loomed from synthetic yarns selling them at a fraction of the price. Just pretend you travelled to the Middle East in search of the perfect Persian rug – if you tell the story enough times, you may actually start believing it yourself. If no one can discern that it was just picked up from your local Home Sense or Argos, then job well done.  

FRESH FLOWERS

A lovely floral arrangement just makes a home look classy, don’t you think? You don’t need to have a wallet-busting arrangement if you want to add luxury to your space. Instead, a cheap bouquet from your local grocery store is actually all you need to make your home appear more sophisticated. 

In fact, it’s as much about how you arrange the flowers and vases. First of all, you have to make sure that you separate the bouquet so that you have some individual stems. You can then create several small arrangements so that you can spread them throughout your home.

If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can improve every room in your house, all for a very affordable price. If you want to freshen up your space, there are many online stores that can help you to make your own scents.

PANELLING & DECORATIVE MOULDING

You’ve probably heard of the saying ‘fake it ‘till you make it’  – well that certainly rings true when it comes to decorating your home. If your home isn’t blessed with decorative mouldings that you find in expensive Victorian and Georgian houses, then simply add them to your home.

Adding period-style panelling to your walls is another powerful way to add a sense of character and expense to a room. This clever interior trick is something that you can do yourself at very little cost. All you need are some sheets of MDF, which tend to cost around £5 per square metre, strips of decorative moulding and some DIY wherewithal. 

IMAGE PANELS

Speaking of panels, stylish electric panel heaters which use infrared to heat objects and people in the room rather than wasting energy heating the air are a truly modern innovation currently gaining popularity in British homes.

The frame is heat resistant, and is perfectly safe to handle and move while switched on. The stylish glass front panel, which can be used to display pictures of family, friends, or something more abstract, is also wipe-clean, making it very easy to keep clean.

These image panel heaters come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit all homes, so finding one to perfectly match your décor is easy. Choose from single or double panels, depending on the size of the room, and even opt for a freestanding model if you don’t have any wall space. These heaters are also extremely lightweight, making them very easy to move from room to room as needed… What a novel way to both display pictures and heat your home! Or, at least one room within it.

UPGRADE HARDWARE

Swapping out your standard hardware for something much more modern and chic can elevate your space. Think gold, brushed brass or copper hardware. Done. 

BUILT-IN FURNITURE 

Unique, custom-made, built-in furniture tends to look more luxurious than free-standing pieces of furniture. A bookshelf that spans the entire wall gives a sense of grandeur and intent, and more often than not, will look more upscale than your standard standing bookcases, which sometimes feel like they’re just hastily arranged storage. And within the living room, a 360 degree fireplace certainly pulls people (and potential buyers) into the room.

CUSTOM FLOOR TO CEILING CURTAINS

Even if your home doesn’t have soaring ceilings and expansive windows, you can give the illusion of grandeur with some carefully hung floor-to-ceiling curtains. Of course, custom-made curtains that fit a space probably look expensive. However, the trick is to hang your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. Hanging them high will help draw yours and guest’s eye upwards, giving the illusion of a taller, grander room. 

When it comes to choosing your curtains in the most luxurious fabric available to you, make sure they are full length and heavyweight so they probably hang. In winter, sumptuous, sensual velvet curtains are ideal for the job. Not only does velvet drape beautifully, but it also lends a luxurious feel to the room. 

HOW TO WORK WITH ANIMALS WITHOUT GOING TO VETERINARY SCHOOL: 8 JOB IDEAS 

Editorial Team
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HOW TO WORK WITH ANIMALS WITHOUT GOING TO VETERINARY SCHOOL: 8 JOB IDEAS 

We are a nation of animal lovers, make no mistake. And as if our obsession with all things four-legged and furry wasn’t fervent enough, it’s recently been reported that first time pet ownership rocketed during lockdown, with people seeking solace in the warmth and affection of animals during increasingly hard times.

If lockdown also had you contemplating a career change, then have you considered using your love for animals to your advantage and seeking a job working closely with them?

Don’t be perturbed by the fact that veterinary school takes 5 years to complete; there are plenty of other jobs within the industry that allow you to learn on the job in real-time, all while cuddling loads of furry little friends! 

With that in mind, here are 8 job ideas that allow you to work with animals without going to veterinary school.   

CLERICAL VETERINARY POSITIONS 

If you’re keen to work in a veterinary practice but going through five years of veterinary school isn’t feasible right now, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are clerical and admin roles aplenty available at the vet’s. These include practice managers and receptionists, as well as practice secretaries and personal assistants to the veterinarians working there.

VETERINARY CARE ASSISTANT

If you’d prefer to be doing something more ‘hands on’ within a veterinary practice, then consider becoming a veterinary care assistant. This is an exciting role where no two days are the same, and you get to be up close and personal with the animals regularly!

Some of the key responsibilities of a veterinary care assistant include feeding, grooming and exercising hospitalised animals (referred to as inpatients), monitoring those inpatients, cleaning the animal’s accommodation and even helping calm them down and soothe them before they undergo treatment.

A FARM HAND

If you’re more comfortable taking care of healthy animals rather than sick ones, and would relish the chance to work outdoors, too, then have you considered the variety of job opportunities available on a farm?

As with most professions, there is clerical work involved in the running of a farm, but if you’re keen to get your hands dirty, then a farm worker (often referred to as a ‘farm hand’) could be the role for you. 

Some of the key responsibilities involved in farm work include feeding and caring for livestock, treating animals and keeping their living quarters clean to prevent disease, milking cows, shearing sheep and liaising with the head farmer about any issues the animals might be having.

PET SHOP MANAGER

For an invigorating mix of hands-on work with animals and organisational, administrative duties, have you considered the role of pet shop manager? Day-to-day responsibilities of this role include stock management (primarily of pet equipment, but also the animals themselves!), budget management and staffing. 

On top of that, a pet shop manager is responsible for the welfare of all the animals in their store, so you’ll need to be versatile and knowledgeable in the needs of pet fish, reptiles, small mammals and birds. This role requires previous experience, so you might want to consider getting a job on the floor of a pet shop first, before taking on an assistant manager’s role to gain the necessary grounding required for the next step up into a managerial position.

VETERINARY PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REP

A veterinary pharmaceutical sales representative will market new drugs to veterinary practices and hospitals, as well as pet mobility equipment, medical aids and other products that vets use on a regular basis. 

Though the job won’t have you cuddling up with animals regularly, you’ll be working within the industry and can enjoy some comfort knowing that you’re helping pets all over the country stay fit and healthy. The role requires strong people skills and demands plenty of time on the road, but when considering jobs in animal health, the salary represents one of the most lucrative ones within the industry. 

A ZOOLOGIST ASSISTANT

Or, perhaps you’ve got designs on working with bigger, wilder animals? If so, the UK has 48 zoos and 6 safari parks regularly in need of zoologists and zookeepers. 

To become a zoologist, a role that sees experts study animal behaviour, you’ll usually need a degree in zoology, animal ecology, conservation or environmental biology, which will take you at least three years to complete. If that’s too long a timeframe, then you could become a zoologist’s assistant, learning on the job about this fascinating subject. 

