Menu
Home Blog Page 238

7 TRENDING HAIRSTYLES AND CUTS FOR LATE SUMMER 2020

Editorial Team
-
0
7 TRENDING HAIRSTYLES AND CUTS FOR LATE SUMMER 2020

The novel coronavirus has changed us in so many ways, but if we’re unleashing our inner Brandon Flowers and looking on the brightside, we’re encouraged to see the sway it’s had on our hairstyles.

For most of us, July couldn’t come soon enough. As stay at home orders meant that most of our manes lost their luxe, we all but clambered back to our most cherished salons the second reopening had begun. Thanks to the careful curation of appointments and improvements in sanitation techniques, we finally had our favourite stylists back; cue much socially distanced embracing, if that’s possible. 

But more than distancing and delay, these stay at home measures have also influenced our actual styles. Renowned stylists believe that this downtime will have a big impact on the cuts and colours we will see take hold in the rest of 2020, and offered a few predictions. 

‘’As the top trending tresses have a ‘no muss, no fuss’ elegance that perfectly coincides with the ever present beach vibes of the perfect summer ‘do, we’re definitely seeing deconstructed throw backs and lower maintenance colours, which could be a nod to the dark times before the July reopening of our favorite salons. Or, it could be because these looks are genuinely brilliant. Either way, we’re thrilled with what’s to come.’’ 

With these prognoses in mind, here are 7 trending hairstyles and cuts for late summer 2020.

BRAIDS ARE BACK

Braids have never really gone out of style, specifically when talking about tried and true summer hair trends. And for that, we are grateful. During lockdown, it wasn’t exactly easy to give ourselves a DIY home haircut, and braiding was no exception, so we’re pleased to have salons reopen to get our braids back on point.

Braids are not only absolutely stunning hairstyles that can easily make an impact on almost any tresses, they’re also built for any summer scrape you find yourself in, due to their durability. Adding flawless texture and sleek lines, while keeping things under control, braids are ideal for when you don’t want to waste valuable beach time constantly fussing over your locks.

SOLID NATURAL COLOURS

This is a trend we are more than happy to welcome back; solid, natural looking colour that helps celebrate skin tone and bone structure. These styles are truly elegant in an entirely effortless way and create almost an ethereal look that helps each individual shine in their best way. When you’re trying to get the most of the last days of summer, the simplicity of solidity is perfect. 

If yours is dyed, make sure you check out our tips on ways to make your hair colour last longer.

SIMPLE SHAGS

Channelling a kind of post-punk throwback, the simple shag has gotten some serious attitude this year, with micro fringe or curtain bangs added for a fully rockstar textured effect. The low-key 2020 spin on shags lends this style perfectly to naturally curly or wavy hair types, especially if you find yourself lacking the desire to put in style time every morning. 

TEENY TINY BOBS

The microbob, whether perfectly coiffed and curled or left unruly and wild, is ultra desirable this year; being championed by some of the top names in fashion. Charles Worthington Salons strongly believe that this cut will transition perfectly into autumn as it creates an enticing negative space between jawlines and cosy overcoats. The versatile look also plays well with chic and sleek looks of this summer’s colour trends.

STREAKY HIGHLIGHTS

If you had told us that the streaky highlights popularised in the noughties would be back, there’s no way we would have believed you. But after seeing the incredible contrast of chunky colors and striking, bold lines, blended beautifully with 2020’s closet- we have to say we’ve had a change of heart. This look brings an intensely defiant feel to some of the most luxurious looks of this year. 

PUMPED UP PONIES

Where ‘18 and ‘19 brought us sleek, quiet, and largely unremarkable ponies, 2020 has resuscitated and revamped the style. With tons of gorgeous volume, clips, bandanas, braids, warps, rhinestones and combs, this year’s pony is anything but forgettable, giving us the chance to inject some whimsy into our post-COVID lifestyles. All the functionality of summer’s favourite look, with just a bit more flair and drama, we think. 

THE CHUNK

The chunk is the favourite accessory of 2020 fringes. With a bold lash of colour, either simple or daring, the chunk highlight is a fan favourite this summer. Easy to care for, and simple to change your colour as often as you change your mind, the chunk is this year’s favourite kind of hair relationship. No commitment, no hassle, just simply gorgeous hair. 

7 IDEAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A HOLIDAY HOME TO LET

Editorial Team
-
0
7 IDEAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A HOLIDAY HOME TO LET

The idea of a place by the sea or a country bolthole, where urban dwellers can retreat to let go or simply, to let, is endlessly appealing. And that sense of peaceful, provincial escape carries even more weight in the current COVID climate. Indeed, recent reports have suggested that an urban migration to rural houses looks likely in the coming years, with people valuing the sprawling outdoors so much more after being cooped up during lockdown. 

Property investors and budding entrepreneurs equally are looking to capitalise on this newfound desire for country living. Interest (and subsequently, house prices) in the countryside are sure to rise as holiday home rentals become more fashionable in tune with the UK’s burgeoning love for staycations and a more serene pace to life. 

If you’re looking to buy a property with a view to making it a place families want to spend time on vacation, then read on; our 7 IDEAL considerations when buying a holiday home let. 

THE RISE OF STAYCATIONS 

First things first, let’s talk about the rise of staycations. It’s a term we’ve all heard plenty of recently, and according to the insurance experts Schofields Ltd  “the number of people booking self-catering holidays in England jumped from 6.22 million to 7.23 million between 2015 and 2017, according to Visit England. Sykes Cottages also reported that bookings increased by 36%, year over year in 2018.”

Combine this with the impact of leaving the European Union and the potential fluctuations in Sterling as a result, as well as the global uncertainty resulting from Covid-19, and it seems clear that taking a holiday in the UK rather than overseas will soon be the only option for many – a fact that will benefit anyone lucky enough to consider owning more than one property. A carefully considered investment in a time of uncertainty might turn out to be a savvy one indeed.

Seaside cities like Brighton and Hove are ideal for staycations. Indeed, a stroll along Brighton seafront, skimming pebbles and checking out cheesy souvenir shops, fish and chips in one hand, plastic pint of flat lager in the other; there couldn’t be a more quintessential British day out if you tried.

Alternatively, when it comes to staycation city breaks, there aren’t many on the planet which pack more of a punch than London, with the variety of activities, entertainment, food and nightlife unrivalled in the UK. 

Read: 7 weekend escapes from London for Summer

MORE MORTGAGE  

Holiday let mortgages are subject to more stringent mortgage criteria than a standard contractual agreement.

We spoke to renowned estate seller in Putney, Brinkley’s, who told us “Buy-to-let lenders typically want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments and many now demanding 25% deposits, or even larger, for rates considerably above residential mortgage deals”.

Your lender needs to know your holiday let will generate enough income to cover your costs, understanding the level of seasonality in your chosen location is so important, particularly if you’re eyeing this up as a business opportunity rather than a personal holiday home. 

As such they suggest that “Before you think about looking around properties sit down with a pen and paper and write down the cost of houses you are looking at and the rent you are likely to get”.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS 

Recent changes in taxation policy mean that owners of a furnished holiday let enjoy several favourable tax conditions compared to traditional buy to let investors. A furnished holiday let is classed as a business, so owners can still receive interest tax relief, which is of particular benefit to those enjoying the good fortune of being in the higher tax bracket. You can also deduct some of the costs of furnishing your holiday let, and the cost of things like cleaning, utilities, and maintenance. Which brings us to our next point… 

THE PRACTICAL STUFF

It’s a comfortable idea to simply let your home accumulate money, but in reality, a holiday home requires constant attention, consistent maintenance and loads of goodwill to make it run smoothly. 

It’s crucial to ask yourself how you’ll maintain your home and employing a property manager might be necessary if you can’t oversee the running of your holiday home first hand and regularly. The property manager will more than likely look after other holiday rental properties, and have a keen knowledge of what elements of upkeep most impress potential (and regular) guests.

You should ensure your holiday home has a distinct selling point that will appeal to prospective holidaymakers beyond its location, whether that be a superbly appointed kitchen, attractive terrace area or keenly kept plants. Moreover, while you may have your heart set on a certain city, you need to be aware of the different areas within it, as well as considering transport links and your place’s proximity to the town centre as well as other shops, restaurants and bars. 

WHERE TO BUY? 

As we mentioned earlier, one of the most problematic aspects of owning a holiday let is dealing with seasonal fluctuations. Seaside towns, in particular, suffer from this, taking the bulk of their income over the school summer breaks and bank holiday weekends, while languishing empty during the winter. Even holiday hotspots like the Lake District or the beautiful Scottish Highlands will see a notable downturn when the weather turns less clement. 

Recent research from Prime Location into the most profitable cities for furnished holiday lets puts Bath firmly in the top spot, with an average monthly revenue of £2221 per holiday let, follower by Oxford with a revenue of £2,066 and in third, closely followed by Brighton and Hove with an average monthly revenue of £2,061 a month. Of course, those revenues are matched by higher house prices, but if you’re playing the long game, investment wise, then these tourist hotspots are where you want to be ploughing your pounds.

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS 

There’s a reason why the elegant Georgian town of Bath is so popular and we’re going to use it as a bit of a case study from now on in. It attracts all different types of tourists for different reasons. Moreover, one of the reasons Bath has such high appeal is the sheer range of things to do, which naturally means it reliably attracts hoards of visitors. Pitching your holiday home offering as part of a bustling, brilliant town such as Bath is a prudent move for snaring consistent custom, we think. 

