As good as it feels to give a gift, it can be challenging to find the perfect one. The trick to the art of gifting is understanding and respecting the recipient’s personal taste. You may appreciate decorative gifts that embrace your love of maximalist interior design, but others prefer minimalism and could perceive trinkets as clutter. Equally, sometimes people really are just difficult to buy for. If you’re buying for someone who already has everything they need, prefers to buy their own things or has changeable preferences, you can’t go wrong with an experience gift.

For the movie buffs in your life, plan a themed film night. Hire a projector and set up a cosy space with atmospheric lighting, themed drinks and plenty of snacks. They’ll appreciate the effort you’ve gone to just as much as the night itself.

Alternatively, you could take them to a drive-through movie theatre for a touch of classic glamour.

For sports fans

Tickets to go to their favourite sporting event together are likely to go down a treat, especially if you splash out on a box.

For a more relaxing experience, consider a weekend away at a luxury golf retreat together. Enjoy casual or competitive play alongside an indulgent experience of relaxing surroundings and lavish accommodations. This may be particularly rejuvenating, especially for couples who want to spend some time focusing on each other.

For foodies

Food is the way to anyone’s heart! The UK has a plethora of fantastic food festivals, from beer events to celebrations of local produce. Buying tickets to a festival you think they’d enjoy and spending the day together with good food is a wonderful way to create fun memories.

If your loved one’s idea of indulgence is linked to haute cuisine, book a fine dining experience for an unforgettable evening of sophistication.

For culture vultures

If you’re giving a gift to someone who loves art, book a private museum or gallery tour around a space which represents their favourite artistic movement.

People may not prioritise cultural experiences in a difficult economic climate, so giving the gift of a trip to the theatre could be a real pleasure. Look up musicals, plays or comedy performances in the location of your choice to find upcoming shows.

For adventure seekers

What’s life without a little adventure? If your recipient loves to feel an adrenaline rush or the nervous buzz of a new experience, there are plenty of exciting options.

Llama or alpaca trekking is a wonderful way to feel the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals while also doing something thrilling.

To give an impressive gift for those who prefer a bit of danger, snorkelling with sharks or doing a parachute jump would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Summer is officially over and the transition into the colder months has arrived in the form of coloured leaves and frosty mornings. However, it is not only us that need to prepare for the cold weather but the spaces around us including our gardens. The harsh weather conditions mean plants won’t grow as easily so it is time to say goodbye to the outdoor fun until the upcoming Spring. Autumn is the perfect time to get rid of old plants, tidy up borders and clear out gutters. Acquiring new materials for the garden such as this garden storage in London will be perfect for packing away valuables to protect them over the colder months. Here are my top tips on getting your garden ready for Winter.

Your wedding day is important in your and your partner's life and as well as wanting to have a perfect day you also want to look your best. The majority of women go for a wedding dress for their wedding day, but how do you find that perfect dress? 

Prepare for wedding dress shopping

Do some research, and use sites such as Pinterest and wedding magazines to find out what styles you like beforehand. this can help you narrow things down. However, I would say it's always good to go with an open mind. Try on many different styles as possible as you never know which styles will suit you until you try on the dresses.

Shopping online

Shopping online is very convenient if you know what you are looking for. If you are shopping online check out sites such as Ever Pretty. They have a large array of wedding dresses as well as bridesmaids' dresses in a range of sizes. With over 17 years of experience in the fashion industry, they are tuned in to what a bride is looking for. In this day and age, many are looking for budget-friendly options and Ever Pretty delivers on this with wedding dresses under £40  and almost everything under £100. They also offer an exclusive customised style service so you can be sure your gown fits perfectly. Returns and exchanges are also available, subject to conditions (excluding customised styles) so you can have a worry-free ordering experience. 

Who are you going with?

If you are going wedding dress shopping it can help to take someone with you to give you a different opinion. Whether it's your mum, friend, sister, brother, or any significant other think about who would it be fun going with and who would give you an honest opinion.  Wedding dress shops and online are often the best place for the choice available but don't dismiss department stores and vintage and second-hand shops, especially if you are on a budget. You may be surprised. 

