Hot Brands Cool Places - Spring Issue February 2020

HOT BRANDS

Cool Places

SPRING ESCAPES FEB 2020

I S S U E N O. 7 0

Spring

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to our first magazine of 2020, if you are looking for half-term, Easter, summer, or just a weekend break we have some delightful suggestions throughout this magazine.

This year we have an extra day, 366 days instead of 365 days, and as February 29th falls on a Saturday, it is a perfect excuse to do something special, we include a round-up of some early Spring events, including those held on February 29th.

We are also delighted to feature an interview with James Francis, owner/manager, The Star Castle Hotel, The Isles of Scilly.

Finally, we share four delightful books to help you start the year with optimism and inspiration.

Until the next time‌ Kaye, Louise and the whole Hot Brands Cool Places team. www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Kaye

Kaye Thorne // Editor in Chief

All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

M U L L I O N C OV E Owned by the Grose family since 2006, the Mullion Cove Hotel is in a class of it’s own. For over 100 years, guests have enjoyed it’s character, hospitality and first-class service.Crashing waves and spectacular sea views. Elegant, inviting luxury rooms and apartments. Amazing food and friendly staff. These are just some of the reasons guests love Mullion Cove, and with the more recent addition of a brand new spa makes it one of the best and most romantic of Spa hotels in Cornwall.

www.mullion-cove.co.uk

COMBERMERE ABBEY Combermere Abbey offers two different accommodation options – the luxury North Wing B&B and 10 unique selfcatering cottages. In the luxury B&B, guests have the choice of two sumptuous bedrooms – the Bhurtpore, an elegant wood-panelled room exuding history and charm, or the Salamanca, the epitome of luxury decorated in calming hues of pale blue and silver with an opulent marble clad bath. Converted from the 19th century former stables, each of Combermere’s award winning cottages is uniquely themed to reflect a part of the estate’s history. From four poster beds, to mullion windows and pointed turrets, the cottages are steeped in history whilst providing the utmost comfort. Sleeping from 4 to 10 guests, visitors will experience the tranquillity of the estate to its fullest with woodland walks right on the doorstep. All cottages are also dog friendly. Guests are free to explore and enjoy the thousands of acres at Combermere Abbey.

https://combermereabbey.co.uk/

T H E M O U N T H AV E N The Mount Haven is tucked away on the fringe of the ancient market town of Marazion, located on the West Cornwall coast, and has fabulous views over to the iconic island fortress of St Michael’s Mount. Our location away from the hustle and bustle of the town makes us the perfect place to stay for those looking for a relaxing escape, but within easy walking distance of the independent galleries, shops, and cafÊs of Marazion.

The Mount Haven has 19 beautifully appointed rooms, the majority with seaviews, and an award winning restaurant headed by Chef Ross Sloan.

www.mounthaven.co.uk

I L S I N G T O N C O U N T RY H O U S E H O T E L & S PA Award winning country house hotel located in the Dartmoor National Park. The proud holder of two AA rosettes it offers the perfect balance between traditional classics and comforting Modern English cooking served with sweeping views up towards Haytor. Every bedroom is individual, comfortable and designed in a country style. Why not book a spring retreat in our Country House Hotel. 2020 at Ilsington is all about rest, relaxation and plenty of good food and the stunning Spa will ensure you well and truly relax!

www.ilsington.co.uk

FA I R OA K FA R M Fair Oak Farm is a country estate based in Mayfield, East Sussex which is available for exclusive hire. We offer nine different properties on the estate from spacious and quirky eco-lodge tree houses to a stunning farmhouse. The estate can sleep up to 36 guests, whilst business groups sleeps 15-20 at single occupancy (or more if sharing rooms) for a corporate team event.

www.fairoakfarm.co.uk

C A E R H AY S E S TAT E Caerhays Estate has launched a new Cornish holiday business called Caerhays Holidays bringing together for the first time a portfolio of 12 unique estate properties which the public will be able to book directly via the new website caerhaysholidays.co.uk and the Caerhays Holidays team. Caerhays is world-renowned for its award winning National Magnolia Collection, English Heritage Listed Grade II* woodland gardens and spectacular Spring Gardens.

