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It cannot be denied that we are a nation of animal lovers. From dogs to cats many of us take great joy in caring for a pet and cannot imagine life without our furry friends. If you have a cat as a pet, you will know that they can change your life in many ways. If you are new to having one keep reading to learn how your life will change and all the positive elements that it could bring to you.

You will have more responsibility

As with any pet, owning a cat will mean that you are taking on extra responsibility in your day to day life. In general cats are one of the lower maintenance pets that you can care for as they are very independent creatures. If they are well fed and given freedom to roam, they should not cause you too much trouble. It is important however to take care of responsibilities such as pet insurance and microchipping to ensure they are protected from injuries, illnesses or being lost. If you are doing something like going on holiday you will need to be mindful to arrange for someone to come in everyday to feed and check up on your cat so you might want to consider carefully whether having this type of pet is suited to your lifestyle and commitments.

You will become more adaptable

Having a cat often has the added bonus of making you more adaptable. It is often said that once you have a pet cat, especially one that might have had a run-in with ctenocephalides felis, you’ll be on your toes ensuring they stay flea-free. Who knows this might even encourage you to be more productive with your day as you are forced to stick to more of a routine and get things done on time. You will also adapt to things that you may have previously turned your nose up at, for instance cats can often be sick or have hairballs so learning to be less squeamish about these things is a good life lesson. Having a cat could also be a little bit of training for having children.

You might be healthier

One advantage to having a cat that many people may not realise is that you could be healthier as a result. Having a pet and in particular a cat has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and relieve depression. It is thought that because you are focusing on something else rather than being left within your own thoughts and feelings, your mental and physical well-being will see some positive changes. Having a cat in a family environment is also a good way to calm children who may be stressed or have anxiety by providing them with comfort and something to care for.

You will have unconditional love

We can’t talk about how your life will change when you have a cat without mentioning the unconditional love you will receive. Caring for a cat may take up more of your time and energy than you are used to but this is completely worth it. Once you get to know your cat and build up a relationship with them, you will find this bond unbreakable. No matter if you have had a bad day at work or school, your furry friend will be there waiting at the door for you. Whether it’s late night cuddles or playing with your cat after giving them new toys, one thing is for certain, you can always find comfort in them and they will bring a smile to your face!

If you still haven’t managed to book a summer break, then take inspiration from our round-up of some of the best luxury stays. Whether you are looking to recharge your batteries, explore, bar-hop or dine out, we have some of the best places to enjoy a long weekend in style.

JW Marriot Venice Resort & Spa

Avoid the crowds at this luxury hideaway in Venice

Situated on the secluded private Venetian island of Isola delle Rose, travellers can choose to unwind at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a luxury five-star hotel that offers the perfect hideaway from the excitement of the city and busy crowds. New arrivals are transported by the hotel’s glamorous private water shuttle to the 40-acre resort, surrounded by charming views of the beautiful gardens and olive groves. Guests can choose to book from a choice of luxurious rooms, suites, and JW Retreats with private gardens, and enjoy award-winning cuisine, cooking classes and a choice of three pools. While those seeking a little downtime can head to the JW Venice Spa, a unique sanctuary that overlooks the Venice skyline.

Rates start from €450 per double room per night.

The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort

Exclusive beach club access and benefits

The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has refurbished its Purobeach rooms with a design inspired by the beaches and sea of the Algarve. Guests staying in these rooms are offered free access to the beach club, Purobeach Vilamoura, along with a range of exclusive benefits including free sun loungers, towels and parasols, iced water, a welcome drink and after sun lotion plus a 10% discount on treatments at the Tivoli Spa Vilamoura. Purobeach features a programme of themed events and visiting DJs over the summer.

The club has two distinct zones – beachfront on the 5km long Praia de Vilamoura and poolside around the black tiled pool in the gardens of the resort, which is an adults only space. Guests can sunbathe either beachside or poolside on Balinese and Nomad style sun beds, enjoy cocktails brought to their loungers and dine on local seafood specialities to the relaxed sounds of the club’s DJs. At Purobeach poolside, guests can also join in morning yoga sessions and relax with a massage.

The 42 newly refurbished Purobeach rooms and suites are on the seventh floor of the hotel – each with a balcony or terrace. They have been decorated with soft tones and natural materials, inspired by the sand and the light on hot days, while the striped fabrics are a nod to the sails of the boats in the marina. Situated in the prime location of Vilamoura Marina the hotel is close to the shops and bars.

A stay at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort in a Purobeach room in August, costs €600 per night (double occupancy) with breakfast and other Purobeach room benefits included.

Explore Madrid’s Golden Mile

The cosmopolitan, five-star BLESS hotel re-opened late last year in the heart of the glamorous Salamanca district, known as Madrid’s Golden Mile, following a major refurbishment with sensory interiors by Lazaro Rosa Violán. Each of the 111 rooms has unique details, with some retaining original Murano crystal features from the former hotel that occupied the historic building in the 1950s. Others have private terraces with hydromassage jacuzzis and anti-ageing sleep system technology.

