The idea of spending time with friends and family once more is slowly becoming a reality. But it’s been so long since we’ve spent any extended time out of the house, it’s worth reconsidering what we should take with us. Here we’ll explore the handbag essentials you’ll need as lockdown begins to lift.
Hand sanitizer
While the idea of everything reopening once more fills us with excitement and anticipation, we all have to do our bit to reduce the spread of infection and keep germs, bacteria and the virus at bay. Having a bottle of hand sanitizer available in your handbag means you can kill the germs on your hands, using the right technique within seconds. Worried about dry, cracked hands? Purdy & Figg supply a luxury range of antibacterial hand sanitizer spray, containing 70% pharmaceutical grade alcohol, blended with essential oils to create sumptuous fragrances. Ultimately, leaving your skin feeling soft and protected. Don’t leave home without yours!
Your facemask
Rules regarding facemasks are constantly under review, and there are currently no plans to change the law about wearing them in public places. So, whether you’re finally planning to meet friends at your favourite rooftop bar, you’ve booked alfresco dining with your partner, or you’re looking forward to browsing in your favourite stores again, having a high-quality mask in your bag will keep you and those around you safe. If you’re worried about your skin, switch to a silk mask and avoid wearing makeup under your mask where possible.
Sunglasses
Restrictions are lifting, just in time for the nicer weather! Keeping a pair of high-quality sunglasses with UV protection to hand will ensure comfort and chic whilst you enjoy meeting up with friends outdoors in a secure setting. Make sure they complement your outfit of course!
Hairbrush and hair ties
Fly-aways, untameable curls and unpredictable weather don’t go hand in hand. Therefore keeping a hairbrush, and a selection of hair ties or hair wraps available in your bag will help you keep your tresses under control and looking great – no matter what the weather is doing!
An SPF
Due to new rules being put into place, we’re going to be spending more time outdoors. Extended time outdoors means exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays and your skin could be affected, accelerating the ageing process and putting you at risk of skin cancer. Even if you’re meeting friends on a cloudy overcast day, you should always wear an SPF to protect your skin. Applying an SPF should be part of your daily skincare routine, whether you wear a foundation that contains an SPF, or you add a touch of sun cream to your face and exposed skin, remember to top up your skin protection every couple of hours.
Your cell phone (with a portable charger)
Leaving home without your cell phone is a nightmare scenario but running out of battery can turn your day into a disaster. Whether you’re using your phone to hire an Uber, using Google Maps to find your way, calling a parent or uploading all those selfies of you and your friends to social media, consider taking along a portable charger to ensure you get home safely, and always have your phone ready.
Buying your first home is a huge milestone in any person’s life. Homeownership comes with major responsibility and freedoms that don’t come with renting. For this reason, it’s important that you’re sure you’re ready before making an offer on a home. In a seller’s market, it’s particularly important that you’re sure you’re ready to take the plunge into homeownership before making that bid. Many companies such as The Chicago Home can help you in finding your dream luxurious home to stay. For four ways to tell if you’re ready to buy your first home, read on.
1. You’re financially secure.
The number one way to know you’re ready to buy a home is if you are financially secure. Being financially secure means you have a stable job that you’ve held for at least two years and six months of savings that you could use in the event of an emergency. On top of having these things, the general rule is that you’ll want at least ten percent of the price you hope to pay for a home in your savings, too. If you’re a first time home buyer in the United States, you’ll have the option of applying for an FHA loan which could mean you need less money down on your home purchase.
One great way to know if you’re ready financially for the responsibility of a home is to contact a bank for a pre-approval letter. By sharing your finances with a bank, they’ll be able to give you an honest answer about whether you are in the financial position to be approved for a home loan. From credit score and age to income ratio and more, a lender will give you a clear picture of where you stand in the buying process.
Maybe you live in North Carolina and have considered calling a Blowing Rock NC real estate agent to begin looking at homes. While it’s a good idea to know the market and get a clear picture of what’s out there, most buyers can’t make a bid on a house or condo without a pre-approval letter. This reason alone is a good one to talk to a potential lender before falling in love with a home with the right amount of acres, the perfect number of bathrooms, or that overlooks a place you’ve always dreamed about living close to.
