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Creating a capsule wardrobe is all about choosing high-quality items of clothing that work well together to create several different looks. If you’re in the process of adapting your wardrobe and style of fashion to a more slow-paced approach, this article can help. Here is a collection of luxury items every woman should have in their capsule wardrobe.

Warm coat 

If you live in a climate where the weather gets very cold in the winter, you will know the value of a good warm coat. Buying a luxury, high-quality coat that will last for several years is a great investment for your capsule wardrobe. As long as you look after your coat, you can keep it for many years without needing to replace it. Natural materials such as wool, cashmere and shearling are excellent at keeping you warm and cosy whilst also looking fabulous. Choose your winter coat carefully, and opt for a colour that’s more forgiving of marks if you’re going to wear it regularly. To keep your coat in good condition and prolong the amount of wear you get from it, you should clean and store it carefully. Natural materials need to be cleaned with specialised cleaning agents and stored in specific ways to prevent garment deterioration. Always follow the instructions and care recommendations for the specific material your coat is made from. 

Well-fitting pair of jeans

The perfect pair of comfortable jeans can boost your self-confidence and be worn every day. When it comes to finding your favourite pair of jeans, there are several things you can do. Firstly, find a cut that suits your figure and makes you feel confident. You may need to try on several pairs of jeans before finding the ones that best suit your body shape and jeans you feel comfortable wearing. Avoid buying jeans cuts just because they’re in fashion at the current time. You’re looking for a pair of high-quality jeans that will be timeless and ones you’ll be able to wear beyond the current fashion trend. Secondly, find the right size, don’t opt for a smaller size in the hope that they will stretch. Good quality jeans will keep their shape and size. Always opt for a size that feels comfortable on your current body, even if that means buying a size you wouldn’t usually. Every brand and designer differ in their sizes, so it’s essential to try on several different options before deciding.

Black evening dress

Another staple luxury womenswear item is a black evening dress that you can wear over and over again to various events. A black dress is flattering and looks great on all women; you can also style it differently to create several looks. To do this, use various accessories such as belts, cardigans, jackets, jewellery and shoes to dress up or dress down your black evening dress. When finding your staple black dress choose a shape that best fits the type of events you can see yourself going to in the near future. A formal style would be best if you attend many formal events. If you see yourself going out with friends and having more casual events, a dress that would fit in here is the best choice. To help make the dress more versatile, choose something with a small sleeve rather than a strapless number that might only be suitable for warmer months. 

Good pair of boots 

One item that needs investment is a pair of staple boots. Boots are versatile; you can wear them regularly for walks, meeting up with friends, shopping, and many other events. You need your boots to be waterproof and high-quality as they’re likely to see a lot of wear. Choose boots that fit your style and your current wardrobe. This way you will be able to wear them more regularly as they will go with lots of your outfits. Leather boots from a quality designer are a good choice; they’re well made and will protect your feet during the cold and wet weather. Always ensure you clean and treat your boots with the correct treatments; this will prolong their life and ensure you don’t need to replace them as often.

Resources:

• Shearling Jacket – Mighty Networks
• Shearling Coat – Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Shearling Waistcoats – Paragraph
• Slow Fashion Clothing – Diary.by

If you’re travelling and find it difficult or uncomfortable to travel, this article will help you. We take a look at things that can make travelling easier and more comfortable.

Cotton eye mask

Sleep is essential, and getting sleep on your flight or at the airport can help you feel rested and recovered when you arrive at your destination. Some people find it difficult to get to sleep on a plane, whereas others find it easy to sleep in any location. A cotton eye mask can be soothing and comfortable for those who struggle to sleep when travelling. It will help to block out all of the light, making it much easier to get a few hours of sleep on the plane or at the airport. Choose a cotton eye mask with good reviews, a wire around the nose area and a soft, flexible strap around your head. Eye masks are easy to carry and can help improve your comfort when trying to get some sleep.

Noise cancelling headphones

Sit back and relax while listening to a podcast or your favourite music. Noise-cancelling headphones can improve your journey if you’re travelling through noisy airports and busy cities. You can also use the headphones without music to reduce the outside noise from the plane, car or any other form of transport. 

