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The thought of buying a used car can be a scary one: will the car be a good deal or immediately break down on you? How do you know you can trust the vendor? And so on. But there are ways to protect yourself from unscrupulous car dealers and get the used car of your dreams for a fair price. Here’s how:

Do Research

Make a list of the questions that you will need answers to, and then work your way through the list, using the internet, asking trusted friends or family, and comparing factors such as durability, reliability and scam warnings across several different sites and vendors. You will quickly discover who offers the best deals on used cars in San Diego, and who is best avoided. This process can also help you find the best make and model to choose.

Check Reviews

Once you have a shortlist of car models, an idea of your driving needs and a budget, both for buying the vehicle in the first place and for maintaining the car once you are its proud owner, you can start winnowing down your choices by reading reviews.

Assess the reviews and choose your vehicle, vendor and terms and conditions based on the reviews that seem to have the same criteria as you, and this will help to ensure that you have an easy and effortless car-buying experience.

Reputable dealer

Always – but always – buy your car from a reputable dealer. This can be trickier than it sounds: unscrupulous businessmen will pay people to provide good reviews for them, and will put on a very believable show of being reputable and trustworthy. When you are considering a purchase, try to narrow down your choice of dealer quite early on and make a point of popping in two or three times before you actually commit to buying a vehicle from them: a reputable vendor will take the time to build a rapport with you, whereas someone aiming to extract the maximum of money from you for a minimum of any effort on their part will quickly reveal their shadier side. To experience a highly positive car purchase, visit KAP Motors Used Cars Brighton Showroom and get the most amazing deals today. Shop here for more reliable sources to buying used cars with a reputable dealers.

Financing

You may not realise that car financing is not just for new cars. Many reputable used car dealers offer excellent financial terms on their vehicles, and will often offer warranties on your new-to-you vehicle besides.

Once you have all the information you need, you can set off to your chosen dealership with peace of mind and the confidence of knowing what you are looking for.

Computer games have been around for decades. Ever since physicist William Higinbotham created a simple tennis-like game back in 1958, an invention that was taken to the next level by Pong in the 1970s, gaming has been part of modern life. However, as popular as video games have become over the years, few would say that those who play are trendy. Images of reclusive characters sitting alone in a dimly lit room playing video games still have some relevance.

But, as Bob Dylan said, the times they are a-changin’. It might be a stretch to call gamers ‘style icons’, but the industry itself is certainly in vogue. Research from Ampere Analysis found that the gaming industry grew by 26% between 2019 and 2021. This surge of activity turned it into a $191 billion entity. Any industry of that size is bound to catch the attention of people inside and outside the mainstream. When people are paying attention, it instantly becomes trendy because people want to engage with it.

Anyone Can Download Great Games with Ease

The fact the barriers to entry have lowered significantly in recent years is also a testament to gaming’s rising popularity. Today, anyone can find a selection of games to download onto the PC or mobile with a few clicks. From fantasy RPGs to real-time 5v5 combat games featuring robotic fighters, there’s something for everyone and, more importantly, all of the top content is easily accessible. This increased accessibility is, of course, thanks to the internet. Downloading content has become second nature to billions of people and that’s helped gaming grow.

Another reason gaming is trendy these days is streaming. Platforms such as Twitch have not only made gaming streams entertaining for the masses, they’ve become potentially lucrative for the hosts. Gamers such as Richard Tyler Blevins, aka Ninja, have become superstars. As well as 18 million subscribers on Twitch and 24 million on YouTube, Blevins has sponsorship deals with multiple companies, including Adidas and Red Bull. If that’s not enough, he’s played games with A-listers like Drake, Travis Scott, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Gamers Entertain the Masses on Multiple Levels

If Blevins can manage all of that, any gamer can graduate from their bedroom and take a position in the spotlight. Moving beyond Blevins, legit mainstream star KSI was previously a gamer. In fact, Olajide Olayinka Williams “JJ” Olatunji, first built up his fanbase by commentating on FIFA video games. Now he’s one of the most popular celebrities in the world doing everything from business and boxing to rapping.

