The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a geothermal spa not far from the main airport Keflavík. The poster boy for Iceland being featured heavily in many tourist guides, it's one of those places you wonder if you should visit on your Iceland trip. In this guide, I will look at the facts about the Blue Lagoon, the costs, the amenities, and whether it is worth visiting.
Location

Situated a short 20 to 25-minute drive from the airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavik, a visit to the Blue Lagoon makes an easy stop off just after you land or prior to your departure point.

There are many options on how to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik. At the airport, there is a bus that takes you to the Blue Lagoon and there are regular transfers from Reykjavik to this geothermal spa. You may need to book these in advance, I recommend checking this out before you go in case you do. We hired a car and drove from Reykjavik. When you arrive there is a small building for luggage storage which is perfect if you coming from or going to the airport.
Cost We bought the tickets previously online. It is extremely unlikely that you would get an entry ticket to the Blue Lagoon if you just turned up as often tickets are sold out days and even weeks beforehand, so book before you go. Top Tip!

There are different types of tickets which you can book online. Price is determined by the time of day and how far in advance the ticket is booked.

You need to take a print out of your tickets with you to the desks. There will be a couple of different lines. One for Standard and one for Comfort and above and/or coach parties.

Children

Well behaved children at the Blue Lagoon are welcome from the age of 2. If your child is under 13 it is free for them to use the facilities.

Armbands are mandatory from the age of 2 to 8 and they are provided free of charge. If you are bringing children, check with the Blue Lagoon website to see how many you can supervise at any one time.


The Blue Lagoon is open from 8 am every day. Closing time varies between 8 pm and midnight. There are longer hours in the Summer as Iceland gets more daylight, and it can still be light at midnight.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the day. Busiest times are usually just before and after lunch when coach parties arrive. Your ticket gives you a one-hour window option for entry. There is no exit time and you can stay as long as you want.

If you want to hire a towel, robes and flip-flops and haven't already paid for the hire in your ticket price, they can be hired at reception. Take a towel with you to save money, as towel hire is 700 ISK or about £5.20. I took a loose beach cover all, instead of a robe and you may want to consider this. Top Tip!

Flip flops are not really needed in my opinion, as the changing rooms are right next to the water and once you are in you don't really want to get out to walk around.

You are given a wristband on entry to the Blue Lagoon and this also acts as your charging band to pay for treatments and refreshments. You pay at the exit when you leave. The wristband also lets you use the lockers, you swipe a band and it lets you close a locker. Be sure that the locker is locked before you go away as they were a little glitchy.

As someone who travels a lot, I know how important preparation is and planning is to ensure your safety on holiday. You have to make sure that you have travel insurance, that you research your destination, make a list and check it twice, just like Santa does!

Are you a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush person? Many dentists recommend, like those from http://www.tallydentalpros.com/, for example, recommend electric toothbrushes over manual toothbrushes, as the constant rotating heads are thought to remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. This makes an electric toothbrush ideal for teeth cleaning, gum and mouth health too.  But as there are so many different brands out there and different heads it can be confusing as to which one to choose. 

I've used both Oral B and Phillips toothbrushes in the past and must say both these brands offer excellent electric toothbrushes. I must admit, I am an electric toothbrush convert, I feel they do make my teeth cleaner, my mouth fresher and my teeth even that little bit whiter.
The other day I was sent an Oral B 2500 toothbrush to review from Pure Smiles. Pure Smiles is a dental practice in Fulham, West London that specialises in teeth whitening and Invisalign treatments. The dentists and dental practitioners there really know the benefits of an effective electric toothbrush in preventing dental decay. As this model of toothbrush is recommended by them I was interested to see how good it was. 

What's in the box?


In the box, there is the toothbrush, a two pin charger, a cross-action toothbrush head and instructions. The cross-action brush head has angled bristles for a precise clean.  A useful feature for travellers like me is that it has a travel case included. 

The Oral-B Pro 2500 toothbrush is compatible with Oral-B brush heads including:-

• Floss action
• 3D white
• Sensitive clean
• Trizone

My thoughts

The Oral-B Pro 2500 toothbrush is a great toothbrush. The black design of the toothbrush is stylish, the waterproof soft coated handle is comfortable to use and it looks great in my bathroom. The timer is an excellent idea, and the fact that it pulses every 30 seconds ensures you focus on each quarter of your mouth at any time. I never really thought about the fact that you can brush your teeth too hard before, but the built-in pressure sensor is a super idea. 



Charging is easy, however, you need a two-way adapter plug which is the same as a shaver plug to charge and this is not included. Many worldwide hotels have this type of socket in hotel bathrooms, so you can just plug it in there to charge if you are on holiday. The charger light glows green when charging. Once the toothbrush is charged it lasts up to 7 days. 

The Oral-B Pro 2500 has a two-year warranty and the Oral-B 30 day challenge satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Full details of this are at Oral-B. With prices online around £34.95, both my husband and I think this toothbrush is great value and we would both definitely recommend it. 

For years Britain has been at the forefront of fashion design worldwide. From Mary Quant to Paul Smith, Stella McCartney to Alexander McQueen our fashion designers are well known for their stunning, unique and creative jewellery. Many designers mix vintage designs with modern styles and we are particularly good at incorporating innovation with traditional techniques. 

