Shopping for the people we love can be a fun endeavor – but it can also be difficult at times. Because of that, you may be trying to sort out what is best when you’re shopping for little gifts that let them know you’re thinking of them.
Gifts under $20 may not seem like much, but it can be really meaningful if you give a gift that they may not have been expecting in the first place. So, how do you know what the best small gifts are? What sorts of things do you want to try and add to the mix? Here’s a look at some things you can consider the next time you want to let someone know how much you care.
1. Fun Custom Mugs
We’ve all seen them – the fun mugs that have hilarious quotes on them, or that have funny pictures that remind them of you (or vice versa). Gift your loved one personalized coffee mugs with a name or with their name initial. Everyone deserves to have at least one fun mug, if not multiple, so they’re always a fun gift.
Shop around for something customized or find something for them while you’re traveling. There are all sorts of fun mugs for sale at gift shops and on the internet. Both options let them know that you’re thinking of them, and it’s something that they’ll likely use fairly regularly, as well.
2. Tea Towels
Tea towels are a cute addition to any kitchen. They can be used for décor, and they can have all sorts of patterns. Plus, they’re a reusable option that they can keep handy if they need to clean up a mess at some point in time.
For someone in your life who loves cooking and spending time in the kitchen, a custom made tea towel will be a welcome addition to the kitchen. They look great and are functional, which is a win/win.
3. Do-It-Yourself Date Night Gift
Date night is fun – but sometimes, they can cost a whole lot of cash. Because of that, you may want to consider putting together something fun and simple that they can use for their date night or night out.
For example, you could treat them with a movie night in – get them a RedBox gift card (or your Netflix password), a box of microwave popcorn, and a candy treat that they enjoy. Then, they can enjoy a movie or TV series on the couch with their spouse or their best friend.
4. Comfortable Socks
If you enjoy wearing socks (not everyone does), then it’s likely that you have a favorite pair of socks that you wear whenever they’re clean. Maybe they’re a comfy pair of wooly socks, or toe socks, or just socks with a fun design.
So, why not provide that same comfort to someone you love? Get them a pair of fun, comfortable socks that they’ll want to wear whenever they can. It’s an inexpensive gift and there are tons of choices. You can even find options where you can add their pet’s face to the socks!
5. Plants with Adorable Pots
Plants may seem like a strange gift on their own, but they don’t have to be. Finding a plant with a cute pot that says something sweet can be a really fun gift for a friend or family member. You can pot a plant yourself or buy it already potted.
Are you concerned that your loved one won’t be able to keep your plant alive? That’s a common issue – and there are solutions there, too. Consider buying them a succulent or another hardy plant that can stand up to neglect.
6. An Assortment of their Favorite Treat
What’s their favorite snack? From popcorn to trail mix, there are all sorts of variety packs that you can find to give to someone you love. Food is one of the most reliable ways to someone’s heart, and anyone can appreciate extra snacks.
There are a number of ways to give this gift, too. You can go out there and make a gift basket yourself. You can also get online and find places that have gift baskets with that include that very special treat. However you wish to do it, you’ll be sure to bring a smile to their face.
There are all sorts of ways to let people know that you care about them, and it’s important to put some time and effort into those things. And even though it doesn’t always need to be something you spend money on, little gifts can be an easy way to make that happen.
We recently interviewed lockdown entrepreneur Jacqueline Elkouby to find out about her inventive hair curling hack brand that doesn’t involve heat! Tik Tok played a huge part in her decision to produce something unique, and as a result her product Heatless Hair has become a social media sensation.
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand Heatless Hair…
During the peak of the Covid-19 lockdown, there was a trend on TikTok where people were using bath robe sashes to curl their hair overnight. I decided to try it out, but I found that it didn’t give me the results that it promised. However, the idea of a heatless way to get curls inspired me. I decided to design my own Heatless Hair Hack, A ribbon made with 100% silk to produce frizz free waves. I tried my product out on my myself, friends and family with all different hair types. From there, Heatless Hair was born!
What are the benefits of using your products and what makes you different from other brands on the market?
A major benefit of using Heatless Hair is that it prevents damage to hair and saves time getting ready. My product works best while sleeping, giving my customer the perfect curls when they wake up. I source the best quality materials and use 100% silk which prevents frizz and breakage. Since I’ve launched my Curling Ribbon several other brands have emerged with their version of the product however, many of them use satin and foam, which can be damaging to the hair.
What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?
Heatless Hair is my very first business. I went to school to be an esthetician, and was working at a spa before the pandemic. I had never imagined that just a few months later I’d be launching my own company. I’ve had to learn how to build my own business from scratch knowing little about running a company. I’ve had to learn how to manage sourcing manufactures and materials, creating my own content, fulfilling orders, customer service, budgeting, etc. Everything I have done since day one has been a learning curve for me. I am still learning something new every day and although this has been my greatest challenge, I am loving it!
The beauty industry is fast changing, what trends do you expect to see in the next 12 months?
High quality, clean and sustainably sourced beauty products, tools, and accessories. I believe consumers are going to be more conscious of the products they are using, including toxic and damaging products. I believe that just because something is trendy, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?