Comfortable clothing

There’s nothing worse than spending hours travelling in uncomfortable clothing. You should choose the clothes you travel in carefully. Avoid jeans or anything that becomes tight when you sit down. Opt for more comfortable stretchy materials that you can sleep in if needed. Leggings are great for travelling if they’re thick and made from a breathable fabric. Also, consider the weather and temperature in your destination. A good tip if you’ve got lots of travelling when you arrive at a hot destination is to take a change of clothes in your bag. When you get to the airport, you can quickly get changed in the toilets into something more suitable for the climate of your destination. If you do this, along with a quick wash of your face and refresh in the restrooms, you’ll be much more comfortable for the rest of your trip.

Airport parking

Being comfortable whilst travelling is as much about the way you travel along with the things you use to improve your journey. Airport parking can make travelling much more comfortable, for the driver and especially for the passengers. You can book parking at Manchester airport in advance to save money and have everything arranged. You can then keep the comforts you need in your car for when you arrive back in the UK. Lots of people prefer the comfort of travelling by car as opposed to taking public transport; you have control over when you stop, the route and the temperature. It’s also often quicker and more direct than using public transport such as a train or a bus.

Lightweight baggage

Carrying your bags around the airport is both annoying and frustrating, especially if you have lots of luggage. Buying lightweight baggage can be really helpful; it allows you to carry more things and enables you to move your bags more easily from the car to the airport and from the airport to wherever you’re staying. Lots of people now opt only to carry hand luggage if they’re going away for a week or less. This allows them to have all their luggage on them during transportation, making travelling easier, quicker and more comfortable. 

Travel charger

Travel documents are no longer printed and carried by most people. Instead, keeping your documents as digital copies on your mobile phone is easier and more convenient. However, you might also use your phone while travelling to look at social media, listen to music, watch videos and many other things. A travel charger you can carry with you ensures your phone battery remains charged so you can access your travel documents when needed. Without a travel charger, you will need to try to conserve your phone battery or risk being unable to provide your travel documents and being denied permission to travel. Travel chargers are relatively expensive and will last for many years; you can expect to pay £10-£20 for a good quality travel charger.

Resources:

• Manchester Airport Parking – Buy Me a Coffee
• Parking Manchester Airport – Instructure
• Car Park Manchester Airport – Vingle
• Car Parks Manchester Airport – ArcGIS StoryMaps
• Manchester Airport Car Parks – Telegraph

If you’re just starting Yoga, you need to have a few positions mastered before moving to more challenging routines and positions. Yoga positions must be performed correctly to avoid injury and issues with your yoga practice. In this article, we take you through our favourite yoga positions for beginners, how to do them, and their purpose. This article will set you up with the basics needed for a beginner’s yoga class. 

Child’s pose

Child’s pose is a resting pose performed in many beginner yoga classes and more advanced classes. You should kneel on the floor for this pose, tucking your toes under your body. Lean forward towards the floor and lower your body to touch your feet. Your hands should be outstretched in front and your chin on the mat. Your chest should be brushing your knees, which are on the floor. 

This pose should provide comfort and rest when you need it during your yoga practice. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take yourself back to this position and breathe deeply to reset. Many yoga practices end in this position as a way to relax and relieve any remaining tension from the body. 

Downward facing dog

Even if you are a beginner yogi, you would have most likely heard of this pose. This position helps stretch out your back, arms, and shoulders, providing relief from any tension held in these areas. To start, you should get down to the ground on all fours. Slowly lift your knees so that you are in a triangle position on the mat, keeping your hands on the floor. Try to keep the back of your feet on the ground and your back straight. 

Your bum should be the highest point. This pose might be challenging at first, but you can stretch and breathe into the pose; each deep breath will allow you to push that little bit further to achieve the perfect downward facing dog. Don’t worry if it’s not achievable on the first try; give yourself a rest and come back to the position later in the session or another day. 

Mountain Pose

This position might seem simple, but it’s where many yogis begin their practice; you don’t need any specific yoga or pilates clothes for this pose or even a mat, though all these things are beneficial if you’re serious about doing more yoga. It can be practised almost anywhere, but don’t be fooled; there is more to the mountain pose than you might first think. Mountain pose is a standing pose; keep your feet hip-width apart and facing forward, parallel to each other. Start by moving your toes off the floor slightly and rocking back and forth on your feet. Reduce the movement and come to a still position. 