An assistant zoologist will get the chance to study animals in their natural habitats as well as in captivity, monitor different animal species and behaviours, record findings and even help support in the writing of groundbreaking journals and scientific studies. As such, it’s a role that requires a keen grasp of both science and written English.

DOGWALKER

Getting paid to hang out with dogs all day? It’s an animal lover’s dream! You don’t need any formal training or qualifications to become a dog walker, just a love of canines. To become a dog walker, you can work for a dedicated business or branch out on your own and become an independent walker.

The money’s pretty good, too! The Guardian reports that dog walkers earn a fifth more than the average UK salary. Moreover, they work less than half the average hours, and get plenty of exercise doing so.

VOLUNTEER FOR AN ANIMAL CHARITY

Should you be looking to continue in your current career but want to help animals in your free time, then there are several animal charities that warmly receive volunteers. These include:

  • The RSPCA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the largest animal welfare charity in the UK
  • The Blue Cross, which provides support for pet owners who can’t afford private veterinary treatment
  • The RSPB (the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
  • PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
  • The National Animal Welfare Trust, helping to rehome animals across the South of England

It should be noted that while certainly rewarding, volunteering for an animal charity can lead you to some distressing, harrowing situations. Be prepared for this.

HOTEL REVIEW: THE MARMARA, PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK – THE IDEAL PLACE TO SEE MIDTOWN IN MINIMALIST MONOCHROME

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HOTEL REVIEW: THE MARMARA, PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK – THE IDEAL PLACE TO SEE MIDTOWN IN MINIMALIST MONOCHROME

Step into the Marmara, Park Avenue, and the first thing you’ll notice in the Art Deco lobby is a giant black birdcage. In the wrong hands this might bring to mind incarceration; not what you want in a hotel entrance. A few more tentative steps, though, and a sculpture of some nosediving, some soaring white doves will catch your eye. The heart then flutters. In the city that never sleeps, this is somewhere you want to.

LOCATION

The Marmara Park Avenue is perfectly positioned for those wanting to be amongst the action of central Manhatten, but not stifled by it. The street itself (E 32nd) is low-key, but just a short walk away is all the verve and vibrancy the Five Boroughs is famous for.

The Empire State Building is a block away, less than a ten-minute walk. Grand Central Station is twenty minutes on foot and 33 street’s metro is just around the corner. The surrounding area offers some of the best shopping options on the planet, so if your plastic can manage it, it would be rude not to. If not, no one’s going to judge you (well maybe) for a spot of voyeuristic window shopping.

ATMOSPHERE & STYLE

While the entrance of the hotel is a statement – conspicuous even – the inside is anything but. You enter through a striking vestibule that’s been constructed with over 670 pieces of steel, into a glamorous yet understated lobby, awash with white marble. This is sleek, sophisticated and somehow soothing. The monochrome touches throughout evoke an attitude refreshingly not in thrall to modernity and the hectic, always-on mindset back out there beyond the hotel’s entrance.

The staff here strike that balance between being always on hand but also hands off, in the best possible way. The overbearing, forced friendliness which pervades in some hotels hasn’t checked in here. Instead, personnel have an air of staff who work at a front desk in a condo, letting you get on with your day. The Marmara prides itself on being a home away from home and this attitude to customer service suits this ethos perfectly. A big tick in our box.

ROOMS

There are many grades of room here, with the intention of appealing to both short and longer term guests, comprising 128 rooms in total. The majority are studio suites complete with kitchenettes, again reinforcing the home-away-from-home vibe. Indeed, The Marmara also offers apartment-style living for those wanting an extended stay in the city; an astute move we reckon. Beds which could accommodate Donald Trump and several guests are guaranteed. You’ll be glad to hear this is purely hypothetical. A dining table and four chairs as standard completes the sense that the Marmara really wants you to kick your shoes off, get comfy and settle in.. A complimentary iPad, New York Times and of course, wi fi, make it difficult to leave. Sound business sense we think, pulled off with aplomb.

FOOD & DRINK

If you don’t fancy making your own dinner, there’s plenty on offer to sate your appetite, both onsite and within walking distance of the hotel. The Marmara’s rooftop plays host to not one but two restaurants, Middle Eastern flecked the Blue and the 114, offering a pan European menu. Both offer decent dinner options at a reasonable price for central New York. And of course, the chance for a cocktail on a Manhatten rooftop shouldn’t be passed up.

Should you wish to see the lights of the city, Koreatown is a few minute’s walk away and has some splendid restaurants; we love Samwon Garden BBQ if you’re in the mood for meat, or vegetarian HanGawi, ideal for your kimchi fix. If fine dining takes your fancy and you have serious cash to cremate, Eleven Madison Park, currently ranked as the 4th best restaurant in the world, is only a km away.

FACILITIES

The Hamman spa makes sense when you find out this is a Turkish Hotel chain (hence the name). The idea behind the Turkish hammam is all about detoxification; welcome in a city like New York when you might have imbibed a little too heavily the night before. Poolside yoga sessions with an in-house instructor are also offered in the hotel. Zen awaits.

WHY GO

If you need escape from Manhatten’s madcap, mile-a-minute mentality, then the Marmara’s monochrome minimalism is just the tonic. Whether it’s for a night or several months, the subtle service and superb facilities will have your every whim covered, and your hunger replenished, ready to get back out there and take another bite out of the Big Apple.

Website: park.marmaranyc.com

HOW TO THROW THE ULTIMATE TROPICAL SUMMER WEDDING PARTY

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HOW TO THROW THE ULTIMATE TROPICAL SUMMER WEDDING PARTY

Are you planning a wedding in the UK but aren’t confident the weather is going to bestow your day with sunshine and good times? 

Well, how about second guessing those fickle weather gods and throwing a tropically-themed summer wedding party that celebrates the sunshine whether it deigns to appear or not…

There’s no doubt that planning any themed wedding requires a particular eye for detail and embracing of creativity, but if you throw yourself into it, you might just host the best soiree around. 

With that in mind, here’s how to throw the ultimate tropical summer wedding party.

DESIGN TABLES WITH COLOURFUL CENTREPIECES 

Despite the cliches, ‘tropical’ décor doesn’t have to be bursting with every colour in existence. Instead, something more subtle and in keeping with an all-encompassing theme is best, emphasising your wedding’s motif and colour palette, and tying disparate symbolic elements together. 

The best centrepieces for guest’s tables are floral ones that channel the tropics, designed and prepared by a trusted flower vendor to ensure a mix of authenticity and aesthetic good taste.

Some fantastic tropical flowers that will truly bring those vacay vibes to your wedding, and which you can grow (and buy) in the UK, include:

  • The archetype in this arena is the bird of paradise flower; one hell of a statement piece in a wedding venue as they can reach 5 feet in height.
  • The anthurium is another brilliant way to evoke the tropics, with its bright, stately colourscope, and heart shaped appearance so appropriate for a wedding celebration.
  • Trilliums have three petals sitting atop three leaves, evoking the appearance of a cup and saucer. If your wedding involves an afternoon tea element, trilliums would make a wonderfully cheeky centrepiece.
  • Hardy and resilient, a Ginger Lily won’t wilt in the lead up to your wedding, should you be buying your florals in advance.
  • One of the most striking floral centrepieces around, Arum lilies are so quintessentially tropical your guests will think they’ve been flown to the Caribbean. 