To give you an idea of the wealth of attractions on offer (and to prompt you, we hope, to pursue a similar destination for your holiday home) here’s a snapshot of Bath’s attractions:

  • The magnificent Roman Baths, brought up to date for the 21st century with CGI and interactive exhibits 
  • The wealth of museums such as the Fashion Museum and No1 Royal Crescent which gives a unique glimpse into the splendour of Georgian life for the wealthy classes
  • The Victoria Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of classic and contemporary art 
  • The Jane Austen Museum, which gives a good account of her time in the city and its impact on her work 

Bath also appeals to visitors looking for a modern, lively city destination and is particularly popular for stag and hen parties, which could represent a key clientele for your holiday home. That said, don’t fear debauchery in your gaff; nightlife is more refined than neighbouring Bristol (just a short train ride away), but there’s a good choice of cocktail bars, several live music venues and nightclubs, as well as an array of traditional and hipster style pubs. 

On top of that, festivals are a significant part of the Bath social scene, and a big draw for visitors, all needing a place to stay, which would spell excellent news for an investor. Events run throughout the year, with major ones like Bath Festival that draws fans of music, art, and literature as well as more niche events like Bach fest in February or Bath Comedy Festival. And come Christmas people pour into the city to go shopping, with the Christmas Market growing year on year. All in all, if you’re seeking a destination for your venture, a historic, lively place such as Bath is a prudent move.

LONG LETTING APPEAL 

What’s more, Bath is a perfect location for holidaymakers looking for something more than a city break, as it marries urban amenities with a stunning rural surrounding. This means there’s plenty of appeal for longer lets, which is something you should prioritise if you value security and a steadier income. 

Set in the beautiful countryside, it’s perfect for walkers and cyclists looking to take in panoramic views from the Cotswold Way or the Bath Skyline walk. Add in the fact that visitors can hop on a train and be in London in under an hour and a half, or head the other direction to the Quantocks national park in an hour and forty minutes, and you can see why a holiday let in Bath is such a popular base for a longer holiday. It’s this variety of offering which prospective guests really cherish.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The prime position and activities on offer in Bath serve as a really useful example of the kind of place your holiday home hunt should be focusing. Its gorgeous architecture, history, manageable size yet lively nightlife all equal an appealing destination for tourists, which in turn would spell increased revenues for you.

What’s more, a city which thrives whatever the season, as Bath does, is adept and adaptable to the ever changing demands of the consumer, which will suit landlords to the ground. Consider Bath as an excellent example of a prime destination, and be inspired to seek a location with similar attributes for your holiday home. Good luck with your venture and we assume the door’s always open to us?

IDEAL SUMMER SHAVING TIPS: HOW TO USE A SAFETY RAZOR & MORE

Editorial Team
-
0
IDEAL SUMMER SHAVING TIPS: HOW TO USE A SAFETY RAZOR & MORE

Hey, let’s preface this; if you want to let it all hang out, no one should succumb to societal expectations about keeping clean shaven. Let it all hang out! You’re beautiful just the way you are.

But for those who do prefer a clean-shaven look for both the appearance and smooth feeling that shaving brings, it’s important to make sure you are shaving in the right way and giving your skin the TLC it deserves.    

Though it may be tempting to get your daily or weekly shave done as quickly as possible, different weather conditions and seasons can leave our skin at risk of drying out or becoming irritated if we act in haste. 

Summer is perhaps shaving’s most prevalent season, with people wearing less and preferring clean-shaven legs to complement their summer attire. To make sure your skin is kept healthy and doesn’t dry out in the heat post-shave, here’s how to use a safety razor and our other IDEAL summer shaving tips.

SUMMER SHAVING NEED-TO-KNOW

First things first, there are a few key things to keep in mind when shaving in summer… 

  • Shaving doesn’t cause your tan to fade – it can actually enhance the colour of your tan and allow you to tan quicker by removing dead skin cells from your skin’s surface.
  • Don’t shave right before going in the sun – its best to shave in the evening and give your skin the chance to breathe post-shave before applying any suncream or tan lotion.
  • Moisturising is key – the sun may feel good on your skin but it can be drying if you stay in it for too long which can lead to irritation or razor burn when shaving. 

USE THE RIGHT RAZOR 

First things first, it’s essential you make sure you are using the right shaving tools if you’re to get the job done cleanly, safely and efficiently. Though it’s tempting when they always seem to be lying around close to the shower, don’t settle for a cheap disposable option. If you can afford to invest in a high-quality safety razor, you will see an immediate benefit in the quality of your shave and the condition of your skin, not to mention the durability of such a purchase, which makes financial and environmental sense in the long run. 

Rather than using multiple and less sharp blades like many razors on the shelves, a quality double-edge safety razor uses one single sharp blade to slice through your hair and cut it incredibly close to the skin, and is a savvy option if you’re taking this shaving thing seriously. 

Indeed, it also shows smarter financial tact. The English Shaving Company, who offer a wide range of double-edge safety razors for men and women, suggest that ”replacement double edge safety razor blades are considerably less expensive than the cartridge system alternatives, making them more economical for long term use’’. We couldn’t agree more.

When travelling, you can take your safety razors with you, just make sure to remove the blade and pick these up once you reach your destination. 

EXFOLIATE

Another key ingredient to a successful summer shaving routine is exfoliation. Get yourself a capable, affordable body scrub that you can rub over the skin with your hands to remove any dead skin cells. It’s far more hygienic to use a scrub than to rely on loofahs or mitts which can spread bacteria into your pores. And anyway, giving yourself a bit of a rub down can be therapeutic, no?

SHAVE AT THE END OF YOUR SHOWER 

Rather than jumping in the shower and shaving straight away, as the water cascades around you, it’s a better idea to soak your skin first for around 10-15 minutes in the warm water before razor meets skin. This way, the water and steam will open your pores and soften your hairs ready for shaving, making it a smoother, more pleasurable experience.

USE SHAVING CREAM

While it may be tempting to let your shaving routine slip on holiday, with the pull of cervezas on the balcony or by the pool simply too strong, it’s a bad move to settle for using the hotel soap for shaving your legs. Instead, decant your favourite shaving cream into a travel bottle or buy travel-size versions of products that are easy and light to pack. 

Before going in with your razor, apply a layer of shaving cream making sure you can still see where you’re shaving to avoid cuts.

SHORT STROKES

Rather than doing long strokes that reduce the time spent shaving, using short and slow strokes over your skin can be far more effective at achieving a close shave. It allows you to be conscientious with your shaving routine and avoid going over the same area multiple times. 

MOISTURISE

Last but not least, never forget to moisturise post-shave. Doing so can mean you end up with dry and potentially scaly legs the next day – never a good look – and can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.

Hey, beautiful person! Though you look lovely just the way you are, if you’re interested in checking out some more home beauty hacks, you only have to ask.

6 TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR IDEAL BESPOKE KITCHEN

Editorial Team
-
0
6 TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR IDEAL BESPOKE KITCHEN

‘Bespoke’ is a concept often invoked by interior designers to suggest class and sophistication, but what does it truly mean? Well, essentially, it suggests ‘made to order’ and commissioned to a particular spec. But implicitly, so much more is denoted by the phrase than that.  

Indeed, bespoke is suggestive of a certain ideal, an aesthetic and reflection of one’s unique individuality. When having a room in your house designed specifically to your needs, you’re in control, and can end up with something genuinely ‘one of a kind’. 

Which brings us to the kitchen. With such freedom of choice comes great responsibility, particularly where the beating heart of the house is concerned, and suddenly the term ‘bespoke’ carries great weight. If you’re to design your kitchen right, there are a few essential things you need to bear in mind. These are those; our 6 tips for creating your IDEAL bespoke kitchen.

HOW YOU’LL USE YOUR KITCHEN

The whole idea of a bespoke kitchen is to design it to your wants and needs. So ask yourself both, what do you need and what do you want? How will you use your kitchen space?

Some prefer their kitchen as an entertainment space. If so, a large kitchen table or a kitchen island with bar stools that you can pull up, or indeed a bar itself, is a must. Others, favour a more functional room for the entire family; in these instances, a workstation where the kids can do their homework is essential. Or perhaps the image that you conjure up of your ideal kitchen involves a breakfast nook complete with comfy chairs or a window seat, where you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee in peace. 

Creating a simple list of your desires, functional or frivolous, is your first step on the journey to designing your dream kitchen.

FUN, FUNCTIONALITY OR BOTH

With the design of your kitchen held decisively in your own hands, one of the first decision you need to make regarding the space is what white goods and appliances you’ll prioritise, and how these will contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your room.

Should you value stovetop cooking above all else, then a gas range is essential, enabling you to increase and decrease temperature with so much more responsiveness than an induction or electric stove top. If minimalism and heat reduction is your thing, an induction stovetop is king; do be aware that you’ll need specialist pans for this, however.

Elsewhere, if you love to roast low and slow, and are keen on channelling that country house kitchen chic, then you might want to base your kitchen around an aga, which can act as a central focal point and main source of heat, too. 

You’ll also need to ask yourself if you need a microwave, kitchen aid, food processor and breadmaker, amongst other items, not only for functionality’s sake, but also for how they look in the room. Brightly coloured appliances can bring a certain swagger and style, but do you have the space? 

Moreover, when it comes to form and functionality, be strict with yourself when choosing materials for your kitchen countertops and floors. You may fall in love with the look of a certain material, however it may need more care and maintenance or be more prone to damage than other materials.

Striking that right balance between fun and functionality, between aesthetic and applied, is the key to starting off your bespoke kitchen design on the right track.

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WORKFLOW

If you’re a keen cook (or even a keen conversationalist, in fact) your kitchen needs to move to your rhythm, enabling you to prepare meals and host guests effortlessly. This is the beauty of a bespoke kitchen where you’re calling the shots; you can precisely determine the geography of the space to best suit the way you work. 

