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Whether you are looking for love, friendship, or simply some good old-fashioned fun, there are plenty of dating sites that you can choose from. But which are the best ones?

FriendFinder

FriendFinder is a social networking site that offers a wide range of features. It is an online community that has a large user base and attracts millions of visitors. The site has a simple but effective interface that makes it easy to use.

During the registration process, FriendFinder asks for some basic information. It includes the user’s age, gender, sexual orientation, and marital status. Once you have provided the required data, you will have a page displaying your profile.

Elite Singles

Founded in 2007, Elite Singles is a dating site that claims to match more than 1,200 people each day. According to the company, the average user is between the ages of 30 and 50. In addition, the site boasts a database of more than 170,000 active users, making it a highly desirable choice.

During the registration process, you’ll answer a variety of questions, including your height and ethnicity. These are all relevant to the matching process. Once you’re registered, you can start browsing the profiles of other singles. You can also request photos of prospective matches.

Seeking Arrangement

Seeking Arrangement is popular among those who are seeking a more casual relationship. The site has a very straightforward interface and offers features like an activity feed, messaging system, dating advice, and even the ability to create your own private groups.

When you first sign up for Seeking Arrangement, you’ll be asked to provide some basic information, such as your gender and relationship status. You can also choose to be linked with singles who are looking for something more long-term or just some fun.

While this has a reputation for being a sugar dating relationship site, it actually offers a variety of people for casual dating. The site also provides a list of tips and advice on how to make the most out of your online experience

Once you’ve created your profile, you can start browsing other singles in your area or around the world. You can even send messages and gifts to other members using the messaging system.

eHarmony

eHarmony is a dating platform that has helped millions of people find love. It is a scientific matchmaking system that helps you find people with similar interests and preferences. You can also search using customized filters. This makes it easier to get to know your potential dates.

eHarmony offers users an instant match. The site’s matchmaking system uses personality and compatibility tests. You can choose between casual and serious relationships, depending on your preferences. It also allows you to send smiles to interesting profiles.

Bumble

Using a dating app is a great way to expand your social network and meet people with similar interests. They’re also a good way to meet people who are looking for a more serious relationship. But which dating app is the best? Well, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the top apps on the market in 2022.

OKCupid is a popular free dating site that’s available on both desktop and mobile. It’s known for its extensive profile questionnaire, interactive personality quizzes, and keyword search options.

Lex

Founded by Amber Dawson, a renowned expert in the dating industry, Lex is one of the best dating sites for LGBTQ+ people. It offers a number of online dating options, including a free dating app.

The website is designed to be a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community to meet. It’s a non-binary app that’s centered around queer singles in over 200 countries.

The Lex home screen provides a simple interface, letting users browse through personal ads by keywords. It also allows for filtering by location, age range, and specific dating needs.

OkCupid

Whether you are looking for a casual relationship or something serious, OkCupid has the features you need. If you’re looking for a free dating site in the US, OkCupid is one of the best options. There are also plenty of other features you can use to find a match.

OkCupid has over 50 million users. It has an excellent algorithm that uses factors to determine matches. These include things like politics, music, travel, gaming, and socializing. You can filter your results by height, spoken language, and body type to narrow down your matches.

In summary, these are some of the best dating sites for 2022. They run the gamut from casual to serious relationships and offer a range of features to help you find the perfect match. Whether you are looking for something long-term or just a good time, these sites can provide what you need.

You’ve made it, you’re almost mid-way through Dry January but you are totally fed up with soft drinks, there’s only so many times you can enjoy a glass of coke before you reach for the wine.

This, my friends is where we can help. Dry January doesn’t have to be boring, it doesn’t have to be miserable. Think low ABV and non-alcoholic aperitifs, sparkling wines, spirits, cocktails and collaborations.

Aperitif

High Point, Ruby Aperitif, £19.99 (70cl), from High Point Drinks

Fermented, infused and blended on the wild coast of Cornwall using 100% natural ingredients. This non-alcoholic aperitif’s wild herbal aroma is followed by a cool wave of zest and spice, before kicking back with lasting bittersweet citrus. Mix 50ml High Point Ruby Aperitif with 200ml tonic water, poured over ice. Serve with a slice of pink grapefruit.