Signature cocktails have been newly crafted by Libe’s expert mixologists and stylish events on the Picos Pardos Sky Lounge transform the hotel into a buzzy social hub for BLESS guests and Madrileños alike.

The hotel offers a range of experiences exclusively for guests, establishing it as a reference point in Madrid’s fashion, art and gastronomy scenes. Guests can make the most of their city break by immersing themselves in the capital’s cultural hotspots with a private five-hour tour of the Museo del Prado; Palacio Real and Madrid Antiguo, before enjoying a traditional lunch from the Executive Chef. Alternatively, the ‘BLESS Art Madrid’ tour of nearby private art collections allows guests to create their own piece of art with a local artist. Meanwhile an expert personal shopper and butler are on hand during the ‘BLESS Your Golden Mile’ experience, taking advantage of the Salamanca district’s many boutiques, followed by a relaxing in-room Bathology ritual.

Double rooms at the BLESS hotel are priced from £462 a night, room only.

Get a little dose of zen in Sicily

Having launched last summer, the10-hectare Grand Palladium Sicilia resort is the only five-star all-inclusive resort on the stunning island of Sicily. Perfect for a relaxing long weekend, the Zentropia Palladium Spa offers a complete wellness experience. Equipped with all the latest technology, it features a fabulous hydrotherapy zone, dry and humid sauna, chill-out zone, hot and cold hydromassage baths, and a sensation shower. Guests can treat themselves to a range of exclusive aesthetic treatments for the face and body and relaxing massages.

The magnificent white sand beach is just a stone’s throw away, while guests can also cool down in four spectacular pools within the resort. There is plenty to do to fill a weekend, as the resort is ideally situated for discovering both the city of Palermo and other coastal settlements such as Bagheria, Termini Imerese, and Monreale. Those who unwind best in nature will enjoy visiting the nearby Serra Guarneri nature reserve, whilst culture enthusiasts can head to the world-famous Mandralisca museum or cathedral in Cefalù.

Deluxe rooms are priced from £253.08 on an all-inclusive basis.

Mistral Beach Club, Split

Sundowners in Split

As part of the five-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spas, the Mistral Beach Club has become one of Split’s most sought after destinations, open to resort guests as well as outside visitors. This luxury beach club combines sunset and sundowners to make an unforgettable evening. International DJs and lounge music provide the perfect sound any time of the day.

Staying in the Radisson Blu Resort & Spas, however, comes with its own perks. Not only do guests get to enjoy luxurious facilities and an outstanding service within the resort grounds, they can make use of all the facilities Spalato Spa has to offer, dine in high-class restaurants, and explore the historical old town of Split, located only a stone’s throw away. A stroll through the romantic old town eases you into the Dalmatian way of life. Charming cafés offer foamy Cappuccinos in an oasis of calm within the lively city centre.

Rooms at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spas are from €309.13 per night

Lakeside Luxury for Less

Tucked inside the lower reaches of the Alps, the Northern Italian region of Trentino is famous for its Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site), stunning landscapes, olive groves, rich history and picture-perfect historic towns and villages.

On the northern shore of Lake Garda in Trentino lies the beautiful town of Riva del Garda boasting a Mediterranean climate and filled to the brim with olive and lemon trees, palms, views of turquoise waters, and mountains for a majestic backdrop. This chic & stylish town with cobbled streets and historic buildings has great culinary offerings such as Al Volt, with seasonal tasting menus using local produce from across the region and is a short distance from the Dolomites mountain range, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town is home to many activities such as sailing and windsurfing, paragliding, wine-tasting, hiking up soaring mountains, mountain biking, rock climbing & canyoning. A must-see natural attraction is picturesque 100-metre Varone waterfall.

Enjoy a 6-night stay at Hotel Portici Romantik & Wellness in Riva del Garda from £990 for two adults. The hotel is located in the picture-perfect historical centre of Riva del Garda and just moments from the crystalline waters of Lake Garda with soaring views of the mountains. Based on two adults sharing a double room, on bed and breakfast basis 21 – 27 August 2022.

Nourish your body and mind in Tuscany

Tucked away in between the pristine Serchio Valley and the Apennine Mountains, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is the perfect retreat to unwind away from the stress of everyday life. This small piece of paradise is located near the town of Barga in one of the most breathtaking locations in Italy and offers a variety of activities to care for the body and mind.

Guests can refresh in the sparkling waters of the hotel’s two pools or breathe in relaxation as they enjoy the spa’s extensive services, treatments, and amenities. The spa menu includes a special wine treatment using Tuscan grapes, a couples wine ritual that ignites the senses and treatments especially for men.