A clean, concise kitchen layout can make cooking a doddle. So, consider how you like to operate when you’re cooking dinner; do you prefer the fridge close to the stovetop for easy access, or are you more comfortable with some distance between the two for hygiene’s sake? Would you like a large, open countertop area dedicated to food prep, expansive enough to hold a chopping board, box of ingredients and more? And don’t you think that prep space would be most ergonomically efficient if it’s both next to the sink and a pull out bin? 

Are you sick of these rhetorical questions yet? What we’re trying to say is that you need to think really carefully about the specific way you move around your kitchen to optimise workflow and the enjoyability of cooking within it.

DON’T DWELL, DELEGATE

There’s a danger when you’re doing things ‘bespoke’ that you take too much of the burden on your own shoulders, misinterpreting ‘design it yourself’ as ‘do it all yourself’. Just because you’re dictating the terms of your kitchen layout, design and aesthetic, and are aiming for a uniquely personal finish, doesn’t mean that you actually need to get the measuring tape out, draw up the blueprints and drill all the holes yourself. 

In fact, bespoke kitchens are often best accomplished when the homeowner has a looser vision which they then take to a professional kitchen design company who can help realise the dream in the most cost effective, time efficient way possible. Don’t be afraid to delegate and defer responsibility to the experts.

‘SPOKE FROM THE HEART

That said, you do want to imbue some of your personality into the kitchen – that’s the whole reason you’ve chosen a bespoke kitchen design, right? Do make sure, then, that you communicate your vision of the kitchen with clarity and precision to the company who are realising your dream; they are not mind readers, after all, and can only work with the inspiration you personally bestow on the project.

You can provide clarity and clarification, equally, via mood boards, photos of similarly appointed kitchens, even sketches if you have a skilled hand. More usefully, a quality kitchen design company will have software on-site which you can collaborate on together to sketch out ideas. 

Interestingly, there are several new kitchen design software apps aimed specifically at the amateur (that’s you!) to articulate their visions for a bespoke kitchen prior to showing them to any builders, architects or interior designers who are working on the project. Some of the best available, free of charge, include Homestyler, Backsplash, Home Hardware and IKEA 3D Kitchen Planner.

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 BOTTOM LINE

A bespoke kitchen is a blessing, a true chance to have every element in its right place and your aesthetic vision for the heart of the home realised. That’s not to say there’s a danger of it being a curse, though; there’s a risk here that you can take on too much responsibility yourself or try to over personalise in the name of DIY. 

By following the above tips, you can achieve a bespoke kitchen design which both works for you and your bank balance. Good luck and when should we expect an invite to dinner? 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR WEDDING ON A BUSY SCHEDULE: 5 IDEAL STEPS

Editorial Team
-
0
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR WEDDING ON A BUSY SCHEDULE: 5 IDEAL STEPS

So you’re planning your wedding during a global pandemic? We admire your bravery and dedication to romance; highly commendable, indeed. But doing so when your schedule is packed with commitments? We doff our wedding hat to you doubly, and with enthusiasm!

Because let’s face it, even at the best, most serene of times, wedding planning can be a stressful business, with face-to-face meetings, tastings, viewings and wedding dress fittings all required of you. Should you still be holding down a job whilst fulfilling your obligations to your future holy matrimony, then you’ll know how tough it can be to manage your time effectively. Tough, we said, but certainly not impossible; here’s how to prepare for your wedding on a busy schedule in 5 IDEAL steps. 

MAKE SURE YOUR PARTNER GETS INVOLVED

‘The happy couple’; the clue’s in the billing don’t you think? And although tradition dictates that one half tends to take on more of the planning than the other, the wedding shouldn’t be a one-person effort. Should your partner not be pulling their weight, it speaks volumes about their commitment to everlasting love, don’t you think?

If both of you are ‘all in’ on the wedding planning, then you can manage your time more efficiently, and turn-take on some of the appointment obligations. If you’re unavailable to visit the event venue, for instance, perhaps your partner can go it alone? By ensuring you have the full support of your soon-to-be spouse, you’re effectively doubling the time you have to plan.

BE SMART IN USING YOUR DAY OFF 

It’s a certainty that you’ll need to take some days off so you can deal with the finer details of your wedding; suppliers need to be met, bouquets personalised, wedding DJs disciplined into laying off the Duran Duran…and most commonly, they’ll only be available for face-to-face discussion during work hours. 

Since the request might feel frivolous to a draconian employer, it’s necessary to pace these days off throughout the year, so you can maximise your potential for precise wedding planning.

Thankfully, there are many things you can do over the weekends and evenings, so you can still make significant progress without having to face your employer asking for more time off. For example, you can design and order your perspex sheet welcome sign, correspond with your photographer, book your honeymoon, and even work on your DIY centrepieces. Though there’s of course plenty to do, there’s always time you can eke out seemingly from nowhere to do it!

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

You will most likely have a difficult time dealing with the fine print, bureaucracy and administration of your wedding alone. And let’s face it, if there’s anything to take the romance out of the occasion, it’s endless phone calls and form filling. 

Fortunately, wedding planners exist and can take care of some of the precise details, whilst you dictate your overarching vision from a distance. With the average fee for a wedding planner clocking in at least £2000, should you be looking for something more affordable, then take a look at our rundown of the IDEAL month-by-month wedding planning checklist. You can thank us in your speech.

GUESTLIST POLITICS

If your budget is tight, you’ll have to make some sacrifices on the guest list, and it’s better to make these decisions (and the dreaded sharing of them) as early as possible, to avoid wasting time nearer the actual date sorting out guestlist politics. Instead, if everyone is aware of their role well in advance, you’ll have less micromanaging to do nearer the time. Though the dream is to invite everyone and their aunt, realistically, it’s only yours and your fiance’s actual aunt who should be attending. 

When devising your guestlist, make two; an A-list and B-list. The all important A-list consists of the VIPS, like your closest friends and family. After you send out invitations and receive the replies, you’ll be able to calculate the exact number of people coming and conclude how many more guests you can squeeze in. And here’s where the B-list comes in handy: you can invite “less important” people from this list.

It can be liberating to settle on a smaller venue and more compact party, and current COVID-19 restrictions make this compulsory for the time being. In terms of planning a wedding on a busy schedule, deciding on a tighter affair will mean it’s not such a stressful slog making the event work for you. 

Reassuring words, indeed, and the perfect excuse to downsize.

DON’T RUSH

Your wedding is you and your partner’s special day, and you shouldn’t feel compelled to rush the planning of it just to appease friends and family. There’s no shame in rescheduling or putting back the date if your current work commitments make planning an impossibility.

You don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your wedding because you only had a short time to put it together; instead, a longer wait might benefit the event as a whole. It’s one of the biggest days of your life, and deserves your full attention; good luck and we await our invite in the post!

7 STRATEGIES FOR BEATING ANY ESCAPE ROOM

Editorial Team
-
0
7 STRATEGIES FOR BEATING ANY ESCAPE ROOM

Welcome to the virtual escape room of the World Wide Web, where endorphin-causing clicks, likes and swipes are almost impossible to resist. You’ll never leave…

Wait. Don’t click that red-crossed close button just yet! We were only messing with you. But should you have a genuine escape room experience in the diary, perhaps for a stag or hen party, or a birthday celebration or office teambuilding outing, then a little research in advance may be the difference between a pleasurable exit and an eternity trapped within.

Let’s face it; escape rooms are not easy. Where’s the fun in simply slipping out the fire exit and claiming victory? Indeed, the reality is that it’s quite common for groups not to solve escape rooms. It has nothing to do with how smart your team is, or how willing you are to cheat, but everything to do with your strategic approach.

Many people have no idea what to expect when they first walk in and spend 20 minutes just trying to figure out what’s going on. But it’s in those first few minutes where escapes are made and lost. To help you know what to expect, read on; here are 7 strategies for beating any escape room.

CHOOSE YOUR TEAM WISELY

It’s not all about winning, it’s about having fun, and you should never exclude people from your group just because they aren’t competitive or sharp enough. 

But enough of that kumbayah stuff; you came here to win, right? And if you really want to emerge from the room victorious, it doesn’t hurt to be strategic with how you set up your team. Balance is the key to a successful team in an escape room. Epic escapes only occur when every player brings their own unique strengths to a team.

If everyone in the group is patient and laidback, then you could end up running out of time, since no one is there to hustle and hassle the group. Patience is an excellent trait to have in an escape room, though since you need to stay calm under pressure, it’s essential to balance your group with some livelier, more go-getting customers.

You need a mix of people, from those with a keen eye to locate clues to those who have good problem-solving skills to solve them. You also need someone who’s organised and can delegate tasks to others so that you can work more effectively. You don’t want two people trying to assume the leadership role, or they could end up butting heads, so allocate one voice to avoid conflicts or misunderstandings. 

That, or you could simply try enjoying yourself…

DON’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY

The more pressure you put on yourself and your team, the more likely you are to end up stuck in the escape room for an eternity. And no one wants that, right? It’s supposed to be a useful team-building or bonding exercise, not an event which ends in tears or arguments. While healthy competitiveness is an asset in the escape room, taking it too seriously could tarnish the experience. Be confident in your abilities, but not so much that you end up upset when you’re struggling with a clue.

Escape rooms are tricky, and some clues can seem impossible. Instead of getting frustrated when you reach a roadblock, laugh it off and work together as a team to try to find a solution; an asset of compromise and resolution you can apply to everyday situations, we think.

WATCH THE TIME

Time flies when you’re having fun, and it will go by in a flash when you’re trying to solve the challenges of an escape room. But as a rule, each escape room will have a time limit. 

