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WomenWorldwide: From Fast Fashion to Finding Your Niche with Niza Huang

Niza Huang is the brainchild behind the jewellery brand of the same name. Finding beauty in contrast, Niza fuses organic forms with clean lines to create raw-sophisticated pieces that exude elegance with an edge. Her timeless yet contemporary collections range in style from organic abstract to minimalist geometric, conveying Niza’s rich imagination and creative passion. Inspired by our connection with nature, she incorporates a selection of raw and refined diamonds and gemstones into her designs. Finding Your Niche with Niza Huang captures the essence of her design philosophy and the journey she invites her audience to embark on.

Niza specialises in fine jewellery as well as alternative bridal and engagement pieces for those looking for something a little less conventional. She loves adding her twist to create unique designs for special occasions. Niza also offers a bespoke service to create highly customised designs for people looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that they will treasure forever.

Currently waiting for her first child to arrive any day now, Niza tells us more about what the future holds…

Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching your jewellery brand

Before launching my jewellery brand, I worked for a high-street fashion jewellery company.I was bored with the very fast-paced high-street fashion jewellery industry. I felt it was killing my creativity.
I had a very strong urge to create and make jewellery with a soul that people will treasure forever. That’s why I quit the job and started my own brand.

You bridge the gap between fashion and craft, where do you get your creative flair from?

Somehow it comes naturally. I am a very crafted person, most of the time I start making a piece without having any sketches. I like to experiment and take challenges. The developing and creating process is normally what I enjoy the most. My inspiration often comes from connecting with nature. Finding beauty in contrast, I fuse organic forms with clean lines to create raw-sophisticated pieces that exude elegance with an edge.

Who is the ideal client for your jewellery?

A lot of my clients are from creative backgrounds such as architects, weavers, journalists, artists, music producers … and so on. They appreciate the aesthetic research of our products, and they can tell how much work and love I put into creating the pieces. My clients also love nature and natural focus, so they are attracted to my designs. They love that the brand offers them something different from other labels.

Since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I will be more careful about investing in doing shows. Be more business-focused and only do what really can be beneficial to the business. Managing my time better and only do the very necessary things myself. Being less stubborn and not thinking I am a superwoman who can do everything myself.

I’m a Yorkshire girl and you went to Sheffield Hallam University, tell us more about your background…

I am a Taiwan-born and London-based Jewellery designer-maker. My first degree was in Industrial design. I had 3 years of experience as head of design at Arinza International in Taipei, Taiwan; working on gold and platinum with diamonds creating an innovative but classic style. In 2006, I moved to Sheffield to study for my MA degree in Metalwork & Jewellery design as I wanted to improve my jewellery-making skills and develop my creativity and jewellery design knowledge.

For anyone aspiring to have their jewellery brand, what advice would you offer?

Find your niche market and not follow the mainstream. Tell us about a recent BossBabe moment that you’ve had… I am always grateful that I can do what I love. I enjoy working, and I don’t feel work is work but it’s part of my life. Especially since I am pregnant now, it’s so good to be my boss, I can have the freedom to set my schedule and take time off to relax and refuel when I need to.

What does 2024 look like for the business?

2024 will be a challenging year for me. I am 8 months pregnant now, and it’s my first baby. I will need to run my business and handle the newborn at the same time.

I plan to be much more organised and focused to get things done faster than I used to be. Learn to give more responsibility to my staff, so I can balance my time better for the business and family.

Currently, I can see my business is expanding. I am adding new stockists in Taiwan, Russia and potentially in Ireland. It’s going to be a busy and exciting year! Find out more at www.nizahuang.com

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Bangladesh

5 Ways to Live More Sustainably

The painful facts are now difficult to avoid: we have more CO2 in our air than ever before, rising seas are threatening to engulf the world’s islands and low-lying coasts, the day on which humanity’s consumption for the year outstrips the world’s capacity to regenerate resources that year is getting earlier and scientists are realising that more and more droughts and floods are down to human action. Such horror brings apathy and makes us feel that we can do nothing to help without extreme changes to the lifestyle we enjoy. But there are some simple things we can all do to live more sustainable lives. Rachael Lindsay gives us her top 5 tips…

Cut down on meat and dairy

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. While meat and dairy provide just 18% of calories and 37% of protein, it uses the vast majority – 83% – of farmland and produces 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that even the very lowest impact meat and dairy products still cause much more environmental harm than the least sustainable vegetable and cereal growing.

For inspiration on how to go vegan without missing out on the good stuff in life, check out my story: https://houseofcoco.net/why-i-went-vegan-without-looking-back/.

Fly less

This is quite simply one of the most effective things you can do to live more sustainably. Air travel is one of the more environmentally damaging activities we can undertake so just a few flights fewer and you are making a huge difference to the planet. Take advantage of the gorgeous nature and heritage in the British Isles, take the Eurostar to Paris to explore France or the ferry to Dublin to experience Ireland: there are plenty of great travel options that don’t require a flight.

One campaign is looking for signatures for those who want to pledge not to fly at all in 2020, quite a challenge if you are a frequent flyer like me, but something we should all start thinking about.