Read: 5 IDEAL plants to bring a tropical vibe to your home

PREP THE BAR AND THE DRINKS MENU

Since you’re holding a summer tropical wedding party, it’s essential to have a bar setup that’s fit for purpose. 

Aside from some of the flora we already mentioned, there are other ways to make cocktail hour feel tropical besides going for a tiki bar theme. Bamboo, palm leaves and gentle aromatic accents of coconut, passion fruit and even, whisper it, suntan lotion can all create hints of the tropics rather than it being too garish.

Wherever your venue is, be it indoors or out, you can add some tropical accents and create a summery vibe with the drinks being served, from mojitos and margaritas to pina coladas. These could be offered right after the wedding ceremony and before the reception begins. 

GET A COCONUT-FLAVOURED WEDDING CAKE

If you want a delectable yet tropical-themed wedding cake, why not throw a traditional cake out of the window (don’t worry, it’s just a concept, it won’t make a mess) and instead opt for a more modern confection by choosing a coconut-flavoured cake. 

It can be decorated with floral and leafy accents or covered in beautifully arranged pieces of fruit. You can also add some coconut husks to the table where the wedding cake will be for extra theatre.

Hey, or you could just not have a cake at all, and instead serve your guests arguably (nope, there’s no contest actually) the most delicious sweet treat in the world; Mango Sticky Rice from the tropical paradise of Thailand.

CONSIDER HOLDING AN AL FRESCO WEDDING

Weddings in the summer have many advantages, including the warm weather. Though certainly no guarantee in the UK, an outdoor wedding if the weather is clement enough is simply lovely. Nothing beats the experience of dining outside with a bit of sunlight and plenty of fresh air. By turning to some tips on entertaining al fresco during summer, you’ll ensure your party is at least a little protected from the more malign whims of the weather. 

However, you and your guests probably won’t be particularly comfortable under the sun for long stretches, so it’s best to hold the wedding ceremony and party outdoors when the sun’s heat isn’t that intense. Or, as is more likely in the UK, the rainstorms aren’t raging. You can account for both of these eventualities by investing in gazebos to provide the necessary cover.

PRINT CEREMONY DETAILS ON A HANDY FAN 

While your guests will relish the warmth of your summer wedding, be sure to provide them with printed programs that double up as fans they can use should they start feeling hot. It could be as simple as using a thick piece of paper printed with the wedding details attached or glued to a piece of wooden material in the shape of a hand fan. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Actually, don’t do that; that would be a little weird at a wedding, don’t you think?

CELEBRATE THE CUISINE OF A TROPICAL COUNTRY

Rather than going for a ‘tropical’ themed meal that goes globetrotting and gets a little lost in the process, why not instead focus minds and appetites with a feast that focuses on the cuisine of just one country? 

You have your pick of some of the best cuisines in the world here, but if you’re keen to narrow things down, consider a spread from:

  • Mexico: Hire a taco truck and serve guacamole and various fresh, fiery salsas as nibbles to kick off the day. 
  • Thailand: A selection of delicious Thai curries, salads, relishes and soups makes for the most awesome sharing spread, don’t you think?
  • Jamaica: A centrepiece barbeque, knocking out grilled jerk chicken, curried coat and more? Sounds like tropical paradise to us!
  • Ethiopia: The food of Ethiopia is designed for sharing. Freshly grilled flatbreads are served at every meal and alongside you’ll find lots of intriguing side dishes, all designed to be scooped up with a piece of injera (cutlery is rarely used here). Heaven.
  • Vietnam: For something fresh, light and enticing which won’t have your guests in a food coma and unable to dance to that steel drum band you’ve hired afterwards, it’s got to be Vietnamese food.

USE TROPICAL LEAVES

Banana leaves are perfect for a tropical-themed wedding because they’re durable and can be used in many ways. Any wedding paper product can be substituted with banana leaves. For instance, instead of using conventional ceramic plates, you may place banana leaves on top of wooden plates for guests to eat on. Meanwhile, smaller tropical leaves can become name cards and table numbers.

THE BOTTOM LINE 

Go beyond the usual palm trees, rum and, erm, that’s it, and instead go all out on your tropical summer wedding, focusing on the flora, food and frivolity, all done al fresco. Good luck and can we expect our invite in the post?

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO MANAGE PRE-WEDDING JITTERS?

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WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO MANAGE PRE-WEDDING JITTERS?

Here’s something no one tells you about getting married; in the lead-up to getting hitched, you’ll be presented with as many questions as answers. 

Am I making a mistake? Is he/she/they the one for me? Will they ever learn where the correct cupboard for the iron is? Ruminations both big and small can start to circle, distracting you from the key concerns at hand; namely, will there be enough wine at the wedding?

In all seriousness, and although a few pre-wedding jitters are normal, obsessing over future uncertainty is enough to make any couple anxious. If you’re keen for your big day to go smoothly (of course you are, no one ever willed theirs to be chaotic), then it’s essential you keep those nerves at bay. Today, we’re considering the best ways to manage those pre-wedding jitters. Read on to find out more…

FIND A SOUNDING BOARD AWAY FROM FAMILY

We all need a good dissection of our wedding plans (and a bit of a vent about our partners) in the run-up to the big day. There will be elements that are undoubtedly causing tension between you, your partner and perhaps even the wider family unit, but rather than letting them build up until they erupt at the most inopportune time – at the altar, anyone? – it’s advisable to find a sounding board, instead. 

This could be a close friend or confidant, sure, but even better is someone far removed from all the planning, like a pal at yoga, that librarian you sometimes chat to, or even a pen (or email) pal from another era. Having space to air ideas and grievances away from wedding attendees can feel liberating, make no mistake.

TAKE A BREAK AND INDULGE

Create a “let loose” emergency plan for those moments when you need to remove your wedding planning hat and, frankly, get out of your head. When things get overwhelming, sometimes a fun night out with friends without all that wedding preparation talk will do the trick. 

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Chocolates, a spa day, a run, or a cocktail night are a few things that can take the edge off. Just remind friends that your meetup is a ‘wedding free zone’ and indulge!

BE AWARE

Sometimes, pre-wedding jitters can be a warning sign that you’re not as happy as you’re perhaps projecting in your relationship. Seek out a life coach or professional therapist, a close friend or a parent, and carefully consider whether the wedding is truly the right decision. Remember; it’s never too late to back out if your reservations are serious enough and your future happiness feels in jeopardy. 

Talk to your partner about those reservations, too, if you’re comfortable doing so. Never be afraid to be open and vulnerable to the person you could be spending the rest of your life with.

CHERISH IMPERFECTION

Most of the time, the pressure is massive on your wedding day for everything to be perfect. We ascribe to the idea that a seamless wedding equates to a happy relationship, but this isn’t always the case. 

Instead, as Leonard Cohen so elegantly, eloquently intoned,

‘’Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack, a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in’’

A quintessential wedding does not need to be the perfect dress, menu, flowers and colour palette; it is the quality of the partnership that will ensure.