The majority of escape rooms and at-home escape games will give you an hour to find the code to break out, although some might give you slightly more or less time. Keep an eye on the time while you try to solve the puzzles as it can easily run away from you. Dexterous time management is so crucial here.

It’s a wise strategic play to appoint a timekeeper who regularly informs the team of the remaining minutes, and can adjudicate if more haste is required. Knowing implicitly how much time you have left will allow you to strategically decide when to ask the gamemaster for a clue since you don’t want to ask too early on.

Closeup of a smartwatch on a woman’s wrist mockup

LISTEN TO THE RULES CAREFULLY

Is everyone paying attention? You, YOU at the back! Listen up. 

Make sure everyone listens thoroughly and carefully to the escape room rules before entering the room. The gamemaster, both in a venue and when using a home escape room pack, will tell you everything you need to know, from tips and hints to things NOT to do, and this is both for your own safety and to enhance the smooth running of the game. 

Be aware that everything in the room is there for a reason, and if you touch or mess with something you’re not supposed to, you could throw the entire game off. Or worse, earn yourself immediate eviction from the room (yep, we get that’s also the purpose of the game). 

COMMUNICATION IS KING

With team members digging around the room in darkness, adrenaline and commotion dictating the pace, it can be easy to lose a sense of purpose.

Communication is vital here when trying to retain focus and keep your eyes on the prize; the unlocking of that door. It’s especially important when you have a bigger group that everyone communicates effectively. Whenever you discover something, whether it’s a clue or just something you think could be connected, make sure you let your teammates know, so no one is missing essential information as they move forward. 

Make sure that everyone maintains an open dialogue from the minute you walk into the room and start searching. It’s quite common that one team member will still be trying to solve a clue that someone else has already solved due to a lack of communication, and this is a total waste of time, which is of the absolute essence. For those who are ultra-competitive, consider banning any chit-chat or small talk from the room.

STAY ORGANISED

There is no use finding clues if you can’t use them effectively. It’s best practice, then, to encourage all your teammates to keep all clues in one spot, preferably under the control of an allocated member of the group. 

Lay out everything found and accumulated throughout your journey so that each team member can easily see all the clues you’ve found so far, allowing people to begin connecting the dots. Not everything that you find will be useful right away, but don’t tuck things in pockets discard them somewhere; sometimes the tiniest details add up to a bigger whole. Keep things organised, and clarity of thought will follow.

ASK FOR CLUES

Many people will try to get through the whole game without asking for any hints or clues. While that is admirable, there is no shame in using your clue requests if it helps you move through a puzzle that you’re stuck on. Teammates might be stubborn and determined to complete the game with no clues or not at all. That said, it’s no fun being stuck on one clue for the entire duration of the game because of the pride of your group. 

If you’re allowed to ask for clues, be strategic about when you use them. The gamemaster will let you know how many clues you get before you enter the room. So, how do you know when to ask for hints? If your entire group is standing there doing nothing, then it’s probably a good time to bite the bullet. As a general rule, you don’t want to waste more than 5 minutes on a single clue, since every second counts when you only have 60 minutes. 

5 OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MADAGASCAR FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS

Editorial Team
-
0
5 OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MADAGASCAR FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS
Via Canva

Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island which sits in the Indian Ocean just 400 km off Africa’s east coast, is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Considered to be just one of a select few countries in the world labelled as ‘megadiverse’, Madagascar was only colonised by humans in approximately 500AD, and its this relatively untapped quality, along with its geographic remoteness, which has led to huge biodiversity in the country. Perhaps most startlingly, according to the WWF, Madagascar boasts at least eight plant, five bird, and five primate families that live nowhere else on Earth.

Though one of the world’s poorest countries, it’s also one of its most blessed for flora and fauna, and if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a holiday to Madagascar is one of the most thrilling you can make. To narrow down your itinerary just a little, here are 5 of the best places to visit in Madagascar for wildlife lovers.

ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK

Arguably Madagscar’s most famous residents are its lemurs, the unique primate which calls the island, and the island alone, home. Famed for its trademark sitting position, which looks akin to a meditative posture, there are over 100 species of lemur in the world, all of which are native to Madagascar. Incredible!

Though they’re comfortable in many different habitats, from rainforests to wetlands, mountains and beyond, to see some of these lemurs up close and personal, Andasibe-Mantadia Natinal Park, in the country’s east and just a three hour drive from the county’s capital Antananarivo, is perhaps the world’s premier destination. 

This 150km² park is home to the largest lemur around, the Idri-Idri, as well as at least 13 more lemur species. There’s also more than a hundred endemic bird species to found in the park, and a gorgeous, gloriously diverse landscape of dense forest, orchids, bamboo and so much more. If you’re a wildlife lover (and we’re assuming you are since you’ve got this far) then Andasibe-Mantadia National Park should be your first destination.

lemur in Andasibe-Mantadia Natinal Park

RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

Not to be outdone in the lemur spotting stakes, Ranomafana (meaning ‘hot water’ in Malagasy) National Park has its own incredibly famous resident; the rare bamboo lemur. Actually, the park is home to 12 species of lemur, as well as chameleons, snakes and mongoose, but the golden bamboo lemur (discovered in 1991) is certainly the ‘main event’. Having a guide here is obligatory, to keep the park preserved and protected, and the presence of an expert is most certainly welcome, as seeking out the rare species of Ranomafana requires detailed knowledge of their movements and habitats. Do make sure you book a Madagascar group tour in advance if you’re keen on travelling with company, as they do tend to sell out months ahead. 

The park offers five different treks, ranging from an easy four hours to a seriously dedicated three day circuit, with Ranomafana’s hot springs and thermal baths are also a major attraction, ideal for rejuvenating even the most weary of legs following that epic trekking! For added intrigue, camping is available in Ranomafana National Park, with several dedicated sites offering basic facilities. You’ll never see clearer skies than when nighttime falls over the park. Just beautiful.

waterfall in Ranomafana
Via Canva
reptile on tree in Madagascar
Via Canva

NOSY BE

After all that trekking through dense vegetation and thicker humidity, it’s time to head to Madagascar’s most picturesque beach. Actually an island just 5 miles off Madagascar’s northwest coast, Nosy Be is easily reachable from the mainland and is the country’s most popular, developed resort. 

The beaches are picture-perfect, and well worthy of a recline, but we’re here for wildlife, and you’ll be excited to hear that Nosy Be doesn’t fall short in this respect. The island is particularly famous for having one of the world’s smallest frogs, but the real action occurs in the surrounding waters. Here, you’ll regularly see the ocean’s most gentle of giants, the humpback whale, in the months between July and September, as well as bottle-nosed dolphins and more. Boat trips for whale spotting are available from the shore, as well as scuba diving. Dive in!

woman on nosy be beach

THE AVENUE OF BAOBABS

For an absolute guaranteed sighting of something spectacular, why not seek out something stationary? The incredible, ancient Baobabs trees are one of Madagascar’s most stunning sights, standing at over 30 metres in height, and incredibly, some 2’800 years of age. In short, they’re not going anywhere.

The best place to see these trees in all their proud glory is the Avenue of Baobabs, a 250 metre stretch of road in the Menabe region, west Madagascar. Here, crowds gather at sunrise and sunset to appreciate the Mother of Trees in its most enigmatic light; we’d highly recommend you do the same.

sunset stroll Avenue of Baobabs
Via Canva

ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Finally, we’re heading to Madagascar’s southwest, and to Isalo National Park. It’s certainly not a low, but rather a high point for any nature lover, and is the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts visiting the country. At first glance, it’s reminiscent of the Great American West, and more specifically, Utah’s famous arches; here in Isalo, the land takes on the same arid, bronzed hue, and the Isalo Window wouldn’t look out of place when trekking the Arches National Park, we think.

Endemic bird species and, of course, lemurs all call Isalo home, and during a hike along the famous Namaza Circuit and Cascades des Nymphes trails, you’re sure to encounter some of Madagascar’s unique species. The natural swimming holes which pepper the route are ideal for cooling off if your hike gets a little steamy.

6 ESSENTIAL TIPS IF YOU’RE MOVING TO SYDNEY

Editorial Team
-
0
6 ESSENTIAL TIPS IF YOU’RE MOVING TO SYDNEY

Ideal for those making the move down under…

If you come from a land down under, firstly, thanks, now we’ve got that song stuck in our head all day. But more importantly, there’s nothing for you here. Move on. Because this one’s for those who are moving in.

Hmmm. There have certainly been better segues into an article, but here we are. And it’s to Australia we’re moving, or specifically, Sydney. While you may have heard rumours about the high cost of living, the chock-a-block traffic, and the curiously early closing hours, we’re sure you’re also aware that this is one of the most beautiful, welcoming cities in the world. Get the basics right, don’t fall into the tourist traps, and you’ll settle in just fine. Here are 6 essential tips if you’re moving to Sydney, IDEAL for those making the move down under. 

GETTING AROUND SYDNEY

Here’s the thing about Australia; it’s a fantastic driving country, full of some of the most beautiful stretches of road around. In fact, a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney ranks as pretty much the best in the world. 

Here’s the other thing; Sydney most certainly isn’t fantastic for driving. The traffic is terrible, with the average commute lasting 71 minutes in the city. To make things even less hospitable for cars, most inner city flats don’t have parking. If your heart is set on driving here, there are certainly inconveniences.

On the flipside, public transport is varied, wide ranging and wide reaching to cater for this. With ferries running directly to Circular Quay and stopping off at harbourside attractions and Sydney’s suburbs, the water represents the best way of getting around if you’re keen on seeing some sights and you’re not in a rush.