For more information, visit flightfree.co.uk.

Shop second-hand

A study commissioned by Oxfam has revealed some shocking facts about fast fashion. Each item of clothing you buy could travel 21748 miles – from a cotton field in the U.S, to production units in Bangladesh, to the shipment of the product to Germany and finally to the customer. Throwaway fashion is undeniably putting increasing pressure on our planet and its people – it’s unsustainable.

Oxfam has launched a #SecondhandSeptember campaign to encourage us to try their second-hand clothes shops instead of supporting fast fashion. It is very simple: pledge to only buy second-hand clothes for this month and feel the glow of knowing you are doing something amazing for the planet.

For more information, visit oxfamapps.org/secondhandseptember/.

Furnish your home with a sustainable lifestyle brand

Home furnishings can have just as negative an impact on the environment as fast fashion particularly if you constantly update your home with the latest trend.

The second-best thing to second-hand is choosing a brand that uses sustainably sourced materials which are good quality and long-lasting. This brings us to Vênoor and its fantastic homeware. Not only do they produce and sell gorgeous sofas, tables, chairs and home accessories but they use workshops with high ethical working standards, use sustainable timber and metal, and plant a tree for every order made.

For more information, visit venoor.com.

Ditch single-use plastics

Think about your use of single-use razors, forks, cups, bags, and food storage containers, particularly those made in plastic. Packaging is a major source of disposable plastic so bring your own containers and bags (cloth or canvas is best). If your supermarket doesn’t sell food in bulk, make the request or find a better market. This is something that we have all got on board with amazingly in the past 12 months meaning figures have shown that far fewer plastic bags have been used per person and there are far more alternatives to single-use plastic than there used to be.

For more information, visit plasticfreechallenge.org.

BONUS: Ditch electronics responsibly

Given the technological advancements in today’s world, it is inevitable for electronics to break down or get replaced. Instead of tossing these gadgets in the trash, consider recycling them responsibly. E-waste, or electronic waste, is becoming one of the biggest pollutants of the planet, and these appliances contain harmful chemicals that may wreak havoc on land, water, and air. They also contain precious metals such as gold, silver, and steel, and the best way to reuse them instead of mining the earth for more is proper e-waste recycling. Here is a handy guide for more information on the topic.

Cover photo credit: @theplanetd.

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Arts

#GirlBoss: Clare Villar Military Artist on finding her niche

Any GirlBoss knows the challenges of working in a male dominated environment, but it is one where Clare Villar strives. Her wonderful animal portraits have been commissioned by A-list celebrities and her impressive military artwork has gotten her an audience The Queen.

We catch up with Clare Villar and talk about how she carved out a niche for herself in such a unique industry, the complexities of her work, and how timing, focus, and positivity can make the difference in achieving your dreams. For Clare Villar, her incredible military art work has made her a shining star amongst brass medals.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What made you decide to become a military artist? Have you always had a connection with the military?

I actually trained as an Illustrator from Falmouth University in 1995. After qualifying, I decided to go to London where I worked for various publishing houses before getting married and moving to Ludlow, Shropshire in 1999.

I had been doing my animal portraits as a hobby and actually had a waiting list of a few months. It was at this point I decided to take the leap of faith to pursue my dream of being a full time artist. My husband was serving with the Royal Mercian Lancastrian Yeomanry at the time; and the current Colonel, David Leigh, commissioned me to do a Roll of Honour. Rolls of Honour where popular about a hundred years ago and they depicted the fallen soldiers; names from the wars. Our idea was to reinvent it to include the current serving soldiers names. It took about six months to design the Roll and another three to four months to produce it.

Could you explain to our readers what kind of artwork a military artist does?

To describe my Rolls of Honour, they are approximately A1 in size and depict all the current serving soldiers names hand written in calligraphy with hand painted cap badge, they normally contain about 650 to 700. Once I have completed an enormous one for the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in Canada, which included 979 names and over a thousand miniature maple leaves.

I am so lucky to have found a totally unique niche market with my artwork. My work has been presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward. In 2018, I won the Business Excellence Award for my military artwork and in July 2018 I was selected as a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Creative Industries.

My artwork has enabled me to travel around the world, to Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Germany with potentially other countries in the pipeline. The Australian Invictus Games Team commissioned a Roll of Honour to depict their competitors in 2018 and my WW1 Roll of Honour was presented to government VIPs in Canada.

You also work on some fabulous animal portraits – do you have a favourite piece/subject?

I started my career doing animal portraits.I still love doing these as it’s so different and a welcome break from my military artwork, although that has now reached a different level too. I have been commissioned by various public figures such as Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Trisha Goddard, and Will Greenwood to name only a few. My favourite piece was when I was commissioned by Nick Mason a few years ago to paint all four of his black labradors. It was amazing and I am very lucky to exhibit at his house every two years, which he opens to the public.

I have also just been given the most amazing opportunity to work with Louise Kennedy,who is internationally recognised as one of Ireland’s most successful fashion designers. Their flagship store is in Belgravia in London, and I get to work with her on a new clothing range, specifically in regard to my animal portraits. It is an exciting project and I have to keep pinching myself that it is actually happening!

