Top UK Restaurants To Visit This Christmas

December is always the best month, if you enjoy eating out. Many restaurants offer special festive menus, or special deals to celebrate the Christmas season, and it’s the perfect way to catch up with friends and loved ones.

Restaurants are also the perfect setting for Christmas parties, and if you are considering heading to a restaurant this month, I have a run-down of the top UK restaurants to visit this Christmas, and the reasons you should add them to your restaurant bucket list.

Top UK Restaurants To Visit This Christmas

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London

Depending on your budget, Dinner By Heston Blumenthal, in London, is a fabulous restaurant with an incredible reputation. Heston’s iconic restaurant is a two-star Michelin-starred offering, with an impressive menu and impeccable service. You only have to check out the amazing reviews on TripAdvisor to see why this restaurant is so popular.

The Wolseley, London

Next, I have another London restaurant recommendation, and this time it’s a European restaurant. This Mayfair restaurant is an all day café in London Piccadilly, and they offer a range of set menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea.

If you have any Christmas shopping to do in London, The Wolseley would be the perfect setting for grabbing some luxurious food. Although, if you don’t fancy researching the best restaurants to head to this December, consider using Square Meal UK, to hunt out the best venues over the festive period.

Top UK Restaurants To Visit This Christmas

The Kitchin, Edinburgh

If you’re in Edinburgh, you have endless restaurant opportunities to choose from. It’s another Michelin-starred restaurant, and is owned by Tom Kitchin. This restaurant features an open window to the kitchen, so you can watch your food being prepared for an even more special dining experience. If you need any more persuasion, head to the restaurant’s Instagram page, and check out the delicious dishes on offer.

The Fat Duck, Bray

Are you Berkshire based? If you are, I have another Heston Blumenthal suggestion, and it’s The Fat Duck restaurant, which is a restaurant I’ve always wanted to visit myself.

This restaurant opened 25 years ago (this year is the restaurant’s 25th anniversary), and they have quaint anthology themed menus, for a very different dining experience. With meals like a Pommery mustard ice cream, and snail porridge, it definitely offers something different.

Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham

If you’re a fan of French cuisine, Le Champignon Sauvage could be a good option, and is set within a 17th century building with two Michelin stars. Even though it’s a luxurious restaurant, they offer some set menu options, allowing you to taste two, three or four courses – depending on how hungry you are.

They also have an à la carte set menu available too, but the restaurant does close on the 18th of December this year, until the New Year, so make sure you get your reservations in before then. The food is all presented so beautifully, and the restaurant offers a truly special experience.

Top UK Restaurants To Visit This Christmas

I hope you found these five restaurant recommendations helpful, for some beautiful locations for some delicious food, and an unforgettable experience this Christmas. All of the restaurants in question offer gift vouchers too, so if you’re stumped for gift ideas, perhaps consider a voucher instead, so your loved one can experience what the restaurants have to offer, for themselves.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: How To Feel Relaxed & Energised For 2022

Nobody ever said that January was a good month. Motivation and focus often as empty as your wallet after an over-indulgent festive season, it’s the month of the year where it’s easier than ever to find yourself slumping into a pile of blankets and biscuits. Although a fresh page can bring with it a fresh opportunity, it can also bring with it a sense of anxiety that you should be doing more / trying harder / making up for lost time. January can become a pressure cooker of expectation, when actually what we should be doing is being kind to ourselves; ensuring we feel relaxed, energised and have a sense of wellbeing pays off to a far greater degree as we emerge from the sofa and back into the world.

If you’re feeling the strain already, here are my four top tips for taking back a bit of ‘me time‘ and ensuring I feel relaxed, energised and focused.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

DRESS THE PART


If you’d told me a couple of years ago my wardrobe would be bursting at the seams with loungewear sets, comfy tracksuits and PJs that get worn from 5pm, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are! (One of the few benefits of lockdown is how we all embraced comfy clothes…) Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel good, so switch up those mismatching 15 year old pyjamas or paint splattered joggers for a set or two that helps you to feel great. There’s something about changing out of the days clothes into something altogether more relaxed, not dissimilar to that feeling of slipping into freshly laundered bedsheets. Trust me – new PJs are life.

SCENT YOUR HOME


Behavioural studies have revealed that smells can trigger intense emotional memories, as well as helping to either enhance or hinder our mood. There’s no better way to set the scene than to light a candle, or even better, invest in an Aroma Diffuser that gently and effectively diffuse essential oils into the air. I’ve been using one of these for the past couple of years and adore it so much that every family member has since recieved their own for Christmas; they delicately fill the air with a scent of your choosing, helping to relax the mind or energise the senses when you need it most.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

TREAT YOUR SKIN


Skincare is more than just functional. It can be an emotive and relaxing experience, if done right. Taking your time to indulge in some of your favourite products and thoroughly massaging them into skin will not only benefit your complexion, but your mind too. Don’t skimp on your bedtime skincare regime: dedicate half an hour to effectively double cleansing (with something beautiful like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm,) steaming (I swear by a facial steamer to clear and refresh the skin,) massaging and lifting, before adding a night treatment (such as Elemis Plumping Pillow Facial) that will leave you looking and feeling amazing.