Don’t give up on what you believe in. If you truly believe in your product, others will believe in it too. Don’t be afraid of failing, just keep going and you will succeed.
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
No, I am so lucky to have grown my business as quickly as I have. I am loving every step of this process!
How would you describe your personal style?
Minimal and classic with a bit of sparkle. I love to elevate my looks with jewelry and accessories. A great pair of shoes goes a long way!
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I wake up around 7:30 am and walk my Great Dane Kingsley around the block and get coffee from my local coffee shop. Some days I go horseback riding, others I jump right into emails and filling orders. I film content, source new products and silks, and find inspiration for upcoming launches.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Tremendously. TikTok is a great platform that helped me grow my brand along with Instagram. Creating content for social media has been essential marketing and driving business.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I love to travel too! I want to explore Greece and South Africa. Oh, and Italy I love the history and culture and of course, the food!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“Doing what you love is never a waste of time.”
What’s next for the business?
Ideally, I would love to expand into a lifestyle brand.
What does self care mean to you?
Self care means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health and keeping a balance of work and play. I love my work, but it’s extremely important for me that I make time for doing the things that make me the happiest. I’m grateful that my business can be a part of other’s self care.
Golf isn’t the most fast-paced sport out there. It can be tempting to think that nutrition isn’t really that important, especially when you’re just playing a round or two with friends on a lazy weekend and having a good time.
But fueling yourself with the wrong stuff (or nothing at all) can not only hamper your performance on the day, but it can have long-term effects if you’re consistently choosing the wrong nutrition.
Here’s what golfers should eat before a round to stay feeling good on the course.
Start The Day Right
Having the right meal before you start your round of golf can have an impact on your overall performance levels. What you fuel your body with needs to help you maintain your blood sugar levels and energy levels while you’re on the course.
Eat a meal that has a combination of protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates, vegetables, and some whole grain starches. This combination will help prevent fatigue and blood sugar imbalances.
According to golf trainer and sports nutritionist Jamie Greaves, ‘What we’re looking for in a pre-round meal is a good balance of carbs, proteins and fats.
‘When we’re exercising we’re generally using carbohydrates. These get stored in our body as glycogen. That’s the fuel we use on course, but proteins and fats are really important because they also help us stay fuller for longer, which in golf is a useful thing, especially if you’re playing for five hours.’
A nutrient-dense meal is the best way to go, whether it’s an omelette or a peanut butter smoothie with protein powder. This will keep you fueled for longer without the sugar crash.
What To Avoid
You’d want to stay away from foods that are processed, or that have high levels of sugar or stimulants like caffeine. While you may feel great for about 45 minutes of play, when you start to crash it can lead to the following:
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Lethargy
Anxiety (depending on caffeine levels)
Headaches
Fatigue
If possible, avoid processed foods and sugar the night before you play a round of golf, as they can have an impact on the quality of your sleep. These could leave you feeling sluggish in the morning.
Supplements To Add To Your Day
If you’re playing golf in warmer climates, the heat can speed up dehydration and exacerbate its effects.
To maintain normal and comfortable muscle function, you’d need to maintain your levels of potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium and sodium. If your electrolyte levels drop too much, you could experience:
Lack of concentration
Cramping
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Weakness
Take an electrolyte supplement before you tee-off and slip either a sachet or gel into your pocket, to have while you’re on the golf course. This will help balance your electrolyte levels while you focus on your game.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Some golfers may not drink enough fluids, as they don’t want to interrupt their game by having to go to the bathroom! But when you’re playing, whether in cool or warm weather, for up to 5 hours, it’s incredibly important to remain hydrated.
If you’re playing in an area with a lower humidity level, you may not realize how quickly moisture evaporates from the skin, which can lead to dehydration just as fast as the heat.
Before you start playing your round, you should aim to drink between 6 and 8ml water for every pound of weight.
While you’re on the golf course, you should be sipping water every 10 to 15 minutes to compensate for fluid loss from sweating and breathing.
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, stay hydrated. Remember to mix an electrolyte supplement into one of your bottles of water. This will help replace the sodium that can be diluted from drinking water and losing moisture through sweat.
Stay Fueled on the Course
Depending on the timing of a round, golfers will sometimes miss lunch, which can leave them feeling tired and irritable. You should aim to have a healthy snack on every 6th hole, to help you maintain your concentration levels and keep your energy levels up.
It’s not easy to load your golf bag with snacks. You may be thinking of taking a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar,as they’re easy to eat, don’t make a mess, and are able to give you a quick energy boost.
Instead, choose snacks that will be able to maintain your blood sugar levels for a period of time and won’t have you crashing after 45 minutes. Consider the following healthy snacks:
Nuts
Fruits
Granola bars
Protein balls
Hard-boiled eggs
Beef jerky
Conclusion
By now, you should have a better idea of how crucial it is to fuel yourself with high-quality, easily digestible foods before heading out onto the golf course.