Appointments are a good idea

If you are going to a wedding dress shop, many allow walk-ins but many only accept appointments and you may have better service if you make an appointment anyway.  So make a list of places you want to visit, check with anyone coming with you their availability and make some appointments. Don't do too many in one go though as you will get jaded. You can always go back to your favourite wedding dress shops again. 

Think about the type of wedding

When choosing your dress you need to think of the type of wedding beforehand. Will it be in a church, will it be abroad, will it be in a registry office or a more informal setting? This may impact the type of dress you want to wear. A church wedding may be more suitable for a full-on grand dress with a train and a destination wedding in a more informal setting will suit a less formal dress. Are you having a theme at your wedding? If so you may want to consider certain styles. At the end of the day though it's totally up to you. 

Material and colour

The material for a wedding dress is important. Think about what the weather will be like, and what material may be the best. If you are getting married somewhere hot you may want a dress made of breathable fabric and something light and floaty, maybe strapless. If you are getting married somewhere cold you may want to go for a dress that has sleeves and thicker material. White is the traditional colour for a bride but cream is close behind. Of course, if you are going for something non-traditional then it can be any colour your want.

Accessories

Of course, you have to think about your accessories to go with the dress. Shoes, tiara, veil, underwear and all. Sometimes wedding stores will sell accessories too especially the tiaras and veils but you will most likely have to search in other stores for all the accessories you need. Again it depends on what you want and how traditional the wedding is, this will influence which accessories you choose.

Budget

Of course, the last thing I have to talk about is the budget. Actually, this could have been the first thing! Before you go shopping it's always good to think about the budget you have for your dress and accessories. It can help you narrow down the dresses too and think realistically about what you can afford. 

So these are some of the things to consider when buying a wedding dress. I hope this article has been helpful to you.

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Pumpkin spiced lattes, cosy knits, snuggly nights in… Autumn brings an abundance of joy. Though one thing many of us struggle with is as the season changes is disrupted sleep. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) affects one in three UK adults, caused by less light and lower temperatures. This can make you excessively sleepy during the day, lowering your mood and energy. Though here’s something to smile about, with a little upping in the self-care department and these magic bedtime essentials you can set yourself up for a relaxed and restorative Autumn.

They say those that don’t believe in magic, never find it. Though when it comes to comfy, supported nights, magic is out there. The right mattress can transform the quality of your sleep, though what do you look for? Proper spinal support that doesn’t compromise comfort, motion control and breathability are key to better shut-eye. If you are looking to make the most of every wink a bamboo hybrid mattress combines breathable, hypoallergenic bamboo with contouring memory foam and ultra-responsive pocket springs- delivering tailor-made comfort to your pressure points. Staying well rested and relaxed throughout Autumn starts with making bedtime perfect from lights out till morning.

No matter how much you love your job or how satisfying it is, you tend to get stuck in a rut. You often find yourself gazing out the window at work, wishing you were somewhere else. You dread the thought of receiving another meeting request. A single bad day is totally okay. It happens to everybody. However, spending all your time at work can be detrimental to your happiness, well-being, and career. If you’re experiencing a rut because of burnout, take a step back and take a much-needed break. Let yourself off the guilt hook and take advantage of your paid time off.

Get a vacation to have a break from the stress of work. A weekend trip will boost your mental and emotional health. Such a trip is great to recharge your batteries and can be preferable to an extended break. Deciding what destination to visit can be daunting. If you want to be savvy with your free time, consider visiting Antwerp. It’s home to refined hotels, majestic Gothic cathedrals, exciting museums, and cosy places to eat and drink.

If you’re not a frequent weekend vacationer, here’s how to get the most pf a weekend break.

Set Goals and Expectations for Your Trip

Do you want to unplug and find peace for yourself or hit popular nightclubs and bars? Your weekend getaway will be a waste of time if it doesn’t accomplish what you want to do. Take a moment to think about your goals and expectations for the trip. Put everything necessary in writing. A list will help you keep track of your ideas and remind you of your goals and expectations as you plan. Number your interests in order of preference and see which one comes out on top. Plan your itinerary carefully taking into account travel times and tourist attractions.