Building a solid foundation for the relationship should be the priority, nothing else. Leave the nitty-gritty details like the cake flavour, personalised notecards, something borrowed and something blue to your wedding planner or leave them off entirely! Instead, focus on the bigger picture and in the build-up to your big day, nurture your relationship with your partner. Your happily-ever-after will thank you for it.

WHAT TO DO IN ST. TROPEZ: 5 GLAMOROUS, LUXURY THINGS TO DO IN ST TROPEZ

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WHAT TO DO IN ST. TROPEZ: 5 GLAMOROUS, LUXURY THINGS TO DO IN ST TROPEZ

It feels almost impossible to comprehend that St Tropez, now arguably the world’s premier retreat for glitz and glamour, was once a sleepy fishing village.

How things have changed. Now, St Tropez is the most flawless gem in the perennially twinkling Côte d’Azur, bringing in A-listers, Billionaires and Celebrity in their droves, keen to soak up the sunshine (hence the name of the iconic spray tan) and the good times.

Though it retains an exclusive appeal, St Tropez isn’t some kind of gated community for the rich and famous. If you’re looking for a holiday of opulence and extravagance, then it’ll welcome you with open arms. While in the town’s warm embrace, why not check out these 5 glamorous, luxury things to do in St Tropez.

WHEN TO VISIT

Located on the French Riviera and looking out over the Mediterranean Sea, St Tropez enjoys a warm climate with sunshine and comfortable temperatures all year round. When summer is in full swing, during the months of July and August, crowds pack its chic beaches (upwards of 100’000 a day at the height of the season) and the glitterati of the world attend private yacht parties. The atmosphere, unsurprisingly, is electric. However, as the crowds swell, the prices rise, and the queues for restaurants grow, too. 

While there’s a certain magic to summer in St Tropez, the sun shines here through much of the year, so even off-season has its charm, and is considerably cheaper. Though, of course, in a place such as this, that’s speaking relatively.

DRIVE THE FRENCH RIVIERA IN A SUPERCAR…

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur in French) is a coastal stretch of glamorous resort towns in the southeast corner of France, extending from St Tropez in the east to Menton in the west. But we didn’t need to tell you that, right? Its beaches are world famous and resorts emblematic of a certain kind of luxury few can dream of. 

But rather than focusing only on its golden stretches of sand, why not explore the French Riviera’s winding roads, which reveal vista after vista of gorgeous scenery at every turn? The road from St Tropez to Menton takes in Antibes, Cannes and Nice along the way, and totals around 100 miles of coastal driving, which should take you under three hours to complete. That’s if you don’t stop; but rest assured, the road is peppered with viewpoints, world class eateries and opportunities for shopping.

Of course, if your trip is all about glamour and luxury, you’re going to want to do the coastal drive in a car that’s fit for purpose. Unsurprisingly, St Tropez has several luxury car hire outlets, including GT Luxe, where you can rent a Lamborghini Huracán Coupé for just €1249 a day, or Elite Rentals, where a Ferrari F8 Spider will set you back €2450 for a day’s driving.

…OR, EXPLORE THE CÔTE D’AZUR BY CHARTERED YACHT

Let’s dial the luxury up several notches, shall we? Lambos and ‘raris be damned; to truly experience the Côte d’Azur as the glamour gods intended, it’s best to view it from the vantage point of a yacht. 

The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you’re going to be sailing the seas in an uncrewed charter (known as ‘bareboat’ in some circles), or on a crewed vessel.

Generally speaking, riding without a crew gets you a more affordable, and might we say affable, sailboats, and the freedom granted is unmatchable aboard, when compared to a manned vessel. That said, you’re going to need a solid foundational knowledge of sailing to go bareboat around St Tropez’s waters. The vessels on offer with this option are generally low powered affairs (and never over 40 foot in length) and are usually available-for-hire on a day by day basis, returnable by early evening. For small excursions to quiet beaches, this is a fun, freedom-friendly choice. It’s also more affordable; expect to pay around £200 a day for a sailboat and £500 for a catamaran.

The other option is riding a crewed vessel. St Tropez yacht charters are generally pretty extravagant affairs, make no mistake, but should you choose to charter one, you and several guests could sleep on board, negating some of the cost of hotels on dry land. Be aware that it’s going to cost you; prices start at around £30’000 per week and can reach the millions for something truly spectacular. 

Once onboard, however, you can visit some of the French Riviera’s best sites in the most luxurious (and might we say, convenient) way possible. Make sure you drop anchor near Pampelonne and Escalet beach, as well as going further afield to visit Monaco and Cannes, and the tranquil group of islands known as Îles d’Hyères.

Read: Your questions on chartering a private plane answered

STROLL & SPLURGE IN ST TROPEZ OLD TOWN

Back on dry land, St Tropez boasts some incredible shopping opportunities, with its tight, narrow streets packed with boutique clothes shops and outlets from some of the fashion world’s heaviest hitters.

The majority of the best shopping opportunities in St. Tropez occurs in the pedestrianised Old Town. You’ll have seen it before; the iconic images of a bikini-clad Brigitte Bardot strolling the beachfront promenade with the honey hued houses of St Tropez behind her. Now, many of those buildings house the likes of Armani, Dolce and Gabbana and Rodini.

The majority of the designer names are located on Place des Lices, Rue Gambetta and Rue Allard, and if you’re keen to pick up some artisan foods, then be sure to head to Place des Lices Market, which takes place every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Here, you’ll find incredible pastries, cheeses, charcuterie and bread, ideal for a pit stop before more clothes shopping!

DINE OUT ON SEAFOOD IN A MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANT

If you’re looking for a more fully fledged meal, St Tropez boasts some seriously luxurious restaurants. Owing to its location on the Med, the truly world class eateries here take on a decidedly seafood bent…not that we’re complaining!

The pick of the bunch has to be the three Michelin starred La Vague d’Or (the Golden Wave) in the palatial Cheval Blanc hotel, which overlooks the Plage de la Bouillabaisse beach and celebrates the finest produce found in the Mediterranean. Sure, a main course of spiny lobster, seaweed and lime peel might set you back €152, but you did say you wanted luxury, right?

Should you be seeking something a little more affordable, we just love Restaurant Colette, half an hour’s walk from the Old Town on Chem. des Salins. Here, the restaurant offers a little slice of tranquility far removed from St Tropez harbour’s tourist throngs. The food is stripped back but refined, celebrating local vegetables just as much as it bigs up the Mediterranean’s bounty. Lovely stuff, and a whole tasting menu at €116 feels a relative steal compared to that lobster!

INDULGE IN THE GLAMOROUS NIGHTLIFE OF ST TROPEZ

The final indulgence, if you’re not too full from that tasting menu, that is, should centre around St Tropez’s world famous nightlife, which is as glamorous and luxurious as you’ll find anywhere on the planet. 

Rather than keep you, we’ll direct you to our IDEAL guide on St Tropez nightlife and the 5 best St Tropez nightclubs. À votre santé!

