Swap screens for a stroll

This may take persuasion, but getting out in nature with the family is a great way to pass on healthy habits and improve mental health. You can find lots of beautiful family-friendly trails on The National Trust website, with many being suitable for pushchairs and offering play areas or woodland for den building along the way. Use a step-counting app to keep tech-head teens satisfied too!

Join the hunt

If your kids are mad for treasure hunts, nudge them outdoors by joining the biggest hunt of them all — geocaching. Unfamiliar with the craze? A ‘geocache’ is a small waterproof container people hide which contains a logbook to sign and small trinkets to swap. There are over 189,000 hidden across the UK, and you can get involved by creating a free account on the geocaching website. Ready, steady, geo.

See a show for free

Sky-high prices for concerts, theatre, and sports events mean there are often not enough bums to fill seats. But here’s a tip: anyone receiving cost-of-living support or working as a teacher, volunteer, NHS or charity worker can actually bag complimentary tickets to some of the UK’s biggest events by simply registering at Tickets For Good. The entertainment world will be your oyster.

Visit the past

Britain boasts some of the finest museums in the world, so if you fancy exploring the past with your brood, you will be spoilt for choice. Most of the grand dames, including the British Museum and Natural History Museum, are free to enter and offer hands-on activities to keep kids engaged. Take a picnic to swerve the pricey cafe costs too.

Check out some street art

If you have a Banksy in the family, winter is a great time to grab a hot chocolate and take in some street art before the crowds descend. Places like Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Banksy’s hometown of Bedminster in Bristol are great postcodes for urban art critics to explore. You may even be able to find a free walking tour on websites such as FreeTour.com.

Visit a gallery

Prefer to appreciate your art in warmer surroundings? Pack your sketchpad and head to an art gallery near you. Iconic buildings like Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art are all free to enter, allowing you to inspire little minds with famous paintings such as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers without opening your purse.

Dust off your bikes

If your wheels are in hibernation, it’s time to wake them up. Obviously cycling with younger children is best kept to safer traffic-free routes, but you will find plenty of doable options listed at Cycling UK, along with tips on everything from teaching your toddler to master a balance bike to more challenging routes for teenagers. Cycling shorts are strictly optional.

Get gardening

It doesn’t matter if you have a sprawling back garden or window box; little green fingers will love every opportunity to get dirty and prepare for spring. Make bird feeders by coating toilet paper rolls in peanut butter or lard and rolling them in bird seed; prune dormant shrubs, or plant hardy vegetable seeds on your windowsill to enjoy a longer growing season. Dobbies Garden Centres also run free monthly Little Seedling workshops for kids, so check them out.

Take in the view

From The Shard to The London Eye, views of the capital often come with a hefty fee — yet you can book free tickets to soak up the same iconic skyline at Sky Garden or Horizon 22, London’s highest free viewing platform. Prefer wilder panoramas? Why not stash some sarnies and take in some world-famous beauty spots such as Cheddar Gorge, Snowdonia and Dundle Door. If it rains, you will feel all the more Bear Grylls for it.

Hunt for fossils

Finally, remember that UK beaches are not just for sandcastles and rock pooling — they are also brilliant for fossil hunting! Make like Mary Anning and head to fossil spots like Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Whitby, the Isle of Wight, or the chalk cliffs of Sussex and Kent to see what you can discover. Shark teeth, ammonites and belemnites will be a proud inspiration for many show-and-tells to come.

The post Free family days out you’ll all enjoy this spring appeared first on Checklists.

You’re kept on speed dial by countless celebs – do you have a favourite famous client?

“Ha! That would be like choosing between my dogs! We have so many long-standing and really wonderful celebrity friends who love our brand; a few are Cat Deeley, Davina McCall, Amanda Holden and Lisa Snowdon. Of course, there’s also the lovely Kelly Hoppen, Vanessa Williams, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and Trinny Woodall! They are all fabulous, embracing women, so I couldn’t possibly choose.”

You’re a style icon for so many – but who’s your denim icon?