It may be tempting to sneak in chocolate or fried treats to give you a burst of energy, but it only takes one experience of a sugar-crash halfway through a round to understand how poor nutrition can affect your game (and your health).
Pay attention to the quality of your nutrition, and you may even find that your game improves.
What goes into a name? For Syl( Yanling Sha) the story behind the name of her fashion brand ‘Rue Agthonis’ started with a revolutionary moment in her life. What started as an unfortunate incident, wherein Syl lost her first collection in Paris, became the inspiration for her to kickstart her fashion dreams. That very street ‘Rue Agathonis’ became the first chapter of the Rue Agthonis brand – a testament to Syl’s distinctive vision and sheer commitment to view even the most tragic moments as opportunities for creation.
“The story behind my brand name comes from a personal and revolutionary moment in my life,” she says. “Although it was terrible at the time, I viewed it as a new opportunity for me to start my own brand, and I wanted to take something from the experience for the rebirth of my collections.”
While only a three-year-old brand, Rue Agthonis has already made significant waves in the fashion industry. Rue Agthonis debuted its classical oil-painting-inspired fall line at Shanghai Fashion Week, with an intimate showing planned on the official London Fashion Week schedule this September. Despite the challenges of the last year, Syl is determined to inspire women to make every moment special with fashion. To her, dressing up is the equivalent of ‘loving yourself well,’ and we certainly agree.
In this interview, our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies sits down with Syl and talks about the fateful moment that inspired her fashion brand, the ethereal inspirations for her latest collection and fashion’s power to transform a woman and make every moment feel precious.
Rue Agthonis is such a unique name – can you tell us more about the inspiration behind it?
There is a cunning meaning behind the creation of the name ‘Rue Agthonis,’ which stems from a street in the South of France. The story behind my brand name comes from a personal and revolutionary moment in my life.
I was in France in the train station on Rue Agathonis, where I lost my suitcase which had my first collection in it. Although it was terrible at the time, I viewed it as a new opportunity for me to start my own brand, and I wanted to take something from the experience for the rebirth of my collections. I found the name Rue Agathonis so enticing whereas in French, ‘rue’ means ‘street’ and I removed the second ‘a’ from the road Agathonis which turned into ‘Agthonis.’ This was the beginning of my fashion dream and I wanted to include this part of my experience in the creation of my brand.
Rue Agthonis is only a three-year-old brand, but you have already been asked to participate in some of the fashion world’s most prestigious shows. What has been the biggest milestone?
Thank you for the kind words! Although we try not to set ourselves milestones — as we don’t want to limit our creativity or potential as a young brand — we’re very proud of the work we’ve done this year. On the 10th of April, we debuted our AW21 Collection at Shanghai Fashion Week and worked hard to produce an incredible collection and show. From the products, styling, and the entire show’s production, we spent lots of time and effort to create a cohesive show. I feel the proudest and satisfied about this achievement, especially with the warm reception it received on social media.
If you could describe the Rue Agthonis aesthetic in three words, what would they be?
Love, quality, and positive beauty
Tell us more about your latest collection – what are the inspirations behind it and what is your favourite piece?
The inspiration for the Rue Agthonis 2021 line was born from classical oil paintings. We integrated oil painting techniques with clothing production, and injected gorgeous contrasting colours, changing winding lines, and complex romantic decorative elements into the collection.
Costume design and classical oil painting are both artistic forms of expression, and when paired together they construct a unique aesthetic space full of colour, light and shade, lines, and texture. We hope that through the incitement of sensations, the aesthetics of clothing will be closer to the pursuit of sensory joy in the world: a desire for sweetness, the pursuit of happiness, whilst rejecting frugality.
The fringed ankle-length coat is my favourite garment from this season. This style uses sophisticated tweed fabrics, where traditional tweed is woven with a fringed texture, like hand-woven raffia, finished with layers of fringed embellishments.
The large tassels caress the ankles, creating movement and soft rustles with each step, transforming every woman who wears it into the centre of attention at all walks of life.
During the last year, everyone swapped high-heels for sweatpants because of COVID. Do you think now is the right time to reintroduce glamour into our wardrobes?
I believe that they’re comparable. In such a special time, the emotions and encounters between people have become more precious and unique. Taking this into consideration, we want to remind women that every moment is precious, whether it be a family gathering or cocktail evening, and every moment can be embellished by dressing up. It’s never a bad thing to make yourself feel special, when you please yourself, you deliver the message of “love yourself well.”
What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?
In the second half of this year, we plan to host a small event in the official schedule of London Fashion Week. At the same time, we will continue to run our fashion show at Shanghai Fashion Week. We look forward to seeing the two projects in parallel.
What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourselves?
In addition to professionalism at work, you can also fun into your work environment when setting work goals, so that in moments of success you can relax and revel in the process of completing your goals.
Located on the ground floor of 5-star hotel, The Prince Akatoki you will find TOKii, a contemporary Japanese restaurant serving authentic cuisine. We went along for dinner and were treated to an array of dazzling morsels.
In keeping with the hotel, the space is minimalist with lots of dark timber mixed with screen divides and low lighting creating an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night dinner.
