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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

AD| Staying connected with others is extremely important, especially during the current times of living during a global pandemic, not only for maintenance/growth of your relationships/friendships, but also for your mental health and wellbeing. Trying to stay in touch can be quite difficult during the current lockdown, but technology is saving us and we are able to get online and try to maintain a normal lifestyle.

 Hosting a virtual date during lockdown is one way of staying connected with significant people in your life. It allows us to interact on a more personal level and is a way of having fun things to do together that can help you to keep your close relationships, without being together. 

lockdown virtual dating

Long distance/being way from a partner, friends or new potential love interest can be a hard, but you can also make it an easier and more fun experience by coming up with cute and creative virtual date ideas. So whether you're dating in your local area, London dating, Hampshire dating, or anywhere else in the UK, or even if you just want to share these ideas with your close friends, these date ideas can help you stay connected and together during the current lockdown.

1. Movie Nights - The first virtual date idea is to watch the same film at the same time. This can feel like you're together but you're not. You can experience the same thoughts/feelings whilst watching, and you can even share the same snacks to make it feel more real. You could also make it really cosy in your homes, some fairy lights and chunky blankets would be perfect! This type of date can be done at anytime of the day, plus you can both choose your favourite genre of film, so it's a perfect online date to see you through lockdown. 

2. At Home Date Nights - Another creative virtual date idea would be to have a dinner and drinks night from the comfort of your own homes. For this, you cook together, order the same takeaway or even order food for each other all via facetime/video calling. If this is something you do every so often, you could even get glammed up and make the date night super special and as normal as it can be whilst still in lockdown.

3. Take Up New Hobbies - From learning new skills to flexing your creative talents, using your time in lockdown to engage in your hobbies can be great for your mental health. Sharing hobbies like painting, drawing, and reading for example, can be extremely calming and relaxing during such uncertain times with lockdown. It's also a great way to explore and enjoy different activities that you may have not tried before or simply just didn't have no times for in your normal daily routine.

4. Play Games Online - To add some excitement into the long lockdown days, playing games online can be a really fun way of killing some time. Especially if you're really competitive, you could make this a regular thing in your weekly schedule and play for prizes or treats, just to keep things fun and uplifting during quite a tough time for everyone.

5. Netflix - Now, would it really be lockdown if you aren't binge watching some new shows or series? Why not share this viewing time with someone else, and watch the same shows together. This will also give you a chance to talk in depth about what you're watching and allow you to see what the other persons likes watching. You never know, you might find something you wouldn't usually choose to watch, and really enjoy it!

What ways have you been staying connected during lockdown?
10:00 2 comments
AD| While the current coronavirus restrictions continue, it means that we can’t go on traditional dates like we previously once did. However, with social distancing guidelines still in place, some dating ideas are still allowed whether that be a romantic walk, having a cute picnic in the local park or even some gaming date ideas that you can do at home. Whether you live with your partner, or you’re currently in a long-distance relationship, or even just missing your close friends, playing video games together is a fun way to have a date during lockdown.

Gaming and virtual dating can be a great and enjoyable way to bring couples/friends together and stay connected during lockdown, whether that be in real life or through playing online. Video gaming has become increasingly popular as a way to pass the time during lockdown, and below are just a few of the benefits that gaming dates can have whilst we're all staying indoors at home.


Escaping Reality
More and more people have been turning to gaming as a way of coping and dealing with the current COVID-19 lockdown. Using this in hope to take their minds off the current pandemic, having it as a distraction from chaotic day to day life and to help improve their overall mental health. Playing games with your loves ones, family or even online with others, can give you that much needed time out from real life, let your mind wander into the gaming world, and give you that escape from reality that is definitely much needed at this current time in life.

It's Fun and Enjoyable
Taking some time out of your hectic day, especially if you are working from home, can be just what you need to relax and de-stress. There are so many games out there to play and could be the perfect opportunity to indulge in some gamers dates with your friends or partners. I would probably recommend trying out some online escape room styled games, where you are required to solve a variety of puzzles in order to complete the game. These types of games encourage you to work together as a team and for everyone involved to put forward ideas in order to solves the challenges.

Meet New People Online
There is such a variety of dates for gamers, whether that be playing video games, card games or board games, there's something out there for everyone to enjoy. Gaming online also has the benefits of you being able to meet and chat with people via various online games sites who you would have never of met but have things in common with and similar interests to you. This can be very important for those who are feeling lonely during lockdown, or those who may struggle to meet or find friends in real life.