Girl Bosses are fearless and confident – and you are constantly dealing with Generals, Coloners, and Brigadiers. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a GirlBoss so far?

Working in a very male dominated environment has made me fearless and confident, but generally the type of people I deal with are polite, professional, and treat me with the utmost respect.

The challenges I face on an a daily basis have to do with the complexity of my artwork. I can’t make any mistakes otherwise I have to start from scratch, and when you are writing 650/700 names in calligraphy then a huge amount of concentration is needed. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was whether or not I was going to be taken seriously as an up and coming military artist. I’m competing with mainly male artists in this field, but my advantage has been that my artwork is completely different from anything else on the market.

My biggest challenge as a GirlBoss is juggling all aspects of my life from family, career, and my artwork. I am in charge of my own destiny and if I had any advise for any women out there, worried about taking the plunge into uncertainty, is that timing is vital. You need to be ready to take the plunge and do your homework. You hear every day that you can achieve your dreams, which is true, but it comes down to hard work, belief, drive, and passion. Without these it won’t work, you have to be ready to take the knock backs and rejection, but this will make you stronger and more determined to succeed.

You need to have a positive outlook because negativity won’t achieve anything. There are a lot of women in business that I respect and learn from. Lady Karren Brady being one of them as she is supporter of my business, her outlook and message is clear and incredibly powerful. We can all succeed, it’s up to us to determine our future and our success.

Check out www.clarevillarmilitaryart.com for Clare’s Military Artwork and www.clarevillar.com to see her lovely animal portraits.

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Australia

6 Eco-Friendly Female-Founded Brands You Need To Know About

Here at House of Coco, we’re all about discovering, celebrating and supporting our fellow boss babes running their own businesses, particularly when they’re also working to respect and preserve our planet. We sat down in the oh-so-chic surrounds of prestigious women’s private members’ club the AllBright in Mayfair, for She Speaks – an evening with the female founders behind the luxury brands championing sustainability. From eco-friendly design to accountable production processes and a focus on fair craftsmanship – these are the environmentally friendly #girlboss brands you need to know about.

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Game face on. Ready for you Monday! Let’s do this. ? . @ziorva jewellery modelled by the stunning @silkehajunga , make-up by @catparnell , photography by @rossellavanon. . #mondaymotivations #gameface #readyforwork #workwear #workwearstyle #styleinspo #workwearjewellery #jewelleryoftheday #daintyjewelry #jewelerylover #ethicaljewelry #sustainablefashion #sustainablelifestyle #slowfashion

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ZiorvaInspired by the natural beauty of her home country, Irish designer Lorna seeks to help to preserve the landscapes that are so close to her heart by creating ethical jewellery which minimises adverse impacts on the environment. Cast from fully recycled gold, every Ziorva piece is crafted in the UK, reducing the carbon footprint and ensuring high-quality standards. Her pieces are designed to last, from the daintiest of stacking rings featuring responsibly sourced gemstones to all-out diamonds which fully adhere to the Kimberley process, all packaged in FSC certified card to protect forests for future generations.

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It’s the season for prints ?? #HURRLoves ? @saasha_burns

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HURR One of the most polluting industries on earth, fashion’s impact on both people and the planet is vast. Hoping to pave the way towards a more sustainable future for the industry, HURR’s wardrobe rental platform allows eco-conscious women to share their wardrobes with each other – making the most out of your wardrobe, maximising your fashion choices and reducing your environmental impact – a win-win.

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Only two more days left of our SS19 NYC Pop-Up Shop. Come visit us @oknospacesoho today 25/3 and tomorrow 26/3 from 11AM-7PM to shop our latest sustainable collection! ?68 Thompson St NYC . . . #fashion #circularfashion #NYC #smartwomen #sustainablefashion #luxury #ecofashion #bethechange

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DEPLOY

Pioneering slow fashion, clothing brand DEPLOY offers an ethical and intelligent approach to style, crafting tailored designs you can wear season after season, alongside their zero waste philosophy. Fabrics are sourced from environmentally certified textiles suppliers in Britain and Europe and the collection is mostly produced in London by boutique production houses and artisanal craftsmen. The cut-offs are salvaged and re-used, or up-cycled into hats and headdresses for their sister company. It is this commitment to a mindful approach to fashion for life rather than for a single season, that DEPLOY is harnessing to reduce their impact in what is traditionally such a wasteful industry.

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Through careful consideration of our entire production cycle, we have combined pioneering design and innovative manufacturing with high quality natural and organic ingredients. Crafting expectational hygiene for the modern woman. Find out more about our premium range and ethics online. #WearGraceAndGreen #greenbeauty #ethicalliving #organicskincare #organiccotton #Womenshealth #naturalhealth #EthicalLiving #PremiumBeauty #NonToxic

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Grace and Green

While it might not be particularly glamorous to chat about, the sanitary industry has a huge impact on the planet. Grace and Green manufacture high quality, organic and biodegradable period products – cruelty-free, vegan and made from 100% organic cotton, they are good for not only the planet but also your health.