Each of the properties have been luxuriously and comfortably furnished with an eye on preserving their own distinct quirks and historically unique features. The properties range in size range from sleeping two to 16 people. Most of the properties are self-catering, while The Vean and Burncoose offer bespoke concierge services with the option to be fully catered by a private chef. "A stay at Caerhays is an opportunity to lose yourself in a truly fascinating part of Cornwall’s heritage.�

www.caerhaysholidays.co.uk

C E L E B R AT I N G F E B R UA RY 2 9 T H H OW T O E N J OY T H E E X T R A DAY This year we have an extra day, 366 days instead of 365 days, and as February 29th falls on a Saturday, it is a perfect excuse to do something special.

For people born on February 29th leap year represents an opportunity to celebrate their birthday on the actual day!

For the rest of us, there is a bonus of an extra day to enjoy.

As we move towards the beginning of March, many places are starting to open up again after the winter break, and now is a perfect time to start exploring all the wonderful places around the country that are opening their doors to visitors.

Gardens in particular have so much to offer, there is something quite special in seeing the opening of blooms, presenting the most glorious of colours and delicate flowers.

Increasingly the opening of gardens often coincides with other events for all the family, exhibitions, art and craft fairs, family activities and the opportunity to just get out and walk in the fresh air. With so many places open to the public, it’s often only a very short journey to find open spaces to enjoy.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley – this is to accompany the exhibition Giant Houseplant Takeover at the garden.

If you want to combine a visit with a weekend away, many places offer special weekend breaks usually with very competitive out of season rates. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore new places and to enjoy wonderful meals, as well as a change from the weekly trip to the supermarket, or catching up on chores, or work related activities.

Ailish Warner Introducing the methods and tools needed to make linocutting plates at home. The course will teach you how to simplify images in order to make clear, artistic prints using simple tools without the need of a printing press. Please bring your own photocopies of visual reference pictures and all other tools and materials will be provided. Advice will be given on what to purchase to continue at home.

Here is our round-up of some early Spring events, including those on February 29th.

Caerhays Estate Caerhays has been owned since 1860 by the Williams family, and is world-renowned for its award winning National Magnolia Collection, English Heritage Listed Grade II* woodland gardens, spectacular Spring Gardens and more recently has achieved world fame as the location for Tim Burton’s hit movie, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The Cornish estate is situated just a few miles from The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Mevagissey on the stunning southern Cornish coast.

Introduction to Lino Printing course, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall Discover Snowdrops (29 Feb-1 March):

at

RHS

Partner

Garden,

Birkheads

Discover snowdrops at Birkheads – this weekend we’re opening for you to enjoy a winter walk around the gardens to see our cheerful displays of winter bulbs; snowdrops, crocus, cyclamen, winter iris and maybe a few early Narcissus. (You may need wellies if it's wet).

OPENING DATES 2020

Experience the fresh air and enjoy the variety of hellebores with flowering shrubs, bright stems and unusual trees. There will be some snowdrops lifted in the green for sale. Afterwards warm up with a hot drink, soup or treat by the fire in the coffee shop.

Gardens: Monday 17th February – Sunday 14th June Open daily 10:00am – 5:00pm. Last entry at 4:00pm Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Our apologies but disabled access is restricted to the nursery and coffee shop at this time of year due to ground conditions. Free parking. Sorry, no dogs until the bulbs are finished. (Easter).

Castle: Monday 16th March – Friday 12th June Castle visits by guided tour only.

