The world is our playground and thanks to the Internet , air miles, last minute flights and cheaper and cheaper long haul travel we have more access than ever, but it isn’t always the dream holiday we planned.
It seems that every year we are hearing about more and more incidents effecting holiday makers abroad. Family holiday destinations being ravaged by national disasters and even acts of terrorism. Places that were once considered totally safe and could be booked without worry are now requiring more research and consideration before booking that fantastically priced all inclusive package.
Disaster striking while you’re on holiday shouldn’t be your greatest concern as the risk is relatively low but it should still definitely be a consideration, especially when it comes to insuring yourself.
Recent reports have shown that some of the top holiday destinations have been experiencing disasters that have claimed lives, including Mexico who had two earthquakes in the space of weeks that killed over 360 people. More recently we have seen the extreme impact weather conditions can have on a place, trying to find a destination that does not experience flooding, wildfires and deadly storms with be a hard task. Even Europe have recently been experiencing some extreme weather conditions recently which is a far cry from how safe and predictable people have always considered it to be. From the death of 70 people killed in wildfires in Greece to a British couple losing their lives in a false flood in Sant Lorenc, Majorca, Europe is becoming less of a safe bet holiday destination.
The amount of British people Holidaying abroad is on the rise despite all of this and is set to keep increasing. The ABTA’s Holiday Trends Report 2108 showed that this yeah the amount of people planning on taking a foreign holiday this year was 60% which is the highest it has been since 2011 and that destinations like Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia are significantly up on bookings this summer despite bouts of terrorism in recent years. A survey carried out by Silver Travel Advisor reported that 63% of respondents said they would not take a holiday where there had been terrorist attacks. Those claims seemed to be very short lived though.
Indonesia is one of many countries that are impoverished and rely on tourism for money. Indonesia had a tsunami in September in which a lot of the devastation could have been minimised has their detection devices been functional at the time. Their disaster agency admitted that their 22 deep water buoys had not been functional since 2012 and people are putting it down to underfunding and lack of coordination by the government. Despite all of this the number of Brits travelling to Indonesia has doubled since 2010 and 360,000 British nationals have visited Indonesian islands in the last 12 months.
Business sectors within, and tied to, the travel industry like insurers are switching up their products to offer a wider range of coverage to support the drive to travel all over the world, making sure people are covered and protected against terrorism and national disaster.
For example, Insure4Retirement, a specialist Over 50s Home and Travel insurance provider, in partnership with Just Travel Cover, offer a Crisis Response Service with their Ready2Go Gold travel policy.
A unique selling point of this cover is that, should disaster strike while you’re away there is a dedicated team at hand with set skills to help you on a phone number which gives travellers access to immediate assistance. The service is provided by S-RM who has a team of crisis response consultants made up of former military, law enforcement and intelligence agency personnel, strategically positioned around the world to provide assistance during a crisis.
Tourism is an industry that will forever bounce back, especially as there are some nations that rely solely on this industry to boost their economy. Efforts will always be made to restore the effected areas as quickly as possible to welcome the tourists back. It’s only natural for tourist numbers to decrease after a disaster but everything shows that the lack of visitors won’t last very long. People love to travel, and the rewards greatly outweigh the risks. One way to ensure you have the best holiday possible is to minimise the risk by proper planning and having cover in place to quell your worries and be able to just enjoy yourself.
BE PREPARED FOR DSQUARED
I am not someone who buys a lot of designer label clothes and there are a couple of reasons for that but the main one being that they just don’t stock my size. I do however check out higher end brands when I’m shopping for family or a partner. I think as men tend to have fewer clothing items than a lot of women they can benefit from having higher quality staple pieces in their wardrobe. Websites like DSquared clothing are great for having access to a number of different brands in one place.
With Christmas just around the corner, we are all looking at places to buy the best gifts, so these sites that are one stop shops are a great place to pick up lots of gifts in one place with one delivery charge. whether its gift shopping or getting a little something for yourself you can’t go wrong with fashion.
As you all know I’m a fashion girl and love a little look on clothing sites to see whats new and what I might have missed and I’ve even blogged outfits wearing boyfriend fit clothes . I like to look at plus size men’s clothing sites to see what I can get as at my size its impossible to find anything oversized fitting on plus size women’s sites because I wear the largest size.
There are a number of UK based brand that stock menswear and if you are anything like me and you don’t adhere to what clothing labels tell you will fit, there is an abundance of straight size menswear stores that will have items that you can make work if you are shopping for yourself.
