The Yorkshire countryside is a beautiful place to walk and explore. It has rolling hills, green valleys, and a variety of wildlife that will make you feel like you're in a different world. While I'm yet to exhaust every route out there, here are six beautiful places for you to get started with...

Moving into a place of your very own... it's a big step, right? And when embarking on the big adventure of living on my own for the first time, there were a few things I began to notice when going about my day-to-day life. If you're about to move out on your own for the first time, prepare to start noticing these things too... 👇

How much money you're spending. 💷 
When you have roommates, it's easy to just split the bills evenly and not really think about where your money is going. When you're living with your parents, you usually have a cushty deal and pay a little board. But when you're on your own, every penny matters. You become more mindful of what you buy and how often you go out to eat (or order in!). Suddenly you realise just how expensive life as an adult really is. 

You learn how to do things yourself. 🧺️
Yes, I'm talking about everything from laundry to fixing a clogged sink. Not the most glamorous of jobs, eh? It can be daunting at first, but once you know how to take care of yourself, you'll suddenly feel like an empowered, independent woman! 

Having your own space is both a blessing and a curse. 😴 
Sure, having your own space can be great. It means that you can decorate your rooms however you want, slob out in your muckiest gear with no judgement, and binge whatever Netflix shows you want. Your own space can come with a dark side too though; it's really easy to get messy when living by yourself and having no one else around! For me, I notice this most in the kitchen, where everything gets left out for days before I bother putting dishes away... or even doing the dishes at all. 

You establish your own routine. ⏰ 
When you have roommates or family members living under the same roof as you, there's always someone around to mess with your plans or change the time you were going to wake up. But when you're living on your own, it's just you – and that means that you can do things exactly how you want them done!

Basic things can bring you little bits of happiness. 🥘
Settling down to watch a movie becomes somewhat more satisfying when it's in your very own living room, and cooking a delicious meal for one suddenly has you feeling like a goddess.

You really do have to become more responsible. 🤷‍♀️
This is probably the most important thing that I learned when living on my own – I had to be completely responsible for myself, and there was no one else to fall back on. If something went wrong, it was up to me to fix it... or call my dad when I get completely stuck, of course...

What did you notice when you moved out for the first time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Subscription boxes

There are a number of sites that offer online beauty subscription boxes so finding the right one shouldn’t be too hard. You can pre-buy a number of months’ worth of beauty subscription boxes and have them delivered directly to the recipient’s door. Each month will come complete with a new variety of beauty goodies to try out. Boxes and prices vary with some offering sample sizes or full-sized items. Beauty boxes are a great way to unearth new products and spoil your beauty-loving recipient with an original gift this Christmas.

Beauty Treatments

Why not buy that special someone a voucher for a beauty treatment. Beauty treatments come in many different forms and there is something available to suit everyone and every need. Whether you think they would enjoy anti-ageing facials, dermaplaning or a lash lift you can be sure to find a treatment your recipient would love. Gifting beauty treatments are a multi-purpose present as not only do they get the benefit of the treatment itself but it gifts the opportunity to take some me-time and indulge in a little self-care, which always leaves you feeling better about yourself.

Makeover

Makeovers are available in small salons or in large retail outlets. MAC is one such example that allows you to book a makeover session where a professional make-up artist will spend up to an hour utilising their products, tools and know-how to create the look of your choice. They will also impart their wisdom on you and these services usually come with the option to purchase a certain value of products. Customers get the best of both worlds, new makeup of their choice and a make-over session. It is the perfect present for those who have a love of make-up and its application

Beauty Advent calendar

You are never too old for an advent calendar and retailers know it. Cosmetic companies from Benefit to Revelon offer beauty advent calendars, which see owners receiving a new beauty product every day. Admittedly it is not a present that you can keep for the big day but one that will provide daily treats and constant appreciation nonetheless.

A new make-up bag

The make-up bag is something commonly overlooked when it comes to beauty gifts but it is an essential part of the make-up kit. Everyone needs somewhere reliable and often aesthetically pleasing to store all their beloved make-up. Why not spend some time searching for the perfect bag, one that includes zips and pockets to store all the bits and bobs make-up lovers like to keep with them. You could even opt to have it personalised to show that a bit of extra thought went into finding the perfect make-up bag gift.

Arts and crafts are a growing trend and one that millions of people worldwide enjoy regularly. Some people also make a living crafting their own items. Popular craft items include homemade pottery, flower arrangements and yarn weaving. Popular arts and craft methods can also be applied to furniture and clothing upcycling.