Weekdays (excluding bank holidays) at 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30: Advance booking recommended.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/

www.caerhays.co.uk www.burncoose.co.uk www.burncoosehouse.co.uk

• Kew Gardens’ first ever orchid festival themed on the country of Indonesia • Dazzling displays inspired by Indonesia’s wildlife and plant diversity • The festival will showcase Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s vital science work in Indonesia to protect biodiversity • Indonesian music, dance and food during half term and after-hours events In February 2020, Kew Gardens’ 25th annual orchid festival will celebrate the incredible wildlife and vibrant culture of Indonesia – an archipelago of more than 17,504 islands, including Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Papua and Bali. Indonesia’s landscape is as diverse as the flora and fauna that inhabit it, from tropical rainforests to spectacular volcanos.

The Gardens re-open 17th February 2020

There are a number of events organized at different RHS venues.

Houseplant Clinic, RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey Do you have problematic houseplants, issues with pests and diseases, or are you just unsure as to what plant suits the shadiest areas of your house? Why not visit our Houseplant Clinic in the RHS Garden Wisley Plant Centre, where our team of experts will assist you with all your houseplant queries.

Kew Orchid Festival 2020: Indonesia Saturday 8 February – Sunday 8 March 2020

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Stepping into the Princess of Wales Conservatory, visitors will find themselves transported to an entrancing paradise evoking some of the sights, smells and sounds of Indonesia.

To capture a glimpse of the wonders of this vast region, the orchid festival at Kew Gardens will be an immersive journey through the different zones of the glasshouse, where visitors will find spectacularly beautiful orchid displays which each represent an aspect of Indonesian wildlife and culture.

Entry to the festival is included in the standard ticket to the gardens but visitors must book a timed ticket slot online in advance: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/kew-orchid-festival Orchids After Hours will run on 13, 14, 26, 27 February and 5, 6 March 2020, 6.30pm - 10pm.

Tickets must be bought online in advance from www.kew.org.

The National Trust In 2020 the National Trust is encouraging the nation to notice nature in their everyday – from looking up at the clouds on your commute to work to planting wildflowers for bees in your garden or window-box, these small nature moments not only help nature but make you feel great too. Recent research from the conservation charity, highlighted that: • A fifth of adults say they have never got up early and seen the sun rise • A fifth of us say it’s more than a year since we last stopped to look at clouds in the sky • 15 % of adults say they have never put out food for wildlife This leap year the National Trust is asking people to use this extra day and leap into making a promise for nature. They have 6 inspirational ‘nature promises’ to help you feel like you’re making a difference.

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Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leap-for-nature or get along to Westfield Stratford (29th Feb) or Manchester’s Arndale (7th March) to be able to get your promise on the conservation charity’s 2020 tree of promise.

Other events include: Chilterns Countryside, Buckinghamshire Homes for wildlife 29 February, 10:00 - 15:00 Take a green leap forward and help nature on the year's extra day.

Join the National Trust rangers at West Wycombe Hill for a family day out and lend a hand to create habitats for wildlife. Drop by for an hour or two or spend the entire day, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Price: Free, booking essential via the website Killerton, Devon Tree Planting 29 February, 11:00 - 15:00 To celebrate the leap year, join the Killerton rangers on this special day to plant over 400 trees. The trees will help to strengthen the riverbeds and increase the diversity of habitats, benefitting the landscape and its wildlife.

Price: Normal admission applies Morden Hall Park, London Tree planting 29 Feb, 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm This leap day, why not give nature a helping hand at Morden Hall Park? If you’ve got green fingers or just like getting dirt under your fingernails, then head along to help Morden’s gardeners to plant over a thousand of trees in the park.

Price: Free event, booking essential via the website

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Portstewart Strand, Co. Londonderry Beach Clean 29 February - 29 February, 10:00 - 12:00 Help the National Trust rangers with their mission to make Portstewart Strand free of single use plastic and join them for a litter pick. Materials collected on the day will be used in a series of community workshops in March to create weaved baskets under the expert tuition of local weaver Louise of Atlantic Craft NI. These baskets will then be used on the beach for all future litter picks as well as raising awareness of this important issue.

