In fact, Save The Student’s National Student Accommodation Survey for 2022 found that students are looking earlier and earlier at houses and flats for the next academic year. Up to 24% of the respondents said they began looking for places before and during November, with the number of people looking getting lower the closer it gets to spring/summer. This will be to save themselves the stress of looking during exam season and to make the transition between accommodations easier.

It doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing experience though. There are plenty of things you can do to make the move a relatively stress-free experience. This article will look at some of the best things you can do.

Before moving out

When leaving your current property, it’s important to make sure you’re doing all you can to get your deposit back. One of the best ways to make sure of this is by cleaning the property. It doesn’t have to be a fresh coat of paint – just leaving it tidy for the landlord and the next tenants can be enough.

This might feel daunting but splitting the responsibilities between you and your housemates means you can tackle sections of the property individually and clean with more efficiency. The places that tend to need the most TLC are the bathroom and kitchen as they’re the most communally used.

Your landlord is more likely to charge you for cleaning of these which would come straight out of your deposit. A quick sweep for litter around the outside of the property could also be the difference maker.

Once you’ve secured your new location, your utilities and delivery addresses will need to change as well. Depending on if your old or new place has bills included in the price of your rent, you’ll need to either schedule for your utilities to shift to the new address or cancel them. You don’t want to be moving into new digs without hot water or electricity. Or worse, no internet!

Moving day

It’s moving day. Your stuff is in boxes and bags of varying sizes, and it’s time to shift it all to the new place. There are plenty of ways to get there, and some of you may be lucky enough to own a car. If not, and you have a licence, hourly car rental is an option too. Plus, there are always buses, taxis, and whatever other public transport is available in your city.

Another great option is the classic ‘man with a van’. Across the UK there are tonnes of freelance men with vans that act as ad-hoc removal services. When you arrive, be extra careful when moving your things in. Leaving any bags or boxes
unattended could inspire opportunistic individuals in the area to take anything that isn’t glued down.

Once you’re settled in

After you’ve chosen your rooms and put everything where it needs to be, now is the time to give the
property a quick glance over. Making sure you have a checklist of everything in the property you
may not have spotted when you first looked around is important, as you don’t want the estate
agents or landlord to think you caused them.

If you move into a property and it’s unclean or there are a lot of damages that need repairs, take pictures on your phone to send to the landlord or your estate agents. Having the photographic proof that those issues were there on moving day they can get sorted as quickly as possible.

A lot of properties will also have an inventory of what comes with it. Once you’ve run through that list and made a note of anything you can’t find or isn’t there, you can inform the owner and they can replace it if needs be. In this time, making a note of the fire escapes would also be useful, and you could introduce yourself and your housemates to the neighbours if you aren’t too tired.

When it comes to moving to a new house or flat, preparation is the key to a less stressful process. Moving while at university gives you the opportunity to experience what it’s like and feel that independence for yourself. There’s plenty to do, but breaking it down into steps will help the process. Once you’ve got yourself settled, do a thorough check of the property and make a note of any damages or anything missing from the inventory. Letting the owner know as soon as possible can prevent any confusion and get a replacement to you quickly.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Why moving house at university is easier than you think appeared first on Checklists.

Bruising from anti-wrinkle injections is rare, as the needles used are extremely fine and the depth of injection, fairly shallow, whereas with dermal fillers, bruising can be more common, due to the depth of injection, necessary in many of these procedures and the more invasive nature of the delivery of product, even though it is still seen as a non-surgical alternative to surgery.

Bruising can occur in a multitude of different patterns and itself can vary over time in depth, colour and distribution, so it is very difficult to give a solid opinion. These kind of marks from anti-wrinke injections itself is generally unlikely to occur and the pattern of bruising seen in this case doesn’t fit the typical anti-wrinke injection sites, as bruising from these procedures tends to be more pinpoint and less diffuse in nature. Filler injections tend be to placed deeper than anti-wrinke injections and may give more of a widespread pattern of bruising should it occur as shown. However, there can be a bruise pattern which may be a result of a filler treatment for an under-eye tear trough deformity.

Though bruising can occur and in many cases, cannot be helped, there are ways in which you can reduce the risk of such bruising and ways to assist with a faster healing time according to Dr Dan Dhunna of the Botox London clinic.

Cutting any alcohol consumption three to four days prior and 24 hours, following your injectable procedure can significantly help reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. Alcohol thins the blood and causes the blood vessels to dilate. This increases your chances of bruising as well as swelling, after an anti-wrinke injection or dermal filler treatment. Avoiding alcohol before and after these treatments can also help you to achieve optimal results, faster, with less bruising and swelling.