Citizen Spritz, Aperitif, £20 (500ml), from Citizen Spritz 

Deeply complex in flavour, the carefully crafted but simple-to-serve Citizen Spritz drinks create amazingly authentic non-alcoholic aperitifs. Whether your tipple of choice is a zesty Aperol spritz, a minty fresh mojito or a sweet and sharp pornstar martini, Citizen Spritz has an almost identical alcohol-free version to savour. With four flavours to choose from including, Bitter Orange, Cool Lime, Passion Fruit, and Pink Grapefruit.

Sparkling

Château del ISH, Sparkling White, around £12 (750ml), from ISH Spirits 

The bottle of sparkling white is based on a de-alcoholised blend of Pinot Blanc and Silvaner grapes. ISH has created a superior drink that delivers award-winning taste, that bridges playfulness with mindfulness, and facilitates occasions that fulfil both.

REAL Naturally Fermented Sparkling Tea, £54 (6 x 750ml bottles), from Real Drinks 

Low in calories, low in sugar, gluten free, allergen free, all natural, no added flavours, and non-alcoholic this Sparkling Tea comes in two flavours. Royal Flush is made with first flush Darjeeling, which is then fermented to offer deep flavour and complexity. Dry Dragon is made using pan-fired Dragonwell green tea, which after fermentation gives a delicate and leafy undertone.

Spirits

Inginious Gin, £26 (20cl), from Inginious Gin 

At only 0.2 units of alcohol per serve, it provides a great way to cut back on alcohol consumption and still enjoy the familiar G&T taste. Inginious Gin provides big flavour in small measures. It is made using a unique combination of twelve botanicals and you only need 5ml compared to the standard 50ml for a double serve of gin!

Atopia, Hedgerow Berry, £18 (70cl), from M&S (special offer until 24th Jan) or via Atopia Spirits

The perfect non-alcoholic option for any occasion, made through copper pot distillation and blended with natural botanicals, Atopia incorporates all-natural ingredients to create a delicious non-alcoholic tipple; uncompromising on taste. Try a Hedgerow Berries Spritz: 50ml Atopia Hedgerow Berry, 25ml Bottle Green Pomegranate & Elderflower Cordial, 100ml Fever Tree Tonic.

Pentire Drinks, January Bundle, £65, from Pentire Drinks 

Pentire Limited Edition January Bundle has been crafted especially for Dry January. The bundle consists of four bottles including, Pentire Adrift (70cl), and Pentire Seaward (20cl), both of which are non-alcoholic spirits. Plus Pentire Margarita (20cl), which is a non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktail, and Pentire Coastal Spritz (50cl), a non-alcoholic aperitif.

DryDrinker.com, Dry January Alcohol Free Kit, £68.38, from DryDrinker.com

A mix of spirits, wines, and No & Low alcohol beers. For beer fans, Lucky Saint’s Unfiltered Lager hits the spot. Wine lovers have three bottles, a 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ariel, Win-e Verejo’s Spanish Sparkling White, and Tempus Two’s Australian Pinot Grigio. The DryDrinker.com bundle is finished off with a bottle of Gordon’s Premium Pink (0.0%).


Cocktails

Tapp’d, Passionfruit Martini Mocktail, £15.99 (6 x 175ml bottles), from Tapp’d Cocktails 

Born in London and adopted by bars all over the world, the Pornstar Martini is a playful twist on the classic Martini and is one of the UK’s favourite cocktails. Tapp’d Cocktails have created the perfect bottled non-alcoholic alternative to this fruity favourite, with the Passionfruit Martini.

London Essence, Delicate Ginger Ale, £22 (24 x 200ml bottles), from London Essence 

London Essence produces exquisite mixers made from distilled botanicals. Introducing one of the non-alcoholic cocktails developed by Jesus Ortega Neri, at London Essence. This adventurous mocktail provides a luxurious twist to lift the spirits.

