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To travel to Shanghai, China, you will need a valid passport and a Chinese visa. You can apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy or this website: visaexpress.com/visa-for-china-from-us/ . It’s also recommended to check the current travel restrictions and requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic before planning your trip. Once in Shanghai, you can use public transportation such as the subway or bus, or hail a taxi to get around the city. Some popular tourist attractions include the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the Shanghai Tower.

Top Things to Do

• Visit the Bund: This iconic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and is a great place to see the Pudong district.• Explore Yuyuan Garden: This traditional Chinese garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and features beautiful landscapes, rock formations, and pavilions.• Visit Shanghai Tower: The Shanghai Tower is the city’s tallest building, and the observation deck offers great views of the city.• Walk down Nanjing Road: This famous shopping street is known for its high-end boutiques and department stores.• Visit the Shanghai Museum: This museum features a wide variety of Chinese art and artifacts, including ancient bronze, ceramics, and jade.• Take a boat ride on the Huangpu River: Take a boat ride on the Huangpu River to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.• Visit the Shanghai World Financial Center: This skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and its observation deck offers a great panoramic view of the city.• Visit the Shanghai Circus World: Catch a show of acrobatic performances, it’s an experience not to be missed.

These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Shanghai. It’s a city with a rich history and culture, so be sure to take time to explore and discover the unique and diverse aspects of this vibrant metropolis.

Discovering its Fab Food

Shanghai is known for its delicious and diverse food, and there are many great options to try. Here are a few popular dishes and places to discover the culinary delights of Shanghai:

• Xiao long bao: These steamed dumplings are a Shanghai specialty and are typically filled with meat and broth. They can be found at many restaurants throughout the city, but some of the most famous places to try them are Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao.• Braised pork belly: Known as “hongshao rou”, this dish is made by braising pork belly in a sweet soy sauce-based broth. It’s a staple of Shanghai cuisine and can be found at many local restaurants.• Fried small shrimps: Known as “xiaolongxia” is a popular street food and can be found at many street vendors or local seafood restaurant.• Fried Rice cakes: Known as “nian gao” are a popular street food and can be found in many street vendors or local Chinese restaurants.• Shengjianbao: These pan-fried dumplings are similar to xiao long bao, but they have a crispy bottom and are typically filled with meat and broth. They are also a specialty of Shanghai cuisine and can be found at many local restaurants.• Soup dumplings: Known as “tangbao” these dumplings are filled with meat and broth, and are typically served in a small bowl of soup. They can be found at many local restaurants and are a popular comfort food in Shanghai.• Suzhou-style cold noodles: Known as “liangpi” these cold noodles are made from wheat flour and are typically served with a spicy sauce. They are a popular summer dish in Shanghai and can be found at many local restaurants.• Deep-fried small crabs: Known as “xiaoxie” these small crabs are popular street food in Shanghai, and can be found at many street vendors or local seafood restaurants.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that Shanghai has to offer. Be sure to explore the local neighborhoods and street food markets to discover even more culinary delights.

How to Get Around

There are several ways to get around Shanghai, including:

Subway: Shanghai’s subway system is extensive, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. It’s a great way to get around the city and is especially useful for getting to popular tourist destinations.

Bus: Shanghai has an extensive bus network that covers most areas of the city. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded during rush hour.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Shanghai, and they are a convenient way to get around the city. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, and most drivers speak some English.

Rickshaws: Rickshaws are a fun and unique way to see the city, but they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Bicycle Rental: Some areas of Shanghai, like the French Concession, are perfect to explore by bike. You can rent a bike through bike sharing platforms like Ofo or Mobike.

Maglev Train: The Maglev train is a high-speed train that connects Pudong International Airport to the city center in just 8 minutes, it’s a fast and efficient way to get to the city center from the airport.

Walk: Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you’re in a neighborhood with narrow streets that are not easily accessible by car.

It’s worth noting that traffic in Shanghai can be heavy, so plan your trip in advance, and allow extra time for travel during rush hour. Public transportation is generally reliable and is the most efficient way to get around the city. Consider downloading a transportation app like maps.me or Citymapper to help you navigate the public transportation system and make your travel easier.