Although some pain relief such as paracetamol can be handy after an injectable treatment, to ease any tenderness at the injection site, taking blood thinning pain killers such as ibuprofen or aspirin, could increase your risk of bruising, for the same reason that alcohol increases the risks.

Taking arnica before your injectable treatment and using arnica gel to treat any small bruises can be a help. This supplement has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not only can it minimise the risk of swelling and bruising, before an injectable treatment, but can also speed up the healing process, should this occur after your anti-wrinke injections or dermal filler procedure.

Avoiding hot steam, saunas, baths or anything that will overheat you, such as strenuous exercise, can minimise bruising and swelling. This all should be avoided for at least 48 hours, following anti-wrinke injections or dermal filler treatment.

Using a good old-fashioned ice pack can help minimise bruising after your anti-wrinke injections and filler treatment, as this cools the injection site, as it constricts the blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the affected area. In some cases, ice may be used before your injectable treatment, to assist with swelling, bruising and even the sensation of the needle or cannula.

Dr Dan Dhunna swears by using Auriderm, a vitamin K oxide bruising cream, following your anti-wrinke injections or dermal filler treatment. Another God send, Bromelan (pineapple extract) has the same anti-inflammatory effect as Arnica but has medical-grade strength, to speed up healing and prevent too much swelling and bruising. It’s good to know the real experts in the industry have these tools to hand and know when and how to use them.

Before you begin frantically copying this article to remember all you need to, about the avoidance of bruising and swelling, after your injectable procedure, fear not! In a no obligation, initial and in-depth consultation, Dr Dan Dhunna will explain not only what you need to know about the procedure, results, recovery time and the expected longevity of your results, but he will also advise you on before and aftercare protocols that you should follow, to minimise any unwanted side-effects of this nature.

He will also check your medical history to ensure that you are physically fit and able to have an injectable treatment safely. There are many medications which can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, such as clopidogrel, aspirin and warfarin, which are some of the more common meds for cardiovascular conditions. Other medicines that can increase the risk of bruising, following anti-wrinke injections or dermal fillers include dabigatran, ticlopidine, enoxaparin and dipyridamole. Therefore, it’s vital that you disclose any medical conditions and medications at your pre-treatment consultation.

It’s also really important to take in to consideration, the timing of your injectable treatments, so that you can enjoy your results without having to apply heavy makeup or hide beneath a large hat or huge sunglasses, at that long-planned wedding, party or even a holiday. Dr Dan Dhunna advises having any injectable treatment, even anti-wrinke injections at least two weeks before a special occasion, so that you can allow time for any bruising or swelling to subside. You can also enjoy better results after two weeks and look fresh, youthful and stunning for your gathering or getaway.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post How to help reduce the risk of bruising following cosmetic injectable procedures appeared first on Checklists.

It’s so easy to make and experts in this foodie trend, Sushi Daily, have shared a delicious super salmon burrito recipe with Checklist readers. Have a look at the recipe below and try it for yourself.

Ingredients

• 1 full sized nori sheet (or 2 small)
• 130g sushi rice
• 30g cream cheese
• 40g sushi grade salmon fillet
• 40g ripe avocado
• 40g picked red cabbage
• 20g shelled edamame beans
• 5g fried onions

Method

1. Place one nori sheet on a sushi rolling mat on top of a chopping board.
2. If you can only get small sized nori, you can stick two together. Place the sheets on the mat and overlap the long side by about a centimetre, then use a few sticky rice grains to press the seam together.
3. Use the crushed sushi rice to ‘glue’ the nori sheets together, with a 1cm overlap.
4. Spread the sushi rice on the nori, leaving 5cm at the top uncovered.
5. Use the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese across the middle of the rice.
6. Add the salmon and avocado, lying it along the cream cheese layer.
7. Add the pickled red cabbage and edamame beans (or any veg of your choice!), creating a layer on top of the salmon and avocado.
8. Finally, sprinkle the fried onions on top of the rest of the ingredients for a more in depth taste.
9. This is the moment you’ve been building up to! Use the rolling mat to roll the wrap away from you, ensuring the bottom edge of the nori sheet meets the nori lying flat on the mat.
10. Press tightly so the nori sheets stick together, then trim both ends for a neat wrap and slice in two, diagonally. Then plate up and enjoy with your favourite sauces!

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The post The 10 steps to making an on-trend sushi burrito at home appeared first on Checklists.