If video games were in vogue, KSI may not have gotten to where he is today. However, thanks to the internet, gaming has become both an active and passive form of entertainment. Anyone can download great games and play. They can also watch streamers in the same way they’d watch a TV show. These two things have made gaming extremely popular and, in turn, something all cool people want to be a part of. That, in a nutshell, is why gaming is fashionable.

It’s hard to turn any corner in London without stumbling upon an iconic backdrop to some of your favourite TV shows and films. Which is precisely what happened when I found myself bounding up the steps to Southwark Bridge to take this shot – see, for a second, I wanted to experience my own Luther-esque moment, contemplating life’s many problems and how I was going to navigate myself out of them.

But alas, my name is neither John Luther nor Alice Morgan, but this bridge still offers incredible significance to one of Britain’s best crime shows of the 21st Century. It’s also a sensational tourist spot where you’ll see almost everything London offers, from the Southbank, Tower Bridge and The Shard, to St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, The Tate Modern, and the London Eye – there are views for days.

Source: Gontzal OG - Pinterest
Source: Gontzal OG – Pinterest

Luther first graced our TV screens back in 2010 and honoured us with five seasons of intense, grotesque and sometimes downright terrifying crime fighting by none other than series namesake and antihero DCI John Luther – a wayward London detective who notoriously finds himself in one too many sticky situations. And not to forget, all whilst being spun around in a cat and mouse chase with long-term murderous frenemy Alice Morgan. Southwark Bridge, as seen here, was their preferred aloof rendezvous spot to discuss their hate-love relationship or plan out their next bad-guy busting move.

Given that the series ended almost four years ago, people are still hyped for the return of DCI John Luther to the big and small screen – but where on earth are you, John?

I’m glad you asked; speaking in a recent press junket, lead actor and Luther himself, Idris Elba, revealed that they have, in fact, wrapped up filming for the latest instalment of the heart palpitation-inducing series. But this time, we’re not getting a new series or a one-off episode; no, it’s going bigger and better!

Thanks to the mega powers that be at the BBC and Netflix, Luther is getting its very own feature-length affair in which we are guaranteed more twists and turns than you’d expect to get driving in London – let’s say, I imagine this is a film that is going to be bonkers from start to finish in all the ways we love an epic crime show to be.

When we last saw Luther and Alice, things weren’t looking up for the pair following a gun battle between the two, Luther was caught getting a little too personal for his good with a well-known crime boss, and almost everyone he had loved was now dead – so, not the best position to be in really!

What this does mean, however, is that Luther, the movie is set up to be a rollercoaster of emotions as it attempts to answer, “what next for DCI John Luther?” – All I can say is, it doesn’t look like he’s in for a good time, but I very much suspect we will be.

The feature-length Luther is now in the editing process and was rumoured to be released in September 2022 – however, this isn’t looking likely, and we may be heading into 2023/24 territory before we get our next fix.

I’ll keep you updated!

“The sun always shines in Newmarket,” tour guide Malcom tells me as we walk around the National Stud, just outside the town centre, its perfectly manicured fields bathed in a late-summer glow. This isn’t the only thing about sunny Newmarket that feels idyllic.

The whole place feels peaceful, a far cry from hectic city life, with acres of green space at every turn, from picnic fields to the manicured lawns of the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa to the Gallops. Newmarket is the only place in the UK where horses have the right of way, so travel can be slower, but you get the distinct feeling that nobody here is ever really in a rush.

A united love of horses – and horse racing – bonds the town. Not to mention the horse racing museum, as well as the training fields and National Stud making for popular tourist attractions, there are also statues of famous racehorses dotted around the town and Newmarket is home to not one, but two, racecourses – the July Course and the Rowley Mile Course – as well as being the national headquarters for the legendary Jockey Club.