2. Your lifestyle involves routine and consistency.
If you have a consistent job and money in the bank but spend more time on the road than in your apartment or other living arrangement, you might want to wait on buying a home. For some people, spending time travelling to the high country, visiting Capitol Reef National Park, searching out the perfect picnic areas on rock formations, and exploring the world are a bigger priority than buying a luxury home. If you’re someone who loves to travel, and you know you won’t spend a lot of time at home with scenic byways calling your name, it might be a better idea to wait to buy a home after you’ve completed that bucket list of traveling across the U.S. to see all the national parks or exploring Wayne Wonderland.
Maybe you love nature and dream of planting friendly plants in your own backyard. In a seller’s market, it could be a better idea to wait until home prices stabilize before making the leap into homeownership. Those plants will need watering and come with responsibility. For now, you could be better off exploring the world from a rustic lodge, campground, or the Gifford Homestead. Later, when homes are more affordable, you could use a new home as a base for your travels and even find property close enough to a national park for short hikes through the backcountry.
3. You’re ready for responsibility and have clear long-term goals.
Before buying a home and taking on the responsibility that comes with it, you’ll want clear goals for the next five years. If you can honestly say you think about getting pet-friendly plants on a property you own with direct sunlight, you might be ready to make a bid. Buying a house on a whim is never a good idea. Instead, your best option might be to create a list of things you plan to do in the future and see if owning a home fits in with those plans. For example, if your focus will be your career, having a home base you feel comfortable in will help you achieve that goal. If you don’t know where you hope to be in a year, it might be a better idea to wait before buying a home, giving you more freedom to alter or create new goals.
4. You can’t stop thinking about buying a home.
Most homebuyers think about buying a home for years before they actually make a bid. It can take years to save up for that down payment and a lot of research is often involved in making that final decision. You’ll know you’re ready to buy a home when your free time is spent watching the market, and you can’t stop thinking about how to buy a home and the type of home you want to live in.
If you’re ready to buy a home, consider doing it soon. With the real estate market showing no signs of slowing down in the United States, now is a great time to join millions of homeowners who use their property to build equity that will pay off in their futures. Start with calling a real estate agent, getting a loan preapproval, and bookmarking those real estate pages. Soon enough, you could be spending free time learning about decorating and transforming your backyard into the perfect oasis for you and your family or pets. Happy house hunting to you!
If you love the idea of being in the great outdoors, going off the grid and reconnecting with nature then you must pay a visit to Round the Woods this summer.
Situated on a private 18-acre nature reserve in Norfolk, this luxurious glamping destination is for anyone who likes the idea of camping but does not want to compromise on home comforts. Opening on 12th April, Round the Woods invited House of Coco for an exclusive sneak preview of their new addition to the site, the stunning Willow Roundhouse.
Inspired by an interest in the environment, outdoor living and self-sufficiency, Kate Symonds and Seb Burns quit their London jobs and set up Round the Woods glamping site near Norwich as a way of combining their passion with spending more time with their sons and enjoying the land. The couple along with their family built the Willow Roundhouse over two years, using natural, sustainable and local materials resulting in an impressive, deluxe glamping retreat.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Kate and Seb who set about loading our cases on to the trolley and show us around the site. This location is truly special with vast open woodland. It includes communal spaces, a pizza oven, an outdoor fire pit, a pond, shower facilities and an open meadow ideal for exploring. I can tell this is the break I need, an opportunity to pause and reset.
Set in the far corner of the meadow is the Willow Roundhouse, flanked by daffodils and bluebells. An outdoor deck wraps around the house, a picnic bench, BBQ, outdoor chairs and a huge hammock make it the perfect spot for alfresco dining and relaxation.
Opening the door to my home for two nights, I am surprised and impressed by the gorgeous interior design. The Willow Roundhouse successfully brings nature indoors, with the use of natural materials and lots of windows to create a light and airy space. As you walk in you are immediately struck by the wooden floor that features a spectacular tree design created from log disks made from the site. The roundwood frame wraps the interior like woodland branches, all crafted from larch and sweet chestnut. The twisting branches wind up to a round ceiling surrounding a fabulous circular skylight. A sumptuous King size bed with cotton linen and goose down bedding is directly underneath guaranteeing guests a night under the stars. Kate and Seb have paid attention to all the design details, every nook and cranny is full of delightful handpicked special touches from the snug throws to the twinkly fairy lights that climb around the wooden interior frame.
There is plenty of space to take it easy. Curl up with a book on the hanging chair nestled close to the wood burner or kickback on one of the comfy designer seats that convert into beds. It’s spacious and romantic for two, but equally large enough for up to seven people. The soft curves and warm tones of the clay walls coupled with large windows, create a calming, open-plan space. There is a well-equipped handmade kitchen with an oven, hob and grill as well as a bench seat and dining table that looks out across the meadow.