Otherwise, regular buses and trains in the metro area are clean and reliable. Buses are pretty much 24/7, and trains only take a brief pause in service between midnight and 4am. In Sydney, the Opal card is equivalent to London’s Oyster, and will get you around town, no fuss. You can also use the Opal to go further afield, for days of exploration into the gorgeous Australian countryside. Do make sure you visit Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, Illawarra and the Blue Mountains, in particular. 

SUBURB SAVVY

Sydney’s suburbs are distinct, unique and all offer something different and exciting as somewhere to live. It’s a massively spread out city, defined by its harbour, and to get acquainted with Sydney first hand when you arrive, it’s to Bondi where you should first head. Of course, the beach is the main draw here, but the area is packed with hip bars and boutiques, too.

If you’re moving to Sydney with family, Darling Harbour and Coogee are the most kid friendly feeling neighbourhoods, with loads to do for the little ones. While Darling Bay is the entertainment hub, the beach at Coogee is gorgeous, with calm waters for the kids and great snorkelling opportunities at nearby Gordon’s Bay. Superb scuba diving options are available in Australia, too, a little further out of Sydney. 

Should you be seeking the Shoreditch/Brooklyn vibes, then Surry Hills has its hipster thing down and is particularly well known for its coffee culture, which is huge in Sydney, and Australia, as a whole. You’re going to have to get conversant in your bean and grind if you’re going to fit in here! Newtown is another trendy borough, though a little less grungy and a touch more bohemian than Surry Hills. Or, if you’re after a raucous party, Kings Cross packs in the most clubs and bars per square mile. Or, as they say here, kilometer. 

WHERE TO SHOP FOR YOUR HOME

If you’re moving to Sydney, one of the first things you’ll want to do is fill your cupboards with food. While the big Australian supermarkets offer an obvious convenience, if you’re after more esoteric ingredients, then you’ve got to look beyond the Coles and Woolworths supermarket chains. Sydney is a massively multicultural community, and you’ll find many independent grocery stores offering all sorts to suit any taste. There are lots of Chinese grocers in Sydney, but locals recommend the New Yen Yen and the Tong Li stores most enthusiastically. If you’re after Indian, then UDAYA Supermarket carries the widest range of ingredients for this cuisine. If you’re after wine or a few ‘coldies’, then your best bet is to head to an independent bottle shop, known colloquially as bottle-os.

You’ll also be after some furniture to help you settle into your new home. Fantastic Furniture, which originally started as a market stall at Sydney’s Park-lea Markets back in the ’80s, now has 14 stores across the city offering affordable pieces for the entire house. Similarly, Freedom which also has stores all over the Greater Sydney region, offers an extensive collection of furniture and homeware. And of course, there is always IKEA if you’re in the mood for meatballs and flatpack furniture.

If you want to start a collection of houseplants, then your best bet is to head to one of Sydney’s leaf laden markets such as Kingscross or Marrickville market. For online delivery, head over to Leaf Supply and for bloomin’ beautiful bouquets, Pearson’s offers personalised flower delivery in Sydney all over.

Do you have friends who just turned into first-time parents? You can order some baby flowers and have them delivered by Pearsons’ as well.

WEATHER WISE

Sydney boasts a warm, sunny climate all year round, though winters are significantly cooler than the summer months. Due to the city’s position on the water, the sea breeze means extremes of temperature are less common.

Summer runs from December to February and sees average temperatures ranging from the late teens to mid-twenties. Water temperatures are warmest in the late summer; the perfect time to see Bondi, Coogee et al. It can get a little humid during this time, however, with the preceding Spring months (September, October and November) only slightly cooler but significantly less sticky.

Winter – from June to August – sees the most rain and coolest temperatures, though things still remain pretty mild (compared to British winters, that is!). You’ll need a jacket in July, though, make no mistake.

Autumn, from March to May, is mild and comfortable, and many Sydney residents say this is their favourite season. An added bonus are the humpback whales arriving in the city’s surrounding waters from May onwards for a couple of months!

Between December and February is Sydney’s ‘high season’, so expect greater crowds during this time. Low season is considered May to August. 

MEDICARE

Whilst we hope your time in Sydney is spent healthily, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, so it’s best to be aware of the medical infrastructure in Australia. Here, the system is defined as medical ‘insurance’, and aims to guarantee low cost or free care for all. It’s called Medicare and as long as you have permanent residency (which will get you a Medicare card) you can get doctor’s appointments for free, as well as subsidises on other care, up to a point. If not, you’re going to have to pay, and medical care in the country is expensive. 

As a British expat, you’re entitled to a Reciprocal Medical Card, which means emergency treatment at public hospitals will be covered by the government. Be aware that this doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. Australian expats living in the UK can expect the same treatment. Do make sure you apply for both cards as soon as you arrive, and you’ll need your passport with you, and NHS card should you have one. 

That said, getting medical costs covered by Medicare can be complex, with tax levies, upfront payments which are reimbursed, and caps on assistance all coming as a shock to Brits used to the simplicity of the NHS. Many Aussies and expats choose to also take out basic health insurance to cover for complications and discrepancies in Medicare’s service, and to supplement any losses.

SLANGUAGE BARRIER

Finally, a little fun. Though English is, of course, Australia’s first language and spoken in the home of 72% of the population, you should be aware that the Aussies love a bit of slang and wordplay, their breezy, laid back humour suiting it perfectly. 

You’ll have heard ‘barbie’ and ‘arvo’, no doubt, but there are a few more niche items you should probably get under your belt before arriving. If someone asks you the way to the ‘dunny’ or the ‘bottle o’, they’re looking for the toilet and off licence, respectively. Should they be looking to buy a ‘slab’ at that bottle o, it’s a 24 pack of beer they’re after. If someone is ‘devo’, they’re devastated and if something is ‘ripper’, it’s brilliant. Are you keeping up? 

In fact, much of the Aussie parlance is now used in England, too, and the Australians are an expressive bunch; if you’re not sure of the slang’s meaning, you’ll easily guess by the facial expression. Oh, and one more thing; you’re moving to ‘Straya. Good luck!

LOCKDOWN LOVE: HOW TO REKINDLE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARTNER

Editorial Team
-
0
LOCKDOWN LOVE: HOW TO REKINDLE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARTNER

The statistics are in and it doesn’t make for pretty reading for the UK’s couples. According to research by Relate, because of the extra strain put on domestic harmony because of lockdown, nearly 10% of respondents have decided to end their relationship, with another 28% anxious about how their relationship will change once lockdown ends.

Indeed, there’s a fear amongst experts that ‘lockdown may trigger a surge in couples splitting’, and it looks like things are only set to get more strained for the nation’s lovers in the coming months.   

That said, it would be madness to throw in the towel here, to raise the white flag to a global pandemic after all the hard work you and your partner have put into your relationship. Instead, why not implement some proactive measures to keep love alive? With that in mind, here’s how to rekindle a healthy relationship with your partner.

CULTIVATE TRUST AGAIN

The first task for two individuals when in a relationship is to trust each other without holding back. Trust is the basis on which not just romance, but all kinds of relationships flourish. Having spent so much time together during lockdown – or, on the flip side, none at all – extremes of emotions are bound to have come to the surface in an unannounced, unwelcome way regarding openness and trust.

But, beware, mistrust might cause severe problems in your relationship, amounting to isolation and loss of intimacy between partners. So, do endeavour to work on these emotions should they arise.

KEEP YOUR INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS ALIVE

All that time in each other’s company, without extracurricular activities or engagement with others, has likely left your relationship feeling insular. This isn’t helpful, and can foster both a deep co-dependence and resulting resentment.

Now we’re permitted a little more freedom, to go outside and interact with others once again, it’s crucial you step out on your own on occasion, to nurture your individual interests and sense of self. Keep your identity by socialising with friends on your own terms, and by preserving your own hobbies and interests. This seeming selfishness will almost certainly feedback positively into your relationship.   

TAKE A TECH BREAK

Hands up who has sunken deep into their screens a little too often during lockdown? Oh, I notice a smartphone in that hand you raised. Not to worry.

Indeed, those uninvited Screentime Reports we keep getting sent have made for pretty shocking reading; those were some serious hours wasted to Tik Tok, Twitter et al. We’ve all been guilty lately of seeking solace in our devices, since they provide a sense of control over our lives. But really, being glued to your screen is almost certainly an obsession to the detriment of good, honest conversation with your partner, which is the foundation of a solid and loving relationship.

Try to spend some quality time together without allowing technology to interrupt proceedings in the coming weeks, and cherish those moments spent together. You’ll be surprised at what a positive difference it makes. And while you’re here, check out our tips on ways to beat mobile phone addiction for some advice on taking that tech break.

TRY NEW THINGS

Remember the honeymoon period of your relationship? Everything seemed fresh, with each passing day bringing a new memory. Christ, how the monotony of lockdown has rendered those heady, early days in sepia coloured tones, a distant but glorious nostalgia attached.

Rekindle that fresh, exciting period of your relationship by actively seeking to create new memories. Take your partner out on dates, watch films together, enjoy picnics and even head off for short staycations. And especially for married couples, never miss an opportunity to celebrate your lasting commitment to love, particularly your anniversary if it’s approaching. Be sure to surprise your spouse with a wedding anniversary gift, at the very least!

LEARN TO LISTEN AGAIN

You’ve heard so much of your partner’s voice in recent months, with both of you spending all your time in the house. We certainly know we’re sick of the sound of it (sorry if you’re reading this, darling).

Because of this, a tendency once in a while to switch off when your significant other’s talking is inevitable. But when one half of your team starts to feel ignored more often than listened to, that’s a serious problem right there. Indeed, one of the best ways to improve your relationships and rekindle that spark is to really work on your listening skills. 