The A La Carte menu uses fresh and seasonal ingredients designed to bring the best of Eastern and Western flavours together. There is plenty to choose from with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. The food comes out as it’s ready so lots of small bites keep coming our way. The chef and team buzz around the open kitchen and prepare fresh fish before a line of diners sitting up at the counter. The sushi comes adorned with flowers and shiso leaves bringing a flash of colour to the table. It tastes amazing too, I cannot get enough of the buttery chunks of fish encased in soft rice. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. The service was great, our waitress was extremely knowledgeable and tentative helping us with wine and food choices.
As well as serving lunch and dinner TOKii has launched a weekend brunch menu complete with bottomless sparkling saki or prosecco. For those wishing to escape the indoors, the TOKii kitchen has created beautiful picnic hampers. Guests can expect snacks of Spiced roasted almonds and Scotch quail eggs, followed by a range of tasty sandwiches from Honey roast ham with piccalilli, Grated cheddar with apple and raisin chutney to a Chicken teriyaki bun. An assortment of fresh, seasonal salads including Edamame and runner beans with popped amaranth seeds is included, alongside tempting desserts of Chocolate and cherry brownie, Yuzu crème brûlée and Raspberry tart. The hampers come with a choice of traditional sparkling sake or prosecco.
The menu at TOKii ticks every box for me and I think the biggest challenge is deciding what to have as it is a medley of superb dishes, all delivering a slice of Japan on a plate.
From the moment you enter The Landmark hotel you are scooped up in a cocoon of style and luxury. This spectacular 5-star hotel, in the heart of trendy Marylebone, oozes glamour and is the ideal base to explore London or just kick back and relax.
The hotel is steeped in history and there are accents of this throughout the building, yet it feels elegant and stylish rather than stuffy.
Once you swing through the grand wood panelled entrance and up the steps, you’ll find yourself in the focal point of the hotel, the Winter Garden. This glass roofed courtyard is flanked by lush palm trees instantly whisking you to a Mediterranean oasis. Guests are dotted around soaking up the surroundings while enjoying a glass of bubbles or a bite to eat. This stunning space is light and airy, brimming with atmosphere. In each corner you’ll find sweeping staircases leading up to the rooms and suites which all overlook the courtyard.
The rooms are classic in design without being old-fashioned, cream and blue tones keep it fresh and the light from the glass roof atrium cascades through the window, across the bedroom. There is plenty of space to rest, the sofa in the window is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the guests below buzz about the Winter Garden. Throughout the room are highlights of opulence and grandeur from the crystal lamps to the sumptuous, lush fabrics. The large Italian marble bathroom features an ample tub and shower and is stocked with White Company goodies.
A table at the Winter Garden is a must. Ask the evening draws in, the stars twinkle through the glass roof making it an enchanting dinner location. The menu combines the best of British and European classics with a modern twist. The three-course set dinner menu starts at £35 and you can choose from a selection of delicious dishes. The Burrata salad is fresh and bursting with flavour. The Roasted Maize Fed Chicken Breast with Ricotta and Lemon is succulent and pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of Gavi. The breakfast menu is an abundance of hot and cold plates. Enjoy a leisurely morning starting with a Bento Box. There is the usual fare of cereals, juices, pastries and fruit but also an extensive array of tantalising delights for you to start your day. Choose from eggs cooked to your style, Belgium waffles, or for the hungrier, a full English.
Elsewhere in the hotel you will find The Mirror Bar and Garden Terrace, also great for food and drinks.
If you are looking to boost your wellness, then escape to the spa. Nestled on the ground floor you will find a blissful haven where you can indulge in some serious chill time in the jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. Make sure you book in advance one of the soothing treatments available. There is also a chlorine free swimming pool and gym for those who want to burn off that big breakfast!
For anyone looking for a hotel experience that spectacularly marries together, luxury, glamour, great food and service in superb surroundings then a stay in The Landmark will tick all those boxes.
We absolutely love businesswoman Martha Silcott and the story of how FabLittleBag came about! We’re almost certain that if you suffer with periods, then you will at some point of your life be in need of her product.
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand FabLittleBag
Rather unglamorously, it all started on the toilet! Whilst at a friends house for a dinner party, I was on my period and needed to use their down stairs loo to change my tampon; I am a Binner so I did the ‘Loo Roll Wrap’ and went to put it in the bin… only to find that there was no bin! After ten seconds of panic I decided to wrap it up some more and did the ‘Sleeve Smuggle’ followed by the ‘Handbag Smuggle’, I was relieved that the wine was flowing and hoped that no-one had seen! Suffice to say it really ruined my night worrying about what was going on in my handbag… I was convinced that there must be a better, less awkward and less stressful way to dispose, but there wasn’t! So I invented one and FabLittleBag was born.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
There have been too many to single one out! At first the biggest challenge was inventing a bag that opened with one hand, then it was trying to find a manufacturer to make it, then it was finding a retailer to sell it…. I have to say that the combination of Covid and Brexit has been very hard, in fact Brexit has had more of a negative impact than Covid in someways due to the amount of red tape, unknowns, huge expense, and extra education we have had to invest simply to sell in the EU. We overcame all of these challenges by having a “I will not be defeated” attitude, and our utter belief in the value of FabLittleBag both to our customers experience and wellbeing, and the rivers, oceans and beaches in terms of reducing the pollution impact of flushed period products.