We were lucky to have glorious weather so spent most of the trip on the deck playing swing ball and chilling in hammock. Round the Woods is the perfect place to disconnect. Whether you want to kick back and rest or have adventurous kids who like to explore, there is something for everyone. During our stay we discovered the den hidden in the woods, toasted marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit and spotted lots of local wildlife. After two peaceful days, tech-free, I felt recharged and rejuvenated.
A two-night break in the Willow Roundhouse from £380. For more information visit www.roundthewoods.co.uk
Unfortunately, your child won’t stay a kid forever, and soon they will need deodorant to combat the excessive sweat and smell. For decades we have grown up using commercial, mass-produced deodorant.
However, new research has shown that natural deodorant is a better alternative to commercial deodorant.
To find out more about natural deodorants for kids, click here, and continue to read the article below.
Kids May Have An Allergic Reaction to The Chemical Found In Deodorant
The chemicals found in commercial deodorants for kids often induce allergic reactions in a large swath of people, and your kids are no exception. The most common ingredients found in commercial deodorants that can trigger an allergic reaction are aluminum (which we will discuss later), artificial fragrances, preservatives, and dyes.
If your child is allergic to these ingredients, some common symptoms will be easy to spot. These symptoms include itchy red bumps in their armpit, dry and flaky skin, and lumps and cysts in the armpit.
If your child is found to be allergic to chemical deodorants, natural deodorants are a healthy alternative.
Sweating is Important
Sweating is often seen as embarrassing in society, but the truth is that sweating is an essential body function for survival. Sweating cools down the body and helps the body dispel toxins from its system.
Also, did you know that sweat doesn’t smell bad? Sweat is entirely odorless. What causes the smell is when bacteria mix with the sweat. Unlike commercial deodorant, natural deodorant for kids doesn’t stop the body from sweating; instead, it prevents bacteria from forming in your armpit, causing the repugnant odor we all want to avoid.
Commercial Deodorant Can Lead To Health Complications
Remember when I said we would talk more about the aluminum inside commercial deodorants? Well, here we are. Aluminum is used in commercial deodorants to clog your pores and prevent you from sweating. Over time that aluminum enters your body, and believe it or not, having a foreign metallic substance in your body can lead to health problems.
A build-up of aluminum in the body has been shown to cause kidney issues, and preliminary research shows it might lead to an increase in kidney cancer. Natural deodorants contain no foreign metal as a key ingredient.
No More Embarrassing Yellow Stains
Another negative about aluminum in your child’s deodorants is that they are the main culprit for those nasty yellow stains you often see on the armpit of clothing. The chemical reaction between aluminum and your body’s sweat causes yellow stains on light clothing. This is especially troubling if your child wears a school uniform every day.
Natural Deodorant Is A Better Alternative to Commercial Deodorant
Your child’s long-term health is priority number one for most parents and avoiding the dangerous chemicals often found in commercial deodorants is an excellent place to start. Natural deodorant is safer for your child’s health, it isn’t allergy-forming, and it also prevents yellow stains that destroy clothing. There’s no reason not to try natural deodorant for your kid.
Whether you are religious or not, Easter is often a time for family, but there is no doubt that this year’s Easter celebrations may be a little different to normal. The good news is that this does not mean it cannot be fun. Here is your easy guide to celebrating Easter from the comfort of your own home.
Plan Your Dinner Ahead of Time
Easter is usually a great time to get together with the family to enjoy a roast dinner. For many, this usually means booking a table at your favourite pub to sit back, relax and enjoy the food, but this year, we will probably all be eating at home. Plan ahead to avoid stress on the day.
Roast lamb is a classic meal to serve up over Easter, and it is usually best cooked low and slow to get the meat to just fall off the bone and melt in the mouth.
If you have got a veggie or a vegan in the family, go beyond the typical ready-made nut roast this year to cook up something extra special. Make a vegetarian wellington or a filo pie a day or two ahead, then simply pop it in the oven along with all the trimmings.
Go the extra mile this year to recreate your favourite pub grub. Carrots and peas are fine, but making a delicious cauliflower cheese is one way to up your game. You could also replace your usual roasted potatoes with dauphinoise, and Yorkshire puddings are a great addition to any roast – who really cares whether it is traditional or not?