A healthy relationship is all about reframing how you think about conversations; we’re all waiting for our turn to speak and so often don’t pay enough attention to the details up to that point. But there’s so much value to be gained from taking a moment and really, truly opening your ears. You don’t always have to provide the answers – in fact, feeling you need to is the opposite of being a good listener. Instead, it’s that ear you’re offering which is most important.

THE BOTTOM LINE

This turbulent period in all our lives has taken no prisoners when considering our relationships. Instead of succumbing to the issues which have affected so many post lockdown, use the ‘new normal’ as an excuse for a fresh start and reason for renewed effort and vigour. Good luck!

HOW TO DESIGN THE IDEAL EXERCISE ROUTINE FOR YOURSELF

Editorial Team
-
0
HOW TO DESIGN THE IDEAL EXERCISE ROUTINE FOR YOURSELF

It goes without saying that we all come in myriad shapes and sizes. We’re all unique and individual, and that’s what makes each and every human so special. 

But enough of that Kumbayah stuff. Though comfort in one’s skin is, of course, a wonderful place to be in, many of us simply don’t feel satisfied with the way we look. When this is the case, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make a change, whether it’s for purposes of health, fitness or even working out to help build self-esteem. 

And it’s because we all have different physiques, statures and fitness levels that those shape-changing exercise routines will need to take on a different look and level of intensity, tailor-made to suit each individual and their specific needs. This is often best designed by the professionals, but sometimes, financial or time constraints prevent access to a personal trainer. In those instances, here’s how to design the IDEAL exercise routine for yourself. 

DIFFERENT TYPES, DIFFERENT GOALS

It’s just not realistic to expect that you can implement the same type of exercise to every physical goal that you set for yourself. While some types of exercises, like cardio, for instance, are designed to kick your heart rate up a notch and have you burning calories, this is not something that you want if you are looking to bulk up. Not only that, but the type of exercise and the number of reps matter too, as well as the time between reps spent resting and more. 

So on that note, let’s divide things up into the most common exercise goals and the best workout regimes associated with them…

LOSE WEIGHT

If you want to lose weight, you are best off looking into cardio routines as a matter of priority. The most on-trend cardio discipline right now is High Intensity Interval Training. These routines usually comprise exercises that will continuously keep you on the move and in motion, and are done in multiple rounds consisting of a 10-second break and a 20-second or more burst of super trying exercise.

The most common exercises in HIIT tend to target as many muscle groups as possible simultaneously. For instance, you’ll start with jumping jacks, and exercises that activate your core like planks, chest and arm exercises like push-ups, abs exercises, and finally squats to work your legs. These routines usually last for around 20-30 minutes per day in total, which is ideal if you’re looking to shed a few pounds without taking long runs daily which tends to eat into your time considerably.

BUILD MUSCLE

If your goal is to bulk up and build muscle, you will probably want to stay away from high-intensity training, since you don’t want to lose your weight. On the contrary, you want to gain. While training routines that are intended to help you lose weight can be done pretty much everywhere and don’t necessarily require all that much equipment, routines intended for muscle gain are better off done in the gym, or at home but with proper specialized equipment.

The reason for this is that in order for your muscle groups to grow, it is not enough only to do regular push-ups and work on your biceps and chest; it’s better and more sustainable to focus on achieving a certain sense of balance and equilibrium by working on your triceps and back, too, avoiding disproportionate gains or worse, injury. For reliable info on useful equipment, check reputable fitness magazines online or consult an assistant in the gym. It is also worth mentioning that if you want to work on building up your mass, your diet is just as crucial as your exercise regime.

THINK OF IT AS A HOBBY 

If you are going to start exercising because you want to be generally healthier, you probably don’t need high-intensity training or obsessive bodybuilding to achieve that. In fact, if you take pleasure in exercise and don’t necessarily treat it with goal orientation in mind, you might actually find you get more out of your workouts.

For hobbyists, consider daily jogs, yoga, or even a simple stroll each morning. This wholesome, gentle approach is ideal for those looking to enjoy the mental health benefits of exercise but aren’t so concerned about a particular target being reached.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The exercise plan you pen for yourself should be largely dependent on the goals you have in mind. Should you be hoping to shed a couple of pounds, then cardio, aerobic and high intensity interval training are best. If you’re focused on getting stacked, gym equipment and free weights are a better bet. 

That said, diet and enjoyment also play a huge part in developing a fitness plan you actually stick to. Check out our tips on maximising the effectiveness of your workout for more get-fit inspiration.

5 WELLBEING BENEFITS OF TAKING UP A NEW HOBBY TODAY

Editorial Team
-
0
5 WELLBEING BENEFITS OF TAKING UP A NEW HOBBY TODAY

Do you sometimes feel like you’re living life a little too much on cruise control? Without some surprises and stimulation, the daily grind can get pretty monotone, and whilst small doses of boredom can actually be good for you, once life has completely lost its colour, you leave yourself in danger of lacking inspiration or worse, developing low mood. 

This is even more true considering recent events, which left so many confined to their homes for months, longing for some spontaneity. With the post-COVID new normal making global travel less accessible (and advisable) we’re going to all need to start finding colour and diversity closer to home.

Here’s where taking up a new hobby comes in. From knitting and painting to cycling or even a getting into a new sport you’ve always wanted to try, hobbies can have a hugely positive effect on our mental health.

Indeed, studies have shown that they can help relieve stress, make us happier and give us a new sense of purpose with our leisure time. So, banish the boredom today and give your mood a lift; here are 5 wellbeing benefits of taking up a new hobby today.

LOWER STRESS

Research has shown that spending time on an activity that you enjoy helps to lower stress levels and can even alleviate the symptoms of depression and low mood. This is particularly true of activities that encourage us to spend time with others, such as team sports, as these improve our relationship-building skills and can help us communicate more effectively, too. And the great news is that there is a hobby to suit everyone, from solitary activities to athletic, academic and creative.  u

If your new hobby is one which is proven to lower stress in its own right, such as yoga or meditation, then you’re onto a supercharged stress reliever right there.

BUILD BRIDGES & CONFIDENCE

Yep, one of the most brilliant things about taking up a new hobby is that it increases your social circle, helping you form new friendships and build bridges with different cultures and communities. Considering loneliness is one of the key causes of depression worldwide, this wide, varied approach to interaction is a great way to boost wellbeing.

When considering community and diversifying your horizons in order to meet new people, it seems that hobbies around Europe are incredibly varied, with different countries favouring a range of activities from cooking to photography and beyond. In the UK, for example, the most popular hobbies include painting and puzzles while our French neighbours prefer athletic pursuits such as going to the gym. 

During our recent, lengthy period of social distancing and lockdown, trending searches for hobbies around Europe have been indicative of more time spent at home. From gardening in the Czech Republic to podcasting in Germany and even astronomy in Finland, it seems like this recent period of unprecedented turmoil has at least ignited our curious dispositions. So, should you be wanting to boost your wellbeing by engaging with folk from various walks of life, why not take up a new hobby?

CHERISH SOME ‘ME’ TIME

In trying out something new and learning a new skill, hobbies give us the opportunity to make time for ourselves, free from the distraction of our phones and work, which can do wonders for our mental health. It’s a great chance to put our focus onto something other than our jobs, chores or the mindless scrolling of social media, and really nurture that sense of self. This simple act of self-care, of treating yourself to some ‘me’ time through a new hobby, can really boost life contentment and your sense of worth. 

A SENSE OF PURPOSE

Studies have shown that hobbies which require plenty of mental stimulation have the biggest impact on our wellbeing. This is because one of the biggest hindrances to wellbeing is a feeling of boredom and that life has become too routine, which has only been exasperated by this troubling time caused by a global pandemic. 

Trying something new allows us to think creatively once again and expand our horizons, granting that all important sense of purpose and meaning which is crucial to living a contented life. Whether you choose to try your hand at songwriting, attempt a knitting project or relive your childhood through skateboarding, a hobby can be the perfect way to add colour back into your life post-COVID and boost your happiness. 

NURTURE SELF-DISCIPLINE 

Learning a new skill such as playing a musical instrument can refine your wellbeing by giving you more focus and self-discipline. The daily practice aspect and problem solving necessary when studying a new skill encourages dedication to your craft, and this, in turn, helps to affect a more general attitude of rigour and discipline which can boost wellbeing. With your mind focused on more wholesome areas of life, the temptations and vices which we all fall prey to sometimes (and which affect our mental health negatively) will be much easier to resist. 

*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*

BEGINNER’S TIPS FOR DECORATING A BOUTIQUE FASHION STORE

Editorial Team
-
0
BEGINNER’S TIPS FOR DECORATING A BOUTIQUE FASHION STORE

Ideal for budding designers and entrepreneurs looking to begin or diversify. 

Starting out as an entrepreneur represents a great leap of faith in any industry. Pouring your effort and resources into a business and hoping it is well-received can be anxiety-inducing. Sink or swim? You never really know what will come of it until you try, and potentially come out dry. 

The fashion industry is particularly perilous, full of fickle consumers, trends which change appearance more often than a Kardashian chameleon, and a pressure to keep one foot in the vintage section and one eye on the future at all times. That’s a stretch by anyone’s standards.

Whilst the internet has of course completely changed the way we shop and sell, ‘fashion’, more than nearly any other industry, requires a physical presence. Customers want to see, feel and, of course, try on items, and this means the boutique fashion store is most successful when it’s a tangible thing.

If you’re considering entering this challenging, chaotic but ultimately inspiring industry, then you’ll first want to consider these; our beginner’s tips for setting up a boutique fashion store, IDEAL for budding designers and entrepreneurs looking to begin or diversify.

