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The simple way to take charge of your retirement
sponsored post The simple way to take charge of your retirement If, like me, you’ve got a bunch of pensions from various jobs over the years – with most of the documents stuffed into an envelope in the back of a cupboard – and you’re starting to get that niggling, back-of-the-mind concern that your future financial planning might need some attention, then Pension Buddy could be good for you. I used their website to find out things like: how much I might need in retirement, how to track down decades-old pensions and figure out just what I had in each, and the steps I could take to make me feel…
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All aboard for the maiden voyage of Iona – a stunning British cruise ship
Here’s a strange thing. Despite spending much of my life living by the sea – I grew up in beautiful Salcombe, in Devon – most of my boating experience (apart from the odd ferry to France, or between Thai islands) has been on little ships that pootled around the estuary. I’d see some sizeable yachts sail past my hometown, but sadly never got the chance to experience some of this opulence first-hand. Now, though, I scoff at these titchy gin palaces with their limited sailing range and glaring absence of on-board nightclubs and Vegas-level entertainment shows, because I’ve jumped straight to the top of the big ship league table…
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Testing Bloom & Halo – a brilliant new skincare brand
Decision paralysis – the struggle is real. It can strike at any time. When I’m trying to pick out a new item of clothing, for example, or when I’m dithering over a bottle of wine in the supermarket or – perhaps most often – when I’m debating whether to try out something new for my skin. I don’t know about you, but I feel overwhelmed with choice so when I do discover something that makes a real difference, I want to share it with everyone I know. My friends have already heard me evangelising non-stop about Bloom & Halo so I thought it was high time I spread the news…
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The unexpected delights of a five-star garden shed
Last year’s brief half-term lift on lockdown saw us take a trip to historic Sherborne, spending three days in this delightful country town in north west Dorset. It’s like the Cotswolds, but less knowingly cute and is a short hop to the picturesque Jurassic Coast, with easy excursions to places like Lyme Regis or the famous Durdle Door beach. We took a guided tour around the town, courtesy of Paul from Sherborne Walks, which was a great way to get a flavour of the place. It’s packed with history and stories in every nook and cranny and Paul’s enthusiasm was infectious – particularly when he told us some of the…
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A stay in a luxury beach hut
Travel in 2020 was a guessing game. Trying to plan a trip away, even for a UK staycation, would fox even the smartest superforecaster. However, after a number of false starts and dashed hopes, we were lucky enough to find a lockdown-free window that allowed us to take a trip to West Sussex. Our destination was Felpham, a small village close to the seaside town of Bognor Regis. This proximity meant we could enjoy the traditional delights of Bognor – handsome pier, amusements, crazy golf (even a Butlin’s, if that’s your thing) – while still having our own cosy coastal corner to retreat to. Our two-night stay was based at the Beachcroft Hotel’s…
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A simple way to transform your living space
I’ve been really excited to share this with you. Through lockdown, I was posting pictures of my home on Instagram. Many of these were shot in my lounge and featured my Ikea sofas. After spotting them in some of my pics, the lovely people from Comfort Works got in touch and asked if I’d like to try their custom made slip covers for my sofas. I was delighted as I’d been thinking about changing the decor for a while. But buying new sofas is a big expense and, really, there’s nothing wrong with my sofas. I’m just a bit bored of them. And my eco-conscience won’t allow me to throw…
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A virtual fashion experience
One of the positive things to come out of this enforced worldwide lockdown has been the rise and rise of the virtual experience. Whether it’s Friday night Zoom drinks with friends or watching the world’s best DJs play live from their front room, courtesy of ‘virtual festivals’ from the likes of Defected Records, it’s been brilliant to see how the world has adapted to change. Fashion, too, has pivoted to our new way of living. The traditional retail experience might be on hold, but some brands have moved quickly to ensure that their customers can still enjoy some of the best aspects of shopping. Cabi is one fashion…
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White heat
Like so many of us, I spend a lot of time thinking about what I’ll wear when we’re out of lockdown. By then, I’m hoping we’ll be fully into the summer season. Ah, just thinking of it makes me feel better – blue skies, outdoor cocktail parties, roof terrace launch events and, of course, a collection of new outfits to take out for a test drive. With that in mind, I wanted to share a look that I’m looking forward to wearing once we’ve left lockdown limbo. White jeans are a favourite item for me – and they’re far more versatile than many people think. Granted, they can be temporarily…
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Look good, feel better
Remote working and spending most of your time in the house is, for many, an opportunity to substitute style for comfort, from ‘showing out’ clothes to ‘staying in’ clothes. Which is totally understandable. When times are stressful, you opt for wearing what makes you feel most relaxed. But spending the whole day in a tracksuit isn’t for me. Nor is opting for a ‘day pyjamas’ and ‘night pyjamas’ mix. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not judging anyone who takes this sartorial route as you need to do what works for you – but I know that, for me, wearing stylish clothes while on lockdown keeps my spirits up.…
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I’m now an ambassador for Cabi’s spring 2020 collection
I love this time of year in London. The weather may be challenging but the city is filled with some of the most stylish people you’ll ever see – and there are brilliant parties happening left, right and centre, all driven by London Fashion Week. I spent a few days checking out the shows and discovering some of the autumn/winter trends in store for us, from late 70s/early 80s throwback fashion to the resurgence of houndstooth – and the return of the cape (which were everywhere). More immediately important though, is what’s coming up for spring 2020. And I’m hugely excited to reveal that I’m working with the wonderful Cabi…