Homemade items have always been a popular way to pass the time. However, many people make money from the things they enjoy creating. Right now, the industry is booming, and well-known arts and crafts supplier, Hobbycraft, reported a 200% increase in sales during the lockdown in the UK.

Many people who create their own items with popular crafting methods are dedicated and talented. Some have a natural gift like most talents, but most people start out with little knowledge and minimal skills. If you are looking to begin art and crafts, then you need some crucial supplies. The tools you require are dependent on your desired finished outcome. But some of the most common tools and materials include glues, cutting tools, paint and glitter.

Adhesive Materials

Adhesive materials are probably the most essential tools in your arts and crafts supply box. There are many adhesives available, and most come in the form of glue. Popular glues include PVA and standard superglue, while the glue gun can handle more delicate tasks. Specialist stores such as Glue Guns Direct offer a wide range of beginner to professional devices. However, some adhesives can be hazardous and are not recommended for unsupervised children, while glue guns can become dangerously hot.

Cutting Tools

The various cutting tools are another dangerous yet essential tool for making your own items, decorations, and artwork. The most basic cutting tool you will probably use is a pair of crafting scissors. Still, knives and shears may be necessary, depending on what you make. Obviously, children should not be left unsupervised with such items. Still, you can also buy safety scissors as a less hazardous alternative, therefore, minimizing the chances of an unfortunate incident.

Ready Mixed Paints

Paint is an essential part of any artistic expression because it comes in a wide range of colours. While multiple types of paint are available, a ready mix is the best option for most arts and crafts projects. We have something most ready mixed with paints or made from non-toxic chemicals and may be water-soluble. In addition, some ready mix paints for children are also wheat and gluten-free. So if your child does accidentally ingest some paint, there is a minimal chance that it will cause adverse effects.

Glitter, Glitter and Glitter

Adults and children alike love shiny things when it comes to arts and crafts projects. One of the most commonly used additional materials is glitter. Glitter is excellent for bringing something to life and making a specific area of a project pop with colour and sparkle. For example, you could teach your children to make sparkly multi-coloured rainbows to accompany their new unicorn drawings. Glitter is made from a tiny bit of plastic, so be sure to supervise your children when they use it. While it is unlikely that any harm will come to them, there is the potential for choking. And if you are concerned about the environment, biodegradable glitter is also available.

A Dedicated Area

To undertake any arts and crafts project, you need adequate space. Unfortunately, many choose to use a dining room table or something similar. This will do for the most part, but if you have a family, your art and craft projects will eventually begin to get in the way. Therefore, it is advised that you dedicate an area specifically for your creations. Suppose you have a spare room where you can work without being disturbed. In that case, that is even better since there are many dangerous or potentially hazardous items associated with DIY arts and crafts.

In Summary

Arts and crafts are currently a prevalent trend. During the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in the industry grew at an enormous rate. While the sector is made up of talented people, there are always beginners attracted to the prospect of making their own items or personal use or making a living.

Depending on what you make, there are various tools and materials required. However, almost everybody uses essential items in most cases, including multiple types of adhesives, cutting tools such as scissors, ready-mix paint, and glitter. Because of the potential hazards of such things, you should definitely use a dedicated room or area to undertake your arts and crafts projects.

The average Brit spends £106.06 on a date night, with men and women spending over £74 and £53.14 respectively. Although going on dates is a natural part of relationship building, there is always a misconception of how much a person should spend. While some see expensive dates as the way to go, others believe in concentrating on the minor and more meaningful details. This article will discuss how much to spend, boundaries, financial considerations, among other things.

1. Know the average expenditure of a date

The dynamics are different if you’re on a first date, but it’s pretty easy to find out for subsequent ones. Your peers and close friends should be able to provide this crucial information. According to Bustle UK, 90% of men attending dates agree that spending money on grooming increases overall expenditure. Bustle stated that both genders would invest in a new set of clothing or fix their hair to boost their image and self-confidence.

Indeed, taking steps to know the average expenditure beforehand does not make you stingy. Instead, it makes you cautious and well-armed with crucial financial information ahead of the date. The worst thing that can happen on a date is not having enough money to settle your outing bills.