In conclusion, Shanghai is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do, including visiting the Bund, YuyuanGarden, and the Shanghai Tower, as well as exploring the local neighborhoods and street food markets. The city also offers a variety of transportation options, including the subway, bus, taxi, rickshaws, bicycle rental, Maglev train, and walking, all of which can help you navigate the city efficiently. It’s important to note that travel restrictions and requirements may be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure to check the current situation and plan accordingly. With a little planning and preparation, your travel to Shanghai is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Booking your dream trip in one fell swoop is the thing organizational dreams are made of.

Enter Orbzii, whose tagline is to ‘Dream, Plan and Book’ your next adventure using one convenient app. Sounds ideal? This is how it breaks down.

Orbzii is essentially like Tinder for travel if you’ll forgive the crass comparison. Users of the app are shown inspiring pictures of destinations from all over the world. Once you see one that’s worthy of a right swipe, the app suggests different areas of that destination where you can find out more about the neighbourhoods, culture and general vibe.

The plan section of the app allows you to create a travel plan for your dream trip, which you can share with travel buddies, or just keep to yourself for a solo adventure.

Then the book function details all the (verified – no pesky last-minute loading problems) flights and hotels in your chosen area.

The three steps for finding your dream destination and executing it from start to finish are as follows:

DREAM – swipe through thousands of travel photos for some inspiration for your next trip. Orbzii’s algorithm quickly learns what you love, and shows you your dream locations.

PLAN – swipe right on places you want to visit, and left on those you don’t, to plan and store future trips.

BOOK – the app’s trusted booking systems show you the best value and quality deals on your perfect holiday, with more than 300K destinations and 350K hotels to choose from.

SHARE – the app has functionality so that you can link up with friends and family to plan group trips together, without having to make yet *another* WhatsApp group.

Find out more at orbzii.com.

Gutters are a crucial feature of any property. It is also one of the most important elements for maintaining the structural integrity and overall well-being of your home. If your gutters are clogged and full of debris, your roof and walls may become damaged from water overflow and the resulting moisture and mildew.

To avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe from damage, it is essential to keep your gutters clean and make sure you get your gutters installed by professional Minnesota gutter installers (or professionals in your area). A good installation, along with regular cleaning will keep costly repairs of damages at bay. Despite this, many homeowners ignore their gutters and don’t realize their importance. This blog post will discuss why you should not ignore your gutters and highlight five key reasons to clean them now.

From improved home protection to lower energy bills, there are plenty of benefits to keeping your gutters clean and clear. Read on to learn more!

1. To Prevent Water Damage

When you fail to keep your gutters clean, water can accumulate to the point where it overflows and causes damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Clogged gutters can result in water backing up and pooling near your home’s foundation, which can eventually lead to water seeping in and causing damage to the interior of your home.

Cleaning your gutters regularly can help ensure that water flows freely away from your home and doesn’t cause costly damage.

2. To Avoid Mold and Mildew

Keeping your gutters clean is essential to avoiding mold and mildew. Clogged gutters can cause water to accumulate and create areas of moisture, which are ideal for the growth of mold and mildew. The debris and leaves in clogged gutters can also attract bugs and pests, leading to further problems.

If you notice mold and mildew growth in your home, inspect your gutters and clean them if necessary. Choosing gutter cleaning gaithersburg md is a great way to prevent the spread of mold and mildew, keeping your home free of moisture and debris.

3. To Prevent Pest Infestations

Third, gutter cleaning gaithersburg md can help prevent pest infestations. Pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and even birds like to make nests in clogged gutters, so it’s important to keep your gutters clear. Cleaning them regularly will prevent these pests from setting up camp in your gutters, which is a much more difficult and costly problem.

4. To Help Improve the Home’s Curb Appeal

Cleaning your gutters may seem tedious, but it can be a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflowing and running down the side of your home, leaving streaks and stains on the exterior. If this is not maintained or is to the point where cleaning isn’t going to help, then you may find yourself needing a replacement gutter, and there are numerous companies that will provide this service for you. A new gutter would improve the overall aesthetics of the house.

This can give your home an unkempt, uncared-for look, making it less attractive to potential buyers and visitors. A quick gutter cleaning can help restore the home’s curb appeal, making it more inviting and attractive.

5. To Avoid Potential Injury from Falling Debris

Even if you can’t see debris on the ground around your gutters, you should still clean them regularly. The debris can accumulate inside and cause a potential injury if it falls while cleaning the gutter.

To avoid potential injury from falling debris, use a ladder and wear protective gear, such as a hard hat, eye protection, and gloves. Ensure to keep the ladder sturdy and have a spotter on the ground in case you slip or the ladder shifts.