Price: Free Quarry Bank, Cheshire Celebrate Leap Day 29 February, 11:00 - 15:00 2020 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the National Trust, which was originally created to enable people to be able to access green spaces forever, for everyone. Why not use the leap day to spend a bit more time in nature? Head to Quarry Bank to celebrate with a variety of fun nature based-activities for the whole family.

Price: Normal admission applies Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire Hedgerow planting 29 February, 11:00 - 15:00 On the year's extra day, why not lend a hand to create new habitats for wildlife. Join Sudbury Hall’s friendly gardening team, roll up your sleeves and get closer to nature by helping to plant new hedgerows.

Price: Free Wallington, Northumberland Mass planting 29 February - 29 February, 10:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 15:00 Come along and join Wallington’s gardeners as they make good use of the leap day by doing some mass planting in the grounds. There’ll be 1,000 cowslip plugs to get into the ground, so why not bring the whole family to help out?

Price: Normal admission applies Images courtesy of Caerhays Estate and Kew Gardens http://www.caerhays.co.uk https://www.kew.org/ Please Note: All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, particularly if the weather conditions deteriorate.

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S Y K E S H O L I DAY C O T TAG E S Sykes Holiday Cottages offer not only a wide range of quality, self-catering accommodation, but a chance to experience more with your loved ones in the UK. Choose the ideal location to spend your break, book online with confidence and if you have any queries, you can speak to one of our dedicated travel experts!

This is your time to create lasting memories with Sykes.

www.sykescottages.co.uk

C OA S T A N D C O U N T RY C O T TAG E S Coast and Country Holidays in Pembrokeshire – 220 plus holiday cottages, around the coastline. Cottages accommodate between 2 and 12 people, - varying in style from modern and contemporary, to traditional and cosy – all in great locations. Remember all our Staff live locally and between us we have personally seen every property, so you can easily find out more detail by speaking to someone!

Call 01239 821910 – our office is open 7 days per week!

View properties and book online at www.welsh-cottages.co.uk

J O H N B R AY C O R N I S H H O L I DAY S With over 300 of the best located self-catering cottages and holiday homes in North Cornwall’s loveliest locations. John Bray Cornish Holidays have been managing and letting holiday homes in and around; Rock and Daymer Bay on the Camel Estuary, and Polzeath and Port Isaac on the Atlantic coast for almost 50 years, most with spectacular sea views, many are pet friendly and all are within a mile of the coast. Short breaks out of peak season are welcome.

For more information contact: lettings@johnbray.co.uk or call 01208 863206

www.johnbraycornishholidays.co.uk

S T. B R I D E S B AY C O T T A G E S St. Brides Bay Cottages offers delightful cottages in superb locations around the North Pembrokeshire Coast. “Welcome� might be a small word, but here it has a very big meaning. The scenery is spectacular, the air is crystal fresh and the villages are full of character. The rugged beauty offers the perfect backdrop for a real get-away-from-it-all holiday.

www.stbridesbaycottages.com

BAILEYS In this beautiful coastal location right at the entrance to Chichester Harbour and within easy reach of the Cathedral City of Chichester and Goodwood with the world famous ‘Glorious Goodwood’ horse racing, ‘Festival of Speed’ and ‘Revival’. Baileys offer a wide selection of self-catered properties, many situated directly overlooking the beach

www.baileys.uk.com/holiday-lettings

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MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85˚all year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car.

www.milsomhotels.com/maison-talbooth

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K E S G R AV E H A L L Step back, relax and indulge at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the ‘top grade’. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with our head chef championing all that is great about Suffolk produce.

www.milsomhotels.com/kesgrave-hall

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THE PIER The Pier stands proudly overlooking the picturesque harbour and the confluence of the Stour and Orwell rivers. Long established in Harwich, the hotel boasts four stars with two rosettes for cooking. The Harbourside on the first floor of The Pier, is renowned for using locally caught seafood, much of which is landed in the harbour opposite. Our Head Chef takes much of his influence from the sea so Harwich lobster and crab are nearly always on the menu served whichever way you’d like. Stay over and capture the ambience of this delightful old town, a night in The Mayflower suite, complete with telescope is a must!

