1. Sunsail Travelopia

Wake up to a new beach view every day, spend your afternoons kayaking across blue lagoons, snorkel around colourful corals and sample the best local cuisine at a different restaurant every night. Experience the thrill of heeling off the Seychelles’ jungle-topped Mahé Island or catching the occasional Mediterranean mistral as you sail along Dubrovnik’s fortified shores.

Sailing with Sunsail gives you the freedom to explore. With over 20 destinations worldwide, there is a sailing holiday for first-time adventurers, seasoned explorers, and everyone in between.

A perfect choice for families, couples and friends, skippered holidays allow you to be as hands-on as you like, or let your experienced skipper take the helm leaving you to relax; it’s completely up to you.

Find out more at sunsail.co.uk

2. GJW Direc

GJW Direct have been providing specialist boat insurance for 193 years and are hugely respected throughout the marine world. While traditional in terms of valuing customer service, GJW Direct lead the way when it comes to harnessing technology with a state-of-the-art website which includes the MyBoat portal, the digital boat management system and safety equipment reminder service which helps you organise your life afloat.

MyBoat is free to sign up to, giving you access to news, views, tips and weather. What’s more, GJW Direct insurance customers gain access to exclusive offers and discounts from a wide range of top marine brands and chandlery retailers as well as a range of top quality boating magazines.

Safety is paramount while on the water, and the team at GJW Direct collaborate with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, raising awareness of the importance of staying safe at sea.

Find out more at gjwdirect.com

3. Universal Marina

Universal is one of the few independent marinas left on the south coast. Since 1997 Avia Willment has run the business with one single vision of creating a ‘lifestyle destination’, offering a friendly and personal experience where you can unwind.

It’s ideally situated for those wishing to spend less time travelling in the car and more time boating in one of England’s most sought-after destinations. The River Hamble has always been the top base for boating, pleasure or racing. Within minutes you can find natural creeks to fine dining and it’s all on your doorstep.

The marina accommodates up to 450 vessels with a variety of berthing, dry stacking and lifting up to 75 tons.

Leisure facilities include Bistro 8, Mermaids Coffee Shop, kayaking and paddleboard hire/club, jet-ski club and jet-ski docks, charter sail, fishing trips, pilates and sports massage.

Find out more at universalmarina.co.uk

4. Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays is the only waterfront shopping outlet in the south of the UK. Uniquely positioned in a cultural harbour front location in the heart of Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays is the area’s leading designer shopping outlet.

Boasting over 90 stores and over 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops, Gunwharf Quays is a unique and vibrant shopping and leisure destination.

Watch the boats go by as you take in the stunning waterfront view. Why not sail into the marina and make the most of the sales around the centre?

Set right on the beautiful Solent waterfront, it is the ideal place to explore, shop, dine and take in the exciting sights of this historic coastal city.

Find out more at gunwharf-quays.com

5. Seafarer Cruising

With RYA training centres in Greece, Croatia and the UK, Seafarer offers the widest choice of locations where you can learn to sail.

Their practical yacht courses suit all levels. Beginners start with Competent Crew; move up to Day Skipper; and then advanced courses available up to Yachtmaster. Course durations start at two-day weekend and five-to seven-day midweek courses in the UK, Mediterranean courses generally being seven days.

Seafarer’s Beach Club in Greece offers attractive beachfront accommodation with unlimited dinghy sailing and windsurfing, with RYA training offered from beginner up to instructor level.

Seafarer operates summer flotilla sailing holidays in four areas of Greece, as well as Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey and the south of France, plus the Thailand flotilla sailing from Phuket over the winter months. Also on offer are bareboat and skippered charter, plus ‘by the cabin’ charter on larger fully crewed vessels.

Find out more at seafarersailing.co.uk

6. Discovery Group

Discovery Yachts Group build yachts of unrivalled perfection and quality. Discover the six different classes they build, as featured in the Southampton Boat Show.

They exhibited the world-renowned Southerly 480 with her variable draft swing keel; the latest Southerly 540; a custom 58; and the Bluewater 50 Catamaran considered to be an extension of one’s home.

Since the launch of the first Discovery 55 in 1998, their shipyard has collaborated with the best of the best, namely, Ron Holland, Dubois Naval Architects, Stephen Jones and Rob Humphreys all of whom have entirely justified their world-class reputation in yacht design.

The extensive experience and expertise of those driving the design are evident in delivering performance on all points of sailing – tracking well, both up and downwind. Above all, any Discovery is a yacht that looks after her crew when conditions would challenge lesser vessels.

Find out more at discoveryshipyard.com

7. Premier Sailing

Inspired by their award-winning Sail4Macmillan round-Britain cruise, Premier Sailing are launching The Capitals Race in August 2022. For The Capitals Race, a fleet of identical Sigma 38 racing yachts will race around the British Isles, visiting each capital city of the UK, in four week-long stages.

Whether it’s the grand departure under Tower Bridge, navigating the Hebridean islands, the vast Atlantic waters around Ireland, or the cliffs of the south coast, The Capitals Race has something for everyone.

With a maximum crew of eight people per yacht, the pre-race training allows everyone aboard to fill multiple roles, from helming to navigating, all under the supervision of an experienced racing skipper. There is always something to do, and nobody is left out.

It is a full-on seagoing challenge, at a reasonable cost, and without demanding too much of your time. You can take on as many stages as you wish, or as few, and enjoy the experience of being part of the crew of a competitive racing yacht.

Find out more at premiersailing.co.uk

8. Collingwood Boat Builders

Collingwood Boat Builders is the largest family-owned canal boat builder in the UK, with over 40 years’ of experience and knowledge.  

The Sailaway range, made for the DIY enthusiast, is the perfect solution for anyone looking to invest in a canal boat. Become involved in the building process and choose what amount of involvement you desire to have in your project.

Affordable luxury living, with a fully fitted range, is the ideal solution for someone who is looking to walk straight into a home, with interiors beautifully designed and pre-fitted ready for you to enjoy. There is also a range of stock boats available immediately for delivery.

Collingwood will provide you with a boat of distinction, an investment, a way of life, to turn your dream into reality. 

Find out more at collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk

9. United Kingdom Sailing Academy

UKSA is one of the world’s leading maritime training providers and their waterfront base on the Isle of Wight is the perfect setting to learn in. An RYA and MCA Centre of Excellence, UKSA offers a full range of professional maritime training, launching long-term careers in a growing industry with plenty of opportunities for employment.

UKSA’s flagship programme, the Superyacht Cadetship, has been designed for 18 to 25-year-olds and is a credible alternative to university for those looking to train as officers. The structured programme equips graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge and a realistic understanding of the superyacht industry.

Cadets ‘earn while they learn’ with periods of paid employment onboard superyachts interspersed with further training at UKSA. Growing numbers of young people are signing up thanks to the unrivalled support, all-inclusive facilities and ongoing industry guidance.

Find out more at uksa.org

10. Kraken Travel

Born from the desire to find sailing experiences that were more than the usual taverna hopping summer holidays, Kraken Travel was founded by CEO Henry Burkitt in 2017.

Kraken Travel source the most incredible nautical adventures from around the world, connecting adventure seekers with hand-picked travel operators. Using unparalleled insight, knowledge and network, they find the most innovative and unusual itineraries out there, listing them all in one place so that you to find your ideal ocean-going experience.

By working with local operators, they can ensure that you are always in safe hands. With local knowledge of the waters and surrounding landscapes, the skippers, crew and guides will make sure you get the most out of your nautical adventure, all the while learning about the natural environments you sail in and the communities that sustain them.

Find out more at kraken.travel

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

The post Get on board these 10 top companies for all your sailing needs appeared first on Checklists.

1. The Folio Society Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Want to feel old? Jurassic Park the film was released 28 years ago… To mark the 30^th anniversary of the novel comes this this spectacular new edition from The Folio Society; the ultimate introduction to the irresistibly compelling world that Michael Crichton created. It sparked a global sensation when it was first published, and went on to become a Steven Spielberg movie that broke box office records; paving the way for four successful sequels and with a fifth due for release in 2022. 

Vector That Fox has created six electrifyingly dramatic and anatomically correct illustrations using a dramatic theme-park-inspired palette and lush jungle backdrop. Palaeontologist Steve Brusatte, who specialises in the anatomy and evolution of dinosaurs, worked closely with Folio and the artist to ensure that the illustrations were accurate as well as visually stunning. Even the slipcase offers a surprise, covered in a scaly ‘dinosaur skin’. Every special design detail makes this the ultimate introduction to the prescient world Crichton created.

Find out more: foliosociety.com

2. Elemis The Ultimate Pro-Collagen Essentials Collection

Looking for a skincare line-up to help with anti-ageing? Experience the power of marine-charged actives with this ultimate Pro-Collagen collection. The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm dissolves make-up, daily grime and pollutants, used with the Luxury Cleansing Cloth for a nourished and renewed complexion.
For the day, replenish and moisturise with the anti-ageing Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. This clinically-proven formulation blends a powerful combination of ingredients to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in 14 days. The new Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix works throughout the night replenish the complexion; while the Pro-Collagen Marine Oil delivers maximum hydration – while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, complete your routine with Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks, to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Find out more: uk.elemis.com

3. Park Christmas Savings

I know, saying the ‘C’ word this early in the year seems ludicrous, however, planning ahead when we don’t yet know what 2021 holds certainly seems to make financial sense. Park Christmas Savings helps over 350,000 families make their Christmas more affordable – and planning for the festivities couldn’t be easier. How much you pay-in is up to you – just a little each week or month can soon build up towards your dream Christmas. There’s a fantastic range of gift cards and vouchers to choose from – it’s all you need to keep your family traditions alive. Easy to set up and manage online or in the Park App, it stops you resisting the temptation to dip into a Christmas pot or account. Simply set a financial goal, picking your preferred gift cards or vouchers once you’ve saved up the amount, then start shopping in the knowledge you won’t be paying off huge credit card bills come January.

Find out more: getpark.co.uk

4. Epson EH-TW7000 Home Cinema Projector

With cinemas open one minute and shut the next, why not bring the movie-watching experience home with your very own 4K projector? Providing a big screen experience, the EH-TW7000 projects a display of up to 500 inches. With the projector’s 4K PRO-UHD technology it’s easy to achieve a bright and vivid image, which can be further enhanced using the adjustable HDR settings. Even in well-lit environments, the model has a high brightness of 3,000 lumens and delivers a sharp image, along with clearly-defined shadow details and deep blacks. It’s going to last you, too – it claims you can watch a movie on the big screen every day for the next seven years, meaning you certainly get your money’s worth!