Horses racing at Newmarket Rowley Mile racecourse
Horses racing at Newmarket Rowley Mile racecourse

It’s fair to say that my whistle-stop tour of this peaceful Suffolk town involved a fair bit of horse racing history and a trip to one of Newmarket’s famous racecourses, but there’s a lot more to love about this historic destination, including fine dining, an award-winning spa and the chance to spend some time in the great outdoors. Here’s how I spent 24 hours in Newmarket.

2pm

National Horseracing Museum
National Horseracing Museum

After an hour’s train ride from London to Cambridge, followed by a quick 19 minutes to Newmarket and I had arrived. First up was lunch at the Tack Room – a delicious open steak sandwich with a seasonal salad – and we were off to explore the National Horseracing Museum. The museum is packed with artefacts from around the world, as well as plenty of information about the origins of horseracing and how the sport has developed over the decades.

4pm

After checking into the luxurious Jockey Club Rooms, our tour guide, Frankie, shows me around the building, which is every bit as grand and elegant as you’d expect from such an institution. The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 by some of the most influential figures in British society who shared a passion for horse racing. It was originally intended as a place to meet and discuss their shared interest, as well as important affairs and host special guests in the grand dining room.

Today, the Jockey Club is the largest commercial horse racing organisation in the UK, owning 15 of Britain’s most famous racecourses, including the Rowley Mile and July Course in Newmarket, as well as Aintree, Cheltenham and Epsom Downs.

5pm

After a busy day exploring, it was time for a little R&R at the award-winning spa in the Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa. Sitting adjacent to the hotel, the hotel’s spa has a rooftop hot tub, hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and experiential showers. It’s light and airy, with far lovelier views over the town’s atmospheric architecture than photographs would have you believe.

7.30pm

Newmarket gin served at the Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa
Newmarket gin served at the Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa

Our dining experience begins with a refreshing Newmarket gin, of course. A small-batch gin brand presented in a delightful racing-themed bottle. Then on to the main event in the hotel’s cosy restaurant, serving a seasonal menu and some seriously delicious desserts.

9.30pm

A short drive back to the Jockey Club rooms and it was time to turn in for the night. The Jockey Club Rooms chambers are spacious and homely, with traditional, yet stylish, decor and a cosy feel. It’s easy to get an early night in the super-comfy beds at the Jockey Club Rooms, complete with luxurious bedding and cosy throws for snuggling down under now the cooler weather has set in.

Day 2

7.30am

I’m repeatedly told that Newmarket rises early. The first lot of horses are taken out of the stables for a ride across the training grounds at 6am, but we’re going to catch a slightly later session. I head out to the front of the building where a new tour guide, the lovely Malcolm, is waiting for me in a branded black cab – the perfect chariot for guiding us around the sights of Newmarket on a morning excursion.

First we watch the horses on their morning ride, which turns out to be such a peaceful start to the day. There’s also the option to enjoy some bubbles while you watch, if you’re celebrating the sights of Newmarket.

9am

The National Stud
The National Stud

We’re back in time to enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Jockey Club Rooms, which for me means a huge veggie breakfast, plenty of coffee to prepare me for the day ahead, fresh juice and fruit and yoghurt. After a quick outfit change, it was time to head off to the National Stud – quite literally, where the magic happens.

10am

A visit to the National Stud offers an insight into how the race horses of tomorrow are bred, as well as taking a look at some of the most famous racing horses of years gone by. Malcolm talked me through the turbulent history of Mill Reef, who was largely considered one of the finest racehorses to run in the second half of the 20th Century. Mill Reef won both his starts as a four-year-old before his racing career was ended by injury, but inspired such fandom that one woman apparently still visits his grave every year to leave flowers – and says she loves Mill Reef even more than her husband, Malcolm tells me.

There’s the chance here to see the horses up close and how well they’re looked after; animal welfare is clearly a top priority across the different attractions and facilities in Newmarket. Our final visit in Newmarket is to feed some foals a few apples before heading on the road again – a sweet and heartwarming finish to the visit.