For those that would like to be a bit more active in their time away, there are a plethora of hiking paths, allowing visitors to be one with nature during a peaceful wander. The Garfagnana is known to be excellent for mountain biking and the many bike paths are perfect for exploration of the area on two wheels. There are also tours offered to discover all that is to see in the towns of Barga, Pian di Fiume, Guzzano, Isola Giovanna, Pieve di Controne and more and visitors can bring a packed picnic basket from the hotel’s kitchen to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.

To nourish the body, the hotel offers a special ‘From The Land To The Plate’ day-experience where you visit the local market with a trained chef to pick out the freshest ingredients and afterwards prepare a three-course meal to enjoy alongside some local wine.

Double room per night in Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is priced at £196

Bodily injuries can happen at any time. It can be from doing simple everyday tasks such as housework or driving. It can also be from more high-risk activities such as contact sports. There are many bodily injuries, most of which can be minor. However, some can be more problematic.

Whiplash is a physical trauma that many people experience at some point in their lives. The symptoms of whiplash can be very debilitating, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when a person’s head is forcefully pushed forwards or backward. This can occur from a car accident, a fall, or another impact. The force of the impact can damage the ligaments, discs, and other tissues in the neck.

When recovering from whiplash, incorporating cold therapy can be beneficial for managing pain and inflammation. If you’ve undergone surgery and are wondering how long you should use cold therapy post-operation, check out this insightful article on ColdTherapy.us: ‘how long should you use cold therapy after surgery.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

The symptoms of whiplash can vary from person to person. They may include headaches, neck pain, dizziness, fatigue, and depression. The symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury, and it can take days or even weeks for them to develop. In some cases, the symptoms may never go away completely. For example, about 10% of people who experience whiplash can develop chronic neck pain in the future.

Main Reasons For Whiplash

Whiplash can happen after some strenuous activities or sometimes after an accident. Here are the main reasons for whiplash.

Sports Injury

Millions of Americans play sports. Some of these sports are considered to be contact sports. These sports are more likely to cause injuries than non-contact sports. Football, hockey, and boxing are examples of contact sports.

Whiplash can happen when the head is hit during a game. The impact can damage the ligaments and other tissues in the neck.

Car Accident

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of whiplash. When two cars collide, the impact can cause the occupants to be jerked forward or backward. In addition, it can damage the neck muscles and ligaments. Car accidents tend to be a common cause of whiplash injuries and are often the most prevalent cases in which whiplash claims are raised.

Falls

Falls are another common cause of whiplash. This is especially true for falls from a height. When the head hits the ground, it can damage the neck muscles and ligaments.

How is Whiplash Diagnosed?

If you think you may have whiplash, you must see a doctor immediately. They will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. They will also do a physical examination, and medical professionals sometimes may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.

Complications With Whiplash

Whiplash is not dangerous, but if the damage is severe or the person has an existing medical condition, it can be a severe problem.

Spine Problems

The spine is the column of bones that protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is filled with nerves that run from the brain to the rest of the body. If the ligaments or discs in the neck are damaged from whiplash, it can cause problems with the spine. It can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.

Nerve Damage

The nerves in the neck can also be damaged by whiplash. As a result, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis.

Osteoarthritis

People with osteoarthritis can develop complications if they experience whiplash. This is because the condition can cause the joints in the neck to become inflamed. As a result, it can lead to pain and stiffness in the neck.

What are the Treatment Options for Whiplash?

The treatment options for whiplash depend on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the symptoms will improve by themselves. However, it’s good to get some treatment for it in some cases. One way to do this is to visit a chiropractor.

Chiropractic Services

Chiropractic services can help to improve the symptoms of whiplash, especially if it’s from a car accident. An auto accident chiropractor will use manipulative techniques to realign the spine. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation. It can also help to improve the range of motion in the neck. It’s the best way to deal with whiplash caused by car accidents.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is another treatment option for whiplash. A physical therapist will teach you exercises that can help strengthen your neck muscles. They will also teach you how to move your neck to reduce pain and inflammation properly.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can also be helpful for people with whiplash. Massage can help to relax the muscles in your neck and reduce pain. It can also help to improve the range of motion. It also increases blood circulation, which can enhance recovery.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting needles into the skin. It’s been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. It can also be helpful for people with whiplash. The needles help to stimulate the nerves and improve blood circulation. This can reduce pain and inflammation.

Whiplash is a fairly common injury that can occur in several different ways. If you think you may have whiplash, you must see a doctor immediately. They will be able to diagnose the injury and recommend treatment options for better recovery.

Do you ever feel self-conscious about your physique as a woman? Perhaps, you think you do not measure up to the celebrities and models on magazine covers. Boudoir photography might just be what you need to see yourself differently.

But what’s boudoir photography all about?