Organise an Easter Egg Hunt
If you have children (or even if you do not), an easter egg hunt can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. Hide small chocolates around the house or garden (weather dependant!) and give a prize to whoever finds the most in the space of an hour or two – fine chocolate makes a good prize that your lucky winner will love.
Decorate
An easy way to make your home feel a little more special this year is to decorate with Easter-themed ornaments. Spend time painting eggs for a bit of fun with the family, and pop them around the house for a festive feeling in every room.
Spring flowers make a lovely addition to a table, and wreaths aren’t just good for Christmas. Get creative and see how you can spruce up the place.
Video Chat with Family and Friends
This year, it is unlikely that people will be travelling from far and wide to get together, so make time at some point over the double bank holiday to talk to friends and family who you are unable to see.
Video chatting is no replacement for in-person conversation, but it is a lovely way to check in and catch up on a day you would usually be able to spend together.
Everyone needs good times to look forward to at the moment and planning a great Easter with your household is a great way to spread a little positivity. Good food, good fun and good times will be had, with a heavy chocolate theme. What is not to love?
After a year of travel restrictions, you are no doubt, like me, looking for a holiday that ticks all the boxes – warm weather, powder white beaches, luxe accommodation and the opportunity to mentally recharge. Surrounded by nothing but turquoise lagoon that fades into the azure Indian Ocean is Anantara Dhigu and Veli Maldives Resorts, the perfect place to reset and reclaim your mojo.
With a renewed focus on wellness, the latest addition to the Anantara team of an on-property experts is Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist, Kelly Manning who works with guests, focussing on their nutrition to help overcome stress, sleep issues and unhealthy eating patterns, including those which may have built up over the past year, as well helping with immunity, digestion, weight management, hormones, skin and blood sugar balance.
In between relaxing in this private slice of paradise, guests can receive 90-minute nutrition and lifestyle consultations which result in a detailed assessment, a tailored diet, lifestyle and supplement plan. Kelly will also provide a handful of practical achievable recommendations to get you started during your holiday and a more detailed plan to continue at home.
There Is also the chance to join Kelly’s health and nutrition seminars during your stay. The seminars include cooking demonstrations and tastings and can be attended as a group or booked privately for a personalised session.
A calendar of Masters of Wellness in residency during the year is in place at Anantara Veli. Claude Simard is an internationally acclaimed Psycho-Energetic Massage specialist, using his highly developed sensitivity and intuition to combine therapeutic massage with Inner Child work. Claude will join the team from March 15th to the end of April. During the same period Jill Banwell will guide guests in Crystal Healing, Yoga, Massage, Meditation and Tarot. In residency from May to the end of October, Dome Srisawat is a certified Physiotherapist, specialising in Myofascial Release, a unique muscular manipulation technique to resolve acute pain and continuous aches by releasing energy blockages in the connective muscle tissues. To wrap up the year, Muayad Najemeddin will be returning during December until the end of January 2022, practicing Reiki and the healing art of Tibetan Singing Bowls.
Guests can share the facilities at family-focused Anantara Dhigu, adults-only Anantara Veli and the exclusive 20-villa Naladhu Private Island, just minutes apart by boat in the South Malé Atoll.
As relaxation and ‘me time’ have become even more important over the last 12 months, the over water Anantara Spa at Anantara Dhigu offers a newly refreshed menu with four new signature journeys, including the Sundari Sunset spa ritual, which is a deep relaxation massage on a floating platform, followed by champagne whilst watching the sun go down. Once darkness has fallen, the Moonlight Reflections spa healing ritual encompasses meditation and a healing massage on a private beach under the night sky.
The recently opened Cocoon Medical Spa located at the Balance Wellness by Anantara facility at Anantara Veli offers the highest level of aesthetic and wellness treatments performed by medical professionals. Whether guests require a vitamin IV infusion after a long flight for an energy boost or wish to turn back time with a Cleopatra 24 Carat Gold & Collagen Facial, using diamond microdermabrasion and LED Light therapy, the highly trained staff have the expertise and knowledge to formalise a programme specifically tailored to each guest. Other treatments include diamond microdermabrasion to exfoliate and increase blood flow to the skin, velashape fat blast to reduce body fat and oxygen therapy to boost energy levels.
The resorts’ overall offering comprises an impressive range of body experiences, facial treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and wellness programmes, in addition to complimentary daily yoga sessions with the yoga guru, movement therapy and fitness sessions can be booked with the resident personal trainer.