HAVE A PAMPER


Making time for regular pampering really does make all the difference, but sometimes we just don’t have the time to book in a spa day or pop to the salon. That’s where handy at-home solutions come in! My mum had a foot spa in the 90’s and it was the absolute height of sophistication, but did you know they’re making a comeback and better than ever? The Homedics Luxury Foot Spa is the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of the day; jets relieve tension in your feet, while massager rollers soak away muscle tiredness, leaving your tootsies relaxed and your mind at ease. A session in this followed by some great foot cream and even a cheeky polish paint is sure to leave me feeling so much better.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

Remember: the last couple of years have been hard on us all, and you can’t be the best version of you if you don’t stop to have a little ‘me time’. Taking time out isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength and should be celebrated. My resolution for 2022 is to focus on the wellbeing of my body and mind just as much as my career, family and social life. What will yours be?

Feeling inspired? Check out all the beauty treats and wellbeing must-haves over on www.very.co.uk

How do you feel relaxed and energised? Let me know below!

This is a sponsored feature on behalf of Very; all opinions my own.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

How To Improve Your Smile To Boost Your Confidence

Having a lack of self-confidence in one’s appearance is not a rare thing. There are many things that people feel insecure about when it comes to physical traits, and one of the most common features that causes this is our smiles. Our teeth and gums are naturally displayed when we are happy, and suppressing those smiles due to anxiety and diffidence can have a huge impact on our day-to-day enjoyment. With so many of us, adults and children, being ashamed of the way our smiles look, it’s important to identify the many different methods and treatments that dental professionals can do to help people to find their confidence again. 

How To Improve Your Smile To Boost Your Confidence

Speak To Your Dentist

First and foremost, you’re going to want to speak to your dentist before getting your heart set on a particular treatment. After all, a professional will need to identify which treatment is best for your situation, and they’ll also be the one to perform the procedure anyway. Regular dental visits are essential, regardless of whether you feel like there is a problem with your teeth or not, as they will be able to notice any possible issues arising and work to prevent those problems with other handy treatments.

Teeth Whitening

A very common procedure in dentistry is teeth whitening. This is something that you can actually do on your own, at home, or a dentist can do it for you. At home kits are widely available and while you can use one without permission from your dentist, it’s highly recommended that you speak to them beforehand, as they’ll be able to guide you towards the best treatment for you. Be prepared for this to be fairly costly, however, as this isn’t always seen as an essential treatment—discolouration of the teeth isn’t harmful and fixing it is therefore not a priority for NHS dentists.

Crowns

A crown is a synthetic cap that covers a real tooth. This tends to be used when a tooth is damaged or worn and needs protective assistance to prevent further damage and complications. These can often be used for aesthetic purposes too, but generally a crown is fitted is for medical purposes and is therefore a more prioritised treatment. If you have a tooth that has broken or is weakened, a crown may be a good choice instead of more invasive treatments.

How To Improve Your Smile To Boost Your Confidence

Realignment

Crooked and misaligned teeth can be a constant source of concern for those that suffer with these problems. For younger people who are still growing, it’s likely that dentists and orthodontists will suggest braces and aligners to rectify these issues. Wearing metal braces aren’t overly subtle, although they do their job well. 

However, for those that aren’t happy with wearing visible braces, there are some other options like invisible braces. These are clear braces that correct tooth alignment much more subtly than metal ones. People learning about clear braces will find that, while they may be a bit more costly, they are just as good as metal braces and can prevent people from feeling self-conscious by being very difficult to notice. They are also much easier to clean and have no impact on what you can eat as you remove them for meals.

Implants

Losing a tooth can be devastating. Whether it’s been knocked out in an accident or has been removed due to decay, it can make you feel very self-conscious. Implants are a fantastic way of dealing with this. Fitted into your jawbone with a titanium or other sturdy metal screw, a false tooth can then be attached to the implant, filling the gap that was left behind.

Veneers

For those worried about the appearance of multiple teeth, veneers are a quick and simple way of covering and hiding broken, stained or misshapen teeth. These are made from porcelain and are attached to the front of the teeth. To better fit the veneers, the teeth have some of their enamel removed providing a surface that is easier to attach to. 

Once attached, the veneers make for a very strong addition to your natural teeth, and while the process is irreversible, they tend to last for a significant amount of time. Unfortunately, these are only available on the NHS if they’re being fitted for medical purposes and are not simply for cosmetic reasons. However, veneers can be fairly affordable via private dentists, and they will be able to fit these for you, no matter your reasons for getting them.