Find out more: epson.co.uk

5. Enuff Skully 7.75 Complete Skateboard

Big and little kids alike will love the range of skateboards available from Skates. In particular we love their Enuff Skateboard line-up, established throughout the UK as a reliable, affordable brand. Enuff’s vision was to create a top level of boards that were fun and affordable, without letting people down when it comes to quality. Focussing their efforts on being environmentally-friendly, they source the maple used for their decks from regenerative forests, in order to minimise the damage of deforestation. Most importantly the brand wants to support the UK scene by bringing awareness to young, unknown skaters, previously including the likes of Sam Bosworth, Alex Halford and Pete Adams.

Checklist likes the Enuff Skully Complete, an entry level skateboard in two fantastic character-inspired graphics. Available in full size and mini, this is ideally suited to all young riders looking to get their first proper taste of the sport.

Find out more: skates.co.uk

6. NASA Retro Galaxy Lava Lamp

Know a kid – or adult! – obsessed with space? Gift them this incredible lava lamp with a difference, which has been officially licensed by NASA! The Retro Galaxy Lamp is a perfect light for all space-enthusiasts – dare we say out of this world – shaped like a rocket it grabs attention in any room. 

The lamp stands 50cm tall with NASA branding throughout. Plus, in a spin back to the good-old days, the lava moves around when the lamp is on. The mesmerising and captivating lava draws you in for hours, helping you or your child unwind, relax and drift off to a galaxy far far away. Suitable for all ages, from space-loving toddlers who want an awe-inspiring room, to star-glazers and those who love a little retro style; one thing’s for sure, with this adorable lamp you will never be out of space. You might even love it to the moon and back. OK, we’ll stop now…

Find out more: thumbsup.com

7. The Whisky Exchange Special Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Whisky is the perfect gift for any adult partial to the spirit, regardless of the occasion or time of year. A specially selected sherry-matured whisky from Ben Nevis distillery, it’s been bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange as part of their range of personalised label drams. Rich and fruity, it balances sherry-cask fruit against orchard and zesty citrus. Baked apples, juicy sultanas and caramel kick things off, before more citrus notes develop: think grapefruit and lime zest mixed with the rich flavours of Belgian milk chocolate. The new addition brings the number of personalised whiskies available from The Whisky Exchange up to six. The range also includes a 25-year-old Lowland single grain whisky and a 10-year-old Islay whisky. Each bottle can be personalised with a message in nine striking label designs, making them the ideal gift for the whisky-lover in your life.

Find out more: thewhiskyexchange.com

8. Puro Sound Lab PuroGamer Headphones

Gaming enthusiasts can be quite particular about their headphones – and that’s where these PuroGamer offerings come in.

Designed specifically for gaming, they boast a slick design, as well as high quality audio through both sound and an omnidirectional, noise cancelling microphone. In keeping with the rest of the Puro Sound Labs range, the headphones are also volume limited to 85 dB, ensuring no damage to gamers’ hearing health while they are playing for long periods of time. Whether Fortnite is the game of choice or a FIFA match is preferred, the 50mm graphene driver and response equaliser provide a balanced and safe sound, so gamers can fully enjoy the experience. Additionally, the PuroGamer headphones have 75% ambient noise isolation at 1kHz, to allow gamers to shut out the rest of the world while they play. The LED lighting on the ear cup also ensures the headphones stand out while playing, when plugged into the USB connection.

Buy Puro Sound Lab PuroGamer Headphones

9. E-Trends City E-Bike

Want to invest in a new bike that helps you out when the terrain gets a little tough? City is thoughtfully designed to be adaptable; whether you want to pop to the local shops, meet up with friends, commute to work or enjoy a long weekend ride with the family. With a two-year warranty, this step-through, unisex design includes 26” wheels with double wall aluminium rims, plus a front carrier, basket and rear pannier for those essential items on your trip. 

Making it your ideal ride is easy, with six-speed Shimano gears you can change up or down to suit your speed or terrain. Take control and make your journey even more comfortable with the adjustable handlebars and adjustable sprung saddle.

Staying safe is also no problem, with the LED front and rear lights and front and rear mud guards to reduce splash back. Whether you’re enjoying the weekend on two wheels or making your way into work, the City bike is the perfect choice for the style conscious cyclist.

Find out more: e-trends.co.uk

10. Paxton & Whitfield The Windsor Cheese & Wine Hamper

Luxury hampers delivered to your door were made for lockdown days – in particular the line-up from the UK’s oldest cheesemonger, Paxton & Whitfield. Featuring the finest artisan cheese; expertly paired with crackers, accompaniments and some with wines; the hampers all include reusable ice packs for a chilled delivery, not to mention a free Paxton & Whitfield gift card; printed with the customer’s personal message.

Checklist can’t wait to dive in to this Windsor selection, offering a bundle of cheese, wine and fine food goodies. Containing Oaties Original, Multiseed & Pepper Cracker Bakes, Spiced Plum Chutney, Dorset Goat, Celtic Soft, Cheddar Pounder PDO*, Cherry, Orange & Almond Milk Chocolate Clusters, Côte De Duras White Wine, Côte De Duras Red Wine and a Paxton & Whitfield Slate Board & Chalk Set; order this and you’ll be in a blissful cheese and wine coma for days to come.

Find out more: paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

The post 10 of the best gifts to enjoy for every birthday, milestone and special occasion appeared first on Checklists.

1. Choc Affair Chocolate Tasting Experience

Keen to increase your knowledge of chocolate (and by that we don’t mean distinguishing your Cadbury from your Nestlé)? This at-home Chocolate Tasting Experience from Choc Affair has been created to enjoy at home with up to six family members, guiding you through six single origin dark chocolates and – better still – showing how to pair them with wine! All chocolate used is palm oil-free, vegan and sustainability and ethically-sourced. Presented in a beautiful gift set and handmade in York, it’s definitely one for the epicurean chocoholic, as you’ll be tasting an array of increasing cocoa percentages, from 64% cocoa solids – all the way to a Colombian 100%! Each set contains six 65g single origin dark chocolate bars, a tasting information booklet, a tasting board and six tasting journals and aroma wheels, meaning you can record all your thoughts as you enjoy the experience.

Find out more: choc-affair.com

2. VonHaus VonChef 1000W Rotating Waffle Maker

With many of us WFH these days, a mid-week breakfast no longer has to mean simply grabbing a cereal bar before our painful commute to the office. Instead, why not utilise that extra time by enjoying filling and tasty waffles to keep you going until lunch? The VonHaus VonChef 1000W Rotating Waffle Maker allows you to evenly spread waffle batter during the cooking process, for better-tasting and better-looking results. Creating a strong seal to minimise the chance of leaks, you can even rotate the machine using the cool-touch handle to evenly spread the batter for a perfect finish.

Its variable temperature control dial offers a range of settings, so you can cook your waffles to your precise preferences. Its non-stick plates make waffles easy to remove from the machine – plus there’s even a removable drip tray and non-slip feet to keep the machine in place.

Buy VonHaus VonChef 1000W

3. Riverford Organic Large Seasonal Veg Box

It can be all too tempting to buy all your fruit and veg at your local supermarket – but why not take advantage of having the freshest and most seasonal of produce delivered straight to your door? At Riverford everything they produce and sell is 100% organic, with seasonal fruit and veg slow grown for the very best flavour. Fresh from the farm, there’s zero air freight, plus it’s guaranteed to be free from GM, artificial pesticides and artificial fertilisers. There’s less packaging, too – and none wherever possible – and any packaging they do use is sustainably sourced and home compostable. With this in mind why not try the Large Seasonal Veg Box – ideal for families or keen cooks, this large box is bursting with 10 varieties of freshly-picked veg. You’ll get potatoes every week, plus carrots or onions, alongside seasonal treats like crisp sugar snap peas and asparagus.

Find out more: riverford.co.uk

4. Macknade Spanish Kitchen Hamper

Who knows at the time of writing whether we’ll be allowed to venture overseas this year – so why not bring the taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with this stunning Spanish Kitchen hamper from Macknade?

For decades, Macknade has enthralled and inspired foodies with its delicious English, Italian and Spanish influences, consistently showcasing the finest-quality goods and excellent service throughout. Macknade is now an intrinsic part of the wider community, and has grown from a local farm shop to the leading independent lifestyle brand it is today.

Its delicious Spanish Kitchen hamper contains a La Iseal 26cm Paella Pan, Calasparra Paella Rice 1kg, Odysea Flame Roasted Red Peppers, Hot Smoked Paprika, Olives et Al Lemon & Coriander Olives, Paso A Paso Tempranillo and a Divine Deli Spanish Tapas Dish. It’s everything you need to make the perfect paella – you can even enjoy a glass of wine and graze on some tapas while you cook!

Find out more: macknade.com

5. Hedgepig Tasting Gin Kit For Two

Want to gen up on your gin (try saying that after a few too many glasses)? This fantastic Hedgepig Tasting Kit for Two is the perfect way to boost your knowledge of the good stuff. Delivered straight to your door, the pack contains a bottle of each of the four Hedgepig flavours – Bullace and Quince, Cambridge Gage, Zesty Elderflower and Glorious Gooseberry – together with four Fever-Tree mixers, giving you the perfect way to sample these irresistible gin liqueurs. Once the kit arrives, pull up a chair, grab some garnishes and tune into Hedgepig’s 40 minute virtual tasting experience. Here, Ginmeister Stephen will tantalise your tastebuds as he guides you through the botanicals of the individual drinks, explaining why they make such fine pudding gins, and revealing why the brand’s often to be found on their hands and knees rummaging around hedgerows.

To cap it all, a donation from each sale will be made to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on your behalf – with rapidly-dwindling numbers, these little fellows need all the help they can get.

Find out more: pinkstergin.com

6. Ella’s Kitchen Cheesy Tomatoey Pizza

Have all the lockdowns got you struggling to find inspiration for your fussy little eaters at home? Or are you finding it hard to rustle up a nutritious meal thanks to home schooling and trying to work full-time? Us too. Luckily help is at hand in the form of well-known food brand Ella’s Kitchen, who’ve just introduced their Cheesy Tomatoey Pizza to the line-up. The perfect healthy and tasty twist on a family favourite, this vegetarian pizza is the latest addition in the Big Kids line up, packed full of tasty goodness and made with the same care as you would at home. Formulated with 100% natural ingredients, with no added sugar, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, it boasts a gluten-free cauliflower base, is topped with tomato sauce, crammed full of veggies and sprinkled with British Cheddar. Each box also contains two pizzas for big kids to enjoy, which cooks in just 20 minutes from frozen.