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEING YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEING YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 

Dentists can not only treat and solve problems with your teeth but can also help to prevent any problems. Therefore, visiting your dentist regularly is very important to ensure the health of your teeth, mouth, and gums. 

Most dentists will recommend you visit them every 6 to 12 months, however this will differ usually upon how healthy your teeth are and if you are risk at dental concerns. Between these important dental check-ups, you should be following an oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and cleaning your teeth twice daily, flossing, and taking care of your gums. 

During a dental check-up, your dentist can assess your oral hygiene whilst checking for any concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease. Portobello Dental have helped to highlight exactly why you should consider booking your next dental appointment and what this appointment will include. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A DENTAL CHECK UP 

A dental check-up will consist of your dentist carrying out a complete assessment of your oral hygiene. They will check for any dental concerns and ensure your teeth, mouth, and gums are being taken care of properly and are healthy. Your dentists will take into consideration your lifestyle (like smoking and drinking), dietary habits and other health issues. They will offer some advice and guidance about maintaining a dental hygiene routine, including recommending what to do and what not to do. 

At your check-up it is likely your dentist will ask you a number of questions including questions about your medical history, current medications, lifestyle (smoking and drinking), and teeth cleaning habits. 

With this information and their own thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums they will provide you with advice on your diet and oral hygiene routine. If there are any dental problems, they will suggest treatments and discuss the dental costs associated with these, before proceeding with a referral. 

If everything is relatively healthy, they will likely recommend you book another appointment for 12 months’ time, unless there are any risks they would like to review sooner.

WHAT YOUR DENTIST WILL LOOK FOR DURING A DENTAL CHECK-UP:

Bowlane Dental, experts in dental hygiene in London, fill us in here…

  • Plaque build-up, decay, and cavities which may need to be treated. If you have any decay your dentist may recommend solutions such as tooth extraction. 
  • Screening for any signs of mouth cancer
  • An assessment of the health of your gums and the underlying bone structure. This will check the colour of your gums. If they appear red and swollen this may indicate a problem. 
  • Your dentist will identify any signs of gum recession which is indicated by gaps between the gums and the teeth. 
  • Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for teeth alignment 
  • If you have missing teeth, your dentist might discuss the option of dental implants. As Queens Medical Center, to many the best dental implants clinic in Dubai, advise, this can provide a durable and natural-looking solution to restore your smile.

MAINTAINING A GOOD ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE

Between your regular visits to the dentist, you must maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This is so you are taking care of your teeth and gums and following the advice of your dentist. Plaque constantly forms on the teeth, so by brushing and flossing every day you will be able to stop a build-up and prevent issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Some important things to remember when maintaining a good oral hygiene routine include: 

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. 
  • Use floss to get trapped food particles.
  • Consider using a mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria. Doing this will also help to keep your breath fresh. Speak with your dentist if you are unsure about using mouthwash – they will be able to offer you some guidance and recommend their chosen products. 
  • Do not ignore your tongue – cleaning your tongue will help to prevent a bad mouth odour. 
  • Drink more water and less fizzy drinks 
  • Be mindful of the foods you consume and introduce crunchy vegetables and fruits into your diet to help minimise plaque build-up. 

6 OF THE BEST PLACES FOR AN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY IN THE WILD SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE

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6 OF THE BEST PLACES FOR AN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY IN THE WILD SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE

Last year, a poll of seasoned travellers published in Wanderlust Magazine declared, once again, that the Scottish Highlands were the best holiday destination in the world, with a satisfaction rating of 98%.

Our only surprise in the magazine’s findings is in that missing 2%. We have to assume they voted for the remainder of the Scottish countryside beyond the Highlands. Because, in all honesty, from the country’s Shetland Islands up north all the way to Galloway Forest Park down south, we’ve never seen anywhere more vast, uncompromising and wild. And if you’re keen to see it, too, then you’ve come to the right place.

Scotland’s expansive and untamed scenery especially lends itself to adventure holidays full of eager exploration, wildlife watching, and a fair amount of daredevil deeds. If you’re looking for inspiration for such a trip, read on; here are 6 of the best places for an adventure holiday in the wild Scottish countryside.

GO PACKRAFTING ALONG THE RIVER TAY, FROM SOURCE TO SEA

The River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, originates on the slopes of Ben Tui in Western Scotland, running east through the Scottish Highlands, Perth and Dundee, before finishing in the North Sea. 

One of Scotland’s big five salmon rivers, and famous for its angling opportunities, if you’re a keen fisher (or fish eater!) then a trip along the river, wild camping at night and traversing the river by day, could be right up your stream.

Secret Compass, who organise small group expeditions in Scotland, suggest packrafting along the river’s 120 miles, exploring mountains, moorland, lochs and river’s tributaries along the way. If you think all of this sounds a little too docile for an adventure holiday in Scotland’s wilds, then rest assured, the terrain (and water) gets pretty tricky, with some grade 2 and 3 rapids presenting a fair amount of adrenaline-raising challenges on your adventure.

HIKING THE HIGHLANDS

The Scottish Highlands are a thrill seeker’s dream, with mountaineering, hiking, cycling, kayaking and sailing all on your doorstep. Or rather, your tent flap; the Highlands are rural and isolated, and it’s incredibly rare you’ll stumble across a house here.

Having such vast, expansive scenery for Highlands hiking is the height of opulence for those who love an adventure, with Outside Magazine recently naming the 20 mile loop of Fisherfields Round as one of their 25 best hikes in the world. Known as the ‘Great Wilderness’ and containing the UK’s most remote square mile – at the peak of 3’343 Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair – this one’s not for the faint of heart; it’s a challenging, ever changing landscape with inclement weather and rough, rugged terrain. For those that brave the two days of hiking, however, the views are as striking as they come.

Alternatively, and perhaps the most famous of all hikes in the Highlands, is the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, a 3 mile walk with stunning views of Loch Shiel and the railway bridge made famous in the Harry Potter films. 

Or, if you’re looking for something significantly more challenging, then Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, is a seven hour climb with rich rewards of stunning vistas at the summit. The best time to visit is between June and September; the weather is a little, well, uncompromising outside of those four months.

COLD WATER WILD SWIMMING ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, is world famous for its cinematic vistas. In fact, it has been the backdrop to several Hollywood blockbusters, including the B.F.G and King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword. The island also presents perhaps Scotland’s best opportunity to see the Northern Lights, with nine (yes, nine) discovery sites offering views from October to March.

But today, you’re here for an adventure, right? The Isle of Skye has some fantastic opportunities for cold – and we mean cold – water wild swimming. The island boasts dozens of lochs, waterfalls and rock pools, with Loch Coruisk – meaning cauldron in Scottish Gaelic – considered the premier wild swimming spot on Skye.

Allt Daraich is another amazing place to take a dip. This hidden waterfall and collection of green pools are as refreshing as it comes, and have an almost mystical quality.

The Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle are yet another must-swim. These stunning rock pools at the foot of Black Cuillins mountains boast crystal clear spring water fed by a series of waterfalls, and are easily accessible for a quick, albeit cold, dip. Just stunning.