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
Always…A…Way…
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of sustainable menstrual products?
Hmmm, a hard one as it is actually a pretty crowded market in terms of organic products for example. When I first launched FabLittleBag 5 years ago there was basically one organic brand, now there are over 25! There are many reusable pads brands, and an increasing number of cups and period pants. Unless you offer something truly unique I would question if it is worth the effort needed…. If you do go ahead, please do not greenwash, be open and honest about the ingredients and the cradle to grave journey of your product. Bear in mind there is no such thing as the perfect material or ingredient either, it is always about balancing the effectiveness of the product with the environmental impact.
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
Ha! There is no such thing! Any one day can include the high of learning that you got a big order, or have won an award, to hearing that your stock is stuck on a ship whilst you run out of stock in the warehouse, to getting amazing customer emails and reviews which make you tingle, to an IT meltdown, stock being lost in transit, or a big deal falling through. All the while having to make a plethora of decisions from the minutiae to hugely strategic ones!
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
I say my mantra: This Too Will Pass!! Remind myself to breathe, it’s Amazing how shallow your breath gets when stressed! My small but perfect team are positive people and we all pick each other up when the struggles hit. I do affirmations too but not as frequently as I should.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Just one more step… or There’s along way to go …BUT look how far we have come!
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
A lot, it does with any brand these days, we rely a lot on word of mouth as we do not have big marketing budgets.
How do you want people to feel when they first see and use your bags?
Relieved that there is now a solution and delighted that it feels so good to use!
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and would you take your period disposal bags travelling with you?
I went to Bali over 25 years ago and I would love to go back, the sea is what I miss so much, I would love to live by the sea ( a warm sea preferably!) Mind you I also want to go to Vietnam, South Africa and the Nordic countries as I have never been.
ABSOLUTELY! FabLittleBags are essential for travelling as one never quite knows when your period may arrive and having them means that whatever type of trip you have; adventurous, where access to toilets maybe hard, or chilled out luxury, where binning can just feel awkward and icky, knowing that you can bin with ease, discretion and good hygiene is so reassuring.
What’s next for you and your brand?
Growth expansion and new products! We have some very exciting news coming out soon about FLB’s involvement in sports, and a new product finally bringing the combination of sustainability and dignity to the disposal of nappies, incontinence products and personal medical items such as ostomy bags. Stay tuned!
Where can people find out more about FabLittleBag?
FabLittleBag has a lot of info on it, we also retail at Boots.com, Ocado, Amazon, and in the USA, Australia, South Africa and Japan!
With summer holiday’s abroad still hanging in the balance why not bring a splash of vacay vibes to your drinks trolley with our guide to some of the best summer tipples. To make your garden party exceptional you can rent marquee tent. Whether you are hosting a garden party or planning a sun sizzling barbeque, wow your guests with these sophisticated summer sips.
Seven Hills Gin is a piece of Italy in a bottle. Distilled in Moncalieri, near Turin, this perfectly balanced gin is created using the seven high-quality, key ingredients of Pomegranate, Rose Hip, Juniper, Roman Camomile, Blood Orange, Artichoke and Celery hand chosen by a Master Herbalist. The botanicals are infused for 10-15 days, gently pressed to extract their individual flavours before the extract is then distilled using a vacuum pot distillation – a gentle and innovative method of distillation designed to maintain the smooth and rich flavours of the botanicals. The result is a gin with a distinctive body, strength and flavour that is delicately complex yet remains light and refreshing. Mix with premium tonic water in a highball glass over ice, served with a wedge of lemon. Pure Aperitivo bliss.
Travel the length of the Amalfi Coast in one sip with O’ndina Gin. With fresh, herbaceous tones, distinctive Italian flavour and presented in an eye- catching bottle, O’ndina Gin has been crafted with premium ingredients found all over the stunning Italian coast. Inspired by the effortless glamour and carefree spirit of the Italian Riviera in the 1960s, O’ndina blends 19 hand-selected Italian botanicals including fresh Basil from Liguria (the “Grande Verde di Genova” variety famed for its bright green colour and refreshing sweetness) and citrus from southern Italy. This gin is a gem and creates the perfect Mediterranean Gin & Tonic and an exquisite all-Italian Negroni.
Inspired by Italy’s famed pre-dinner ritual of the ‘Aperitivo moment’ Primo Aperitivo is a range of classic Italian Aperitivo cocktails, perfect for sipping whilst unwinding and enjoying summer socials. The authentic Italian flavours and fresh ingredients provide a taste of summer in a glass. Created by Italian-born mixologist Filippo Previero, as a celebration of Italian cocktail culture. The first cocktail in the collection, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni, is a beautiful restyling of a much-loved recipe, resulting in an unrivalled at-home drinking experience that is steeped in elegance and authenticity. Housed in an exceptionally stylish deep navy bottle with a striking gold label, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni is beautifully presented and would make an eye-catching addition to any at-home drinks trolley. The Primo Aperitivo Negroni is best enjoyed poured over ice in a rock glass and garnished with an orange wedge.