Purpose gives focus to your planning, offers motivation to move forward, and helps you survive tough times. Don’t become too invested in your job that you can’t take time to unwind. The right kind of break will help you fight negative stress. Create a vision board on Pinterest with images for Antwerp, update the wallpaper on your phone with a picture from the city, read blogs about Antwerp, and start saying “I’m going to…” (not “I want to…). The perfect weekend getaway means something different for everyone.

Figure Out How You’re Going to Get to Antwerp

While flying to Antwerp is possible, you can travel by train. Jump on a train to Antwerp and see the most epic landscapes. Antwerpen-Centraal is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations. Its beauty is one-of-a-kind, with a unique and special architectural style. Antwerpen-Centraal station an be seen as a rare combination of historic preservation and adaptation to the requirements of modern technology. A journey from London to mainland Europe takes just over 2 hours.

Some trains now have Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected while away. Regarding train travel, it’s crucial to choose the right train. Find the best fit for your style of travel. You could book your journey with NS International. The trains run well, there are little disruptions or delays, and if you book early you get the lowest prices. It’s an option worth considering. As mentioned before, it’s good to buy your ticket in advance. You’ll have a seat on the trip booked. Sometimes tickets sell out quickly. Also, fares go up in price, right up until the day you travel.

Do Your Research Ahead of Time and Make an Itinerary

Planning is essential to making the most of your weekend getaway and avoiding disappointment. Before you head out to Antwerp, do your homework to know what you can expect. See what the best places to stay are and what the transport options are. You can research what’s going on in Antwerp. Maybe there are concerts, shows, or festivals coming up that you’d like to attend. It’s a good idea to reserve tickets ahead of time. If you have only 2 or 3 days, you won’t be able to squeeze too many activities into your schedule so celebrating every moment is important.

Having an itinerary ensures that you can manage your time. You won’t end up running from one place to the other. If you can add an extra day to your weekend getaway, focus on sites located near or around your hotel. Make a list of what you’re interested in and save the locations on Google Maps. You must remember that you can’t see all the sights, so it would be best to prioritise your wants. You can use the information found on the Internet, but often a travel agent can help you plan your trip or an organised tour can show you the the best places to see and many can be booked in advance or on the day.

Master The Art of Packing

If you pack too much, you’ll carry a ridiculous amount of luggage for your weekend getaway. If you pack too little, you’ll have to buy things you’ve forgotten. Have a list of the things you need for the trip. Include one or more casual outfits, and opt for fabrics that wrinkle less. If you’re going ballooning or taking a yacht cruise, get an action camera. Sunscreen shouldn’t be missing from your packing list. If you plan to have long days of exploring, bring a portable charger. You can take the power bank everywhere with you.

Have a toiletry bag with personal care products like deodorant, toothpaste, eye drops, and so on. Put back anything that you’ve used when you get back from your adventure. You can use a seven-day pill container to organise jewellery and small items. They can get lost in pockets or fall out of bags. You can use the container for things like earbuds, cufflinks, and so on. Packing cubes will help you separate your clothing. You can organise the contents of your itinerary. If you’re travelling with weather sensitive clothing, use a vacuum-sealed compression bag.

So this is how to plan a weekend in Antwerp. Have you visited this city?

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If you are looking to build your career after college or university, you will be looking at a way of getting into work. It can be hard to get your foot in the door, especially in your chosen career, and you may have to take a temporary job in an area you may not want. However, there is a way of getting into your chosen area of work, by taking an internship. An internship can be a great way to get valuable work and life experience and may lead to the job you want. So let's have a look at some of the benefits of an internship and why it can be the perfect next step after college or university. 

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

An internship is a period of work experience offered by a business, non-profit or government organisation. An internship is usually offered for a short period from 1 to 6 months or up to a year on average.  Internships can be paid and unpaid so you need to look into this before committing to the experience and this varies from country to country. You may get expenses if the role isn't paid.

Why do an internship?

There are many reasons to do an internship including gaining valuable work experience,  trying out a role, building confidence, networking opportunities, a chance of working for the intern company, and living in a new town, city or country. 

