● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD| Let's be completely honest, there's probably a million reasons why you should be thinking about travelling to Greece, especially in the summer months, as there is just so much to see and do here. With around 6,000 islands located in both the Aegean and Ionian Seas, with over 200 of these inhabited, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to go for your next getaway.

Whether you opt for a holiday to the mainland or to one of the islands, Greece simply has it all, from stunning beaches, mouth-watering cuisine to spectacular scenery. Not to mention the warm Mediterranean climate and the abundance of culture and history, it's definitely a holiday destination worth thinking about as the country has so much to offer visitors.

Santorini

Santorini is probably one of the most iconic Greek islands and a location that is instantly recognisable. Santorini is known for it's 5-star luxury hotels, spectacular restaurants, and high-end shopping, making it a great destination for a romantic getaway. The best, most popular places to stay on the island include Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia, as these offer some of the the best views of the volcano, the caldera and of course the stunning sunsets.

If you want to truly discover the island without paying expensive fares for each taxi ride, or taking a trip on the local buses, maybe you should consider renting a car whilst in Santorini. The idea of renting a motorbike or a four-wheeler sounds fun, but are typically not the safest way to drive around a busy island like Santorini. On the other hand car hire will offer the flexibility and freedom to enjoy the islands beauties.

Corfu

Corfu is known as Greece's emerald island as it is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with the vast combination of olive and cypress trees making up the landscape. Corfu homes some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, featuring such crystal clear waters, pebbled beach fronts and golden sands, it's definitely one not to miss out on.

This island is probably one of the best to explore if you are looking for a family holiday. Corfu’s famous Aqualand water park is a great family day out and will give you hours of fun and excitement, and the Corfu Aquarium is also a great spot for those with children.

Mykonos

For those seeking amazing nightlife with a vivid party scene, Mykonos might just be the perfect island for you. Mykonos island is part of the Cyclades, and is basically Greece's answer to to the famous party island of Ibiza. You can enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife with a huge selection of restaurants, bars and clubs to go to located all across the island.

But Mykonos isn't just about great parties, this island offers much much more. Visiting Mykonos offers a well-rounded travel experience; there are an enormous range of activities for everyone. With a range of museums, churches and windmills, and over 20 gorgeous beaches to visit, there are plenty of sights to keep you busy during your stay on the island.

Crete

Located in the Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands, and is also the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, homing over 600 miles of coastline full of beautiful beaches, cliffs, mountains and hilltops, it's one of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever encounter. This island is an ideal getaway for couple, friend or family style holidays as there is so many things to see and do here, you'll be spoilt for choice everyday!

Crete also has two major airports; Chania and Heraklion, making it easily accessible from many European cities, making it a perfect holiday destination to travel to. I was lucky enough to visit Crete a few years ago, spending my holiday in the town of Hersonissos, located in the north of the island. It's one of the most modern places on the island, with an array of restaurants, bars and clubs, similar to those found in the neighbouring town of Malia. With golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, amazing food and Instagram-worthy sunsets, it's a must visit place for everyone.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest island in the Greek Dodecanese, the fourth largest Greek island and is known to be the sunniest place in Greece! Not only does the island have the perfect climate, the island is extremely rich in history as it is the oldest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. If you're a lover of Greek history, then a trip into Rhodes Old Town is a must!

Rhodes boasts such a variety of picture-perfect, breath-taking scenery, from ancient towns and picturesque villages to amazing beaches and natural landscapes. As for the beaches on the island, they are some of the best beaches in Greece, especially those located at Lindos and Faliraki!

Zakynthos

Located in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is a well-known summer resort that offers plenty of activities for all ages, making it an ideal location for families, couples or groups. Whether you're into water sports, hiking and visiting museums, or taking day trip excursions like boat parties and turtle spotting, Zakynthos has it all.

The iconic, world famous Navagio Shipwreck Beach lies on the island of Zakynthos. This locations is tucked away in a small cove in the north of the island, boasting a beautiful beach and crystal clear waters, it's probably one of the most recognised, photographed and most famous beach in Greece and can only be accessed via boat. It's definitely something not to be missed when visiting Zakynthos.

Have you visited Greece before? Which islands are you looking to go to?

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AD| There are so many different interior design trends out there, each offering something different for your home. Many of these are new, modern takes on classic styles, but some trends are so timeless that their influence can be seen across countless interiors. The industrial interior is a classic look for any home, offering sharp features and deep colour contrasts full of character. Despite its traditional roots, the industrial look feels right at home even in a modern interior, offering depth to any minimalist design.

So, how do you pull off the industrial look in your modern interior?

Here are some key points to consider for your space.

Cold Walls

One of the fundamentals of an industrial-style home is the use of colder walls, such as exposed brick, metal or flat concrete. If your house isn’t blessed with these features, a cold stone pain or wall-effect wallpaper can help you achieve the look. Having cold walls is the first step to creating the deep contrasts associated with the industrial style. If you’re concerned that it might be a little too unwelcoming for your space, don’t be - you can easily negate that feeling by adding fabrics and bright industrial wall lights available here in the UK.