Prices for a 90-minute nutrition and lifestyle consultation start from USD 305. Seminars and cookery demonstrations start from USD 50 per person for 90 minutes. Prices for a stay at Anantara Veli start from USD 475 for an Over Water Bungalow with breakfast and at Anantara Dhigu from USD 535 for a Sunrise Beach Villa on half board basis.
For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.
Not long now til this lockdown will be lifted and we can enjoy warmer spring days. But if you need to cheer yourself up with some cosy tried and tested products to get you through the next month or so, here is what we recommend…
The Comfy
The Comfy® is a wearable blanket and it has quite simply changed my life. It keeps me so warm and cosy and I like to wear mine while enjoying a cuppa in the garden so I don’t have to put my coat on. Also perfect for road trip adventures and Netflix marathons, The Comfy solves the problem of being cold no matter where you go and adds a dash of lighthearted fun to everyday life. Available in a wide variety of colours and seasonal patterns.
Buy your Comfy on Amazon, it’s a best-seller.
Hug at Home Throws
We love these soft, pretty and durable throws from Hug At Home. What makes this lovely brand stand out from the crowd is its sustainability credentials. Each throw is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
This one is a game-changer! Ember’s patented technology allows you to set the precise temperature of your hot drink, so you can enjoy your tea or coffee from beginning to end. You can control the temperature with an app and choose between the smart mug, travel mug or sleek metallic collection.
For many, turning their primary residence into an Airbnb is a great way to not only enjoy greater flexibility and meet new people but also generate an extra income passively. With over 5.6 million active listings worldwide and 4 million hosts as of September 2020, Airbnb has become the world’s leading marketplace for lodging and vacation rentals.
What’s interesting is that 80 percent of Airbnb hosts list and rent out the home they actually live in. A recent study on the economic impact of Airbnb revealed that 87 percent of Airbnb hosts in New York rent out their primary residence, and the average host in the city earns approximately $7,520 per year.
If you’re a homeowner looking to make some extra money, listing your place on Airbnb may be a good idea. However, it’s important to note that the income can vary depending on your location, the quality of services you provide, how much of your property you can rent out, and how frequently you rent it out.
That said, transforming your home into a hospitable space that offers the best Airbnb guest experience isn’t as simple as you might think— it takes some work. You can go the extra mile by hiring a remodeling company to create a guest-optimized experience and enhance the flow of your home. Whether you’re working with a reputable design company or not, here are six tips to help you make your home and property ready for Airbnb.
Make Your Home Spotlessly Clean
Make sure your space is clean and tidy before you even think of inviting guests into your home. Keep in mind that you’re competing with leading hotels, vacation rentals, and luxury brands. And nothing puts a guest off more than an untidy space with dusty surfaces and musky smells.
Start by deep-cleaning and decluttering each room and tidying up all surfaces including floors, kitchen countertops, walls, baseboards, and light fixtures. Make sure you sanitize and disinfect high-touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, movable lamps, remotes, bed frames, light switches, and counters. If possible, clean the home yourself to ensure everything is done right. And if you’re not sure where to start, consider using an Airbnb cleaning checklist, so you don’t forget anything or miss a spot.
Remove your Personal or Valuable Items
Since you’re renting out your primary residence, it’s important that you remove any personal belongings or valuable items, such as clothes, jewelry, collectible cards, personal hygiene items, gadgets, personal documents, and family heirlooms. Basically, you need to remove anything that’s not functional for your guests.
You can either move these items to a storage unit or keep them in a locked room. You’re renting your space to guests and they should be free to make it their own for the agreed time. As such, your personal and valuable items shouldn’t, in any way, become a hindrance to their experience. Items such as wall art and books may be interesting to guests, so you don’t have to remove them.
Remember the Amenities
Before you get started renting out your home to guests, make sure you stock up on amenities. Here are some of the things you can do:
Add Wi-Fi and streaming services. To gain a competitive advantage over other vacation rental options, consider providing guests with Wi-Fi and a smart TV that they can use to stream and watch their favorite shows.
Provide a guest station. Including a cube organizer or shelf with blankets, towels, bed covers, and toiletries, shampoo, and other essentials will make for a better Airbnb rental experience for your guests.
Create a cozy bedroom. Provide guests with a comfortable bed with a high-quality, sturdy headboard and high-quality sheets or even consider a giant pillow for a more cozy and relaxing feel. Your guests should wake up each day feeling refreshed and energized after a long day of adventure in a new city.