Work experience

Internships can be valuable as students are getting work-specific experience in an area of their choice or field of study and this could get them the job they want.  Areas that are popular for internships include marketing, human resources, finance, engineering, and electronics. You get specific on-the-job training that you won't get on a traditional academic degree. You will get a practical skill base, and gain experience working with colleagues and being part of a team. You will have a role to put on your CV too. 

Trying out a role

You can see how the job is in reality and work out if this job is for you. You can see the pros and cons of a specific job and find out if it matches your expectations. The reality is often different to what you expect and that can be good and bad or just different. This means an internship can be invaluable when working out if the job is for you. Just remember companies are all different so the same role in one company could be incredibly different in another. 

Building confidence

Work experience gives you confidence. This can be the confidence to put what you have learnt in a college or degree course into practice. You are highly likely already to have an interest in this field of work, so you can also put any other knowledge outside of your degree into practice.  Working with colleagues, finding out expectations and meeting them is great for self-esteem and confidence. Being part of a valuable team and getting work done builds confidence too. 

Networking opportunities

When you work in a company it's always an idea to talk to as many people as possible. You never know if these connections will give you a job opportunity in the future. Be approachable and professional at all times. Be a pleasant person to be around. Remember people move on from jobs too so they could move to a different organisation that you may be interested in, in the future, and could help you land a job there. 

Working for the intern company

If you have an internship with a company and they are happy with your work you will have a much better chance of a job offer if they have a vacancy.  You won't be an unknown quantity to them, you will already know how the company works, and what a role in the company involves, even if you take a side step and are offered a different post. 

Living in a new town, city or country

In theory, doctors should listen to their patients carefully and take their concerns seriously. Needless to say, that’s not always how things happen in practice. Although most doctors will do everything in their power to provide their patients with amazing care, some will dismiss patients’ symptoms, and refuse to discuss an alternative diagnosis. Instead of listening to what their patients are experiencing and further investigating the issue, they’ll try to convince them they have nothing to worry about because they’re the experts and they know better.

However, the truth is that as well-intentioned and well-prepared physicians may be, they’re still just human and prone to mistakes as everyone else. No one knows your body better than you do, so if you feel there’s something wrong with you it’s probably because there is, despite your doctor’s reassurance.

It can be extremely frustrating when your doctor doesn’t take your symptoms seriously, minimising or ignoring your problem. It can also be extremely dangerous because they can overlook very important health issues or misdiagnose you, and that can have serious health consequences. Resources such as https://www.medicalnegligencelaw.org.uk provide further information on the steps you can take if you’ve been a victim of medical negligence.

You shouldn’t have to struggle to get safe and effective treatment from your doctor, but unfortunately, the medical system is far from perfect and sometimes you have to become your own health advocate. Keep in mind that doctors are often overwhelmed by tons of paperwork and they have very limited time on their hands to assess each patient, and that can also impair their efforts to properly communicate and connect with their patients.

Fortunately, you’re not powerless. There are certain strategies you can use to improve your relationship with your doctor and get them to listen to you. Here’s what you can do.

Take matters into your own hands

First of all, you have to stop feeling like a helpless victim and become your own health advocate. While doctors can provide the quality care you require, you also have to take action and get actively involved in your own health journey. Being passive and waiting for things to get better on their own will only deepen your frustration and problems.

Your physician may not have the necessary time to go over your entire medical history, so you can step in and get them up to speed with the health problems you’ve experienced over the years and the treatments you’ve taken or are currently taking. Make sure your doctor has access to relevant information regarding your health and keep them updated at all times.

Talk to your physician openly

You should think of your doctor as your confidant – a person you can talk to about your problems openly without fear of being judged or misunderstood. All the information that you share with our doctor is confidential, so no one but you two will have access to it.

When your doctor asks you how you feel, you have to be as honest as possible and provide accurate answers, without hiding or sugar-coating the truth. Your physician can’t help you if you leave things out of the picture, intentionally or not. They need all the pieces of the puzzle to accurately asses your health condition and provide the care you require.

Bring someone with you

If you’re having difficulties communicating with your physician and establishing a good doctor-patient relationship, bringing an extra set of eyes and ears to your appointments, be it a family member or a friend, can make a difference. It may seem strange to have a chaperone with you as a grow-up but their presence can be very useful.