The Jasper

15ml Beetroot Juice, 10ml Clementine Juice, 15ml Blueberry Syrup, 100ml London Essence Delicate Ginger Ale. Pour ingredients into highball glass, except the ginger ale. Stir together until well mixed. Add ice cubes, then top with London Essence Delicate Ginger Ale, and garnish with orange twist.


Collaborations

Drinks Distilled x Crossip x Seed Library, Cocktail Kit, £65, from Drinks Distilled 

Spirits, bar and drinkware site Drinks Distilled has partnered with the award-winning, non-alcoholic spirits brand CROSSIP and east London cocktail bar Seed Library to launch a limited edition low ABV cocktail kit this January.

This kit focuses on the Surplus Cobbler Cocktail, created by Drinks Distilled Spirits Guide La’Mel, using CROSSIP Dandy Smoke. Inspired by Seed Library’s seasonal and sustainable approach to cocktail creation, the serve equates to just 0.5 units.

Housed in a Drinks Distilled gift box, the kit comes with a recipe card, full sized bottles of both CROSSIP Dandy Smoke and El Tequileño Blanco tequila, a sachet of Rare Tea Co. Chinese White Silver Tips loose tea, and a crystal double rocks glass, jigger and spoon.

Proxies x Dominique Crenn, Pétanque, available for pre-order at Drink Proxies

By blending wine grapes, fruits, teas, spices, and complex ferments, Proxies go way beyond the grape to capture everything that makes wine a great pairing with food.

Dominique Crenn is the chef and owner of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco – and the first and only female chef in the U.S. to have earned three Michelin stars.

Pétanque was created to enhance Atelier Crenn’s pescatarian menu, with an acid profile that stands up to classic French cuisine. Dominique was raised in Brittany, a region known for butter, shellfish and galettes. Crisp minerality echoes the salinity of Breton oysters, while herbal notes provide a foil for creamy Californian spot prawns, a stateside treat.

Sarah Amelia Fogg, the famed celebrity permanent makeup artist and cosmetic tattoo artist has released a collection of award-winning brow products, and we are here for them.

The product range is vegan, sustainable, and cruelty-free, and the products are clinically proven to work, naturally derived, and scientifically engineered.

Sarah’s trademark supernatural, fluffy, and subtle-looking brows can now be recreated at home with her newly launched products. This is something her reputable client list including many models and celebrity clients has been visiting her, for years.

The Brows by Sarah Collection

Fluff It Up, £39

Celebrity MUA Launches Brows by Sarah

An extremely lightweight, yet strong clear gel that lifts, fixes & sculpts the brows instantly. It can be used with or without makeup, and offers a complex combination of plant extracts that help to improve skin elasticity and encourage collagen production.

Fluff It Up is the perfect brow product for the days when less is more, or for a no-make-up look that gives an understated chic finish.

Wow Brow, £39

This is a 3-in-1 brow product that adds depth, breadth and definition with a re-growth property that instantly adds colour to the brow hair whilst adding immediate definition with the built-in brow sculpt. Available in Espresso, which is a rich dark brown suitable for darker brows, and Mocha, a warm brown suitable for blondes or anyone wanting subtle coverage.

A game changer in the world of brows, Wow Brow gives off vibes of pure perfection and total brow indulgence.

Wow Brow Pencil, £17

Brand new to the collection, the Wow Brow Pencil comes in three gorgeous shades: Espresso, Mocha, and Latte. The highly pigmented signature pencil has a retractable triangular nip, which brings precise hair strokes and powder brows in one.

Dual ended, with a spoolie brush to tame unwanted and unruly hairs.

Airport Friendly Makeup Bag, £16

The Brows by Sarah makeup bag is dainty, yet deceptively spacious, and fits all brow products in one place for travelling, ideal size for a handbag or cabin hand luggage.

For more information on the full collection, to purchase any of the products, or a find out about buying a bundle, visit Brows by Sarah.

Cybersecurity is important wherever and whenever you go. This isn’t something you can leave at home and dive deep into your vocation without worries. The reality highlights that you must always be ready to keep things under control and follow every security tip without any buts.