SPOT THE SHETLAND ISLES’ AMAZING WILDLIFE

The Shetland Isles have over 6,000 years of history and legend, with gripping stories of the islands’ Viking origins. But even before the Vikings arrived, the Shetlands were populated with a hugely diverse mixture of flora and fauna, and if you’re keen on wildlife spotting in Scotland, it’s to the Shetlands you should head.

Birdwatching is a particular highlight here; keep your eye out for gannets, guillemots, puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes. Dolphins and killer whales have been known to swim close to the shore here, too. But perhaps the islands’ most famous resident is the Shetland pony, who roam all over the Shetlands, but can mainly be seen on West Mainland, Scalloway, Tingwall, Dunrossness and the island of Unst.

Shetland is proudly part of the National Cycling Network, with the North Sea Cycle Route passing through the island giving an opportunity for riders to see wildlife at first hand and in motion if you’re doing things on two wheels. Speaking of which… 

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING DOWN THE DEVIL’S STAIRCASE & CIARAN PATH, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Yep, you can also see some of wild Scotland’s most stunning spots while tearing down trails on two wheels. 

There are organised mountain bike routes at gorgeous locations like Glentress, Kingussie, Aviemore and elsewhere, but it’s probably best to take some expert advice before heading into the Highlands under your own steam – the terrain can get rough and safety should always comes first. Take a look at this mountain biking guide from Visit Scotland for the lowdown.

The Devil’s Staircase and Ciaran Path, in Scotland’s Kinlochleven, is known for testing even the most advanced riders with its loose, rocky terrain, lactic baiting climbs and heart racing drops. It’s a near 25km loop set against a gorgeous, dramatic backdrop of mountains, rivers and lakes; you’ll welcome the excuse to take a breather in the name of ‘admiring the view’. In fact, there’s no shame in walking parts of this challenging trail; many, many don’t conquer it at all.

As the name alludes to, the Devil’s Staircase is one hell of a climb to begin the trail, but as keen mountain bikers love to joke, ‘you have to endure some grunts before the stunts’. After that, a descent into the small town of Kinlochleven serves primarily as a warm up for things to come; the views over Blackwater Dam which seem to suggest a sense of danger which is to follow are very apt indeed. That foreboding is largely justified; the final Ciaran Path is a thrilling but challenging ride, make no mistake.

RIDE THE OLD MILITARY ROAD ON MOTORBIKE

The Old Military Road (A93), which cuts a swathe through the Cairngorms National Park, is widely regarded as the U.K’s best road for driving and motorbike riding, taking you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands and past sights like Balmoral Castle, through the Cairnwell Pass and Glenshee ski region, and always with endless peaks and troughs on the horizon. 

This route is filled with twisting hair pins, roller coaster-like ups and downs and steep gradients, plus the views are pretty good too. There is a wide variety of different wildlife in the Highlands so keep your eyes peeled for deer, snow rabbits and grouse, to name but a few. Taking on this road on a motorbike is one of the most liberating things you can do!

If you’re keen to explore Scotland’s urban side, then check out these 4 of the best city breaks in Scotland.

4 INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND GETAWAYS, IDEAL FOR A LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAY

Editorial Team
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4 INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND GETAWAYS, IDEAL FOR A LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAY

The Indian Ocean is one of the planet’s most expansive bodies of the wet stuff, comprising nearly a fifth of the world’s water and touched by four of its continents, geographically, culturally and politically. 

Naturally, narrowing down the destinations within its 27,240,000 square miles into one succinct story sounds silly, but there’s a narrative thread that connects the Indian Ocean’s premier holiday destinations, disparate though they may be, that deserves exploring. 

For one, the Indian Ocean is the warmest in the world, with its coral reefs abundant and sea life rich and varied. This makes the ocean’s island getaways ideal for those family members who love to swim, snorkel and scuba dive, or simply paddle in the shallow, turquoise waters. 

What’s more, the ocean’s sea lanes are some of the most strategically important on the planet, connecting East Asia with the Middle East, East Africa and Europe. One of the most influential, culturally and culinarily, is the Maritime Silk Roads (also known as the Spice Routes) which link east with west and lead to a thrilling, fascinating diversity of cuisine on the islands in between. For the foodies in the family, there’s no chance of going hungry here.

Finally, because of their unique position, the Indian Ocean’s islands boast ecosystems and biodiversity unrivalled anywhere else in the world. For wildlife lovers, there’s just so much to see and do.

So, without further ado, let’s narrow down this unfathomably vast and varied place into these 4 Indian Ocean island getaways, IDEAL for a luxury family holiday.

THE MALDIVES: IDEAL FOR SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING

We realise we said island getaways. Well, how do 1190 islands sound? This archipelagic state, an hour and a half’s flight from Kochi on India’s Malabar Coast, is as idyllic as it comes. Boasting private island resorts, ultra shallow, crystal clear waters and powdery white sand beaches, the Maldives is as dreamy a location for a luxury family holiday in the Indian Ocean as you’ll find anywhere on the planet.

Many visit the Maldives specifically for the scuba diving opportunities, with the waters offering incredible visibility and a wide variety of sea life. If you’re travelling with teenagers, there are plenty of PADI certified diving schools ready to facilitate both discovery dives and proper reef explorations. 

The best are found within the Maldives’ famous atolls – naturally formed, ring shaped coral reefs – which play host to several luxury resorts with their own on-site diving instructors. Ari Atoll, a half hour’s seaplane flight from the capital Malé, is the most famous; 20 islands within it are designated for tourist resorts. From May through November, you’ll see manta rays, whale and hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and whole host of other amazing sea creatures.

If you’re travelling with family too young for scuba diving, Ari Atoll’s resorts also have plenty of snorkelling opportunities, as well as loads to keep the kids entertained on dry land, including tennis courts, volleyball, cycling and even boat trips to go dolphin spotting.

SRI LANKA: IDEAL FOR FOODIE FAMILIES

The ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is having a foodie moment on these shores right now, make no mistake, with Londoners conversant in the right way to eat a hopper, the correct sound of slapping roti, and which sambol packs the most potent punch.

But rather than simply heading to Central London to try the finest Sri Lankan food, why not instead go all out, and go all the way out there, to the source, for your next foodie fix?

Sri Lanka’s ecosystem is varied and diverse, and combined with a rich amalgamation of regional and past-colonial influences (Indians, Arabs, Malays, Portuguese, Dutch and English tastes all play a part), this makes for a heady, intoxicating cuisine best enjoyed where it was born. 

And though there’s certainly spice and funk in the country’s cooking, it’s refined and approachable enough for all the family to enjoy. 

Some of our favourite spots in Sri Lanka that you should visit on your family’s foodie tour include the iconic seafood restaurant Ministry of Crab in the capital city Colombo, Negombo’s fish market (just 15 minutes from Colombo, on the country’s west coast), and the Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation, where the famous Ceylon tea is cultivated.

Why not finish up your foodie tour of Sri Lanka with a cooking class? Fun for all the family and guaranteed to improve those midweek meals when you’re back in Blighty!

Read: 12 IDEAL dishes to try in Sri Lanka

MAURITIUS: IDEAL FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH

Sri Lanka has seen us right for shellfish, curries and even a cup of tea. But if you’ve a family whose sweet tooth is never satisfied, then it’s to Mauritius you should head for dessert. 

