Holiday at Home Magazine by Zebra Design Services

Holiday@Home SUMMER 2021

A semiannual publication from The Hot Tub Place

www.holidayathomewirral.co.uk

C O N T E N T S Holiday @ Home Introduction

Summer House & Bar - Wooden it be Nice?

Outdoor Space 10 Versatile Garden Igloo - Room with a view...

Light up Your Life

Light up the Night

The Great Outdoors

Lounging Around

Order in to Dine Out

BBQ Fun

Cocktails

Are you Properly Suited?

Intoducing - Molby the Label

Shady…

Garden Time

Ready, Steady, Grow

Summer Glow

Coastal Days Out

Days Out to Suit Your Moooooooood!

Digital edition - www.holidayathomewirral.co.uk

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Holiday at Home... This year more than ever people are holidaying at home. They are looking to enhance their garden, their house and seek new experiences in and around Wirral. We offer advice and tips for a wonderful staycation. From gardening tips, hot tubs and outdoor furniture to BBQs and summer fashion, we cover it all. We offer the reader an insight into what is available on our doorstep and on our screens. So grab a coffee or download online, kick back and enjoy planning your holiday at home.

t o H e Th

e c a l Tub P

A Forest Garden Hollington Shiplap 8’ x 8’ Summer House £999.95 | cuckooland.com

Wooden it be nice? The last twelve months have been difficult for everyone and not being allowed to go out has been a huge factor. Lockdown restrictions will hopefully be lifted on 19th July, we will finally be able to have family and friends around.

Garden Rooms Wirral www.billingrowan.co.uk have over 20 years experience and will build your bespoke garden room to your specification. They provide the best solutions available so you get exactly what you want. Prices start at £10,500 for a 3m x 3m room.

If the weather is poor and let’s face it, it usually is in summer why not consider having a garden room or bar built in your back garden? Or you could have your garage or shed converted into an extra room you can use all year round for entertaining.

Have you dreamt of having your own bar? Converting a shed or garage is an easier option than building from scratch, it can also be more cost effective. A bar, some stools and a good range of drinks are all you really need to invite friends over, you can have it as simple or as elaborate as you want.

A garden room is a beautiful addition to any garden with many styles and sizes to choose from. Not only is it the perfect place to enjoy on a summers day, it can also be a valuable extra room you can use as an office, gym or games room . You might require planning permission if you intend to sleep in it or if you want more than one storey.

Why not try clearing out your shed, painting the inside and out in what ever colour takes your fancy. Roll in a drinks trolley and some deck chairs and viola, you have a simple bar to have friends over.

Beach Bar Gazebo with stools £350 | habitat.co.uk

Outdoor space...

Mercia Double Storey Snowdrop Playhouse

Shire Houghton Summerhouse 2.05 x 2.18m

Mercia Double Storey Snowdrop Playhouse

Make the most of your garden space by adding a stylish, practical and high-quality garden building from Mercia Garden Products.

Summerhouse with veranda and fixed glazed windows with profiled glazing bead. Supplied unpainted, ready for own choice of paint or stain.

Our Snowdrop Playhouse hosts a spacious loft area, kids love to play in. The first floor comes complete with internal safety rail and non-slip tread ladder. These lovely wooden playhouses come with shutters and window boxes for added character.

• • • • • •

A side window and three front windows ensure natural light floods the interior making this playhouse the perfect play area. For domestic use only.

•

This fabulous Rose Tower Wooden Playhouse will provide hours of unforgettable fun for your kids and older children alike. The Rose Tower comprises of full tongue and groove shiplap cladding sourced from sustainable European forests, Super Strong framing, and joinery manufactured Windows and door with safety clear styrene windows. Complete with ladder to a raised verandah and playhouse along with an 8ft slide. This sturdy raised Rose Tower also offers some extra space underneath to install a sandpit or to store bikes or other toys.

(Please note: Images are dressed and painted for display purposes only. All listed metric dimensions listed below include the roof overhang.) £719.99 www.robertdyas.co.uk

34 x 34mm Frame Fixed Glazed Windows Wooden Panel Construction Shiplap Tongue & Groove Cladding Base Coat Treatment 10 Year Manufacturer’s Guarantee (T&Cs Apply) Galvanized Hardware

£719.99 www.screwfix.com

£1259 www.atlassheds.co.uk

Plum Discovery Mud Pie Kitchen Get the kids learning and discovering outdoors with this charming Mud Pie Kitchen by Plum®. Fully kitted out with all the tools they need to have fun and explore, it’s a great way of combining hands-on play and learning. It features a metal sink bowl as well as storage shelves and hooks for little pots and pans, and plenty of paint and plant holders too. There’s also an easy-clean painting screen for them to get arty with, and even a built-in planter so they can create their own mini potted garden and learn about growing plants. While they’re out in the garden they’ll identify wildlife and forage for inspiration, so they can add a pinch of pinecone to their pie or a dusting of wildflowers, making the kitchen ideal for after-school activities. To top it off, this charming mud pie kitchen features cute bamboo wind chimes for added sensory fun. £269.99 www.robertdyas.co.uk