Whether you are looking for simple everyday pieces like shorts or a jumper all the way to looking for classic suit items to get a real androgynous look, menswear stores are a great place to shop as a women. Obviously these stores are great if you are looking to shop for someone else too. I find shopping for men can be quite difficult, especially if you don’t know the person very well. I also find that its much harder to guess when choosing clothes for a man. In my experience with friends, family and ex partners they seem to like what they like and be less willing to try styles outside of their comfort zones. This is when accessories come in handy, it may be alot easier to pick out gifts to suit someones style when its a nice belt or a Men’s Dsquared cap so you have more chance of it fitting and being a good gift item.
Signs You’re Totally Ready To Get Married
Are you wondering whether now is the right time to get married? There are some signs you can look out for to figure out whether this is truly the right time for you to either propose, or agree to a proposal! Read on to find out whether this is something you really want to do…
You Feel Like You’ve Found ‘The One’
Many people don’t believe in the concept of ‘the one’ – and it’s true that there are probably multiple people out there you could have a very happy relationship with. However, with this person, you’re not looking for something better, and you don’t feel like somebody better for you is out there. That’s when you know you’ve found a person you want to marry. Your ‘one’.
You’re Secure In Your Relationship
You should feel secure in your relationship. You don’t get jealous, because you trust them completely. If you do feel little pangs of jealousy, you know they are down to your own insecurities and not to do with your partner. If you definitely feel secure now and aren’t looking at marriage to help you feel that way, it could be time to look at engagement rings from 77diamonds.com.
You Have Fun Together
Although it’s important to have a ‘grown up’ relationship with your partner, you should still play and have fun together! Novelty is important, as is doing things you both enjoy. There’s no reason you should both get into a boring routine.
You Want The Forever, Not Just The Wedding
Some people just want a wedding. They want to get dressed up, have a party, and have a day that’s all about them – they don’t truly want the forever that comes along with it. Consider whether you’re prepared to spend forever with your partner, because that’s what a wedding should really be about.
You Still Feel Like An Individual
You should still feel like an individual in your relationship. You should have your own hobbies and things you enjoy. Your partner doesn’t have to like everything that you like, but they should definitely support your hobbies and encourage you to be an individual, as well as being one themselves.
You Live Together And You Don’t Want To Kill Each Other (Much)
It’s normal to have disagreements when you live together, but you shouldn’t want to kill each other all the time. If you can live together in harmony for the most part, this is a good sign.
You Communicate with One Another Openly
Communication is key in any relationship. Open communication ensures that nobody is pointing the finger, and that you’re both seeing things from one another’s viewpoint as well as getting your own point across. You should feel comfortable discussing difficult things with your partner. You should be able to avoid arguments, and come to a compromise or agreement that suits you both.
You’ve Had The Money Talk
Talking about money can be tough for certain couples, but talking about it in a relationship is a must. Money is something that can cause big problems in relationships, so you need to make sure you’re both on the same page.
Tattoos, not always permanent
Ever since I was a kid I was always fascinated with tattoos, I used to draw things on my arms in ink and wear them all day in school until the end of the day when I would wash them off before going home because I knew my parents would hate it.
I always loved seeing women with tattoos and by the time I was in my teens I knew I would get some when I was an adult.
Now at 34 years old I have 30 tattoos and I absolutely love them. I have plans for more and plans to add to ones I already have. I love the way they look on me and I have never had any regrets about getting tattoos. I do know, however, that this is not the case for everyone.
I always say its really strange to meet people in 2018 who don’t have any tattoos at all, maybe it’s the people I socialise with but I definitely know more people with tattoos than people without.
So in a time where so many people are getting tattooed it stands to reason that more people will be getting tattoos removed.
With my tattoos I have only had one that I didn’t want anymore and lucky for me it was only small so I was able to have a beautiful cover up done. You can’t even see what was there before so getting cover ups where possible is also a really good option.
When people think of tattoo removal services they usually think about session after session trying to return the skin to its original state before tattoos but of the tattoo removal process is used to lighten tattoos just enough so that’s its viable for a cover up to work. Whatever reason you want to go down the tattoo removal route, there are services to suit you.
Body modification should be undertaken with having something permanent in mind but things change, tastes change and circumstances change. Having an option like this available to everyone is amazing and technological advances are making strides so the results are just getting better and better. Companies like the Pulse Light Clinic
I am very very happy with my tattoos at the moment but like I said anything could change and seeing the results that these people have had makes me feel even more confident in my decision all those years ago to start modifying and decorating my body.