www.milsomhotels.com/thepier

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B E A C O N PA R K B OA T S ‘The Bentley of canal boat hire’. Rugby legend Gareth Edwards compared us to one of the world’s most sought after luxury brands when he went cruising for a BBC1 series Gareth Edwards’ Great Welsh Adventure. We design and build each boat to exacting standards. Expect luxurious beds, immaculate showers, high-spec kitchens and stylish lounges.

Additional features may include a wood-burner, home cinema, 4-poster bed, rolltop bath or on-deck hot tub!

www.beaconparkboats.com

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THE STAR CASTLE HOTEL The Isles of Scilly, located just off the most Southerly tip of Cornwall, are still little known in the UK, but much loved by those who have already discovered them. The Star Castle Hotel is a perfect choice for an escape to Scilly – built in the 1600s in the shape of an eight pointed star, it is now a multi-award winning family-owned four star hotel with its own vineyard.

https://star-castle.co.uk

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Interview JAMES FRANCIS, OWNER/MANAGER THE STAR CASTLE HOTEL THE ISLES OF SCILLY

Please can you tell us a little about the history of The Star Castle Hotel?

What do you offer couples who would like to get married at Star Castle?

The castle itself was built in 16th century to defend against the Spanish. The building was used by the military until after the First World War when it was then leased from the Duchy of Cornwall and became an hotel. It was requisitioned by the military during the Second World War, though fortunately the islands were never bombed.

The hotel can accommodate smaller weddings and therefore approaches each enquiry as a bespoke arrangement. We offer three venue options and our location is unbeatable as a backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos. Couples can get married in the Castle Dining Room, the Conservatory and the Castle Lounge, which is particularly suited to intimate ceremonies. A wedding breakfast can then follow in either the Castle Dining Room or the Conservatory.

How do you see the hotel developing in the future?

We are always looking to improve our offering at the hotel. We focus on the quality of food and service, constantly reviewing the quality of bedrooms and outside spaces.

What is special about The Isles of Scilly?

The Isles of Scilly are often referred to as the Fortunate Isles and this is true for many reasons, the climate is exceptionally temperate, We are also looking to develop more menu options and to enhance on average the warmest place in the UK; the outstanding physical our in-house training. beauty - the entire islands are designated an Area of Outstanding bustle of ISSUEËš70 H O T Bwhile R A N Dthe S C lifestyle O O L P L AisCan E S escape S P R I N Gfrom E S Cthe A P Ehustle S I S S Uand E 2 4 Beauty; mainland living.

image credit Mark Bolton For visitors looking to visit the Isles of Scilly what are some of the events planned for 2020?

The islands season really gets going in April with the Walk Scilly event. We are famous for the World Gig Rowing Championships which are held on the first Bank Holiday Weekend in May, this is followed by the Scilly Art festival and Folk Festival later in the month.

September celebrates all things food and drink during the Taste of Scilly Festival, with a focus on island produce and in October we have the Walk Scilly weekend, the second main walking event of the year.

What is your favourite time of year on the Isles of Scilly?

The summer months, when the seas are calm and warmer, good for fishing and boating to the other islands, with warm evenings spent watching the sun go down. https://star-castle.co.uk

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CONGHAM HALL Whether you are looking for a relaxing place to stay, a base while you are exploring the Norfolk coast or simply an interesting bolthole, then look no further! Congham Hall, set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the Sandringham Estate. With a state-of-the-art spa, an ambient restaurant serving delicious food and cool bedrooms this hotel should be on your hit list.

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M Y L O R H A R B O U R S I D E H O L I DAY S Beautiful self-catering holiday cottages nestled into the picturesque surroundings of Mylor Yacht Harbour on the banks of the Fal River in south Cornwall. Just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge these luxury hideaways provide the ideal base for exploring the stunning Cornish coastline both on and off the water.