BRANDING THROUGH DECOR

Aside from the items hanging on the rails, decor is the foundation of any fashion store, able to capture a brand’s identity and make a promise to its consumer without saying a single word. As a retailer or designer, you are asking your clients to trust you to make them look beautiful. They would be hard-pressed to believe you if your shop is anything but appealing. 

CHOOSING THE LAYOUT

A boutique has different segments, all devoted to particular functions. The front end is fully customer-related. It comprises the display, the merchandise, fitting rooms, and a check-out counter. Whatever room is left in the back can be secluded and used as an office for business operations.

Premises differ in terms of design and measurements, with most start-up boutique stores erring on the ‘cosy’ side. The kind of space you are working with will determine what kind of layout you choose. However, accommodating customers’ interests and making them feel comfortable enough to both engage with your brand and hopefully make a purchase should be the primary focus of your design. 

A POP OF COLOUR

When choosing a colour scheme, prioritise a bold colour which catches the eye. Remember that your store is a representation of your brand so you should choose to incorporate brand colours in the overall design.

Glossy paint, wall art of your logo, and some tasteful plants or flowers are all mediums you can deploy to provide additional pops of colour. Consider keeping the floor neutral; one of the trade secrets of retail is to keep the client’s line of sight on the merchandise. 

LIGHTING

There is a reason the Monalisa was not painted under fluorescent lighting; it’s totally unflattering. Using softer tones of light gives a warmer and more welcoming feel to a room which will cast an illuminating glow over your products. Warm lighting can still be sufficiently bright to light the room without being harsh or overbearing; channel it.

Positioning light fixtures correctly is also key in highlighting the parts of the store you want to attract particular attention to. Display areas, for instance, are easily accentuated with the aid of lighting. For a touch of class, recessed lights are always great additions.

PUT ON A SHOW

No clowns are necessary for this show but you might need some mannequins. One of the most important parts of any shop is the display area. You want customers to be drawn visually and emotionally to what they see in your store, and act impulsively on that desire with a purchase. This isn’t a case of calling upon the ‘dark arts’, rather, drawing on an artistic sensibility so your products are displayed to their full potential.

The set up of a display is just as important as what you intend to show. Plain walls in the background are ideal to avoid pulling attention away from the merchandise, and attention paid to vertical zoning (for instance, having each item on sale at a slightly different height via podiums and plinths) certainly does no harm either.

If you choose to use mannequins, as is common for clothing stores, do make sure they appear elegant rather than creepy, the latter of which they can sometimes tend toward. A great tip would be to dress it as you would a real-life model, complete with accessories, rather than simply showing off the top half, for instance, whilst the bottom is left nude.

This right here is your advertisement, your TV commercial, your billboard, your radio jingle, all rolled into one, in physical form; make it count.

SEATING 

No customer wants to feel rushed, and to evoke that sense of luxury which results in a bigger spend, you want to give visitors to your boutique fashion store the illusion of time. This can be done through your seating, carefully positioned to give the consumer a rest and a ponder, or more likely, allow their bored significant other a chance to check their phone.

Pouffe seats and ottomans are great choices for seating, as they are stylish, compact, and aren’t so comfortable that customers sink into them for too long. Ottomans can double up as discreet storage units, too; ideal for those stores on the smaller side.

Of course, seating is a necessary courtesy towards elderly people, expectant mothers, or shoppers with special needs, and it’s your duty to install some.

STORAGE

For storage on the front end of the store, a mirror glass chest of drawers adds elegance and provides you with the easiest way to display items clearly. The top of the chest can double up as the check-out or even a display surface when space is at a premium, too. 

You may need to have storage units custom-made for your space. Do insist on quality work since having wonky shelves or needing to fight drawers open in front of clients can be embarrassing and damage your brand’s efforts at harnessing that sense of luxury we spoke about earlier.

In fact, for bespoke drawers, it would be advisable to consult drawer slides manufacturers for custom slides that fit right. Every physical interaction with your space should be seamless, smooth and graceful, to imbue every single movement with trustworthiness and strengthen loyalty.

THE LITTLE THINGS

You can tell a cheap suit from its stitching. In the same way, if you use inputs that are below par to hold your store together, it will show. The point is not that you should splurge unnecessarily but rather, insist on quality work and good finishes on all of your boutique’s functional items. The finer details count, and a screw loose here, or some paint chipped there, contributes to a consumer’s overall impression of your offering, however subconsciously. These details really matter in a boutique store which isn’t able to evoke class and luxury via larger-scale marketing campaigns.

THE BOTTOM LINE

When setting up and decorating your boutique fashion store, you’re not only selling your products. You’re also selling an experience, an aesthetic and ultimately, the quality of your work. Get things right in the early stages, and you’ll guarantee customer loyalty later down the line, which in the end, translates to bigger profits for your business.

6 CLASSIC GAMES YOU CAN PLAY DURING YOUR STAYCATION

Editorial Team
-
0
6 CLASSIC GAMES YOU CAN PLAY DURING YOUR STAYCATION

Ideal for bringing out your inner ‘kidult’ or entertaining your actual kids on holiday.

The coronavirus pandemic and social distancing may have put a damper on some of our usual summer plans with family and friends this year. Even if that is the case, there is one social activity you can still engage in, at arm’s length but very much involved – games. 

Yep, sales of board games have soared in the past few months and have been bringing households together in a wholesome but frivolous way. What sounds better than that? Indeed, in an era of self-isolation, it seems that we’re remembering how fun it is to spend quality time with other people, sitting around the kitchen table, nattering and being (just a little bit) competitive. 

And when better to engage in some entertaining games then on holiday? 

But with so many board games out there, where do you begin? While some people are playing pandemic, where players work together as a team to treat infection around the world, we’re turning our hands to some more traditional ones, with these 6 classic games you can play during your staycation, IDEAL for bringing out your inner ‘kidult’ or entertaining your actual kids on holiday. 

SCRABBLE

Scrabble is a beloved word game the world over, popular in 29 different languages globally. It’s pretty much like a giant word jumble with endless possibilities. The game starts, the players are given seven wooden letter tiles to begin, and each letter is assigned a different point value, with less commonly found letters like Z, X, Q and J given higher numerical value than ever presents like A and E.

But we didn’t have to explain that right? Perhaps you didn’t know, however, that ‘Caziques’ is the highest scoring Scrabble word of all time, netting an incredible 392 points.

But why play Scrabble? Scrabble is not only a mental exercise, but it’s also a social game. It lets people discuss the language while competing, which brings an enjoyable conversational aspect, particularly for linguists and those interested in the English language. 

Sometimes, the game can descend into farce, however, with players creating words whose existence in the dictionary is a little debatable. It’s best, then, to always to have a dictionary at hand to check words, and for an additional fun element, use this website to analyse the highest scoring hands available. Not that we’re encouraging cheating here – where’s the fun in that? – but rather, retrospective action so you can imagine what might have been on the board.

PICTIONARY

Worried that you’re not artistic enough to pull this off? No worries. This game is actually a lot more fun if you can’t draw. Get ready for loads of laughter when your team can’t decipher if what you’re drawing is a banana, an airplane or, erm, something else entirely.

If you’re running a little low on holiday funds and don’t want to fork out on the actual game, you can create your own game set with a whiteboard and some fun words to draw written on small pieces of paper. All in all, this simple, expertly crafted game represents stress free holiday fun for all the family.

CLUE

Clue is a suspenseful murder mystery game that basically turns everyone into a detective. Here’s how it works – there’s been a murder in the Boddy Mansion, and it’s up to you to find the culprit. There are only six suspects, and you are one of them (darn, we thought this would be easy!). You have to move your game pieces through the rooms and secret passageways of the mansion depicted on the game board to look for clues. 

The goal here? To find out who has bodied poor Mr. Boddy, of course. You also need to discover what weapon was used and where the incident took place. The more clues you find, the more you’ll be able to narrow down the many possible answers to those questions; a glorified game of ‘process of elimination’ but an intriguing one nonetheless. 

Or, you could play the version more popular on this side of the pond, Cluedo!

To add an extra element of excitement to your game nights, you can try using the Yes or No tool at pickerwheel.com, which allows you to create customisable spinners that can add an element of unpredictability to your board game sessions.

PUZZLES

Puzzles are not only fun and aesthetically pleasing. They’re also an ideal way to build up your problem-solving and cognitive abilities without too much actual effort exerted; we are on holiday, after all, and this thing’s meant to be fun. 

Piecing a puzzle together with your holiday companions will give you a good opportunity to talk and catch up with family and friends instead of only discussing what is going on in the game. And if you’re on holiday with folk who only want to discuss piecing some puzzles together, perhaps it’s time to start looking for new friends? 

RISK

If there is a game that can make you imagine what it might be like to rule the world, it’s definitely Risk. In this game, a map of the world is spread out on the game board, and all of the continents are broken up into territories. The end goal is for one player to conquer all 42 territories and eliminate the other players along the way. 

But first, a little diplomacy is required to get there. Make alliances (and then break them) as you slowly start to conquer more territory, but be cautious—if you’re willing to break an alliance, then you know your opponents will be, too. We should add a time warning on this one, as a complete game of Risk lasts a few hours, at a minimum. Sometimes, the board remains on the table for the duration of a holiday. Nobody ever said total world domination would happen quickly!

CHECKERS

Don’t let the simple looks of this game fool you. There can be a lot of excitement in a game of checkers, not to mention the game’s incredible history. You and your opponent are each responsible for 12 uniform game pieces, which you are allowed to move diagonally across the 8×8 checkerboard. Manoeuvre a piece all the way across the board and you get to crown a king; jump an opponent’s piece, and capture it to remove it from play. 