Let your energy draw up from your feet, slowly and peacefully. As it reaches your chest, allow the centre to be lifted without moving forward. Your shoulders should then relax, and the blades draw together away from your head. Feel your energy lifting your head upwards, and breathe. Your arms should remain by your sides, palms open and relaxed. Your body should stay parallel with your head facing forward and your jaw relaxed. This is a great starting position for many other poses; in this position, you shouldn’t feel stiff but, instead, empowered and tall, akin to that of a mountain ready to take on the world. 

These are three core poses we recommend practising at home between attending yoga classes with a trained professional. You can also follow online yoga videos or sign up for an app which takes you through each pose in more detail. When starting as a beginner yogi, remember to stay focused on your body, listen to its cues and don’t push too hard; you want to avoid getting injured. 

The correct yoga clothing should also be worn; choose breathable fabrics and clothing that won’t limit your movement. Another core aspect of yoga practice is breathing; keep breathing deeply throughout your practice. Deep breathing will allow you to extend your body into the poses. Yoga requires you to stretch and move your body in ways you might not be used to; if you have any concerns, always speak to your doctor or a professional yoga instructor before you begin.

Resources:

• Ethical Clothing UK – Data.blog
• Sustainable Clothing UK – Monero
• Sustainable Activewear – Drupal
• 3/4 Leggings – Telegraph
• Bamboo Trainer Socks – Paragraph

Fuel cards can help streamline the administration of business fuel and save businesses money on the cost of fuel. Fuel cards aren’t just for logistics companies that specialise in transporting goods using lorries or vans. Many other businesses can benefit from using fuel cards. Here are some examples of the companies that would benefit from a fuel card.

Taxi services

Taxi companies spend a large amount of money on fuel; having access to a fuel card can be very beneficial for individual drivers and the business. Drivers that are paid a set salary won’t want to use their own money to pay for fuel and then go through the process of claiming it back from the company. This could leave them out of pocket and unable to afford things they need in their day-to-day lives. A fuel card allows drivers to pay for fuel without needing to use their own money. It also provides the business with credit so they can pay back their fuel bill once they have accumulated more money from their customers. This helps manage cash flow, a common problem in small businesses. 

Sole traders

You might think that you need more than one vehicle to benefit from a business fuel card, but this isn’t the case. Sole traders with only a single vehicle can benefit from a business fuel card; it can help keep their business and personal fuel expenses separated. When it comes to paying tax, all companies need to keep an accurate record of what has been spent on business costs. A fuel card enables a sole trader to do this easily. Many fuel cards provide businesses with HMRC-approved invoices that can be used for tax purposes. This can save time when it comes to working out the amount of money that has been spent on business fuel. 

Builders, plumbers and other tradespeople

Although delivering people or parts isn’t part of builders’ or plumbers’ job roles, they still require fuel to travel to each site. Depending on the area they cover, they could have a large or small fuel bill. Some tradespeople travel long distances all over the UK to do specialised jobs. It is possible to get fuel cards in the UK with extensive networks for this type of tradesperson. In addition to travelling to jobs, builders, plumbers, and other tradespeople need to buy tools and supplies for the work they’re completing. All these fuel costs are considered business expenses; a fuel card can save tradespeople money on their overall fuel bill. Saving money is beneficial to all businesses; it can increase profits or give the company the ability to reduce prices, making services more affordable and attracting more customers. 

Community centres and clubs

Local sports clubs and community centres often have minibuses or other vehicles they use to transport their members. Sometimes there are several different drivers for these vehicles. Sports clubs can benefit from a single fuel card that can be used on each of their vehicles to pay for fuel. The fuel card company will send the bill for the fuel cost straight to the administrator, who will have the money to pay for the fuel. This will reduce administration time compared to a situation where several people need to claim back money from the organisation or club. Not only can it save money, but it can also prevent misuse of the trusting nature of these types of organisations. Drivers could overestimate their mileage or the cost of the fuel. 