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‘Nourish to Flourish’ We are sticking by this motto at 58. A skincare ritual could be that little bit of daily TLC your body needs. What’s your favourite skincare ritual? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #natural #skincare #naturalskincare #vegan #veganroutine #organic #wellness #ecofriendly #naturalremedies #naturalingredients #goodness #naturalbeauty #wellbeingthatworks #balancing #organicskincare #selfcare #goodskinbeauty #greenvegan #naturalcosmetics

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58 Lifestyle A conscious choice when it comes to sustainable pampering products, 58 Lifestyle’s collection focuses on the benefits of transitioning to natural-based products, as well the benefits of remaining mindful of personal and environmental wellbeing. Eco-soy candles not only smell warm, woody and deliciously inviting, but are hand poured using eco-friendly soy wax for a long lasting and clean burn that is free from pesticides and herbicides. Their balancing room mist is seriously soothing, as well as free from harmful synthetics and unnecessary additives.

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❤️ will you be my Valentine? All Natural Cotton & Sustainably made Towels, Throws & Blankets for her and for him. Last chance for 40% OFF for the best Valentines Gifts. Smart Cotton to take you beyond the beach. The Original Travel Towel! ? @mikeyfunn ? @coco.swim Hamamingo | Smart Cotton • Smart Life #hamamingo #smartcottonsmartlifie

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Hamamingo

From their towels down to their tote bag packaging, Hamamingo’s eco-friendly products are created with a focus on quality and slow production, to give consumers a piece that they will be able to use for years. Their producers share the same commitment to the garment lifespan, and through their production processes, the company is able to support local communities in Denizli, Turkey where they champion fair wages and respect the skills of the women who hand-tie the tassels in these communities.

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Girl Bosses of Great Britain

Jennifer Jane Young on learning and teaching ‘The Art of Making Things Happen’ with Injoy Living

Jennifer Jane Young is the very definition of a successful 21st century multi-hyphenate. Founder of Injoy Living, she also works as a Virtual Business Manager and Strategic Consultant, writer, alongside running her own podcast called ‘The Art of Making Things Happen’.

According to Jennifer ‘The actions you are not willing to take or the decisions you are not willing to make are the ones that will change your life’ .This motto is the perfect reflection to her willpower and resilience to truly carve out the life she wants to live. Amidst a world of dull nine to fives, Jennifer helps people to turn their ideas into reality through her own self-started business, INJOY LIVING. Using her own personal experiences to inspire entrepreneurs the world over, to not settle, and to truly ‘injoy living’ their best lives.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What inspired you to start Injoy Living?

From a young age I had a ton of creativity and inspiration. My imagination was my safe space but simultaneously I was suffering. Up until I was about 25 I felt like I just didn’t fit anywhere in the world. Throughout my teenage years I suffered with severe anxiety, paralysing me in so many moments, making me feel like I was broken and unlike anyone else. It was a scary time for me because it felt like I was never going to be ok in my life.

I was the black sheep of the crowd, surrounded by people working 9-5 jobs or trying to find their dream program in school and none of that felt good to me. I needed freedom, I needed to do something with my creativity, and I needed to live a life of my own. At the time I could not quite understand all of that yet. In school, I was a little rebel, and I could never hold a job for more than a few months, as I found that it was physically and mentally excruciating. I would daydream of running away from it all and into a life that I would INJOY LIVING.

And so I did.My journey as an entrepreneur began by becoming a Yoga Teacher. I took my summer vacation to do intensive training and never looked back. I FINALLY felt at home in my life. I then went from Yoga Teacher, to Yoga-therapist, to Coach, to Virtual Business Manager & Strategic Advisor.What grew from that was Injoy Living. My company was built to help people craft out the life they are so deeply yearning for, because I believe that we should all be ‘injoying’ our life.

Injoy Living is where personal development meets entrepreneurship. It’s where I serve as a mentor to teach ‘The Art Of Making Things Happen’ by merging inspiration with practicality so people cannot only dream, but also make their dreams happen, one step at a time. I build deep, meaningful connections with people who come into my circle. I wear my heart on my sleeve and share my own journey in an honest way, so that I can use my life and lessons as a stepping stone for them.

The actual big picture vision for Injoy Living came to me when I was on vacation in Ireland, driving through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It was so strong that I took out a pad and paper and wrote until my hand was hurting and I could barely hold my pen anymore. I believe that the vision I had that day, was a preview of my life’s mission. Not all of it exists yet, but it’s coming to life, one chapter at a time.

What is Injoy Living all about? How does it help aspiring entrepreneurs the world over?

It’s always about creating a bridge between inspiration and making things happen, through mentoring and practicality. No matter how I’m mentoring someone, I always see myself metaphorically holding my peoples’ hands as I help them step forward. It’s about creating human connection and a community of people on a similar path. I felt so alone for so long, and I don’t want anyone to ever feel that way. There is a unique path for all of us and I want to help people find that path and actually walk it. Through clear intentions, intuitive and strategic actions and the capacity to relax and let go, I help people step forward towards their yearnings. When I am not doing that for myself, I suffer, so when I’m suffering I know that I’m not paying attention to where my intuition is trying to guide me.