I have plans to continue adding to the art on my body because I love it so much but I do realise there is a need for removal services and this will definitely be an option for me in the future should I need it for any piece I have or will have.
The Guide To Planning Your Luxury Trip To Santorini
Santorini is one of the most popular Greek Cyclades islands that many tourists like to visit each year. Santorini is known for its amazing views, beautiful architecture and incredible sunsets. If you are planning on visiting Santorini this year or next, you should make sure to keep reading because we have put together a guide on how you can plan your luxury trip.
Choose The Location
If you are planning on going to Santorini, then you have probably already seen some photographs of the beautiful views that it has to offer. There are many different locations that you can stay when you are there but if you want to have a luxurious holiday then you should make sure to choose the right one. We recommend that you stay in either Oia or Firostefani if you want to feel relaxed and enjoy a luxurious trip. Of course, can stay in Fira, the capital, if you want a bit more of a buzz to your luxury trip.
Upgrade Your Flight
If you want to get your luxury holiday off to a great start, then you should think about upgrading your flight. You should make sure that you are travelling in style as well as living in luxury while you are on your trip to Santorini. Take a look at how much it might be to upgrade your flight to first class and you won’t regret it. You’ll feel like a VIP as you walk into the airport and sit in the VIP lounge. You’ll also get amazing service on the plane and you’ll be ready to start your luxury holiday from the moment you leave your home.
Go Shopping
When you set off on a luxurious holiday, you need to make sure that you look the part. Think about heading off to the shops before your holiday and getting yourself a whole new wardrobe. You’ll find that tourists in Santorini like to wear some of the best clothes so if you don’t have the wardrobe to match then you might not feel very luxurious. Get yourself some nice dresses for when you head to the local luxury restaurant if you want to get that perfect Instagram picture.
Stay In A Luxury Villa
A luxury holiday wouldn’t be the same without a luxury villa. Santorini has some amazing properties that you can rent out and enjoy some luxurious privacy. You’ll get some breath-taking views; your own private luxury pool and you can even have a chef come to cook all of your meals if you like. Hotels can be luxurious but there is no comparison when it comes to the villas on offer in Santorini. If you are looking for a luxury villa in Santorini, then you can browse more than 100 villas in Santorini to find out more.
Go Island Hopping
Santorini is a beautiful island but if you want to have a luxury holiday then you’ll need to visit some of the other Greek Islands. The great thing about this group of islands is that they are actually relatively close, so you can easily hop between each of them and see what they are like. The location of Santorini is great because it can actually be sued as a base to visit the other islands. Think about checking out Paros, Ios and the Anafi Islands for a little more luxury on top of Santorini.
Try The Wine
A luxury holiday wouldn’t be the same without some expensive wine that tastes amazing. The good news is that Santorini has an incredible winery that you can visit when you go. Plan your trip to the SantoWines winery if you want to be able to taste some of the most amazing wine that you have ever tasted. Not only will you enjoy the wine, but you can also experience the amazing sunset which is extremely romantic and luxurious at the same time. Don’t miss out on the SantoWines Winery because this wine is second to none.
Final Verdict
If you are planning on visiting Santorini soon then you should try to take on board some of the tips that we have discussed here. Santorini is a beautiful place with a lot to do so you are sure to be able to have a luxurious trip there. Make sure that you opt for a luxury villa rather than a hotel room when you go, this will give you the space that you need to relax, and you’ll be able to bask in the sunlight by your own private pool. Luxury holidays can be incredibly relaxing and will make all of your friends jealous. Why not book your luxurious trip to Santorini today and start holiday shopping to make your wardrobe stand out while you are there!
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING
There are a number of things I’ve never really had to concern myself with, one of them being what needs to be considered when driving in the winter. This is the first winter I’ve had to think about more than what cute winter coat to buy and whether I need to double up on socks.
I’ve been looking into the ways you need to prepare for driving in the winter and I wanted to share with you some of the top tips I’ve discovered.
1. Check your battery
There are extra demands on your battery during the winter months, like heating and extra light so it’s important to take good care of it and make preparations like turning off electrical loads before trying to start the engine.
2. Get your car serviced
Get a winter am car check. These services are specifically designed to ensure your car is ready for the winter months and is in the best condition to keep you and other road users safe. You can get these checks everywhere, I know a place for getting your car serviced in London.
3. Antifreeze
You need a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in your car for best success. This will protect your car down to – 34 degrees Celsius. Not only does it prevent the water from freezing it also raises the boiling point of engine coolant to prevent overheating so its a good idea to get a long life antifreeze that will benefit you all year round.