12pm

Next, we’re off to our final stop of the day; the Rowley Mile racecourse. After a quick tour around the grounds including a peek inside the Royal Box, Malcolm offers up some advice on picking a winner, as well as how to place a bet and find the best deals on the day, for racing novices. I’m then left to my own devices to enjoy an afternoon of racing at one of the UK’s most historic racecourses – a fitting end to my whistle-stop tour of brilliant Newmarket.

Do you ever feel like you’re always living in the future or the past? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us are guilty of spending too much time living in our heads. We’re constantly worrying about the past or the future, and we rarely take the time to just enjoy the present moment. This can have a negative impact on both our physical and mental health. In this article, we will discuss how practicing being present in the moment can benefit both your physical and mental health!

1) Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Living in the present can help reduce stress and anxiety. When we’re constantly worrying about the past or future, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. For example, if you’re constantly worrying about an upcoming test, you’re not going to be able to focus on the present moment. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. However, if you take the time to live in the present moment, you’ll be able to reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

And there are many ways to practice being present in the moment. Meditation, for example, as stated by the spiritual professionals from the Science of Identity Foundation, is an excellent way to practice being present. “When you meditate, you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and you learn to let them go. This can help you feel less stressed and anxious.”

2) Improve Concentration and Focus

When you’re able to focus and concentrate on the task at hand, you’re able to get more done in a shorter amount of time. This is because you’re not wasting time being distracted by other things that are happening around you. Focusing and concentrating can also help improve your memory because you’re taking in more information and retaining it better. But, it is only possible to focus if you’re present in the moment. If your mind is constantly wandering, it’ll be very difficult to concentrate on anything.

Practicing being present can help improve your focus and concentration because it allows you to train your brain to pay attention to what’s happening in the present moment. Once you get better at being present, it’ll become easier to focus and concentrate on tasks. As a result, you’ll be more productive and efficient. So, if you want to improve your focus and concentration, start by practicing being present in the moment. It may take some time to get used to it, but it’ll be worth it in the end.

3) Feel More Relaxed and at Peace

When we’re constantly living in the future or past, we’re rarely at peace. We’re always worrying about something or other, which can cause a lot of tension and anxiety.  But, when we’re present in the moment, we don’t have to worry about anything because we’re not thinking about the future or past. We’re just focusing on what’s happening right now. As a result, we can feel more relaxed and at peace.

If you want to feel more relaxed and at peace, start by practicing being present in the moment. For example, when you’re taking a walk, pay attention to the sensations of your feet hitting the ground and the smell of the air. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the present moment. With time and practice, you’ll be able to train your mind to stay in the present moment more often. And as a result, you’ll feel more relaxed and at peace.

4) Increase Happiness Levels

When we’re focused on the present moment, we’re able to appreciate the good things that are happening in our lives. We’re not constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Instead, we’re able to enjoy the moment and be grateful for what we have. This can lead to an increase in happiness levels.

You might not be able to notice it at first, but if you practice being present in the moment, you’ll start to see a difference in your happiness levels. So, if you’re looking for a way to be happier, try practicing being present in the moment. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference in your overall happiness.

5) Improve Physical Health

Did you know that being present in the moment can also help improve your physical health? When we’re constantly living in our heads, it takes a toll on our bodies. We tend to hold our tension in our shoulders and neck, which can lead to headaches and migraines. In addition, it can also cause stomach problems like ulcers. But, when we’re present in the moment, we’re more aware of our bodies and we can relax. As a result, it can help reduce tension headaches and migraines, as well as improve digestion.

So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your physical health, start by practicing being present in the moment. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are all great ways to become more present. With time and practice, you’ll start to see a difference in your physical health.

6) Build Better Relationships With Others

Last but not least, being present can also help you build better relationships with others. When we’re constantly living in our heads, we’re not really present in the conversation. We might be thinking about what we’re going to say next or what we should have said. As a result, we’re not really listening to the other person. On the other hand, when we’re present in the moment, we’re able to listen and connect with the other person on a deeper level. We’re also more likely to remember what they say because we’re paying attention.

