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7 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS THAT ARE ACTUALLY USEFUL

Editorial Team
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7 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS THAT ARE ACTUALLY USEFUL

It’s a sad but oh-so-real truth; for some brides, wedding planning takes over their lives for months, if not years. And in some cases, the pressure to be precise with the prep puts a dampener on the day itself. 

Weddings are notorious for being complicated, frustrating and expensive to plan, with a fine juggling act required to ensure the day is a success. Only then, it seems, can the happy couple focus on the happily-ever-after bit.

Things rarely go smoothly, that’s for sure, but you can mitigate some of the risks of mishap and misadventure with some savvy planning. Prep smarter not harder, as they say, and with that in mind, here are 7 wedding planning tips that are actually useful.

DO IT AS A TEAM OF TWO 

We’ve all heard the warnings about both couples being equally involved in the wedding planning process. It feels inevitable that when this happens, there will be arguments galore. 

However, for us, a ‘’tell-me-where-to-show-up’’ kind of partner is a stereotype we’re not on board with. As the saying goes, ‘two heads are better than one’, and this is certainly true for sharing the wedding planning load fairly and amicably.

The guys over at Brides.com have some useful ideas on planning your wedding as a team of two. These great tips include setting up a wedding-specific email account so you can both stay in the loop with what’s going on, and emphasising the importance of planning by numbers – this works by agreeing on specific budgeting figures early on and sticking to them. 

Remember that teamwork makes the dream work, after all.

CONSIDER A SMALL WEDDING 

The pandemic has certainly made organising nuptials for couples problematic. With the uncertainty and risk involved in planning a wedding, many couples are re-evaluating what was important to them in the first place. For most, that is being married not getting married, and definitely not whether their third cousin removed should sit next to crazy aunt Beverly at the reception. 

Indeed, if Covid-19 weddings have taught us anything, it’s that those big, lavish affairs that once felt normal may well now be consigned to the history books.

That’s not to say that if you’ve always dreamed of having a big lavish wedding, you shouldn’t still go for it – everybody loves a big party, after all! What we’re saying is that the global pandemic has perhaps led to an acceptance of greater flexibility regarding wedding dates, the size of the event, the make-up of the guestlist and more. 

This lowering of expectations might be a blessing, taking the heavy burden of expectation from the event in favour of fun and frivolity.

Read: 7 top wedding trends we’re going to be seeing this year and beyond 

MAKE A SPREADSHEET 

However large or small your wedding is, a mental to-do list alone isn’t large enough to remember all the details for your big day. It’s time to dust off those excel spreadsheet skills you learnt in sixth form and make a spreadsheet to collate all the key dates, times, prices and contact details all in one place!  

As the guys over at Wired highlight in their article ‘The Hyper Organised World of Wedding Spreadsheets‘, where planning a wedding is less about “I do’, more about ‘to do’, “spreadsheets can be generally helpful, they can also quickly spiral out of control, becoming a bullet-pointed reminder of all the social expectations heaped on people (and especially women) preparing for what they’re conditioned to believe must be a perfect event. “ 

Having a visual collection of the important information of the day isn’t only incredibly useful, it can also be reassuring simply knowing it’s there.

Read: Wedding planning 101 and the IDEAL elements in the run up to your big day

BE PREPARED FOR THINGS TO GO WRONG 

Let’s face it, here; things aren’t going to go 100% to plan. 

Depending on the type of wedding you choose, you may need a plan B on various aspects of the day, as a safety net for an inevitable hiccup which could well appear from nowhere.

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you need to think about the worst case scenario in terms of the weather. Weather reports can only tell you so much, and let’s face it, a lot of the time they’re inaccurate, which could leave you wet and soggy on your big day. When you’ve spent so much money on your outfit and the ceremony décor, the last thing you want is for the weather to ruin it all. 

To avoid this, think about a plan B i.e. an undercover area that you can rush to if things don’t work out. Your chosen venue might have a room that you can use if it rains or is stormy. If not, you’ll need to discuss a contingency idea with the venue so that you’re 100% prepared. 

It’s not only the weather that needs a backup plan in place. A few other common, last-minute disasters include 

  • The wedding car breaking down
  • The wedding entertainment not showing up
  • Inappropriate, impromptu speeches
  • An eleventh hour caterer cancellation 
  • A damaged dress or suit
  • An outbreak of illness in your wedding party

Don’t fret! Rather, have a simple, workable backup plan for such eventualities. 

THINGS YOUR GUESTS DON’T CARE ABOUT 

The finer details of wedding planning can get so minute, that suddenly you can’t see the wood through the trees.

Save yourself money and stress on these things that your guests really won’t care about:

  • Your designer dress – The no-label look is more endearing, anyway. 
  • Wedding programs –  Everyone knows how a wedding service goes down these days. While they can be helpful during the service, they usually just get thrown away after. Opt for a big noticeboard with the timings instead. 
  • Fancy centerpieces – Let’s face it, there is so much chit chat around the dinner table that no one ever notices the displays in the middle of them.
  • Wedding favours – While we do enjoy a wedding favour, we can’t tell you how many times we’ve been drunk at the end of the wedding and left them behind. We’re sure you’re the same? 
  • How the food is served – Whether it’s a plated meal or a basic buffet spread, since you’re kind enough to provide a meal, guests really won’t care how it’s served as long as they get fed. And watered. They will care about getting watered.

ALWAYS OVER BUDGET 

As with, well, everything in life, weddings often end up costing more than you had anticipated. Whilst it’s possible to do a wedding on a budget, you will probably need to have a contingency budget just in case. It could be that there are more guests attending than you’d anticipated, or that the dream dress you’ve picked out is slightly more than you had originally thought. Whatever it is, it pays to have a backup pot. 

CARE ABOUT YOUR FRIEND’S FINANCES  

In normal times, the average cost of attending a wedding in the UK was nearly £400. Since we’re set to see a boom in nuptials, be aware that all your friends and family will likely be attending lots of other happy couple’s nuptials. So that dream wedding you’re planning abroad that will cost a lot of money for your guests to attend, well – do you really want to be that couple? 

THE BOTTOM LINE 

We hope you’ve found these tips useful and a little of the stress of planning your wedding has been lifted. Now, can we expect our invite in the post?

5 TIPS FOR STARTING A SUCCESSFUL SNACK BUSINESS

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5 TIPS FOR STARTING A SUCCESSFUL SNACK BUSINESS

Create something tasty and sell it….

If only things were that easy. But making it in the global snack industry is one of the toughest gigs going – it’s an enormous, competitive market, and getting on the shelves of a supermarket is nigh on impossible without the right contacts.

But with the savoury snack market in the UK worth £3.2 billion and consumer spending on sweet confectionery totalling £13.6 billion in the last decade, this is one lucrative market if you do manage to crack it.

According to the folks over and Mintel and as reported in The Grocer “In recent years the snacking market has boomed, with 66% of adults snacking at least once a day [Mintel Consumer Snacking UK: March 2019] and an incredible 37% of 25 to 34-year-olds saying they snack instead of having a proper meal at least once a week.”

That is one hungry customer base, but even the most successful companies start with just an idea, some ingredients and that very first bite. If you’re wondering what the essential components are of a start-up snack business, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 5 tips for starting a successful snack business. 

HEALTH CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS

As The Grocer also reports, “we’ve also seen a real shift in the types of snacks consumers are looking for, with an explosion of healthy alternatives being launched”. They add that almost half of consumers now view snacks as a chance to boost their nutritional intake rather than being a treat or stop-gap between lunch and dinner.

For so many, it’s just not about pop tarts, crisps and pork scratchings anymore. Things like “Kale chips, rice cakes, protein bars and energy balls” are becoming popular with increasingly health-conscious consumers, with this trend only set to get larger and more consuming as the decade continues.

What we’re saying is that you need to actively consider how you’re going to appeal to this mindful snacking market as younger, spendthrift consumers (you know, the ones you want to snag) increasingly prioritise health and wellness. 

Consider innovative zero fat, low sodium and sugar free versions of popular snacks as the single most burgeoning subset of the snack market right now.  

SAMPLE THE COMPETITION

Yes, we’re imploring you to go out and eat a hefty quantity of snacks. Permission granted, indeed! Knowledge is power, as they say, and to expand yours in the name of market research, you’re going to need to understand what makes your competition tick. And, of course, how your competition tastes.

We say that, and although taste is of course important, it’s also essential that you approach this sampling of the competition with a view to investigating every facet of the experience and product they offer. Consider the price point, the buying experience, the packaging, the branding and so much more, all with the critical eye of a consumer. 

Read: 5 IDEAL tips on starting a home based baking business 

GOOD BRANDING GOES A LONG WAY 

Speaking of which, we should mention that the packaging from snacking causes a lot of waste. As such, it’s important to minimise the effect that snacking on your product has on the environment – something that is growing in importance to the ever eco-conscious consumer. 

In 2019, the Guardian reported that the country’s ‘lunch on the go’ culture generated 11 billion items of packaging waste a year, and although the pandemic has seen us eating our lunches at home more often, the snack part of that meal often remains, with crisps, chocolate and other lunchtime favourites requiring packaging which ultimately ends up in landfill.

That is unless you prioritise sustainable packaging as a consumer and, in the future, as a snack business owner.

Our friends from foil pouch manufacturer LogoPack, who develop and create sustainable pouch packaging using biodegradable and 100% recyclable materials, tell us that it’s all about “sustainable packaging that entails the use of recyclable or compostable materials to produce packaging products’’. 

This minimises the exploitation of raw materials and helps to curb waste pollution, and as a business owner, using such packaging also helps you set yourself apart from the crowd by displaying your green credentials in the most accessible, recognisable way. A clean, green brand image and less impact on the environment? What’s not to love!

FOCUS GROUPS: LEARN WHAT THE CONSUMER WANTS

In their in depth investigation into the snack industry last year, Food Bev suggest that “Increasing preferences for foods that fulfil health needs, environmental concerns, convenience and a desire for uniqueness, are just a handful of the factors set to drive growth in the 2020 snacking industry.” 

Yep, we realise that we’re just repeating what we’ve already recommended earlier in the article. But more than that, we’re calling attention to how Food Bev came to these conclusions about the industry; focus groups.