Dr Johanna Ward on behalf of LUSTRE ClearSkin, talks to Checklist about the reported benefits of LED light therapy, and how products like the RENEW Pro Facewear can help support everyday skin concerns.

1. Support natural collagen production 

LED light therapy treatment uses varying wavelengths of light that are said to help support the skin’s natural healing process. According to Dr Ward, LED light therapy can help stimulate fibroblast cells, which are the activation cells responsible for collagen and elastin production.

2. Calms acne

Blue light technology, which is clinically evidenced for acne, is said to help reduce the appearance of inflammation and the colonisation of bacteria in the skin. Several treatments to the skin are recommended, and results can vary for each person.

3. Soothes eczema flare-ups 

Cracked, dry and itchy skin are the common symptoms associated with eczema. As well as topical creams and lotions, LED light therapy can be useful alongside these products to help soothe flare-ups. 

4. Can help menopausal skin 

Women going through the menopause can often experience skin issues, with hormonal changes causing sensitivity, acne and dryness. LED is believed to help to support menopausal skin changes alongside diet and lifestyle choices.

5. Cool face flushes 

As well as topical anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and IPL, you could also use LED light therapy to help manage rosacea. The combination of red, blue, and infra-red light is said to be a useful option for soothing skin.

6. Chemical-free remedy 

Clinically proven for acne, blue light technology uses non-toxic lights. Look for a mask like RENEW Pro Facewear by LUSTRE® ClearSkin, which uses different light wavelengths which are designed to help support your skin in a non-invasive, chemical-free way,

7. Supports skin health

Blue light is widely reported to help reduce inflammation and bacterial colonisation in acne. Red light is said to be good for helping to stimulate the natural revitalisation process in the skin. These clinically evidenced light therapies are believed to be helpful for long-term use.

8. Easy to use at home

With high-performing at-home and easy-to-use wireless devices now available, LED can form part of your weekly skincare routine. Pop the mask on to clean, dry skin for 10 minutes up to five times a week and you could potentially see visible results in six weeks.

9. Complimentary to other treatments

LED light therapy can be used in combination with other skin treatments. Dr Johanna Ward often recommends LED as first port of call when it comes to refreshing the appearance of your skin.

10. Family-friendly

The great thing about LED masks is that they can be used by lots of different people – men, women, and even teenagers if they are suffering from common skin conditions, such as acne.

Find out more at lustreclearskin.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten reasons to use LED light therapy, according to a medical skin expert appeared first on Checklists.

Do you spend lots of time in the countryside?

I like the city but I’m a country boy at heart because I was brought up on a pig farm. Farming, food and countryside is in my blood. I’ve always been passionate about the countryside and I’m quite fortunate to live just outside of Winchester in rural Hampshire so we’ve got outdoor space right on our doorstep.

Tell us about your working cocker spaniel, Cooper.

Cooper has been in training with Jason Mayhew for four-and-a-half years. I’ve always been fascinated by man’s ability to train dogs. When I was a young kid, there was a gamekeeper in my village who used to look after the Castle Howard estate and he used to have an immaculately trained gundog called Jett. I was always so impressed by him. He would just sit there, without a lead and just wait for his owner to return. Now I finally understand what it takes for that bond to happen. I love picking-up on local shoots with Cooper. His special move is a 400-yard blind retrieve. He’ll also sit on a riverbank all day long watching me bother fish. He’s everything I ever wanted from a dog. Last year we took part in ITV’s The Pet Show which saw Cooper compete in an agility course, and he is still top of the leaderboard. At The Game Fair I will be taking part in a display in the main arena with Jason to showcase gundog training. I hope Copper behaves – he works better for Jason than me!

Do you get many opportunities to shoot, hunt or fish in your own time?

Fishing-wise, a friend of mine has a nice stretch on the River Test and another mate of mine has a bit of the River Itchen so I get out there whenever I can. I’ve really got into fishing but I think that’s an age thing as well, I was never really into it as a young kid. I think the older I’ve got the more I’ve realised what a special pastime it is. On one trip to Scotland I spent four days on the River Tay and caught nothing but a cold but just being there was something I’ll never forget. Shooting wise I enjoy pheasant and partridge shooting but mostly I love picking-up with Cooper. The Guns always look a bit surprised when they see me at lunchtime. At the end of the day I always take away 60-70 brace straight back to my restaurants.

Where else do you enjoy spending time outdoors in the UK?