There are so many different types of businesses that can benefit from having a business fuel card. Any company that requires even a small amount of driving as part of their business can apply and use a fuel card. Some companies worry about the cost of a fuel card and if it is worth it for their small business. This type of business should opt for a free fuel card; certain companies don’t charge for the issue of a fuel card or any ongoing monthly costs. The fuel card may restrict the business to certain brands of petrol stations, but this mild inconvenience is worth it as it can help save money on fuel and time dealing with fuel expenses.

Resources:

• Fuel Card – Drupal
• Fuel Card – Smore
• Fuel Cards – Data.blog

When you want a good, espresso coffee, or a delicious latte or even something more exotic like a cortado, you will want to get the right coffee machine to do it for you! You want to find a coffee machine that can achieve the right pressure and temperature to create a delicious coffee, and an included milk steamer to create that delicious creamy frothy milk foam on top! 

These coffee machines are wonderful, and will change your coffee world forever. There is just something so wonderful about a freshly brewed coffee, especially in the winter months and in the mornings. The aroma, the richness, and the awesome taste of this delicious beverage all work together to create an experience that you will never forget.

You may be wondering how a barista style coffee drink is made, and the answer is simple. When brewing a cup of hot, fresh coffee, the water is heated and mixed with coffee grounds and then is brewed to either a medium or dark strength. After the brewing time is up, the coffee is either poured into the cup ready for drinking, or is further mixed with ingredients like steamed milk, sugar, or cocoa. 

Then, the desired beverage is poured out, and then served hot or cold. It can vary depending on what brand of machine you buy and the kind of coffee you want to make, but most brands use the same process, so it really all depends on your personal preferences as well as your budget. 

The automatic cappuccino coffee machine has a very easy design to use. Typically, the coffee makers will come with their own filter, but some specialty drinks require specific filters that have to be purchased separately. This type of brewer is also popular in households as it is very easy to make barista style coffee at home without a mess and they are easy to clean up afterwards. This is a big plus, especially if you like to drink coffee daily.

The downside to the cappuccino coffee machines is the fact that they don’t usually come with the optional automatic cleaning feature. However, many companies offer automatic cleaning options, which means that your machine can be cleaned very easily after every use. This can really improve the quality of your drinks as your machine will produce coffee with a clean, fresh taste, and it can also cut down on maintenance. In addition, these automatic cleaning machines are much more affordable than they used to be, so this would be an excellent trade off if you’re looking for a bean to cup coffee machine UK.

Another great alternative in making coffee is the pod coffee brewing system. These coffee machines are almost identical to the original cappuccino makers, only they are smaller and you will use pre-measured pods of coffee instead of grounds. They offer a number of features, including froth milk frother, touch buttons, and separate water and ice chambers for making iced coffees. These machines also have an internal timer and auto shutoff, two features which many other coffee machines do not offer.

A machine that deserves a specific mention is the Dolce Gusto maker. Many people are probably familiar with the Dolce Gusto line of products, as they are quite popular and highly recommended by those who have tried them. For those who aren’t familiar with them, the Dolce Gusto coffee machine is very similar to other kinds of coffee pod machine, but it is designed to be super easy and convenient to use. The machine is very easy to clean after each use and offers you the option to make many different types of coffee drinks. The coffee is quite rich, and it has a very distinct smoothness that many coffee lovers love.

The best way to drink your coffee is still the old fashioned way, freshly ground beans steeped in pure water at home. That’s why there’s a market for making coffee at home using high quality espresso beans and coffee grinders, and these devices can make brewing a fresh, delicious cup of coffee quite simple. All you have to do is decide what kind of coffee to brew, what kind of milk you prefer, and how many shots of espresso you like. You’ll then be ready to start your machine and have a wonderful, freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Resources:

• Coffee Machine – Ameba Ownd
• Bean to Cup Coffee Machine – Telegraph
• Coffee Machine Bean to Cup – Peatix
• Filter Coffee Machine UK – Tech.blog
• Smart Coffee Machine – W3Schools

If you enjoy wine then you will know that there are literally thousands of different kinds out there. While this is great news for wine lovers because it means there is always something new and exciting to try, it also makes it especially hard to narrow down any list of the world’s best or most popular wines. 