A focus group may be a fairly traditional form of market research, but it’s still widely used, particularly in the food industry. Bringing individuals from your target audience together in one location, you’ll have the opportunity to present products, ideas, concepts and designs and get valuable feedback on them. As such, this old fashioned way of gathering intelligence and opinion on your products shouldn’t be overlooked. 

In particular, focus groups are extremely effective for niche food businesses who are targeting a relatively small audience. When your target demographic is small, the views and opinions of respondents tend to be narrower. For start up food businesses and luxury food brands alike, focus groups offer an effective way to engage with individuals from your target audience on a one-to-one basis and obtain feedback directly from potential customers. 

CONSIDER CROWDFUNDING

Once you’ve generated a buzz around your brand via a mix of a consistent, delicious offering, spoken word and social media marketing, consider crowdfunding to generate the finance needed for your transition to a fully fledged business proposition.

Kickstarter and Go Fund Me are just two of the many platforms now available; the one constant is the fact that you need to be militant about your marketing in the period running up to launching your enterprise, and during it, keeping your snack business high on the trending lists and on the lips of influential food influencers, bloggers and reviewers.

6 TRICKS FOR REDUCING THE COST OF YOUR PHONE BILL

Editorial Team
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6 TRICKS FOR REDUCING THE COST OF YOUR PHONE BILL


We all want to save money on our bills – especially when it comes to our phones, whose accrual of monthly cost often feels random, inexplicable and most of all, expensive. But with a little know-how and endeavour, you can reduce the monthly cost of your mobile.

That know-how acquisition starts here; here are 6 tricks for reducing the cost of your phone bill.

STICK TO A BUDGET

If you find that with each monthly bill, renewal of your contract or upgrade to a new device, that the cost of your phone bill keeps going up, then firstly, you should set a budget.

Setting yourself a budget or a spending cap can help hugely. The majority of mobile networks allow you to put a stopper on your data usage to avoid bill shock at the end of the month. We’ve all been there, roaming unknowingly when abroad or streaming Spotify a little too enthusiastically when on the move – and the heavy financial toll that follows isn’t an experience to be cherished.

Taking a more holistic look at your budgeting, there are plenty of apps to help you manage your precious pounds in other areas, too. We recommend Yolt, Emma and Money Dashboard, in particular. All of them do the hard work for you and are free to use, though there are paid options if you need a bit more help – yep, we realise the irony of that, too.

TRIM YOUR SIM

Did you know that 7 out of 10 people could save at least £222 per year by switching to a phone contract that genuinely reflects what they use? That’s because, on average, mobile phone users are wasting approximately 3.4GB of data per month. Yikes.

And this, of course, has only been exacerbated by the majority of the country spending a whole lot more time at home lately. If you think you could be one of those with leftover data on their contract each month, then there are some simple steps you can take to save some serious cash on your phone bill. 

Using a SIM comparison service is a great place to start. Firstly, check in with your current contract provider, who can give you an overview of your average monthly usage, making sure you take into account the extended period of downtime we’ve just been under and its various ramifications on your data usage.

Then, it’s time to compare. Ideally, you’d want to find a comparison service that isn’t affiliated to a particular network – such as Compare the Market – so that you get the best lineup of what’s out there.

Or, if you fancy going it alone, checking your bills from the last 12 months can help you to work out your average usage. Bill help sites like Bill Monitor can work out what you need; and if you have an iPhone, head to Settings > Mobile Data > Current Period to see what you have used so far this month. You might be surprised.

GO SIM-ONLY

When you break down your contract, it’s often surprising just how much of your monthly payment is dedicated to the handset. And shockingly, a small but significant minority of customers (in 2018, Ofcom estimated the number to be 1.5 million) continue to pay for their handset after their minimum contract period expires and their handset is fully paid for. 

Choosing to go SIM-only is another great money saver if your monthly bills seem to be heading skywards. Whereas a traditional SIM card and phone bundle will lock you in for a fixed term and a fixed price, choosing to go SIM-only gives you way more freedom and is better for your wallet, too. 

It’s also a great option if you’re happy with your current handset or you want to get one without going down the traditional network route. Read this handy guide on everything you need to know about SIM-only or Money Saving Expert’s take on the best pay-as-you-go SIM-only deals in the UK to find out more.

SWITCH TO AN MVNO

An MVNO is a mobile virtual network operator such as Tesco, GiffGaff and VOXI that doesn’t own a network infrastructure, but instead rents its space from the big networks. 

The bonus of going with an MVNO is that you don’t pay hiked prices as they aren’t charging you to maintain a network infrastructure. Not only that, but they tend to offer more flexible contracts such as 30-day deals. This is great news if you want a SIM card where you can adjust the amount of data, texts and calls you need on a month-by-month basis.

Take giffgaff as an example. Currently, you can get 10GB of data per month for just £12 on their network. Better yet, there is no contract, and you can cancel anytime. Sounds like a pretty good option to us.

RESIST THAT TEMPTING ‘DEAL’

Misleading marketing has a lot to answer for when the question is ‘why is my mobile bill is so high?’ And the big mobile networks are most definitely guilty of this. Not only does the word ‘deal’ make you think that you’ve landed a bargain, but other clever slogans like ‘0% APR’ or ‘36 months’ tempt customers into costly (and often lengthy) contracts.

The same goes for upgrades on mobile contracts. We’ve touched on it already, but contracts can end up costing you more than buying a smartphone upfront. But you’d be none the wiser as a low monthly cost can make it all very appealing. Make sure you work out the costs before agreeing to anything so that you don’t end up out of pocket.

LEASE YOUR NEXT PHONE

How about thinking outside the box and leasing your next phone, instead? London-based tech startup Raylo, for instance, offer refurbished phones on a lease to their customers.  

All their SIM-free smartphones are available on a 12 or 24 month lease, at the end of which they will collect your used phone and you can upgrade to a new one for free. And with prices starting from £22.99 per month for an iPhone 12, they’re a far cry from what you’d expect to be paying with the big networks.

Plus, if you choose to lease a phone, you’re not only saving on your bills – you’re playing a part in helping the planet, too. 

Speaking of which, why not check out these 6 IDEAL ways you can play your part in saving the environment. You can add ‘lease your next phone’ as a seventh option! Wait, isn’t that our job? Anyway…

5 TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN ON A BUDGET

Editorial Team
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5 TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN ON A BUDGET

The French have a saying that ‘’the torch of love is lit in the kitchen’’. But what if the gas burner won’t ignite or the pilot light’s gone out? What then?

Indeed, the French also say that ‘’it is in an old kitchen that the best food is made’’, and though we can’t deny that our friends across the channel know a thing or two about cooking, we’re going to have to respectfully disagree with that one. 

If you’re keen to renovate your kitchen, bring it up to date and raise your cooking game in the process, but you’re keen to do things affordably, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 5 tips for designing your dream kitchen on a budget.

BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR BUDGET

We realise it’s a little uncouth to mention money so early on. But if you don’t consider the financing your project meticulously, long before the first tile is placed or cable laid, then you’re going to find your budget spiralling out of control. And you’re here to do things on a budget, right?

It’s a tale as old as time itself; unexpected costs and changing tastes mean the initial renovation budget runs way out of control. But just because they’re unexpected doesn’t mean they can’t be accounted for in your initial calculations.

We’ve all seen those Grand Designs episodes when an ambitious amateur attempts to build their dream home. And time and time again, these budding architects come across the same problem – escalating costs. While we can all predict this eventuality from the sofa, being objective can be tough when your head’s under a hard hat and your knees are deep in rubble. 

Yep, hidden costs are one of the biggest hurdles to completing home renovations successfully. So, always add a recommended minimum contingency of 15% for unforeseen problems, overruns and even inflation.

CHOOSE A SINGLE STRIKING CENTREPIECE

Adding an aga, hanging a chandelier, installing a marble-topped kitchen island, investing in an extravagant ice cream maker…

Yep, these are all marvellous focal points for your kitchen as a single unit, but all crammed in together? Aesthetically, it’s overkill. Financially…well, let’s not even go there.

Instead, focus on one single striking centrepiece to lift the room. For us, this is naturally going to be the dining table. For a dining table with real character, you’ll want one fashioned from natural solid oak; sturdy, satisfying to touch, and worthy of being the focal point of the entire home. 

Aristocraft, who provide kitchen showrooms in Birmingham, recommend using ‘’cashmere oak to create a sophisticated and luxurious appearance’’. Once guests are sat around this elegant, substantial centrepiece, they won’t even notice your homemade ice cream hasn’t really worked out…

FLOW & FUNCTIONALITY ABOVE AESTHETICS

Prioritising flow and functionality should be the buzzwords of any kitchen, and make cooking in there much easier. During your renovation project, you should always have these two tenets in mind; one, because they’ll make your kitchen a more enjoyable place to spend time in, and two, because they’re all about minimalism. And you know what minimalism means, right? Yep, you can achieve it on a budget.

Firstly, you’re going to want to kit your kitchen out with the right tools for great everyday cooking. A basic inventory should include a couple of decent heavy bottomed pans, a sharp chef’s knife, a thick wooden chopping board, a sturdy sieve, a slotted spoon, a large mixing bowl or two…you get the picture, now paint it. There are also a couple of appliances indispensable to good cooking; a reliable food processor is an absolute must. A standing mixer would do no harm, either.

An easy, breezy kitchen workflow is also essential to making the whole space more enjoyable to cook in. Items should be stored neatly and everything should have a place – check out our tips on storage solutions for your kitchen for the best advice on that – leaving the countertop free for prep. In doing so, keeping things clean will be much easier, too.

OPEN PLAN SHELVING OPENS UP THE ROOM

Speaking of small additions that make a big difference, if you want to make your kitchen appear larger than it is after the renovation, you should consider open plan shelving when planning out how your dream kitchen is going to look. 

This type of shelving provides you with an opportunity to show off any fancy plates, bowls or crockery you might have, but it also makes items easier to reach. No more fumbling at the back of a cupboard or standing on tiptoes while you try to reach your favourite cup. Open plan shelving also makes your kitchen more inviting.

You could consider adding a little greenery to your open plan shelving. Placing plants and cut flowers to your kitchen is a great way to liven up the space and emphasise that fresh, natural feel synonymous with great food as well as ambience. Go one step further and place them in bright pots and vases for extra style points (though don’t over do it or you’ll be advising guests to bring sunglasses on their next visit).