New to the vodka scene this summer is Belvedere’s range of super-premium organic flavoured vodkas. The organic certification ensures that Organic Infusions are crafted only with ingredients that are farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives, or chemicals. Available in Lemon and Basil, Pear and Ginger or Blackberry and Lemongrass soda it’s vibrant and crisp and works well mixed with soda or included in your favourite cocktail.
For those who want to make healthier drinking choices without having to compromise on flavour, the TRØVE range offers big fruit flavours at only 41 calories per single serve. Bursting with natural fruit flavour and light on calories, the new botanical low-alcohol vodkas come in three different flavours: Valencian Orange with Lime, Green Apple with Ginger, and Raspberry with Lemongrass and Mint. The new range is light and aromatic in flavour and the perfect drink to toast with family and friends this summer.
The TRØVE collection is available at Amazon for £24.
We recently had a great insight about wellbeing and what it entails with Alicia Ray of Alicia Ray Wellbeing in an interview titled “Interview with Alicia Ray”. The interview covers all the important questions about life challenges, what well-being means to Alicia herself, what her business day looks like, and where her ideal retreat location would be.
The journey that led you to launch your brand Alicia Ray Wellbeing
Unknowingly I think I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Working for the NHS for 17 years I have needed to find ways of infusing wellbeing practices into my daily lifestyle to balance out the intensity of my work. A few years into my career as a psychologist I started teaching fitness classes part-time, inspired to motivate others towards good physical health. I launched Alicia Ray Wellbeing without knowing it was going to develop into a holistic health and wellbeing platform.
Experiencing some periods of high stress in my personal life led me to find my own method of self-care. I have always been drawn to travel and so, seeking dedicated time away to focus on my health and wellbeing, I found myself booking solo surf & yoga retreats in Portugal, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. The appeal was the combination of immersing myself in a beautiful location and being guided through an itinerary of daily activities to nourish my body, mind and soul. I wasn’t sure about yoga back then, and I much preferred high-impact cardio exercise where I felt in my comfort zone and felt good knowing that I had achieved a workout. I loved learning to surf, though found the challenge tested my ego! Yoga enabled me to find a different type of space for myself. Learning to slow down, tune in, and face my inner critic was one of the toughest aspects, but I soon recognised the value of having this dedicated space. I began trusting the process of looking inward as well as focusing on physical heath which was truly eye-opening for me. Booking a surf & yoga retreat became my annual self-care ritual and inspired the future direction of Alicia Ray Wellbeing.
In 2018 I spent 6 weeks in Costa Rica training as a yoga teacher and extending my knowledge of the application of Eastern approaches to health and healing. During this time, I found a deep connection with the environment and through this gained an appreciation of something more powerful than the small things that had led to me becoming stressed. Being so deeply immersed in nature I felt more connected to myself than ever. I wanted to bring this experience back home and share it, which led me to start up twice-weekly beach yoga classes as soon as I returned to Cornwall. The intention was to create a discipline that enhanced my own lifestyle and to share the benefits of yoga in nature with others. Over the last 4 years, beach yoga has become an important part of my lifestyle in Cornwall. Witnessing the value others gain from practising yoga on the beach has been so rewarding for me!
Yoga has extended into my work as a psychologist in so many ways. I recognise the transferable skills I gained from yoga teacher training in terms of discipline, overcoming ego, bringing the attitudes of the Yamas and Niyamas, and infusing compassion into my entire approach. In my therapeutic work, I acknowledge that individuals benefit from different approaches to facilitate their own unique journey to improving health and wellbeing. I blend the knowledge and practices from Eastern philosophies intuitively in my clinical work, advocating an integrative approach that includes a combination of talking therapies, yoga, mindfulness and yoga therapy. I have moved away from the linear Western medicine model of health which likes to categorise health conditions into discrete areas and treat them in isolation. I see the value of blending Eastern and Western approaches more intuitively, approaching health treatments holistically.
Developing my wellbeing platform has been guided by my practice and training and continues to evolve in different directions. It has of course been influenced by my own experience of the health benefits of spending time in the outdoors and on retreats. The practices I offer incorporate elements of the benefits gained from retreats; such as connecting people to nature and helping create dedicated space to tune into body and mind. Being fortunate to live in Cornwall I deliver bespoke surf and yoga wellbeing retreats, yoga and mindfulness on the beach and psychology-informed wellbeing days from waterside studios and hotels by the sea. I continue to work for the NHS as well as run an independent psychology practice one day a week. My heart is in every aspect of my work, and I feel blessed that I have built a business from doing the things that resonate with my core values and enable me to facilitate others on their journey towards positive health and well-being.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
In honesty, the biggest challenge I often face can be myself. By that, I mean the traps and snags of the human mind that create powerful obstacles to seeing things clearly. We really can be our own worst enemy and our own worst critic! Stress plays a significant part and can make me see things in a skewed way, whether that be in the form of self doubt, an inner critic, or a sense of imposter syndrome. I find it hilarious that even with the insight I have from being a psychologist I am still just as suspectable to these distorted thinking patterns as everyone else! The key to overcoming this challenge for me is to recognise the impact stress and tiredness have on my perspective; set boundaries with my time and say no to things when I feel the balance tipping. Not always easy. I remind myself to continually check whether the expectations I place on myself are helpful or realistic. One of the most empowering ways I have come to deal with these challenges is to accept it is all within me. I am responsible for whatever voice shows up and whatever energy I feel and give out, so I practice directing my energy towards self-compassion, and practice being my own best friend!