Another reason that this is so difficult is because people’s wine preferences tend to vary by region and there are also wine trends that come and go with time. Furthermore, there are new kinds of wine coming to the market so often that it is extremely difficult to keep up to date with everything. 

With that said, some types of wine are considered popular classics and have an enduring appeal and will continue to be extremely popular for years to come. In this article we are going to explore some of the most popular wines that you can buy and enjoy today, and hopefully inspire you to look outside of your comfort zone for something you have not tried before.

Cabernet sauvignon

One of the world’s favourite red wines, cabernet sauvignon was originally made famous by growers in the Burgundy region of France. Due to its enduring popularity, this grape variety is no longer only grown in certain French locations and can actually be found growing all over the world. For example, there are extensive cabernet sauvignon vineyards in China, Lebanon and many South American countries. If you have tried cabernet sauvignon and think it has nothing else to offer you, think again. 

A cabernet sauvignon grown in one place will vary in flavour and character from one grown elsewhere because the mineral composition of the soils varies and imparts different personalities into the wine. Generally speaking, however, a good cabernet sauvignon will have dark fruit flavours such as black cherry, blackberry and cassis, and will have notes of spice, wood and vanilla. 

Merlot

Another all time favourite red, merlot was also popularised by vintiers in the Bordeaux region where the climate and soil conditions lend themselves perfectly to this variety. These wines may not be quite as popular as cabernet sauvignons but they age exceptionally well and you can find many fine wines and vintage bottles in this category. Merlot is known for its juicy flavours of plum, cherry and raspberry which are complemented by herbal green undertones and a touch of vanilla. 

Chardonnay

The first white wine on our list is a true crowd pleaser, and yet again was popularised in France, this time in the Burgundy region. Chardonnays are traditionally aged in oak barrels which adds a distinct flavour to the finished product though the flavour and aromas vary depending on where and how the wine was produced. Generally speaking, however, chardonnays are medium to full bodied and have a moderate acidity. 

The tasting notes in a chardonnay vary depending on where the grapes have been grown, though most tasters will report flavours that range from apple to pineapple, or even papaya notes, and when aged in oak it will have a distinct yet subtle vanilla taste. Almost every chardonnay will be dry, giving it a crisp, refreshing finish.

Sauvignon blanc

Another extremely popular white wine, sauvignon blanc is the parent grape of the cabernet sauvignon variety and as such it has a unique importance and influence in the winemaking world. As with most of the most popular kinds of wine, this one originates from France, more specifically the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions. ‘Sauvignon’ means savage, and this refers to the fact that the grapevines were wild and naturally occurring before being cultivated for their winemaking potential. 

Those who love sauvignon blanc appreciate its soft fruit flavours of white peach and pear which are brightened by notes of lemon, grapefruit and zesty tropical flavours. Sauvignon blanc also has gree, herbal notes of grass and tarragon, as well a well balanced taste of spices such as nutmeg and clove which are tempered with vanilla. 

These are just a small handful of the most popular wines in the world, and while most originally hail from France they are grown all over the world these days. This gives you plenty of scope to try something new so why not order up a bottle of Argentinian sauvignon blanc, or a Chinese merlot for something a little different? 

Resources:

• Spanish Wine – HackMD
• German Wine – Smore
• Bordeaux Wine – Beijing University
• Merlot – Monero
• Sparkling Wine – Business.blog
• Fortified Wine – Coda

If you love fashion, then you understand the importance of a good clothing collection. Not only do you want your clothes to look good, but you also want them to last. That’s why it’s important to invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time. It’s also important to know what looks good on you. 

We all have different body types, and what looks good on one person might not look so great on another. By taking the time to understand your own personal style, you can make sure that your clothes not only look great, but they also make you feel your best.

Creating a capsule wardrobe

Many people believe that creating a capsule wardrobe is all about choosing classic pieces that will never go out of style. While this is certainly true to some extent, it’s also important to choose items that are flattering to your specific body type. This is especially true when it comes to trousers. Not all cuts and styles of trousers are created equal, and some can be quite unflattering. 

So, how do you choose the right pair of trousers for your capsule wardrobe? First, consider your body type and find a pair of trousers that accentuates your best features. If you have broader hips, for example, you might want to try a pair of wide-leg trousers. If you have a smaller waist, on the other hand, you might want to go for a high-waisted style. Once you’ve found a cut that flatters your figure, it’s time to choose a colour or pattern. 