2. Set a financial boundary

How can you restrict yourself from overspending on a date? First, set a monetary target for yourself and stick with it. Nothing should compel or coerce you to dip your hands into your emergency savings to go out on an expensive date. Many UK households are already making repayments on debts, including those from credit cards and lenders such as Buddy Loans, so it won't be surprising if you had such obligations. Therefore, it wouldn't be wise to compound your financial situation to fulfil a date. The worst thing you can do is pile up debts on your credit card for a date likely to last only a few hours.

3. Consider the location of the date

Logically, going on dates in the city will be more expensive than in the countryside. For example, the cost of food, drinks, and entertainment tends to be higher. Therefore, it helps when you plan the location. Moreover, if you’re not driving to the place, you should consider the cost of calling up a taxi or joining another public transport to the venue.

Of course, your date should be in agreement with the location unless you’re planning a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, if the expenses of getting to the area exceed your budget, it is advisable to change the venue to a place both of you can quickly get to without hassle.

4. Focus more on the experience

Your date will remember how you made them feel, rather than how much you spent. Experiences create lasting memories, and if you’re living on a budget, that should be your focus. For this reason, target positive activities you will both enjoy and create an opportunity to build the relationship even further.

How much you spend is relative, but the points above will serve as an excellent guideline to determine what you splurge on.

 

Much like we fall in love with people we stumble across in our lives, we often fall in love with literature and the characters the pages hold. One much-loved book series is, of course, Harry Potter.

And naturally, when it comes to a singleton's quest to find love, there is one question that every Harry Potter buff will find themselves asking a potential new love interest - "Which Hogwarts house are you?"

When you've found your fellow Harry Potter nerd, you might really want to go the extra mile to blow their socks off. I don't blame you! So, tell them to get their wands, gather their spellbooks, and make sure their imagination ready, as you're gonna to take them to Hogwarts - metaphorically - on a date. And here are four ways to do it...

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1. Show off your superior wizarding world knowledge at a Harry Potter themed quiz. I’ve spent a number of evenings getting competitive at quiz nights surrounding my favourite fictional characters and worlds - Harry Potter included - and I’m yet to be disappointed. So if you’ve stumbled across a fellow Potterhead while Fife dating, why not whisk them away to a quiz night all about Harry Potter. You can always top off the night some beers afterwards… celebratory ones, hopefully!
   
   
2. Immerse yourselves in the wizarding world at the Warner Brother's studio tour. You and your date can step into the iconic and spectacular sets, and discover just how Harry Potter was brought to life on the big screen. Steal a kiss on the Hogwarts Express, hold hands as your stroll down Diagon Alley, and raise a glass of butterbeer to what has been (hopefully!) a great date. Finish things of by taking home a souvenir from the gift shop!
   
   
3. Sink your teeth into some magical grub and a few love potions. Food makes a huge appearance throughout the Harry Potter series, and there's a plethora of whimsical gastronomic choices in between the pages of each and every book. Why not spend a night in with your date, putting together a buffet of magical treats? Dig into jelly beans and guess the flavours, put together a roast dinner fit for the Great Hall, bake some yummy cauldron cakes, and whip up some cocktails to resemble love potions.
   
   
4. Have a good ol' faithful movie marathon. Why try and fix what isn't broken, eh? Sometimes the classics are the best, and when it comes to date night, you can't beat an evening snuggled on the sofa with a good film or two. So... Harry Potter marathon anyone? Get your blankets ready, have some snacks to hand, and revisit Hogwarts through your screen.

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So, whether you're dating in Hull like me, or dabbling in some Fife dating, hopefully one of these ideas has inspired you to plan a magical date... Which will you be trying out first?

 

*This post has been sponsored by Font Bundles, but all words and opinions are entirely my own!

Ah, fonts. They seem so simple, and yet choosing the perfect one can be such a chore. Whether you're looking for the perfect font to get crafty with, are on the hunt for some fancy fonts to get designing with, or perhaps are even looking for an inspiring fonts to complete your branding with, there some much to think about on your hunt.

If you're looking to get creative, you want fonts that a fun and exciting. Looking to design some graphics for social media? You're gonna need something pretty but legible. And if you're creating some branding or a logo, then the pressure is on... you need a font you're gonna love forever (or for a very, very, very long time at the very least!)

Luckily, there are a tonne of resources online that can help you find the font that you are looking for (or perhaps stumble across some inspiring fonts you didn't even realise you wanted!). Font Bundles in particular has a range of fonts that are perfect for installing and using for all of your craft, design and business needs! And I've picked out 5 of my favourites in hopes they might inspire you too...