Long story short, even if you leave your laptop or PC at home and go somewhere only without your phone, then your devices will still be vulnerable to cyber issues. The point is your gadgets are connected so all information requires proper protection. So make sure your personal data is well-protected and follow these expert cybersecurity tips starting from making a checklist to picking a VPN for traveling.

Step #1. Get ready for your trip

Before you leave your home you need to make basic preparations. First of all, you want to protect your sensitive information from strangers, for instance, date of birth, name, social security number, etc. The pre-step to making it is to decide which devices you should take with you and which you should leave at home. The best you can do is to take just one personal gadget, so you can work on its protection properly.

Basic traveler security includes the following steps:

– create your to-do list before you go and complete them step-by-step;

– make back-ups of your data and store them on a secure medium;

– get rid of the sensitive information you don’t need during your trip;

– add strong passwords to your apps and the device in general;

– install essential software, for instance, antivirus, VPN free trial, etc.

Also, use the ‘find my phone‘ feature. No one knows what may happen during your trip. It is so easy to lose your phone in new places or to face criminals. So turn on this useful feature to maximize your chances to take your property back no matter the risk.

Well, these steps must be done even if you don’t plan to travel, in particular using appropriate antivirus and VPN services like VeePN. So keep in mind to control your security without waiting for possible issues. It’s always better to prevent such threats instead of dealing with the consequences of the problem.

Step #2. Follow expert security tips daily

The first thing you should understand – is that your cybersecurity is a process. It means you need to keep following proper tips daily to reach safe traveling. Otherwise, any action for the record would be worthless and useless.

So here are the most essential security tips to follow all the time:

– manage your location online. Pro VPN services like VeePN allow you to change your current location and access the content you need. Even if there are some geo-restrictions in the country you wouldn’t be influenced by them;

– connect to a secure network. Public Wi-Fi may be dangerous for your security because it simplifies the path to your files. By using a Colombia VPN you may protect your connection easily. It encrypts your data and hides your real IP;

– think about what and when you post on the Internet. Traveling excites us and makes us want to share our excitement with others. But if you post a picture of you somewhere far away from home you may notify criminals your place is free. So consider posting direct facts about your absence and current location;

– turn off the auto connection. You don’t need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to work all the time. On the one hand, these wireless technologies drain your battery faster. On the other hand, your device will try to reconnect to any visible network without your permission.

Remember that all these tips will be much more efficient if you follow them regularly. For instance, turn on the VPN every time you connect to the Wi-Fi. If you skip this step once, it may cause tons of issues and make you regret ignoring this piece of advice.

Step #3. Pay attention to extra recommendations

If you have completed all the recommendations including finding a reliable VPN free trial, then don’t get relaxed. Your trip starts now and you should be ready for everything. So here are several additional tips for travelers to follow daily:

– keep your gadget at hand all the time when you are at a public place, for instance, in the airport, train station, restaurant, and so on. These places are known for the large concentration of people so the risk of human factor increases;

protect your phone screen from strangers. When you are using your personal device you may accidentally reveal your banking details, passwords, and other information. So it’s better to make sure no one follows you and stares at your screen;

– after you come back home you should check your devices. They may be compromised because of insecure connections or software, so it’s better to update your security apps and passwords.

Conclusion

As you can see, you need a lot of things before you go on a trip. Finding VPN for traveling and installing antivirus are as important as packing your stuff. So pay enough attention to your cybersecurity to make your trip comfortable, safe, and joyful!

Picture this, it’s a sunny day in Scotland. Spring has sprung, lambs are gambolling in the fields and sun is glinting off the train windows as the scenic journey delivers you from Edinburgh to Elgin in the heart of Speyside. Here’s 5 things not to miss…

1. Get cosy at The Craigellachie Hotel

A stone’s throw from the River Spey you’ll find The Craigellachie Hotel, the oldest whisky hotel in Scotland. Amongst its 26 cosy rooms, open fires and a very friendly hotel dog nestles the Quaich Bar, established over 120 years ago and full to the brim with 1,000 different whiskies to sup as the sun sets. So, if you are finding the hotel too comfy to leave to make it out to a couple of the 50 distilleries in the area, the best will be brought to you. Couple that with dinner at the atmospheric on-site Copper Dog pub with its farm to fork fare and you’ve got the ideal hotel stay in this famous region. Don’t miss the haggis bon bons whatever you do.