Creating Competitions
To add some excitement into daily life throughout lockdown, playing competitions and tournaments, with your loved ones at home or online can be a really fun way to spend some of your free time. Especially if you're really competitive, you could make this a regular part your weekly schedule where you play each others favourite games and play for prizes or treats. This will just to keep things super fun and uplifting during these current circumstances. One of my all time favourite games to play is definitely Mario Kart; the ultimate fun racing game to bring out your competitive side.

What other lockdown date ideas for gamers do you have? What other benefits are there from gaming?
10:00 No comments
AD| Worldwide lockdown situations have seen countries around the world implementing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and to help kickstart some form of normality back into everyday life. Quarantine has us staying at home and watching the world go by, but that doesn't mean your love life has to come to a stop whilst the whole world has.

coronavirus lockdown

For couples lockdowned together, it can be quite hard to carry on living as normal when you're with your partner constantly, or if you're relationship is long distance, this can also prove problematic and hard to cope with. The key to this being communication. It's one of the most important parts for a good relationship, and it's needed more than ever during these uncertain times.

Something that can really help living together during this time is both quality time together and apart. Everyone needs their own space from time to time, and living together during a lockdown can be very hard and sometimes you just need to take yourself away from the situation and have some down time, even if it's just for an hour or two! Similarly, quality time together is also needed so you can catch up and feel connected with your partner. Maybe plan an at home dinner date, have a movie night, or even a pamper session together.

coronavirus couple

For singles in lockdown, trying to keep your love life on track can prove quite tough living life by yourself and feeling quite lonely. Dating sites likes Tinder, Bumble and matchmehappy.co.uk, to name a few, have been extremely popular during the COVID-19 lockdown. The free dating sites uk have been very helpful for singles to venture out and meet new people from the comfort of their own homes, so they don't feel like they are missing out on anything. Many dating apps have been installing video calling services so you can feel close to who you're talking to, but from the comfort of your own home. Think of it as dating in real life, without the awkward first date and less pressure, as you can feel relaxed and comfortable from your own surroundings.

However, during this global pandemic, singles and couples may be struggling with isolated life, so there are many ways to help battle this during lockdown. Communication with family and friends can really lift your spirits, and can allow you to stay connected with your loved ones, so it feels like you aren't missing out on anything at all, whilst staying lockdowned at home.

If you feel like you need a break from everything and need to relax, disconnecting from social media for a day or two can be really good for your health. You have the chance to forget about everything that is currently happening and spend more time focusing on you. Practicing self care is really important. Whether you take up an existing hobby, learn something new, or just pamper yourself, these can really help you feel normal in a not so normal world currently.

How has dating and your love life hanged during the coronavirus lockdown?
15:17 No comments

Stuck at home? Me too! We're back in lockdown again, but that shouldn't stop you from taking time out of your day and do some things to help pamper and look after yourself. Self care is a must have and extremely valuable in this current climate of a global pandemic, and is definitely something to incorporate into your daily routine. Feeling isolated can really get you feeling low, unmotivated and start making you feel a little unhappy, but doing something to make you feel better, no matter how big or small, can really boost your mood and cheer you up during these uncertain times. 

Here are 5 lockdown beauty hacks that I've been adding into my day to day life and are 5 things I recommend you do to!
  
at home pamper essentials

Since we're all staying at home, one thing that is super important is letting your skin breathe. None of us are really wearing any/much make up and this gives us the opportunity to focus on our skincare goals and make some sort of routine. For me, I've made sure to really try and stick to a skincare routine, cleansing properly, exfoliating my skin and weekly face masks to keep my skin glowing throughout the colder months.

A goal of mine in 2021 is to take much better care of my hair, keep it in healthy condition, and ultimately attempt to grow it longer. Throughout the previous lockdowns, weekly hair masks have been a thing, and will continue making an appearance into my haircare routine, in a bid to keep my hair healthy, soft and shiny, even during this extreme cold weather. During the winter months, coconut oil has become my best friend. I like to use this as an overnight treatment, massaging the oil from root to tip, in order to deeply condition and nourish my hair, and simply rinse out in the morning.

Coronavirus and lockdown has us washing our hands countless times a day followed up by hand sanitiser gel, walking outdoors to get our daily exercise, but all this will definitely take a toll on your hands and fee. It's super important to take care of them also! Moisturising hand creams and cuticle oils are the perfect combination to keep your hands looking and feeling nourished. And for the feet, I've been opting for moisturising foot masks and luxurious lotions to keep my feet soft and smooth.