Currently my company offers one-on-one services for people to start a business or grow their business with me as the Virtual Business Manager. I mentor through my podcast “The Art Of Making Things Happen” and I invite clients to come work with me under the coconut palms in Cancun Mexico for retreats, work-cations and intensives.

What’s next for you and Injoy Living?

I’m working on getting my book published, where you can read about my philosophy on The Art Of Making Things Happenand one of the biggest leaps I ever took in my life — packing my life and my dog to move to Mexico.

There is so much more to come. I used to get stressed because I wasn’t making things happen fast enough, but now I really appreciate each individual chapter and how they build on each other. If I can spill the beans a little, the next thing I’m working on creating is a caribbean co-working house in Cancun for creatives and entrepreneurs to come stay with me for work & relaxation. I love being a host and taking care of people. You can sign up to Jennifer’s VIP list to be in the first to receive an invitation here.

Talk us through how you help businesses with ‘The Art of Making Things Happen’

I help people connect the dots from their idea/desire to creation. My strength is seeing the big picture and all the pieces involved to make things happen. Where people get overwhelmed, is trying to sort out all the pieces and matching them with the big picture. I help people break things down, problem solve, put the pieces in order and prioritise what to tend to first (while knowing what will be coming next). I’m a natural born project manager.

I also serve by coaching people who are just getting started (or wanting to take their own path) and offering strategic consulting to entrepreneurs. My approach with everyone is highly intuitive.

Communication is the key vehicle to any work or mentoring I do. I offer high-touch support to my community and clients. Unlike so many businesses now online, I want people to feel close to me and have access to me.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a GirlBoss so far?

Taming my creativity. I’ve had to learn that not all ideas are good ones. When creativity hits now I write and write and write. Then I let it sit and see how it feels the next day. I’m a little woowoo so sometimes I’ll pull tarot cards or get a reading from my tarot reader. I trust now that if something is meant to be on my path, it will continue to come bite me in the ass. I use my podcast and writing to channel my creativity, instead of trying to create a new service or a new business with every single blitz of inspiration.

I have to be fully transparent also (because it’s part of my core values as a mentor) and say that money used to be a big challenge for me. Starting at a young age, I had very stressful and scary experiences with money, and those patterns repeated into my adult life. In the last few years, I’ve fallen in love with taking care of my money, with making it, with using it and managing it. It was a long journey, but I finally feel empowered with my finances, which has had a huge impact on my business, success, and peace of mind.

What advice do you have for aspiring GirlBosses who would like to become a Girlboss like yourself?

Connect, connect, connect. You need a community. You need other Girlbosses in your circle. People to talk to and share with. Find a coach or a mentor. Invest in getting help. There are options for support for all different budgets. I would NEVER be where I am today, without the support and connections I have had with other amazing girl bosses. They have helped me become the person I am today. They will share resources with you, connect you with the right people, call you on your bull shit, through your value in your face when you can’t see it yourself. Find your crew is my best advice. No one builds success on their own, not even Oprah. We all need our Gayles!

WWW.INJOYLIVING.CA

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Food & Drink

The Dalloway Terrace: London’s Most Instagrammable Restaurant

You’ve certainly seen The Dalloway Terrace’s beautiful Winter set up on your Insta-feed at one point or another this holiday season. Its beautiful crystallised white, pink, and silver flowers, cosy Foxford woollen blankets, and romantic candle-lit atmosphere have earned it the reputation of being one of London’s most Instagrammable Restaurants. Team Coco checks out The Dalloway Terrace,London’s most beautiful winter dining destination.

Located in the heart of the West End, The Dalloway Terrace is the perfect place for a festive treat this winter. Forget Winter Wonderland, Nikki Tibbles from Wild at Heart has transformed this lovely all weather terrace into a whimsical hideaway that features champagne coloured frosted foliage, whimsical natural lichen, and frosty white magnolia and eucalyptus. Transforming the Dalloway Terrace into a gastronomic winter wonderland that is as enchanting as it is festive. This holiday season, Chef Byron Moussouris adds new twists to his modern British menu and also borrows some alpine inspiration for its seasonal all-day dining menu. Including a choice of either Swiss Cheese Fondue or Truffle Cheese Fondue to share! You can bet we indulged in some Truffles, after all it’s the holidays.

If not in the mood for fondue, we recommend starting off with the tiger prawns in Harissa aioli, they are not just delicious, but also arrive in a very generous serving. For your main course, we recommend the 100% acorn fed Iberico Pork fillet, served with Hispi cabbage and tender stem broccoli for a truly festive meal. Finish off with some Dark chocolate fondant with roasted hazelnut ice cream, and wash it all down with a warming cocktail. This year, the Dalloway Terrace’s winter cocktail menu is the result of a collaboration with Belsazar Vermouth. If it’s a particularly chilly winter evening, we recommend going for the Hug in a Mug. A mixture of Belsazar White, Cachaca Yaguara, Chamomile Tea, and Honey – you will certainly go home feeling all the warm and fuzzy winter feels, and maybe a few snaps for Instagram – or ten. We can assure you, it’ll be difficult to find a more beautiful winter spot in town.