Strip Your Interior

The industrial style can work alongside a range of different designs. However, for a modern look, industrial interiors work best in minimalist spaces. Try to strip your interior back to its bare essentials to achieve a truly efficient, industrial-style home. Not only does this step help bring more focus to your space’s most important features, but it can also quickly and easily make your home feel brighter and bigger!

Expose Edges

Another key trait of the industrial style is being slightly rough around the edges. While a modern industrial look can be more refined, it still benefits from having defined corners and angles on show. If you have older, bulkier furnishings (such as a dining table or TV cabinet), position them so their edges become more prominent. This look is particularly powerful for older pieces, allowing their character to flow through the room.

An industrial-style wooden table with metal chairs

Natural Elements

While the industrial style is commonly associated with cold, rough metals, it actually has a much wider scope. While metal should play a part, the industrial look can also benefit from the use of natural woods and fabrics to create a warmer home. Metal pairs wonderfully with the textures and depth of woods and high-quality fabrics. Contrasting the industrial look’s cold tones with pops of colour from warmer features is a great way to create a cosier living space.

Recycle and Upcycle

The industrial look is the perfect way to breathe new life into older items. Once-loved furnishings can have heaps of character, making them right at home in a dynamic industrial interior. If you have an old table or cupboard, consider giving it a light touch-up (without hiding that much-loved character) and making it a centrepiece of your new interior. If you want to get super creative, you could turn something old into something completely different - quirky furnishings, particularly using metals or woods, can work wonders in an industrial space.

"Industville is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of industrial lights and furniture. Using high-quality raw materials, they pride themselves on bringing authentic, hand-finished products to customers. Industville has worked with a variety of homeowners, interior designers and distinguished retail, leisure and hospitality companies around the world, such as Tissot, Watchfinder, Next, Costa Coffee and Café Nero."

What is your favourite aspect of the industrial style?

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AD| The COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the dating game, making it extremely hard for singles to navigate their way into new relationships and meet others. Trying to keep in touch with others can be quite difficult during the current lockdown, but hopefully with the easing of restrictions, dating will feel much easier and more normal once the lockdown period is over. Dating sites like Tinder, Bumble and Surrey Dating Site have become increasingly popular over the last year, as a way meeting new people and seeking out new friendships/relationships.

Throughout the last year or so, many people have used facetime, video chats and even had virtual dates to keep in contact with friends, family and people they've met through dating sites, as a way to keep in contact. Video calls are extremely handy for everyone as they can happen anytime and anyplace, making them extremely popular and you can connect with others any time of day. It's also a less formal way of getting to know others, so less nerves and anxiety as you can chat comfortably in your own homes. But soon enough, we'll all be able to get back outside, meet up with others and enjoy exploring the world around us in real life.

But as lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, we will be able to meet up with others outside and start having some fun. There's a huge variety of adventurous activities and beautiful locations in the Surrey area, that are bound to make your next date extremely memorable and will definitely help you to bond closer with that someone special. If you're looking for some Surrey Dating locations that would be perfect for an afternoon date post lockdown, keep reading!

- Box Hill -

Based in the North Downs in Surrey, Box Hill is a National Trust site that is the ideal location for those who enjoy scenic walks and stunning views. With a number of woodland paths and hikes to enjoy, and a walk down to the stepping stones, it's a lovely location for those who love the outdoors, love to keep fit, and enjoy being surrounded by nature. It's also a perfect spot for a relaxed picnic with some delicious food and drink!

- Mercedes-Benz World -

If you're a lover of cars, Mercedes-Benz World could be a great alternative date location for those who want to experience something new. Located in Weybridge, offering thrilling Driving Experiences for all ages, plus 3 floors of amazing attractions and displays, it's the perfect day out!

- Virginia Water -

Virginia Water is an extremely popular place to visit all year round, as is know for its beautiful glittering waters, its peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of wildlife in the area. It'd make a lovely afternoon date, especially in the warmer months of the year, to go on walk around and chat with each other in a more relaxed, comfortable environment.

- Thorpe Park -

Thorpe Park is the ultimate date destination for thrill seekers who love rollercoasters, rides and attractions. This exciting theme park is located near Chertsey, Surrey, making it extremely accessible from London. With more than 30 incredible rides here, you're bound to have the most fun and exciting date, which will be one to remember.

- RHS Wisley Gardens -

Enjoy a calming day out at this beautiful location near Woking, Surrey. These gardens house one of the largest plant collections in the world, with spectacular displays all year round, with something new for every season. RHS Wisley Gardens is the perfect date location for those who want to enjoy the fresh air, be surrounded by beautiful scenery and enjoy a much needed break from reality.

Have you got any dating plans for after lockdown? Which locations would you visit for an afternoon date?

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AD| Has lockdown got you dreaming of your next holiday once current travel restrictions are finally lifted, but are unsure of where you want to go? UK staycations are bound to be a more popular holiday choice this year, mainly due to the travel restrictions put into place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as many of us are desperate to get outdoors and explore places we can for a change in scenery.