Lovingly re-crafted from buildings dating back to the 1800’s the properties sleep from two to eight people, and feature fully equipped open-plan kitchens and spacious living and dinning areas.

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U F F O R D PA R K Relax in style in the heart of Suffolk’s most beautiful, peaceful countryside: come to Ufford Park Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa – to stay or simply to enjoy our bars, restaurant and many other facilities. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and just ten easy miles from Ipswich, child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more including: High-standard hotel accommodation, undulating 18-hole championship, par-71 golf course – as used by the PGA EuroPro Tour, modern, well-equipped health club with spacious gym and indoor, deck-level swimming pool and the very latest thermal suite spa and much more!

www.uffordpark.co.uk

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C A R B I S BAY H O L I DAY S Carbis Bay Holidays specialise in luxury 4 & 5 star self catering accommodation in St Ives and Carbis Bay, they are proud to offer a selection of over 150 properties. Short breaks available. enquiries@carbisbayholidays.co.uk 01736 630015

www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk

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WILDERNESS COTTAGES Wilderness Cottages offer a variety of self catering holiday properties throughout Scotland. These range in size from small cosy cottages, ideal for honeymoon couples and romantic holidays, or larger holiday cottages to sleep from six to twelve.

From remote crofts to stays in luxury apartments we have properties to suit all tastes. Many cottages are open all year, have log fires and make pets welcome.

www.wildernesscottages.co.uk

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F O O T PA T H H O L I DAY S Personally owned and run by Ian and Suzanne Newman, Footpath Holidays has been providing high quality walking holidays in Britain since 1983. Holiday options include guided walking as part of a group, self-guided holidays based in a single centre and self-guided holidays moving on each day and having your luggage transported. Every year Footpath Holidays organises a number of "tailor-made" itineraries e.g. walks associated with pilgrimage routes, James Herriot's Yorkshire, Daphne Du Maurier's Cornwall, or the Arthurian Legends.

www.footpath-holidays.com/

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Book Reviews

Here are four delightful books to help you start the year with optimism and inspiration.

Find Your Flow – Sarah Gregg The Simple and a Happier You

Life-Changing

Photography: History. Art. Technique – Tom Ang Practice

for

Description: Flow is an optimal mental state that you can control, create, and experience every day. Once you learn how to master flow, your happiness will flow quickly and effortlessly as you use strategies to gain control over your life, focus on what matters most, and motivate action toward your goals and dreams.

In Find Your Flow, life coach and neurolinguistic programming practitioner Sarah Gregg reveals a powerful four-step journal system that can be applied to your everyday life. All it takes is a few minutes a day to help you find your flow through: Morning grateful flow — wake up happy as you start your day, writing words of gratitude and creating a positive mood that lasts all day.

Forward focus — identify your priorities for the day to bring a sense of harmony and balance between what you must do and what you want to do.

Total flow — script your ideal day to spot opportunities, stay on course, and defend yourself against distraction.

Night time reflection — lean into the lessons that are showing up in life, spot opportunities to find more flow, and celebrate the powerful small steps you’re taking each day to create meaningful life changes.

Let Find Your Flow be your practical guide to awaken and strengthen your authentic voice so that you can make your signature impact on the world, inspire others, and reach your full potential.

Description: Fully updated and presented in a striking slipcase, this fascinating all-in-one guide introduces you to the art, history, and culture of photography, and shows you how to get the very best from your photographs.

A comprehensive guide to all things photographic, Photography opens with a gallery of more than 30 of the key figures in photography, from 19th-century pioneers to famous photographers working today. The gallery provides fascinating contrasts between such diverse genres as art photography, reportage, portrait, and wildlife photography. The book then tells the story of photography, from its “garden shed” beginnings to the rise of the “selfie” today.