Make Sure there’s a Good Check-in Experience
A great first impression is crucial to becoming a successful Airbnb host. The last thing you want is to have your guests spending hours trying to gain access to your property because your lockbox isn’t responding. First, provide specific instructions on how guests can get to your residence from the local bus stop, train station, and airport. Be sure to provide your contact information so it’s easy for them to reach you in case of emergencies. Additionally, install a digital lock or a portable key lock box to make it easy for your guests to access your home.
Provide Basic Kitchen Essentials
One of the things that motivate people to book an Airbnb is the convenience and flexibility of having a kitchen. Guests want to have peace of mind knowing they’ll have a good time in a home away from their home. So, ensure your kitchen is stocked with the cooking essentials and appliances they may need. Some of the basic kitchen essentials to provide your guests with include pots, cutting boards, dish towels, utensils, and oven mitts. Also, test the dishwasher, coffeemaker, oven, and microwave for any problems and make sure the freezer and refrigerator are working properly.
Fix Curb Appeal
Consumers looking for an Airbnb to vacation in or rent will be attracted to properties with strong “curb appeal,” and they will be willing to pay more for it. You, therefore, don’t want to focus all your efforts on the inside of your house and forget about the exterior. Get pruning services to spruce up your home’s exterior by pruning trees, mowing the lawn, planting a few colorful potted flowers, adding fresh mulch to your garden, and trimming back the bushes. Also, consider repainting your home’s exterior to give it a refreshing look.
One of the greatest advantages of hiring a marketing agency is that they are going to be working for you on your marketing efforts. They will be focusing on the marketing of your company and keeping in touch with all of your potential customers to ensure that they continue to purchase from you.
A marketing agency is going to help you achieve success with all of the campaigns that you may have. What people don’t know is that you can always choose an affordable marketing agency. There are tons of them available for you to pick, based on your budget. So, if you can’t afford a fancy marketing agency, we can tell you for sure that you’ll get one within your budget. But if at all you don’t have the resources for a marketing agency, here are some of the alternatives you can use:
Use Google Analytics
When you can’t afford to hire a marketing agency, you may opt to use Google analytics instead. Google Analytics is important for tracking your online presence. Google Analytics is a free application that helps you to watch unique keywords and your business name and see where they appear online. Other features give you information about how people found your website.
Hire Freelancers
This is a budget-friendly option when you can’t afford to hire an entire marketing agency. You can hire a few freelancers to perform different marketing roles, including managing social media and blog content. If you want to know who is working as Freelancer, you must schedule facebook group posts about that.
Thanks to the presence of a vast pool of freelance platforms, you won’t have a challenge finding one or two that fit your needs. Some will be expensive, while others will charge a lower price. It’s important, however, that you not only consider the price but the quality too.
It’s pointless to hire a cheap freelancer that won’t make any impact in terms of marketing your business. Some sites like Upwork, Collawork, and Freelancer offer tons of choices that you can pick when it comes to freelancers. And you won’t miss a professional within your budget.
Seek Expert Advice, Then DIY
It’s only normal to consult pros when it comes to marketing. However, ensure that you only consult and then carry out the implementation on your own. When you decide to consult then ask them to do the job for you, then you’ll end up spending a lot more. And that’s exactly what you’re trying to avoid.
Leverage Social Media
Engage with consumers who are having discussions about your company or a subject that is pertinent to your company whilst on social media. It’s simple to see what people think is relevant when you watch what they’re doing on your social media pages and the keywords that matter to your business. This is also a good way to stay on track of client issues and keep the conversation under control before it gets out of hand.
Hootsuite and other social listening platforms make this easy. Simply add your accounts to the platform, and you’ll be able to manage them all from a single dashboard. Leveraging different forms of content can give you the upper hand. You can use images and videos, have live video sessions, create QR codes and infographics to engage with your audience better. You’ll sometimes be stumped as to how to react to someone’s remark.
Although we always suggest almost always answering, the right way to respond isn’t always apparent. And, if any of this seems terrifying and you’re contemplating ditching all channels, remember this: Even if you don’t have an internet or social media presence, people are already talking about you. It means you aren’t paying attention to and involved in those interactions. This has the potential to be much worse from a technological perspective.