2. Sup whisky at Benriach’s on-site bar

The storied Benriach distillery is situated on an old farmstead in north Speyside, drawing water from deep beneath the distillery. It’s a traditional operation and one of only seven distilleries in Scotland that continue to floor malt barley. With these traditions, however, there’s a truly creative expression across their range of three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled through using their eclectic ‘sleeping beauties’ casks from around the world. If you aren’t a whisky aficionado, don’t worry, a visit here will take you by the hand through the process leaving ample time for a tasting experience in the gorgeous new bar. It’s the perfect visit for whisky obsessed visitors and those looking to learn alike.

3. Explore fairytale cobbled Elgin

This adorable town was once a cathedral city and what remains of the cathedral is definitely worth a visit. By night the town is filled with local watering holes and dining spots such as the delightful cafe-bar the Drouthy Cobbler hidden down a festoon lit alleyway. Dine on (yes, more!) haggis bon bons, mac and cheese croquettes and burgers washed down with some classic cocktails. Leave space for a wickedly decadent baked salted chocolate dessert.

4. Blow away the cobwebs paddle boarding down the Spey

Now you’ve skirted around the river but it would be rude not to get out on it, or in it, as you prefer. You can’t miss a leisurely paddle board along this, the fastest flowing river in Scotland, taking in the views on the banks. Book in a session with Alan at Aye Can who will take everyone’s levels in his stride and deliver a one-off experience. Be sure to have someone meet you with some towels and a dram of Benriach.

5. Travel around the world with Ghillie Basan

You can’t come to this part of the world without spending time with author and broadcaster Ghillie Basan. Book in for a Food Safari in her colourful rural home near Tomnavoulin at the Braes of Glenlivet where it’ll be all hands on deck to make tasting menu slates of delicious bite sized morsels from rose poached apricots with harissa filling to fat pieces of salmon wrapped in foraged garlic mustard leaves. Hope for a warm day so you can sit out on the porch in the sunshine listening to the chirping of birds while nibbling away at your plate, complete with a whisky pairing.

Who even knew there was a National Bubble Bath Day?

We are 100% here for it, this Sunday 8th January. Traditionally a cold and miserable winter’s day, the thought of relaxing in a hot steamy bath topped with bouncing bubbles fills us with excitement.

It couldn’t have fallen on a better day of the week. Sunday, the day to sleep-in, chill out, and sloth about!

Whether you opt for a morning bath, an afternoon bath or an evening bath, it is the epitome of luxury when you fill it with scented bubbles.

So, get yourself some bubble bath and enjoy every moment luxuriating in your bath this coming Sunday.

In case you don’t have any bubbles to hand, we recommend the following…

Bubbles For You

Fenjal, Classic Bath Bubbles, £6.90 from Fenjal

A nourishing formula with natural jojoba oil, to smooth and moisturise.

Tisserand, Mandarin & May Chang Uplifting Bath Soak, £14 from Tisserand

Soak in this vibrant sunny scent that has a citrus kick to refresh and vitalise.

Noble Isle, Golden Harvest Luxury Bubble Bath & Shower Gel, £22 from Noble Isle

This bubble bath releases a bouquet of fragrance to stimulate the olfactory palette.

Lush, Peach Crumble Bubble Bar, £7 from Lush

A ripe and fruity bubble bar that produces davana oil bubbles

Bubbles For The Kids

Burt’s Bees, Baby Bubble Bath, £11.99 from Burt’s Bees

For a playful bath time and to gently cleanse your baby’s skin.

Kids Stuff Crazy, Magical Sparkling Bubble Bath, £2.49 from Superdrug

Kids go crazy with this transformation of bath water into a glitter sparkling bubble bath. It’s all about the fun!

Here’s to you, enjoying a bath this National Bubble Bath Day, Sunday 8th January 2023.

The best business ideas tend to come about when you stumble across them after having your own negative experiences, it’s like a lightbulb goes off and you realise that you can do things better.