Scotland is one of my favourite places on Earth, it really is. Orkney, Shetland and the Highlands, any opportunity that I can get to go up there I go because it’s just bloody spectacular. The west coast of Scotland is also amazing. Anybody who knows me knows that I love Scotland and Scotland has always been very kind to me over the years. I also love the New Forest, it’s beautiful. A chef mate of mine Gareth Ward has an amazing Michelin-starred restaurant called Ynyshirin in Mid-Wales and I love to walk up Snowdonia when I visit, it’s wonderful. 

What do you particularly enjoy about the larder of the British countryside?

I think we’ve got one of the greatest larders in the world. We’re fortunate enough to be on an island surrounded by water. From Scotland’s seafood – like scallops in Orkney, right the way down to Cornwall with Cornish sardines. I think there’s such a variety there and meat is exactly the same because of the topography of the land. You’ve got amazing beef up in Scotland, amazing lamb from Wales and then there’s fantastic garlic on the Isle of Wight. We have such a variety of weather north to south. I think that’s what makes Britain unique. As a chef you’ve got so many seasons, from the Jersey royal potatoes to Scottish raspberries – and of course game.

How often do you try to incorporate game into the dishes you cook in restaurants or at home?

When it is in season, I use it all the time. I use masses of feathered game and people know that I probably promote it more than anybody on television. Every week I’m cooking with pheasant, partridge, grouse and guinea fowl. I’m a big fan of it because I was brought up on it and I was surrounded by it. I think there’s a real myth surrounding game and a lot of people don’t necessarily understand it.

I think a lot of that is just about education and where I stand in terms of what I do for a living, hopefully I can teach the public there is something else out there. I have been working with Wild & Game to help them develop their recipes so we constantly get given little tasters and testers. I cook it a lot, frozen spatchcocked partridge on the BBQ is delicious in the summer. If you marinade it with a bit of yoghurt and some spices and put it in a tandoor, that’s my kind of thing.

You’ve been announced as the host for The Game Fair restaurant ‘The Enclosure’ for the fourth consecutive year. What keeps bringing you back to the event?

I have been attending The Game Fair for 20 years, so it is amazing to now be involved professionally. My day-to-day restaurant is usually a 100-seater so to walk into a marquee where you’ve got 300 covers in the middle of a field, that’s something very different indeed. I remember one of the times I attended The Game Fair I parked my motorhome in what I thought was next to the restaurant. When I woke up there were dozens of horses all around me. It was quite a surreal moment while I was still blurry eyed!

It’s an amazing event and the food is an essential part of it but it’s one of many parts that make it a very special show. The restaurant is in a great location as it’s at the epicentre of where things happen which is a cool place to be. I’ve worked with James Gower, The Game Fair’s Managing Director, for years and he really has faith in letting me just crack on.  You’ve only got to go to The Game Fair once to see why it’s so special.

What other areas of The Game Fair are you excited to see?

I really like seeing the birds of prey at the Falconry Village and the working dogs. I also like Gunmakers’ Row – walking the full length of it is the one thing you’ve got to do if you’re there haven’t you? It is pretty spectacular so I’m looking forward to that.

What can visitors expect to see on the menu this year?

We are going to do a bit of everything. Lamb has always been quite popular, so we’ll certainly be putting that on the menu. Buttermilk rabbit also worked really well last time so I might put that back on again, it’s like our own version of funky KFC. There’s got to be something for everybody so there will certainly be a little bit of fish in there and of course we will put game on there.

Partridge is always a winner and we’ve got a great supplier for that with Wild & Game, whose gamebirds are certified by British Game Assurance so they have the highest welfare standards. I used to go to The Game Fair as a punter and just have a wander round and now to see it on the other side and see all the infrastructure and planning that goes into it, is amazing. It’s great to be involved and hopefully for many years to come we can build up something really special.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

I really want a tractor. Not to plough a field, I want to drive it to my local pub the Wonston Arms with Cooper and park it outside.

For the fourth consecutive year, chef James Martin is hosting ‘The Enclosure’ restaurant at The Game Fair, which is being held Friday, 29 July to Sunday, 31 July at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.

To experience The Enclosure, you can purchase one of three available VIP packages which includes entry to The Game Fair here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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The ASICS London 10K is the fastest way to tour central London’s famous landmarks from Piccadilly to Whitehall with a route that races past Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, the Embankment, Westminster Bridge and Westminster Abbey.

With live bands and DJs at every kilometre, and cheering fans lining the city’s streets, this 10K is the perfect starter distance and a great challenge for seasoned runners too. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the race.