Bottomline

Taking care of your home’s gutters and cleaning them regularly is important. Not doing so can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs or replacements.

Cleaning your gutters regularly can help prevent clogs and reduce the risk of damage, such as water in your basement, foundation or roofing problems, and mosquito and other pest infestations. Taking the time to clean your gutters can save you time and money.

For fans of the Gilmore Girls, the long-awaited revival is finally here! And while we may not be getting any new episodes of the original series, we are getting four brand new 90-minute episodes to tide us over. But before you dive in, there are a few things you should know.

The Cast

The cast of Gilmore Girls includes a variety of actors and actresses, including:

Lauren Graham

Lauren Graham is an actress best known for her portrayal of Lorelai Gilmore in the popular television series Gilmore Girls. She has also appeared in a number of films, including Evan Almighty, Bad Santa, and Flash of Genius. Her performance as Lorelai has received critical acclaim, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2002.

On top of this, she has published a New York Times bestselling book named “Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between).” With her wit and charm, Lauren Graham has left a lasting impression on both audiences and critics alike.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is an actor and comedian who gained prominence in the Gilmore Girls series playing the character Sookie St. James. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named one of the “100 Most Influential People” by Time magazine in 2012. She has also starred in several hit comedy films such as Bridesmaids and The Heat and is currently hosting a weekly variety show called Life of The Party on ABC. Her comedic timing and unique personality have made her a fan favorite among many audiences.

With this successful career behind her, there is much speculation as to Melissa McCarthy net worth.

Alexis Bledel

Alexis Bledel is an actress who is best known for her portrayal of Rory Gilmore in the hit television series Gilmore Girls. She has been nominated for multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for her performance in the show and won a Satellite Award for Best Actress. In addition to this, she has also starred in films such as Sin City and Post Grad and appeared in the Netflix series The Handmaid’s Tale. Her sophisticated yet charming understanding of Rory’s character has endeared her to fans around the world.

Keiko Agena

Keiko Agena is an actress best known for her role as Lane Kim in the popular television series Gilmore Girls. She has won multiple awards, such as a TV Guide Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, for her performance in the show. She has also appeared in other popular shows such as Scandal, Shameless, and Hawaii Five-0. Her captivating presence and witty dialogue have made her a fan favorite among viewers of Gilmore Girls.

Scott Patterson

Scott Patterson is an actor and musician best known for his portrayal of Luke Danes in the hit television series Gilmore Girls. His character was beloved by fans all over the world due to his charming, grumpy personality and his relationship with Lorelai Gilmore. Patterson has won a TV Quick Award for Best Actor as well as a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Television Star. He has also been nominated for multiple Emmy awards for his performance in Gilmore Girls.

The Story Line

The Gilmore Girls is a popular television series that aired from 2000 to 2007. It follows the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother-daughter duo who live in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

Lorelai is a single mother who works at an inn while Rory attends an exclusive private school. They often find themselves in humorous situations with their close circle of family and friends. The show deals with topics such as relationships, teenage interests, work pressures, and more. Along with its witty dialogue, the show also showcases themes about family love, independence, and growing up.

Critics Reviews

The Gilmore Girls was critically acclaimed for its relatable characters and its witty dialogue. Reviews of the show often praised the mother-daughter relationship represented in the series and its messages about female empowerment.

The show also earned several Emmy nominations for various categories, making it one of the most celebrated shows on television at the time. It continues to be a much-loved classic, with viewers still discovering their love for the show even after many years since it aired its final episode.

Series Details

The Gilmore Girls ran for seven seasons, with the first season airing in 2000 and the final season in 2007. Each season had roughly 22 episodes, making it a total of 153 episodes after all seven seasons were completed.

It was announced in 2016 that Netflix would be producing a four-part mini-series called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life which consisted of one episode for each of the four seasons. This series was released in late 2016 to critical acclaim and was praised by fans as an excellent continuation of where the show had left off.

The Best Episodes

There are many classic episodes of the Gilmore Girls. Some of the best episodes include:

  • “The Lorelais’ First Day at Chilton,” which chronicles Rory’s first day of high school
  • “The Promising Young Woman,” which sees the girls attend their first formal event together
  • “A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving,” which follows Rory and her mother as they visit all four grandparents for Thanksgiving.

Of course, there are countless other great episodes that fans love to watch over and over again. No matter which episode you choose, it will surely bring a smile to your face as its characters make their way through some truly memorable stories.