Our jewellery designers include well-known names such as Vivienne Westwood and Stephen Webster to lesser known names starting out in the business. When I had my own jewellery shop I used to love to support British jewellery designers, as the jewellery was always unique and different. This is why I applaud the Fine Jewellery Company.

The Fine Jewellery company is based in Birmingham and has a range of experienced and skilled gemologists with experience in retail, design, manufacture, diamond testing and grading. They sell a range of stunning gemstones from exquisite diamond rings, stunning sapphire earrings, pretty pearl bracelets and much more. But what I love about the company is their passion and support of British jewellery designers. Here are my top picks from the independent British jewellery designers available on the Fine Jewellery Company website.

Charlotte Lowe


Charlotte Lowe's current collection focuses on those special moments in life. Her jewellery is wearable, personal and current, and it perfect for that keepsake to remember a time, a person, a holiday or even a pet.



Fei Liu 



Born in China but now based in Birmingham, Fei Liu is an internationally recognised jewellery designer. After studying at the Birmingham School of Jewellery he has since gained worldwide acclaim for his glamorous work - a fusion of his eastern heritage and western influences. 
This exquisite sterling silver and black rhodium ring called 'Cascade', is set with blue cubic zirconia. A striking design with smooth curves and sharp lines, this ring is an item of jewellery that will certainly get you noticed. Fei Liu has won several awards including Harper’s Bazaar China Jewellery Designer of the Year and was a finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards. His jewellery can also be seen on the red carpet worn by many of his celebrity fans.
I Love A Lassie
Designs are based on precious mementoes, such as a piece of bark discovered on a woodland walk, a fragment of antique lace, or an antique Bawbee coin.

Iceland is a beautiful country, full of outstanding natural beauty, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. It really captured my heart on my recent trip. With all the beautiful landscape in this stunning country, the capital Reykjavik can often go overlooked, but don't! It has some amazing architecture, vibrant street art, gastronomic delights and interesting museums. 

This is my post on top things to do in Reykjavik. 

1. Visit Hallgrímskirkj 


Hallgrímskirkj, the largest church in Iceland is the main landmark being in an elevated position it can be seen from most places in the city. Designed by Guðjón Samuel in 1937, it's a cool building, the architect was inspired by the shapes of lava when it cools in basalt rock. For a fantastic view over the city, take a life to the top of the church. 

2. Snap a photo of the Sun Voyager

On Reykjavik's waterfront, is the statue of the Sun Voyager - called Solfar. This striking landmark is a huge steel sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason. Thought to resemble a Viking ship, the sculpture is, in fact, a 'dream boat' and ode to the sun. The artist's intention was to give the city something to inspire dreams and hopes.

Harpa, the concert hall designed by Olafur Eliasson is a stunning building on Reykjavik's waterfront. Opened in 2011, it's the place to go for concerts as well as cocktails with a view. There are two places to eat in Harpa, a cafe and restaurant on the ground floor called Smurstöðin and Kolabrautin, a modern restaurant focusing on Icelandic food fused with Meditteranean cuisine. The coloured glass windows are inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.

Dubai is one of those places that is a rich mix of modern and traditional culture. A playground for the rich and famous, it's streets are defined by extravagance. From supercars to skyscrapers, it's definitely a place to visit if you like the finer things in life.

There are certain fashion rules that you may need to watch out for when visiting Dubai so here designer footwear retailer, Daniel Footwear, and The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover has produced a guide to show you what to wear in Dubai.

A fashion divide



Dubai has a distinct fashion divide. On one hand, Emirati women can be seen wearing traditional dress, including an abaya (long black robe), sheyla (scarf) and sometimes the niqab (face covering). However, expats and tourists tend to adopt more Westernised styles. Although it is not expected to adopt traditional dress it expected that you will remain respectful of the traditional dress code

Dress codes can vary depending on where you’re visiting. The following is intended as a guide only and you should always double-check the specifics of the dress code beforehand.

At the pool or beach

With temperatures in the 90s in Summer, you will undoubtedly want to take a dip in your hotel pool or the beautiful Persian Gulf during your time in Dubai.

At hotel pools, there are generally few rules regarding swimwear, although you shouldn’t go topless. Likewise, you may be asked to cover up if you wear thong or revealing bikinis. To complement Dubai’s thriving, colourful culture, choose a bikini or swimsuit in a bold print or colour — rich jewel tones are a great choice.

To the mall

Dubai is the destination for all you lovers of luxury shopping out there. As well as the Mall of The Emirates, with Prada, Rolex and Bvlgari, you also have The Dubai Mall, home to the likes of Christian Louboutin, Chanel and Tiffany & Co. Both malls have plenty of things to do besides shopping, including ice skating, cinemas and aquariums, and you can even go skiing indoors!

So how do you dress for Dubai’s elegant shopping malls? Most will have clear signs to inform you of their dress codes near their entrances, although there are some general rules to follow.