4. Check your types
In the run up to bad weather conditions it’s important to make sure your tyres are in good condition. You have to ensure the tread depth is well above the legal minimum. If you live somewhere that have very bad winters you can even get types specifically for winter.
5. Make sure you have cover
If you break down or your car gets stuck you’re going to need roadside assistance, make sure you have cover so you can get out of these situations quickly and inexpensively.
Finally and most importantly drive safely, driving in poor weather conditions can be very difficult and very very dangerous. When there is snow and ice on the ground, only drive when absolutely necessary. Make sure you leave plenty of time so you’re not rushing and to allow for inevitable delays. Plan your journey in advance so you can try your best to stick to major roads that will more likely be cleared of snow. Do a little research and familiarise yourself with some tips and tricks to help you keep safe.
The perfect prom dress for you
“You can get married three or four times but prom is a once in a lifetime experience”- Anon
Choosing a prom dress is not unlike what I imagine choosing a wedding dress is like. It’s one day that is documented for life and one that everyone want’s to look their best. Coming from someone who went to their prom reluctantly and didn’t have a special dress or anything, here are some things I would consider if I had the chance to do it over.
Get some inspiration
Between magazines, Google image searches and social media, there is an endless supply of resources that will provide inspiration when you don’t know where to start. Not only from looking at prom dresses but anything , even red carpet events, the options are endless.
Budget
Beautiful prom dresses are available in every price range, style and colour you can imagine so even with a budget on the smaller side there are still amazing dresses to be had. There are places that rent out dresses for proms so this is always worth considering if dresses to buy are proving too expensive. The prom dress market is highly lucrative, especially in the States and there is often a lot of pressure to spend a small fortune on a dress. It needs to be remembered though, that this dress is for one occasion. Sit down with your budget well in advance and decide how much you are willing to spend on a prom dress.
Style and comfort
Websites love to tell people to look for a dress that flatters your shape when looking for a prom dress. I say pick something that you like and makes you feel confident. When looking for inspiration there may be styles of dresses that jump out at you, if these are the dresses that you love then these are the dresses you should be trying on and seeing what you think instead of being told what kind of dress is best suited to your body. At the end of the day, you will be the one wearing the dress so only you have to love it.
Once you have a dress you love and you’ve worn it to prom, it doesn’t have to sit in the back of the wardrobe. There are so many occasions where the right prom dress can come in handy, parties, a wedding and even to create a cool Halloween look.
Most importantly you want a prom dress that suit you and your personal style. The last thing you want is to spend the evening and look back on photos for years to come and not feel like yourself. I know comfort doesn’t often come into it when people think about a prom dress but it’s meant to be an enjoyable occasion, not just an evening of adjusting straps, pulling and tugging on a bodice or struggling to breathe. Its a right of passage that you only get once so pick a dress you love and have the best time!
Comfy, Cosy and Practical: Building Your Autumn Wardrobe
Autumn is a time for enjoying the cooler weather, watching the leaves turn beautiful shades of red and orange and enjoying cosy nights in at home. As the weather changes are wardrobes need to as well, here’s how you can build yours.
Consider a capsule wardrobe
Buying a whole new wardrobe every season can be expensive, which is why a capsule closet is a good way to go. Here you only need a few different items, but you can style lots of outfits for all occasions that all look very different. For autumn, a few long sleeve jersey dresses make good stable pieces to build your capsule wardrobe from. They’re comfy, flattering and can easily be dressed up or down- worn with heels for evening occasions or with tights, flat boots and a cute leather jacket or cardigan for day wear. If you’re more of a trouser wearer, a pair of black trousers and a couple of pairs of jeans can all be worn with different tops to create different looks. Think about footwear and jackets too- a mac is classic and can be worn with just about everything. A pair of black leather boots will again go with most outfits and keep your feet warm and dry over the upcoming months.
Add accessories
Accessories are a fantastic way to embrace the season. They can bring a pop of colour and style to any plain outfit- a scarf, a bag, a piece of statement jewellery or a hat can all transform your autumn wardrobe without the need to spend much. Scour high street bargains and sites like eBay for unique pieces. Gold, burnt orange and red as well as khaki and jewel tones like purple and navy all work well for the autumn and winter.
Replace your basics
When you wear things like tights, leggings, vest tops, tshirts for layering and other basics every day, they can quickly wear out. A couple of times a year it’s worth investing in new pieces, they don’t cost much but prevent you from looking scruffy. If you can’t locate your winter warmers from last year like your gloves and woolly hat, you will need to replace these too!