1. What

ASICS London 10K is London’s only closed-road 10k this summer and the most iconic landmark run, with a twist.  Every summer thousands of runners descend on the capital to celebrate the sport of running in the ultimate London street party.

2. When

This year, the run is set to take place on Sunday, 10 July,

3. Time

Runners will descend on the streets from 9.30am.

4. Where

The starting point for the race is 105 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NJ.

5. How to watch

Thousands of spectators are expected to watch runners on their tour of London’s iconic landmarks. But where are the best spots to watch? Fan Hubs with live entertainment will be in place along the route at Charles I roundabout and Victoria Embankment or cheer runners across the finish line on Whitehall.

6. Route

World-renowned for the historic streets and landmarks on its route, starting in Piccadilly thousands of runners will pound historic pavements passing St James’ Palace, Trafalgar Square, The London Eye and the iconic newly renovated Big Ben. The route will come alive with live bands and DJs, giving runners that bit of extra motivation.

7. Medal

Finishing in Whitehall, runners will be presented with the 2022 ASICS London 10K medal. 

Laura Knott, creative lead and designer of the medal said: “The ASICS London 10K isn’t your usual running event; it’s slick, contemporary and celebratory. We wanted our medal to reflect this. The matte ASICS blue and white are clean and modern, whilst the sunset-printed lanyard subtly nods to the incredible scenery and landmarks that participants run through.”

8. NFTs

LimeLight Sports Club has announced a groundbreaking partnership with technology leaders xG Studios, launching mass participation sport non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This futuristic limited-edition collectable NFT, designed by Hugo Boesch of Future Romance, will be available to LimeLight Sports Club members who take part in ASICS London 10K. 

Each NFT is personalised with the runner’s finish time whilst the runners placing first, second and third in both women’s and men’s will receive the ‘perpetual loop’ featuring either a gold, silver or bronze thread running through it. 

The ASICS London 10K NFT Finisher is the xG® ‘Finish LE’ reward, released in partnership with LimeLight Sports Club, marking the digital collectable experience for all LimeLight Sports Club.

9. UN Women UK Safe Spaces

LimeLight Sports Club has partnered with UN Women UK and Stylist Strong Women ahead of the race to create a solidarity campaign inviting people to take to the streets of London to run for safety, change and freedom.

Hundreds of campaign supporters will run united past the Houses of Parliament to call for our public spaces to be safer and more inclusive for all. Vital funds raised will go towards delivering the educational programmes needed to inspire behavioural change through partnership with UN Women UK’s Safe Spaces Now initiative. 

10. All the extras

All participants will receive a medal and goody bag (subject to availability) which will include a CanO Water, KIND Bar, TENZING energy drink and more.

To find out more visit the website at run.limelightsports.club

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The post Here are 10 things you need to know about the ASICS London 10K appeared first on Checklists.

Sharon Copeland, optician at Feel Good Contacts outlines the bad habits that are harming your eye health, and how to keep them looking their best.

1. Sleeping in makeup

We already know that sleeping in our makeup is bad, but did you know it could also result in sight loss? A woman who hadn’t properly removed her mascara for 25 years suffered subconjunctival concretions (dots on the underside of the eyelid filled with debris). 

Expired makeup is another thing to watch out for. You should also ensure your mascara isn’t older than six months, or you could be putting your eyes at risk of (pink eye), irritation or a stye.

2. Touching or rubbing your eyes

If you have to touch your eyes, ensure you wash your hands first or you could be transferring dirt from your hands to your eyes. If you wear contact lenses then it’s especially important that you apply and remove your contacts with clean hands. It’s also important not to rub your eyes to avoid scratches on the retina and irritation.

If your eyes are itchy you can try applying some eye drops to soothe them, but remember that overusing can be counterproductive. Using eye drops too often will wash away your natural tears, which are more efficient at lubricating your eyes. Follow the instructions on your eye drops packaging or use them as directed by your optometrist.

3. Too much screen time

Constantly staring at computer screens and digital devices isn’t good for your eye health. A digital detox almost seems impossible when we rely on screens for work, for entertainment and even for directions.

Try to take regular breaks by practising the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet into the distance for at least 20 seconds. You can also wear blue light glasses to help take some of the strain off of your eyes.

4. Smoking

Smoking can lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, which can increase your risk of vision loss. Quit smoking to protect your eyes, your GP can give you advice on how hot to quit if you’re having trouble doing it alone.