That’s exactly what happened with Jordan Cullen, the founder of Cullen Jewellery. Not only did he realise he could do things better, he has smashed it out of the park. His story is more than inspiring, it’s iconic.

We spent some time with him to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand, Cullen Jewellery?

Cullen Jewellery was born out of my own search for an engagement ring that was beautiful, affordable, and ethically sourced. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for in Melbourne’s traditional jewellery stores, I discovered the world of lab-grown gemstones – moissanite and lab diamonds – and I was hooked.

I purchased my first moissanite gemstone from overseas and worked with a local jeweller to create a stunning custom setting for it. My now-wife loved it, and that experience inspired me to start Cullen Jewellery in 2018 and help other couples find their perfect lab-grown engagement rings without breaking the bank or compromising on their values. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re just getting started!

You launched this business at the age of 23 and have gone on to make it wildly successful. What’s the secret to success?

Growing Cullen Jewellery into an 8-figure global brand wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. For me, the key to success was staying true to our values and staying focused on our customers. From day one, we’ve been committed to offering high-quality lab-grown diamond and moissanite engagement rings, and we’ve always put our customers first, no matter what.

But success also requires patience and dedication. Building a business from the ground up and ensuring its long-term viability is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, hard work, and a great team to achieve your goals. But with perseverance and a commitment to excellence, you can eventually be rewarded with a thriving and successful business.

Of all the industries to go into, why jewellery?

I entered the world of fine jewellery with a mission: to promote the benefits of lab-grown gemstones and help consumers make more ethical and sustainable choices. I was shocked by the social and environmental devastation caused by mined diamonds, and I wanted to introduce people to the limitless possibilities of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite. These gemstones have a much lower environmental impact, and they’re produced using ethical and humane methods that respect human rights.

The rise of conscious consumers has also been a game-changer for our business. More and more people are looking for ways to make a positive impact with their purchasing decisions, and that demand for lab-grown fine jewellery has helped us reach a wider audience. It’s inspiring to see how even small changes can have a big impact, and we’re proud to be a part of this movement towards a more sustainable future for the fine jewellery industry.

How do you want people to feel when they wear your jewellery?

At Cullen Jewellery, our goal is to make people feel beautiful, proud, and happy. Our carefully curated collections of handpicked materials, thoughtful designs, and attention to detail are designed to enhance any outfit and boost confidence. And when our customers choose Cullen Jewellery, they can feel proud of the positive impact their purchase has on the world around them. Every one of our lab-grown diamond and moissanite engagement rings is mining-free and supports various communities and the environment through our giving-back initiatives.

We also want our customers to feel happy about the responsible decisions they’re making. Many appreciate the fact that they don’t have to break the bank to get the perfect engagement ring – with Cullen Jewellery, they can save their money for other important things, like a house, a wedding, a honeymoon, or anything else they have in mind. And they can rest assured that lab-grown diamonds are optically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, so they’re getting the best of both worlds – beauty, ethics, and affordability.

Who’s involved in the business, and what does an average day look like for you?

As the Director of Cullen Jewellery, I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries and take our business to the next level. I lead our creative team through complex projects, ensuring that our products remain modern and cutting-edge. But my role goes beyond just managing the day-to-day. I’m also focused on promoting Cullen Jewellery’s values of sustainability and accessibility, so that they remain an integral part of our brand.

To stay ahead of the game, I regularly review our strategies and keep up with industry trends. And to make sure I have the best team by my side, I surround myself with talented individuals who bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Trust is key in our line of work, so I’m always looking for ways to retain and develop my staff, building a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.

What advice would you offer anyone who wants to start their own jewellery business?

If you want to succeed in the fast-paced world of fine jewellery, you have to find ways to stand out. At Cullen Jewellery, we do that by pushing the boundaries of innovation, staying ahead of customer preferences and industry trends, and never compromising on quality. We don’t settle for the status quo, and we’re always looking for ways to evolve and improve.

But our success doesn’t come at the expense of our team. We make sure to create a positive and supportive work environment, where everyone can thrive. We’re proud of our values and the longevity they bring to our business, and our customers appreciate that commitment to excellence.