So, if you want to build better relationships with others, start by practicing being present in the moment. The next time you’re talking to someone, really listen to what they’re saying. Don’t think about what you’re going to say next. Just be in the moment and enjoy the conversation.

Being present in the moment has a lot of benefits, both for your mental and physical health. If you’re looking for a way to relax and be happier, try practicing being present in the moment. With time and practice, you’ll start to see a difference in your overall well-being.

If your birthday child is also a little explorer that loves family travel, hosting a travel themed party will get everyone excited. In most houses, birthday parties are a big deal. So, you’ll want to make sure that the day is extra special for your mini jetsetter. Planning a party can be somewhat stressful, but with the right plan and some input from your child, you’ll be able to create the party of their dreams.

Tips from the experts are always helpful. Travel lovers and party planners, Monique Banks and Ariel Banks Baker are the founders of BLUEPRINT party plans. Their DIY service offers parents a blueprint of how to plan the party, how the party should run, a list of supplies, and theme related activities. The team has created over 3,000 birthday parties and have taken everything they know to create a fun and easy to use platform. What parents love about BLUEPRINT is that they can set their own budget. It’s all about high energy games and feeling included over expensive décor and entertainment.

Parents might want to check their favorite shopping websites to buy supplies, but it can be a great idea to see what you have at home first. Part of what your child loves about this theme are the memories that were made on the trip. Be sure to use souvenirs to decorate the space before you buy décor. It will feel more authentic and certainly be more unique.

If you’re ready to get set and jet to planning the perfect party, here are a few quick ideas to get started:

Use Your Imagination to take a Trip to the Bahamas with a Beach Theme Party

There’s nothing like a day at the beach when celebrating a birthday or embracing the summer sun with beach balls and sandcastles. It’s all about setting up the space in a way that’s fun and includes fun beach activities like beach balloon relay race and story time with a beach-read. If the party is taking place during the summer months and it’s a smaller group, you may want to host the party at the beach. Just be sure there’s enough adult supervision. A good tip is to use pails to mark the area where kids should say.

Host a Happy Hawaiian Luau Party

Hula through the party with leis, pineapples, and it magically turns into an amazing luau themed celebration. Have fun with activities like a ukulele relay race and loads of dancing! Use postcards from your beach vacations as part of your room décor. Take out beach towels and place them on the floor. It’s clean and an easy way for kids to enjoy a snack. Plus, clean-up is a snap! Kids also love beach themed music so be sure to include their favorite songs from playlists created over the summer or on a recent vacation.

Pretend You’re Taking A Trip to Vail or Saint Moritz

Winter birthdays can be loads of fun too! Create a birthday party experience where kids get to enjoy the fun things a winter wonderland has to offer without having to freeze. Make hot cocoa, add a wintery backdrop, use shimmer balloons, hang string lights and pretend you’re outside. If it’s snowing where you live, take the fun outdoors for a bit. Encourage kids to make snow angels and have a snowball fight.

We all know Earth Day should be more than just a single day. That’s just a fact. To move the needle on any sort of systemic environmental change, a company should invest in these social responsibility measures from the start. It should not be a disingenuous afterthought.

Click on the links to read articles by Anna Willatt and Hannah Lynn Tan on sustainable fashion.

A popular term you many have heard floating around in the fashion world is deadstock, which is a way of upcycling. Deadstock refers to existing fabric/material that did not sell, was produced in surplus or from previous collections that can end up in the landfill if not reused. Gaining in popularity, a British company is simply named Deadstock Fabrics. Companies use deadstock and re-create these landfill-destined fabrics into brand new products. What’s old is new again for these brands helping to slow the roll of the fast fashion engine. Below I am listing a few of the more notable one’s for you to follow:

Boyish: 