LEAVE ROOM FOR LATER PERSONALISATION 

The temptation will be strong to fill every nook and cranny, every shelf, and every countertop of your kitchen with personality as soon as you can. It’s only natural when undertaking a renovation project as huge as a whole new kitchen to want it completed and running on a full tank the moment the builders clock off. 

But to do so would be to rush the most fun part; that is, the furnishing of your kitchen with cookbooks, beautiful pots and pans or souvenirs from your travels and fascinating cultural and culinary trinkets. Don’t feel pressured by your own haste to kit out your kitchen in a rushed way. Instead, leave a little room for further personalisation later down the line.

THE IDEAL GUIDE ON HOW TO HELP YOUR BABY GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

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New-born babies bring love, happiness, and that newborn baby smell that you just can’t seem to get enough of. On the other hand, they need constant attention and are notorious for depriving parents of much needed sleep.

Eager to help parents regain some semblance of a sleep schedule, TheDozyOwl.co.uk spoke exclusively to Lisa Lewis, a certified, qualified and experienced sleep consultant, for some expert tips on how to help your baby get a good night’s sleep.

THE 5 Bs:

“These are my mantras for getting babies to sleep every night. The 5 Bs are ‘sleep cues’ that enable the baby to start remembering what needs to happen come the evening time.”

  1. BATH: It’s a good idea to leave bathing your child until the end of the day. It’s important for our core temperature to rise in the lead up to bed, as this prepares us for the fall in temperature that is needed for sleep.
  2. BEDROOM: Once your baby is in the bedroom, ideally, they stay there! We hope at this point they understand this is now the place they stay for the night. Make it a cosy, quiet and dark space ready for them to sleep in.
  3. BOOKS: Babies and children are never too young for books! This is a time to hear their parents or caregiver’s soothing voice, which will give them some familiarity in a calm environment to evoke sleep. Alternatively, try singing some nursery rhymes very quietly to soothe your baby.
  4. BOTTLE/BREAST: Whether you bottle or breastfeed, try to be in a comfortable seated position whilst feeding, ready for their sleep. This is a lovely, calming time of their day (for the both of you) so make sure you’re comfortable, too.
  5. BED (COT): Ideally, always put your baby down to sleep when they are getting sleepy rather than when they’re in a deep sleep. This is so they learn to self-settle when they wake in the night, and won’t need your help falling back asleep.

PINK NOISE

“You may be familiar with white noise (washing machine, hair dryer etc.), but the pink version is a softer one.”

‘Coloured’ noises have been shown to be a powerful sleep aid, with pink noise having lower sound frequencies and therefore being more pleasing to the ear than the harsh tones of white noise. Examples of pink noise include gentle birdsong, the rustling of leaves, ocean waves, rainfall and heartbeats. Babies just love these soothing sounds.

Several studies on pink noise have even shown that sleeping with it can also improve short and long-term memory.   

Read: 7 tips to help soothe a crying baby

YOUR SMELL

“A great tip for helping babies to sleep is to give extra comfort and you can do this by leaving an item of clothing close by with your smell on. The familiar smell will help comfort the baby and remind them that you are there. Be careful of its proximity to your baby and do not leave it loose. Have it tied tightly to one of the cot railings out of arm’s reach.”

THE 5am CALL

“5am is when our body temperature is at its lowest in a 24-hour day. This is why many babies wake early and cannot get back to sleep. You could pre-empt this by adding an additional blanket (safely) just before this time, or before you go to bed for convenience.”

LET’S GO OUTSIDE

“Swedish research has claimed that babies who are put out to sleep in the garden/outdoor space between the hours of 12-4pm sleep much better at night. It doesn’t matter too much about the cold weather, take a leaf from the Danish and wrap them up as warm as can be and leave them outside to get some fresh air into their lungs. I always suggest this tip to clients who are having trouble with new-borns settling into a night-time routine.”

At around 16 weeks old, your baby’s vision will be progressing and they may even recognise objects in the distance; one of the key baby milestones in their first few months. The experts at Your Baby Club recommend that prior to their al fresco snooze, you can take your baby for a walk so they can take in new sights and process them – they recommend an umbrella stroller to provide shade and shelter so your baby is as comfortable as possible.

Read: 5 more ways to ensure your baby is happy, healthy and loved in their first few months

COLOURS

“Black and White mobiles are perfect for new-borns. They have a limited range of vision (roughly the length between theirs and their mother’s face while feeding) and monochrome patterns stimulate the development of the optic nerves holding their attention longer.”

We hope that you and your baby sleep softly tonight!

6 AMAZING TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR SEX LIFE TODAY

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6 AMAZING TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR SEX LIFE TODAY

Has the fire somewhat burnt out after months stuck indoors together? Are you looking to rekindle the flame after a trying year? Do you feel like your more intimate moments together have lost their spontaneity? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s clear something up, despite what movies and your favourite soap opera may show, great intercourse isn’t a spontaneous and sexy act. In real life it takes a little planning for you both to have fulfilling and engaging  sexual experience.

Although we don’t claim to have all the answers, there are a few simple steps you can take and tricks you can try to get things back on track. With that in mind, here are 6 amazing tips for improving your sex life today.

A DIRTY WEEKEND

No, we don’t mean a weekend going away to participate in something like the Boryeong Mud Festival! What we’re talking about is going somewhere to spend time with your partner with the sole purpose of having loads of uninterrupted sex. This can do wonders for your sex life if you’re both so busy with your lives or are unable to spend quality time together in your own home. 

Now that we’re allowed to travel again, restrictions lifting could be just the catalyst for inhibitions lifting, too, a new and exciting period in your relationship beginning. Finding the right destination together, whether it be a cabin or 5-star luxury hotels, will add to the anticipation, sure, but organising a surprise trip of this nature could be equally thrilling! 

Perhaps even surprising your partner with a weekend away will earn you a little extra kudos. Knowing what you’re going to spend most of your time away making love also means you can prepare (yep, we realise that might not be the most spontaneous approach), perhaps buying some sexy lingerie, preparing a mood-enhancing playlist or packing some sex toys. Speaking of which…

SEX TOYS

One way to spice up your sex life is to invest in a mixture of sex toys that both you and your partner can enjoy. You can start this off by looking on the internet together – all part of the fun, we think. Vibrators are still the most reliable sex toy (for many) to bring your partner and yourself to orgasm. If you’re new to sex toys in general, this would be a good starting point. 

The good news about buying sex toys online is that most companies will send you your order in discreet packaging, so any nosey neighbors or children won’t have a clue what’s arrived. Kinda adds to the fun, don’t you think?

FANTASIES

We all have different sexual needs and desires that we learn as we grow. Some of us are more open to talking about them than others, which is a shame because one of the easiest ways to improve your sex life is talking about your sexual fantasies with your partner and taking turns to fulfill them. 

Obviously, both of you need to feel comfortable doing this because it cannot happen without mutual consent, but keeping open and flexible to what each other would like is another way to keep things alive. Some sex and relationship experts suggest turning the act of exploring your fantasies into a game; you and your partner write down 5 fantasies each and place them in a jar. You then take turns to pull out the paper and explore them a little further.

POSITIONS

Some of us may have a favourite sexual position, but it’s easy to get complacent. But changing things around and trying new things can open your minds to new styles that you might both enjoy – you might even discover a new favourite position in the process! 

Using different positions during sex will keep things fresh, but be careful not to change positions too often because it will destroy what you’re trying to achieve, possibly preventing you and your partner from really savouring something new. Consider investing in a Kama Sutra manual, a hugely popular book which details just about every sex position out there. Alternatively, sex position dice bring an element of fun (and chance!) to proceedings.

TOUCHING

Even though you’re, of course, touching your partner while having sex, this is not what we’re talking about. What we’re referring to here is sensual touching, the kind that arouses, teases, and causes anticipation. A light brush of your fingertips on their skin or a gentle caress of their neck can give them all sorts of sensations that they’ll want more of, and help bring a new focus to enjoying the experience with your partner without necessarily focusing on any end goal.

Doing so will create a closeness that’s only shared between the two of you. If this slow pace appeals, consider investigating the world of tantric sex; a slow, meditative approach which can be super intense and fulfilling. 

Read: 5 IDEAL psychological benefits of kissing

ROMANCE

Who said that romance was dead? Romance is the art of love shown between two people, which can be displayed in so many different ways. For instance, sending flowers whilst your partner is working or giving them a surprise gift when you arrive home is a wonderful way to show your partner how much you care and how much you think of them.

We all want to be loved and want to be that special someone for our special someone. We can show this by our actions, which don’t have to cost a thing. If we know our partner has had a long day, running them a bath and giving them a massage is a great way to show them you care, for instance.

Very often we get caught up in our daily lives and when we’re in a long-term relationship, it’s easy to forget that it needs just as much effort as you put into it in the early days. Our relationships evolve, just like we do in time, and if we don’t work at keeping romance alive, our sex life will be affected.

DON’T FORGET SELF LOVE

To improve your sex life with your partner, you should first focus on yourself. Discovering what you enjoy sexually through self-exploration can be a great way to gain more confidence in your body and relieve stress, too. If you’re keen to learn more about that, then check out these 5 IDEAL reasons to self-pleasure tonight.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Woah, woah, woah….wait. Not yet! We just need to finish up here first. Not like that, mind.

Oh, we’re all in a pickle now, so we’ll bid you adieu. We hope you’ve found some inspiration in reinvigorating your sex life with your partner. Good luck!

7 FOODIE THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA, SPAIN

Editorial Team
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7 FOODIE THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA, SPAIN

Ideal if you’re looking to eat your way around the city.

Sometimes it can feel as though Spain’s third-largest city lives in the shadow of its two larger siblings. But Valencia has a fun loving, futuristic soul all of its own, not to be outdone by the fierce local pride of Barcelona or the cosmopolitan, cultured Madrid.

And whilst you’ll find things to do in Valencia, Spain to suit all tastes and textures, today we’re here to consider the distinctive food of the city. 

Like many cities in Spain, the restaurant and eating culture of Valencia is full of vivacity and deliciousness, but with a regional identity and cherished ingredients very much unique to the place.