Again, consider what will work best with the other items in your capsule wardrobe. A neutral shade like black or navy is always a good option, but don’t be afraid to experiment with brighter colours or bold prints. No matter what style you choose, make sure you feel confident and comfortable in your new trousers.

One of the most versatile items in any woman’s capsule wardrobe is a couple of flattering tops, blouses or designer shirts. Whether you’re dressing for work or for a night out, a well-chosen top can make all the difference. But with so many different styles and silhouettes on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few tips to help you choose flattering tops and blouses for your capsule wardrobe:

First, consider your body type. If you have a petite frame, look for tops with delicate details and feminine embellishments. For a more curvaceous figure, opt for tops with structured details that flatter your shape. If you’re tall, look for tops with vertical lines that elongate your frame. And if you have a full bust, choose tops with V-necklines or empire waists as they are especially flattering.

Next, think about the occasion. If you’re looking for a top to wear to work, choose something classic and polished in a neutral hue. For a night out, opt for something more daring in a brighter colour or bold print. And if you’re just running errands or relaxing at home, choose a comfortable tee or tank in a relaxed fit.

Add finishing touches to your look

A great pair of shoes can really make an outfit pop. Whether you’re going for a sleek and sophisticated look or something more laid-back, the right footwear can make all the difference. Heels are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any ensemble, but if you’ll be on your feet all day, it’s important to choose a style that’s comfortable as well as stylish. 

Flats are another great option, and they come in a wide range of designs to suit any outfit. If you’re looking for something more casual, trainers are always a good choice. With so many different styles to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect pair of shoes to complete your look.

Jewellery can be a great way to add a touch of polish to your look. Whether you’re wearing a classic little black dress or a casual t-shirt and jeans, the right jewellery can make all the difference. But how do you know what kind of jewellery to choose? And how can you ensure that your jewellery compliments your outfit instead of clashing with it? Here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect pieces:

First, take into account the overall style of your outfit. If you’re going for a more formal look, then opt for classic pieces such as pearl earrings or a diamond pendant. If you’re going for a more relaxed look, then choose fun and playful pieces such as colourful beaded bracelets or chic hoop earrings. Second, consider the colours in your outfit. If your outfit is already quite colourful, then stick to neutral colours for your jewellery. If your outfit is more muted, then you can experiment with bolder colours and statement pieces.

Resources:

• Designer Dresses – Hashnode
• Designer Clothing – Taiga
• Designer Bags – HackMD
• Designer Tops – Data.blog
• AG Goldschmied Jeans – Ameba Ownd

There are multiple reasons a family might choose to holiday on home turf rather than venturing abroad; cost, distance, language barriers, and stress are just a few. Hauling your entire household onto a plane can seem like a military operation. Not to mention the environmental benefits of forgoing international travel. If your family is looking for the perfect UK destination for your next getaway, here are some suggestions.

The Lake District

The Lake District offers some of the UK’s wildest, most beautifully rugged countryside. This national park boasts sixteen stunning lakes, the largest being Windermere, where you can discover a wide range of water sports and activities. 

Truly a location for lovers of the open air, you can explore a broad range of outdoor recreation opportunities to suit every age group. If your family are keen walkers, you can experience some of the most spectacular circular walks or climb some of the UK’s highest peaks, such as Scarfell Pike and Helvellyn. You could even take a trip to Go Ape in Grizedale Forest for some high rope thrills suited to children and adults alike.

Younger children can enjoy the world of Beatrix Potter as you visit the landscapes and villages that inspired her famous tales and beloved characters.

Snowdonia

Speaking of mountains, why not visit Wales’ largest national park and brave the 3,560ft, Mount Snowdon? Suppose you’d prefer to witness the breathtaking views without exerting too much energy. In that case, the Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you to the summit in a Heritage Steam carriage on what has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

A few miles North-West of the national park, towards Anglesey, you will find the royal town of Caernarfon, home to Caernarfon Castle. A wonderfully educational location, this stronghold dates back to 1283 and is recognised worldwide as one of the greatest buildings of the middle ages.