Shire Marlborough Log Cabin 4.19 x 2.99m

Mercia Pressure Treated Garden Bar

Ideal for use as a summerhouse, workshop, office or extra storage space. Features tongue and groove roof and floor, reversible door and window positions and toughened glass glazing. Draught-sealed doors and window help retain warmth during cooler weather. The floor is built on pressure-treated bearers that isolate the cabin from the ground contact to protect against rot.

Add some fun and life to your garden with our modern and stylish, Mercia 4 x 6 Garden Bar. Perfect for hosting family and friends, this bar will become the hub of every party! Add a few stools, decorate with lights and stock with drinks to have yourself the perfect pub for entertaining all evening long.

28mm Interlocking Logs 1 Room 1 x Opening Window Untreated Pine & Spruce Lock & Key Security Toughened Safety Glass with 750mm Overhang £2019.99 www.screwfix.com

This wooden bar features side access that can be set up on either side depending on the layout of your garden Pressure treated tongue and groove boards with a thick, wooden framing give this garden bar a solid structure. The roof is formed using overlapping timber boards that are nailed to an internal frame. Boasting a contemporary pent roof design, rainwater will simply run off the back of the building, to keep the inside of the bar dry and to avoid any water build-ups. 15 Year Anti-Rot Guarantee Assembly required £384.97 www.furniture123.co.uk

Rooms with a view

The Garden Igloo, 360 Dome with PVC weatherproof cover. £999 | cuckooland.com

Light Up Your Life!

Very Smart Solar Garden Silhouette Flamingo £29.99 very.co.uk

TKMaxx Large green lantern £24.99 tkmaxx.com

Lights4fun Cosy courtyard outdoor lighting garden decor Pictured right: TruGlow Outdoor Candle Trio £26.99 Moroccan Patterned Solar Lantern Set, £38.99 15 Drop Bulb Festoon String, £16.99 Set of 2 Black Slatted Lanterns £59.99 Moroccan Moving Flame String Lights £26.99 50 LED Outdoor Micro Fairy Light String £5.99 lights4fun.com

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

LIGHTING FOR YOUR GARDEN

1. LED Outdoor Spike Light, £15, diy.com | 2. Cosiscoop Timber Fire Lantern, £149.99 dobbies.com | 3. Eureka! Firefly Lantern, £9.99, carrfarmgardencentre.co.uk 4. Solar Mesh Stake Lights (set of four), £14.99, carrfarmgardencentre.co.uk | 5. White Orchid, £35, owendrew.com | 6. Brooklyn Pewter Outdoor Pendant, £189.99, wayfair.co.uk | 7. Salsa Rattan Solar Powered Garden Lantern, £20, johnlewis.com | 8. Elstead Frida 1 Light Medium Outdoor Wall Light, £72, universal-lighting.co.uk | 9. Mosaic Solar Border Lights (set of six), £27.99, wayfair.co.uk

Summer Nights

in a luxury hot tub...

It must be fro

www.thehottubplace.co.uk Unit 5 Tarran Way South, Moreton, Wirral, CH46 4TP

om The Hot Tub Place!

CALL: 0151 345 3670

The Great Outdoors

All available from next.co.uk

Descriptions and prices from the top: Fruit print seat pads £14.00 matalan.co.uk Set of two Lois Chairs £199 marksandspencer.com Shatterproof Flamingo Jug £12 next.co.uk Homesense Plastic Tumbler £2.99 tkmaxx.com

Lounging Around... Comfort and practicability are important factors when choosing garden chairs but of course they need to look good too! The classic deck chair made of a single piece of fabric on a wooden frame, can easily be transported, making it ideal for the garden or a day at the beach. They come in many different designs, adding a pop of colour to your outdoor space. If you prefer to lie down as well as sit a sun lounger is the way to go, just remember to put the cushions away at night to avoid ruining the fabric. We’ve chosen a vintage look sun lounger and would add a rich, patterned cushion to complete the look. When your garden is small you may not have the room for different seating, which is why you should pick a chair for multi-use. Choose one that slides easily under

the table for dining but is also comfortable enough to relax in after you have eaten. As with all outdoor furniture be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on care so they last as long as possible, for example an untreated wooden structure will need more care than plastic. Finally whichever chair or chairs you choose be sure to get the most use out of them, maybe think about storing them inside a shed or garage in the winter to prolong their life.