Whilst Valencia is home to restaurants from some of Spain’s most acclaimed chefs, most notably Quique Dacosta, holder of 3 Michelin stars in Denia, and Ricard Camarena, who has a number of eateries across the country and 2 Michelin stars to his name, it’s the city’s street food scene that we keep returning to.

If you’re visiting with an appetite to satisfy and a thirst to quench, then you won’t be disappointed. With the help of Visit Valencia, here are 7 foodie things to do in Valencia, Spain.

SHOP, STOP & IMBIBE AT THE MARKETS

Valencia’s central market (Mercado Central) is set within a magnificent Modernista building and is one of the first places you should head on your foodie tour of Valencia. It’s atmospheric, bustling and noisy – in the best possible way, of course.  

Here you’ll find fresh fish from the Mediterranean, with the Mercado bringing in the best of the sea’s bounty daily. Valencia is one of Europe’s busiest ports and fish is big business here; how it shows in the sights and smells of this wonderful market. 

There are a few eateries mixed within the market itself which are worth checking out. Grab a stool, if you’re lucky, at Central Bar, which is run by the aforementioned Ricard Camarena and serves up incredible bocadillo (Spanish baguettes with imaginative fillings) as well as croquettes, fritters and marinated anchovies. Delicious.  

Mercardo De Ruzafa is another brilliant market and somewhat less touristy than Mercado Central. Before leaving either place, don’t forget to pick up some bits for a picnic in the park, which brings us neatly to….

©[RossHelen] VIA CANVA.COM

HAVE A PICNIC WASHED DOWN WITH SOME CAVA

As Spanish food expert Matt Goulding told Marriott Traveller “There may be no better place in the world to build a picnic because of Spain’s pork culture. And the cheese culture is also potent — you have manchego, but also the regional cheese culture is really strong. Putting together a picnic is as good as closing your eyes and pointing. Then grab a bottle of cava.”

We couldn’t agree more. Fortunately, there are some gorgeous parks in and around Valencia, and with Southern Spain’s perennial sunshine, these green spaces are the perfect place to bask with some refreshments close to hand. 

Popular for picnics is Jardines del Turia, which was once a riverbed and is now a green haven running through the heart of the city. Cabecera Park is another popular choice, boasting paths which run along the river’s side and also a bar for all your cava needs. The Valencian region has a long history of making the stuff, and it’s pretty much obligatory to enjoy a bottle whilst you’re in the city.

If you want to learn more about this famous fizz, then take a trip to Pago de Tharsys, a famous winery located in Requena (less than an hour from Valencia). The owner Vicente García is considered the godfather of Valencian cava and the winery is one of the world’s top cava producers. 

Back in the city, Cafe Negrito – close to the Central Market – boasts a large terrace and serves cava by the glass. Salud!

©[RossHelen] VIA CANVA.COM

DON’T FORGET ALMUERZO 

In Valencia, eating times follow a different beat to the rest of the country and Almuerzo is taken very seriously. Almuerzo is a tradition of eating mid-morning to tide yourself over until a late lunch which rarely starts before 2 pm, and is a rigorously observed time in every Valencian’s schedule.  

Come 10.30 am, Valencians all across town chow down on those bocadillos we mentioned earlier, perhaps with a coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice or even a beer, and discuss the matters of the morning. 

Personally, we’re totally on board with an obligatory fourth meal of the day! 

SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PAELLA 

Valencia is particularly, and quite rightly, famous for its rice dishes, namely paella, as it’s where the dish most likely originated. There’s a huge variety of this world-famous rice dish on offer; indeed you’ll find chicken, prawns and other types of seafood atop the renowned saffron rice dish. 

However, if you’re up for an authentic Valencian eating experience, then make sure you head to one of the city’s restaurants still doing things the traditional way, with rabbit. Yep, the real paella Valenciana is a mixture of rabbit, snails and butter beans; and it’s bloody marvellous.

According to Visit Valencia, some of the best places to eat paella are housed down at the Malvarrosa city beach, in particular, Casa Carmela, which has been dishing out rice since 1922. Here, paellas are cooked over wood fires and the rice is imbued with a delicate smoky flavour. This one’s popular, and it’s recommended that you book your rice in advance; you won’t regret it. 

©[RossHelen] VIA CANVA.COM

If you’re keen to develop a discerning eye on your quest for the perfect paella, to paraphrase Spanish-American chef José Andrés, there are five characteristics to look for when recognising a good Paella: 

  1. The paella should look even and spread out in the pan.
  2. The colour should be a beautiful golden – too yellow is for tourists. 
  3. The texture and consistency of the rice should be soft but still have integrity.
  4. You should look for the “socarrat” which is the caramelised crust formed around the rice. 
  5. It must have an umami flavour from the smoke. 

MAKE SURE YOU TRY THESE DISHES, TOO

It’s not all about bocadillo and paella. Valencia has a whole host of dishes unique to the city:

Dish Arròs: The moody and dramatic looking dish arròs negre is another must try rice dish. Made from bomba rice and containing various types of seafood, namely cuttlefish or squid, the dish is dyed with a deep black colouring, which comes from cuttlefish or squid ink.  

Fideuà: Yet another rice dish that will tickle your taste buds is Fideuà, which is similar to paella but made with pasta noodles instead of rice. Delicious.

Suquet de Peix : This potato-based seafood stew is said to be the Valencian version of Bouillabaisse. It’s just as good!

Esgarrat : For a snack, esgarrat, which you’ll find in many bars across the city, is just the ticket. It’s made up of salt cod, red peppers and garlic, doused in a healthy lashing of olive oil and usually served with crusty bread. 

Valencian horchata: Don’t forget to try the classic Valencian breakfast option of fartons, which are long and thin iced buns washed down with a cup of horchata; a sweet, milky drink made from tiger nuts. 

These nuts were originally brought to Valencia by the Egyptians and are now grown in many towns across the region. The Horchateria Santa Catalina on Plaza Santa Catalina has been serving this traditional drink for over 200 years, and they also specialise in hot chocolate, speaking of which… 

Hot Chocolate & Churros: Chocolatería Valor is rumoured to have the ‘thickest and richest hot chocolate” in Valencia. This shop has been making hot chocolate since 1881 and we think it’s safe to say they’ve perfected their offering over those 140 years.

Aqua de Valencia – Valencia is world famous for its oranges, and this refreshing cocktail puts them to good use. Ideal for a mid-afternoon pick after a morning of sightseeing, it’s a mixture of orange juice, cava, gin and vodka, and it’ll both refresh you and put you on your bottom.

Flan de Calabaza: If you’re after a sweet treat, this delicious dessert is just the ticket. Made from pumpkins, eggs and condensed milk, it’s an indulgently sweet, textural delight. 

TAPAS FOR YOU

Valencia doesn’t have the same tapas culture as Spain’s other biggest cities, Barcelona and Madrid. However, that’s not to say tapas don’t exist here. Indeed, there’s a wealth of top-notch tapas bars across the city. But unlike other cities in Spain where you hop from tapas bar to tapas bar, locals in Valencia are more likely to spend a longer spell in one spot, ordering a whole bunch of tapas to share and savouring in the stationary, rather than bar crawling restlessly.

For the very best tapas in town, head towards the beach, to Bodega Casa Montana, which draws a local crowd (always a good sign) and has an extensive list of the usual suspects alongside lots of tapas based around the freshest seafood.

SPLASH OUT AT…

Finally, if you’re looking to splurge (we’re impressed by your appetite!), then there are plenty of fine dining restaurants in Valencia where you can do just that. Perhaps the hippest spot in town for a sit down meal is Llisa Negra, which does refined takes on the city’s famous rice dishes with a keen focus on the region’s seafood.

Alternatively, for a truly cutting edge dining experience, El Poblet excels in their very modern celebration of the city’s food, whilst still managing to pay lip service to its traditions. Amazing!

And if you’re looking for more things to do in the City, then check out our article on 8 IDEAL things to do in Valencia.  

HIKES, BIKES & BARGES: 5 FANTASTIC TRAVELLING HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE

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HIKES, BIKES & BARGES: 5 FANTASTIC TRAVELLING HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE

When considering a trip to France, it feels like hopping on the Eurostar to Paris is on everyone’s itinerary; once travel restrictions are lifted and the country switches from amber to green, of course.

But do you really want to be treading the same path as so many other holidaying Brits, particularly when keeping a little distance is de rigueur right now.

Sure, a trip under the Channel and into France’s capital is convenient, but beyond strolling the elegant Parisian boulevards and taking a seat in a Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy, the country has so much to offer, particularly if you enjoy being on the move. 

If you’re keen to experience French culture, cuisine and the countryside, then what better way to do it than in motion? From hikes and bikes to barges, here are 5 fantastic travelling holidays in France.

PILGRIMAGE TO MONT SAINT MICHEL ABBEY

Situated off the Normandy coastline on a rocky islet and only accessible on foot, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit for anyone keen to explore a different side of France. 

This magnificent medieval monastery and its surrounding bay have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the abbey is one of France’s most revered cultural locales. 

Covering more than 7 acres of land, the abbey was once a popular pilgrimage destination, receiving visitors from all over mainland Europe and England keen to have their sins absolved. Regardless of your charge sheet on that count, you can still make the pilgrimage today, with routes beginning from different starting points in France, such as Rouen, Paris and Tours, as well as from Italy and Germany. Pilgrims walk these routes by foot to honour the centuries-old tradition with ten hiking trails in total carved out, each of which will take several days (or even weeks!) to complete. 

The Monastic Communities of Jerusalem perform religious songs to receive the pilgrims at the abbey, welcoming those who have made the arduous (though breathtaking) trek. As a treat, you can book a special horse-drawn carriage (a maringote) to take you around the monastery, should your feet be bruised and blistered by the time of your arrival. 

RIDE A BIKE AROUND BORDEAUX

Bordeaux is perhaps the most picturesque city in France, with the surrounding wine region revered globally as being the finest producer of premium plonk. With the city itself relatively flat and replete with cycle lanes, and the nearby vineyards a bike ride away, this is one of the best places in France to explore on two wheels. 

The majority of Bordeaux’s main cultural landmarks, including Bordeaux Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Michael and Place Royale, the huge central square, are all accessible by bike. If you do dismount, don’t forget to visit Sainte-Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrian street for a leisurely shopping experience.