Another lockdown beauty hack I've been using is skin dermaplaning. This is something that I've been doing every 3-4 weeks to improve the appearance and texture of my skin. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that removes peach fuzz and dead skin with the tiny scrape of a scalpel. I like to make sure my skin is well moisturised before treatment to help the blade glide over my face, without causing any injury. For this, I simply use a hydrating facial oil to keep my skin lubricated throughout. I picked up my dermaplaning tools from Amazon, and have noticed a big change in health of my skin. From the very first use, my skin was definitely softer and smoother, more radiant and glowy.

Finally, body care. Body exfoliation and moisturising can be quite the chore, but with a lot more time on our hands during lockdown, it's definitely something we should consider to help lift our spirits during these times. A simple beauty hack of regular exfoliation increases the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start. There are so many benefits from a couple minutes scrubbing in the shower, and of course you'll be left with the silkiest, softest skin possible! Followed up by your favourite body moisturiser or lotion, and you're good to go!

What lockdown beauty hacks are you using? Will you be adding any of the beauty hacks mentioned above into your daily routine?

10:00 1 comments

AD| Whilst online dating isn't a new thing, almost everything went virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns making it difficult to find love/friendship. So what will dating look like in 2021 you might ask? I've been researching into dating trends we will encounter for the foreseeable future, and once the lockdown rules begin to ease, we will soon be able to get out dating plans on track, including outdoor dates, long-distance relationships, increased selfie taking and taking things slow. All of which we can expect to see in the world of love next year.

couple dating


TREND 1 - SLOW DATING
By slow dating, I'm talking about there being no real rush to meet up with potential partners. Using the lockdown time wisely means you can really get to know someone well, have more engaging chats and just be more relaxed in terms of dating. It can be quite a daunting thing for many people, but lockdown has let us chat to people from the comfort of our own homes, and let things flow more naturally. There's none of those awkward first dates, or picking the perfect outfit. Slow dating will be more popular as there is really no rush when it comes to love.

TREND 2 - LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS
Life in lockdown has seen us all get online and connect with others from all over the country. Many singles would have changed their dating app profiles and increased the distance of their matches, to help them find love. Long distance relationships are much more popular these days, and are definitely set to continue to rise in 2021, once we’re able to get out and meet up with our matches. Whether you're London dating, Essex dating, Lancashire dating or even West Midlands dating, connecting with others from all around the country is a great way to make new friends, and even make new love interests.

love balloons

TREND 3 - DATING OUTDOORS
If long distance isn't something you're after, then there is definitely no harm with chatting and meeting up with people from your local area. In terms of going on dates, it will most likely be more relaxed and more chilled. Perfect for those who get quite nervous and anxious about dating. Lockdown has allowed us to get outside and explore our surroundings more, going for walks to the park, along the beach and even take in some of the beautiful countryside that we don't usually see in day to day life. Outdoor dates are going to be a popular option for 2021, allowing us to begin catching up IRL by having socially distanced meetups.

TREND 4 - MORE SELFIES
With lockdown rules in place, people are continuing to spend more and more time with online dating apps hoping to meet their match. 2021, we’re going to see singles girls and guys paying closer attention to their dating profile pictures, making sure they are 10/10. Instead of the typical travel photos and night out snaps, taking and uploading the perfect selfies will be the next best thing! Finding your best angle, wearing your favourite clothes and most importantly, getting that good lighting, you're bound to score a few more matches once the selfie game is 10/10.

How will your dating life change in 2021?

10:00 1 comments
Until 2020, many of us had not even have heard of the term 'furlough' before - but due to the coronavirus pandemic, many individuals have had to stop going to work and stay home for the foreseeable future. Being placed on furlough may come as quite a shock, a lifestyle change bringing with it many anxieties and uncertainties about your future, but you shouldn't let that worry you and try to make the most out of your time out of work. 

Everyone will definitely use this time off for different reasons, some choose to better themselves and learn new skills, some may take up some new hobbies or even just a time to have a total reset and switch off from work life. Whatever you choose to do shouldn't be an issue, and you shouldn't feel like you need to do better in life, as living during the current pandemic is hard enough. But here is a small list of 7 things you can do to feel productive, less stressed and motivated during your furlough period.