Helsinki Lounger £299 | next.com

Homesense Garden Sun Lounger £79.99 | tkmaxx.com

This stylish 6 seater rattan garden furniture set from our All Seasons range of luxury garden furniture is entirely hand woven using the finest synthetic rattan weave, which is impervious to the extremes of weather, allowing it to be left outside all year round. This dining set consists of a 150cm Kensington round dining table, 6 Kensington dining armchairs complete with fully waterproof seat cushions and an optional Kensington 70cm lazy Susan. The waterproof cushions are available in a choice of colours. www.bridgman.co.uk | £3999

Order in to Dine Out... Food intro

BBQ Fun! Summer has arrived, it’s time to get the barbecue out and have some friends over for some delicious food and cold beer. Who can resist the smell of steak and sausages on the grill or maybe foil wrapped fish, halloumi and vegetables, coupled with great company on a sunny afternoon? Of course we can never predict the weather here on the Wirral but one things for sure, even if it rains it won’t dampen our love for eating outdoors. The humble barbecue has evolved over the years, with many of us now preferring the predictability of a gas bbq. The more traditional amongst us will use charcoal or wood, in fact to get started you simply need a pit for the burning coals and a grill for the food. With the many styles and sizes on offer it’s not always easy to choose the correct one. Gas bbqs are more expensive but they offer greater control over cooking and can be turned on at the flick of a switch. Charcoal or wood burners are notoriously hard to light, who hasn’t tried and failed knowing your guest will be arriving soon? They do however offer a delicious smokey flavour, especially if you are using wood as your chosen fuel.

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1. Blue BBQ Bucket Grill £29.99 tkmaxx.com 2. Homesense BBQ Tools tkmaxx.com 3. Cherokee Black Quintet grill £699 thehottubplace. co.uk 4. Truly Tropical Oven Glove £16 joebrowns.co.uk 5. Coyote BBQ cupboard £699 thehottubplace.co.uk 6. 3 Piece BBQ Accessory Set with Apron £17.99 very. co.uk 7. Melamine Salad Bowl & Service Set £18 next.co.uk

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DINING IN OFFER It’s our little secret...

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 2 FOR 1 ON MAIN MEALS One starter per person must be ordered T’s & C’s apply BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR THIS OFFER

0151 691 1919 | www.magicspices.co.uk OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 5PM

221 -225 Seabank Road | Wallasey | CH45 1HE

Salad Days... We all love to eat out or order a takeaway but we don’t always want hot food on a summers day. Sometimes we want something fresh, light and tasty, food that won’t fill up you too much. The following recipes can be prepared to take with us on a picnic or to the beach for a family day out. Alternatively, you can eat them at home or in the garden with friends and a glass of wine. We’ve chosen a classic and something new…

Classic Greek Salad

Watermelon & Spinach Salad

Ingredients 4 large vine tomatoes, cut into irregular wedges 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, then roughly chopped ½ a red onion thinly sliced 16 Kalamata olives 1 tsp dried oregano 85g feta cheese, cut into chunks (barrel matured feta is the best) 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil

Ingredients 100g quinoa 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds ½ small watermelon , skin and seeds removed, cut into chunks 80g baby spinach 1 ripe avocado , peeled and sliced ½ small pack mint , finely chopped 50g feta , crumbled Juice 1 lime 1 punnet salad cress

Method STEP 1 Place 4 large vine tomatoes, cut into wedges, 1 peeled, deseeded and chopped cucumber, ½ a thinly sliced red onion, 16 Kalamata olives, 1 tsp dried oregano, 85g feta cheese chunks and 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil in a large bowl. STEP 2 Lightly season, then serve with crusty bread to mop up all of the juices.

Method STEP 1 Rinse the quinoa, then put it in a pan with a fitted lid and cover with 200ml water. Cook, covered, over a medium heat for 15 mins or until fluffy and the water has been absorbed. Don’t worry if it catches on the bottom at little. Fork through to separate the grains , then leave to cool. STEP 2 Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a medium heat and toast the pumpkin seeds for 1 min or until they start to pop. Tip into a serving bowl or on a platter with the watermelon, spinach, avocado, mint and feta. Toss through the quinoa , then squeeze over the lime juice with a pinch of seasoning. Top with the cress and serve.

If you don’t fancy lighting the BBQ you can always send out for your food! One such local eatery is taking the healthier route... Are you worried that to eat healthily, you have to scrap delicious foods? Not to worry, FitGrill’s expert-designed menu gives you the quality food you love, without the stress and guilt. Our meals are designed to be low-calorie, healthy and above all, delicious. Every meal purchased at FitGrill Wirral is not only customisable for your needs (such as allergies or food weight/calorie counting as well as basic requests), but our menu tells you exactly how many calories, carbohydrate, protein and fats you are consuming in said meal. This service is standard whether you eat in at one of our booths or tables, have your order delivered, or have your meals prepped by us fresh daily by our award winning chefs. We are also hoping to have our website fully functional for a Wirral Delivery service soon.