Should you be keen to leave the city and explore the countryside, the Roger Lapebie bike path from Bordeaux to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne is a 60km scenic stretch of well signposted, straightforward cycling, complete with stunning views at every turn. Alternatively, you cycle in the opposite direction, heading west to the coastal town of Lacanau, which is supported by a 60km off road path.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a dedicated cycling tour of Bordeauux’s vineyards, taking in Cadillac, Saint Emilion and Blaye in a single day. Just don’t enjoy too much of the fine wine along the way if you intend to make it back in one piece!

TAKE A BARGE HOLIDAY 

If you’d like to embrace this spirit of being on the move but also kick back while you’re doing it, then why not enjoy one of the many luxury barge holidays that France has to offer? 

On a barge experience, you will visit some of the country’s most beautiful canals, rivers and countryside, negotiating France at a refined, regal pace and enjoying the place at its most serene. What’s more, tackling the country’s canals allows you to take things at your own pace, as most luxury barges are self-drive.

In fact, France has over 8’000 km of canal, meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice if this is the kind of trip which gets your slow-revving diesel engine purring. Some of the top canals to cruise along in the idyllic French countryside include the Canal de Bourgogne in the illustrious wine region of Burgundy, the Canal du Nivernais which takes in the Yonne River, and the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, which allows you to traverse the River Marne in Vitry-le-François with the River Rhine in Strasbourg. 

DRIVING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Whilst many choose to experience the world famous French Riviera on a yacht or sailing boat, the Mediterrenean coast of Southeastern France is perhaps even more spectacular when driven, its winding roads offering scenic vistas, charming villages and world class eateries.

Away from the more cliched Cannes, Saint Tropez and Monaco, there are some less flashy, more fashionable stops. Rather than keep you from setting off on your journey, we’ll redirect you here, to our 4 luxury holiday ideas in Alpes-Maritimes, Southern France. 

GO SKIING (OR JUST ENJOY THE ATMOSPHERE) IN THE FRENCH ALPS

Or, how about exploring the French countryside on two skis? The French Alps are mountain ranges located in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, boasting luxury ski resorts and cosy châteaux. 

There are many legendary ski resorts situated in the French Alps, including Chamonix-Mont Blanc, Val d’Isère, Les Trois Vallées and Courchevel. Did you know the first time snowboarding featured in the Winter Olympics it was held at Chamonix-Mont Blanc? If you prefer to snowboard or even sledge, these mountain peaks have been a home for many other winter sport challenges over the years. 

Or, if you’d rather take things at a more leisurely pace, why not explore one of our favourite destinations for enjoying the atmosphere of the French Alps without skiing, with these 7 things to do in Méribel that don’t involve skiing.

7 IDEAL POST LOCKDOWN TRAVEL RESOLUTIONS WE SHOULD ALL BE MAKING

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7 IDEAL POST LOCKDOWN TRAVEL RESOLUTIONS WE SHOULD ALL BE MAKING

Whether it’s a luxury wellness retreat, a foodie tour of a foreign market, or jetting off to a private island, our travel ideas for 2021 now feel destined for the ‘pipe dream’ pile.

However, amidst new waves of travel hiatuses, restrictions and continued uncertainty, our innate human desire to wander hadn’t been dampened. Indeed, there are so many destinations we can’t wait to visit once this thing is all over, if they’ll have us. 

Yep, as soon as the all clear is given, we’re filling up that calendar with flights of fancy and trips far flung, whenever that may be. But one thing that is for certain is this; we’ll never take travel for granted again. If you’re keen to savour every moment, too, then read on; here are 7 IDEAL post lockdown travel resolutions we should all be making.

EXPLORE THE UK’S UNIQUE FOOD SCENE MORE

Disclaimer – we’re not just including this resolution because we can’t travel abroad right now, but rather, because lockdown has illuminated just how much the UK has to offer.

Maybe it was Rick Stein’s Cornwall series that played over lockdown which saw him championing the food and culture of the county. Maybe it was endless episodes of the Hairy Bikers Best of British, where the cheeky chaps explored our woodlands and markets. Or perhaps it was Nadiya’s British Food Adventure, which saw her travel the breadth of the nation, from Wales to the West Country, London to Land’s End and beyond.  

Over lockdown, we’ve seen just how much Britain has to offer, particularly the incredible, surprisingly diverse food scene. These food travelogues are all ‘achievable dreams’, and at times almost felt like a government campaign to paint the UK in its best light. It worked!

So, we’re going to use our forthcoming freedom to spend more weekends away in the UK, eating and imbibing, instead of just slopping out on the sofa at home, doing the same old thing.

EXPLORE YOUR CITY

Taking things even more micro, we’re also pledging to really get under the skin of the city we call home. There are so many Londoners who have never enjoyed the canals of Hackney Wick or enjoyed a pastrami bagel on Brick Lane. Brightonions abound who haven’t enjoyed Hove Lagoon or walked to the Marina. We suspect there are Glaswegians out there who haven’t frolicked in Pollok Country Park.

Who needs a flight to experience something exciting, exotic and new? It’s time to be a tourist in our own cities, instead. 

WORKCATIONS 

Working remotely has become the norm during the pandemic, and it’s likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. A knock-on effect, we think, is that people will look to take longer trips in the future that more effectively combine work and pleasure.  

And this is a travel trend we’re going to try and embrace. Once the drawbridge is lowered, why not extend your vacation experience by staying an extra few days either side of those weekends away or booking longer vacations abroad, with your laptop packed and primed for some remote working?

This means having time in the morning for an exploratory walk, lunchtime to try a local delicacy and the evening to explore the area and dance at a local bar. Sounds like heaven to us; just mind that hangover for your 9am Zoom conference!

TRAVEL TO SEE & FAMILY & FRIENDS 

Once upon a time, we would have given anything to have an undisturbed weekend at home. It gave us joy to see the calendar blank and dormant. Indeed, sometimes travelling felt daunting when there was a house to be cleaned, shirts to iron and batch cooking for the week ahead to get made. However, so much time spent in our own homes and away from our loved ones has given birth to adjusted priorities, and never again will we turn down a trip to the pub, a weekend with the family, or a walk with an old friend. Bring it on, we say!

EMBRACE MINDFUL TRAVEL & ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS 

The pandemic has slowed everything down, make no mistake. As we learn to live with the consequences of the pandemic in 2021 and beyond, we’re keen to embrace a new and stripped-back way of experiencing the world. 

We’re making it our resolution to carry over this new found slower pace of life into our future travels. Mindful travel is all about being present for the experiences you have while travelling, opening yourself up to novelty without worrying about work or chores lurking back at home. Suitcase magazine writes ‘The most important step for a mindful vacation is to be present, to disconnect and find joy in simple things”, and we couldn’t agree more. 

For us, mindful travel is also about learning more about the destinations we’re travelling, too. It’s so easy to jet off for a weekend away or longer and not really get familiar with the country you’re in, but by investing your time in an intimate tour or a class, you give yourself the chance to make lasting friendships with locals along the way. And that’s what it’s all about, right?

TRAVEL WITH SUSTAINABILITY  

Since we’ve all been stuck at home, pollution levels have dropped and skies have felt clearer. Although the extent of a planet in bounce-back mode might have been exaggerated – dolphins have not been swimming in Venice’s canals, for instance – we can’t ignore the fact that the natural world felt like it was thriving without our heavy footprint.

Holidays, trips and adventures after COVID all give us the chance to travel better. By this we don’t mean flying first class or floating around the Mediterranean on a luxury yacht. Rather, we mean travelling with a sustainable mindset.  

This is all about being mindful about minimising your waste at every step of the journey; everything from downloading your boarding pass instead of printing it, all the way to choosing hotels that are actively trying to reduce their waste.

Go further, and prioritise sustainable travel products and more environmentally friendly modes of transport to offset your carbon footprint. All these small changes make a huge difference to the planet, and to deploy an overused but succinct quote: ’Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints behind’. Or, perhaps ‘love the farm, leave no trace’…hang on, that’s Glastonbury. Anyway… 

JUST SAY YES 

Do you want to go to on a road trip? Say yes. Do you want to head to a theme park to scream your lungs out on the rides? Say yes. Do you want to hop on the next ferry to, well, anywhere? Just say yes!

COVID has taught us that life is short: it’s time to say yes and do the things you want to do! We’ll see you at the airport? Or rather, we’ll see you on the electric bus.

5 TIPS FOR COMBATING HOMESICKNESS: HOW EXPATS CAN FEEL MORE AT HOME IN A NEW COUNTRY

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5 TIPS FOR COMBATING HOMESICKNESS: HOW EXPATS CAN FEEL MORE AT HOME IN A NEW COUNTRY

Did you see the viral campaign last year where relocation expert Mr Baggage was selling “bottled air”? Aimed at Brits living overseas who miss the smell of home, whether that’s freshly cut village green grass, inner-city London air or the aroma of fish and chips, for just £25 homesick Brits could buy some “top-quality, bottled air” and access a little bit of home whenever and wherever they need. 

While of course, this novel marketing campaign is just plain silly, it does make a good point; though moving overseas is incredibly rewarding, homesickness does happen. To make sure you’re not resorting to those bottled aromas of patriotism in a moment of panic, here are 5 tips for combating homesickness. 

JOIN AN EXPAT COMMUNITY 

In your new hometown, you’ll likely find lots of communities and networking opportunities for those looking to meet like-minded people on both a professional and personal level. Connecting with these expat circles and networks is one of the best ways to banish that homesickness for good. 

So, get sociable, and find friends to help you ease into your new home. Can you join a gym? Perhaps you could head to a class in the area, even if it’s a language class? Are there local art workshops you could get involved in? This way, you can make friends and meet people without feeling like an outsider.

Read: 5 factors to consider when swapping an extended trip for a long-term move. 

CREATE SOME ANCHOR POINTS & A ROUTINE 

Social psychologist Dr Gary Wood tells the BBC that “Moving to new places involves having fewer “anchor points” in your life”, and this ambiguity can, of course, be unsettling. 

Elaborating on this point, Joshua Klapow, a clinical psychologist, tells the Huffington Post that when we feel homesick “we’re longing for something that in our minds is known, predictable, consistent and stable.” 

So, it’s not just the familiarity of our hometown or country of birth that we’re missing; it’s also our normal, predictable routine.