Making the decision to move into senior living can be a difficult one. There are many things to consider, from your current and future health needs to your financial situation. Yet, with careful planning and consideration, you can find the right senior living option for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your search. Remember, the most important thing is finding a living arrangement that allows you to continue living the life you want.

Location

Location is an essential factor to consider when making a decision on senior living. For example, when deciding on where to live as a senior, the location should be carefully chosen with an eye toward services and amenities. Choosing the right location can mean the difference between success and failure in many cases. On a personal level, when considering where to live, it’s essential to think about the cost of living and overall comfort level. In today’s world, there are even newer considerations, such as connection speeds for computer users or the availability of public transport. Although sometimes overlooked, location can drastically affect any endeavor taken up by a person.

Research is crucial here. Say you’re looking for senior living in the Chicago area. Start by searching Chicago senior living online and reviewing local listings. From there, you can narrow your choices and research the options that interest you. Consider visiting the facilities in person to get a better feel for what they offer, as this will provide an opportunity to ask questions and obtain more information before making a final decision.

Cost

It’s no secret that costs can quickly creep up on people. Whether it be a phone bill, an unexpected car repair, or simply the basics like food and rent, today’s fragile economy often makes it challenging to stay afloat amongst rising costs. While some may experience sticker shock due to fluctuating prices, managing expenses and saving for the future is vital for any individual looking to make their senior living situation work for them. Understanding where your money is going is essential. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are many helpful tools available to assist in tracking and allocating money wisely. This should allow you to choose a site or facility that fits within your budget and cost analysis.

Services and amenities

Numerous services and amenities available today can make life easier and more efficient for seniors. That’s why you need a facility that has what you need to make your life pleasurable. Amenities such as air conditioning, pool access, complimentary tea or coffee, accessible gym facilities, and pet-friendly areas are becoming increasingly common. Facilities are now offering multiple levels of service packages tailored toward the individual’s needs, making it easy for customers to find something that best suits their budget and lifestyle. Overall, the number of services and amenities available is vital in choosing the right senior living facility.

Floor plan

Having the right floor plan in your new senior accommodation can make all the difference in how it is utilized. Considering the desired look, feel, and use of space, where the furniture will be placed, and from which vantage points windows and doors should be viewed, all must be taken into careful consideration when finding your new place. Getting creative and weighing every option to maximize each area according to personal needs and preferences is essential. By carefully planning out your floor plan, you can ensure that it is both stylish and functional, bringing the ideal environment for one’s lifestyle or daily activities.

Here’s your sign to not hold back, and be brave enough to take that trip alone. January’s travel hack, is for solo travellers who need a push to take the plunge and make their travel dreams come true. The world is your oyster, so make it your own.

Never wait for other people to ensure you enjoy your life. Take that risk, and do the things that scare you the most – it’s time to get out of your comfort zone. As much as you want to travel solo, there may be hidden fears of doing so, which is why group travelling is an excellent idea! There are plenty of companies catering to solo travellers who want to meet new people on the way. TruTravels offers Greek island hopping, relaxing escapes to the Maldives and Asian adventures to Thailand, and even better you get to do this with a group of people, from all over the world, who are like-minded. Everything is included from your airport transfers and hotels to your meals and activities!

If you fancy a more independent solo trip, download the Trave Buddies app or join travel Facebook groups to find friends along your way. Nothing is impossible, it’s time to build your courage and take the leap!

We all need a little treat every once in a while, why not treat yourself to a new beauty product?

Maybe you’d like new skincare, or makeup, or a tool for your hair? How about a beauty subscription box to wow yourself with, or something small but necessary for your makeup bag?

Whether it’s an item you need, or an item you want, we’ve got you covered with prices from just £7.50 to £60.

OK! Beauty Subscription Box, £7.50 per month (special offer) from OK! Beauty Box 

With money saving being at the forefront of everyone’s minds this is a fantastic lower cost way to stock up on beauty needs. The Wellness Edit, worth over £95 includes brands like OTO, Christophe Robin, Paul Yacomine, Doctors Formula, Westlab and OK!

Face Halo, Bamboo Pads, £15 (8 x pads) from Face Halo 

Introducing Face Halo’s brand new Bamboo Pads – flexible, lightweight, and reusable alternatives to make the application of liquid skincare easier and more sustainable. Since 2017 Face Halo have pioneered the way for sustainable skincare solutions; having stopped over one billion disposable makeup wipes from ending up in landfill sites.