Boudoir photography is an intimate form of photography in which a woman poses seductively in revealing clothing. It is luxury far beyond just a lingerie photo shoot; it is a reminder that you are gracious, beautiful, and strong. Taking a half-naked photo can be self-empowering, a path towards sexual discovery, a gift to your spouse, and a way to boost your self-image. In short, boudoir photography can significantly improve your confidence and self-esteem. Talk about feeling good in your own skin.

If you’re still contemplating whether to go for it, here are five reasons why you should:

1. Boudoir photography can be a confidence boost

Just like you see celebrity photos and go, “wow,” how would it feel to be amazed at your own images? Nothing could be more reassuring that, indeed, you have what it takes.

Seeing a charming photo of you reminds you of how amazing you are and can instantly shoot your confidence level to the roof.

2. A practice of self-love

Self-love is about indulging in what makes you happy — what’s good for your mental and physical health. And notably, a boudoir photo shoot is a celebration of you. Talk about creating a masterpiece or statue of a world-renowned personality. You are a personality worth celebrating, and you should never pass up the chance to celebrate yourself.

The stretch marks, freckles, tan lines, and weight are part of your unique story, and you shouldn’t be afraid to tell it all in one shot.

3. A sensual gift to your spouse

A boudoir photograph can be an amazing gift to your spouse on your anniversary, Valentine’s Day, birthday, weight loss journey, or any other milestone achievement.

The best part is knowing your spouse will look at this photo 10-20 years from now, smile, and appreciate the woman you’ve always been. And having a professional boudoir photographer who knows their onions can factor into the magnificence of the shot.

Make this photo a wonderful sensual surprise to wow your spouse and treat yourself.

4. Rediscovering your feminine energy

In the face of stress, corporate life, and parental roles, it’s easy to lose touch with your femininity — the vulnerability that makes you a woman.

When last did you feel sensual and intimate about yourself? A boudoir photo shoot can be just what you need to rediscover that feminine flame. It can help you embrace your creative energy as you move away from your everyday activity. In addition, the act itself (posing half naked to the camera) can feel naughty and rebellious, which sometimes induces a euphoric feeling.

5. A masterpiece to keep

Again, a boudoir photo shoot is a celebration of you. Take the photo as a masterpiece to hang up in your bedroom or safely keep in your beautiful photo album. Then, years from now, you’ll look back and be flooded by beautiful memories.

A boudoir photo shoot is something every woman should try at some point in her life. It exudes femininity, reinforces a positive self-image, and helps you feel better about yourself. So why not contact a boudoir photographer today or check them out at Alli Murphy?

As the season of gift-giving approaches, you may be wondering what to get your sister. This can be difficult, as your sister is probably someone you know quite well – and thus, know what she would likely not enjoy receiving as a gift. Fear not, though; this guide provides some ideas for gifts that your sister will love in 2022. Whether your sister is into fitness, fashion, or fun and games, we have something for her.

So, put down the holiday catalogs and read on for some inspiration!

How to Choose a Gift for Someone?

There are many factors to consider when buying a gift for that person. However, there are a few that are more important than others. If you are purchasing a gift for anyone, including your sister, here are a few things to think about:

  • Their interests: This is the best place to start since many interests or hobbies usually require a few things. For example, if your sister enjoys painting, she will definitely need paper, paint, paintbrushes, and more.
  • What they have already: If you can visit your sister before the gift exchange, look at what she already has. It would be pointless to buy something she doesn’t need.
  • What they have asked for: Another great place to start would be considering what they have already asked for. Did you know that recipients find a gift they asked for more thoughtful than a surprise one?
  • What solves a problem: Lastly, you should consider which gift will solve a problem for her. Perhaps she complained that paintbrushes are too expensive, or she took an interest in cooking but can’t afford a knife set.

Blow-Dryer Brush

A great gift you could get your sister, whether it be for her birthday or Christmas, would be a blow-dryer brush. This ingenious device serves as a blow-dryer and a hairbrush. Not only does this save time from needing to switch between a brush and a blow-dryer, but it also gives you some good volume.

Custom Face Socks

If you consider your sister to have a sense of humor, a great gift idea would be to get her a pair of custom face socks. Perhaps she has a favorite character in a movie or series, or she’s your parents’ favorite; any face can be printed on these. Now, whenever she is getting ready, she will always start the day with a laugh.

Custom Coordinates Necklace

One of the more sweet and sentimental ideas on this list that is sure to make her smile would be a custom coordinates necklace. Basically, the idea is to have the coordinates of your childhood home address engraved on the necklace. This is a perfect gift for a sister that stays relatively far away.

Reusable Smart Notebook

If your sister is still a student or is working in a job requiring her to take notes quite often, a thoughtful gift would be a reusable smart notebook. This nifty notebook will allow her to take notes the old fashion way. However, each page has a QR code that can be scanned, which saves the page as an image on her phone.