To combat this, endeavour to create some anchor points for yourself, whether it’s having coffee at the same cafe every morning, or always eating in the same restaurant on a Tuesday evening. Find a bar you like and become a regular (hey, now you’re talking) or head to the local market to buy your groceries every Saturday. 

Establishing a routine, even if it’s miles away from your old way of doing things, can provide comfort and help you stave off feelings of homesickness.

LEARN THE LINGO

If you don’t understand the language of the country you’ve moved to, and therefore the hustle, bustle and banter going on around you, chances are you’re going to feel isolated. 

When it comes to learning some key phrases of a new language, apps like Babbel and Duo Lingo are convenient to use, especially on the go. Moreover, they give you quick, efficient results so you can carry yourself confidently, greet new friends and order your meal with a bit of conviction. Download one and dedicate an hour or so a night to practicing before your trip; it’ll improve your experience immeasurably.

Of course, the best way to learn a new language quickly is by engaging with local, native speakers. So, what are you waiting for…get out there and meet people! The added bonus of throwing yourself in at the deep end and out of your comfort zone is that you may well make some new friends in the process.

WATCH TV CHANNELS FROM HOME

There’s no shame in occasionally longing for domestic comforts like your favourite British soap opera or the local news channel from your hometown when you’re living abroad. In fact, catching up with Match of the Day each weekend or enjoying Strictly from afar can bring that feeling of connection with the gossip and banter of the day back in Blighty.

Be warned that watching certain shows can be difficult to access, depending on where you’re located, due to certain content being blocked in some regions. If you need to, however, you can use a VPN to overcome those geo-restrictions. 

A VPN allows you to change your virtual location to a server location of your choice to access the content you want. If you are not sure which provider to go for, you can always start with a free VPN trial. 

A TASTE OF HOME

The affliction of feeling homesick can take many forms. For many, craving food from back home is a particularly strong, emotional trigger for a bout of the blues. 

In a 2018 survey by British Corner Shop, via the Mirror, it was reported that the top foods British expats missed were somewhat surprising, with Warburtons Crumpets, McVities Gingernuts, Robinson Orange Squash, Heinz Baked Beans and Walkers Crisps topping the list.

If you’re the same, consider having a family member assemble a care package to send, with lots of treats, goodies and home comforts included. Alternatively, and much more sustainably, why not embrace the food culture of your new home?

Check out these 5 IDEAL tips for foodie finds abroad for some top advice on doing just that!

8 Essential Items To Pack For A Snow-Kissed Sub-Zero Adventure

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8 Essential Items To Pack For A Snow-Kissed Sub-Zero Adventure

With holiday travel plans as uncertain as ever this summer, it seems like many of us are planning a winter getaway instead. 

From skiing and sledging in the French Alps to discovering the Northern Lights in Iceland, all the way to exploring Europe’s best Christmas markets, you’ll need an appropriately packed wardrobe to protect you from the biting cold and prolonged periods outside, exposed to the elements. 

With that in mind, if you’re planning a snow-kissed, sub-zero holiday, here’s our pick of 8 essential clothing items you should pack.

Weatherproof Jacket

A shower of snowflakes that leave you wet through, harsh winter winds and constant downpours…these unpredictable elements can certainly kill the buzz pretty quickly on a cold weather trip if you’re not prepared for it.

So, first things first, you’re going to need a winter jacket to see you through to your destination warm, dry and happy. It’s important to note here that not all ‘waterproof’ jackets were created equal, and many on the high street are only water repellant (not the same thing and not offering the equivalent level of protection). These don’t actually qualify as ‘waterproof’, though they might try to claim that they are. 

It’s not generally wise to skimp and save on a winter coat, as the brisk winds and temperamental skies of a cold and snowy trip make quick work of a cheaply made number.  

We suggest investing in a heavily padded puffer coat – you know the kind that looks a bit like a sleeping bag. We’re fans of puffa-esque Moncler jackets. Where some versions can make you look like the Michelin man, Moncler’s has a fitted silhouette style, meaning they’re rather flattering. 

Moncler was actually the first company to develop specific equipment for high altitude and harsh weather conditions –  a fashion and survival piece, it really is a no brainer. Moncler is, of course, an investment item, and if you’re looking for something similar but more affordable, check out the commercial fishing company Stormline, whose wet weather gear is top notch and properly waterproof, as well as Eddie Bauer, Marmot, North Face, Aritzia and Canada Goose or Patagonia. Uniqlo is also brilliant for affordable down jackets which actually keep you warm. 

For us, a hooded coat is non-negotiable on a cold weather trip to help protect you from the elements. That said, hoods can be annoying at times, so go for a coat with a detachable hood, allowing you to customise your coat according to the weather.

Read: 8 men’s winter coat trends to keep you snug and stylish in 2024

Trousers With Adjustable Waistlines 

When it comes to things to pack for a cold weather trip, trousers with adjustable waistlines are essential. 

Hear us out; the food in colder climes tends to be on the hearty side, to put it mildly, and you might find yourself needing some extra room, post-dinner. Take the French Alps for example. Alpine food is undoubtedly the best fuel for skiers; highly calorific and based on lots of melted cheese and potatoes, these dishes –  think fondue, Raclette and Tartiflette – were designed to keep mountain villagers who were often isolated for months going during the long, snowy winters.

And then look at the food in Amsterdam, which is, to put it bluntly (no pun intended), a little stodgy. It’s also incredibly moreish – with classics like pannekoeken, appeltaart, stroopwafels and patatje oorlog, where the chips are piled high with mayonnaise, peanut satay sauce and diced raw onions, all keeping the cold at bay.

Not only does the food become heartier in colder climes, but we also tend to eat more in such weather, because eating raises our body temperature, giving us the urge to eat more. 

Basically, you’re going to be doing a lot of eating, so pack some trousers with waistline flexibility. After all, there’s nothing quite so uncomfortable as going out for a meal on holiday and having to negotiate the top button of your trousers midway through. 

Read: 8 packing tips that will make preparing for your holiday so much easier

A Roll Neck Sweater

A roll neck sweater is one of the hardest working pieces in any winter wardrobe, and these fashionable items are hugely effective at keeping often exposed parts protected when a sudden cold front rolls in. 

Moreover, the roll neck gives a sophisticated spin on just about any look, which can be particularly hard to achieve when you’re wrapped to the hilts. The fashion experts at iyoobo.com, who run a website selling sweaters galore, tell us top opt for Merino wool, as it’s softer, more breathable, and does a good job at regulating temperature to keep you warm in different environments. Here at IDEAL we’re big fans of fine-rib turtlenecks, which are great as a layering piece. 

Thermals

It should go without saying that packing for a cold weather trip is all about leaving room for layering. However, a cold weather suitcase can quickly get cumbersome with all those extra layers packed in. 

Enter thermals. 

A good set of thermal underwear, long johns, and other base layers are essential for a winter trip. These items work by trapping warm air close to your body, providing much needed insulation and keeping things toasty from within. 

The Independent recommends looking for thermals “that use flatlock stitching, which means sewing raw ends together so there’s no bulky seam and avoids any rubbing against your skin”.  

And when it comes to the best material, many people swear by the Merino we previously mentioned, which is “warm but still highly breathable, and is great at wicking away sweat”. Moreover, Merino has antibacterial properties, meaning it isn’t prone to absorbing odours – so if you wear the same one for days on end, it doesn’t really matter. 

Winter Boots 

According to GoodHousekeeping, when choosing a winter boot, you should consider the inner fabric and outer material. When it comes to the inner lining of your boot, they suggest ‘thinsulate’ is best for wetter climates, keeping you warm but without the weight.  

Shoes lined with wool are great for ”warmth but not for sweat”, they add. And when it comes to the outer boots’ material, you should look for a water resistant option like nylon, prioritising pretreated water proofing. 

Of course, soles should have good traction for slippery conditions. Another consideration is boot height. Will you be wading through deep snow or sticking to city streets? Boots with a short height are best for city adventures, sure, but you’ll want something taller if you’re planning to veer off the beaten path. Either way, you should look out for a ‘gusseted tongue’ which keeps out the snow or rain. 

Winter Face Masks

Facemasks; not confined to the dark times of COVID, but also adept at keeping our faces warm and sheltered from the cold weather. 

Just as light, breathable and moisture wicking masks are essential for the summer months, so is something a little heftier to protect against the cold recommended for winter.

Look out for masks with lanyard-esque features; they not only make all that eating and drinking we spoke about earlier easier, but they also mean you don’t have to fumble around with your mask while you’re travelling.

You can also buy ear muff facemasks. These hybrids cover your ears too, keeping them toasty and warm. The finest versions, it seems look a bit like quilted puffa jackets but for your face, and have an antibacterial wicking layer to keep moisture out and warmth in.

Smartphone Gloves

Frostbite and Facebook just don’t go, and because of this, a great accessory currently on the market for travellers is a pair of touchscreen friendly gloves. If you are travelling to somewhere with a colder climates, then using your Android phone without freezing your fingers can be tough.

What comes in handy for these vacations is the touch screen friendly gloves, perfect for checking your messages or taking selfies while enjoying the slopes at Whistler or snapping pics of the Mont Blanc Massif from Courmayeur. Fingerless mitten gloves work here, too.

Bra Pocket Or Money Belt

Carrying a bag around with you on a winter holiday can be a pain. Massive jackets are not natural bedfellows with big bags slung over the shoulder, and it’s hard to comfortably rest one on your shoulders should you be all wrapped up. Enter the travel bra and money belt to bring comfort and convenience to your trip.

Travel bras come with hidden pockets to keep your passport, cash or cards more close to hand. For comfort, look for a travel bra with wicking materials and antibacterial properties. If you don’t wear a bra, a money belt with secret compartments is ideal. 

The Bottom Line

Whilst we realise it’s remiss to mention winter when we haven’t even enjoyed summer yet, it’s looking likely that a holiday in colder climes is a more realistic goal right now. As such, we hope this list has given you ample time to prepare your packing list for your trip.

7 TOP WEDDING TRENDS WE’RE GOING TO BE SEEING THIS YEAR & BEYOND

Editorial Team
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7 TOP WEDDING TRENDS WE’RE GOING TO BE SEEING THIS YEAR & BEYOND

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world’s wedding plans. As the UK begins to open up, the business end of 2021 and onto 2022 looks set to see an explosion of weddings, as couples seek to reschedule postponed ceremonies from the previous year and newly engaged couples are eager to get married fast. 