There is a set, all day menu (breakfast until 12:30pm) consisting of a wide variety of cuisines from as basic as plain chicken and rice to low fat burgers with skinny sweet potato fries. For those who maybe want to eat healthier but don’t want to go to the extremes of “prep-life” or say the family of four who are a mixture of both scenarios - we can accommodate your needs. To complete your experience we have a children’s menu and also stock a selection of non alcoholic drinks, lower calorie beers & wines and low carb wine. FitGrill is open Monday to Thursday 9am - 4pm, Friday and Saturday 9am - 9pm. Sunday we are closed. There is free wifi with usb and power connections on site for all customer.

www.fitgrill.co.uk We extend the warmest welcome, even if you just pop in with a friend during the day for a coffee. 1a Village Road, Oxton, CH43 5SR 0151 200 0261

Food available to order - details and menu can be found on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Gluten free, vegetarians and vegans catered for.

A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink with fruit juice, flavoured syrups or cream. The first known written documentation was in 1806, evolving over the 1800’s to include liqueurs. By the 20th century they had gained popularity and in 1917 the phrase ‘cocktail party’ was born. Cocktail culture has become huge and summer is the perfect time to enjoy them, especially if a mixologist has conjured it up.

A mixologist studies the history of mixed drinks, the ingredients and techniques used. They create new and innovative cocktails using classic and unusual elements. Mocktails are the perfect way to enjoy the delicious flavours without the alcohol, a mixologist will come up with amazing non alcoholic recipes. Favourites have changed over the years but many remain popular and in high demand.

COCK Ginger Mojito A more recently invented drink, this was adapted from a drink at Jamie’s Italian restaurant. A truly refreshing, perfectly balanced summer mocktail. Served in a Collins glass, lime juice, lime wedges, cane sugar syrup and mint leaves are mixed with crushed ice and topped up with ginger ale. Served with a mint sprig, it’s summer in a glass.

Negroni Created and named over a century ago by the Italian Count Camilo Negroni, this has remained a firm favourite. It is the impeccable mix of gin, vermouth and Campari, garnished with orange peel served over ice in a short glass

Margarita

Old Fashioned

Especially good for summer, this cocktail related to a similar drink in Mexico became popular in USA during prohibition. Many stories have different claims as to who invented it from as early as 1936.

First served at the Waldorf Astoria, New York in the 19th century, a mix of bourbon, sugar and bitters, classically garnished with orange and cherries, served in a whisky glass.

Tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice are shaken with ice and served in a stepped champagne glass with salt on the rim. The modern version is the Tommy Margarita, the orange liqueur is exchange for agave syrup Ingredients • ice • 50ml tequila • 25ml lime juice • 20ml triple sec (we used Cointreau)

KTAILS

For the garnish • •

salt 2 lime wedges

Method Step 1 Sprinkle a few teaspoons of salt over the surface of a small plate or saucer. Rub one wedge of lime along the rim of a tumbler and then dip it into the salt so that the entire rim is covered. Step 2 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold. Step 3 Strain the mix into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Daiquiri Possibly the most iconic summer cocktail, again its exact history isn’t known but has been around since the begining on the 20th century. A mix of rum, lime juice and lime, which has evolved over the years to include frozen fruit, a truly refreshing drink

Holiday at Home with a Hot Tub from The Hot Tub Place!

CALL: 0151 345 3670 34

www.thehottubplace.co.uk

ARE YOU PROPERLY SUITED?

SWIM SUITS FOR ALL

1. Orange Wrap Swim Suit £29.99 mandco.com | 2. Camber Multi Striped Swimmer in Navy £39.50 fatface.com | 3. Green Leaf Print Plunge Swim Suit £12 primark. com | 4. M&S Swim Shorts £12.50 marksandspencer.com | 5. Underwired Gold Trim Bikini Top £10 High Waisted Bottoms £7 matalan.co.uk | 6. Kids Unicorn Swim Suit £9.99 mandco.com | 7. Gold Foil Swimsuit £12.50 tesco.com | 8. Kids Flamingo Print Tankini £14 fatface.com | 9. Khaki Colour Block Swimsuit £32.99 mandco. com

The Hot Tub Place... Great service, great quality, great selection

ORCA LEISURE STARBORO HOT TUB £5499

Hot tubs are not just a way to relax, they are so much more! Did you know that there are real health benefits from using a hot tub on a regular basis? Reduces joint stiffness

Anyone with arthritis knows that applying heat to the joint will ease the pain. The Arthritis Research Campaign recommends using the hot tub as the source of that heat.