If you’d prefer to steer clear of built-up areas, you can enjoy the soothing rush of the river Llugwy in the lush, picturesque location of Swallow Falls. 

The Peak District

Located in the heart of England, spanning 555 square miles across numerous counties, is the Peak District. Featuring steep limestone dales accompanied by rolling hills, forests and lofty fells, it is easy to see why this national park has inspired so many greats of literature, such as Jane Austin and J.R.R. Tolkien. 

The Peak District is famed for its caves – you can experience the eerie beauty of The Blue John Cavern in Castleton with a guided tour for an educational and immersive day out. 

Alternatively, you can head above ground and discover the historic splendour of Chatsworth House. Young children are welcome to explore the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground while you take in the wealth of art and culture this stately home has to offer.

Center Parcs

There are five superb and unique Center Parcs locations across the UK, so you’ll unlikely have to travel far to reach one. The ultimate destination for adventure-seekers, any one of these locations will feature leafy forests, aerial tree trekking, archery, golf, kayaking and much more. 

Each location features an indoor Subtropical Swimming Paradise, suitable for any age range – so pack those swimming costumes and reusable swimming nappies.

From wood lodges to treehouses, patrons can enjoy a range of holiday lodges suited for any size family. Dog-friendly accommodation is available, so your four-legged friends needn’t miss out on the fun.

Devon and Dorset

If the seaside is a fundamental requirement of your holiday, then where better to spend your time than the Jurassic Coast? Located across Dorset and East Devon, this area in the SouthWest is home to some of the most beautiful beaches the UK has to offer. 

As educational as it is scenic, this coastline is renowned for its ancient history. Children can enjoy fossil hunting on the beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis or learn about ocean conservation at Weymouth Sea Life Centre.

Accommodation choices are varied as ever – camping, glamping, B&Bs, caravans – whichever your family prefers. You could opt for somewhere like Sandford Holiday Park, where there are plenty of organised activities to keep the kids entertained, or make your own fun by renting a private holiday cottage.

Resources:

• Organic Kids Clothes – Homify
• Eco Friendly Baby Products – GitLab
• Eco Baby Clothes – Journo Portfolio
• Organic Baby Blankets – Smore
• Reusable Swimming Diaper – Business.blog
• Ethical Baby Gifts – Coda

 

When you think of a house or other kind of building, you will probably think firstly of the way it looks from the outside. You may be imagining what the doors and windows look like, the colour of the brickwork or cladding, even the tiles on the roof. Perhaps the last thing you might think of is the staircase. Staircases are an overlooked yet vital part of any building, home or otherwise, that has more than one floor. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible to make use of all the available vertical space, and buildings would be larger and lower. 

We have been designing buildings with stairs for thousands of years, ranging from simple natural, uncarved stone and mud constructions through to grand, ornate marble staircases that are built to impress and show off power and status. In modern buildings, staircases will serve a purely utilitarian purpose, or will be designed for style and practicality. As such, there are many different types of staircases that an architect might choose to incorporate into their project, and these are some of the most popular and beautiful. 

Straight staircases

Exactly as they sound, straight staircases are a more traditional shape that is straight up and down at each side. You can find stairs like these in most homes in the UK and they are a linear design that takes you directly between the floors of a building. They can be any width or length, the only limitation is the size of the building they are placed in. Due to their simplicity, they are perfect for utilitarian purposes, or to fit into spaces with a clean, modern feel. They can be made from stone, metal, wood, or composite materials. 

Quarter turn stairs

Sometimes known as L-shaped stairs, this style of staircase has a 90 degree turn along the length so the bottom and top of the stairs do not follow a linear path. In most ways they are very similar in construction to the straight staircase but they cut a more impressive figure and allow an architect to show off their design over a wider range of angles. They often have a landing which is the perfect place for a feature trestle table, piece of art, or a feature window. 

Floating stairs

Stairs that actually float would be impossible to construct as we’re all subject to the laws of gravity, but the illusion can be created by anchoring one side of the floating staircase into the wall and leaving the other side free. Also called cantilever stairs, these need a strong wall and internal structure for support so are often used in places where a strong external wall is present. They are extremely impactful, and are best designed with a minimal or transparent bannister and balustrade to show off the impressive engineering. As they are completely open on one side, they have a light, airy look that is like no other. 