Cosy Bedroom Interior

1. Reach Out To Friends and Family
Speaking to others during this time is the best way to share your current feelings and thoughts, as the majority of the people around you are all in the same boat. Even if your friends/family aren't furloughed, we are all living under lockdown rules and regulations, so during these uncertain times talking with your loved ones may help calm your anxieties and help with any mental health issues you may currently be dealing. Texting, calling, facetimes or a 2020 favourite of a zoom call can help ease loneliness and isolation fears, ensuring you have some social contact, even if it is virtually online, will make you feel a lot better and will also kill some time during your time off. You never know, by reaching out to someone could be the highlight of their day and just what they needed to lift their spirits.

2. Pick Up/Start New Hobbies
Use your furlough time to fall back in love with a hobby of yours that you simply didn't have time for whilst working, or even start something new to fill the hours in your time off. This is the perfect opportunity to use your furlough period wisely and take some time out of your normal daily routine to enjoy something that you love or something you want to get into. Whether it's arts and crafts, sports, cooking or learning a new language, the opportunities are endless!

3. Declutter
We’re all stuck at home in lockdown, so now is the time to do that spring clean that you’ve been putting off for months and get rid of any clutter/rubbish that's currently in your home. The quote "tidy house, tidy mind" is very relevant here and a phrase we all know, but having a tidy living/working environment can really help channel some positivity into your daily life during these uncertain times.

4. Exercise
Exercise is super important for your overall wellbeing but also your mood and mental health. It can also help you to destress, feel less anxious, tone up and lose weight. There's so many different types of exercise you can do, and especially with the lockdown rules, going out for daily walks or working out from home has become extremely popular. Another thing you may consider looking into is browsing YouTube and finding a whole variety of workout videos and routines, suitable for all ages and abilities.

5. Learn To Cook/Bake New Things
Spending more time at home means you have additional time for things like cooking and baking. I know during my time off, I've loved experimenting with different ingredients and recipes, to help expand my culinary skills. Even if you're not so great in the kitchen, being on furlough will allow you to spend time on learning to cook, trying new foods and recipes, and just giving you that time to boost your cooking skills. Cooking something can give you something to look forward to, and gives you that sense of achievement when it turns out great. The internet is full of delicious recipes, I tend to browse the BBC Good Food sight when in need of inspiration, so if there's a particular dish or cuisine that you would like to make for yourself, the time is now!

6. Make Time For Self Care
Many of us were already feeling isolated and struggling with the lockdown, but being furloughed might have taken it to another level and cause many worries for lots of people. But it's definitely important that this doesn't affect your health and mind too much. Practising self care is definitely an essential at the moment, and even the little things can help to improve, refresh and re-focus your body/mind. I recently wrote a post about lockdown beauty hacks that may be worth a read if you're looking for something new to try during the current lockdown. Similar to this, I've also written a lot of content about pamper nights and products I would recommend when you're in the need for some relaxation.

7. Online Courses
Have you ever wanted to learn something new or improve your life/career prospects? Taking up an online course is a great way to use your furlough time productively, it allows you to study from home, helps you learn something new, and can be a beneficial addition to your CV. There are so many courses out there that I'm sure there will be one suitable for everyone. Many website also offer incredible discounts at the moment, or even some free qualifications which is perfect for those on a reduced furlough wage.

What things have you been getting up to on furlough?
10:00 3 comments
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.

couple on a date

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?
10:00 No comments
AD| In the current times of uncertainty during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the UK still facing some lockdown rules and restrictions, many single people are increasingly feeling lonely. From missing out on social interaction and finding it hard to talk to new people, but dating during these times and whilst observing social distancing shouldn't be too hard and there are plenty of ways to get your love life back on track with a few simple ideas.

social media dating

Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities, and a great invention to use if you're stuck at home during the lockdown period. You can do so many things at just a few clicks of the mouse, it's a perfect way to date when observing social distancing.

Something that is a perfect way to interact with your dates, or new-found relationships is through Facetime and video calls. These features are allowing users to interact without ever having to meet, and such calls can be made from any place at any time, making them increasingly convenient during the current circumstances. A video call before meeting in real life could be very helpful for many, especially for those lacking in confidence or those wanting to make sure they have picked the right person.

 Another creative idea on dating during times of social distancing includes virtual dates. Whether you watch the same Netflix show together at the same time, cook the same meal over video, or even order each other your favourite takeaway and send it to the other one house. There are so many ways social media can help keep the spark alive during lockdown, what other ways can you think of?