1’200 miles east of the south eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius is famed for its beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and sugar cane plantations. We’re here for the latter today, with 85% of the arable land on the island dedicated to the crop. In fact, sugar is one of Mauritius’ biggest exports, with the sweet stuff accounting for nearly $200 million in global shipments.

Make the most of it and indulge your sweet tooth. At the central market in the capital Port Louis, you can pick up a bag of Napolitaines; melt-in-your-mouth buttery shortbread biscuits filled with strawberry jam and covered with a layer of sweet pink sugar icing – a little taste of paradise, we reckon. 

Gateau Patate Douce, made with sweet potato, coconut, cardamom and lots of sugar is another local sweet treat that you can’t miss. Wash them both down with a glass of refreshing Alouda, the nation’s favourite non-alcoholic drink which contains vanilla, basil seeds, agar jelly and milk served over ice.

If you want to learn more about the sugar industry, visit L’Aventure du Sucre in Pamplemousse, just a 20 minute drive inland from Port Louis. This former factory is a sugar museum where you can learn everything about the island’s industry. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving up sugary sensations…the perfect holiday souvenir, don’t you think? 

Just don’t blame us if your kids are climbing the walls after a trip here!

THE SEYCHELLES: IDEAL FOR HIKING THROUGH PARADISE & RECLINING ON BLISSFUL BEACHES

​​With 115 breathtaking islands 1000 miles off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles boasts pristine white-sand beaches, imposing granite rocks, rare animals and birds, and giant palm and coconut trees so evocative of paradise.

For somewhere so blessed with beaches, it feels almost perverse to recommend heading inland, but Seychelles has some incredible national parks, jungles and hiking trails that just have to be experienced (you can cool off in the sea afterwards!). 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai, on the island of Praslin, is a must visit, home to the legendary coco de mer palms that can only be seen here or on Curieuse island. Known as the ‘Garden of Eden’, you can choose from three hiking trails that have remained untouched since the 1930s and stop for a break to admire the waterfall along the way.

Alternatively (or, even better, additionally), on Seychelles’ largest island Mahe, you’ll find Morne Seychellois National Park. Covering 20% of land on the island, this dense mixture of mangroves, lush jungles and the country’s tallest peak, Morne Seychellois, are only accessible on foot. The kids will just love putting on their walking boots and spotting the unique flora and fauna of the park. And the adults, too, of course.

We couldn’t check out without mentioning the amazing beaches of the Seychelles, which many consider to be the world’s finest. On Mahé, Beau Vallon and Anse Royale are perennially popular but never overcrowded, but even better is Petite Anse, often voted among the most beautiful on earth.

Since we’ve no greater superlative to top that, we’ll bid you adieu here. Have a great trip!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR HEARING TESTED?

Editorial Team
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR HEARING TESTED?

Worried about your hearing or curious as to whether you should get your hearing tested? This guide is here to help, exploring how often you should book a hearing consultation and what this will consist of. 

It’s all too common that people neglect their hearing when considering their overall health and wellbeing. Let’s face it; most of us take our hearing for granted, only really considering its importance when things start going wrong. And when your hearing does show signs of problems, it can be incredibly alarming.

Just like your eyes, your ears and hearing should be assessed by a professional. Having a regular hearing test with an audiologist will ensure healthy ears and hearing, and point to any underlying issues that can potentially be remedied before they worsen.

But just how often should you have your hearing tested? Well, the London hearing specialists group recommend having your hearing tested every 2 years if you’re aged over 50, though sometimes you’ll need and sometimes, you’ll need less than this.

Once you have completed the initial consultation, your audiologist can determine how frequently you should return for a hearing consultation. This could be every 6-12 months or every 2 years depending upon your hearing results and wax management.  

Though you can get a hearing test for free on the NHS, it may take a few weeks to see a specialist. As such, they recommend visiting a large pharmacy or opticians to get tested. Though the test in such places will often be free, you will likely have to pay for any subsequent treatment.

WHAT DOES A HEARING CONSULTATION CONSIST OF?

If you have been delaying your hearing test for some time now, you may be curious or slightly anxious as to what this includes. Well, we asked Verified Hearing what to expect when visiting an audiologist for a complete hearing consultation, you can expect the following: 

  • Your audiologist will discuss your medical history, and will focus on any underlying concerns that may be affecting your hearing. 
  • They will review, with you, areas or situations where you may feel you have difficulty in hearing, such as struggling to hear conversations in busy environments or when listening to the TV. 
  • Your audiologist will then usually carry out an otoscopy. This includes looking inside the ear with an otoscope, which helps them examine the health of the ear canal and ear drum. 
  • Some audiologists will also complete a video otoscopy. This is a live video that shows the inside of your ear including the most important points such as the ear canal and ear drum. Whilst doing this, your audiologist will explain everything as you watch the video. 
  • They will then complete your hearing assessment by using air-conduction testing and bone-conduction testing. This covers a range of frequencies to analyse the complete hearing ability and the location of any hearing loss. 

Once your hearing consultation is complete, your audiologist will be able to provide a full explanation of your results in a calm and collected way. If there are any hearing concerns or issues you would like to address as a result of your consultation, the audiologist will be able to provide some recommendations and solutions. This may include a demonstration of a set of hearing aids. 

SIGNS YOU SHOULD GET YOUR HEARING TESTED 

If you are experiencing any of the following signs, you may need to book a hearing test sooner than you thought. This could indicate a gradual change in your hearing which requires an assessment from an audiologist to determine a cause and find a solution or design a treatment plan:

  • You or your loved ones have noticed you are struggling to hear general day to day sounds and conversations. For example, you are struggling to hear the TV or needing it to be turned up louder than is normal, engaging in group conversation, or missing high pitched sounds such as alarms, your ringing phone or the doorbell. 
  • Tinnitus – this describes an onset of ringing, buzzing, or humming within your ears. Tinnitus can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds, with many musicians and engineers suffering from tinnitus later on in their career. It may be a sign of hearing loss or other conditions, so it is important you get this checked by a hearing professional. 
  • If you have a sudden pain in your ear which is difficult to treat, your audiologist will hopefully be able to locate the cause of this pain and offer a treatment or make a referral to someone who can carry out further diagnosis.

FEELINGS OF DIZZINESS AND HEARING 

If you are experiencing dizziness or feeling lightheaded and off-balance, with no explanation, this may be related to our ears. It is important you get signs like this checked as soon as you can, as you could suffer an accident if such dizziness is left untreated.

Visiting a specially trained audiologist when an issue like this arises allows them to check for any hearing concerns which may be causing this feeling and offer a treatment plan or solution, which may well involve getting a modern hearing aid fitted in more serious circumstances.

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID TIKTOK’S LATEST BEAUTY TREND – SALTWATER

Editorial Team
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WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID TIKTOK’S LATEST BEAUTY TREND – SALTWATER

2021 has welcomed the coining of a whole slew of beauty buzzwords and terms; slugging, mirror skin and fake tan lips are just some of the trends promising a brighter, more radiant visage. 