Find out more: ellaskitchen.co.uk

7. Nick Munro 24 Piece Duetto Cutlery Set

Any lover of fine food and drink knows that the aesthetic experience of a great meal is just as important as the ingredients themselves. Good linen, stylish crockery and gorgeous glass-wear all come in to play, as does the cutlery you choose to eat your carefully-prepared feast with. That’s where British engineer and artist Nick Munro comes in, with his 24 Piece Duetto Cutlery Set the perfect accompaniment to each and every mealtime. Made from 18/10 stainless steel –to resist rust and hold polish – it’s been designed as part of a collaboration with the world-renowned Bugatti Italy. The collaboration was borne after a meeting at the Frankfurt Trade Fair, when the Chief Exec of Casa Bugatti (one of the leading designing and manufacturing houses in Europe) approached Nick to ask if he’d ever thought of designing cutlery. The response was an emphatic yes – as you can see for yourself with this set comprising six table forks, six table knives, six tablespoons and six coffee spoons.

Find out more: nickmunro.com

8. Smeg VIVOscreen Connected Oven

Oven looking past its prime? Smeg’s VIVOscreen connected oven boasts the perfect combination of aesthetic and functionality. The bigger, full-colour display with all-new graphics, exciting new functions and greater ease of use make for a seriously stylish and intuitive model. Hold down any item on the display for three seconds for a pop up to appear, explaining its function. If you prefer to create your own recipes, the My Recipes section even allows you to store up to 64 of your favourite dishes in the memory of the oven itself! To ensure perfect cooking every time, a temperature probe is included which monitors the core temperature of the food, allowing complete control over your cooking and personalised results just to your liking. What’s more, the VIVOscreen ovens work in conjunction with the new dedicated SmegConnect app, which can be used to control your appliances remotely from your chosen handheld device

Find out more: smeguk.com

9. The Cookaway Recipe Box

Fancy a date night at-home that doesn’t involve just reaching for your phone to order a greasy takeaway? Instead reignite your love for home cooking and tantalise those tastebuds in the process with this range of range of meat, fish and dairy-free options from subscription-free recipe box service The Cookaway. Perfect for adventurous cooks, all of The Cookaway’s healthy recipe boxes have been created by chef May Simpkin, and are designed to make you fall in love with her simple but delicious way of eating for life. May has a Masters in Personalised Nutrition and has worked with hundreds of clients, supporting them develop healthy eating habits through one-to-one consultations and educational workshops. Recipe boxes are available for delivery across the UK, with prices starting at £18 for a two-person recipe box, including free delivery. We’ve got our eyes on this Zesty Chimichurri Mackerel with Lemony Green Lentil Salad…

Find out more: thecookaway.com

10. Stellar Sabatier IS Knife Block Set

Ever watched an episode of Come Dine With Me and cringed at the sight of a contestant cutting an apple with a substandard bread knife? If, like us, you’re a bit of a knife snob, you’ll know all about the reputation that comes with owning a set of Stellar Sabatiers. A combination of the heritage and long-standing reputation of Sabatier with the timeless quality of Stellar, this IS Knife Block Set offers quality and tradition in each of its five knives. Designed for professional-standard weight, balance and safety, it features distinctive traditional black handles and has secure spun-solid handle rivets. Dishwasher safe and with a Stellar lifetime guarantee, the set includes a paring knife, utility knife, carving knife, bread knife (not for apples!) and a cook’s knife.

Find out more: horwood.co.uk

The post The Checklist top 10 epicurean essentials for all the foodies out there appeared first on Checklists.

With the past year well and truly behind us it’s time to properly step up when it comes to caring for your health. Sure, COVID-19’s not gone away, but if you stay safe and take care of yourself from the comfort of your own home or surroundings you can emerge from this pandemic a truly fitter and better you…

1. TRUCONNECT by TV.FIT

The brand new TRUCONNECT by TV.FIT app provides affordable, flexible fitness and behavioural solutions from the comfort of your own home. Now users around the globe can stream hundreds of workouts directly to their smartphone, tablet or TV, whether you’re looking for kids’ fitness for younger family members, or pre- and post-natal workouts for mums or mums-to-be. All programs are adaptable – with modifications available to suit all skill levels – and there’s even access to over 45 e-books for improving body and mind.

With workouts ranging from HIIT and yoga to barre and circuit training, dedicated Silver Sessions for seniors also feature, delivered by fitness hall of famer and former World Karate Champion, Dean Hodgkin. In addition, the app hosts an impressive array of exclusive content from celebs including Gemma Atkinson, Gorka Marquez, Jessica Wright and Helen Flanagan.

Find out more: TRUCONNECT

2. Leg Master

At the time of writing (lockdown #3) it’s hard to know when’s best to invest in an annual gym membership. Instead, why not fork out for some home fitness equipment you can use regardless of what Bojo tells us we can and can’t do? The Leg Master promises a full body workout in less than 60 seconds, focusing on strengthening and tightening the pelvic floor, inner thigh and buttocks. Using over 200 muscles, it works by using your own bodyweight to provide classic strength training, and is proven to tone and sculpt tricky-to-train areas.

Studies into The Leg Master have shown it can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass similar to traditional strength training. It also engages the lower abdominals and the lower back, and, with the addition of the new flexible handlebar, helps to tones the upper arms, upper back and chest.

Find out more: Leg Master

3. Marodyne LiV

Three million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from osteoporosis, with one in two women and one in five men expected to break a bone each year. Keeping your bones healthy has therefore never been more important, with Marodyne LiV’s low vibrating platform potentially being the answer to all your problems. 

Originally built for NASA to help astronauts overcome osteoporosis after spending time non-weight-bearing in space, Marodyne LiV is the world’s first clinically-approved, non-invasive, drug-free option for people affected by the condition. Looking exactly like a set of bathroom scales, you simply stand on it for 10 minutes a day and allow the low intensity vibrations to stimulate your body’s cells, reforming bone and muscle tissue in the process. The minute you step on its ‘smart’ technology gets to work, automatically adjusting to your weight, mass and movement to produce low acceleration, high frequency vibrations that send signals to reactivate the bone-building cells in the body.

Find our more: Marodyne LiV’s

4. Tisserand Little Wellbeing Wonders

In these stressful times sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up to sort out your head space and get you back on track. That’s where Tisserand’s Little Wellbeing Wonders comes in, a four-pack of handy pocket-sized mood boosters in a range of scents dependant on how you feel.

To create a cloud of joy, calm, tranquillity or serenity, simply spritz your chosen mini mist around your space or onto your pillow and allow the aroma to settle your senses. There’s Happy Vibes MoodFix Mist, a blend of Lemon Tea Tree, Bergamot and Nutmeg 100% natural pure essential oils to help you wake up and shine; Total De-Stress MoodFix Mist, a blend of Geranium, Orange and Nutmeg 100% natural pure essential oils to help you let go of stress; Real Calm MoodFix Mist, a blend of Lavender, Bergamot and Patchouli 100% natural pure essential oils to help you find your inner calm; and Sleep Better Pillow Mist, a blend of Jasmine, Sandalwood and Lavender 100% natural pure essential oils to help you sleep soundly.

Find out more: Tisserand’s Little Wellbeing Wonders

5. LQ Collagen Joint Care MAX

Looking after your joints is not to be taken lightly, as many sufferers of arthritis and osteoarthritis will adhere to. That’s where LQ Collagen Joint Care MAX  comes in, a daily all-in-one joint care liquid collagen supplement in a delicious cherry flavour. Each shot contains high-quality key ingredients to deliver noticeable joint care support from the inside out. Boasting 2000mg of marine collagen – designed to help support healthy joints – other ingredients include Copper, which contributes to the maintenance of connective tissues; and Vitamin C, contributing to the normal function of bones and cartilage. They also absorb into the body more effectively than pills, with one 50ml shot containing the same amount of active ingredients as up to 10 tablets. We know what we’d rather swallow…

Buy LQ Collagen Joint Care MAX

6. Izzy Judd Mindfulness for Mums

This practical guide to mindfulness by author Izzy Judd offers simple daily exercises to help mums feel calm and connected to the world.

Bringing together a collection of simple and inspiring activities to help mothers find their own piece of calm, Mindfulness for Mums guides the reader through quick and easy self-care tips in the chaos of motherhood.

Alongside accounts of her own mental health experiences Izzy explains how to practice her 30 techniques – one for every day of the month – which are illustrated throughout. Unlike meditation, Izzy’s mindfulness exercises can be done while in a supermarket queue or even at bath time, making it easy to fit them into every day.

“I wanted to learn more about how mindfulness could support my children with their own emotional development,” says Izzy. “I was amazed to discover my daughter Lola started using the exercises without being prompted – and I began to realise the benefits mindfulness was having on all the family.”

Find out more: Mindfulness for Mums

7. ClassPass

After a fitness membership you can use in a number of health and wellness providers – as well as one that offers at-home workouts when COVID prevents you from exercising in a studio or gym? Founded in 2013, ​ClassPass​ partners with more than 30,000 pre-vetted exercise studios, health clubs and wellness premises to offer a broad range of digital and in-person classes. Including yoga, cycling, Pilates, strength training, boxing and more, in addition to workouts, members can instantly book inspiring wellness experiences, such as massages, acupuncture and spa treatments. Hoping to venture abroad this year? ClassPass have even got your exercise needs covered, with their membership including access to gyms and classes in over 30 countries across the globe! Plans and pricing structures varies based on your location – when signing up for a ClassPass membership, customers receive a monthly allotment of credits and use those credits to book any experiences they want.

Find out more: ClassPass

8. KYMIRA Sport Women’s Infrared IR50 Leggings

You might think the price point of this sportswear is a little more cash than you’d wish to part with – but you haven’t worn these leggings while training yet, have you? Designed to boost your recovery and keep you training hard, day in day out, the KYMIRA Sport Women’s Infrared IR50 Leggings incorporate a unique infrared technology, promoting blood circulation and cellular metabolism, along with increased oxygenation of the blood. The increased rate of removal of lactic acid from your muscles, paired with an improved rate of cellular repair and production, reduces the impact of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and other associated aches that you may experience after pushing your body to the limit.

The leggings’ flatlock stitching ensures you can run free of distracting rubbing or chafes, while the elasticated waistband is secure and flexible to prevent digging into your midsection. The fabric is breathable and quick drying, and the calves have a compressive fit, which boosts comfort and support.