Dating apps and websites have also been a helpful tool for those who find it hard and lack confidence with meeting people. Places like Tinder, Bumble, Aberdeen dating site, and Hinge, to name a few, have really helped single people to make new friends during this lockdown period. These dating apps and websites are usually free and very quick to set up, places like www.dateaberdeensingles.co.uk can be set up in minutes, making it even quicker to meet your match!

Following a recent speech from PM Boris Johnson, lockdown measures are slowly being loosened to the point where individuals are now allowed to meet up with one person outside of their household. This could be a great opportunity for single people to go on a social distancing date, respecting the 2-metre rule of distancing in public places set out by the government. 

Social Distance Dating

A few good suggestions would be scenic park walks and indulgent picnics. This could be a very good first date opportunity as being outside can be very relaxing and calming for some, as well as dining on some really nice picnic snacks, what could possibly go wrong? Or for the more sporty of the singletons, a nice bike ride in the countryside could also be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, as well as getting in some exercise and bonding time with your date.

What other creative ways have you tried or know about with dating whilst observing social distancing rules?
16:21 No comments
 AD - GIFTED | Many people have struggled through lockdown, not only with their day to day working life, but also their dating and social life has been pretty quiet and non-existent, due to the variety of restrictions that were put in place. But with many of those current rules easing, it is now much easier to get back on the dating scene and meet new people, now that we can meet outdoors, go to restaurants and enjoy some drinks at the pubs/bars. 

Lockdown has taught many of us to embrace ourselves, enjoy our own company and make more time for self care and self love. There are many ways how we can feel more confidence, more empowered and more sexually confident when starting to connect with others and begin dating again. Now we can finally go out and about and meet with others, you can now practice those new found skills in real life. Those awkward first dates and nervous giggles will be a thing of the past, as your new found confidence and empowerment will shine through.

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT QUOTE

It might not be something you think about when starting to date, but meeting new people safely can really help to develop your confidence and improve social skills. Dating sites and apps are increasingly helping to 'meet' safely via video calling or voice calling, helping you to grow closer and connect more easily. Whether that's the typical dating sites like Tinder and Hinge, or something a little different like mybdsmhookups or subsanddoms, whichever sites take your fancy, you're sure to meet people with similar interests to you and get to know them in a safe and fun way. Using dating sites before you finally meet in real life can really help you to feel less anxious, less nervous, and more comfortable, helping to increase your confidence levels and prevent those awkward conversations. Meeting safely is hugely important when starting to date again after a long time. You want to make sure the person you are meeting is genuine and that you will feel comfortable in their company. It's also important to meet in a familiar, safe area to avoid any unwanted problems or dangers.

For those prepping for their big first date, we obviously all want to make a great first impression and look our best. Using beauty salons for manicures or pedicures, getting your hair done at the hairdressers, and getting your brows/lashes done can help with body confidence, mental health and self-care.

When it comes to getting ready for your date, I'm sure we've all been there when your entire wardrobe ends up all over the bed because you have "nothing to wear". Picking cute outfits that you feel confident and comfortable in for date nights can give you that mood boost that you will need, especially if you are feeling anxious or nervous.

Socialising with others can help with mental health as lockdown has made many people feel isolated and lonely. Being around people increases your sense of happiness and well-being, helping to boost your mood and mind set, as well as allowing you to express your thoughts/feelings with others.


Is there anything better than new lingerie? It's empowering, confidence boosting and it makes you feel pretty good. Updating your lingerie collection could be exactly what you need whilst pursuing your body confidence journey. feeling more sexually confident by choosing beautiful and flattering underwear, which can also boost self esteem. There are so many shapes, sizes and styles of lingerie to pick from, there will definitely be something for everyone, and you'll be spoilt for choice!

If you usually play it quite safe on date night, it might be rewarding to choose a more unusual idea for your dates instead of something more generic like dinner and drinks. This can help you feel more confident and empowered, and pushes you out of your comfort zone by forcing you into the unknown. Date locations such as theme parks, crazy golf and other outdoor adventure activities might be worth looking into if you want something fun and different for your next date!

GET BLOGGED GOODIE BAG

Most importantly, it's necessary to make time for some self care and "me time". We all need to take a step away from reality and have some quality time for ourselves, to help relax, destress and clear your mind. I was kindly sent a parcel filled with female empowerment and mood-setting goodies which included the following items.

1. Lavender Pillow Spray* - This pillow spray is infused with Lavender; a powerful scent that is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. This could help to reduce your sexual nerves if used in the bedroom, or to calm your anxiety.