Who knew that making clothes from deadstock saves about 10,000 pounds of CO2 emission each year? Jordan Nodarse, the Founder and Designer and his team at Boyish did. Designed in Los Angeles, Boyish uses ethical and sustainable practices when developing and manufacturing their jeans. They hunt for vintage rolls of eco-friendly fabrics to create their jeans and full collection of apparel. I myself adore the Joaquin, which can serve double duty and be worn as a dress or a jacket. To certify their sustainable efforts, Boyish has invested in metrics that reflect this effort. To achieve this, they focus on using a transparency supply chain platform, Retraced, utilizing the international Global Recycle Standard (GRS) that verifies the third-party certification of recycled content and finally measuring/scoring their sustainability performance through the Higg Index (developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition). The Boyish site also has a Consignment Shop that ensures that your pre-worn items will also have another life. In return, you earn money towards a new pair. Every purchase on Boyish is a win-win, as they plant a tree for every purchase on our website through 1% for the Planet and One Tree Planted.

Gaâla: 

Sustainable French fashion brand Gaâla was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Kelly de Gaâlon and Alexander Zhalezka. Being one of 8 siblings, Kelly is not a stranger to upcycling clothing. Hand-me-downs were simply a way of life. Cut to her time in Shanghai, where Kelly took her hobby and expanded it into a career. Developing Gaâla to fill a gap in the market; classic French styles made from high quality fabric sold at accessible prices. This is thanks to their team of talented tailors and cutters, who work in the small-scale workshop with ethical standards including compensation with an above living wage.

Maintaining a quality standard, Gaâla handpicks their deadstock material from around the world. From Italian fashion houses for the luxury leftover cotton, viscose and wool to Hangzhou, China, for the traditional silk. 

All Things Mochi: 

Years ago, I came across All Things Mochi and their collection that celebrated cultural, traditional methods of embroidery all around the world. I purchased a beautiful green off the shoulder top complete with embroidered mirrors on it, and it’s definitely one of the most unique items in my closet. It’s been almost a decade since All Things Mochi started showcasing different cultures through the handicraft of local artists for a contemporary market. Since then, founder and Designer of Mochi, Ayah Tabari and her team have re-framed their business’ fast fashion model to a slowed down, refined approach. All Things Mochi now has three collections: Mochi Reconstructed, Mochi Signatures and Mochi Finds.

Mochi Reconstructed, includes repurposed pieces and Mochi fabrics from previous collections combined into one-off creations. Mochi Signatures, includes unique favorites from Mochi’s most coveted collections (much like my mirrored top). Finally, Mochi Finds are a curation of vintage classics. Same Mochi flair with and fresh new focus.

BAGGU: 

Ever since my good friend gifted me a reusable nylon bag last year, which I carry in my work bag daily – I am hooked. Since then, I have purchased a few of their well-designed/fitting masks (the adjustable nose piece, straps and neck underlay makes it the most comfortable ones I own to date!). BAGGU was created to eliminate unnecessary waste, and has made a commitment to never incinerate or landfill their deadstock products.

I find myself frequently perusing their online store for products in their coveted strawberry print. I also love that BAGGU launched a series of deadstock bags using half and half prints. They also have reusable bags are assembled from one continuous piece of recycled nylon material, with the neck of the bag used to construct the carrying pouch. And when your bag is all worn out – you can recycle it with BAGGU for a discount off a new one.

To some people, staying in a hotel when traveling is often more exciting than the trip itself. Whether it is the fluffy hotel bed, the beautiful scent throughout the room, or simply the fact that someone else cleans the space, there is something about hotel rooms that inspire a sense of excitement.

It is often because of this reason that many homeowners decide to redecorate their home and give it that 5-star makeover. From adding layered lighting to introducing some elegant design touches, there are plenty of ways to make your living space feel as relaxing and refined as a luxury hotel.

To get you started, we share a few tips to help you create a stylish interior reminiscent of a warm and inviting hotel.

In the entryway

Your entryway is basically the first thing your visitors will see before entering your home. This room is like a hotel’s lobby, so it needs to make a first great impression.