Find out more: KYMIRA Sport Women’s Infrared IR50 Leggings

9. MuscleFood tailored meal plans

Carrying excess weight due to gym closures and lockdown comfort eating? You’re not alone! Luckily there’s a wide range of companies who’ll deliver healthy, nutritional meals to your door, getting you leaner and lighter in no time. For the gym-goer looking to shred some pounds while building and toning muscle, the MuscleFood Lean Machine plan is ideal. Designed to support workouts and aid muscle growth, it offers a wide selection of high-protein meals and snacks and can be bought as a five, six or seven day plan.  All you need to do is enter a few details online, such as your gender, height and weight, activity level and any allergies or food requirements. You’ll then be offered a choice of three plans, all of which include free online personal trainer support.

Not a gym bunny? Try the Super Slimmer plan instead. This offers a range of nutritious, calorie-balanced meals to help aid weight loss. From high-protein pizzas to Levi Roots Caribbean Salmon and Grenade’s White Choc and Salted Peanut protein bars, the vast meal selection means you won’t feel you’re missing out on your favourite foods.]

Find out more: Muscle Food

10. Ragdale Hall Wellness Experience

We all need a treat after what we’ve been through the past few months ­– something that’s relaxing and pampering as well as looking after your body and mind. That’s where Ragdale Hall comes in. This award-winning spa retreat is set within 13 acres of rolling Leicestershire countryside and boasts six pools and a variety of heat and water features. In particular Checklist loves their Wellness Experience, providing the choice of an exclusive holistic treatment as well as a further three treatments to ensure maximum benefit. Spread over five nights and six days, you’ll feel completely rebalanced and ready to reconnect with life. On this package you’ll enjoy either an Equilibrium Massage or Reiki, a Pure Radiance Facial, a Wake up Eye Treatment and Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation. You’ll also start each day with a delicious breakfast served in your bedroom or the Verandah Bar, as well as a three-course buffet lunch and relaxed three-course evening meal each night. We’ll see you there…

Find out more: Ragdale Hall Wellness Experience

The post The Checklist top 10 essentials to boost your health and fitness appeared first on Checklists.

Whatever family you have around you – and whatever stage of lockdown you find yourself in – there’s still a whole host of products and services here to help. From nursing essentials and toys to keep little ones amused, to home-schooling help and even how to prepare for your retirement, the following guide is here to help all family members get through this together…

1. Tilbea London Audrey Maternity Nursing Dress

Mum-to-be looking for the perfect statement maternity dress? Look no further than Tilbea London and their Audrey Maternity Nursing Dress, a gorgeous design complete with hidden nursing function.  The vibrant colour combination gives the elegant neckline and three quarter sleeve a helping of sass, while the subtle ruching on the waist make this the perfect pre- and post-baby dress.

Tilbea London was created after founders Claire and Nicky became pregnant for the first time, struggling to find nursing clothes that reflected their personalities. After huge success creating YouTube videos for new mums and mums-to-be, they realised they weren’t the only ones who wanted more from a maternity wardrobe than what the high street had to offer. As such all Tilbea London pieces are designed with either hidden nursing functions or easy access details. These carefully-designed touches help women on their exciting journey through pregnancy and beyond – and at affordable price points meaning they’re accessible to all.

Visit Tilbea London

2. Plum My First Wooden Playcentre

If you’ve been stuck at home with a toddler over the last few months you certainly have our sympathy. Spending days out entertaining them might not be an option right now, so why not invest the money you would have otherwise spent on farm parks and zoos with Plum Play’s My First Wooden Playcentre? The perfect outdoor treat for those 18 months and above, it encourages healthy, active play while aiding the development of gross and fine motor skills. Watch them climb the built-in wooden ladder to a raised platform where they can take in the views, before sliding down the four foot slide. There’s a colourful rock wall to make them feel on top of the world, before taking the cargo net down to the ground and starting the adventure again. They even have their very own den under the frame, with access through a colourful fabric door.

Visit Plum Play

3. Honey, I Home-schooled The Kids

If you’d have asked most parents over Christmas 2019 if they ever thought they’d home-school their kids – while working – you’d have pretty much got a ‘not on your Nelly’ response. Now look at us all. One such mum who did decide to do just that – five years ago to be precise – is Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha. Nadia, alongside her husband Mark, removed their two children from mainstream school after seeing them struggle with bullying and school phobia. Now, at a time when so many of us are having to adapt our roles as parents and teachers, they bring their experiences – both good and bad – with their book, Honey, I Home-schooled The Kids.

Offering a candid and practical guide to teaching at home, the book shares obstacles, insights and resources that all parents can learn from, whether they’re looking for help in supporting their child at school, or if they’ve decided that they would benefit more from being home schooled.

Buy Honey, I Home-schooled The Kids

4. The Den Kit Co The Nature Hideaway Kit

Fed up seeing your kids’ faces glued to a screen? We might have been told to ‘stay at home’ but that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside the box when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. The Den Kit Co The Nature Hideaway Kit is ideal for reigniting a love of nature in any child aged eight or above. Designed to inspire children to play imaginatively – while challenging their ingenuity and teaching new skills – inside the canvas duffle bag you’ll find a powerful monocular to spot wildlife, a ground sheet removing any wet weather excuses, camouflage netting to get up close to birds, animals and mini-beasts, plus a jotter book with spotter sheet, perfect for sketching and recording discoveries.

This is also a gift that gives back to nature; a minimum contribution of £2,000 from the sale of the kits will be made in support of the National Trust’s conservation work.

Buy The Den Kit Co The Nature Hideaway Kit

5. Learning Resources Artie 3000

Schoolwork – both at home and in the classroom – isn’t all about printing out a thousand worksheets dedicated to fractions and reading comprehension. Coding enthusiasts will love playing with Artie 3000, the award-winning coding robot that introduces children to real programming languages.

Artie puts the ‘A’ in STEAM, making coding relatable and fun for kids. Learn to code and get drawing with STEAM-style robotics to create visual masterpieces. Perfect for beginners and advanced coders, if you can code it, Artie 3000 can draw it! Children can start coding with Artie’s simple setup and pre-programmed designs, and learn with Drag & Drop, Remote Control, Point & Click, Blockly, Snap!, Python and JavaScript coding languages.

With its own built-in Wi-Fi server, no internet connection is needed. All kids need is a tablet or computer to control Artie, testing the programme on the online simulator, before setting Artie on a sheet of paper and watch as he draws what’s been programmed.

Buy Artie 3000

6. Lascal Mini BuggyBoard Woodland Animals

A trip to the shops with a sleeping baby and a just-walking toddler might seem cute at first, but just wait until the toddler refuses to walk any further and you don’t have the pushchair space available. Step forward Lascal’s Mini BuggyBoard in this cute Woodland Animals design; a ride-on platform that fits more than 99% of pushchairs, prams and strollers. Instantly eradicating the hassle out of new year walks, it’s an affordable, practical and safe alternative to a double pushchair, creating a platform on which an older sibling can stand when their legs get tired. With a large anti-slip surface, side protection, reflective decals and a firm, comfortable platform, the BuggyBoardkeeps your child safely between your arms in crowds and high traffic areas. Going around corners, over kerbs and through doorways is also easy with BuggyBoard’s precision engineering and built-in suspension. Plus, when not in use, the BuggyBoard simply hooks up and out of the way.

Buy Woodland Animals design

7. Micro-Scooter Sprite Classic LED Micro Scooter

Want to nip to the shops for a pint of milk but your kid refuses to walk? Leave the car keys at home and get them on the move with this brilliant scooter from Micro-Scooter. Suitable for aged five to 12 years, this two-wheeled scooter now comes with LED light up front and back wheels. Its smart LED tech uses induction energy to turn the power kids create as they scoot into bright white light, meaning no batteries and no fuss! Whether building up speed or negotiating obstacles, kids can do it with ease thanks to the Sprite’s intelligent design. With adjustable handlebars for years of scooting fun, its lightweight aluminium frame offers the ultimate agility, while the perfectly-sized footplate is neither too big nor too small.

Buy Sprite Classic Led Micro Scooter

8. Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 Kids Fitness Tracker

With nearly a year of missed PE lessons and days out swapped for staying in, now it’s more important than ever to ensure your kids stay active. Sure, Joe Wickes is still helping out, but for those looking for more of an incentive why not try this brilliant Fitness Tracker from Garmin? Suitable for ages four and up, it boasts daily 60-minute activity goals and  offers built-in fun and educational games – unlocked through activities. Tracking their steps, as well as sleep and daily activities, its parental-controlled app monitors and assigns tasks and chores! It also has an ICE feature to add emergency contacts, is swim-safe up to 50m, and comes available in a range of bright colours and colour display has different watch face options.

Buy Fitness Tracker from Garmin

9. Studio Creator Video Maker

Got any kids at-home who, whether you like it or not, are desperate to be a successful YouTuber when they’re older? This Studio Creator Video Maker is the perfect tool for designing engaging content, leaving it looking just like one of their online idols. 

Everything you need to make your content look more professional is inside the box. It creates backgrounds you want in a few simple steps – just set up the Green Screen to give you the perfect backdrop and then edit in the background you want. It’s never been easier to create the atmosphere you want for your Instagram or YouTube video or TikTok dance, either. Use the adjustable tripod to hold your smartphone, then turn on the LED ring light which tilts 180° to get the perfect angle. You can even choose between three different light settings to enable you to create content day or night.

Buy Studio Creator Video Maker

10. My Pension Expert

Kids flown the nest and busy with families of their own? Once you’ve finished high-fiving at all the free time you’ve been given it’s time to pay some serious thought to your future, regardless of whether your retirement’s on the horizon or you’ve a few years left in employment. My Pension Expert is the UK’s highest-rated independent financial adviser, specialising in retirement. They specialise in providing independent advice to UK consumers about their pension plans, arranging millions of pounds of retirement income options each week.

Providing a service that takes the stress out of retirement planning, they offer advice on retirement finance products, from annuities to flexible drawdowns. Their team of qualified independent financial advisers takes the entirety of an individual’s financial situation into account, before making recommendations which suits their specific needs. The adviser then explains each option in a clear, jargon-free manner to ensure they make a well-informed decision about their financial future. They even take care of as much paperwork as possible, to ensure their client experiences minimal hassle.

To find more informationt: My Pension Expert

The post The Checklist top 10 family essentials, from starting a new life to enjoying your retirement appeared first on Checklists.

1. A slice of British history that’s always open

Castles are the most lasting symbol of British history and culture – so much that they’ve become somewhat unfashionable. If you live in England, there’s probably one not far from you, and you would probably drive past it without paying it the slightest attention.