To win, seize all of your opponent’s checkers, or position your pieces in such a way that there are no available moves for the other player. Checkers is relatively easy to learn, making it a great way to introduce even the younger players to games of strategy, and is said to be excellent for developing both logical and lateral thinking skills. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Games are a healthy, wholesome and affordable way to interact with friends and family while creating lasting memories. Should you be taking a staycation as a group soon, these are just some of our favourite classic board games around. Good luck!

6 CONSIDERATIONS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU GET MARRIED

Editorial Team
-
0
6 CONSIDERATIONS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU GET MARRIED

Getting married is a life-changing event, for better or for worse. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health…Yep, with statements this seismic, it’s in your best interest to think through the details and logistics of marriage very carefully before diving in and saying yes.

We’re sorry if this falls on the practical rather than romantic side of outlooks, but these things matter. Indeed, there are some key aspects you’ll want to mull over and think about before you get married, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with being a bit cautious and ensuring it’s the right path for you before you say “I do.” The last thing you want is to be thinking ”I don’t want to’’ later down the line.

So, with our realist hat on before we wear our wedding one, let’s be honest; marriage and civil partnerships aren’t just about love and wedding bells, you’re also entering into a major contract for life. With that in mind, here are 6 considerations to think about before you get married.

YOUR EXPECTATIONS & VALUES

Your wedding is one day, but your marriage is forever. Therefore, you’re going to want to think about your future before you tie the knot. For example, consider your finances, where you’ll live, and how you’ll divide up household responsibilities; all the not-terribly-exciting-stuff, but the stuff which will have a huge bearing on how smoothly your life runs. 

Another significant matter you’ll want to discuss ahead of time is if you want to have kids and how many. There may also be other vital conversations you need to have, such as shared or divergent religious beliefs and career goals, and really, nothing should be off the table here. These are all areas and topics that can impact a marriage and if it lasts – and while you don’t necessarily have to be on the same page about everything, what is important is that you respect each other’s values and beliefs. 

IF YOU’RE HAPPY

Before you get married, think about if you’re truly happy now, rather than excepting things to change immediately just because you’ve a new ring on your finger. Sit down and review your relationship, and if your potential life partner will bring you joy. Marriage isn’t going to solve your underlying problems, both in your relationship and your own, or make them disappear.

Marriage can be challenging, and some days will be more difficult than others. You need to make sure that your partner is a team player and that you two are on the same page and will both be willing and able to give equally to the relationship. If you love the person but aren’t happy, then it may be a warning sign that there are issues you two need to work out before you commit. 

CAN YOU AFFORD IT?  

Weddings are notoriously expensive – the average cost is over £30,000, which is more than the UK’s average salary. It’s therefore wise to ask yourselves, as a couple, if you can truly afford a wedding and if the money might be better off directed elsewhere. 

Do consider a low-key ceremony as an affordable alternative. Bear in mind that rules surrounding weddings are in a state of flux currently, and are constantly changing, with only small ceremonies currently allowed. At the time of writing, a maximum of 30 people were permitted. Check the government’s website for COVID-secure wedding guidance and an updated list of rule changes. 

THE JEWELLERY

Speaking of costs, the engagement and wedding ring also contribute hugely to these. For many, if you’re serious about getting married, then an engagement ring will symbolise this promise to each other. As such, many Brits decide to spend a huge amount on one, with one study revealing an average spend of £1042. 

However, couples today also care about quality and provenance over cost prioritising sustainability and ethics over cost. Many conscious bride and groom couples opt for a recycled diamond which are many jeweller’s standard conflict free-diamond option. That, or lab grown diamonds, which are increasing in popularity. 

To ensure you’re buying from a trustworthy store, be sure to ask for the diamond’s certification – this is an important document that contains information about the diamonds quality (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight). Buying documented engagement rings with GIA certified diamonds will give you peace of mind. Moreover, The GIA Diamond Origin Report can help you determine a diamond’s geographic origin, to help you make an ethically sound buying decision.

In a more aware, awake world, the ethics of your diamond ring looks likely to be a key consideration in years to come.

THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS

While it may be outdated, and potentially raises questions about the institution of marriage, there are several financial benefits to getting married which should be considered in the lead up. As such, marriage can leave couples better off over time.

In short, marriage means you can transfer money and assets between each other, tax-free, reducing your tax bill. Morbidly, many of the financial rights involve death, including that you can potentially get a bigger state pension if your spouse dies, as your spouse won’t pay inheritance tax. ”As long as you both shall live’’, indeed. 

IS MARRIAGE RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Most importantly you need to consider if marriage is right for you. Marriage is a commitment you’re making to each other to spend the rest of your lives together. Therefore, think through the fact that you’re going to be with your partner each day going forward. Consider how you currently handle and resolve conflict, and if you feel there’s honest and open communication between the two of you. Picture yourselves blending your lives and families and what interests you share that you think will help you build a solid foundation for marriage. Be realistic and honest with yourself if you can see you spending your future days with this person.

5 REASONS TO GO GLAMPING FOR YOUR NEXT STAYCATION

Editorial Team
-
0
5 REASONS TO GO GLAMPING FOR YOUR NEXT STAYCATION

Life’s been a bit of a challenge recently, hey? Furloughed, locked down, socially distanced and quarantined; a whole host of new terminology has entered the collective vernacular, and it’s been a lot to take on board.

We all deserve a break right now, but for safety’s sake, it’s looking likely to be on terra firma for the time being. Not that we’re complaining; even a weekend break can do wonders for our state of mind, allowing us to reconnect with nature, and shed some of the day-to-day stress we tend to accumulate and carry around. And hey, maybe reconnecting with the UK in the form of a staycation might be good for the country’s collective consciousness right now. 

What better way to enjoy the Great British outdoors and to bask in its spectacular scenery than through glamping? Glamping is a relatively new way to experience nature at its finest, but it has already gained serious popularity, and there are some incredible glamping sites in the UK popping up all the time. To the initiated, that’s not surprising.

For those who have been living under a hastily erected rock these last few years, glamping is a combo of two words: glamorous and camping. In essence, it allows you to experience the serenity of nature whilst still maintaining a few home comforts. Unlike traditional camping, in tent and under appointed, glamping finds the best of both worlds; yep, that means a proper mattress, running, hot (!) water, wifi…you name it. 

Anyway, if you’re still not convinced and want to dive a little deeper, here are 5 reasons to go glamping for your next staycation.

IT OFFERS VARIETY 

Glamping gives you an utterly unique experience, and anyone who has ever gone glamping will attest to this. There are various glamping breaks offered across the country, and this unique type of holiday can provide a surprising amount of variety – from a fully-catered, romantic couple’s tent to elaborately-designed tipis and even full rustic bungalow retreats. 

There are some incredible makers of luxurious and bespoke safari tents UK who are forever dreaming up new, lavish elements to add to their structures to ensure everyone feels at home in nature. And it’s this attitude of constant evolution which is bringing great diversity to the glamping market’s offering. As long as you’re keen on getting amongst nature and you love a little side of luxury, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in the glamping industry.

‘ROUGH IT’ YOUR WAY

Glamping offers guests the opportunity to bask in nature without having to surrender their creature comforts. But that doesn’t mean a glamping trip represents a cop out from that sense of getting back to a more simple way of life which traditional camping brings. Instead, you have the choice here about how ‘back to basics’ you want to go. 

You can choose whether you want to keep your wide-screen television, for instance, or a gorgeous bathroom and bathtub, or even a washing machine. Or, you can simply settle for a larger tent which boasts a decent mattress and not many more mod-cons. That’s the beauty here. How you strike the balance between living in nature and retaining life’s little luxuries is entirely up to you.

AN UNBRIDLED SENSE OF FREEDOM

The freedom granted by traditional camping – of sleeping out under the stars, of cooking local produce over an open flame, of relieving yourself in a bush – can be somewhat tempered by downpours, a barbeque that won’t light, and stinging nettles getting you in the most unwelcome of places.

Glamping manages to grant access to both that unbridled sense of freedom which outdoor living provides, and the home comforts which make everything run a little more smoothly. And during a UK staycation, that’s all you want, right?

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PREPARE FOR THE TRIP EXTENSIVELY

When you go on a regular camping trip, there are a lot of aspects you have to think about – how are you going to cook on that propane stove? Is that sleeping bag going to be warm enough? Will there be any facilities? If you forget something, your camping trip may well be ruined. Or at least, the amount of ‘stuff’ you have to pack can rather temper that unbridled sense of freedom we previously extolled. 

Not so with glamping – there’s as little preparation as possible required as you essentially just have to show up. When you arrive at a glamping site, the tent is already set up, the bedding has been arranged, the facilities are more akin to what you are used to at home, and there can be some extra amenities as well, depending on the kind of glamping tent you choose. You can enjoy a day outdoors and an evening under the stars, hassle-free, and happily cohabiting with nature. 

LOVE THE UK, LEAVE NO TRACE

Glamping also represents one of the most environmentally sustainable holidays out there, with little trace and few footprints left in nature from your visit. This sense of a ‘greener’ holiday extends past a general idea of reconnecting with nature. 

Glamping structures are reliably made from sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood, and heating often comes from natural sources such as logs. The fact you’re doing this within the UK also cuts back drastically on your carbon footprint. What’s more, the tidy up operation after your stay can be backed up by dedicated glamping site staff after your departure, who will have recycling procedures in place.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Glamping offers everyone the chance to feel pampered in the heart of nature, without the difficulties a truly ‘wild’ experience can bring.

1...237238239...392Page 238 of 392

Company

WHO we are
SAY HELLO
ADVERTISING

Read More

Ideal
Travel
Food & Drink
Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social

We’re an online destination, IDEAL for your daily dose of all things lifestyle, from travel to wellbeing and everything in between.

Copyright © 2026 IDEAL Magazine