“There are lots but women who wear or have worn denim never stop inspiring me. Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Sienna Miller, Princess Diana – I could go on all day!”

Cigarette, bootleg, skinnies – what is your go-to jean shape and why?

“That’s a tricky one. I love anything cropped as I am short. If it isn’t cropped, I roll it, and actually if it is already cropped, I probably have to roll again! I also love flares because I can hide a good, stacked heel underneath and give myself six extra inches in height. Skinny jeans are great, too as I can tuck them into boots, wear with a loafer or ballet flat, and then add a heel for the evening. The endless versatility and modernity of jeans excites me, as they can take you anywhere and always feel fresh.”

For us, shopping for jeans can be a fashion minefield. What’s the secret to finding your perfect pair?

“My biggest tip is to know your body shape and be honest about it. Be open to highlighting your best asset. What suits your friend will not necessarily suit you. At Donna Ida, we do a lot of online styling and chatting to customers. We WhatsApp them videos and FaceTime them. That one-to-one and getting to the bottom of what will work for someone is so satisfying.”

So when it comes to body shape, what should we consider?

“The biggest thing for jeans is knowing where your length is. Do you have a long or short body? Do you have long or short legs? Or are you average all over? Just knowing this will narrow down choices very quickly. For example, if you have a long torso, look for a high waisted style which will balance out your proportions. Similarly, if you have a shorter body and longer legs, look for a style that is mid rise and focus on the leg length. If your proportions are more or less balanced, you will be able to wear a range of leg lengths and rise heights. Looking at your proportions will really help you to decide what shapes suit your best, and more importantly what you are comfortable in and fills you with confidence.”

Your jeans are beautiful but out of many people’s price-range.  Is it ever possible to find a flattering pair of cheap and cheerful jeans? 

“Check out our Donna Ida end of season sale! It is also worth looking on Vinted, as there are a lot of good pieces on there and I think re-selling and re-sharing things is important. I read recently that hoarding works against the law of use, and I really believe in that! If you don’t need something or aren’t using it, either sell it or give it away to keep the energy flowing.”

What would you say is the ultimate jeans faux pas?

“I like to think everyone can express themselves in whatever way they want, but if I had to say one thing, it would probably be squeezing into something that is way too small. Something that I used to be very guilty of myself!”

Your jeans are all about creating body confidence. What makes you feel great?

“I like relaxed elegance, so keep my wardrobe streamlined. A few well-fitting things that always feel special, aren’t difficult to wear and make me feel comfortable. I am much more at home in a well fitted bodysuit and jeans than in a dress or something with lots of ruffles. I don’t like to have to spend a lot of time thinking about my outfit as there are so many other important decisions to make during the day. I like getting dressed to be stress free.”

With London Fashion Week in the bag – what Spring/Summer trends should be on our radar?

“I loved the amount of denim and leather on the catwalk, blazers and quite a few bursts of bright acid shades. A blazer and jeans are always a timeless look for me and I cannot wait to see what goes down the runway in Milan and Paris. Donna Ida has a very European feel to it and I love the way the French and Italian women dress. So stylish!”

And finally, as the undisputed Jean Queen, can you please settle the age-old argument: is wearing double denim ever a good idea?

“Always! I personally prefer it if the denims are a similar wash level though. Then I think it looks super punchy and slick. I love it!”

Check out Donna Ida’s collections at www.donnaida.com

The post How to find your perfect jeans appeared first on Checklists.

Kerry; you’re in the middle of a massive international tour at the moment. How’s life on the road?

“I’m so excited to be out with this show, talking to audiences. I was overwhelmed by the response last year as I love being in peoples’ hometowns. Meeting everyone and hearing their connections with me and their local theatres is always a joy. I’m enjoying every second of it.”

Apparently, Keith Richards eats shepherd’s pie before every performance with The Rolling Stones. Do you have any weird and wonderful pre-show rituals?