Theraputic

Hot tub jets provide therapeutic massage, stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkiller. Why not try one of our aromatherapy oils to compliment your relaxation?

Better Sleep

Soaking in a Wellis hot tub, maybe chilling to your favourite song, will help ease your mind, relax your body and so aid restful sleep.

Can help weight loss

In clinical studies patients who used hot tubs lost an average of 3.5 pounds in weight without any new diet or physical exercise programmes. The weight loss was said to be from the hot water massage simulating the effects of exercise on the muscles.

Lower blood sugar levels

Working on the theory mentioned above were the hot tub simulates exercise, studies show that patients with type 2 diabetes who soak in a Wellis hot tub for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week for 3 weeks, experience a reduction in blood sugar levels by an average of 13%.

Reduces blood pressure

A recent study at the Mayo Clinic recommended that relaxing in a hot tub can be beneficial for heart disease patients. It demonstrated that soaking in the hot tub for as little as 15 minutes will lower blood pressure.

Stress relief

Stress results in muscle tension, headaches, fatigue and soreness. Regular Wellis Hot Tubs use eases pressure in joints and muscles, while the heat increases blood flow to muscles and accelerates healing.

Next time you relax in your Wellis hot tub from The Hot Tub Place, just think about the wonderful health benefits you are treating yourself to! The Hot Tub Place has earned a reputation for delivering quality hot tubs and accessories at a great price. All sales are overseen by owner Al Cantrell to allow the very best customer service.

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE ON ALL TUBS

CALL: 0151 345 3670

www.thehottubplace.co.uk

Unit 5 Tarran Way South, Moreton, Wirral, CH46 4TP

Balloon installations and arches for every occassion

Call Catherine: 07808 133 439

Make your party unique with Balloon Boutique

BALLOON BOUTIQUE

Introducing... The hottest brand in the

fashion arena - Molby the Label.

Holiday at Home Magazine recently caught up with Karina Molby, the founder and driving force behind Molby the Label. Tell us about Mølby the Label? My name is Karina Molby and I am the Director behind Mølby The Label. We are an independent, British, slow-fashion brand working out of our small studio in Heswall. Our vision is to create beautiful, timeless garments that can be dressed up or down for all occasions. Shopping sustainably can be expensive and we strive to make it more accessible for the everyday woman. How do you work sustainably? My aim is to focus on a more ethical way of working, by reducing fabric wastage and carbon emissions and creating high-quality, timeless garments, which can be worn again and again. I do this in a variety of ways including locally sourcing fabrics. Everything is made to order to reduce fabric wastage and any scraps are reused in our new ‘Save the Scraps’ initiative in which we use scrap materials to create unique, one off accessories from dog collars to cushions. What inspired you to set up Mølby the Label? It all started from my Grandma Rita. An eccentric, funny and confident woman that would not hesitate to cut her own hair and regularly rock fingerless gloves paired with a choker. She always owned small fashion boutiques around Merseyside and as long I could remember I would dress the mannequins and serve customers. From this, I have had a fascination with fashion and how creative and fun it can be.

What experience do you have in the industry? As I mentioned in my last answer, fashion has always been a passion of mine and I have always wanted to pursue a career in this field. When finishing college studying a compulsory art foundation course that was needed before I could focus on fashion design at University. I went to Liverpool John Moores University to study fashion design. During my time at JMU I completed an internship at Jonathan Saunders. Moving to London for 6 months and working full time in a busy studio with many skilled professionals from around the world. I gained more experience during that 6 months than I could ever explain, from pattern cutting to sampling and sewing for fashion week, it became so clear to me that this was something I wanted to pursue. When leaving university I worked at boohoo.com and Very in the buying department for just over 5 years combined. Although I strongly believe in a sustainable way of working, I also understand that there will always be a demand for fast fashion, as we live in a society that wants something at the click of a button. What advice would you give to young fashion designers? Alongside working fulltime I have always ran a part-time business. Over the years this has been incredibly demanding, working until 6 and sewing until midnight and then going again the following day. Looking back this brand has taken over 5 years to develop and gaining a following takes time and patience. I don’t want to use the cliché of “never give up” but this is true. If you believe in a concept, do everything you can to bring it to life. Mistakes are constant and without them you will not learn. Seek advice, whether that be in the form of branding, marketing or even how to make a dress. I have had the pleasure of continuously improving my skill set since employing my amazing team of pattern cutters and seamstresses. People are so skilled in their individual fields and it is important to utilise people for what they are good at. I personally make dresses, however, Mølby the Label is continuing to grow because of the wealth of experience and support around me. What has been your champion design? I created a dress last spring called the ‘Tilda Dress’. I didn’t really think much of it at the time. I never planned for it to be half as popular as it has been. Through its sales and the attention it received from influencers, this dress has moulded my brand and has given me a strong platform and following on social media. What do you dislike about fast fashion? Waste! Waste! Waste! There is a need for fast fashion and I personally don’t believe this need will ever diminish. As a society, if we want something quickly, we get it quickly, and this is no different with clothes. At a click of the button you are able to have next day delivery, not pay for it and get a wardrobe of clothes dropped off to your door for you to try on and send back, let’s be honest, you can see the attraction.