Bonding

Another common treatment when teeth have experienced slight aesthetic damage such as being worn down via grinding the teeth or chips and breaks is composite bonding which is a means of attaching a compound of materials like resins and porcelain to sculpt a replacement section of missing tooth. For example, if a canine tooth has been ground down over time removing the sharper, pointed part of the tooth, the point can be rebuilt. This is generally only available via private practices as it’s only done for aesthetic purposes.

Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is a broad term for the amount of greenhouse gases a person or entity generates while living their life. This term encompasses a wide range of different environmental factors, from things like transportation through to the production of food.

Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

What are the Effects of Climate Change on Your Carbon Footprint?

As a leader in the field of climate change, the United Nations has advised a number of countries including Canada, European Union and Australia about what can be done to combat climate change.

In the US alone, greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing because of a lack of environmental regulations and the use of fossil fuels. There is also another issue that needs to be addressed – how much carbon dioxide humans emit as opposed to plants.

A recent study by the World Resources Institute has concluded that by 2050, global temperatures will rise by 2-4 degrees Celsius. The authors point out that this could be catastrophic for life on Earth and make it difficult for human civilization to continue as we know it.

How Can We Calculate Our Carbon Footprint?

One’s carbon footprint can be calculated using various calculations, such as the CO2 equivalent, the kilogram CO2e or Carbon Intensity. Today we will be looking at how to calculate your own personal carbon footprint, as well as understanding your environmental impact.

Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

The first step in calculating your personal carbon footprint is to decide what types of activities you do on a daily basis and for how long each time. Next, you need to know what type of fuel source these activities use and determine which country or region these fuels come from. Finally, look at how much energy was created by these activities, and that’ll help you calculate your personal carbon footprint.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Today

1. Buy local produce or food whenever possible.

2. Eat less meat – livestock are one of the major sources for CO2 emissions.

3. Turn down your thermostat during winter time – it will help you save money on heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your risk for respiratory diseases associated with COLD air quality indoors

4. Reduce food waste by putting food into smaller portions before eating it

5. Avoid using single-use plastic bags that are damaging to our landfills

With the increasing environmental problems, it is crucial for us to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. The Earth is getting warmer and this will cause more natural disasters with consequences that are not yet known. In our generation, we have a responsibility to leave a better world for future generations, so consider reducing your carbon footprint today.

Guide to Making Selling On eBay A Success

Online auctions sites like eBay are an easy way for people to buy and sell items. eBay is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell items, and you can sell anything on eBay, from your unwanted clothing to your old furniture. If you are trying to clear out your home or declutter, then you should consider using eBay.

eBay has a range of different categories for users to list items under, which can help you find the right place to sell your things quickly and easily. eBay has over 175 million active buyers looking for new treasures every day, so it’s easy to find someone interested in buying what you have.

Guide to Making Selling On eBay A Success

If you’re wanting to try selling on eBay, it’s recommended that you try eBay selling tools. These tools make it easy to set up auctions, keep track of your inventory, manage bids and payments, and more.

If you want to make the most of your online auction listings, then you need an eBay selling tool. They can give you a leg up on your competition by helping you get organized and optimize your listings for better sales.

How to Rank in eBay Search for Your Item

eBay is one of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling goods. Sellers are ranked based on their history, feedback, and what others are willing to pay. When you go to eBay’s homepage, you will see the top sellers in the left-hand column.

The first step to ranking high in eBay search is to have a lot of positive feedback from other sellers. Feedback tells eBay how much other sellers enjoy doing business with you, and your good reputation helps you rank higher in search rankings.

Another way to rank high on eBay’s search results is by setting a competitive price for your item, so buyers are more likely to buy it because they know that they have a good chance of reselling it at a profit.

Best Tips for Selling Successfully on eBay

The first thing to do before listing on eBay is to have a well-thought-out plan for your inventory and how it will be priced. It’s important to have a plan for what you’re going to sell on eBay before setting up an account and making any bids.

Guide to Making Selling On eBay A Success

The first step would be thinking about what types of items you’ll want in your inventory, how many items there should be, what you can realistically expect them to sell for, and your shipping methods once items have sold.

eBay is a great opportunity to sell your products and services. It gives you the chance to reach an international audience and offer your goods and services to a wide range of individuals. However, you need to be aware of how to best sell on eBay so that you can ensure the most successful experience for both you and your customers. Here are some tips for selling successfully on eBay:

  • A professional looking listing is key
  • Offer competitive prices
  • Use pictures
  • Respond quickly to requests
  • Be patient as it may take some time for potential buyers to find your listing

Finally, make sure that you provide an excellent customer service experience for your customers – especially if they have any problems with their purchase. Feedback is everything on eBay, so you need to try and provide the best customer service possible, in order to get great feedback, and achieve success when selling via eBay.