If you to were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
Drive
Compassion
Consistency
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the realms of wellbeing and yoga?
Be kind towards yourself and others always and be prepared to work incredibly hard. If your drive does not come from your heart then do not even waste your energy.
Be willing to lean into uncertainty and with this, bring so much compassion towards yourself; you will need to be your own best friend!
Be authentic and find your niche. Try not to feel intimated by anyone else doing similar things and be supportive towards others. There is plenty of room out there for all!
Focus on the wins, acknowledge the positive steps (each and every small step) and give yourself a high five every now and then!
Find what gives you your glow. By this I mean that feeling; the warming glow you get when you sense you are channeling energy from the heart. This can be different things at different times. It can be love and compassion for yourself, gratitude for life at that present moment, kindness and compassion for others and the drive you get from knowing you are following your true values.
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
Typical Monday to Thursday schedule:
5am coffee in bed
5.45am set up livestream studio in my attic room
6am-6.45am RISE livestream yoga practice
7am-8am breakfast and social media posts
8am-6pm NHS role (currently lead psychologist for pain management service)
6pm time outside; maybe a walk, paddle board, bike ride or beach yoga class followed by sunset BBQ
9pm-10pm Unwind, read, sleep
Fridays take a slower pace; I run my independent psychology practice, catch up with business admin, and try to have an early night.
Weekends are a balance of beach time, yoga, mindfulness, and general downtime relaxing as well as spending time with my partner, family, and friends. I love packing in as many outdoor activities as possible which means my house is always untidy (a sacrifice I am willing to make!)
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
It certainly can! I am fortunate to love my work as it takes a lot of energy. I am careful to replenish lost energy with activities and practices that make me feel uplifted and restored. I remind myself ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup!’ and prioritise self care always. My go to uplifting practices are yoga outside, taking time to find peace and stillness through meditation and mindfulness, nature walks and being by water.
To stay positive, it is so important to have fun! For me this is spending time outdoors and enjoying nature. At weekends we love going on mini adventures in our campervan, exploring Cornwall’s epic coastline, surfing, paddle boarding and having BBQ’s on the beach. Living in Cornwall I am lucky that I can create my own mini wellbeing retreat each weekend!
What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?
Hussle harder! This is something my partner said to me recently when a Monday morning felt overwhelming and I was lacking in energy. I aim to keep my motivational inspiration lighthearted so that I don’t end up giving myself a hard time, however, I think it is also important to acknowledge the drive and the discipline it takes to keep moving forward. I remind myself of this regularly and visualise the end goal. Visualising owning a retreat space with an infinity pool in Costa Rica gives me the motivation I need to keep driving forward!
What do you do for yourself when it comes to self care?
For me self care is crucial, and I try and find small ways to infuse this into my daily lifestyle. Time to rest is as important as time moving and driving things forward. I aim to practice what I preach in terms of the things I share with others. Early morning yoga has been an amazing habit to kick start positive energy for the day, keeping a healthy routine (lessons I have taken from Ayurveda) and remember the simple things that often get overlooked during times of stress, such as keeping hydrated and nourishing my body with good whole food.
Often self-care gets neglected when life gets busy and so it can be about pausing for enough time to recognise when and what I need to do in order to build my inner glow. This might be taking three deep breaths, yoga, time outside, being by the water, or spending time with people who radiate light back to me. It might simply be having a good cup of coffee!
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Facebook and Instagram have been great tools for reaching out to my local beach yoga community in Cornwall. As I continue to develop the brand in new directions these platforms have been helpful for reaching people from other areas and countries. I am learning to develop more confidence in my voice and what messages I put out there on social media. I also recognise the importance of maintaining boundaries around the amount of time I invest in this work.
How do you want people to feel when they first experience an Alicia Ray Wellbeing class or retreat?
I want people to feel empowered and flowing with positive energy! Importantly I want people to gain whatever it is they need from the practice, whether that be peace, calm, or an uplifted sense of energy and strength. Finding that connection with yourself is what my classes and retreats are about, and this can take many forms and lead to different feelings.
It is wonderful feedback when after a class people tell me they have experienced that moment of realisation when they just know intuitively what it is they need. I feel it is an amazing privilege to teach practices that can facilitate this for people.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and would you practice any of your wellbeing rituals while travelling?