Earphones/Headphones

If there is one thing that anyone in 2022 can’t go without, it would be headphones or earphones. This is a perfect gift if you know your sister enjoys listening to music. The great news is that there are many devices with varying prices, so you can find the perfect one for your budget.

A Gym Membership

Another thoughtful gift, especially if your sister is active and likes to keep herself in shape, would be a gym membership, or at least paying for her existing one. This is a great gift because it’s one less thing that she will need to budget for.

A Netflix Subscription

Finally, the last gift your sister will love would be a Netflix subscription. Everybody watches series in 2022, and getting your sister a Netflix subscription will give her access to hundreds of hours of entertainment. Better yet, since it’s month to month, she can cancel any time when it’s her turn to start paying.

Paris is yours this summer, and quite literally – with many Parisiens flocking from the centre to other parts of France during the warmer months. We jetted to the City of Light for the perfect weekend and swapped dreary London for shimmery Seine boat rides, brasseries and long lunches in the sun.

We touched down with British Airways Holidays right in beating heart of Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th Arrondissement. We were transported from the UK and arrived right in the centre of Paris in a few easy hours. With everything from anique stores, museums, boutique shopping, cosy bars and buzzy restaurants on our doorsteps and having been to Paris countless times previously, we decided to keep it local and uncover everything that was on our doorstep.

First things first was to check into our centrally located hotel, K+K Hotel Cayré, just a stone’s throw from the Latin Quarter and then head for coffee. The chic and comfortable hotel was typically Parisien and the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Louvre Museum were all within walking distance. For an afternoon pick-me-up we chose the historic Les Deux Magots, just a short stroll away. The cafe was first established in 1812 at Rue de Buci and moved to the current address in the 1870s, in the period when the elegant and wide Paris boulevards were being built. Famous amongst the literary set back in the day, we feasted on buttery croissants and steaming black coffee whilst watching the world go by all around us.

Saint-Germain’s major Metro route, Line 4, stops at Saint Michel, Odeon, St-Germain-des-Prés, and Saint-Placide. Line 4 is the link between the north and south of Paris stopping at three of the major Paris train stations — Gare de Nord, Gare de l’Est, and Gare Montparnasse, making it easy to travel just under an hour to the nearby wine regions, the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the summer. We headed to Reims in the Champagne region (45 minutes from Paris) from Gare de l’Est and then onto three Champagne houses for a taste of the good stuff and an introduction to winemaking by lesser-known vineyards and wineries. After a few tipples of the freshest bubbles we have ever tasted it was straight back to the city to put our new-found knowledge to the test at the bars and restaurants by our hotel.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN SAINT-GERMAIN

  • LATE NIGHT DRINKS & PEOPLE WATCHING: Atlas, Saint Germain
  • FLORAL BRUNCHES: Maison Sauvage, Saint Germain
  • WHITE TABLE CLOTH FAMPOUS BRASSERIE: Les Deux Magots, Saint Germain

HOW TO GET THERE

British Airways Holidays offers two nights, at the 4* K+K Hotel Cayré, from £319pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 August – 31 August 2022 inclusive. Includes economy return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 25kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 30 July 2022 at www.britishairways.com/france. Further information on British Airways Holidays can be found here.

WHY CHOOSE BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS

  • Package deal: customers can save time and money when they book their flight + hotel or flight + car together
  • Product range: British Airways Holidays offers customers an extensive flight network and over 10,000 carefully selected hotels and villas. It also supplies straight-forward car hire and a range of experiences, transfers and insurance
  • Flexibility: travellers can create a personalised multi-centre holiday with ease. They can book and combine flights in and out of different airports, choose multiple hotels and select car hire for any part of their holiday
  • Low deposit: travellers can secure their holiday with a low deposit (starting from £60pp) and can pay the balance in as many instalments as they want
  • Booking security: for extra peace of mind British Airways Holidays offer a 24-hour helpline and ATOL protection
  • Earn: travellers can collect Avios on flight, hotel and car bookings

When you live in a city, it can be not easy to get into nature on a regular basis. The noise and crowds can get overwhelming, and it can be challenging to get a sense of peace and calmness that you would typically find in nature. However, there are simple ways how you can change your home into a sanctuary and relax from your busy life. It can be as easy as hanging up a photographic art print or buying a new plant. To help you out, we put together tips on how to bring nature into your home. Changing your home into a peaceful sanctuary has never been easier, and you can start your journey today.

Scatter Houseplants Throughout Your Home

Indoor plants are most likely the first thing you think of when bringing more nature into your home. However, besides being a lovely home design accessory, filling your home with houseplants can bring many benefits. For example, it can help you to improve your mental and physical health. There are a variety of indoor plants online, such as the ones from The Stem, and you can easily pick one that fits your needs. Whether you want a plant that will need plenty of light, is easy to take care of or will not harm your pet, the options are endless.