But since the pandemic hit, they’ve undergone a revival. To many, they offer a local attraction that holds a bit more significance than just going for a walk – you may even be able to cram in a bit of historical education for the kids (or yourself).

English Heritage looks after more than 100 castles from the Scilly Isles to Berwick, so their online castle map is a good place to start. What’s particularly appealing about them right now is that, as outdoor locations, they are almost always accessible – in fact, English Heritage kept 19 of its sites open even during national lockdown. Be sure to book your visit in advance and comply with local guidelines.

2. Get out and about without leaving the car

This is the year of the drive-through attraction, given the safety factor that staying in your car provides. But it’s not all about drive-in movies – a lot more activities are now available to enjoy from behind the wheel.

Drive-in stand-up comedy, music concerts and even bingo are also taking place at sites nationwide. Companies such as @TheDriveIn and Drive & Dine Theatre led this trend during 2020 – it’s worth checking out their listings to see what they have planned next. Since most performers have been starved of opportunities, the calibre of comedian or musician they are able to attract has been excellent – and you may even be able to attend if you don’t have a car, thanks to the availability of private domes. Swanky!

If you want a totally different experience, opt for a drive-in safari to get close to wildlife without the need for a long-haul flight or a tour guide. Knowsley and Longleat are two well-known UK safari parks, but there are more than you think, so check online to see what’s near you.

3. Explore the urban environment

It might feel like it’s harder to safely get out and about in a city – but look beneath the surface and you’ll uncover hidden opportunities. There are free walking tours available in just about every major city in the world – some of them taking place daily.

If you’re in an unfamiliar place, these can be invaluable in giving you an insight into the city’s history, culture and key spots. But you’d be surprised how much you can discover about a city you’ve lived in for some time – it’s worth trying one and seeing. Plus, many walking tours have reworked themselves into a socially-distanced format.

Once thought of as the preserve of the backpacker or shoestring-budget tourist, free walking tours have grown in number and reputation as more and more people discover their appeal.

4. Upgrade your camping trip

Campsites are reporting record bookings for 2021 as British holidaymakers opt for a ‘staycation’ that meets a budget and allows them to avoid unnecessary contact or having to share facilities with other people, which you might get in a hotel or resort.

If your tastes are a little more upmarket, look for a glamping site where you can camp in style – in anything from a pod to a log cabin to a converted train carriage.

Alternatively, roam the country with a campervan holiday, which offers almost total freedom (in England you can only park overnight at a registered site, while in Scotland you can ‘wild camp’ on most unenclosed land, subject to local byelaws). You don’t have to spend a fortune on your own motorhome – van sharing sites allow you to rent other people’s campervans while they are unused.

5. Sail the British waterways

A boating holiday might conjure up images of a superyacht, but there are ways to spend time on the water without spending an extortionate amount – or even heading to the coast. Britain’s ample network of canals affords the opportunity for a narrowboat holiday – another experience that may have been out of favour for some time but is now undergoing a resurgence.

You don’t need a licence to operate a narrowboat, and if you rent one from one of the bigger waterway holiday companies, some steering tuition will come with the package. That said, a bit of planning will still go a long way – in terms of both your intended route and of waterway etiquette. Want a tip on where to go? Meander from Reading to Bristol along the Kennet and Avon Canal, or enjoy a peaceful, relatively lock-free cruise along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

6. Go remote without leaving the country

Who says you have to travel to the end of the earth to get a sense of isolation? A number of companies now specialise in secluded holidays in the UK – even the National Trust is getting on board. And while there are certainly wilder destinations to be found in the world, you can still get an off-the-grid feeling with just a few hours’ domestic travel.

The Scottish Highlands are where you’ll find the greatest number of suitable locations – for the ultimate experience, head to one of the lesser-visited Scottish islands such as Eigg or Rùm. But you don’t even have to travel that far. Find yourself a lakeside cottage in Cumbria, a farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales, explore the coastline in Pembrokeshire, or nestle in a hillside cottage in Devon.

7. Go overseas: The island holiday

What constitutes a ‘safe’ place in terms of COVID risk is down to debate, but islands have consistently rated as among the safest destinations since the pandemic began. That means there’s no better time for an island-hopping break – and the good news is you don’t need to travel too far to have one.

In Europe, Madeira is one location that’s been actively trying to attract the COVID-conscious tourist. Not far away in the Atlantic, the Canary Islands are a similarly appealing destination.

Of course, island holidays are always an option for those who really want to push the boat out too. Barbados, St Lucia, the Maldives and the Seychelles are all glamorous destinations that are open, welcoming tourists, and taking all necessary precautions.

8. Go overseas: The activity holiday

Activity or adventure holidays have always been popular among a subset of traveller. Now, their appeal is widening as their remote, outdoor nature takes on a universal appeal.

You don’t need to be a survival expert to enjoy an activity holiday – go walking in one of America’s many world-famous parks, or the Banff National Park in Canada, for a scenic challenge where you can still have a hot bath at the end of the day. If you have an affinity for water, head to South Africa for some world-class surf in the Eastern Cape, or diving in the Cape Town area. Closer to home, try skiing at Grenoble or Chamonix.

Most major holiday companies will offer specific packages catering to activity holidays, from the extreme to the family-friendly. The options are endless.

9. Go overseas: The off-the-beaten-track holiday

Take social distancing to the extreme – book a remote holiday in a destination that’s not found on most tourist lists, but nevertheless offers an ideal mix of adventure, culture and comfort. Throw a dart at a world atlas – or if that’s too random for your taste, take your pick from these three:

Costa Rica has a coastline on two oceans within a couple of hours’ journey of each other, but it’s the interior that will really amaze, with its breathtaking sights, long hikes and diverse wildlife.

Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls region is an alternative to the more obvious South African getaway that offers wildlife-spotting and river-cruising opportunities galore.

And while a south-east Asian trip may be a backpacking standard, Laos is still relatively untouched in this region. It’s got all the history and sights, but with fewer tourists.

10. Do it the right way: Sustainable travel

As reducing our impact and preserving the world’s resources becomes more important, more and more prospective travellers are looking for ways to ensure their trip doesn’t harm either the environment or the destination.

The most obvious way to do this is to reduce the carbon footprint of the trip, since travel accounted for an estimated 8% of global emissions before 2020. Sustainable choices, such as choosing short- over long-haul destinations, can mitigate this, but ultimately you’ll want to look into a carbon offsetting scheme. These have grown enormously in the last decade – have a look at Gold Standard or Climate Action Reserve to see what kinds of initiative you can fund.

The post 10 social distancing-friendly travel ideas appeared first on Checklists.

1. Smartphones are getting smarter

Mobile phones are taken for granted, but their rate of advancement is nothing short of astonishing – from monophonic ringtones to making the sum total of the world’s knowledge available at the touch of a button, all in around 10 years. These days it’s easy to think that we’ve seen all the major advancements in smartphone tech, and the latest releases are just small upgrades designed to make us part with cash. Think again – we’re about to see some serious disruptions to the market.

At CES 2021, LG gave us a glimpse of its rollable smartphone – a concept that might become a reality, rather than just a concept, this year. Oppo also unveiled a rollable phone, which uses two small motors to ‘unfurl’ its digital screen. More than just feeling futuristic, this could be of serious benefit for presentations or creative work, when you could do with a bigger canvas.

2. Tech to keep you fit and healthy

It’s fairly likely that you already own a Fitbit, Apple Watch or one of the many other fitness-tracking devices on the market – which are designed not only to track your activity, but to subtly (or not-so-subtly) encourage you to exercise more and build it into your daily routine. These days, health tech goes far deeper than that – from 3D-printed prosthetics to AI-powered imaging, new technologies are driving the future of health, fitness and self-care.

Wondering how this will affect you? The answer is that there’s a new wave of health care and monitoring services making their way into your home in a non-intrusive way, through gadgets and apps. Anura is an app available on iOS and Android that can assess your health based only on a photo – and it’s expanding to gauge blood pressure as well. Another app, GP At Hand, allows you to video call a GP. Home blood pressure and glucose monitoring kits are also coming to the market; these can incorporate automatic alerts and even a voice assistant.

3. Amplify your well-being with the right headphones

Given how much time we all spend wearing headphones these days, you may as well make sure you have the right set – or, more likely, sets. For work and video calls, a good set of noise-cancelling headphones is best. There are many brands out there, catering to different tastes and budgets – but if you’re looking for somewhere to start, the Sony WH-1000XM3s have won several awards and have come down in price over the last year.

Don’t wear them for everything, though – for exercise, you’ll need a dedicated set of in-ear running headphones, which are moisture-resistant and secure enough to stay in place. Of the big brands, the Sennheiser CX Sport and Powerbeats 3 are good starting points.

Of course, headphone tech is evolving all the time. We mentioned rollable phones – well, you can get rollable headphones too, though these are more conventional, inspired by a roll-up metal watch strap. They’ll cost a penny or two, but you can’t deny they are rather unique.

4. Surprising uses for VR

Virtual reality has been one of the most talked-about emerging technologies of the last few years, but there’s still a preconception that it’s just for video gaming. In fact, it’s in use across almost every industry – a study found that 75% of the Forbes Most Valuable Brands are using VR or augmented reality for one purpose or another.

Major automotive companies use VR to design and test new parts before they’ve even been made. Architects are using it as a souped-up version of 3D modelling. Travel companies are creating ‘virtual holidays’ to encourage prospective customers to buy the real thing. VR is even in use in the healthcare system, after its therapeutic benefits were highlighted.

Even at home, you can find uses of VR for exercise, health and education. So a headset might not be such a frivolous buy after all.

5. Not sure which voice assistant to get?

Alexa, set a timer. Siri, turn that light off. OK Google, tell me a joke. We’ve formed a whole cultural language around the weird and wonderful interactions we have with our voice assistants. But as their software grows and integration increases, it’s worth thinking more seriously about using one, getting the most out of it, and which one is right for you.

Comparisons between the major options are rife, but in brief: Amazon Alexa offers the most comprehensive integration with smart-home devices, and as an Amazon product, also offers seamless voice-activated shopping (which is handy – but dangerous). Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri, on the other hand, will offer better smartphone support, depending on whether you have an iOS or Android phone.

Can’t decide which one to go for? You could always hedge your bets with a smart speaker like the SONOS ONE, which support both Google and Amazon’s voice assistants. You’ll be having conversations for days.