Although some of the malls may be located near the beach it’s not acceptable to stroll off the sand and into the mall while still wearing your swimwear or short-shorts. Avoid wearing bikini tops, sleeveless tops, short skirts and sheer or revealing clothing to the mall.

Dress codes will vary from mall-to-mall, but covering your knees and shoulders is generally a sign that you’re dressed appropriately. Chic maxi dresses are a great option — wear yours with a thin cardigan cover-up. In the shopping malls, air conditioning is often fierce so you will be thankful of that cardi. In terms of footwear, flats are a great choice. The malls are huge, so leave the heels behind and wear some comfy but elegant sandals instead.

Partying til dawn

You've caught the sun rays and shopped ‘til you dropped, now it's time to prepare for a big night out. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to city centre hotspots in Dubai, with a huge range of fine dining establishments, cocktail bars and popular nightclubs to choose from. As these are normally located in hotels, the dress code offers a little more freedom.

In hotel bars, restaurants and nightclubs, you can flash a little more flesh — with short skirts, sheer detailing or sleeveless dresses all acceptable. Pack your cocktail dress and go all out with glitzy accessories and party-ready heels. If you’re venturing outside of your hotel, you should always check what the dress code is.

If you’re jetting off to Dubai this year, make sure you pack the following in your suitcase:

Ok, I like my luxuries but I am not one to waste money on essentials. I'd rather take that money and spend it on a holiday or a nice meal out. That's why when I was asked if I wanted to work with Contact Numbers UK to promote their #ChallengeMyBills campaign I said yes. 

The Challenge My Bills campaign looks at ways to save money on your utility bills. We all want to save money don't we, but sometimes it seems like a hassle to do it. Here are my top tips on easy ways to save money on your gas and electricity bills.

1. Wrap up



An old tip but a good tip is to wrap up when it's cold. Instead of putting the heating on, use your thermals,  add an extra layer, put a cardigan on, pop your socks on and slippers. Why not get a blanket out if its exceptionally cold? You will be surprised at the difference this will make to your cosiness and your heating bills too.

2. Turn off

This means turning off the lights when you are out of a room, and turning off and unplugging electricals when not in use. When your phone is charged unplug it, you don't have to fully charge it at every moment. The Energy Saving Trust estimates you can save at least £30 a year but turning off appliances on standby.

3. Conserve water



A shower uses a third of the water of a bath, and this, in turn, can save you £18 a year on heating the water. Another way to conserve water is to make sure any dripping tap is fixed as soon as possible. If it's dripping hot water think of it as pennies going down the drain, and those pennies can turn into pounds. If you are on a water meter this can cost you more too.

4. Draft proof

A simple but effective way to draft proof your home is to use old fashioned draft excluders on doors to stop the drafts and draft proof strips around your windows. In your loft, having effective and thick insulation can really help to stop heat escaping and save you money too. A quarter of your heat is lost through the roof in an un-insulated home. You may even be eligible for a grant for insulation so be sure to Google it!

5. Lower the temperature

Wash at a lower temperature, lower the thermostat on your home heating and rather than use a tumble dryer to dry do it the old fashioned way by using your line or a clothes airer. All this will save energy and in turn save you money.

6. Light the way

Energy saving lightbulbs although more expensive initially can save you money in the long term, as they last much longer and are more efficient. According to Which, replacing just one 60w bulb with a CFL bulb can save you £7 a year. If you think about how many light bulbs you have in your home you can see how savings can be had.

7. Use your cooker effectively




Match the pan to the correct size hob, use all the layers in your steamer so your dinner will all cook at once, and batch cook your food so you use up all the oven shelves. I'm a big fan of my slow cooker which uses the energy of a lightbulb and makes tough cheap cuts of meat tender and delicious.

8. Question your tariff

Ring up your service provider and ask if you are on the best tariff. The Contact Numbers UK website has phone numbers for all the main service providers including British Gas, Southern Electric, NPower and more. They can tell you if you are on the right tariff for your usage, give advice on saving energy and help you set up a monthly direct debit which is the cheapest way to pay. If you have gas and electricity with the same provider that can save you money too so ask if they have any special deals.

Check out more energy saving ideas for your home on my blog post here. Here are some more energy saving tips below.





 Do you have any tips on how to save money on your gas and electricity bills?

Whilst we all know about them, very few of us have actually experienced an airport lounge. Whether it’s a case of the unknown, the cost, or the hassle, we’re here to say it’s a lot easier than you think. 



Creating culinary delights, expert chefs draw from around the world, to offer both a hot and cold buffet to all guests. To accompany any tempting treat, there is also a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer, all included in the price!

To help you relax ahead of your flight, the lounges include plenty of plush seating, free WIFI and lots of charging stations for last minute charging of your essential holiday items.

And don’t worry if you’ve not managed to fit in those last minute holiday treatments. With some lounges offering Wellness, the ideal destination for all beauty treatments, you will truly begin your holiday as a pampered passenger.

Heading away on a long-haul flight? No need to worry about checking into a hotel. Some of the lounges even offer luxurious shower facilities and beds, the ideal alternative if you have a longer layover or have travelled from afar to get to the airport. 
Win 2 tickets to Plaza Premium Lounge Heathrow

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