Peace Out, Instant Pore Perfector, £23 from Beauty Bay 

Vegan, cruelty free, non-irritating, and free from silicone, parabens, sulphates, and phthalate. This pore perfector instantly blurs those pesky pores, and helps to improve the skin texture and refine any lines or wrinkles. Hero ingredients include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and mushroom extract to hydrate, soothe, reduce redness, and smooth the overall complexion.

Mac, Year of Glam Eyeshadow Palette, £36 from Selfridges 

Part of the Selfridges’ Lunar New Year Edit, this Mac palette is stacked with 8 gorgeous matte hues, and beautiful shimmering shades, all highly pigmented formulas that sit perfectly on the eyelids. 

Bellissima, 2-in-1 Beach Waves Styler, £59.99 from Very 

You can opt for sculpted or soft waves with this 2-in-1 styler from Bellissima. There are 3 temperatures to choose from, meaning that your hair will look defined, silky, and shiny. This multi tool styler works to give the best waves!

Transformulas, FaceFixers Iconic Lift & Plump Duo, £60 from Transformulas 

Award winning non-invasive lift and plump FaceFixers products. Lip Volume adds 40% more volume to the lips, and Eyelifting helps to lift tired, heavy, and hooded eyes.

Are you a budding musician or the parent of one? Musicians require a wide range of accessories in their everyday arsenal to improve their music skills, composition, and development. Even if it is surprising, one of the key differentiators between a successful and unsuccessful musician is the ability to choose the right music gadget. But there is very little information on the internet regarding must-have accessories for budding musicians. But to pull off memorable performances and create billboard-grade music, there are many music accessories that set you apart and make your experience worthwhile.

Of course, going to a reputable music school helps in developing music as a craft. But to excel in life, you have to practice even in your home with some of the must-have musical accessories. Whether it is a digital condenser microphone or pair of noise-canceling wireless earbuds, musicians are known for being very picky about their gear and accessories. There are so many popular musicians around the world who will not play just any other guitar or drum kit but their own. So what makes the whole difference?

To know and understand this better you can visit the Cy Fair Music & Arts website as they have inspired thousands of students to create the life of their dreams. Read on to find some of the must-have essential accessories for your instrument as a new musician.

An Audio Interface

So once you have got your audio software and computer the next thing you will need is an audio interface. An audio interface converts instrument and microphone signals into a format that your computer and its software will recognize. If you do all the recording on your own then go for a 2-channel model. Likewise, if you are recording multiple instruments you will need an audio interface with more inputs like an 8-channel model. The interface will connect to your computer via USB cables, Firewire, Thunderbolt, and sometimes via ethernet.

Digital Condenser Microphones

With this music accessory, you can record high-quality music virtually from anywhere and at any time. It is considered to be the top choice for voice-over artists, vocalists, major studios, producers, and other professionals in the recording industry. You can simply connect the microphone to your tablet or smartphone and you are good to go. They are manufactured to pick up detailed, subtle, nuanced sounds in a studio environment rather than abrasive and loud ones. This microphone can also work perfectly with desktops and laptops and is compatible with a wide range of music-making apps.

XLR Cables

You need XLR cables to connect the musical instruments and mics to your audio interface. They are significantly more expensive because they feature quality like none other. They are also available at different levels of length and quality which determines their price. If you get the low-price XLR cables you will need to replace them frequently which is why you should invest in the premium ones. These cables are used in radio stations, broadcasting environments, and recording studios. They carry very balanced audio and hence produce the clearest and cleanest sound possible. They also come in a color-coded range which can be helpful for musicians.

A Sturdy Microphone Stand

The right microphone stand is essential to every musician for performing on stage shows. Hence you should always go for the one that can be adjusted height-wise and measures at least 1.7 meters. It should feature a light and stable base that can withstand some of the most rigorous and high-energy music performances.

Rock-N-Roller Multi-Cart

It can be a total buzzkill if you need to carry each and every one of your gear and accessories by hand and make multiple trips to and from your car. Moreover, lifting all the heavy speakers and amps is also not a very easy task and can put you at risk of injuries. Hence a sturdy Rock-N-Roller cart can take away the stress of hauling your music gear as they are highly flexible and enable you to easily convert it into various usable configurations.