5. Not sleeping enough

A lack of sleep can negatively impact your overall health, including your eyes. Without enough sleep we can experience dry eyes and irritation.

6. Not having regular sight tests

You should be getting your eyes tested every two years, or sooner if advised by your optometrist. A professional will be able to spot any potential eye infections before they start to progress. If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, you should book a sight test immediately.

7. Not wearing protective glasses

Even on overcast days, we still need to wear sunglasses. UV rays still affect our eyes even when the sun isn’t shining. Always carry a pair of UV protecting sunglasses around with you.

DIY can be a satisfying and cost-effective way to change things up, but make sure that you’re always wearing protective gear on your eyes. You should also wear goggles when you are drilling, painting, swimming, frying with oil, using chemicals and cutting the grass.

8. Not eating a nutrient-rich diet

A diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids will help keep your eyes healthy.

Eating foods that contain lutein will help improve your eye health and lower your risk of getting an eye disease. Foods containing lutein include kale, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots and pistachios. Alternatively, you could try taking a lutein supplement, but getting the vitamin through your food is the most effective way.

9. Stop overusing and reusing contact lenses

Sleeping in your contact lenses and wearing them for longer than the recommended time is dangerous. Wearing contact lenses for too long will deprive your eyes of oxygen, drying them out and leading to irritation. Daily lenses in particular are only designed to be worn for a day, after which the lens starts to break down, and you wouldn’t want that to happen while it’s in your eye!  

 10. Not drinking enough water

Lack of water throughout the day won’t just negatively affect your eye health, it can also make you feel tired, dizzy and confused. Dehydration can make your eyes feel dry, if you also wear contact lenses then your eyes will feel even drier. Try to get at least eight glasses of water a day.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Medic outlines the 10 ways to support your eye health appeared first on Checklists.

What three words would you use to describe your life as a shepherdess on a 2,000-acre hill farm?

“Unpredictable; I work with lots of variables so there’s no such thing as a typical day. Challenging; it can be tough to fit everything into my day. Rewarding; there are moments when I think why the hell am I doing this but overall, it is a very satisfying role. Ask me that same question on a different day and the answer might be unprintable.”

What’s the hardest and best thing about living in such a remote place like Upper Swaledale?

“You can lose yourself and distance yourself from everyone and everything. Once I go out of that door to work it is back to basics. My home life is busy and chaotic, but my work life is solitary. Too much of each one is not good, but living in a remote place gives me peace and quiet.

“The worst thing about living here is when there’s any kind of emergency. Take last Tuesday, I had everything in place for my mare to foal. On the day, we had no power on the farm due to repairs after storm Arwen. This meant I couldn’t get in touch with the vet. It all went OK but I can feel a bit vulnerable. You have to find an inner strength to deal with anything. You have to be able to cope in an emergency.”

How would you sell country living to someone who has lived in a city all their life?

“You would have to prepare yourself. You need to go into it with a certain amount of humility. Don’t go in trying to change it. Your life may change for the better but there will be challenges. Do your homework. Compile a checklist of what is important to you. You won’t have the same internet speed. There’s no Deliveroo. You will need to compromise.”

What plans do you have for your new Clydesdale foal, Maple?

“She’s a beautiful filly foal born just a few weeks ago. Backing her will be a gradual process. She is part of the family – there won’t be a foal anywhere that has been poked and prodded as much as she has. As a result, she is the easiest foal ever. Eventually I want her to bring down the sheep with me, working with me as part of the team.”

You look after 1,000 Swaledale sheep. As a shepherdess you must have to be fairly stoic and unemotional when one of them inevitably dies. How do you cope with that?

“I am utterly pathetic when one of my sheep dies. I feel like a bit of a failure. The old adage of ‘when you have livestock you have deadstock’ is true. You have to put it behind you. You can’t dwell on it. Just recently we lost a ewe that had two lambs at foot. You can’t shepherd or farm without accepting you are going to lose animals. It is part of the job.”

Do you have a favourite and worst sheep?

“My favourite ewe is the matriarch. We call her The Queen. Her horns have dropped off and she has a grey face so very distinctive looking. She is incredibly greedy and she poses for selfies with me so she’s a good lass in my eyes.

“My worst sheep at the moment is Coconut because she hates her own lambs. She is a terrible mother.”

What do you do to relax away from the children and farm?

“I love wild swimming and paddle boarding on Birkdale tarn near our farm, which is a seven-hectare mountain lake that was originally excavated by a glacier. I never see anyone, it’s just me and nature. Throughout the winter it is probably one of the most uninviting, foreboding places on earth. The black inky water looks so lifeless. But once the sun starts to shine in spring it takes on another identity. I am now 47, but I still have a childlike excitement every time I swim.”