Sri Lanka will always be a special place close to my heart. I’ve been lucky to visit this beautiful country five times and have hosted two yoga and wellbeing retreats there. Costa Rica is my top yoga and wellbeing retreat destination. I dream of buying land there and owning a retreat space one day!
Yes I absolutely practice my wellbeing rituals while travelling, as this is how I came to experience their value! I think travelling provides a fantastic opportunity to focus on self care, and practice routines and rituals that keep the body in flow and healthy. Finding new locations to practice yoga at sunrise and sunset is one of my favorite wellbeing rituals while travelling.
What’s next for you and your brand?
I’m continuing the fourth season of Gwithian beach yoga, near Hayle in Cornwall and this summer I have some fun plans including bringing silent disco yoga, mindfulness and fitness classes to the beach. I will be delivering surf and yoga retreat days and have some psychology-informed yoga therapy workshops planned in Cornwall.
I am continuing my livestream yoga classes and am currently building a subscription-based on-demand platform.
I am excited to be planning a yoga and well-being retreat in Costa Rica next year. On the horizon, I am working on creating a Mindfulness in Cornwall journal to give people knowledge about practising mindfulness outdoors and share local tips on where best to practice mindfulness in my beautiful home county.
Where can people find out more about Alicia Ray Wellbeing?
People can get in touch directly via my email address hello@aliciaray.uk or via my website or social media channels.
The internet is a game-changer. This has been true in many things, including, and perhaps most especially, online poker. It’s a great thing, but at the same time, it’s nothing like playing in person, which can be either a boon or a challenge.
Here are the many ways playing poker online and in-person are different. After becoming more familiar with them, head on to GG Poker, one of the best online poker sites.
You don’t see your opponents
In online poker, you don’t see your opponents. The key word here is don’t instead of can’t, as the technology for poker rooms to allow players to see one another already exists but is not utilized for a reason. There are many reasons why, but the first and biggest of them is that players online prefer not to be seen, as there is a sense of anxiety in being seen online than in real life.
Poker players not seeing one another is a double-edged sword. The downside is that you won’t be able to see your opponents’ tells. You won’t be able to call their bluffs based on their facial expressions, body language, and what they say. At the same time, they won’t be able to do the same thing to you, so you don’t have to worry about being read.
In-person poker games are social gatherings
In-person poker games are social gatherings. They’re a great way to meet new people, and you can learn a lot about people by the way they play poker. There’s also the bonus of being able to read tells, which can give you an edge in the game.
The social aspect of poker is one of the things that make it so great. You can sit at a table with a group of strangers and, by the end of the night, feel like you’ve made some new friends.
In online poker, the social aspect is non-existent. There’s no banter around the table, no getting to know your opponents, and no telling to read. It’s just you against the other players, which can be good or bad depending on how you view it.
You can play multiple tables at once
In online poker, you can play multiple tables at once. You cannot do this in person, as you can only focus on one game at a time.
Playing multiple tables at once is a great advantage for online players, as it gives them the chance to increase their winnings by playing more hands. It also allows them to play at different stakes, which can help them improve their skills and learn new strategies.
The downside of playing multiple tables is that it can be very distracting, making mistakes easy. You can lose money on one table while winning on another. if you’re not careful
You can practice playing multiple tables in free online poker matches if you want. Once you feel comfortable enough, you can start playing
You have to be more disciplined
When you’re playing online poker games, you have to be more disciplined. This is because there are more temptations to make careless mistakes, such as playing tired or drunk, chasing losses, or tilting.
In-person poker games usually have a set time limit, and players are expected to leave when the time is up. This isn’t the case with online poker, as you can play for as long as you want. This means you must be disciplined to take breaks, set limits, and stick to them.
The upside is that you can play when you want and for as long as you want. The downside is that it’s easy to get carried away and play for too long, leading to fatigue and making you more likely to make mistakes.
You can play from anywhere
In online poker, you can play from anywhere. This is one of the most significant advantages of online poker, as you don’t need to live near a casino or poker room to play. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and you can play from anywhere in the world. This means you can play on vacation, at work, or even in another country.
The downside is that you can’t play with your friends or family in person. You also can’t take advantage of the social aspects of poker, such as meeting new people and reading tells.
Online poker has a faster pace
Online poker is faster-paced than in-person poker. This is because there are no physical chips and cards so the game can be played much quicker.
The fast pace of online poker can be both a pro and a con. On one hand, it’s great because you can get in many hands and improve your skills quickly. On the other, it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re not used to the pace, and it can be very frustrating if you’re constantly losing. If you don’t want to lose money, you can play poker online free as practice.
You have to be more patient
You have to be more patient in online poker. This is because there are a lot of players who make careless mistakes, such as playing too many hands or chasing losses.
The key to being successful in online poker is patience and waiting for good hands. If you play too many hands, you’ll lose money, and if you chase losses, you’ll end up tilting.
Same game, new challenges
Now that you know the pros and cons of both, which one do you prefer? Your answer depends on what you are looking for in a poker game. Just remember that you can play online poker anytime and anywhere.