“Not really. I try not to have routines as I think they can influence your performance. That said, when I’m on tour, I do try and look after myself. I try to get to the gym, get as much sleep as possible, and eat as well as I can so that I’m ready for the show. The nice thing is that, when I’m on the road, I only have one thing to think about. Doing the show!”

That must a nice change for a busy mum of two. How do you manage to balance your schedule with family life?

“Our life is always upside down, but I am very lucky to have an amazing husband and supportive family who help the balance. They say it takes a village to raise a family – and it certainly does! This industry can be difficult, and it can only happen if you are supported by everyone around you. I do and they all inspire me every day.”

You bagged your first role as a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz aged nine, and then trained at Laine Theatre Arts for three years. Was your heart always set on the stage?

“Absolutely. I feel fortunate that I knew so early. I know so many people don’t have a clear view of where they want to be, but I knew where my heart was from the start. I knew what I wanted to chase. And chase, I did.”

It must have been quite a journey – and you’re now hailed as the First Lady of the West End! How does that feel?

“I’m not sure that’s completely accurate: I definitely think Elaine Paige is the first lady – or certainly the first lady that I look up to. She was my inspiration growing up and still is to this day. I love how she continues to grow and develop and stays current.”

You were Meat in the original cast of We Will Rock you and have continued to work with Queen’s Brian May over the years. Can you tell us a little about your relationship with him?

“Lovely Brian has been incredible to me, not only as a mentor, but as a friend. He’s taught me so much and I’m forever grateful for his kindness. Still to this day, we talk quite a bit about all sorts of things from performing and music to life in general. I’m so happy to have him in my life.”

You perform beautifully together. Do you have any Freddie Mercury qualities?

“I don’t know about that, but Brian would say that I shared certain likenesses, such as passion for music, just like Freddie. Sadly, I never got to meet him but I really I wish I had.”

We hear you are also busy writing your autobiography. Can we expect you to spill some showbiz scandals?

“No – but I do tell people how it is, just like I do on the tour. I’m very open and honest and tell people the real stories, as in what really happened. My Podcast is called Keep Calm and Kerry On and that is exactly the advice I’d give to my younger self.”

Finally, when the tour’s complete and you get a chance to relax, what’s next?

“I’m not sure you’d call it relaxing but I have lots of exciting projects on the go. Being part of the new show, Lady M The Musical is amazing as I’ve just come back from doing a version of the show in Shanghai. We are working on an album to release this year – and with a new album comes more touring and more challenges. I also run my own online course, How to Succeed in Musical Theatre as an Artist, which is open to everybody. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about musical theatre. There may be a star in you yet!”

Get tickets for Kerry’s Queen of the West End tour are on sale here. For details on her course visit www.kerryellis.com.

The post Interview: West End star Kerry Ellis appeared first on Checklists.

Be gentle

“Stop scrubbing your face like it’s burnt lasagne stuck to a pan, swapping harsh foaming cleansers and gritty scrubs for something gentle and cream based – and not too abrasive.”

Hydration is key

“Moisturise straight after washing while your skin is still damp – just make sure it’s not dripping wet, as damp is when it locks in best. Carry a barrier cream or skin salve, too, using on dry patches or around the nose when the wind bites.”

Watch the heat

“Cut back on steaming hot showers and baths as they torch your skin barrier. Watch the heating, too, as blasting radiators dries your skin out as much as the cold outside. Leave a bowl of water near the radiator – it’s low tech but works.”

Clothes matter, too

“Polo necks and wool can rub your face raw. Wash scarves and jumpers often as they gather make-up, dirt and pollution. For added protection keep a layer of thin cotton clothing in between your skin and fabric.”

Look at your hands

“Don’t overlook them: hand washing, sanitizer and now cold air can dry them out. You don’t need a separate hand cream; just use your face moisturiser or barrier cream to seal all the moisture in.”

Layer skin care just like your trendy fall outfits: thin serums first, moisturiser second, barrier cream only if your skin is dry and dehydrated.

Then there’s the sun

“Do not forget applying SPF – it’s essential even in cloudy, wet months. Many people forget that UV rays don’t clock off just because the sun doesn’t properly come out to play.”