Decorate Your Walls With Peaceful Photographic Art Prints

If you do not wish to invest in new plants or do not have time to take care of them, you can always print out photos of your favourite natural sceneries. This way, you can enjoy your favourite view on a daily basis, and at least for a minute, you will be able to forget that you are in a city. Printed photos can also act as an effective colourful accent to break up the usual tones of your home. There are many ways how you can acquire a print for your home. You can purchase a print from your favourite artist and, at the same time, support them on their journey. Many photographers have a website where you can buy their work and pick from different formats. Or, if you are an avid nature photographer yourself, print out your own piece and show your family how talented you are. This way, you will become a part of your home, too.

Lean Towards More Natural Fabrics

Including nature in your home does not always need to be visible at first sight. You can also always make more sustainable and natural choices when it comes to the materials in your home. For example, you can make more conscious decisions regarding the fabrics you need for your interior. Fabrics such as linen or cotton are timeless and very popular in the interior design industry. On the other hand, you can also bring out nature in your home by picking colours in natural tones.

Soften The Look Of Your Interior With Rounded Edges And Curvy Shapes

Sharp corners and edges are usually connected to modern and urban design. However, nature is full of soft curvy shapes and rounded edges. Wavy shapes will also create the illusion of movement, and by extension, the room will feel bigger. Some pieces that you could consider for a natural design are circle rugs, curvy vases made of ceramics or stone and chairs or tables with round edges. Looking out for similar pieces of furniture will allow you to think outside of the box, and you can focus on finding what will make you truly comfortable. Additionally, utilise resources to help you incorporate natural interiors into your home.

Pick Your Furniture With Focus On Natural Wood

Wood is an obvious choice when it comes to natural materials. With the unique structure of the material, no piece of furniture is entirely the same. Natural wood comes with its imperfections and in many different shades. This way, you can pick a type of wood that will fit your taste and overall design. If you are skilled in DIY and woodwork, you can always try to create your own simple piece of furniture to give your home more character. However, if you do not feel like making furniture from scratch, you can also try to revamp some of your older pieces or an item you find in a second-hand market.

Bring Tranquillity To Your Home With Natural Patterns

Bringing nature into the interior does not mean that it will be boring. To liven your home up, you can pick materials with exciting natural patterns. Whether it is a floral wallpaper or bed linen with a leafy print, you have unlimited options. Even though you make choices with nature in mind, you can also get adventurous with colour. After all, flowers, trees, water – nature all around us comes in different shapes, forms and tones. If you cannot have a plant in your home, you can always bring them into the interior with a fun pattern.

Sisters, twins, and fashion revolutionaries, Eda Franci and Seda Aksoy are bringing Turkey’s largest fashion rental platform, DCEY, to the UK. Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies gets the scoop.

DCEY brings together 80 of the world’s most fashionable labels, making them available for rent for savvy fashion lovers. The company was founded in Turkey in 2010, at the beginning of the rental economy breakthrough, and has been making waves since.

Now, it has set its sights on the UK – and we think that soon, DCEY’s sustainable, circular and downright stylish platform will take over the fashion world too.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background – how did DCEY come to be?

Even though we chose different career paths after graduating from Saint Pulcherie High School, our passion and interest in fashion was the biggest thing we had in common as sisters. I used to work in the Marketing and Purchasing departments of several brands such as Ralph Lauren and Harvey Nichols at Unitim Holding, and Seda has extensive experience in finance. Both experiences prepared us to start our own business.

Our interest in fashion comes from our family, especially from our mother. She loved fashion since she was a young girl and wore every piece with style and taste.

Nowadays, most people don’t want to spend a lot of money for a dress to wear for one event, because they don’t think they’ll wear ever it again, which is quite understandable.

As sisters, it was very common for us to borrow items such as bags and dresses from each other. This gives us more options and is more economical and ethical. One day, we thought why not turn this into a business?

The first seeds of DCEY were planted here. We established DCEY in 2010 as the first fashion rental company in Turkey.

Do you think renting is the future of fashion? What role do companies like DCEY play in the rental revolution?

We can all buy a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, or a bag that we see through the windows of a store. Nowadays, people are more conscious about the value and quality of what they buy.

When buying occasion wear for example, the option to rent something saves time and money and is better for the planet. All while giving people access to more than one product.

In our opinion, rental prevents needless fast fashion consumerism. The role of DCEY and other brands that are open to renting in the fashion industry is that we can be the biggest players in a fashion revolution.

How does the rental process work? From choosing the right pieces, to sizing, to returns?

Contrary to the popular belief, the rental process is faster and more practical than buying something. You can filter your options by brand, size and style, creating a personalised selection for yourself. If you are unsure about sizing, you can opt to receive additional size options with your order. Even if you have length or size issues, we offer bespoke alterations.

Once you have selected something, you select the rental period and occasion for your order. The process is completed with the shipping of the product, after all the necessary cleaning controls are done. You will then receive your order 1-2 days before the date of your rental.