6. Everything is smart – including your house

If you’re an existing user of a smart speaker, you’ll be no stranger to their ability to interface with other connected objects in your home, effectively allowing you to control them all through one device.

The best-known uses of this are also the most universally helpful: controlling your heating system through Tado or Google Nest, or changing the tone and brightness of your lighting with Philips Hue. Get into the routine of adjusting these, and you’ll save on bills as well as improving the ambience of your home.

But it doesn’t stop there. As the ‘Internet of Things’ grows, everything is connected, from fridges to doorbells. Smart table? You can fund one right now. Smart toothbrush? They’re quite common, actually. Smart egg tray? Yep.

7. Become a ‘smartographer’ with the right tech

For a while it’s been a common preconception that ‘true’ photographers use a DSLR camera while less-skilled wannabes use a smartphone. 2021 could be the year when we cast that notion aside, as the quality of top-of-the-range smartphone cameras today is astonishing.

The phone with the most high-spec camera is the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, with a 108MP f/1.8 rear camera paired with a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens. It’s also got a telephoto lens, offering 5x optical zoom.

Another top-notch camera set-up is found on the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, which pairs a 50MP rear camera with 20MP f/1.8 ultrawide, 5x optical zoom, and a depth-sensing 13MP front camera – an enviable degree of versatility. 

Apple aficionados will gravitate to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which boasts class-leading low-light and HDR photography on top of its triple 12MP cameras.

And it’s not just photography – photo editing on smartphones has also come on in leaps and bounds. Adobe Photoshop Express is available for free and gives you an impressive range of parameters and dynamic effects to adjust.

8. Lockdown tech: Gadgets that clean surfaces – and themselves

We’re all cleanliness freaks now. Cleaning and sanitising surfaces doesn’t specifically stop coronavirus, it can certainly help limit its spread as part of a wider routine of hand-washing, mask-wearing and space-making.

Before you reach for the spray bottle and cloth, you’ll be pleased to know there’s new cleaning tech making its way onto the market – specifically UV cleaning lights. UV-C light is effective against a range of bacteria, which has led to a proliferation of handheld UV sanitisers. They’re lightweight and versatile – just remember they aren’t a substitute for the regular COVID protocols you’re familiar with. Or if you can’t be bothered with any cleaning routine whatsoever, you can now buy everyday objects that clean themselves – such as this self-cleaning water bottle. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, it can also maintain the temperature of a hot drink for 12 hours.

9. Lockdown tech: Make video calls more bearable

It looks like video conferencing is here to stay – so you may as well get the best possible viewing experience, thanks to a high-quality monitor. These days, there are monitors specifically designed for videoconferencing – such as HP’s E27d G4, which comes with a pop-up webcam, a built-in speaker bar, and integrated microphones, all of which will cut out the faff plugging in USB devices and rearranging wires.

Going higher up the price ladder, a curved monitor will deliver a premium experience for any video work: calls, watching or editing. The BenQ EX3510R is designed for “video enjoyment” and is wider than most standard monitors, meaning you can fit a Zoom window and a presentation on screen at once.

Or look at the product from a new angle (literally): Samsung’s S22E45KMS offers full rotation so you can turn the screen vertical – almost like a giant smartphone. Ideal for video calls with people in portrait mode… or watching TikTok videos.

10. Lockdown tech: Yes, there are smart masks now

Every company has tried to contribute to anti-COVID efforts in some way, and gaming company Razer’s effort is its ‘smart mask’ prototype. It’s translucent so you can see the wearer’s mouth moving, and comes with an integrated amplified – no more struggling to make out what people are saying. The built-in ventilator also filters out 95% of bacteria, according to the manufacturer.

Sadly, the Razer mask isn’t actually out yet. In the meantime, check out some other options, including LG’s Puricare wearable air purifier, which uses two H13 HEPA filters to deliver clean air. Every part of it is replaceable and recyclable, which is a nice touch.

The post 10 bits of tech you won’t want to live without appeared first on Checklists.

THE WORD ‘ORDINARY’ simply does not exist in Andrew Martin’s lexicon. Ever since the design emporium’s inception more than 40 years ago, it has ensured that visiting its showrooms or browsing its webstore is more akin to journeying through an Aladdin’s Cave, than a conventional shopping experience.

A key element in the brand’s characterful design narrative is its contemporary art collection. At over 400 pieces strong and ever-increasing, it is as richly varied as it is bold. From sleek plexiglass photography and nostalgic neon posterboards to dazzling fruit sculptures and limited-edition masterpieces, each artwork is designed to make a statement.

For more information: click here

Cook beautifully with Bertazzoni

OOZING WITH THE STYLE, QUALITY and flair you’d expect from a premium Italian brand, Bertazzoni kitchen appliances are handmade in the ‘gastronomic capital’ of Northern Italy – Emilia Romagna – a geography steeped in the ingredients and recipes that have made Italian cooking world famous.

For more than 135 years, Bertazzoni’s beautifully engineered products have helped people across the globe to bring the best homecooked food to the family table.

Created with a unique fusion of design and engineering, Bertazzoni appliances are stylish and elegant. The Professional Series is the brand’s signature design, complete with distinctive features including elegant knobs, ergonomically- designed handles and sophisticated finishes.

Available in both freestanding and built-in formats, appliances within Bertazzoni’s Professional Series include range cookers, ovens, hobs, fridge freezers, dishwashers and ventilation systems.

For more information: click here

Flying the flag for handmade British iron beds

ESTABLISHED NEARLY TWO decades ago, the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company was setup on a simple ethos of ‘hand crafted quality iron beds, guaranteed to last a lifetime’ and are the only iron bed maker recognised by The Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Handcrafted to your custom requirements, within their workshop on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. A first and second-generation family company, the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company off ers you the opportunity to tailor-make your very own bedtime retreat. From what started out as a small collection of simple and timeless iron beds, this Norfolk company now offers a wide range of styles; which would suit any modern day or traditional home. But don’t be fooled by their name! As they also lovingly handcraft beds of the contemporary kind. Featuring a selection inspired by the Art- Deco era, available in polished nickel and now an exclusive range of copper beds.

With many of us now working from home, the bedroom has become our very own exclusive sanctuary; where we can escape the stresses of the day. So, Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company encourages you to make this family company an integral part of your bedtime routine, with their range of handmade beds, luxuriously comforting mattresses and all-natural bedding. Their beds are more than just a bed, they are true works of craftsmanship. Guaranteed for a lifetime and an absolute investment, that can accompany you with every house move you make.
Definitely destined to become a family heirloom!

For more information: Click here

Saving the world from bottled water

BIBO IS YOUR ALL-IN-ONE solution for unlimited, filtered boiling and chilled drinking water. Designed to sit neatly on your worktop, the BIBO simply connects to a cold-water supply and transforms your tap water into an unlimited source of safe, delicious tasting water.

The BIBO’s filtration system contains a carbon block filter and UV lamp, which extract the bad stuff that can often find its way into your tap water, such as heavy metals, microplastic particles and bacteria.

Perfect for making cups of tea, pots of coff ee or simply a refreshing glass of chilled water, the BIBO offers the convenience of pure, temperature- controlled water on demand. Say goodbye to waiting for the kettle to boil and rid your home of plastic bottled water – save time and energy whilst helping the environment.

Join over 4,000 UK households who enjoy the lifestyle benefits of a BIBO!

For more information: Click here

Garden safety matters

WHEN THE AUTUMN AND WINTER rain arrives, the combination of lichen, white fungi, moss and algae, acquired over the years, can turn your patios and pathways into a death trap over the winter period. Worse, all this can be covered by layers of leaves – a hidden danger for both adults and children alike.

Patio Black Spot Remover® can make your stonework safe again in as little as two hours.

The product does all the work; Euchan2® Technology ensures the product is rapidly absorbed into the layers of organic growth, gently lifting the roots from the surface. After two hours , simply pressure wash to waste, leaving your garden stonework completely restored and safe to walk and play on.

Patio Black Spot Remover® has completely changed the perception of DIY patio cleaning performance by restoring the original colour, appearance, and therefore the value to your patios, paths and terraces – no matter how old, at a fraction of the cost of or renewing or replacing.

For more information: Click here

Breathtaking Italian stoneware

WHO DOESN’T LOVE TIME spent in a beautifully designed garden? Mattstone’s stunning marble composite statues, fountains, planters and ornaments guarantee a sophisticated Italian touch to your outdoor space.

Italian garden ornaments
Mattstone has been importing fine Italian garden marble composite ornaments for over 15 years. They pride themselves with the quality of their products and service. Cranes aid with deliveries in addition to pallet services, all fully insured.

Water fountain specialists
The dedicated team offers hands-on experience in the installation of superb decorative fountains. Get expert advice on choosing the right fountain for your home or public garden.

Stone balustrade
Garden and patio cement balustrade is manufactured in Mattstone’s Bedfordshire factory. Benefit from delivery throughout the UK.

For more information: Click here

A pizza oven that can’t be topped

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PIZZA has never been easier to make than with the Milano 750 2021. Fans of the classic dish will be left in a spin as Pizza Oven Supplies Limited have launched their latest model six months ahead of schedule.

Based in Stoke-on- Trent, the capital of the pottery industry, all of their oven range is hand made from recycled pottery materials.

These high alumna components, called kiln furniture, support the ware while it is fired. It’s then turned into firebrick grog, the ideal ingredient for the manufacture of pizza ovens.

While the proximity of their supplies helps keep costs down, the design factor pays just an important part. Following age old principals developed by medieval Italian mathematician, Fibonacci, director Nick Riley constantly tweaks his successful designs.

Buy now and get free delivery worth £140.

For more information: Click here

A Rew way of fashion

REW CLOTHING BRINGS into existence quirky and directional items of clothing and accessories that are really easy to wear. The no-fuss, no-tying scarf is Rew’s signature piece.

Also featured is the Poppy scarf whereby Rew will be donating £2 from the sale of every poppy scarf to the Royal British Legion. Disregarding obvious trends, the focus of Rew is to produce garments that may be worn and treasured over time. Quality is guaranteed and everything is made in Great Britain.

For more information: Click here

Modern, minimalist furniture

URBAN EDITIONS PRESENTS a unique collection of high-quality, customisable furniture with a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic, all designed and made to order in the UK using sustainable hardwoods including solid oak and walnut.

The furniture pieces can be tailored to individual specifications – choose the dimensions, legs, wood and finishes to create a custom design that best suits your space and style.

The Urban Editions collection has a clearly defi ned purpose, bringing together practical storage and function with contemporary lines and elegant design to create an adaptable, timeless range that is both useful and beautiful.