Watch how they shave

“For all the beardy guys: shave smart! Cold air, dry skin, a blunt razor and aftershave will causes irritation. Make sure razors have sharp blades for a smooth shave, and slap on some soothing cream or serum.”

The post Top autumn skincare tips appeared first on Checklists.

What are lab diamonds?

“Otherwise known as man-made or cultured diamonds, they’re grown in a lab (hence the name) using cutting-edge technology that mimics the conditions under which natural ones develop. As they’re formed from the same material and exposed to the same conditions, they’re optically and chemically identical to the natural variety.”

Why buy them?

“For a start it’s their value: up to 30% cheaper than natural, which is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or wish to maximise your diamond size for the same price. They also exude the same beauty and quality as natural finds.”

How are they made?

“Each diamond starts its life as a tiny carbon seed, and is then exposed to extreme heat and pressure or entered into a deposition process, to mimic the process of natural formation. It then grows within a lab in six to 10 weeks, and is cut and polished in exactly the same way.”

Are they real?

“Yes! Lab-created diamonds are real; just with a different origin. As we said above, they’re visually and chemically identical, so they can’t be differentiated by eye, and specialist equipment is required to tell them apart.”

So what’s the difference?

“The only real difference is their origin: in the lab as opposed to natural diamonds formed within the Earth’s mantle. Just remember: lab-grown are up to 30% cheaper and none of your friends or family will know any different.”

What else should we know?

“Cut: this refers to its symmetry, and more specifically to the overall polish and proportion. As lab-grown diamonds can be made more uniformed in shape in a lab, diamond cutters can often cut better stones, meaning less imperfections and a better overall cut in comparison to natural.”

“Clarity: natural diamonds can have imperfections, with clearest, colourless diamonds the most valuable, so are the most sought-after. Lab diamonds are almost always colourless or nearly so, putting them on par with more valuable natural diamonds on the market.”

The post Lab-grown diamonds: all you need to know appeared first on Checklists.

Keep make-up minimal

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Setting Spray (£32)

“You need less make-up than you think when away; but there are a few staples I always take. I swear by DCYPHER Beauty My Custom Foundation (£39) as it’s a bespoke blend created to match my skin tone perfectly. I also love Fenty Beauty Set It Down Superfine Blurring Setting Powder (£25) to combat shine, and Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Setting Spray (£32) which keeps make-up in place all day.”

Travel frizz is a no

Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil (£52)

“What I take to keep my locks looking great depends on what hairstyle I’m rocking, but one thing I always pack is a product with anti frizz ingredients to avoid sun damage to my hair, as well as providing it with nutrients. At the moment, my go-to is Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil (£52) which is a fabulous multi-tasker.”

Always use protection

Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil (£8)

“I’m careful to protect my skin in the sun and Shades of Melanin is an amazing brand I can’t do without. Black girls need sunscreen too! I also hate getting bitten by mozzies, so reach for the strong stuff: Lifesystems Expedition MAX DEET Mosquito Repellent (£7.99). Then at bedtime, when I want something softer I use Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil (£8). It smells gorgeous!”

Nail the wardrobe

Lipsy Multi Printed Beach Cover-Up Playsuit (£38) 

“I have family homes on both Grenada and Saint Lucia, which I’ve visited since childhood. I escape there whenever I can, so when case space is at a premium, there’s a few bits and pieces I fall back on. A leopard print scarf is a must, whether I use it to cover my hair or wear as a sarong or a scarf. I also keep my beachwear pretty simple. I love high-waisted, wide-leg bikini bottoms as they cover a multitude of sins, then I just toss in a matching bikini top and colourful cover-up dress.”

Pack a playlist

Anker Power Bank (£34.99)

“Music helps me pass the time when waiting around at airports. I love listening to anything old school, from R&B, to pop, hip hop and soul. I guess my music taste is really eclectic – just as long as it’s pre-2010! I also keep my devices charged when out and about with an Anker Power Bank (£34.99), as they’re really reliable.”