After the dresses have been worn, we ask our customers to ship the products back in the same packaging, within a certain time frame. Since the rental period includes the shipping period, the product must be delivered to the courier the day after the event date.

The cleaning process is then carried out by expert teams using organic dry-cleaning methods. This way, we can once again list the item on our system to be sent to other customers in pristine conditions. It’s that easy!

What is the best and worst thing about working with as sisters?

As sisters, twins, we have always been quite different from each other. Even if we look the same and we went to the same school and grew up in the same house. As DCEY’s founders, that distinction has perhaps laid the foundation for the company’s success.

Let’s consider the advantages of using the right and left sides of a brain, which in my opinion applies to us as Co-Founders of DCEY.

Seda is the creative one. She has artistic and sharp point of view. She travels frequently as our creative director and participates in fairs and expos abroad. She makes sure that we are up to date with new trends and seasons.

My job is strictly with numbers and strategy. One of the hardest parts of working as twins is trying to keep a balance of our personal lives and work, but we’re apparently doing just fine. I am more prudent in terms of business partnerships and Seda doesn’t hesitate to take risks. We cannot deny that it makes it tough sometimes when making decisions.

At the same time, our differences create a perfect balance for us as business partners – and I think this is what brings us success.

How important is sustainability to your ethos at DCEY? How are you incorporating sustainable and conscious practices in your own business operations?

Sustainability is a way of life. As the founders of DCEY, we are also prioritising sustainable actions in our personal lives.

Sustainability is a movement that aims to change the fashion industry through circular practices, conservation and promoting social justice and conscious consumerism. This includes changing not only the products but also the social and cultural goals with which fashion is linked.

DCEY continues to progress with the aim of promoting the rental economy, where people can extend the life cycle of a product and see themselves as stakeholders in circular process.

We try to be sustainable across all our operations. We use organic cleaning methods and minimise the waste of our logistics.

In our rental and return policy, we have added a guide section where we educate our customers that by keeping the products they use in good conditions, they can extend its lifecycle and prevent landfill.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Making people understand our concept is the hardest part. Trying to explain something that has never been done before is usually very tricky. My advice is to give the idea time to grow. Believing and achieving are the two most important parts of running a business.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own business?

If you have a start-up or a business idea, and you are planning to introduce an unusual and new business model, you must own your idea and use all the positive and negative feedback as a steppingstone to take your business idea to the next level.

Launching a new business is the first step, but you need to give that business time to grow. You need to have a good understanding the customer and the market well by using the right marketing strategies, making the right moves and following the right trends. Working in a disciplined way and believing that it will bring you success is crucial. The rest will follow.

What is next for you and DCEY?

Like every company, we have growth and sales targets. However, the most important thing for us is to increase our brand equity by strengthening the bond with our customers, without losing our values ​​in the process.

We entered this industry with the aim of creating a sustainable fashion business with a conscious approach. Our goal is to show our customers that they can create value thanks to renting. We created a platform to help fashion loves include join the sharing economy and we want to be the market leader. We want to be the first point of call for fashion renters in the UK just like we already are in Turkey.

https://www.dcey.co.uk/

Time to get the “hens” together to party until dawn! You’re the party organizer and you don’t want to skimp on anything that can get the party going and keep it that way. While the company ensures the fun time, you want to accompany that with the right food and drink ideas. So, what do you need to know?

How Important is Food?

Food doesn’t have to be a big item in your hen party budget. You should certainly have a few snacks and nibbles on offer, but anything over and above that is a bonus. If you offer a dinner, keep it light – you don’t want everyone dozing off early after a heavy meal!

Mix things up a little between savory and sweet treats and try to have something for everyone including vegetarians and vegans. Keen to add a home-made touch? These chocolate shortbread bites are easy to make and they’re a real treat.

As for presentation and your choice of bites, down-to-earth and relaxed hen party ideas are usually a winner. Think about the way in which the bride-to-be and her friends like to relax and party. It could be a good old-fashioned pizza – but if that’s not their style, adapt your ideas.

Can Hen Parties Be Elegant?

While hen parties are usually more about letting one’s hair down and going out on a razzle, some people prefer something a little more restrained and elegant. In that case, your party snacks take on a different character. Canapes, fresh fruit, and cheeses served with crackers or homemade bread offer a slightly more upscale snacking alternative. Looking for wow factor? How about a chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries for dipping? It’s sure to be among the highlights!

Fabulous Drinks for Hen Parties

While food isn’t usually that central to a successful hen party, drinks certainly are. Adopt a something-for-everyone approach that also includes alcohol-free options for non-drinkers. Cocktails, preferably pink ones, and mocktails are definitely important.