However, let’s look at the impact it is having on the world. - Fast fashion emits 1.2 billion tons of CO2 per year, more than air travel and shipping COMBINED! - Fast fashion produces 20% of global wastewater, contaminating rivers, oceans, drinking water and soil. - Discarded clothing made of synthetic polymers can sit in landfills for 200 YEARS! The next fact, is that 97% of fast fashion is produced overseas in developing countries with poor labour laws and human rights protections. We will save this debate for another day, as many of these developing countries rely heavily on the employment from British companies. However, the way in which people are treated (predominantly women and children) and the way they are paid in order to make a small percentage of profit is despicable and should be researched further, monitored closer and spoken about louder. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? At the moment I am taking things step by step. I am currently having to close my website every week due to high demand. In the not too distant future, I will be looking at purchasing bigger premises and hiring more, full time local individuals that can assist in the development of the business. The way in which Molby the Label has grown in just 6 months has been life changing, so in 5 years I would like to think the possibilities are endless, but I do not want to get too ahead of myself at this early stage. Who would you most like to dress? I would love to dress the girls from HAIM, I absolutely love dressing two or three people at a time as I love making looks which complement each other by playing around with colour, prints or shapes. The HAIM girls have a super cool, laid back look and they’re not afraid to experiment with fashion. What can we expect to see in future designs? You can expect lots of clashing prints, bright colours and plenty of gingham! Summer is my favourite time to design and I have so many more exciting plans coming up! What does your brand offer which other brands don’t? As every single piece is handmade to order we can alter and change any design to best suit our customer. Whether that be the shape of the dress, the length, the size or the colour! We like to be as flexible as possible with our designs so everybody can wear them and feel and look great! molbythelabel.com

Shady... Protecting our eyes from the sun or glare goes back centuries but the modern day sunglasses contain cerium. Produced early in the 20th century, cerium revolutionized sunglasses as it blocked the harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. They were popularized by movie stars of the day and in 1929 Sam Foster devised the first pair made from celluloid leading to mass production. By 1937 more than 20 million pairs were sold in the USA alone!

The fifties saw the manufacture of different shapes and sizes, colours and styles. The iconic Oliver Goldsmith Manhatten sunglasses Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffanys are still as popular as ever, known as the Wayfarer Style. The ‘aviator’ originally produced in the 1930’s, is another style which became iconic due to Elvis Presley, a pair of his aviators sold for $159,900 in 2018. Forward to 2021 and there is a vast array of styles and shapes to suit all, we’ve selected our favourites…

Gold Tone Oversized Sunglasses £59.99 | tkmaxx.com

Yellow Wayfarer Sunglasses £49.99 | tkmaxx.com

Hong Kong Orange Cat Eye Sunglasses £49.50 | oliverbonas.com

70’s Blue Sunglasses £22 | olivabonas.com

Amber Tortoiseshell Sheild Sunglasses £79.99 | tkmaxx.com

Pewter Aviators Sunglasses £69 | tkmaxx.com

Chunky Arm Rectangle Sunglasses £2 | primark.com

Garden time...

Verdi Folding Pot Stand £75.00 | cuckooland.com

Multi Parrot Planter £3.99 | tkmaxx.com

Sitting in your garden on a sunny day with a cold drink is one of the many pleasures of summer, although not so much if your garden is untidy. Time to make it a beautiful sanctuary, somewhere to be proud of and enjoy this season. Some small changes can have a great impact, simply weeding and cutting the grass is one way to improve it. Adding a splash of colour always makes a difference, you can achieve this by planting flowers in a border or a raised bed.

Wood Handle Stainless Steel Trowel £4.00 | wilko.com

The easiest and most practical solution is to purchase a pre-potted plant to transfer to a planter. Once you have your plant, transferring it will give it longevity and help it thrive. You will be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, bushes and grasses giving an instant transformation and pop of colour. It is one thing talking of improvements and another to physically do the work. You may find hiring a gardener or landscaper for any big changes will ensure the end result is perfect. They will be able to advise you regarding the best plants for your garden and also the best place for your plants to grow to their potential. A gardener will also advise you if other work is required in the garden, for example drainage or fencing. Always hire a trained professional to carry out such jobs. Large Ochre Leaf Plant Pot £7.00 | In store only

Verdi Folding Pot Stand £75.00 | cuckooland.com Watering Can Planter £4.00 | bmstores.co.uk

Ready, Steady, Grow...