Think of home

Acqua Di Parma Home Fragrances Oud Candle 200g (£48.50)

“A few simple touches can make hotel rooms seem more homely, so I always bring a scented candle or incense sticks with me: amber, sandalwood and oud fragrances are my current faves. I also can’t travel without my portable clothes steamer. What can I say? I’m rock and roll!”

Carry your fave scent

The Saltworks Company Travel Bottle (£25)

“I’m not really one to shop for scent at the airport, so I take the perfume I love handy to freshen up. I adore anything by The Saltworks Company – my top picks are Oud Bazaar, Tabac Soleil and Powder Ballad (£25 each). They’re a British company who offer unique luxury scents in travel sizes too, as there’s nothing worse than having your latest perfume taken off you at Customs.”

Accept jetlag

Awakened: Her Reality: Her Power: Her Destiny (£18.99)

“I’ve tried all sorts of things to beat feeling rubbish in different time zones, but am yet to find the secret formula. If I can’t sleep, I might pick up a book. I recently bought Awakened, the debut novel by Kelechi Okafor. It’s a dystopian story, so I’m not sure if it is helping me get any sleep!”

Get comfy

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow – Premium Soft 2 in 1 Airplane Blanket with Soft Bag Pillowcase, Hand Luggage Belt and Backpack Clip (£26.95)

“Finally, you will never find me flying long-haul without taking a nice fluffy pillow. I’ve tried plenty – and the tiny ones they give you on the plane just don’t cut it. A girl needs to relax, after all…”

Leah’s new YouTube channel, Legacy Through the Lens, launches in October to coincide with the 25th anniversary and brand new series of A Place in the Sun.

The post Interview: A Place In the Sun’s Leah Charles King appeared first on Checklists.

The statistics

The biggest pressure for most couples is the pursuit of perfection, with 49% wanting to “make sure their wedding day was perfect” – yet more than a third later regretted spending so much time worrying.

Guest-related pressures were another common stressor, with 30% finding guest list decisions stressful.

Other top wedding stressors include budget management (48%); their wedding outfit (45%), with 45% also agreeing that sourcing the right entertainment make those stress levels rise.

So, how do you reduce wedding stress to make the run up to your big day as worry-free as possible? Here, luxury wedding planners Siobhan Craven Robbins, and Andri Benson offer their insight into how to keep costs down and take the stress out of planning.

Keep guest number sensible

“I think the most important thing is to only invite people you want to be there,” says Siobhan. “You should feel no obligation to invite guests that you either don’t like or are indifferent to. It can really overshadow the day’s dynamic.”

Stick to your budget

“It’s also important to look at your budget ahead of committing to anything to ensure you have the funds to pay for the wedding you want,” she continues. “If you don’t have it, delay the wedding! It is incredibly stressful to feel the pressure of bills coming in that you are struggling to pay – and is also not fair on the suppliers.”

Share The Workload

“A wedding is essentially a big production, so it’s no wonder couples feel stressed trying to manage it all,” says Andri. “The key is to share the load, whether that’s hiring a planner to oversee the planning and/or the day, delegating tasks, or simply giving yourselves permission to let go of the things that aren’t important. Building in breathing space, time to enjoy the lead-up and the day itself, is just as important as the logistics.”

The post Getting hitched? Here’s how to reduce wedding stress appeared first on Checklists.

Fight the frizz

“One of the biggest problems my clients ask is how to tame frizz, so I recommend Authentic Beauty Concept’s Beauty Potion. It’s an in-salon treatment that instantly gives that glassy, silky finish without heaviness. It makes hair photograph so nicely as if it’s for an Instagram filter on it.”

Have regular trims

“Don’t fall into the trap of ‘growing it out’ without maintenance. Trimming every eight weeks keeps ends healthy and prevents breakage, meaning your hair actually looks longer, stronger, and fuller by the time the big day comes.”

Pack in the protein

“Hair is made of keratin – a protein – so if you’re not eating enough, your hair will show it. Make sure you’re getting a good mix of lean meats, oily fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and even seeds like chia and flax. It supports both growth and strength.”