2. Amber Noir Candle* - This candle has the most gorgeous, calming yet sexy scent. Deep, musky and sensual, this could be the perfect ambience setter for those bedsheet moments.

3. Empowerment Print* - By having a deep and meaningful quote to live by, it can help you feel strong, powerful, and overall, can help improve your outlook on life.

4. Wellness Journal and Pen* - Having somewhere to note down your thoughts, feelings and goals is all beneficial for personal growth and confidence boosting. Spending 5-10 minutes a day to make notes and spending time to reflect and grow.

Do you have any dates planned soon? What empowerment or body confidence tips do you have?
10:00 No comments
AD| Wanting to throw a post-lockdown garden party? These garden party ideas will make sure yours is the best gathering of the summer.

With it slowly getting round to the warmer, summer months, and the news that lockdown could be ending soon in the future, it's the perfect time to get your garden ready for summer. Many of us are planning some parties and celebrations with our friends and family, to finally get together after such an uncertain and troubling year. I've compiled a list of additions you need to add to your summer garden party to ensure it's a hit!

garden party

Fun Decorations and Signs
To make your summer garden party super fun and interesting, decorating your garden can be a great starting place for those really wanting to 'wow' their guests. Simple decoration ideas like colourful banners, LED Lights, balloon displays and painted wooden signposts can really bring your garden to life for your party. For all your party needs, check out Dallas Sign Company, who specialise in custom signs, LED lights and graphics. As well as this, if you really wanted to 'push the boat out', you could also set up a garden gazebo or marquee to really amaze your guests. The garden provides the ideal backdrop to ensure beautiful photos, especially when it's been decorated colourfully.

Barbeque and Buffet Tables
Is there anything better than getting the barbeque going on a lovely, warm summers day? Having your nearest and dearest round for some amazing grilled meats and vegetables, pastas, salads and little buffet snacks is the perfect way to have a gathering and spend your afternoon. You could also ask your guests to bring some of their favourite dishes and snacks, giving you the opportunity to try new foods and find some new favourites!

Homemade Cocktails and Drinks Bar
Alongside good food, you also need some ice cold drinks to go with it. For the adults, you could set up an ice cooler filled with your favourite alcoholic beverages or even make your own fruity cocktails to enjoy. For the kids, homemade icy slush puppies are an essential for a warm summers day!

Photobooth Hiring & Roaming Photography
Are you looking for something different at your event? No party is complete without a photo booth, especially one that guests of all ages can enjoy with making GIFs and Boomerangs. The Boomerang GIF photobooth provides a fun and interesting activity for all your guests to enjoy during your garden party. ! Similarly, you can leave a camera out and some fun props to encourage guests to snap away and take some amazing photographs to ensure you capture some special memories. For those who want instant photos, Roaming Photography could be something to consider. Giving you instant digital delivery and instant photo printing, you can view and share your photos in seconds. 

Outdoor Games & Activities
Summer is all about fun, and there's nothing better than relaxing outdoors in the sunshine and getting some fresh air. If you've got some younger guests at your summer party, outdoor games and fun activities could be what you need to keep them occupied, and far from any mischief. Whether you have a game of football, play hide and seek, or even set up an outdoor blow up swimming pool and sandpit area, there's so many options for these activities, you'll be having fun all day long!

Seated Picnic Areas
If you've spent lockdown renovating your outdoor space, and making it your dream garden, you'll definitely want to show it off to your guests. Having a relaxing area in the garden is best way to enjoy some of the glorious sunshine and soak up some rays. I'd opt for a cosy and cute picnic area with benches, and as well as this, I'd also set up lots of blankets and cushions on the grass for a really chilled vibe.

Evening Garden Lighting
If your garden party is planned to last all afternoon and into the evening, it's definitely worth researching into some outdoor garden lighting to help keep the warm and welcoming atmosphere. There are so many options for lighting depending on the vibe and ambience your party falls into. You could set up some cosy tealights and candles, or some cute and fun string fairy lights and paper lanterns, or even some garden floodlights if you want something a little brighter and more safe.

Are you planning any summer garden parties this year? What are your essential must-haves?
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AD| At this current time in global affairs, dating is something that has been continuously tricky throughout 2020. Lockdown after lockdown, closures of shops, pubs and restaurants, and also having many different rules put in place, it's definitely been hard for single people to meet new potential love interests in real life. 2020 is definitely the year where dating went online, and will be something that is continued for the foreseeable future until the world gets back to normal again.