With K beauty and TikTok heavily influencing how we now approach our complexions, some of the newest so-called ‘skincare hacks’ from the internet’s budding amateur dermatologists have – quite rightly – caused some eye-rolling from more established skincare experts.

Today, we’re talking to skincare expert and facialist Ada Ooi about one of the newest, most talked about trends out there; salt water toners. 

WHAT IS SALT WATER TONING AND IS IT GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?

Spritzing your face with a mixture of salt and water has burst onto the skincare scene recently, promising to banish breakouts and acne with a single spray. And though it seeks to mimic the effect of a soothing dip in the ocean, is it really that good for your skin? 

Ada argues no. 

“Salt water can be overly alkaline and when the surface of your skin is too alkaline it can become sensitive and dry. The efficacy of the effect of salt water on acne hasn’t been properly studied so I would definitely recommend other ingredients before turning to this”

MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Ada explains that while it could potentially be good at minimising mild breakouts, spritzing with salt water could actually do more harm than good in the long run.

This is because salt water could break down your skin hydrolipidic barrier, making it more prone to sensitivity. It can also strip your skin of its natural oils and dry it out, which can actually exacerbate acne as skin stripped of its natural oils goes on to produce even more oils and in turn spots.

As well as this, salt water may interfere with your facial cleanser and other acne treatments, making them less effective. 

SO, HOW SHOULD YOU TREAT ACNE?

To treat acne, instead explore products with a moderate concentration of zinc oxide and acids like salicylic acid and lactic acid, while also balancing and protecting skin with hydrants and proteins like hyaluronic acid, plant oil lipids, oat and aloe vera to soothe the redness and sensitivity.

Do not cleanse with a drying cleanser as that would strip the skin’s natural barrier. A holistic formulation would allow not only your acne to heal faster but also any scars to recover better.

SO WHAT WOULD ADA RECOMMEND?

She says that 001 Skincare Zinc & Protein A+ Clarifying Comfort Cream is the ultimate skin comforter. Loaded with calming Zinc Oxide, Sandalwood and Cranberry Oil to address blemishes and irritation, it also contains a complex of proven hydrators and proteins to perform cross-layer moisturising, regulate sebum production, renew cells and repair the skin’s barrier.

5 TIPS FOR ENJOYING A FULL, ALCOHOL FREE SOCIAL LIFE

Rachel Stevenson
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5 TIPS FOR ENJOYING A FULL, ALCOHOL FREE SOCIAL LIFE

If you spent July dry, then firstly; congratulations! The year’s seventh month came soaked in trial and temptation, from the drowning of sorrows following the Euro 2020 final to a celebratory sashay towards the bar on ‘Freedom Day’. 

Perhaps you’ve decided to continue this drought for good, noticing the positive effects that abstinence has had on your health, sleep, wellbeing and bank balance, and you’re wondering just how to adjust to the social aspect of things. Or, you’re going through addiction recovery in the UK and you don’t want to place yourself in a situation where you’ll be tempted to drink. 

If you’re reevaluating your relationship with alcohol, you’re not alone. You just have to look at the recent boom of the “Nolo” drinks market, which is set to grow by 34% by 2024, to understand the country’s changing attitudes to drinking.

The language around the way we talk about drinking is changing, too. As explained in The Zoe Report, modern terms like “sober-curious”, “mindful drinking”, and “alcohol-free” have entered our everyday lexicon. It seems that people are slowing down and being more mindful about what they drink. Moreover, it seems many of us are considering whether booze is really adding any value to our lives.  

Younger generations, in particular, seem to be embracing the alcohol-free life. As revealed in an article on Medium, the youth are leading the mindful drinking moment with most citing health as the primary rationale behind it.  The New York Times recently wrote an article on why the hot new alcohol trend is cutting back — or even quitting – and we’re very much here for it.

That said, and for better or for worse, much of the socialising in Britain revolves around the pub and the pint. But rather than never seeing your friends again, there are ways you can enjoy a rich and full social life without the need for alcohol to play a central role. Here are 5 tips for doing just that.

MAKE THAT ANNOUNCEMENT

Whilst we wouldn’t want to underestimate them, we think it’s fair to assume that your friends are not psychic, neither are they mind readers. Prior to your next engagement with your pals, make sure you let it be known that you don’t intend to drink. Or, even better, that you’d prefer the meeting not to revolve around drink.

True friends will understand and support you. 

KEEP UP WITH ONLINE SOCIALISING

Whilst we’ve certainly been happy bidding farewell to Zoom pub quizzes and Facetime Fridays with our friends, if you’re keen to socialise without the pressure of the pub, then it might be worth revisiting the online socialising from time to time. This allows you to check in with friends, catch up and enjoy some continuity, but from the sanctuary of home.

Read: 6 platforms for having fun and socialising with friends online

A BREW, NOT BOOZE

That’s not to say that you should cut out the face-to-face meetings with friends altogether. But instead of going to the pub or hitting the house parties, why not keep the venues more neutral and swap the booze for a brew? This could be in the form of inviting a friend round for a cuppa at yours or meeting for a coffee out and about. 

Alternatively, you could share non-alcoholic beer, wine or cocktail with a friend if you’re meeting up in the evening. It should be noted, however, that many experts believe that zero alcohol drinks – mocktails, ‘near beers’…whatever you want to call them – aren’t actually particularly helpful for those trying to give up alcohol entirely.

The realistic aroma they give off, as well as the atmosphere of the pub and the habitual element of opening the drink, can actually cause temptation to increase. Instead, try to nurture a completely drug and drink free lifestyle, if you can…

FIND FREE EVENTS IN YOUR AREA

Not every public social gathering need come with a pint in hand. In fact, some of the best are enjoyed without any drink at all. 

Finding free events in your city is a surefire way to enjoy a booze-free time, too. In London, as we’re sure you already know, the majority of museums and art galleries in London are free to enter, with restrictions only existing on select exhibitions. So, that’s a month of the V&A, the Science Museum, Design Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Tate, the National Gallery and so many more. None of these need to involve meeting in a pub or bar, and many are stimulating enough, culturally, to not require drinking at all.

If you’re not living in the capital, check out this list of the best free stuff to do, UK-wide, here.

‘APPY TO HELP

There are plenty of apps out there to help you monitor your alcohol intake, and steer you from temptation should you feel the urge to drink looming large. Some take the form of daily motivational messages, hypnotherapy and mindfulness advice. Others help you track how much you used to consume, and how much it’s cost you over your lifetime, in both pounds and calories. Sometimes, this can represent a necessary shock that will put you right off your potential pint.

Many of these apps also offer the chance to engage with a community of like-minded people, which for some can be really helpful. You really are spoilt for choice with the amount of help out there in app form, so dive in. Most are free, too.

The most popular is probably the NHS Drink Free Days app, which prompts you to record every dry day you’ve achieved. It should be said that this app is better for cutting down rather than out, via abstinence based recovery.

For community based support, from those who have gone through a similar thing; Living Sober is a worldwide support system, One Year No Beer requires membership but offers diverse community based encouragement, and the Reddit community /r/stopdrinking is perhaps the most populated online support group in the world. Check them out!

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