Tell us about your dogs.

“We have three Border collie sheepdogs and two terriers. We did have another sheepdog called Tip but she decided she didn’t want to be a sheepdog.  Every time I took her out with me to work she would run home as soon as my back was turned. So she is now an assistance dog and wears an orange tabard.

“The sheepdog pack is made up of Nell, who is my son Sidney’s dog, Midge, who is my husband Clive’s dog and Kate, who works with me. Kate is 12 years old so she’s getting on. We are quite similar in some ways in that we aren’t very good at switching off. She lives to work. She doesn’t do relaxing.

“She is forever rounding up children and chickens. I can’t raise my voice with her as she’s quite sensitive. I trust her implicitly. Sometimes I will be running her out of sight, so she needs to understand what I am wanting to achieve with the sheep, which she does brilliantly.”

Do you eat game?

“Yes. We trade our lamb for game all the time. In fact I recently swapped a leg of lamb for a leg of venison with a neighbour.”

Why did you want to work with The Game Fair?

“This will be my first time at the event. The Game Fair is so relevant on so many levels. I jumped at the chance to appear on stage and meet visitors as I think these mass gatherings offer an opportunity to have discussions concerning various topical issues – namely the current food crisis.

“People are starting to wake up to food provenance and there is a backlash against factory farming. If you are going to eat meat then educate yourself. I want to help break down social barriers and misconceptions. So, if me appearing on stage can help educate a few visitors then I am all for it.”

What can visitors to The Game Fair expect to see from you?

“Big earrings, inappropriate clothing and plain speaking! Whatever they expect I won’t be it. “

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

“I will tell you three things: I have a love of rave and dance music. I don’t have any neighbours so I can listen to it as loud as I like when the kids are out at school. I also sometimes go to sleep in my makeup and after a quick tidy-up the next morning I am good to go. And lastly, I have a tattoo of a sheep – a tramp stamp! Once upon a time it was a very neat Swaledale but after nine children I’m bit stretched so it might not look so much like a sheep anymore…”

For tickets to The Game Fair, visit thegamefair.org

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – Our Yorkshire Farm host Amanda Owen appeared first on Checklists.

Which social media or beauty influencer do you admire the most and why?

Mikayla Nogueira, she has 12.6M fans on TikTok – she does everything beauty and make-up related, she’s just so authentic, herself, down to earth and say’s it how it is – which I love. She does really cool looks and just keeps it real. 

Do you have a go-to beauty look?

I’m such a full glam girl. Usually big eyelashes and a bronzey glowy look. A lot of people ask me why I wear so much makeup? Doesn’t it take you ages to do? For me, it brings me so much confidence and I love trying out new products.

What are your must-have favourite products?

Tatti Lashes – I love a big lash. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, it’s really creamy and gives you a dewy finish – I think if you start with a good base everything else can be built around it. 

Project Lip’s Plump and Gloss, you always want lipgloss in your bag. It’s a high-shine gloss that has a tingle sensation on plump lips. I launched my own lip kit with them a few years ago, they expanded their range to glosses, balms and liners. 

Also, Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer – I actually buy a darker shade and use it for my contouring. It’s super creamy, gives me great definition and really affordable, it’s probably one of the best contour products I’ve used. 

According to you, what kind of content works?

For me, video tutorials really work, like GRWM – people want visual step-by-step guides on how to achieve looks at home. My audience love to see how I apply my lashes and how I do my hair. 

My fashion looks work well on grid posts such as full-length outfit shots – followers will save these for the outfit inspo I tag the brands as well so they know exactly where to buy the items from.

If there was one thing you could change about social media, what would it be?

There’s so much judgement and trolling that comes with social media – I wish it was a more welcoming and positive space at times. Before Love Island, I worked in retail and my colleagues would always say, “you should start a YouTube channel for your make-up tutorials” but I was so embarrassed and scared people would judge me. 

What is your favourite thing about being in your industry?

The opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve got to meet. If you had told me two or three years ago I would be meeting these celebrities, music stars and brands I’ve always admired I would not have believed you.

Any advice you would like to give to those looking to get into a similar industry?

Social media content creators need to be super confident and just go for it. Ignore the haters and just take the leap. Be yourself, if you’re not being authentic to yourself your potential audience, and brands who you might want to work with will see through it. Be yourself and you will go far.