For every musician, their instrument and sometimes their voice is everything. As a budding musician, you will look to enhance your studio space so that it complements your workflow and creative state of mind. As this is the place you will spend most of your time practicing your craft, you should fill it up with accessories and music gear that you are comfortable with. These accessories should inspire you to give your best while creating or practicing music. The above-mentioned accessories and gadgets will make your life so much easier and enjoyable as a musician whether you love to play the drums or the guitar.

Hello! I’m Siobhan Murphy, you may recognise me from BBC’s Interior Design Masters where I was a finalist back in 2020. Since then I’ve launched my own interior design business, designed a 50 piece homeware range with Freemans and written a best selling interiors book called “More is More Decor” and now I’m going to be bringing you interior inspiration from around the world for House Of Coco!

My style

I describe my style as playful maximalism, it’s taking the so called interior rules and throwing them right out of the window and instead decorating from the heart.

My design journey started back in 1997 when I was studying fashion and accessories in Leeds and that’s where my love of bright colours, fabrics, patterns, prints and textures originates. Both fashion and travel have been a huge influence in my personal and interior design style and I always take a more is more approach…MORE colour, MORE flamboyance and MORE FUN!

Why interior design?

What says more about us than our homes? Our interiors reflect our personalities; what we love, who we are, and of course the journeys and travels we have made through our lives. I believe its hugely important to let this shine through in how we design our spaces, the colours we use, and how we accessorise our spaces these things not only make us happy when we look at them, but they also help us to feel our most authentic self when at home.

Travelling for inspiration

Travel is in my blood, my mum was a travel agent in the 1980’s and later taught travel and tourism at college so her love of visiting different places and exploring new countries has obviously rubbed off on me! Seeing the world and experiencing other cultures can have such a profound effect on our style and design choices. When I’m booking a trip I’m always looking online for inspiration for the most glamorous and unusual places to eat, drink and stay, the thrill of exploring somewhere new and checking into a new hotel always fills me with a tingle of excitement.

There’s so much inspiration to be had from hotel interior design, everything in hotels is bigger and more extravagant and I always look at the artwork, layout and lighting to give me ideas for my residential projects and my own home!

I’m obsessed with Beverly Hills and in particular the Beverly Hills Hotel with its famous red carpet entranceway and green and white stripy ceiling and don’t get me started on the candy striped cabanas by the pool, and the banana leaf wallpapered hallways, pure perfection. I took this inspiration for my master bedroom to give me a slice of Beverly Hills in sunny Yorkshire!

Marrakesh is a fantastic city when it comes to interior design inspiration, the souks are a feast on the senses with the vibrant colours of the pottery and spices and the hustle and bustle of market life. The riads are like an oasis of calm and tranquility with exquisitely tiled mosaic pools, arches and fountains and lush vegetation. After a recent trip I decided to take inspiration for my hallway and as you can see I didn’t hold back!

Shopping my way around the world

It’s no secret I love to shop and I always bring back a little trinket or two from the special places I have been to, I love the art of displaying beautiful objects and things I have collected from trips. One of my favourite things to do when I am visiting somewhere new is to look for the markets, vintage shops and thrift stores, so I will always bring you the very best places to source your own treasure, both old and new.

Some of my favourite places and the things I like to buy:

Marrakesh: pottery, leather bags, handmade jewellery, ornate rugs and throws, handmade shoes, argan oil and spices.

Thailand: thai silk, handmade clothing, jewellery, quirky home decor, artwork, coconut oil products for skin and hair.

California: vintage clothes and homewares, handmade jewellery and quirky artwork, Santa Barbara olives and See’s chocolates (the best chocolates in the world).

Venice: multi coloured murano glassware, ornate masks and fans, glass jewellery, Burano lace bedding, marbled stationary and paper products.

I believe anyone can create an eclectic space inspired by your travels, here are my top tips:

  • Take lots of photos of anything that catches your eye for reference when you get home
  • Think of the colours and textures that remind you of that place and gather paint chips, fabric and wallpaper samples
  • Put together a mood board using postcards, photos, travel magazines and anything you have picked up on your travels to use as inspiration.

I am looking forward to sharing all my Interior style tips and tricks with you throughout 2023, lets do this!

While some students complain about the lack of time and energy for their favorite activities, others manage to go in for sports and realize their creative ideas. In fact, making a hobby a part of your life isn’t that difficult – you just need to develop new habits and rethink your approach to your life. And below, we will tell you how to do it!

‍Realize Why You Need A Hobby

Harvard Medical School research shows that hobbies make people truly happy. Activities that you love increase your self-confidence, reduce stress, and stimulate out-of-the-box thinking.