The Dalloway Terrace is located in the Bloomsbury hotel at 16-22 Great Russell Street. For more information visit www.dallowayterrace.com @dallowayterrace #WinterAtDalloway
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Mexico

Newport Beach; Orange County’s Weekend Wonder 

If Newport Beach and West Hollywood were related, then Newport Beach would be the quiet little sister who only spoke when spoken to.According to Sean Robbins, it’s laid back and humble, cemented on old money and glazed with charm. A place that makes London house prices seem like a steal, once you have a taste of Newps you’re hooked for life.

Where to stay

Pelican Hill

There is no question about where to stay when you’re in the area; Pelican Hill is world famous and it’s pretty clear why from the second you pull up on their lavish driveway and make your way through the plush lobby. The only way to get around this resort is by golf buggy because it is that big. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s centred around a spectacular circular ‘Coliseum’ pool; this Tuscan-inspired resort could be mistaken for a small town, with a private clubhouse and pool, butler service and wave of attentive staff comprising the township. We stayed in a one-storey bungalow with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Expect a limestone fireplace to welcome you with warmth, wood beam ceilings and a marble bath which can be enjoyed with the windows that open into the bedroom. The perfect excuse to enjoy a bath bomb whilst watching the fire crackle.

Service is seamless, with a laid-back luxury vibe.

Lido House Hotel
The new kid on the block, it’s forecasted to be the place that everyone will soon want to be seen. Sitting on the site of the former City Hall, Lido House is the old-to-new centrepiece of Newport Beach. The rooms here pay homage to the unique ambience and coastal lifestyle of the area.

Things to do

Hire a Duffy boat

Put this at the top of your list! You can hire one with just a standard license and you get full captain’s rights to drive the boat yourself. Add a bottle of champagne into the mix and you could spend the whole day on the water with your friends, picking out which coastal mansion you’ll buy next (in your dreams). From the mansion that Nicolas Cage built and subsequently lost when he went bankrupt to the pink house owned by Cindy Lauper, keep your eyes peeled for some truly elaborate real estate.

Lido Marina Village

A postcard-perfect shopping destination; artisans, tastemakers, chefs, curators and collectors come together to share their wares and draw inspiration from the sun and the sea. Enjoy al fresco dining waterside, explore a mix of charming boutiques and stylish shops, and experience a delightfully scaled village ambience inviting you to stroll and discover creative manifestations at every turn. This is Newport Beach at its best, casual, comfortable and chic in equal measure!

If like us, you’re a stationery geek then you must stop by Sugar Paper and treat yourself to a new notebook, pen, diary, candle or all of the above. There’s also an effortlessly cool bookshop here called Lido Village Books. A decades-old favourite, this independently ran, small store offers a beautifully curated selection of best-sellers, owner-favourite classics, design and travel titles, international magazines, a delightful kid’s selection and reading nook, literary gifts and best of all, great conversation and impeccable customer service that is often a thing-of-the-past in today’s impersonal world.

Fashion Island

This open-air shopping destination is every girl’s dream. Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Fashion Island is Southern California’s premier coastal shopping and dining experience. With panoramic ocean views and towering palm trees, Fashion Island’s offering includes prestigious department stores and speciality boutiques, and more than 30 dining options.

We fell in love with Kendra Scott Jewellery, not only because of the gorgeous earrings that we couldn’t resist taking home but the fact that they offer you free cupcakes! It doesn’t take much to win us over.

Bliss Paddle

If you went to Newport Beach and didn’t go on a paddle board, did you really go to Newport Beach? You have to make the most of the stunning outdoors when you’re in this often overshadowed area of California. With the feeling of sun on your skin, and the sea breeze on your cheeks as you tread the ocean waves and the boundaries of your own comfort zone, this is the ideal way to spend an afternoon when in town.
Pedego Bikes

Hiring one of these is a must-do, mainly because you get to cruise around on a bike and use very little manpower as they’re motorised and literally do all the work for you. Cruise the sun-soaked streets and watch local life go by!

Places to eat

Javier’s Cantina

Right up our street, this place is so cool we could scream. Offering a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambience, we made the mistake of asking the waiter to bring us a surprise for our main course; he ended up choosing a steak and nothing remotely Mexican. Lesson learned! However, we had our fair share of hand-shaken margaritas and rare tequilas to make sure we got our culture fix.

Beach Comber Cafe

A converted cottage houses this beachside eatery, serving Californian favourites and a seriously popular breakfast. The beignets here are some of the best in the city while the steak chilaquiles are mouthwateringly irresistible. You can burn off your excessive eating by having a stroll along the beach afterwards and, just a little further down from the café, you’ll stumble across the famous house from the all-time classic movie, Beaches.

Zinqué

There is no cooler place in Newport Beach to have lunch than Zinqué. Perfectly located so you can hop off of your Duffy boat or paddle board onto the main deck and right through their open doors. The grass-fed beef burger is to die for. It’s the ideal spot for people-watching so don’t be surprised if the waiter brings the evening menu too.