What inspired you to go onto Love Island?

It was my favourite TV show. I was absolutely obsessed, I watched it since season one and I could not believe my luck when I was scouted. I wanted to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I can’t believe I was scouted and there was no doubt in my mind that I was not going to go for it. I’m so glad, it was the best experience of my life. 

What was your favourite thing about being on the show?

The feeling of family. You’re put in this villa, in a beautiful location with people you’ve never met before all having this really unique experience. But for me, we had no phones and were with each other 24/7. You think you might get bored but you really didn’t because we got to really know each other – I laughed so hard every day. 

Looking back, would you do anything differently?

I would be a bit more confident, looking back I look so young and naive. I wish I stood up for myself a little bit more – standing on my own two feet and speaking out on things that I thought weren’t right or when things were said that I didn’t agree with. Looking back, I was 21 and I wished had a bit more oomph and confidence. 

Can you tell us a secret about being on the show?

I always get asked “are you actually recorded 24/7?”. And the answer is yes! There is nowhere to hide, there are cameras everywhere. There’s one in the toilets but it’s just for security reasons but I’m sure you can imagine it’s very embarrassing going to the toilet, trying to take off your swimsuit and you have a camera in your face. 

Do you think you would consider being on another TV show?

If the opportunity did arise, I heard Big Brother was making a comeback. I feel like I’m a different person now with my confidence, maybe a dating show.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline that we can look out for?

I’m looking forward to showing all the content I’ve created for brands that I’ve got coming up. Brands I’ve loved since I was younger and content that’s really true to myself. This year I’ll also be looking into my TV presenting opportunities so fingers crossed you will see me again on screens very soon.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – Love Island star Demi Jones appeared first on Checklists.

Are you ready to rock your heart out, or immerse yourself in art? If so, grab your hottest festival gear and get ready to book your next summer adventure at one of the most popular festivals at home or abroad.

Glastonbury Festival: James Genchi / Unsplash

Glastonbury in Somerset

Next Event: 22 to 26 June 2022

It’s official; Glastonbury is the most popular music festival in the United Kingdom. First held in 1970, Glastonbury welcomed over 200,000 revellers to its grounds in 2019. Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, and Kendrick Lamar have been announced as this year’s headliners for the much-anticipated return of the festival after a few years of cancellation due to the pandemic.

Reading Festival in Reading

Next event: 26 to 28 August 2022

The second most popular festival this year is Reading. With its roots as a rock music festival back in the 70s, Reading is now one of the most-loved festivals in the country every year and offers music that covers a wide range of genres from hip hop to rock. A popular choice for young festival-goers looking to enjoy their first festival experience, Reading and its sister festival Leeds will be welcoming the Arctic Monkeys, Dave and Wolf Alice to their stages this year.

Parklife Festival in Manchester

Next event: 11 to 12 June 2022

Heading to Manchester now, Parklife is the third most popular festival this year. Tens of thousands of music fans gather in the fields of Heaton Park every year for one of the most loved events on Manchester’s cultural calendar. This year, attendees can expect to see the likes of 50 Cent, Tyler the Creator and Chase & Status.

Tomorrowland in Belgium

Next event: 15 July to 1 August 2022

Tomorrowland is the most popular festival in Europe this year. This Belgian festival has been on the go since 2005 and is one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals around. Fans of Tomorrowland are in luck, as 2022 marks the first year in which the festival will take place over three weekends, a one-off to make up for lost time over the past few years. The line-up includes Alesso, Martin Garrix and many more big names.

Awakenings Festival in the Netherlands

Next event: 29 to 31 July 2022

Awakenings is a series of festivals around the Netherlands and is the second most popular festival in Europe this year. If you’re a lover of techno, then this is the choice for you. Awakenings is the largest outdoor techno festival in the world. The 2022 festival will host nine areas, including outdoor stages and tents. This year will be the 25th anniversary celebrations, so expect the event to be bigger and better than ever.

Rolling Loud in Portugal

Next event: 6 to 8 July 2022

Heading to the beach of Praia da Rocha now to the third most popular festival of the year; Rolling Loud Portugal. Named the ‘world’s largest hip-hop festival’, Rolling Loud was first launched in Miami in 2016, and this year makes its European debut in the city of Portimão in Portugal. This is the festival for you if you fancy seeing J. Cole, A$AP Rocky and Future whilst in the sun and on the beach.

Visit the study page to view the complete Festival Index 2022 by Holidu.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post These are the most popular festivals in Europe to look forward to appeared first on Checklists.