Bifurcated stairs

These are probably what most people think of when they imagine stairs in a mansion, stately home, or high end hotel. Rather than following a single path up or down, bifurcated stairs split off into two and will have a left and right side. They are extremely grand and impressive, and suit large, opulent spaces. 

Spiral staircases

As the name suggests, spiral staircases curve around tightly to form a spiral shape, and are usually designed to fan out around a central point. You will often see these in spaces where there isn’t room for a standard staircase, and they are generally ornately designed which makes them more impressive than their compact size would suggest. Wrought iron is a classic material for spiral staircases, though they can be made in almost any material when in the hands of a capable craftsman. 

These are just a few examples of the types of stairs that can be utilised by an architect and each can form part of a stunning interior when they are chosen wisely. An experienced architect or interior designer will know instinctively what they want to achieve with their chosen staircase design, and will be able to plan something that makes stunning, creative use of the available space. 

Resources:

• Spiral Staircases – Coda
• Modern Stairs – Data.blog
• Stone Staircase Design – Smore
• Spiral Stone Staircases – HackMD

Learning to sew is a valuable skill that many people wish they had; with a bit of patience and research, anyone can learn to sew and make their own clothing. Here are some great reasons why you should take up this new hobby and learn how to sew. 

Improves your wellbeing

Learning to sew can improve your well-being; it provides you with challenges in your spare time which keep your mind happy and busy. You will also get a great sense of achievement when you complete a garment, improving your confidence and overall well-being. Knowing you’ve created your clothing yourself is a wonderful feeling when other people notice and complement items. 

Save money

You can save so much money when you make your own clothing. Clothes are very expensive, especially when you’re investing in designer pieces that are going to last for many years. Making your own clothing at home is much cheaper than buying from the shops or online. You don’t necessarily have to make your own clothing to save money; you can also fix and make alterations to your current wardrobe. This will allow you to wear your current clothes for longer and save you from buying replacement items when you change size or a garment needs to be repaired.

Express your style

If you ever feel like the clothes on the shelf don’t fit your unique style, making your own clothing could answer this issue. You can choose fabrics with patterns that you wouldn’t find on the high street and create completely new looks that represent your personality. Some dress-makers choose to follow sewing patterns to create their clothing; this is a great way to get started without needing design skills. Once you develop your skills, you can start making your own clothing patterns and create unique designs you can’t find anywhere else.

Make gifts

Once you learn how to sew, you can use this skill to create garments or accessories for your friends and family as gifts. Learning how to make cushion covers is an easy skill and a great way to reduce the cost of gifting. The cost of dressmaking fabric can be relatively low, and you can make your own cushion covers as a homemade gift. Gifting is more than just money, it’s about the thought, time and effort you put into creating the perfect gift for the recipient. People appreciate personalised, homemade gifts where there has been a lot of time, effort and thought put into making the present. 

Clothes that fit

If you struggle to find clothing that fits you well, dressmaking is a good solution. You can tailor the items you sew to your own measurements for the perfect fit every time. If your body size or shape changes frequently, you can also use your sewing knowledge to alter the size of your clothing so that every item in your wardrobe always fits your current body size.

Join a community 

Many great sewing communities are available in groups at local community centres or online. A community of like-minded people who share the same hobby or interest can be an excellent way to make new friends as an adult. You can also learn new sewing skills and get advice from the expert community of sewers you choose to join. 

Environmentally friendly 

Making your own clothes is an environmentally friendly way to enjoy fashion. You can buy locally produced fabric and reduce your garments’ total carbon footprint. Once you have the ability to make clothing, you’re also much less likely to throw out old clothes. Instead, you can reuse the fabrics to create new designs or new garments. This practice helps reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills daily and reduces your overall environmental impact. 

Make money

If your skills in making clothes or repairing garments progress to a professional level, you could make money from your hobby. There are many places online where you can sell your homemade garments to people who want unique items of clothing. You can also take on commissions and create tailor-made clothing to fit people who struggle to find clothing that fits them properly in the shops. 

Resources:

• Sewing Patterns – HackMD
• Skirt Patterns – Smore
• Fabrics – Data.blog