For a Summer in full bloom Expert guide from Dobbies Garden Centres The warmth of the Summer sunshine makes it the ideal time to enjoy your garden. Officially starting on Monday 21 June, the long-awaited season of longer lighter days is when many gardens look their best, filled with colour and fragrance. Whether you planted young seedlings in Spring and can now enjoy seeing your efforts burst into bloom, or you’re looking for fast floral additions, the experts at Dobbies have shared their top tips to get gardens looking their best. Dobbies Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “Summer is a busy time in the garden, with plenty to do but equally lots to enjoy as nature puts on its best sensory display of the year. As temperatures rise, it’s a time of exuberant growth, with potential dry spells meaning a little extra TLC needed to give your garden a healthy boost. “Just as plants and lawns need some protection from the sunshine, don’t forget to regularly top up the sunscreen when working outside, stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time gardening when the sun is at its strongest. I tend to do watering, pruning, mowing and any extra planting first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to early evening - the same applies if you’re working in the greenhouse. I find the cooler temperatures make it a much more enjoyable time of day to be pottering outside!”

Quick fix colour – Summer bedding plants You can’t beat summer bedding plants for a colour burst and fast results. There are so many varieties to choose from, you can have beautiful flowers from late spring through till autumn. Whether you’ve got a large garden to co-ordinate, or just need a few pots to add colour to your balcony or windowsill, there are endless ways to use bedding plants, making them one of the most popular additions to any summer garden. • Plant up some pots: Spruce up your patio or balcony with a few planted containers. Choose your plants and pots at the same time for a coordinated feel. Create a statement with several identical pots. Or go for an eclectic mix showcasing different varieties and colours. Terracotta pots or wooden containers will give you a traditional look, while eco-friendly plastics and bright colours will bring a contemporary feel. • Try a hanging basket: Mix and match bedding plants in a hanging basket to create a high impact feature to liven up a doorway, wall or fence. For best results, pack in as many bedding plants as you can. Position upright varieties like petunias or begonias in the centre, with trailing plants like lobelia or bacopa around the edges to create fullness and a waterfall effect. Remember to water the basket every day and you’ll get months of lovely flowers. • Brighten a windowsill: No garden? No problem. Bedding plants can help you make the most of whatever outdoor space you have. Choose a size and shape of container to suit and you can transform your windowsill or doorstep with beautiful blooms. Geraniums are always a good choice if your windowsills are exposed.

Know Your Bedding Plants Impatiens: Busy Lizzies thrive in shade, so they’re a top choice if you want to brighten a shady spot. In pretty shades of pinks, reds, oranges, purples and white, this variety is ideal for bringing together lots of different colour schemes. Begonias: Begonias are happy to grow in most conditions, making them perfect for all kinds of spaces. This pretty variety has small red, pink, and white flowers, contrasting with shiny, rounded, succulent leaves in bronze or green. Trailing Petunia: You can’t beat Trailing Petunias for a spectacular hanging basket. Just a few plants create an enormous display, making them real value for money. This striking variety has blooms in vivid shades of pink, purple, blue, white and red. Summer colour in the garden...

Summer Glow Summer is upon us, the days are hot and the evenings warm so having summer ready skin is essential. We would love a radiant glow and healthy tan but so often we end up with neither. Here is our essential guide to perfect summer skin. Step one Exfoliate Using an exfoliating scrub or a loofah in the shower is the best way to remove dead skin, leaving your skin smoother. Step two Moisturise A good moisturiser is important as it boosts hydration in an instant, leaving your skin soft and supple. We would recommend one with a high SPF or you can mix your sunscreen in with your moisturiser for protection. Step three Protect Even though you have sunscreen on, never underestimate the power of the sun, even here in the UK. Stay in the shade as much as possible especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest, wear a hat and a cover-up for extra protection. Always opt for a high SPF Step four After sun After a day in the garden or the beach, a cool shower is perfect but don’t forget the after sun lotion. An ordinary moisturiser contains oil and can form a barrier on the skin locking in the heat, which can lead to sensitivity. Always chose an after sun lotion as this will soothe, nourish and hydrate your skin Step five Fake it Even with a high SPF, sunbathing is never the safe option but with a whole host of fake tanning products available, you don’t need to take the risk. Fake tan has evolved and improved over the years, we no longer need to look orange. Always use a tanning mit to avoid streaks and stained hands and ensure you have followed steps one and two beforehand for a beautiful, natural glow.