Balboa Lily’s
Well-known for their coffee art and unique flavours, this is a community coffee house located in the quaint neighbourhood of Balboa Village. Their endless coffee options and pretty presentation makes this spot an Instagrammer’s dream.

www.visitnewportbeach.com

Fly with Aer Lingus
With a pit stop in Dublin en route it meant we had the benefit of pre-clearing so that we landed like a local! You simply collect your baggage at your U.S. arrival airport and get on with your day, so not a second of your trip is wasted!

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City breaks

#CocoCityBreak : 6 Reasons Why Galway Is Our New Favourite Weekend Away

Forget the Ed Sheeran song, Galway has more to offer than annoyingly catchy ditties.

Here’s 6 reasons why a #CocoCityBreak in this vibrant city is the one for us.

1.The city’s colourful cobbled streets

Galway has got to be one of Ireland’s most beautiful cities. Full of cobbled streets, colourful building and history, just taking a walk is enough to lift off the stress of the week and transport you back in time. Start your exploration at Coffeewerk + Press (@coffeewerkandpress, 4 Quay Street) , get caffeinated and amble from there.

2. The foodie scene

In addition to delicious pub grub, the city’s brimming with creative small businesses serving up great food. The Dough Bros pizza parlour spot (@thedoughbros, 1 Middle Street) is not only delicious but brings their entrepreneurial journey to life with a timeline of the shop build splashed across the walls. The city’s West End won’t disappoint if you are hungry with popular new street-food-done-good burger spot Handsome Burgers (@handsomeburgergalway , 49 Dominick Street) and the ingeniously named Crust Bucket pizza bus located in the beer garden of charming pub Carroll’s (@crust_bucket_galway, 39 Dominick Street).

For something a little more upmarket, you’ll want to keep walking in Galway’s West End to the endearing Kai (@kai_galway , 22 Sea Road) for their rustic, seasonal fare.

3. Welcoming pubs

I’m not going to lie to you, when we were in Galway it was wet! But somehow, the city’s charm overcame our soggy shoes and saw us bouncing from cosy pub, to cosy pub and Galway has so many that you won’t get bored. For Irish Coffees we popped into the quirky The Quays surrounded by the inlaid wood, pews and stained glass windows (Quay Lane). Then for our first daily dose of trad music, the nook filled Tig Neachtain (@tighneachtain, 17 Cross Street) followed swifty by more live music at Tig Coili (Mainguard Street).

4. Hidden cocktail bars

After all that beer, you might need something a little lighter. Back in the West End, we fell head over hills for the retro tinged, slice of LA, America Village Apothecary tasting room (@americavillage_galway, 31 Dominick Street). America Village is the brainchild of #GirlBoss Claire Davey and they craft syrups, tinctures and bitters from locally foraged ingredients; bringing the cocktail drinker closer to nature.

Near Kai (see above) you’ll find the delightful The Universal (@universal.the, 9 William St West) with craft cocktails, beers and delicious small plates.

5. Hazel Mountain Chocolate

On the way to number 6, 35 minutes from Galway, deep in a remote, windswept part of Ireland you will find Hazel Mountain Chocolate bean to bar chocolate factory (@hazelmountainchocolate, Bellharbour, Co Clare). A fairytale come to life, you can visit the factory and cafe nestled in The Burren 7 days a week to sample fair trade, small batch chocolate made with inordinate amounts of love. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming chocolate factory tours for your own rustic Wonka experience.

Not heading out that way? Don’t worry, Hazel Mountain have a shop in Galway City Centre (9 Middle Street)

6. The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are so popular that we were actually advised not to go there by tourism colleagues but, with the impressive cliffs gracing our screens in films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, their draw is to hard to ignore. A stunning natural sight with a great interactive museum and cafe for when the unpredictable Irish weather turns for the worst – we cried with laughter about how wet and windswept we got, but when the mist lifted for all of 5 minutes, the view was breathtaking.

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Health

Galgorm: Showing us why 2022 will still be the year of the staycation

Pre-March 2022, I would not have considered a staycation in the United Kingdom, given a general preconception of poor value for money offered by the hospitality industry. However, the last 2 year have shown us, that our hotel industry has seriously upped its game and have pumped countless pounds into its facilities to make them world-class. A case in point is my recent visit to Galgorm in Northern Ireland which is a mere half an hour from Belfast. With the recent airport issues, flying to Belfast is a much safer bet than flying further afield with countless flights from numerous British airports daily. (Although, saying that, I am still liaising with British Airways to claim compensation for a cancelled Belfast flight).

Travelling from Belfast to Galgorm is the opposite of the M4 Heathrow experience. Rolling green meadows and towering trees greet your arrival and if you want an even more VIP experience, arrange for one of their Rolls Royce Phantoms to pick you up from the airport. The long gardened drive up to the reception area sets the scene for a regal experience even if the front of the hotel building seems deceptively unassuming. There are over 163 acres of serene woodland for you to discover.