Create Unique Content In-house for Marketing
Creating original material that benefits the target audience is another component of being a thought leader. Blog posts, white papers, case studies, and webinars are all excellent ways to build your authority and reputation. Furthermore, these assets are simple to distribute via email and social media, ensuring optimal exposure.
Snooping is the perfect way to learn how to sell. Which are the best practices of your industry? What are those people doing that might not be in the business planning? Which ones will your target audience find most helpful, and where will they spend the most time online? If it’s in their mailbox, newsletters may be a good place to start.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many alternatives to hiring a marketing agency. If you want to succeed in the online world, you have to make sure that you take advantage of all of the available opportunities. Whether you want to hire someone to handle your pay-per-click advertising or you want someone to handle your content and promotions on your website, you will find that it is beneficial to do proper marketing.
It doesn’t matter whether or not you can afford a marketing agency. What matters is that you first find a method that can fit your needs. When it comes to affording a marketing agency, either, there are several budget-friendly teams to work with.
Here at House of Coco we’re not shy to admit that we’ve spent more time watching Netflix than we care to admit. It’s almost been a year since Tiger King became a lockdown sensation and since then we’ve been getting Down to Earth with Zac Efron in South America, seeking multi-million-dollar dream homes in Selling Sunset and falling in love with ‘the ton’s’ most eligible members of the elite in Bridgerton, which has become the most watched series on Netflix to date.
From Paris to Peru, we have rounded up a series of tours to inspire your next adventure, based on Netflix favourites from around the globe.
BRIDGERTON: PROMENADE THROUGH BATH’S BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC STREETS
Bridgerton is a period drama like no other. Watch as the powerful Bridgerton family navigates through love, marriage and scandal. This season, much of the filming took place in Bath, where ToursByLocals guide Cheryl can take visitors on a stroll around the beautiful city which was one of the most fashionable places to be seen in the 18thcentury. The city of Bath is designated with UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is famous for the Roman Baths built around hot springs, the awe-inspiring architecture of the Royal Crescent and its spectacular Abbey. Indulge in historical gossip and find out about the local stories of time gone by, full of salacious scandal and secrecy.
ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers a private Bath City Walking Tour from £125 per tour, for up to ten people. The two-hour fully customisable tour includes a leisurely jaunt around Bath taking in the highlights with a local Blue Badge tour guide, with the option to extend to visit a museum.
DOWN TO EARTH WITH ZAC EFRON: EXPLORE THE ICA DESERT AND SAND DUNES IN PERU
Ever dreamed of travelling the world with Zac Efron? Of course you have. The eight-part series follows his travels highlighting stunning natural scenery, sustainable living and green energy. Combine an adrenaline rush with the majestic beauty of the Ica desert on an epic adventure with ToursByLocals. Try your hand at sandboarding, just like Zac when he visited Peru; after an action-packed day, watch the sunset as it dips below the dunes.
Local guide, Karina was born and raised in Nazca on the southern coast of Peru and also hosts the Nazca Lines Flight Tour, which takes in thirteen of the mysterious ancient geoglyphs, featuring the hummingbird and the astronaut.
Netfix’s megahit dating show, Too Hot To Handle was filmed in dreamy Riviera Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. With a coastline framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, lush white beaches, and sparkling blue seas, Riviera Nayarit offers luxury, natural scenery, and privacy. This paradise has become the inspiration for many holiday-starved viewers stuck at home during lockdown. The stunning beach house in Too Hot to Handle is in Punta Mita, one of the most sophisticated and exclusive areas of Riviera Nayarit.
Nestled within a 1,500-acre private peninsula, Punta Mita is the type of place where heavenly dreams of idyllic tropical getaways turn to reality. The gated, ultra-luxurious location is home to multimillion-dollar villas, two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, and top shelf luxury hotel brands, such as St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. The luxury continues as the destination is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in Rivera Nayarit and beautiful boutique hotels tucked away among the trees. The destination offers a combination of tranquil bays for swimming, as well as hundreds of acres of protected tropical forest for exploring. For more information, visit: www.RivieraNayarit.com
SELLING SUNSET: LIVE THE A-LIST LIFE IN LA AND PERUSE BEVERLY HILLS REAL ESTATE
Welcome to the Oppenheim Group. The stylish and feisty squad of real estate brokers are on a mission to sell multi-million-dollar dream homes to the rich and famous of Los Angeles. Take a VIP trip to the Hollywood Hills with ToursByLocals guide Lawrence and get the inside scoop on Hollywood movie stars, how they live and what secrets they keep behind their star-studded gates. Cruise down Rodeo Drive and check out the Sunset Strip and imagine yourself transporting your life to the mecca of all things glam – it is La La Land after all.
THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT: EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF BERLIN
Set in Kentucky and filmed in Berlin, the ever-popular story follows the life of Beth Harman, a young chess prodigy from lowly beginnings. The orphanage where Beth grew up was filmed at the Schloss-Schulzendorf, which was built in 1889 and stands on the outskirts of Berlin. Explore the cultural heritage of Germany’s capital and visit the fantastic museums on Berlin’s so-called Museum Island, which reflects new ideas in philosophy, science and politics.
ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers a Berlin Art and Culture Tour with an Art Historian from £251 per tour, for up to two people. The three-hour town is fully customisable. Local guide and historian Hilke has been working as a certified Berlin guide for over 30 years and studied in Berlin, Rome, Paris and Washington.
EMILY IN PARIS: ENJOY ALL THINGS CHIC IN THE CITY OF LIGHT
While following in the footsteps of a cheerful American marketing exec who lands a job with a French agency, each episode of Emily in Paristakes viewers on a tour around the glamourous French capital. Nominated for a Golden Globe, the series takes in breathtaking views over the Seine and world-renowned locations that reaffirm the popular belief that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From walking across the iconic Pont Alexandre III bridge to high-end dining in Le Café de L’Homme, a contemporary Parisian brasserie known for its unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, the series’ fans will be able to recognise plenty of the city’s landmarks to create an Emily-inspired recreation on their own.
For the most glamourous experience, which doesn’t break the bank, Bidroom, the membership-based travel club for travel lovers, offers better hotel deals than anywhere else, along with in-hotel perks such a complimentary room upgrades, arrival drinks, late check-out, and free WIFI as standard. Become a member for free and enjoy discounts on other travel services such as car hire, insurance, tours and luggage storage, or upgrade for £29 per year to unlock even more hotel deals, bigger discounts of up to 40% on travel extras and share your membership benefits with friends.
Conveniently located within a short walk from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the four-star Hotel La Lanterne is a perfect example of Parisian chic. Bidroom (bidroom.com) offers a three-night stay at this independent boutique hotel priced from £606 per couple, including spa access in addition to a range of Bidroom’s membership perks.
THE LAST KINGDOM: WALK THROUGH FAMOUS ANGLO-SAXON BATTLEGROUNDS
The year is 872 and many of the separate kingdoms of what we now know as England have fallen to the invading Danes, leaving the great kingdom of Wessex standing alone. The Last Kingdom portrays the conflict between the Danes and the Saxons as they battle it out, with swoon-worthy Uhtred of Bebbanburg at the helm. With the Danes eager to take more land and the Saxons fighting to hold the ground they have and repel the ‘marauding heathens’ from England, viewers have been on the edge of their seats this lockdown.
Discover famous Anglo-Saxon sites and frequent Viking/Saxon battlegrounds with Headwater’s six-night North East Wales Heritage Trail self-guided holiday. This trip takes travellers along various sections of Offa’s Dyke Path, where they will discover the history behind Britain’s longest ancient monument, as well as past hill forts, castles, rich in Anglo-Saxon history.
The holiday is priced from £959 per person including B&B accommodation, luggage transfers between hotels and route directions and maps. https://www.headwater.com/
OUR PLANET: DISCOVER THE NATURAL WONDERS IN REMOTE GUYANA
David Attenborough’s Netflix exclusive, Our Planet, picked up two Emmy Awards for its exploration of the rich natural wonders, iconic species and wildlife spectacles that still remain, and revealed the key issues that urgently threaten their existence. The remote South American nation of Guyana is one of the last remaining places in the world where travellers can experience nature in its purest form. Part of the Guiana Shield, one of four primary rainforests left in the world, 87% of Guyana’s territory is made up of pristine Amazon jungle, home to over 820 bird species and 225 mammal species and counting. The variety of ecosystems from dense jungle to grassy savannah like plains are home to iconic species such as the elusive jaguar, harpy eagle, giant river otter, giant anteater and black caiman as well as lesser-known species endemic to the Guiana Shield such as the Guianan cock-of-the-rock and the golden rocket frog.
Wildlife Worldwide’s (wildlifeworldwide.com) offers a 15-day ‘Guyana: A Pristine Wilderness’ tour priced from £5,845 per person including international flights, internal transport, accommodation and most meals.