Looking back since you started, is there anything that you would do differently?

If I could go back in time, I would make a few changes to the way I ran Cullen Jewellery. One of the biggest would be to invest in a highly qualified team from the start. This would have allowed us to pursue more ambitious research and development projects, growing our business faster and delivering even better products to our customers.

Another change I would make is to be more selective about who I trust with important tasks and responsibilities. I’m committed to the long-term success of Cullen Jewellery and leaving a positive legacy, and that requires a team that is all pulling in the same direction. Some things are simply too important or sensitive to outsource, so I would make sure to keep them in-house and under my direct control. By making these changes, I believe we could have achieved even greater success.

Talk us through an average day in your life?

Every morning, I start my day with a refreshing walk to plan out my priorities for the day. Then it’s off to work, where I spend my time running Cullen Jewellery, overseeing operations, and forming strategic partnerships. After a long day at the office, I love coming home to spend time with my lovely wife and enjoy a nice dinner together.

In the evenings, I like to stay active and engaged with my hobbies, such as attending church services, playing sports, and going on camping trips with my family and friends. Life is full of surprises, so no two days are ever the same. But that’s what makes it so exciting and rewarding – there’s always something new and interesting to experience!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must-visit list?

Zurich. With its scenic lakes and postcard-perfect views, Zurich is one of the most iconic cities in Switzerland. On top of its incredible natural beauty, Zurich also boasts a world-class selection of museums, shops, restaurants, and more. Plus, I have family there, so I can’t wait to finally visit.

What does self-care mean to you?

As a business owner, it’s crucial to take care of yourself and maintain a healthy work-life balance. For me, that means setting boundaries and making sure to prioritize my well-being. Having a strong support network of family and friends is also a huge help – knowing that I have people around me who are there to lend a helping hand if I need it allows me to focus on what’s important. It’s all about finding the right balance and building a foundation of support that will help you thrive.

What’s your 5-year vision for the brand?

At Cullen Jewellery, our vision is to become a leading force in the world of fine jewellery, using our passion for sustainability and ethical practices to drive change and inspire others. We’re committed to growing our business in a responsible manner, expanding globally and opening more showrooms along the way. And by offering unique, eco-friendly fine jewellery collections, we hope to inspire a shift towards sustainable production and pressure other fine jewellery brands to follow suit.

Now more than ever, consumers are looking for environmentally responsible and conscious choices, and we believe that lab-grown jewellery is the future. It’s a perfect time for us to shine and make our mark on the industry.

Where can people find out more?

To learn more about Cullen Jewellery, visit https://cullenjewellery.com/ or explore our Instagram @cullenjewellery. To get in touch, email us at comms@cullenjewellery.com.

Is the idea of elevating your sleep appealing to you? Here at House of Coco we’re huge advocates of sleep, the benefits of a good kip are endless and we feel that it’s a massive part of self care.

It seems we are not alone as we recently stumbled across a brand that is speaking our language. We spent time with the co-founder of Mayfairsilk Darshana Ubl to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launching Mayfairsilk

The work of a successful business is a combination of internal work, skill sets, team and strategy. I truly believe that feminine leadership is not a race to the top but being a woman who is at the top of her game and so the strategy and structure of her business feels effortless.

When I look back on the journey of launching Mayfairsilk, it goes back to the time that I discovered how different my hair felt after having slept on silk for a week. I knew instantly that I had to make a switch from Egyptian cotton sheets to silk ones and I wanted it to be top quality with a matt finish. There was a gap in the market and so I shared this with my business partner Marcus and together we began our journey into what we believe to be the finest silk.

Creating a sustainable brand is at the forefront of what you do. Why was this important to you?

Sustainability is important and I believe in investing into fewer things of a higher quality vs. lots of things that don’t last.

At Mayfairsik we use every bit of silk to minimise wastage by converting the waste fabric into silk scrunchies and sleep masks.

As a natural textile, a little known fact is that silk is 400 times more sustainable than cotton and we find that fascinating.

Tell us more about your promise to plant trees…

I strongly believe that we can live in harmony with nature and so with every order from our website we plant a tree. Becausee of this initiative, we are proud to plant thousands of trees each year.

Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?

Hindsight is notably cleverer than foresight. Every business has its pace – we are moving forward a step at a time.

Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?

The cofounders of Mayfairsilk include me and Marcus. Marcus heads the design and product creation and our team is based in the UK with a few members who work internationally. We are blessed to have a lean yet capable team with complimenting skill sets.

Do you have plans to expand in to other products in the future?

We are looking at expanding our range of silk bed sheets that offer movement and depth to the collection through unique prints and weaves. This year we launched our Oxford range of silk pillowcases which are popular amongst the discerning clientele.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

Every day is different but I try to keep a healthy balance between work, social life, family life and health.

What do you do when you are lacking motivation?

Motivation is momentary as it comes from outside, when I lack motivation, it is a sign that I need rest and I need to slow down.

When I look at the difference Mayfairsilk is making when it comes to sleep, I feel blessed and inspired.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media is key to most consumer facing brands as it helps you to connect to the audience directly. We are active on most social media platforms and receive healthy engagement. Follow us via @mayfairsilk.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

Rome was not built in a day!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is on you must visit list?

When I am not working on Mayfairsilk, I’m thinking of our next travel adventure via Verve Rally – a carbon neutral rally we (Marcus and I )set up in 2016 as a passion business. We have had over a dozen rallies across 12 countries combining the best hotels, experiences and a refined group of travel enthusiasts who enjoy driving GT and Supercars. www.ververally.com

What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care is not just about looking good, it is about listening to your body.

For me, self-care is a simple ritual of having a long bath or sleeping in a few more hours in the morning. I also try to eat healthy by choosing organic where I can and having a good portion of greens in my diet. Self-care is those little things you do for you every day with love.

Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?

Hailing from the UK, currently Mayfairsilk has won multiple awards and we distribute our silk to 32 countries online. Mayfairsilk is in retail stores in Dubai Mall, Qatar and USA. The 5 year plan is an exciting one with more than 30 retail stores world-wide.

We also want to carve a niche in the silk bedding market.

Where can people find out more?

www.mayfairsilk.com

When you have pets and children, you may need to put a lot of thought into how to best keep them safe. This could involve making changes within your home and garden. When it comes to outdoor spaces, you may want to think about not only how hedges could benefit your family, but also how they can help to prevent damage from occurring in certain parts of the garden, especially those that you want to keep your children and pets away from. Taking time to consider this, particularly before your baby is born, could help to prevent incidents in the future.

Stop people from looking in

It can be a little unnerving to let your dogs out into the garden, or allow your children to play unaccompanied, if people on the street can see their every move. This is where tall Laurel hedging could be of great use. Rather than taking the wonders of outdoor play away from your kids and pets, you could instead make the area safer. That being said, you may still want to stay close so that your children are in view, or so that you can keep an ear out for issues. This can also be a good way of preventing your children or pets from interacting with those strangers.

Prevent tragedy from occurring

You may want to consider how busy the roads can be surrounding your home. Each year, around 16,000 children are injured or killed due to road dangers. While some of these may occur when out walking, cycling, or in the car with family, some may be due to a lack of boundaries surrounding the family home. Putting dense hedging in place could help to keep your children within the garden where they will be much safer. Likewise, the same can also be said for pets, especially dogs. Them running out into the road could not only put them at risk, but also other road users. Checking that your front and back gardens are secure prior to allowing pets or children out could be a good idea.

Keep your garden secure

Hedging doesn’t just help to keep your children and pets in place. It could also be used as a way of obstructing certain parts of the garden. Some people like to grow fruit and vegetables at home. Children or animals may easily be able to damage your crops, making that work pointless. By using low hedging that you can step over, you could create barriers that stop them from being able to enter certain areas. Discussing those boundaries, and why they are in place, with your children can also be a good way of teaching them to be more mindful.

Spending time outdoors can be a wonderful way for your children to play, as well as develop a love of being outside and respecting nature. Likewise, animals may also benefit from time outside of the home. Planting hedges in your garden could help to maximise everyone’s enjoyment of the space, and even reduce the number of risks associated with doing so.

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