For more information: Click here

A novel way to buy discounted books

FIND THE PERFECT reading material for you at Books 4 People. This discounted bookstore off ers popular kids books at low prices for baby, toddlers, infants, junior, young teens, young adults, plus classics and educational books. Adult fiction includes classic

novels, comics, crime, thriller, mystery, novels, horror, romance, sci-fi and war. Non fiction comprises of academic, photography, audio, business, cook books, craft, health, home and garden, mind, body, spirit books.

For more information: Click here

The UK’s trusted installer of home efficiency measures

SPECIALISING IN HEATING SOLUTIONS within the home and cost saving Air Source Heat Pumps is what All Seasons Interiors does best. That’s why they are MCS, HIES accredited and partner installers of award-winning Mitsubishi products, helping to deliver eff ective, low carbon heating and hot water solutions to homeowners.

Government ECO Grants towards the cost of installations are available and the application process is as simple as completing a form on the website.

Discover more about one of the UK’s most trusted installers of home efficiency improvements.

For more information: Click here

Furniture that’s Off The Grain

UPDATE YOUR LIVING SPACE this autumn with an artisan, handmade piece of furniture or décor from Yorkshire-based Off The Grain.

The wide range of furniture is based on storage solutions for your home. Off The Grain strongly believes that furniture should be personal and made to order rather than being picked from a shelf.

The handcrafted ranges include monks benches, dining tables, shoe benches, coat racks, mantle beams, and computer desks, as well a range of storage solution-based furniture.

For more information: Click here

The post Be inspired to lead a happy, healthier and fulfilling home life – make your living space beautiful inside and out appeared first on Checklists.

WITH MANY OF US spending more time at home, it is the perfect time to invest in powering it from green self-generated energy and thus reduce your carbon footprint.

Installing solar panels is a great way to generate electricity to power your home, but if you generate more than you need, where does it go? For most solar owners it’s sent to the grid, and when solar generation ends for that day, energy will need to be re-purchased from the grid, often at a higher price. However, homes with the Optimised Solar Batteries from Moixa can store the excess energy, instead of exporting it, so you can use solar to power your home, day and night. Further cost-savings can also be made if you have a time-of-use tariff . So you can store both low-cost grid energy and solar energy to power your home, lowering your bills and increasing your renewable energy use.

Moixa off ers a range of optimised batteries and solar panels to suit the energy needs of every home. With batteries from Moixa, you will also be able to access the insightful data on your home energy generation and usage via Moixa Dashboard and app.

Take action on reducing your carbon footprint today with a Moixa optimised battery and solar panel installation. Talk to a Solar Storage Specialist to find the best solar energy and storage option for you.

For more information: click here

CBDology’s top three tips for getting the most out of your CBD oil

FIRSTLY, START WITH A LOW DOSE and work your way up. Some people are understandably tempted to jump straight in with large doses but they’re often wasting money doing this. CBDology recommends starting with two or three drops, two or three times a day and increasing very gradually over several days if required. There’s no point in using more CBD oil than is needed so take the time to find your sweet spot.

Secondly, hold the drops under your tongue for one to two minutes before swallowing. The longer the better. The bioavailability of CBD (the amount that reaches the bloodstream) is relatively poor through the stomach if directly swallowed. However, by holding the CBD oil under the tongue first, the CBD readily absorbs through the tissue there and into the bloodstream, dramatically increasing the amount of CBD entering your system.

Thirdly, don’t give up after just a couple of days. Some people are lucky enough to get very fast results from CBD but for many others it can take a number of days or even a couple of weeks for the benefi ts to really show up.

CBDology is a leading UK-based manufacturer of high quality CBD products. They off er an industry unique 30-day money back guarantee. If you’ve taken CBDology products daily for at least two weeks but don’t feel that you’ve benefited at all then just let them know within 30-days and they will refund you in full – no quibbles, no hard feelings.

For more information: Click here

What a relief! Soothe your aches and pains with solutions that respect both your health and the planet

WHOLYME BELIEVES IN THE POWER of natural ingredients to fuel our wellbeing. After personally experiencing the toll of a stressful lifestyle on body and mind, the female founders, armed with a background in genetics, embarked on a mission to revolutionise your approach to wellbeing by promoting a holistic approach. The young London company offers highly effective, all-natural and organic certified solutions to soothe stresses, aches and pains induced by day to day activities.

The WholyMe Relief Balm contains an innovative, highly potent formula of 12 natural ingredients that work to relieve tensions in muscles and joints. The balm does not contain any synthetic, harmful, or unnecessary substance, only active ingredients. For WholyMe founders, caring for oneself goes hand in hand with caring for the planet: every ingredient has been grown following the highest organic standards, every supplier
is certified organic, and the packaging is entirely recyclable.

WholyMe also offers CBD Relief Drops for a whole body and mind soothing effect, and Relief bath Salts to help with post-workout muscle recovery.

For more information: Click here

Have you ever owned a diesel Mercedes-Benz? If so, you could be a victim of the emissions scandal

IF YOU BOUGHT OR LEASED a Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicle between 2008 and 2018, which was also manufactured between those years, you could be owed thousands of pounds. See if you are eligible through KellerLenkner.co.uk.

Mercedes-Benz and its parent company, Daimler AG, have already been fined millions for having installed illegal “defeat devices” in their diesel vehicles which allegedly allowed Mercedes to cheat emissions testing. Vehicles are now known to emit dangerously high levels of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions which are harmful to human health*. NOx is known
to also exacerbate the symptoms of those already suffering from lung or heart conditions. Higher levels of NOx are also damaging to the environment and can change soil chemistry and affect biodiversity in sensitive habitats.

Daimler AG has also just agreed to pay out $1.5 billion to resolve claims by the United States government that its diesel vehicles were designed to cheat air pollution tests. In a separate claim Daimler recently paid out $700m to settle a US class action claim in relation to Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles.

Keller Lenkner UK is a law firm specialising in group litigation against large corporations. They currently represent thousands of Mercedes-Benz drivers in England and Wales and are investigating bringing a group claim against Mercedes-Benz.

For more information: Click here

Exquisite eco-friendly giftware and packaging

THE ART FILE is a multi- award-winning family-run publishing company. The dedicated team specialise in the design, production and distribution of the highest quality, unique and contemporary greeting cards, stationery and gift packaging. This includes a complete Christmas collection to people across the world. All of these products are made with love and care in the UK, with the majority of it being produced here. Plus all products are sourced from sustainable paper sources. The Art File offers the option of all products being supplied without a cello bag, therefore it is plastic-free.

The Art File’s Christmas collection has been completely revamped this year with the environment in mind. They are delighted to have relaunched the exquisite bestselling luxury-boxed Christmas cards in 100% recyclable packaging, along with a number of other popular packaged festive card options. Browse a hand- picked selection of multi-award-winning Christmas products today via the website to make your friends and family smile this Christmas.

For more information: Click here

Make your space feel new again

STILL IN ITS INFANCY, ReChic aims to bring contemporary home décor and furniture to the market, without the environmental cost. All of their products contain recycled materials, like the striking Barcelona Rainbow vase (pictured), which is mouthblown using glass bottles from a well-known soft drinks brand.

Using recycled materials has huge environmental benefits. Reusing cotton for example, saves approximately 1,500 litres of water per cushion and requires no fertilisers or pesticides, which can be devastating to insects and the wider ecosystem.

You will find a wide variety of recycled products on the ReChic website, including high-spec cookware, 3D printed ceiling lamps, luxurious rugs or snuggly blankets made from wool, cotton or plastic bottles.

For more information: Click here

Guilt-free indulgent chocolate bars

TREAT YOURSELF WITHOUT COMPROMISING on ethics. Chocolarder have just launched their latest sail shipped chocolate bars, with zero carbon footprint.

Chocolarder is one of the largest bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the UK. Ethically sourcing cocoa beans from around the world, and using renovated antique machinery, turning them into award-winning chocolate in their Cornish factory. With their chocolate you can be assured you are avoiding child slavery and deforestation, farmers are being paid fair wages and all of their packaging is completely plastic-free.

They are inspired by local surroundings and ingredients on their doorstep and committed to green and ethical practices.

Their Wild Gorse Flower 50% Milk bar has become a legend within the chocolate industry, and the Arhuaco 67% Dark bar is made using cocoa beans sailed across the Atlantic from the Indigenous Arhuaco people of Colombia.

For more information: Click here

Cotton on to plastic-free thinking

WAY BACK IN 2001 when plastic bags were still spilling off the end of our supermarket tills, Turtle Bags was established to raise awareness of the hazards of plastic bags and sell alternatives. Plastic in our seas is a problem which is invisible to most of us in our daily lives but will be causing problems for many decades disrupting food chains and suffocating sea life. Leatherback Turtles travel to British Waters looking for jellyfish.

Sadly, they mistake our discarded plastic bags for their favourite food. Turtle Bags works with their fair trade partners who share our environmental values to supply environmentally friendly bags. Inspired by turtles, Turtle Bags are a practical reminder that plastic never goes away. Turtle Bags celebrates Organic Cotton with the launch of a mini documentary 2020: Cottoning On which you can find on YouTube.

For more information: Click here

Purato – wines that are green to the extreme

PURATO IS A RANGE OF SICILIAN WINES with a conscience. Not only organic, the wines are carbon neutral, vegan-friendly and the packaging is made from recycled materials.

The production of Purato wines is off set by involvement in sustainable projects around the world, resulting in zero impact on the planet and making them carbon neutral. The wines are bottled using lightweight glass, the labels from recycled paper and the boxes from recycled cardboard.

Crafted from native Sicilian grape varieties, Purato wines speak of their provenance and have a wonderful purity of fl avour, so the wines not only have a very low impact on the environment, but they are authentic and taste great.

There is a Purato wine for every occasion – two reds, one white, a rosé and a fizz.

For more information: Click here

It’s the little things – choose eco-friendly essentials

NATURE’S LITTLE ONES is home to a carefully curated collection of affordable ethical, sustainable essentials for babies and toddlers.

With a focus on minimalistic designs, tasteful colour palettes, and products of the highest quality, Nature’s Little Ones is the perfect boutique destination for gorgeous gifting as well as eco-friendly, sustainable items
for everyday use.

Sustainability is at the forefront of all their choices, which is why the team chooses to work with only the most eco-friendly suppliers, from product to packaging, who support values of transparency, sustainability and quality.