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Ear Piercing at Jewellers & Diamond Merchants of Heswall

Prices start at £29.95 which includes the consultation, piercing, selected studs, aftercare solution and a six week check up.

Hallmark have an excellent reputation for earpiercing with over 40 years experience. We have two excellent ear piercers in Viccy and Lesley, both are fully qualified and insured. How it works

To begin, we have a consultation with the client when the piercer will check the earlobes to establish what earrings would be suitable, including long posts if required. Care and attention is given to mark the ears before we pierce to ensure an even result. We use the studex cartridge ear piercing system and have a wide range of earpiercing studs including hypoallergenic, gold and titanium studs. After the ears are pierced we use the cleansing solution to cool the ears. Our customers are delighted with our sterile conditions and the professional care and attention shown to them by our two excellent members of staff and as a result we get many recommendations. Ear piercing is to be booked in advance to ensure an earpiercer is available and we will, at that point, answer any questions you may have.

Hallmark Jewellers 10-12 Pensby Road, Heswall, CH60 7RE T: 0151 342 7721 | E: hallmark@hallmarkjewellers.co.uk | W: www.hallmarkjewellers.co.uk

Amanda Burns HAIRDRESSING EST. 19 Our Wella approved salon was established over 20 years ago.

Stockists of:

We are experts in colour and cutting and are busy with proms and weddings.

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We are proud to support Women Only Businesses, selling a wide range of items from women who have started their own company

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◌ Revlon ◌ Schwartzkopf ◌ GHD equipment ◌ Olaplex

We are proud to be partnered with Hair Choice Hair Extensions which we match and fit.

FREE CONDITIONING TREATMENT Mention this advert when booking an appointment

Amanda Burns Hairdressing 24 Cross Lane, Bebington 0151 334 0011

Coastal Days Out The sun is out, what could be better than a day at the beach? The Wirral Peninsula has some fabulous beaches to enjoy. Wallasey is rated as a Blue Flag Beach and four others having the highest ‘Excellent’ rating by the Good Beach guide. The NW Wirral coastal Park runs from New Brighton to Meols, the scenic beach walks are ideal for dog lovers and those wanting to take in the beautiful sites. Meols beach is situated between Hoylake and Wallasey, a shingle beach at low tide, with a vast expanse of sand and mudflats when the tide is out. Sand buggying and horse riding are favoured in the summer, with bird watching a must in the winter. New Brighton (Wallasey) beach not only offers ¾ of a mile of golden sands but also an amazing view of the Liverpool City skyline. Extremely popular with day trippers due to the Marine Point with shops, restaurants, a theatre and a cinema as well as the infamous open air funfair

West Kirby boasts stunning views over the Dee Estuary towards the Welsh hills. It is sandwiched between sand dunes and sand flats, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing and dog walking. The Hilbre Islands are accessible from the beach at low tide, they have been named a Local Nature Reserve and well worth a visit, the popular West Kirby Marine Lake is perfect for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, enjoyed by many all year round. Moreton is a lovely Sandy beach at low tide, at high tide you have Leasowe common just behind for sunbathing, sports and kite flying. This highly rated beach is perfect for swimming and with lifeguards patrolling all summer, it’s safe too. It’s concrete sea defences laid in 1940 to defend our shores from an invasion in WW2 are still there. Lying next to Moreton is the Gunsite beach so called due to its WW2 gun emplacements. This truly is a dog walkers paradise with the park covering four hundred acres of land. Great for picnics and dog walks, the sand dunes offer a great place to keep active, the whole family will enjoy

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brimstage

Days Out to Suit Your

Mooooood! The days are getting longer and summer is upon us. What could be better than a family day out? church farm With a large variety of indoor and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in the Wirral. West Kirby For those with a love of the outdoors there are many beaches to visit for a relaxing day building sandcastles or a walk through the many sand dunes. For the more adventurous why not try Brimstage Maze for activity and fun for the whole family. The ever growing Maizy’s Maze with its 7 foot high plants and 3 miles of pathways will test your skills. They have karts, laser battles and jumping pillows for more outdoor activity or you can try out their indoor barn area with cargo nets, climbing platforms and twisty tube slides. Great fun for all. How about a family day out with your much loved pooches? Church Farm in Birkenhead offers a great dog friendly, family day out. They have all manner of farm animals as well as meerkats, emus and alpacas, you can even feed them during the animal feeding sessions. They have an adventure playground, indoor sandpit and crazy golf and much more besides. Tractor rides and barrel train rides run through the summer, with a café and kiosks so you won’t go hungry. The Paws Park is a purpose built doggy park with 5”5 fences making it safe for your beloved pets.

Offer ends Friday 29 November 2021 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

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