Those big, lavish affairs that we’re used to? They might just be a thing of the past. Instead, here are 7 top wedding trends we’re going to be seeing this year and beyond.

WEEKDAY WEDDINGS

Weddings once seemed solely reserved for Saturdays. However, since the beginning of the pandemic, more couples are choosing to get married during the week. Glamour reports that “the proportion of Saturday weddings has declined from 57% in 2019 to 53% 2020, according to Bridebook, and even further among engaged couples. 17% of postponed couples will marry on a Friday and 11% will marry on a Sunday”. 

We expect this change to expand further, with weddings shifting from a weekend focus into the midweek.

Not only is it cheaper to marry midweek, but cancellations of weddings over the past year have meant that weddings all over the country are being rescheduled. As such, weekend weddings are like gold dust and the prices….well, it’s not worth thinking about.  

Couples are now less precious about having a weekend wedding, with the pandemic providing the perfect excuse to host the event on a more affordable day. Choosing to have a weekday wedding with fewer guests means that couples don’t have to wait another year – or longer – to get married. Moreover, they are more likely to get the wedding photographer, caterer and florist of their choice. 

As such, keep those calendars clear, and don’t be surprised to receive a weekday wedding invitation soon.

ELOPEMENT WEDDINGS  

The pandemic has certainly made organising nuptials for couples problematic. Indeed, over the past year, countless couples have been grappling with the decision of how to move forward with their wedding plans whilst managing to please everyone and endanger no one. 

With the uncertainty and risk involved in planning a wedding, many couples are re-evaluating what was important to them in the first place. That is getting married, not whether their third cousin removed should sit next to crazy aunt Beverly at the reception. 

As such, some bridegrooms-to-be are choosing to elope instead of dealing with the headache of planning or rescheduling their wedding completely. A chic and discreet option, eloping is also an attractive alternative for couples who aren’t actually all that fussed about the intricacies of wedding planning, especially if you’re someone who has never had an interest in deciding between fondant and buttercream. 

BELATED CELEBRATIONS

Some couples are choosing to get married now with close friends and family, then celebrate more comprehensively with a larger group when restrictions fully lift. 

Indeed, getting married now, in a compact, cosy way, is a smart option as it means couples can celebrate together and start their married life, then celebrate with a wider network of friends and family when it’s safe to do so.  

Choosing to take this route removes the anxiety and all the pressure that comes with having to wait, while giving couples something to celebrate right now and look forward to later. Moreover, the need for a knees up has never been greater – and this way couples can get their cake and eat it, too. 

SIMPLE WEDDINGS – LESS IS MORE 

The growing trend towards minimalist matrimonials and simple weddings, seen before COVID-19 was even a familiar term, looks like it’s set to continue, and according to Pinterest, it’s a movement that’s here to stay. 

The Huffington Post reports that the trend forecasting team at Pinterest have concluded that “regardless of covid restrictions…smaller, laid-back venues and no-frills elopements (are) continuing to gain popularity.” They reveal that searches for “small backyard wedding” were up 160% while searches for ‘’courthouse weddings’’ more than doubled. 

With the ever rising costs of weddings and the future of travel uncertain, expect this to be a trend which lasts long after things have returned to ‘normal’.

RECEPTIONS AT RESTAURANTS 

We’ve already seen many couples completely cancel their plans and instead, choose small, more intimate affairs which don’t necessarily follow the usual timetable of a wedding in the UK. 

Couples with a particular focus on food and letting their hair down are choosing to have their wedding receptions in a restaurant as a way of keeping numbers tight, time commitments down and the quality up. Bring it on!

TECHNICOLOURED AFFAIRS

Let’s not deny that the past year has been a bit beige and we’re all in desperate need of some colour in our lives. While white, of course, never goes out of fashion for weddings, neutral hues such as ivory, taupe and dusty rose are so pre-pandemic.  

We’re set to see a pop of joyful colours in all shades at weddings this year – from bright, vibrant invitations to vividly coloured dried floral bouquets and bold statement hues as a backdrop – and personally, we can’t wait.

Bright, vibrant, vivacious weddings offer an upbeat, celebratory vibe – and right now, we all need a little colour in our lives, don’t you think?

SURPRISE WEDDINGS

Let’s face it, the circus that comes with organising a wedding can be plain stressful – be it trying to meet the demands of an interfering family or juggle meddlesome mates’ expectations. One trend that has become increasingly popular during the pandemic is surprise weddings, mitigating all that fuss beforehand in favour of something a little more guerilla.

Surprise weddings reduce a good amount of the stress that comes in the lead up to the wedding, with much of the fluff and finery less necessary. After all, your guests will be dazzled that the event is taking place at all, regardless of whether there’s the requisite bling and bluster involved.

Instead, expect a raucous, rebellious atmosphere and a celebration of living in the moment. That sounds just about IDEAL to us.

6 AWESOME WAYS TO SPEND SUMMER 2021 WEEKENDS

Editorial Team
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6 AWESOME WAYS TO SPEND SUMMER 2021 WEEKENDS

With the four walls of home far too familiar these days, we think it’s fair to say that the pandemic has got us looking for new ways to enjoy our weekends. 

Travelling out of your local area is no longer actively illegal – rejoice! – and day trips are finally permitted once again. That said, government advice is still to stay local and minimise travel. They also advise that, if you do travel outside your local area, you should shop for food and before you embark on your journey, rather than stopping off along the way.

With those caveats dispensed with, let’s get to it; here are 6 awesome ways to spend Summer 2021 weekends.

HOST A GARDEN DINNER  PARTY

Food, drink, friends, good conversation…

While we’re keen to get in and amongst other revellers, imbibing at our favourite restaurants and seeing friends, with limited outdoor seating, it’s pretty hard to get a table anywhere at the moment. So why not host a garden dinner party?  

Throwing a dinner party can be a wonderful opportunity to show off those cooking skills you’ve learnt through lockdown. When it comes to designing your menu, strive for a certain sense of rhythm. If your starter is protein heavy, make sure that the main course is a little lighter. Should the dessert contain lashings of cream, the other courses should be less dependent on fat to carry flavour. 

A well paired wine, perfectly suited to the grub you’re serving, can be the difference between a good and great dinner party. Don’t just throw your favourite drop at it and expect things to flourish. Instead, investigate which wine is best suited to each course, bringing out the flavours of the food more elegantly in the process. Go that extra mile by picking a better bottle, spending a little more and drinking a little less, for best results, we think.

If you’re hosting outside in the coming weeks, garden dinner parties are, of course, subject to the weather. Consider adding an awning to the side of your home to keep guests dry and don’t forget blankets to keep guests warm, too. Go the extra mile and invest in some garden heaters or a firepit if you’re feeling really flash. 

Read: 7 tips for making a success of your Summer garden parties.

CAMPING WITH FRIENDS 

Getting in and amongst nature with the people you love? A cleanse of the soul and the lungs? Sounds like heaven to us. And to many others, too, we think. No surprise, then, that camping is enduringly popular in Britain and for many, the ideal way to spend the weekend.

Campsites and caravan parks, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, have just reopened. Yes, we’re officially allowed to stay in a tent  – but only with members of our own household. 

That said, and as Time Out points out, “there isn’t anything in the rules to prevent friends or family from camping in the same campsite, as long as you only socialise outdoors in a group of fewer than six people and maintain social-distancing rules”.

From May the 17th, you can go camping with “a group of up to six people from six different households (or an unlimited number of people from only two households)”. And hopefully by June 21st, all restrictions on the number of households staying together will be lifted. We can’t wait!

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for camping with a group. 

RENT A MOTORHOME

Not one for camping? Motorhomes provide a great compromise between outdoor living and indoor comfort, and we just love them.

Private motorhome hire, like this, is actually surprisingly affordable. That said, if you’re considering buying a motorhome, while it may seem like a large initial outlay, it can well turn out to be a wise investment in the long run. You’ll save on both car rental and accommodation as your wheels will serve as your vehicle and sleeping quarters. 

If you’re keen to find some inspiration on where to head on your motorhome adventure, here are the UK’s most popular holiday destinations for motorhome owners, IDEAL for a staycation when the latest lockdown properly lets up.  

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for your next UK campervan holiday.

A COUNTRY WALK

According to Walking for Health, a good walk can uplift your mental wellbeing, improving self-esteem, mood and sleep quality. But we didn’t need them to tell us that, did we? 

As anyone who has strolled recently will attest, it’s a marvellous way to blow off some steam and gain a little perspective during a particularly trying time. Pair this with the physical benefits brought on by fresh air and exercise, and you should need no more encouragement to embrace the outdoors. There really is no reason not to (ignore the rain, guys).

Check out our guide to the UK’s IDEAL top ten walking destinations. 

A TRIP TO THE COAST 

The ping of penny machines on the pier, the squawk of seagulls, the nostalgic scent of fish and chips punctuating the fresh sea air; Britain is home to many a quintessential British seaside escape. There’s no denying that one of the best ways to spend the weekend is at the seaside. Down south, Swanage, Brighton and Bournemouth are just some of our favourite places in the UK for a weekend trip. Up north, we’re all about Whitby and Scarborough. Where’s your favourite place to spend time on the sand or pebbles?

Read: 7 weekend escapes from London for Summer 

TRY A NEW OUTDOOR WATER SPORT

Whether off the Cornish coast or in one of London’s lidos, cold water swimming is becoming more and more popular. And for good reason; there are so many physical and mental benefits of taking an icy plunge. In fact, recent research has suggested that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression and could boost your immune system, too. 

Not into it? Here at IDEAL, we’re huge fans of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), one of the most accessible water sports out there. Yep, all you need to find is a still body of water, access to a board and the enthusiasm for an adventure, and you’re good to go!  

Moreover, there’s something magically meditative about being at one with nature and the water, standing tall and in control. What’s more, you get to enjoy the scenery from a whole new vantage point, bringing you closer to nature and far more in touch with the changing of the seasons and the movements of the great outdoors. 

Other outdoor sports to consider include kayaking, surfing and even sailing. It’s important to note here that we now have the opportunity to embark on our new lives with a sustainable mindset. This is all about being mindful of minimising your impact on the planet and reducing your waste in everything that you do. With this in mind, check out our guide on how to make your favourite outdoor sports more environmentally friendly.