Going on holiday abroad might be the first thing on your mind once the pandemic risks decrease, but sometimes it's so easy to forget how many amazing places are in the UK. With some absolutely incredible locations to visit that are extremely accessible, affordable and breathtakingly beautiful, there is somewhere for everyone and your holiday preferences.

Cornwall has long been a popular holiday destination with many travellers, as it has some of the best beaches, dramatic cliffs and the most stunning coastlines in the entire UK. For those who like activity-based trips, Cornwall has a lot to offer from surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing, to name a few, you'll be stuck deciding which to try first! And of course, the trip wouldn't be completed without sampling the traditional Cornish pasty!

For those who enjoy real adventure and exploring nature, Snowdonia might be the perfect staycation spot for you. Located in Northwest Wales, Snowdonia is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the mixture of mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and forests, the views are just astonishing. Located in Snowdonia National Park, Mount Snowdon is this probably the most famous attraction here and is definitely well worth a visit. As well as this, Snowdonia also offers a range of other activities including ziplining, white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking, which would be perfect for those seeking an active outdoors adventure style trip.

The Scottish Highlands are known for their outstanding views, boasting beautiful landscapes and spectacular wildlife. The largest region of Scotland, the Highlands are incredibly beautiful to visit all year round, but especially during the summer months on the year as this is when you get the best weather. Top locations include Fort William and Ben Nevis, as well as Glencoe and Inverness. And finally, you can't leave the Scottish Highlands without visiting the infamous Loch Ness!

England's largest national park, The Lake District is another destination worth researching for your next UK staycation. For those who love keeping fit and exploring, hiking is the number one outdoor activity here with trails for all abilities. The Lake District is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, could be worth a visit if you love a challenge to climb it, and be rewarded with such stunning views from the top.

Finally, who needs to venture abroad when you can visit Dorset, home of beautiful countryside views and an ideal staycation spot for the whole family. The coastal landscape is probably the highlight of the this county, with places like Durdle Door and Weymouth Beach ideal spots to check out. Visiting the famous spot of Durdle Door is an absolute must if you're exploring Dorset any time soon. Located on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is probably the most photographed and most iconic landmarks Dorset has to offer, and will most definitely be the next feature to your Instagram grid!

Whether you are looking to plan your next family holiday, a romantic getaway or a special date to celebrate, a staycation this summer could be exactly what you need for that much needed break from reality. If you're planning a road-trip style vacation, it might be ideal to go online and get the best insurance quote for your motorbike here, or insurance for your car/caravan, and make sure to plan your journey ahead with some proper research! Not only will this save you valuable time and effort, you'll be able to enjoy your trip a lot more without any problems or added stress!

Are you planning a UK staycation? What UK destinations would you love to explore or have previously visited?

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AD| The reality of working from home has become recently much more popular over the last year than ever before. Due to the current global coronavirus pandemic, many of us are swapping the daily commute to the office, and instead making it a trip to the home office, dining table or lounge. It's definitely a massive lifestyle change for some people, but there are a number of things you can do to make this swap easier and more comfortable.

If you’re currently working from home and will be continuing this for a while, setting up the perfect home office space to work in can make all the difference to your working routine. It’s where you'll be going daily and will be spending a large part of your day there, so you want to make sure you’re going to be as productive as possible and get your job done without any distractions.

One of the most important things you can do whilst working from home is to separate your work and home life. This can be extremely difficult for some people, but with the right mindset, a regular daily routine and having set rules put in place, you can still remain motivated and productive whilst you're out of office. Simple things like getting out of bed and getting dressed, working from your at home office or even a desk and not your bed, are just some easy changes to make to get you setup correctly for working from home. By making these changes, it helps you to keep your working routine without being too relaxed, and can help you get the right work time and home time balance.

If you sit in your chair all day for long periods of time, it is absolutely necessary to have a quality chair. Investing in a comfortable chair is probably one of the best things you can do, both for comfort and for health purposes. Having an uncomfortable and unsupportive chair will be causing you back aches and pains, leading to poor posture and slouching. Home office and executive chairs are probably your best option whilst working from home, as they are designed ergonomically to provide the best comfort and support for all day use, as they supports the lower back and promote good posture. Executive chairs are made to look good, helping to make your at-home office look more professional and chic.

Getting plenty of natural light into your office space is extremely important for various reasons. Not only does natural light help us to focus better, but it can boost concentration, alertness and productivity, enabling us to get more done during the day. As well as keeping you productive, natural light is extremely beneficial for the health of your eyes, as it decreases glare from your computer screen and causes less strain to the eyes.

Something to consider is adding some greenery and plants to your at-home office setup. Home office plants can offer a number of benefits from reducing stress levels, boosting your overall mood, and improving perceptions of the workspace. If your office looks calm and welcoming, you're bound to want to spend more time in there, helping to boost your creativity and productivity.

Keeping your desk clutter free and tidy allows you to be more productive allows you to fully concentrate on the tasks at hand. Having a tidy workspace will allow you to find what you need, when you need it, without added stress and with no more wasted time looking for misplaced documents. Keeping on top of any mess in your office should be a priority as it will lead to fewer distractions and fewer mistakes whilst working at home.

Are you currently working from home? What tips do you have for setting up your at-home workspace?

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