However with lockdown being recently lifted, many areas of retail and hospitality have began opening up again, including restaurants, non-essential shops/shopping centres, pubs and leisure facilities, allowing dating during the coronavirus pandemic to return to some kind of normality. It also gives us the freedom to explore more of places nearby, get some fresh air and try to live life as normally as possible, all whilst social distancing and taking necessary safety precautions.

coronavirus face masks

For me, I've definitely been able to get out the house and explore more of my local, surrounding area. Living in London is great as there is always so much going on, so many places to visit, you can never get bored! But during the recent few months, I've spent time exploring areas just outside of London, including places such as Kent and Surrey that are nearby. I've learnt that there are a whole selection of great places and things to do in Kent/Surrey, that they would make really cool, interesting date locations for future dates, and places that I would definitely visit.

Shopping in Kent
Date location 1 - If you're planning to spend the whole day together, Bluewater Shopping Centre could be a great location for a daytime date for the ultimate shopping and leisure experience. There's so much going on there, from shopping, eating out, watching a film in the IMAX cinema or even a visit to the trampoline park, there's definitely something to keep you entertained all day long.

Date location 2 - Another Kent dating location would be to visit the Howletts Wild Animal Park for something a little more unusual. Described as "Kent's original wildlife park, it's a unique adventure like no other!", this would be a the perfect place for a socially distanced date. You'll be able to spend time seeing all the animals that are located in the park, and even enjoy a nice picnic if the weather isn't too awful! You also have the opportunity to create some amazing memories  by choosing to take part in the exciting experiences Howletts have to offer - but this will need to be checked out beforehand due to COVID to make sure everything is ok.

social distanced dating

Exploring Outdoors in Kent
Date location 3 - 2020 has been the year of outdoor exercise, going out for walks, visiting local parks and getting some much needed fresh air. Kent is home to a large selection of beautiful outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens and beaches, you'll be spoilt for choice. Place like Westgate gardens, White Cliffs of Dover, Whitstable and Knole Park are just a few outdoor places located in Kent worth a visit. Outdoor based dates are perfect for getting to know each other without such a crowd of people surrounding you, you'll be able to talk about anything and everything, as well as seeing some spectacular scenery.

Have you been on any dates recently? What date locations would you like to visit?

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  Lifestyle blogs are probably one of the most popular types of blogs you will find on the internet these days, and many bloggers/influencers are expanding their niches and building content on a more lifestyle-based theme, in order to grow their websites. The content featured on lifestyle blogs can be extremely versatile, as you can choose from a wide range of topics to feature and post articles on, which can help attract a large amount of readers. 

With my own lifestyle based blog, I like to create content on a variety of topics, and I regularly post on topics such as beauty, home, fashion, business and finance, and travel, to name a few. I feel that with having such a broad amount of topics, it can help you gain a wider audience, as well as keep your site up-to-date with current affairs, and keep it relevant and engaging for your audience. Throughout 2020 and so far in 2021, I have been putting a lot more time and effort into growing my lifestyle blog. I was placed on furlough from my regular job on and off until April this year, so this left me with much more time on my hands and I decided that it would be a good decision to go more full-time into my blog and expand my content further.

GIRL ON LAPTOP

Probably one of the main factors that has helped me to grow my lifestyle blog throughout lockdown has been increasing/expanding my content and starting to write about a number of newer topics to feature on my website. For example, I have now begun to include articles themed with subjects such as relationships, business and finance, and home and interiors. Not only have I focused on my written content, but I have also focused on the visual content of my website. To help improve my website further, I have also been working extremely hard on the overall appearance of my blog, including changing the theme and design, format and layout of my blog posts. I've opted for quite a bold and eye-catching theme, with quite a minimalist layout, to keep my website looking as clean as possible.

Over the last year and a half, I've been extremely lucky to form and maintain some great relationships with agencies, PR's and brands, which has helped me to expand the success of my lifestyle blog. I've recently worked on an increased amount of sponsored posts and collaborations, which has allowed me to begin to monetise my website and start to earn a second income alongside my main job. There are so may different ways you can start making money with your blog, from affiliate links, link insertions, campaigns, and sponsored/collaborative posts, you just need to find which works best for you. I've also signed up to a number of blogger/influencer websites that can help you seek paid work and assignments, which has also allowed me to work on a number of campaigns and collaborations on a number of different topics, that I may not have written about and published previously.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media plays a huge role in the growth of your blog, from gaining increased page views to getting new followers and readers. Throughout the lockdown period, I've been lucky to interact and converse with a number of bloggers and influencers, that have also helped me to develop and grow my lifestyle blog. By sharing blog posts and articles online, this allows you to target and reach a larger audience from all over the world, getting your content seen by people you may not even know. This is something that makes sharing your work online is absolutely incredible. 