The second half of the book introduces cameras, accessories, and software, explaining what they can do and how to use them, then shows how to take better photographs by mastering the technical aspects of your camera; experimenting with composition, colour and light; and digitally enhancing your photos.

Inspirational masterclasses covering all genres of photography – landscape, portraits, wildlife, architecture, art – also provide you with an opportunity to apply your newfound skills in a clear and practical way. The section also gives expert advice on showing your work and how to become a professional photographer yourself. www.amazon.co.uk

www.amazon.co.uk

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Be Inspired!

Urban Sketching – Step by Step – Klaus Meier-Pauken

The Whitlock Workout – Max Whitlock

Techniques for creating quick & lively urban scenes

Description: Max Whitlock, Team GB’s double Olympic goldmedallist, has spent years developing his own fitness regime and now he wants to share his workout secrets with you.

Description: Join the growing movement of reactionary artists and learn how to capture our fast-paced world in this inspiring book by popular artist and author, Klaus Meier-Pauken.

With useful advice on the basic materials needed, Urban Sketching Step by Step then moves on to honing essential drawing techniques from tone and colour to perspective and composition.

The Whitlock Workout gathers together all of Max’s userfriendly core strength exercises and quick workout routines that anybody can try, from simple stretches on your sofa, to those using just a cushion or a pillow, through to more advanced total body exercises which can be taken outside to your local park.

The huge collection of creative exercises will help you build your skills, see your surroundings with a new artistic eye and draw lively sketches of your city or town that reflect its character.

Along with nutritional tips and his favourite quick and healthy recipes to help fuel your body, Max shares the secrets of his success and teaches us how to be fit for life.

Whether you are looking to discover your own sketching style, or to build on your existing knowledge, this book is packed with material to get you creating your own dynamic works of art.

QUICK WORKOUTS. HEALTHY RECIPES. TOTAL FITNESS. Max is proof that if you train hard and eat well, you really can achieve amazing results from home. Whether it’s a spare 15 minutes in the morning before work, or half an hour at the weekend, The Whitlock Workout is perfect if you are looking to get fit, or want to build your core strength, but don’t have the time or money to go to the gym every day.

www.searchpress.com

www.amazon.co.uk

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Q UA L I T Y C O T T AG E S The tight knit family business based in North Pembrokeshire represents over 450 fabulous holiday properties throughout the most stunning coastal, countryside and mountainous regions of Wales. Quality Cottages was the first company to be awarded a gold medal for services to self catering holidays in Wales.

www.qualitycottages.co.uk

Q UA L I T Y U N E A R T H E D Wanting to stay somewhere a little different‌ unusual holiday accommodation such as tree houses, gypsy wagons, off-grid places, or cool glamping structures is Quality Unearthed’s speciality. These alternative, ecologically sensitive holidays are something more of us are seeking out. Increasingly we want things in life that are authentic and unique and our choice of holiday is reflected in this.

www.qualityunearthed.co.uk

NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH “Your recommendations of where to go and what to see and do, and who to stay with were spot on every time…”

New Zealand is our complete passion and we are committed to sharing our knowledge and experience of the country to create the best possible holiday experiences, whether you are visiting for a few days or a few months. Achieving this requires more than good destination knowledge, it is all about listening to you to understand your interests and what you need from us and caring about the experience you will have. It is about personal service and personal connections.

Based in England with trusted partners on the ground in New Zealand, we have been creating personalised New Zealand holidays since 2003.

www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk

Getting Outside this Spring!

Muddy Puddles bright and bold Kids Ski Jackets, snowsuits and salopettes - are all waterproof, windproof and breathable design with the latest features, making sure your little ones are in the best gear when hitting the slopes. www.muddypuddles.co.uk

FULTON SUPERSLIM - 2 VIVIENS FLORAL

FULTON BLOOMSBURY -2 BLOOMIN MARVELOUS

Feature

All umbrellas are available from: www.fultonumbrellas.com

FULTON CYCLONE

HOT BRANDS

Cool Places ISSUE NoËš70

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