Think about nightwear and loungewear
It’s not just clothes to go out in that we need to consider when we’re building our autumn wardrobe. During the colder months of the year we tend to spend more time at home, meaning it’s important to have things to relax in. There are lots of cute pyjamas you can buy at this time of year, but loungewear can be an even better option. That way you look more put together if someone knocks the door! You can even get felt slippers with rubber soles which make hard wearing alternatives to regular slippers. If you do need to pop out into the garden to put the bin out or get something from the car then it won’t soak the bottoms and ruin them.
Autumn is on the way, so be sure to have your wardrobe prepared so you can look cute and be comfy over the colder months!
4 natural ways to give yourself an energy boost
The lives we lead are busy, whether it’s work, family, kids and other commitments, by the time we finally sink into bed we either don’t get our eight recommended hours of sleep or we just wake up feeling grotty and unrefreshed. Sleep is something we all want but very few of us get so many of us are looking for other ways to get a much needed energy boost to get them through the day.
You might be thinking of a trip to the spa to refresh your tired skin, or you might have found the best under eye concealer to hide the bags, but have you considered some natural ways to give yourself an energy boost?
Step away from the energy drinks and caffeine and read on for 4 totally natural ways to give yourself an energy boost.
Take yourself for a walk
It might seem like the worse thing you can do if you’re feeling low on energy, but taking a walk gets the blood pumping, the fresh air wakes up your mind and you’ll feel great afterwards. Don’t worry, you’re not expected to have a three mile hike – that would be counterproductive…but if you’ve run out of milk, walk to the nearest shop instead of driving to the bigger store several miles away. Need to book an appointment? Take your phone with you and make the call when you’re on your walk. Anyone can fit a quick stroll into their routine. Give it a try.
Peppermint
We think of essential oils and aromatherapy as calming and relaxing ways to destress. So perhaps not the first place you would look for a pick me up. Well, some essential oils and fragrances have the opposite effect! The most powerful? Peppermint! Peppermint has amazing properties that make us feel more awake and it smells delicious. You can incorporate it into your day by chewing peppermint gum, using peppermint body wash in your morning shower, or even sniffing some peppermint oil at your desk at work.
Drink. Water of course.
When we fail to replenish just 1.5 percent of the water and fluid we lose from our bodies, it’s a one way ticket to tired town. But the good news is that keeping hydrated it easy and free! The trick to drinking water on the go is to invest in a gorgeous reusable water bottle that you can keep with you at all times. If it fits in your bag – even better! And if plain water isn’t your thing, then don’t worry – add some fresh fruit in there for a taste infusion or even a squeeze of lemon to give it a zing. And speaking of lemons…
Lemon
If you need an instant pick me up, then slice up some lemon and have a suck on some of the wedges. It might sound like a terrible idea but that tart citrus flavour will certainly pop those tired eyes wide open! It’s also packed with vitamin C – so your immune system gets a boost too.
Investing in luxury
Being a fashion blogger I mostly post about dresses and creating outfits, I like to include accessories and jewellery that compliment what I’m wearing. I love fast fashion and I’m always buying new clothes as the seasons and styles change. That’s what I like the most about affordable clothes, my wardrobe is overrun with options and I can mix and match to create any looks I want.
When it comes to handbags I’m the complete opposite, for me handbags are an investment. On my last holiday to Vegas I bought a beautiful Italian leather cross body bag, initially I was in two minds because of the price but I’m so glad I made the choice to buy it. The quality of the bag is amazing, I use it all the time and it still looks brand new after two years. In the last eight years or so I have bought 90% of my bags from a high end highstreet retailer because bags are something I believe are worth the extra pennies because we use them every day and they store very valuable items.
Italian leather, purchased from the right company can literally last you a lifetime if you take care of it so it saves you buying poorly made ones season after season.
While scrolling through the Attavanti website I have seen so many gorgeous Italian leather bags, they literally have bags to suits the need of everyone.
I personally love the messenger type bags. I like to keep my belongings across my body and it frees up my hands to carry other things or carry out day to day tasks without having to leave my bag laying around. They have bags for men, tote bags, travel bags, handbags, laptop bags…. You name it, and they all vary in price so you so many options to choose from.
I honestly can’t express enough how good it is to have at least one really well made, high quality bag to use. It feels great having all your items secure in something stylish that you know won’t fall to pieces. A beautiful piece that will last a lifetime is priceless.