Start by adding a centerpiece that will serve as the focal point in the space. This can be anything from a fancy wall mirror, fantastic artwork, or a textured rug to draw the eyes of guests to your home.

For example, if you are looking for elegant home decor for your entryway, a beautiful wall hanging can be a great option. Items like tapestries or macrame featuring calming colors are subtle wall hangings that can instantly add a visual impact without overwhelming the space.

If you want to explore your options, check out Wescover’s wall hangings to find the item that will best fit your space and bring all the elements of the room together. They come in many styles, all of which can seamlessly enforce your design scheme.

In the living room

When it comes to decorating the living room, you should mainly focus on implementing various accessories and bold pieces to make it look like a luxury hotel.

For example, investing in high-quality draperies is a great way to add a lavish touch to the space. You can find them in many colors and textures, all of which can make the room look elegant and well-put together.

Also, no luxury home interior can be decorated without proper lighting. As hotels are always full of beautiful overhead lighting fixtures, you should also consider installing large-scale lighting such as a dropped chandelier or stunning flush light fittings to add that wow factor you are looking for.

In the bedroom

In the bedroom, your bed is the king. If you want to achieve that luxury hotel room feeling in this part of your home, you should definitely invest in a high-quality bed. Start by looking for a supportive mattress that will provide you with great comfort and will help you wake up feeling refreshed every morning. You may even want to top the mattress with high-quality sheets for an even better night’s sleep. Decorate the bed with fluffy pillows and bedding to make it cozier and more hotel-like.

When it comes to furnishing the bedroom, you will need a bedside table on each side of the bed decorated with lamps.

Don’t forget to add a beautiful scent to the room to resemble the smell of hotels. Some popular scents you can go for include sandalwood, vanilla, lemon blossom, citrus, and white tea.

In the bathroom

When you walk into a hotel room’s bathroom, it often feels like you are walking into a spa. So, if you want to achieve that luxury hotel look, then you should also consider redecorating your bathroom.

You can do this by installing a walk-in shower with glass doors and walls around it. If the bathroom space allows it, you can even add a large tub to soak in every night before going to bed.

When it comes to your bathroom sink, you should go for a sleek design such as a vessel sink, complemented with a gooseneck faucet. Decorate the space above the sink with a large wall mirror and fancy lighting.

Accessorize the rest of the room with plush towels and a bathrobe made from high-quality cotton.

Final thoughts

If you are a true hotel fan, then you should know there are plenty of ways you can make your home look like a lavish hotel room. From adding a king-size bed with soft beddings to accessorizing the space with eye-catching artwork and bold furniture pieces, designing a home that resembles a hotel space has never been easier and more affordable.

If you need inspiration, be sure to refer to our post and learn how you can design each room of your home to look like a luxury hotel.

For those holding on to the last of summer head to London’s iconic rooftop bar, Madison this weekend and be transported to the magic of the White Isle.

The City’s most stylish roof terrace has been transformed into an Ibiza-themed paradise. Expect boho chic furnishing, palms, and Balearic beats courtesy of the talented 10-person troupe: The Ibiza Orchestra. Incorporating a mix of brass, strings, singers and a DJ, this is the perfect way to end your summer.

Dance the night away to classic non-stop anthems while taking in the best views of the city skyline, and as the London lights twinkle below, indulge in some of Madison’s superb sips. Alongside the ever-popular Aperol Spritz, this new Madison menu delivers a selection of fresh, beach inspired creations guaranteed to give you all the Ibiza vibes. Here’s an exclusive preview of the top tipples they’ll be serving:

Aperum

A zesty mix of Aperol, Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old, Supasawa, ginger beer and mint

Pinaperol Colada

Reinventing a classic with Aperol, Koko Kanu, Wray & Nephew, Coco Lopez and pineapple juice

Ginger Lady Spritz

Swap your herbal tea for Madison’s Aperol, Aloe Vera juice, Prosecco, ginger and lemongrass cordial, plus crystal ginger cocktail

Exotic Negroni

For those with more bitter taste buds, try this irresistible mix of Campari, Mezcal, Pussanga Liqueur and Vermouth

The Ibiza Orchestra will be hosting this one-off event at Madison on Friday 30th September, bookings can be made here

Leah Davis is the brain behind RyRy Compact, a brand created by parents for parents. We spent some time with her to find out more about the company ethos, life outside the business and her plans for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching RyRy Compact?