What immediately catches the eye is the picturesque beauty of the River Maine, which flows through the estate and the immaculately manicured flora which blooms on the estate. The resort used to be a very important local mill hence why the river plays such an important role on the estate. The hotel has been expanding exponentially with the boom in staycations and offers hotel rooms, shepherd’s huts, cottage suites, log cabins, residences and treehouses. The core of their business is the 125 hotel rooms divided into suites, deluxe and superior rooms. The rooms are extremely spacious ranging from 32 m² to 122 m². Most have impeccable views of the scenic river. Whilst the complimentary minibar is always a crowd-pleaser including local craft beers. You know it’s a no-expenses-spared experience when you find Aromatherapy Associate amenities, Dyson heater/fan and Marshall Bluetooth speaker. The king-sized beds offer a pure blissful sleeping experience with their King Koil mattresses.

There is no shortage of dining options to choose from including The River Room, one of only 4 restaurants in Northern Ireland to be offered 3 AA Rosettes. And options for Italian food lovers at Fratelli Ristorante, options for meat lovers at Gillies Grill and a gastropub experience at Castle Kitchen + Bar. The latter I would particularly recommend if you want a little trip outside of the estate, as it’s situated at the Galgorm Castle Golf Club and the hotel will provide complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant. Whilst the Gillies Grill is also well worth visiting, not just because they source some of the finest cuts of Irish aged steaks but they also have Asian twists on their meat-heavy menu. Their bang bang chicken with a hypnotic mix of sweet chilli, soy and satay is a guilty pleasure to savour.

The jewel in the crown of Galgorm is their thermal spa village. Calling it a village is a very apt description of their facilities with every possible spa experience under the sun available. This is not an exhaustive list but includes Celtic sauna infusion, snow cabin, sanarium, snail shower, the salt cave, Beltane hot tubs, saunas and pools. You can enjoy an exclusive individual hot tub relaxation session right by the river and this is the kind of restorative therapy that can take away every scintilla of stress from your body.

If you want to enjoy professional spa treatments, make sure you book well in advance as their slots do book up very quickly. Highly recommended are their opulent aromatherapy massage on a heated massage bed and the anti-aging skinceuticals expert skin-specific facial. With the former, they will even give your recommended regular treatment suggestions to ensure you reap the full benefits.

If you looking for a wellness escape, Galgorm is the place to check out with their world-class thermal spa village. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in Ireland and great value for money with what they are offering.

Rooms are from £195 per night including breakfast

You can book an individual hot tub in its secluded riverside spot to enjoy an hour soaking in the freshwater and watching the local wildlife with a bottle of fizz for £80.

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Adventures

Laps of Luxury, a Dip in the World’s First Floating Sky Pool

Just a short walk from Battersea Power Station, perched on the edge of the river Thames is Embassy Gardens, an impressive residential and business development which is home to the iconic Sky Pool.

The iconic Sky Pool

House of Coco was invited to stay in one of the prestigious apartments overnight and access all the facilities which included the extraordinary floating pool. Suspended between two skyscrapers, 200 metres from the ground, this glass bottom pool floats in the air allowing residents to swim from one building to the next. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the London skyline you can take in views of the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and new US Embassy which is located next door.

The spa and cinema room at Embassy Gardens

The development has a five star resort come private members club vibe which is reflected in the outstanding facilities, the Eg:le Club, allows you access to the Sky Deck (that’s where the Sky Pool is), this includes an indoor pool, state of the art gym, private cinema, concierge service and the Orangery rooftop bar. All the facilities are extremely plush and on the sunny morning we visited, we couldn’t believe our luck when the pool was empty. Similar to swimming in a giant aquarium, it is entirely transparent and structure free, 25m long, 5m wide and 3m high with a water depth of 1.2m. It was an upgrade on the usual gym swim and imagine that on a Saturday afternoon in the summer it feels more LA pool party than South London.

The apartments here start at £650,000.00. Our stylish apartment was spacious with an open plan kitchen, dining, and living area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and one with a shower. The balcony on the lounge offers views of the Thames and is the perfect spot to chill with a drink in the evening. The interiors are contemporary, and the overall spec is high with lots of marble, state of the art appliances and products.

Embassy Gardens is fast becoming a lifestyle and commercial hub for London, benefitting from a huge influx of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants This ultra-chic neighbourhood, has its own green space, spin studios and beauty bars. There’s plenty of places to socialise too. We visited Darby’s, an oyster bar, bakery and grill restaurant. Inspired by the legacy of internationally acclaimed Irish chef Robin Gill’s jazz musician father, Darby’s signature dishes include arancini, Exmoor caviar and truffled brie. The night we went there was an event with author, Dolly Alderton. Penguin Random House are also located here so there’s often co-curated evenings held in one of the bars or restaurants.

From its architecture to its luxury amenities and community vibe – Embassy Gardens is an entire neighbourhood designed for vibrant, urban living. London living never looked better.

Find out more about Embassy Gardens by visiting www.embassygardens.com (T) 020 3930 2554 or follow @embassygardens on Instagram.

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