First of all, your doctor may change their attitude when they see you’ve brought reinforcement and finally start taking your concerns seriously. Secondly, the other person can provide an objective perspective on what’s happening during the appointment, so they can either confirm or infirm that your doctor is not doing their job properly. Also, it’s good to have someone else with you because they can take notes during the visit and help you process the information you receive from your doctor.

Come prepared

It’s recommended to write down the things you want to communicate to your doctor and the questions you want to ask before you step into their office. During the appointment, you’ll be under the pressure of time and you may forget important details or have trouble gathering your thoughts and formulating your ideas. You might end up giving your doctor only crumbs of information that instead of clarifying things can cause more confusion.

It's a good idea to track your symptoms day by day and write them down in a journal. That way, when you go to your appointment, you’ll have all the information in front of you, so you’ll know exactly what to say and make the most of the time you spend in the doctor’s office.

Look for a new doctor

If your doctor insists there’s nothing wrong with you and the diagnosis you’ve received is the right one, you are in your right to ask for a second opinion. In fact, you can seek as many opinions as you want until you’re finally satisfied with the outcome.

Also, if you think you’ve tried everything to get your physician to listen to you and your relationship still doesn’t show signs of improving, it may be time to look for a different provider who can treat you right. You don’t have to stick with the same doctor just because you’ve been seeing them for years. You have options, and when you have exhausted all attempts at making things better, you should start exploring them.

Patients and doctors should work together as a team, so you have to find yourself a physician that you can connect with and who’s ready to be by your side every step of your health journey.

The restaurant has a small outdoor seating area and two floors inside. There are lots of plants and flowers outside and when you enter the building the staff warmly greet you and take you to your table. Booking is recommended as it can get very busy inside. I booked for a weekday lunch and there wasn't many tables free downstairs.  

The menu has similar dishes all year round which does not change, as well as seasonal specials. You can get a decent steak, as well as classics like fish and chips and shepherd's pie. For the more adventurous among you, there are dishes like aromatic duck curry and lobster linguine. They do also have a vegan and vegetarian menu with dishes such as wild mushroom and truffle linguine, and Keralan sweet potato curry.  It was nice to see more vegetarian and vegan options than an uninspiring vegetable lasagne.

We were also given a set lunch menu with two courses for £17.95 and three for £22.95. This menu had dishes such as tomato and basil soup, steak chips and egg, seabream and sticky toffee pudding. We decided to stick with the main menu but before that the drinks. 

Our server was Marina, she explained the lunch menu, and the specials, which included grilled sea bass fillet and a roast fillet of beef. There was an interesting selection of non alcoholic mocktails so we ordered some.

Pictured above are the drinks we ordered, the Elderflower Garden (£6.95) and the Movie Star Martini (£6.95). The Elderflower Garden was perfect if you want something not too sweet and refreshing. Made from Seedlip Garden 108 (a herbal blend), Acorn dry non-alcoholic aperitif, elderflower cordial, and Fever Tree tonic, it was refreshing and slightly bitter. You could taste the cucumber in it. If you like gin-based cocktails but don't want the alcohol this would be perfect. 

For starters, my husband ordered the twice-baked cheese souffle (£8.95) with consisted of gratinated Caerphilly cheese with grated black truffle and a cream sauce. The cheese souffle smelt very cheesy and he was worried it would be too rich, but he did enjoy it and commented it had a good cheese flavour and was very light.

The Ivy in Cardiff is beautifully decorated and feels like a real occasion restaurant. 

Even the women's toilet is beautiful as seen above. 

Although it's not an independent restaurant it really feels like the Ivy delivers on food and service. Service is efficient, the food was delivered promptly and the dishes were really delicious. If you are visiting for your birthday it is worth mentioning it as it appeared as if you get a complimentary dessert, and reviews on Tripadvisor seem to confirm this. It's not a cheap restaurant but sometimes you get what you pay for. We definitely recommend visiting The Ivy Cardiff when you want a meal in Cardiff city centre.  

Check out some of the other Cardiff restaurants on OpenTable as well as some of the South Wales restaurants. I have always found OpenTable a convenient and easy way to book a restaurant meal. Let me know, have you been the any of The Ivy restaurants? 

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