One word, clutter! When we had our first daughter, Ryleigh (aka RyRy) we couldn’t believe how much kit we had to buy. The house just began to fill up with all manner of baby equipment. Much of it seemed to be unnecessarily cumbersome and impossible to store. We were amazed that there seemed to be very few brands focusing on portability and compactness. By the time we had our third child, our biggest bug-bear were the toddler’s car seats which were often sitting in the hallway ready to be tripped over. They seemed to be getting bigger and bigger so its no coincidence that our first product is a compact, yet premium car seat – the RyRy Scallop. At last, a compact car seat that doesn’t compromise on safety!

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

With what we now know about the effect that we are having on the environment, we were determined to create a brand that was both excellent in every way but also one that could authentically stand up to our sustainability agenda. It’s incumbent on us all to do what we can and protect the planet for the next generation.As a new product there’s really no excuse not to be sustainable.

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

If we had realized the legislative hurdles associated with developing a car seat I’m not sure we would have started with this product, but you live and learn and we can now stand by a product and a process that has both aged us and enhanced us!

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

We’re a start up, so we can’t afford an elaborate infrastructure.It’s mainly myself with a little help from the better half but we are supported by third party partners who manage our production, PR & marketing and fulfilment. Plus any support we can pull in from a great network of friends and colleagues that we have worked with over the years.

How do you juggle being a mum and running the company?

With difficulty! Being a Mum of 3 under the age of 6 if a full-time role in itself. Fortunately, I have a husband who is a very hands on Dad and we have a full-time Nanny who we couldn’t operate without.

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

Absolutely – there is a full pipeline of products we have outlined to become part of the RyRy Compact range.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

The natural alarm clock of one of our children usually wakes us up earlier than I would like. Then the usual morning madness begins – breakfast, school prep and out the door on our bikes for the short trip to school. Exercise has always been a big part of my life so I will come home and try to squeeze in a workout at home or head to a reformer pilates class before settling down at the laptop for the working day. My day varies from orgnaising photoshoots, liasing with our PR agency and influencers, monitoring our social channel (which I love, there’s nothing better than getting lovely feedback from our online RyRy family) to liasing with the media about campaigns and PR coverage. Thankfully my husband fancies himself as a bit of a Gordon Ramsey so dinner is usually up to him! Then try to get to bed early, but the evenings are spent working over the last few weeks – there’s not enough hours in the day for a start up business!

What do you do when you are lacking motivation?

Exercise – then start again. I’ve also really got into podcasts recently and love some of the business related ones which ussully give me the necessary motivation to get going again!

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

A huge amount, to date at least. As a mum of three kids and a marketeer for 20 years, I’m very aware of the pitfalls of social media, but I’m also a big supporter of it when utilised and engaged with in the right way. Instagram has been a brilliant platform for us to launch to a community that we have found to be incredibly supportive and welcoming. I also love how creative the platform is, whilst also serving as a shopable marketplace.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

Great things never came from comfort zones.

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

We love to travel too so the list is long! Next summer, we would like to try Tuscany which would be a first for us. A close second on our list would be a trip to Lapland just before Christmas with the kids, which has been on my list for a while now.

What does self care mean to you?

It means carving out some time in the day for me to exercise or see friends and to try to be really present with the kids. I’m very aware that a better version of me means a better version of me for everyone else too.

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

I would hope we will have launched a range of products and we are the ‘go to’ for anybody who wants quality, sustainable and compact products. We would hopefully be well established in the UK & Ireland with expansion into global markets well underway.

Where can people find out more?

Come join us on Instagram @ryrycompact or visit our website www.ryrycompact.com.