It is best to take a pen and a piece of paper and then write: “I want to try … because …”. An honest answer will help you move on to the next step. Note the obvious benefits of the activity, using simple words, for example, “Yoga is happiness”, “Writing is exciting”, or “I adore lighting candles so I want to make them”.

Of course, it will be easier to devote yourself to all this when all your school papers are in order. If you struggle to hand in your homework on time, just find an essay writer at EssayPro and stop worrying over upcoming deadlines. No doubt, peace of mind is the first thing you need to succeed in what you are passionate about. 

Get Rid Of Time-Eaters

Sometimes one strong-willed decision to do something for an hour a day is not enough. To make a hobby part of your routine, you need to review your schedule and get rid of everything that takes too much of your precious time.

The easiest way is to analyze your typical day in minutes. Try keeping a diary from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. You need to record everything that happens during the day, for example, “I checked social networks for half an hour in the morning”, “I was in traffic for an hour”, or “I talked on the phone with a friend for 20 minutes”.

‍Looking at the timing of your typical day, it’s easy to see hours going to waste: due to social media, video games, or procrastination over textbooks. According to statistics, if you give up the habit of constantly updating the feed and responding to messages, you can find from 1 to 4 hours of free time per day.

Change Your Values

To pay attention to your hobby, you need to make a choice in favor of it, and choosing one is giving up something else. Therefore, you can refuse to watch TV shows or gossip with your friends. Or, you can give up stressing over boring assignments and outsource them to the best assignment writing services that are absolutely trustworthy. Plus, a lot of time is wasted due to perfectionism. People who tend to perfect everything spend more time on routine, be it cleaning the room, completing school assignments, etc.‍

For example, a physics teacher may not be impressed by the exquisite fonts you picked up for a presentation. Or your Instagram followers may not be surprised by the photo you’ve been selecting for two hours.

Always ask yourself: “How to get a decent result with minimal time and effort?” Then, optimize your schedule. For example, you can devote time to yoga or meditation right after waking up and draw before going to bed.

Protect Your Boundaries

Today, a lot of time is spent on live and online conversations with peers. But unfortunately, many of them don’t make any sense. Therefore, why not limit time for this? Tell friends that you are free for 30 minutes after dinner and that you won’t be answering the phone at any other time.

The same goes for the family. If grandma wants you to come to distract her from boredom, explain that you want to devote energy to a hobby, and you can come to visit her on another day.

Review Your Commitments

It is useful to review the list of responsibilities that you take on at the university. Some time ago, it was a way to show your expertise and upgrade your skills. But is it worth organizing both a New Year’s party and a graduates’ reunion? What if the quest for freshmen is organized by someone else? Delegating is an art, and you can certainly become better at it!

Combine Things

If you spend more than an hour commuting every day, you can use that time for something useful: listen to audiobooks, watch videos, or write poetry. While walking the dog, invite a friend to come with you and hang out outdoors with a cup of coffee.

Although multitasking reduces efficiency, some routine tasks can be combined: chatting with friends on the phone while tidying up the bedroom or preparing meals while listening to podcasts.

Set Your Priorities

It is unlikely that you will be able to start several hobbies at once. It’s best to begin with one or two. Thus, you need to include your favorite activity in your weekly schedule.

Of course, a creative hobby will require more time and a special space. If drawing, sewing, or singing every day seems unrealistic, then 2-3 hours a week is enough.

Find Support

Since a hobby doesn’t bring in noticeable results, such as grades or money, it can be difficult to appreciate its value.

Here are two ways to support your intention no matter what:

  • Inspirational publications and video tutorials. Follow special profiles on social networks, participate in online marathons, challenges, and contests;
  • Your own publications. To get started, why not post the results of your work on social media? Likes, questions, and comments from others will help you get the necessary support and strengthen the desire to go on in the chosen direction.

‍To Wrap It Up

It is always easier for our subconscious to find time for what is really important. Therefore, in order to realize the value of your hobby, you need to formulate it and put it on paper. Think about how many positive changes it can bring to you!

Of course, free time will appear if you stop being a perfectionist (or, on the contrary, procrastinator), limit empty conversations, and delegate some tasks.

Since the hobby is necessary for your mental health, it deserves a certain place in the weekly schedule. Thus, the more detailed your to-do list will be, the better. Remember: nothing is impossible with proper organization!