For more information: Click here

Get buzzed for the honey and beeswax skincare brand of the year

THIS EFFECTIVE AND NOURISHING natural skincare range is for you and all the family, especially those with sensitive skin. Validated by numerous Natural Skincare Awards across the range, received over the years, Silky Hand Cream with geranium and orange has won Best Hand Cream numerous times.

Intensive Care Hand Cream with calendula is particularly relevant during this pandemic, being deeply nourishing whilst protecting the skin. Hand, face, foot and body creams are central to this artisanal handmade range made with honey and beeswax from bees, combined with plant and essential oils. BeeswaxWraps, the eco alternative to clingfi lm can be found along with traditional household creams and candles. Try the Propolis Cream. Propolis is the bees’ way of protecting themselves from infection. Which is why the Propolis Creams have been designed to soothe itchy, eczema prone and many other skin issues.

For more information: Click here

Ethical, sustainable and made-to-measure

GREEN WOODS FURNITURE supplies ethical and sustainable furniture, beds and mattresses, made-to-measure in the UK. Mattresses are all organic (Soil Association/GOTS certified) and free from added chemical fire retardants. All products can be made to any size, shape or configuration, as well as bespoke designs. Glue free and natural wood finishes (child/vegan friendly) are also available. Voted #1 ‘Most ethical furniture shop (UK)’ (Ethical Consumer Magazine).

For more information: Click here

Checklist published with The Observer on 25th October 2020

The post Go green, feel great – ethical ideas that are good for the soul and the planet too appeared first on Checklists.

IF YOU BOUGHT OR LEASED a Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicle between 2008 and 2018, which was also manufactured between those years, you could be owed thousands of pounds.

Mercedes-Benz and its parent company, Daimler AG, have already been fined millions for having installed illegal “defeat devices” in their diesel vehicles which allegedly allowed Mercedes to cheat emissions testing. Vehicles are now known to emit dangerously high levels of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions which are harmful to human health*. NOx is known
to also exacerbate the symptoms of those already suffering from lung or heart conditions. Higher levels of NOx are also damaging to the environment and can change soil chemistry and affect biodiversity in sensitive habitats.

Daimler AG has also just agreed to pay out $1.5 billion to resolve claims by the United States government that its diesel vehicles were designed to cheat air pollution tests. In a separate claim Daimler recently paid out $700m to settle a US class action claim in relation to Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles.

Keller Lenkner UK is a law firm specialising in group litigation against large corporations. They currently represent thousands of Mercedes-Benz drivers in England and Wales and are investigating bringing a group claim against Mercedes-Benz.

For more information: Click here

Beautiful clothing that doesn’t cost the Earth

NU-IN WAS FOUNDED with a simple mission; to create great clothing whilst having a lower impact on the planet. The fashion industry is the second most polluting to the environment and nu-in feels a responsibility to reduce this as much as possible.

The brand creates aff ordable fashion for everyone, driven by social and environmental sustainability. They recently launched their first products designed for circularity – a 100% recycled denim line starting from £45. nu-in also recently released their first full plus size collection.

In 2019 over 100 billion garments were made, of those only 1% were produced with recycled materials. Each product in nu-in’s 100% recycled denim capsule is designed for longevity, practicality, versatility and to have a second life.

On average one pair of traditional jeans uses around 6,000 to 10,000 litres of water to produce. That’s roughly the same amount you would drink in eight years. By using 100% recycled materials nu-in reduces that to almost zero.

The collection is designed for circularity using mono-material 100% recycled cotton, low-impact washes and recycled brass hardware with special eco-finishing.

nu-in just wants to show the world that affordable fashion and sustainability can coexist. If they only convince one person or one brand to think more about the impact fashion has on the environment, it will have all been worth it.

For more information: Click here

Let yourself grow – hydro-herb kits for your home

ENJOY FRESH HOME-GROWN HERBS throughout the year with these eff ortless and 100% sustainable kits from hydro-herb. Made by hand in Suff olk, all of the component elements in these kits are either recycled, recyclable or biodegradable with the added knowledge that the UK-produced, certified organic hydroponic fluid, is vegan friendly.

To have delicious herbs at hand whenever you need them, you simply need to let nature – a brightly lit window – and hydro-herb’s hydroponic technology do their thing. They have nine choices of herb available including Basil, Mint, Dill, Oregano, Curly Parsley, Coriander and Thyme, all of which can be posted to your door – making them the ideal present for you or a foodie friend.

For more information: Click here

Purato – wines that are green to the extreme

PURATO IS A RANGE OF SICILIAN WINES with a conscience. Not only organic, the wines are carbon neutral, vegan-friendly and the packaging is made from recycled materials.

The production of Purato wines is off set by involvement in sustainable projects around the world, resulting in zero impact on the planet and making them carbon neutral.

The wines are bottled using lightweight glass, the labels from recycled paper and the boxes from recycled cardboard.

Crafted from native Sicilian grape varieties, Purato wines speak of their provenance and have a wonderful purity of flavour, so the wines not only have a very low impact on the environment, but they are authentic and taste great.

There is a Purato wine for every occasion – two reds, one white, a rosé and a fizz.

For more information: Click here

It’s time to change – Just Think Eco

JUST THINK ECO is an ethical online marketplace dedicated to changing the way we consume.

As it becomes increasingly clear how damaging the current way of life is to the environment it is imperative we all must make changes where we can.

When you shop on Just Think Eco you can rest assured that all the products sold are sustainably sourced, ethical, plastic-free, upcycled, recycled, organic or free from chemicals.

Just Think Eco has made it easier than ever to find eco friendly alternatives that will help you make a huge difference to the world we live in.

For more information: Click here

Put an end to plastic waste by choosing the Zero Waste Path

ARE YOU LOOKING for concrete ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? You can start by choosing plastic-free skincare and haircare products, delivered straight to your door. Zero Waste Path believes that every small step counts, and that the best way to live more sustainably is to start from easy practical objectives.

All products are:

• Handcrafted in the UK
• Natural
• Vegan
• Palm oil free
• Packaged and shipped plastic-free.

Zero Waste Path creates products that are high-quality, made ethically and easy-to-use. An example of this is the bestselling line of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner bars that will leave your hair clean and luscious, without any plastic packaging.

Zero Waste Path is a small independent business and an accredited Real Living Wage employer.

For more information: Click here

Notebooks with an environmental twist

SINCE 1858, CLAIREFONTAINE has created extraordinary notebooks
with exceptional paper quality. For over 160 years, these books and pads have featured the iconic super- smooth, brushed vellum satin-finish paper loved by pen fans globally.

Jeans & Cocoa notebooks feature a protective cover that’s made from a combination of cellulose-free, FSC® certified, sustainable wood fibres and either recycled jean fibres or cocoa shells. In making these products Clairefontaine uses off cuts from the denim industry or parts of the cocoa bean, which are disposed of by the confectionery industry when producing chocolate.

Both of these styles result in attractive, on-trend designs that incorporate innovative, forward-thinking manufacturing processes. A selection of folders, files, magazine racks and memo pads are also available, ideal for those seeking eco-friendly products that form a part of a circular economy.

Available from all good online and high street retailers.

For more information: Click here

Toothbrushes for a sustainable smile

GEORGANICS IS A NATURAL and sustainable oral care brand, designed with zero-waste in mind. They only use pure and organic ingredients, sourced as locally as possible. They do not test on animals, and all of their products are suitable for vegans.

Every year, it’s estimated that over 18 million kilograms of waste go to landfill in the UK from plastic toothbrushes and empty toothpaste tubes.

Georganics are an oral company with a difference: they use glass or aluminium jars for their pastes, powders and mouthwashes, which can be reused, repurposed or recycled indefinitely. The packaging is plastic-free and made from 100% Kraft paper cartons that are fully bio-degradable. Even the print is made from vegetable ink!

The Beechwood Toothbrushes are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic brushes. Prefer an electric brush? The Sonic Toothbrush has recyclable heads, a long battery life and comes in plastic-free packaging.

For more information: Click here

A sustainable gift that grows

TREE AID’S GIFTS THAT GROW help to tackle the climate crisis and grow incomes across dryland Africa. As the climate crisis worsens, Tree Aid is supporting those affected through the power of trees. By buying a gift that grows you can help ensure families have a stable source of nutritious food to eat and a reliable source of products to sell at market. Each gift empowers communities to grow and restore trees. The trees grown are drought-resistant, can reverse the growing desert and reclaim the land for local communities and their future generations.

Since Tree Aid was founded in 1987, they have worked with communities across Africa’s drylands to grow nearly 22 million trees.

All gifts start from £5 and come with beautiful greetings cards for you to share with loved ones. Perfect for any occasion.

For more information: Click here

Power your home sustainably

WITH MANY OF US spending more time at home, it is the perfect time to invest in powering it from green self-generated energy and thus reduce your carbon footprint.

Installing solar panels is a great way to generate electricity to power your home, but if you generate more than you need, where does it go?
For most solar owners it’s sent to the grid, and when solar generation ends for that day, energy will need to be re-purchased from the grid, often at a higher price. However, homes with the Optimised Solar Batteries from Moixa can store the excess energy, instead of exporting it, so you can use solar to power your home, day and night. Further cost-savings can also be made if you have a time-of-use tariff . So you can store both low-cost grid energy and solar energy to power your home, lowering your bills and increasing your renewable energy use.

Moixa offers a range of optimised batteries and solar panels to suit the energy needs of every home. With batteries from Moixa, you will also be able to access the insightful data on your home energy generation and usage via Moixa Dashboard and app.

Take action on reducing your carbon footprint today with a Moixa optimised battery and solar panel installation. Talk to a Solar Storage Specialist to find the best solar energy and storage option for you.

For more information: Click here

Comfy, stylish organic cotton underwear that changes lives

Y.O.U UNDERWEAR believes you can make a difference every day simply by changing your underwear. Their comfortable, stylish organic cotton undies for men and women are made sustainably from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and are also Fairtrade and PETA-approved vegan. Everything is ethically manufactured, zero waste and promotes body positivity.

Y.O.U Underwear also has an amazing partnership with Smalls for All, a charity who support women and children in the UK and Africa, donating two pairs of underwear for every item you buy. They’ve already donated over 10,500 pairs, so changing your undies really will change lives.

Ready to upgrade your undies? Try one of their super-soft, bestselling styles (everything from bralettes to bikinis) that are good for you, good for people and good for the planet. Make a diff erence with nothing but your own underwear.

For more information: Click here

Checklist published with The Guardian on 24th October 2020

The post Make ethical living easy and affordable for everyone – from eco-friendly ideas closer to home to making the world a better place appeared first on Checklists.