Remember the supplements

“Supplements aren’t just hype: when chosen well, they work. Glowwa Hair Food and Collagen Creamer are my go-tos. They’re packed with collagen and essential vitamins that boost growth, shine, and that lit-from-within glow every bride wants. Start taking it three to six months before your wedding for best results.”

Eat the rainbow

“Yes, your hair loves nutrients! The more diverse your diet, the more nourishment your scalp receives. Think colourful fruits and veg: leafy greens for iron, berries for antioxidants, and sweet potatoes for beta carotene. Hydration counts too, so drink water like it’s your second job and add in those electrolytes.”

Scalp Care is Self-Care

“Healthy hair starts at the root. Remember; your scalp is an extension of your face and needs to be maintained in order to produce healthy hair. Using a shampoo like Nioxin can help create the ‘perfect soil’ for the hair to flourish. Overall, remember that hair health is a marathon, not a sprint. If you give it love daily – not just the night before the wedding – you’ll walk down the aisle with the kind of radiant, touchable hair that doesn’t just look amazing, it feels amazing!”

The post The secret to wedding-ready hair appeared first on Checklists.

Known for its glam finish, the blowout (or blow-dry as us Brits like to call it) can easily be mastered in the comfort of your own home. Want to know how? The experts at Shark Beauty have shared with us this easy, step-by-step guide.

Prep and dry

The first step is to ensure your hair’s well prepped. When wet, apply your preferred styling product, before rough-drying with a hairdryer, leaving it 20 to 30% wet.

Section off

Next, you’ll need to section your hair for styling. It is advised to section your hair into layers at this point.

Style using an oval brush 

After your hair’s sectioned, style using an oval brush, placing under the hair at the roots and rolling the brush outwards from roots to ends. For extra volume, brush your hair upwards, too.

Grab your hair tool

If you’re using a Shark FlexStyle (and you oh-so should!) the recommended settings for styling are setting two for heat and two for air. Then set your hair by pressing the cool shot button.

Pump up the volume

Finally, nail the viral Bretman Rock blowout with a wide-tooth comb, combing through each section while pushing your hair outwards for big, bouncy volume. Finish by locking it in place with a generous mist of hairspray.

The post How to achieve the blowdry that’s gone viral appeared first on Checklists.

Use the right shampoo and conditioner
One of the most important steps in preserving your colour is to use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. Sulphates can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause premature fading, and opting for a colour-safe formula ensures your hair remains nourished and so your colour stays vibrant for longer.

Watch the heat styling
Excessive heat can weaken the hair and accelerate colour fade. To minimise damage always use a professional-grade heat protection spray before styling. Reduce the heat setting on your tools to a lower temperature, and limit the use of hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons whenever possible.

Protect hair from the sun, sea and chlorine
UV rays, salt water, and chlorine can be harsh on coloured hair, leading to dryness and discolouration. During any holiday or outdoor activities keep your hair tied up and avoid chlorine as well as salt water. Be cautious with sun creams, too, as contact with the hair can also affect how long your colour will last.

Deep condition regularly
Incorporate hydrating hair masks or deep conditioning treatments into your weekly routine, to help replenish moisture, strengthen the hair shaft, and maintain colour vibrancy. Well-nourished hair holds colour pigments more effectively and appears shinier and healthier.

Avoid over-washing
As tempting as it is, washing your hair too frequently can strip away both natural oils and colour pigments. If possible, extend the time between washes using dry shampoo, or simply rinsing with water on non-wash days. This helps your colour last longer and keeps the hair’s natural moisture balance intact.

Consider a filtered shower head
One of the most effective ways to protect your colour is switching to a filtered shower head. Why? They’re designed to remove impurities like chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other harmful particles found in tap water. By filtering them out your hair retains moisture; softness, breakage and dullness are reduced; and your hair colour stays richer and vibrant for longer.

The post 6 tricks to keep your hair colour fresh for longer appeared first on Checklists.