Presentation matters. You’ll either go all out with crystal glasses, hearts, and flowers, or try for a fun look like serving your drinks in mason jars. Top picks include pink lemonade, cranberry juice, pink gin, and pink champagne – but don’t forget to lay on a few basic favorites like beer and red and white wine.

Think Snacks and Refreshments

Hen parties are super-easy to organize because the main focus is on the activities rather than the food. At the same time, you don’t want anyone experiencing hunger-pangs, and if there’s going to be drinking, it’s best not to do it on a completely empty stomach. Snacks fit the bill perfectly.

Drinks are even more important than food at a hen-do, but aside from the alcoholic beverages for sipping, some simple thirst quenchers will help to keep party-goers refreshed and hydrated.

Even when hen-parties are really laid back, you want to add something to make your catering, however minimal, reflect the special occasion. Do that with the presentation and one or two special food and drink items. Smarten it all the way up, or shoot for a fun, bare basics look.

Planning a hen party? Relax! It’s all about fun, and planning can be fun too!

Your home’s curb appeal is essential in creating a good first impression and plays a significant role in boosting your home’s value. The curb appeal entails aspects like landscaping, flower beds, gardens, lawns, and the exterior finish of your home. All these details, however minor they may seem, are crucial in determining how people perceive the value of your house. Increasing your home’s curb appeal will make you feel better when you get home from work and will make a good impression on potential buyers.

Focus on your curb appeal almost every day to ensure it’s in good condition. This means cleaning it regularly, repairing any visible damage, maintaining your vegetation, and adding anything that’s lacking. Doing all these ensures you enjoy the benefits mentioned above. However, when maintaining and enjoying your property’s curb appeal, there are things to watch out for that could hurt it. They include:

1. Ugly Garbage Cans

You can decorate and take good care of your home’s exterior but still have a hurtful curb appeal if your garbage cans have issues. The sight of dirty garbage cans overflowing with trash and unwelcome mice and rodents can significantly affect your property’s curb appeal. Fortunately, there are solutions to that. While you can’t throw away your garbage cans, you can hide them in your garage or the back of your home instead of positioning them in front of your house.

Alternatively, you can paint your garbage cans to boost curb appeal and match other colors in your home’s exterior. You may want to check out this informative post for the best color for your garbage cans. However, ensure to empty them before they fill to the brim and keep rodents out of your trash cans to deter uninvited guests.

Individuals who use trash chutes for garbage disposal and have had months or years of garbage collection should hire professionals to help clean the chutes because they must have accumulated a significant amount of trash over the years.

2. An Overgrown Garden

This is one of the things that many homeowners overlook, and it plays a considerable role in hurting your home’s curb appeal. Although mowing the garden regularly can be daunting, it’s a chore that must be done to make your home look beautiful and appealing. This means cutting long grass, popping weeds, and the general untidiness in your garden that creates a terrible first impression.

You don’t have to be a qualified landscaper to maintain your garden—pulling weeds and cutting grass are manageable tasks. However, if your garden is big enough, you can hire qualified gardeners to tend it and help you add decorations and flowers to improve your home’s curb appeal further.

3. General Uncleanliness

For an excellent curb appeal, your compound must be sparkling clean. Accumulated dirt and trash on your home’s exterior instantly makes a terrible impression, which may scare away visitors and potential buyers. Get on top of your game by collecting trash and disposing of it in designated places. Buying a pressure washer can save you from a lot of trouble. Ensure your walkways, windows, exterior walls, and front doors are free from dirt and debris. Using a pressure washer is advisable as it gets the job done faster than a sponge and a bucket of water. Also, get rid of mold and mildew growth on your exterior surfaces, as this may not only hurt your home’s curb appeal but can also bring respiratory issues in the future.

4. Signs Of Damages

Any home exterior damage significantly hurts your property’s curb appeal. This could be anything from a worn-out fence, hanging mailbox, damaged door and window frames, cracked siding, or cracked windows. Any of these things creates a bad impression about your property, and the issues will only worsen if not addressed. Fixing these issues early enough will boost your home’s curb appeal and reduce costly maintenance in the future. Fix everything you can yourself before calling in the professionals. On the contrary, if you think the damages are beyond your capabilities, it’s better to get help from the professionals like Armour Construction as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damages and the more costly repairs may become, so you need to take action quickly to ensure your property maintains its curb appeal and value.

5. Problem With Trees

When your home is surrounded by landscaping, trees can improve the curb appeal of your property. However, this isn’t the case when your trees are dying, or the branches have overgrown. Badly unkempt trees not only give a bad impression to your property but are also dangerous and could damage your property or cause an accident in case of high wind or storm. So, it’s crucial to inspect the condition of your trees and remove dying branches immediately and anything overgrown. You can even contact professionals to help maintain your trees.

Conclusion

Those things can hurt your home’s curb appeal, so it’s important to note and fix them. If you notice anything else that could hurt your curb appeal, make changes where you can and create that great impression.