THE BOTTOM LINE

After spending the best part of a year stuck inside our homes, we want nothing more than a change of scenery and to be able to make the most out of our weekends again. That said, it’s vital that you do so responsibly and safely. Be sure to check the latest government guidelines to make sure everything you’re doing is above board and legal.

WORTH THE WAIT: THE UK’S MOST-QUEUED-FOR PRODUCTS

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WORTH THE WAIT: THE UK’S MOST-QUEUED-FOR PRODUCTS

Over the last twelve months, queuing for basics has become as much a part of our routine as face masks and hand sanitiser. At the height of lockdown, it was common to see long queues winding around a supermarket car park, and where our pre-pandemic selves would have run away to another shop at the sight of such a queue, nowadays, we wait patiently in line. 

For a nation that bloody loves to queue, many have relished the chance to tactically tut, scowl and shuffle with increased regularity.

Speaking of queues, the country has certainly seen some queue-worthy products released in the last year. It used to be that queueing for a new pair of celebrity designer trainers or a video game release was considered strange. Now, it’s an event that many want to be a part of as we all seek out those in-demand goodies.

As lockdown lifts and with retail returning, we’re all itching to be a part of that excitement once more! Elbows at the ready then…

Today, we’re taking a look at the products and services that saw queues of customers waiting most enthusiastically. Which items are you most excited to get your hands on?

ADVANCED RETINOL FROM BOOTS NO.7’S

During lockdown, we all took a moment to ease up on our makeup obsession and give our skin a litte TLC. Because let’s face it, there wasn’t much point getting glammed up for that weekly Zoom ‘pub quiz’ with friends…

Skincare, on the other hand, gained a lot of traction, with many of us turning to TikTok for short and informative tutorials on what we should be doing to get our skin healthy while we don’t have any need to wear makeup. 

One particular ingredient that has surged in popularity is retinol. When Boots No.7 range launched their own product last May, 100,000 people joined the waiting list for the serum. The product helps skin cell turnover, keeping our skin youthful and glowing – a must have after a year of ‘maskne’.

ALLOTMENTS AT BUSHY PARK

We’re not just waiting in line for products either, with certain services facing increased demands over the last twelve months as we looked to fill the hours and dreamt of a life more simple and slow-paced following lockdown.

According to a survey, 93 per cent of respondents answered that gardening was a lifesaver in lockdown, and allotments become highly prized, thanks to the potential mental and physical benefits of tending to your own vegetables.

But for those who aren’t blessed with a garden, the wait for an allotment can be excruciatingly protracted. In fact, it’s estimated that there are 100’000 people on allotment waiting lists in the UK.

Nine of the top 10 locations with the longest allotment waiting lists are in London (the other being in Cumbria) with Bushy Park in Richmond-upon-Thames, Southwest London, having 637 budding gardeners waiting to secure a plot. Considering many people keep hold of their allotment for, well, life, that’s a lot of green fingers drumming on the table impatiently.

Read: 5 IDEAL ways gardening can help your mental wellbeing

THE LONGISLAND CHUNKY SANDAL FROM DUNE 

Before the pandemic, queues for shoes were usually reserved for the latest Yeezys. Today, Dune’s LONGISLAND chunky sandal had a 430-person waiting list in just one week. The 90s inspired flatform shoe sold out when it launched in early March after influencers Rita Margari and Shelley Mokoena were spotted wearing them. This footwear is the ideal chic aesthetic for summer, and they’re available in both ecru or black sandals.

Nostalgic fashion has soared through the pandemic, make no mistake, bringing comforting memories of more simple times. Nostalgia is certainly a fashion trend we’re expecting to see continue well into 2021. 

PLAYSTATION 5 FROM SONY

Waiting lists for consoles are nothing new, but the latest device from Sony certainly took the biscuit! Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) has been sold out since launch day in November, with a significant number of gamers still waiting to get their hands on this generation’s most anticipated console.

Since launch, the PS5 has been out of stock at all major retailers with no way to land a spot on a waiting list. The only places consistently offering the console are auction sites like eBay, albeit for considerably higher prices. On the 29th April, over five months after the PS5’s launch, Smyths announced that they had PS5s in stock – and sold out in under an hour.

Some things are worth waiting for, so if you’re in the queue for any of these products, look forward to the moment they arrive on your doorstep! 

HOW TO ADD A TOUCH OF LUXURY TO YOUR DINING ROOM IN 7 STEPS

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HOW TO ADD A TOUCH OF LUXURY TO YOUR DINING ROOM IN 7 STEPS

No matter who you invite over for a divine dinner party – and even if you’re dipping into nothing more spectacular than fish and chips – the right dining room can transform any meal into a fancy affair. 

For many years, formal dining rooms at home fell very much out of fashion, with laid-back, open plan spaces particularly popular. However, as reported by Apartment Therapy, lately “there has been a significant increase in the demand for dining room design.” And we’re not surprised.  

The dining room is a room with a focused, bona fide purpose; you come here to relax, converse, eat well, and enjoy a room and table curated to maximise the pleasure of conversation and eating. As such, it should be one of the finest rooms in your house, and with that in mind, here’s how to add a touch of luxury to your dining room. 

A SOPHISTICATED DINING TABLE 

Unquestionably, the centrepiece of any dining room is the table itself. Appropriately, SM London suggest choosing a bespoke piece for this most elegant of rooms. Incidentally, their Raegan Dining Table is one of the most sophisticated tables on the market. 

Available in walnut or fumed eucalyptus, this is a contemporary dining table for a modern home. Held together by an intricately designed central base. It’s a minimalist powerhouse – and it’s sure to have your guests praising its virtues. Let’s just put it this way; even a takeaway pizza would feel highfalutin on such a sophisticated centrepiece.

COMFORTABLE, ELEGANT DINING CHAIRS

Some people believe that comfort is the ultimate form of luxury, and we couldn’t agree more. While we’re fans of those picnic bench dining tables and chairs beloved of a certain farmhouse kitchen aesthetic, they have no place in a dining room, especially if you’re looking to host long, languid dinner parties. 

Instead, go for elegant dining chairs, upholstered in a dark shade, preferably in regent style if there’s plenty of texture to the rest of your dining room. Alternatively, a wooden side chair, dressed up with a cushion, of course, works well. 

THE VELVET CURTAIN

If you’re looking to decorate your dining room like a Michelin star restaurant, then why not add a theatrical entrance to your dining room with a heavy velvet curtain at the entrance and to your windows? This adds that touch of mystery; moving the curtain aside reveals a room of wonder and promise, and what could be more luxurious than that? 

ADD A RUG

We think adding a rug under your dining table brings texture and warmth, and is a must. The design experts at Houzz recommend erring on the side of too big and suggest that “a dining room rug should have at least 60cm of extra room on all sides of the dining table to allow enough space for guests to pull out chairs without tripping over the rug.“

Indeed, area rugs are the unsung heroes of dining room design, anchoring your space while absorbing sound and creating a more intimate atmosphere. When selecting the perfect rug, consider materials that can withstand inevitable spills while still feeling luxurious underfoot—wool blends with stain-resistant treatments offer the ideal balance of practicality and comfort.

CONSIDER A CHANDELIER OR STATEMENT LIGHTING PIECE 

Lighting is a crucial element to dining rooms and can make or break that feeling of luxury.

Take a design tip out of chef Alain Ducasse’s restaurant empire and add some sparkling chandeliers to your dining room to bring that sense of glamour to proceedings. Though you might not be able to cook like the renowned chef, your room will certainly feel the part.

Introducing statement lighting can also bring a unique, eye-catching touch to a dining room, amping up the luxury factor at the flick of a switch, so hang a glamorous chandelier or a unique mixture of ceiling fixtures, table lamps or pendants. This gives you the opportunity to play around with the lighting options and create a different ambience depending on the time of day and level of formality of your meal. 

Another idea for lighting which will glam up any room instantly is to install mounted wall-hung lights  – as far as we’re concerned, this type of lighting adds the wow-factor to any room.

CHOOSE CUTLERY & CERAMICS CAREFULLY

Every good dining room has a beautiful sideboard, and on top, carefully curated crockery and ceramics designed to chime with the overall aesthetic of the space.

As Elle Decor highlights, “The days of classic china in fine-dining restaurants are long gone. Chefs now work directly with makers to create tableware that adds high drama to the story of food.”

And while you might just be a humble home cook, you can still channel this sensibility, and source local, handcrafted pottery and glassware for your dining room. 

It’s also worth considering food psychology when choosing your ceramics. As NPR explains “The shape and color of the dinnerware can affect taste as well. In general, round, white plates tend to enhance sweet flavors in food, whereas black, angular plates tend to bring out more savory flavors… and serving food on a red plate tends to reduce the amount diners eat.”

Phew, there’s so much to think about…

Read: 5 IDEAL steps for giving your dinner table the fine dining treatment 

ADD A PIECE OF FEATURE ART

A conversation starter when the chatter runs dry; every good dining room should have some art. Art has a transformative effect in any room and evokes powerful emotions. As such, different pieces can instantly change the atmosphere of a room and wrestle back control and intrigue from a dinner party in danger of turning stale. 

For example, abstract art featuring geometric forms and bold colours can add vivacity and character to a room while impressionistic pieces can add a whimsical, tranquil vibe. Also bear in mind the psychology of colour when it comes to choosing your piece as different colours evoke certain feelings and elicit certain reactions. Yellow, for instance, is uplifting and associated with happiness and sunny dispositions while blue is known to soothe the mind because of its cool, calming effect.

Choosing great art for your dining room can be a tricky, risky balancing act. Subjective, of course, but there is a very fine line to tread between subtle steps of sophistication and a clumsy tumble onto the carpet.

EMBRACE MINIMALISM

It might seem counterintuitive, but the first thing you’ll notice about most Michelin star restaurants these days is that minimalism defines their idea of luxury. Yep, in many cases, less really is more. 

Sure, you’ll require signature pieces and focal points, but always add with restraint in mind; a surefire way to a sophisticated aesthetic, we think. On the flipside, cramming in loads of furniture will only make the space look congested and untidy. Keeping the décor simple with a few signature furniture pieces like that chandelier and piece of art we spoke about earlier will add pizzazz to your living room without unecessarily adding to the clutter

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