From my own personal experience, the social media sites that helped me to generate the most readers/traffic to blogs include Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest and LinkedIn. Once you start getting views from social media sites/organic searching, you’ll be able to analyse the traffic, I use Google Analytics to determine what your readers like, where your site is getting viewed from and what type of content is the most popular on your lifestyle blog. This helps you to plan ahead and schedule new content for the future, as well as produce articles that you know are going to be suited and popular with your audience.

What are your favourite lifestyle blogs? What are your favourite topics to read about?


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AD - GIFTED | 2020 has been the year of loungewear. The global pandemic has seen many of us in lockdown and staying at home. We've all ditched the jeans and tight clothing in favour for something more comfortable and relaxed. Everybody has been going loungewear crazy over the last few months, and there's no doubt about it that it's been super popular, and it's definitely here to stay for the foreseeable future. Whether you're working from home, Netflixing and chill, popping to the shops or just want something cosy and cute to wear, loungewear is definitely your best friend, and you definitely need to get stocked up!

 Loungewear is so versatile, dressed up or dressed down, there's so many ways to wear it, and still look stylish yet comfy. If you saw my Lockdown Loungewear Lookbook, you'll know I'm a huge fan of joggers - especially from FemmeLuxe! Joggers are stylish, super comfy, and flattering for all ages and all body types. They are the ULTIMATE chill, cosy day essential when it comes to clothing. I've put together 4 different outfits to show different ways that I would style joggers for some simple but casual Autumn/Winter everyday looks.

Loungewear Outfits

1. Slogan Tees & Joggers

Firstly, I've paired some dark green cuffed joggers* with a simple slogan tee. Slogan tees are a wardrobe MUST HAVE. The colour of these joggers just screams Autumn/Winter to me. During the colder months of the year, I definitely gravitate towards more dark, earthy tones to add to my wardrobe, and these khaki joggers seemed like the perfect addition. Featuring an elasticated waist with a hidden drawstring, you can really cinch these joggers in to give you a bit of shape, as the oversized legs might be a bit much for you. To complete the outfit, I would style it with either an oversized leather jacket or an aviator style coat, and some chunky trainers or boots, for a more edgy outfit.

Loungewear Outfits

2. Long Sleeve T Shirt & Joggers

These light blue cuffed joggers* are just the cutest. The colour is simply unreal, a beautiful light blue/green shade which is unlike any other pair of joggers in my current collection. Colder weather means we ditch the short sleeves in favour of long sleeve tops. These joggers also feature a drawstring waist, which is perfect for when you want to tuck tops in. Paired with a borg style teddy coat and some trainers would make the cutest, casual outfit.

Loungewear Outfits

3. Hoodie & Joggers

This is the ultimate comfort outfit. There's honestly nothing better than a cute and casual matching loungewear set. This outfit is the perfect off-duty look for everyday wear. A cute Co-Ord just make you feel more 'put together' and looks like you made more of an effort than you actually have. If i were to wear this outside, then I would team it with an oversized puffer jacket and a pair of chunky trainers for a simple, stylish outfit. You could even style it with a chunky necklace and a baseball cap if you wish to accessorize. If you don't have a grey oversized/crop hoodie and a pair of grey cuffed joggers* then you're really missing out! 

Loungewear Outfits

4. Bodysuit & Joggers

These cream fleece front pocket joggers* are unlike anything I've seen before. The front pockets are so big - imagine how many snacks you could fit in those! Anyway, teaming a bodysuit with joggers is basically the perfect combination. The top half is tucked in and you know it won't be rolling up and ruining the look. To make this outfit more appropriate for the colder weather, I would pair it with an oversized shacket - ultimate cosy vibes - and some trainers or even some chunky boots, for a simple everyday look. 

Whether you're looking for a new Lounge Set, cosy joggers, or just some pieces to revamp your wardrobe with, FemmeLuxe is a great place to shop. Super affordable, a huge variety of clothing, great quality and fast delivery, what more could you want?

Which outfit is your favourite? How would you style joggers for Autumn/Winter?
10:00 No comments
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