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French short-haul flight ban comes into force
French short-haul flight ban comes into force
France has banned domestic flights for journeys possible in less than two-and-a-half hours by train, under a...
2023-05-23 16:17
PewDiePie's diet: A peek into YouTuber's food choices and taste preferences
PewDiePie's diet: A peek into YouTuber's food choices and taste preferences
There were rumors that PewDiePie had embraced veganism, but that is not true as he consumes fish
2023-09-16 18:49
This virtual library restores banned books to read for free
This virtual library restores banned books to read for free
At an unprecedented level, educational freedom in America is in peril. Nationwide book bans have
2023-10-02 21:50
The TheraFace Pro is one of many great gift ideas that's part of Therabody's Mother's Day sale
The TheraFace Pro is one of many great gift ideas that's part of Therabody's Mother's Day sale
Save up to 28%: Therabody's Mother's Day sale brings you price cuts their massage guns
2023-05-09 00:53
The Swan hotel review: This decadent yet unpretentious bolthole has the Lake District’s first spa garden
The Swan hotel review: This decadent yet unpretentious bolthole has the Lake District’s first spa garden
In a nutshell: A family-friendly Lakes bolthole with an exceptional spa and CBD treatments. The neighbourhood Benefiting from a picturesque riverside location, complete with gliding swans, grassy terrace and a 15th-century stone bridge, The Swan is conveniently located at the foot of the Lake District, just 20 minutes from the M6. Lake Windermere is a mile away, with Kendall to the east and Ambleside to the north. For a laid-back induction to the region, hop on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, located five minutes away, for a slice of nostalgia and some glorious scenery. The look The Swan began life in the 17th-century as a coaching inn, but has evolved dramatically in the intervening years. While the whitewashed main building remains, it has been sympathetically restored and expanded. After suffering significant damage in the 2015 floods, the property was substantially refurbished and remains in top-notch condition, with the smell of new paint still detectable in our room. Inside, floral walls, bold prints and sumptuous furnishings abound, alongside more traditional elements, such as oak beams, wooden floorboards and Chesterfield sofas. The hotel also has its own resident artist and illustrator, Olivia Axson, whose work can be found throughout the property. The vibe Relaxed, unstuffy and family-friendly, you can feel your shoulders drop upon arrival at The Swan. While the calibre of hotels in this part of the world has continued to grow, The Swan retains a pleasantly unpretentious feel without scrimping on quality. While many guests visit for the pampering on offer, the hotel balances the demands of both kids and adults beautifully. The surrounding countryside speaks for itself, with many visitors to the region keen to explore its many peaks, but it’s too polished to fall into the category of a traditional walker’s hotel. Bed and bath As part of the recent uplift, The Swan created 26 new bedrooms, including two Splendid suites, Family suites and a bespoke studio cottage for romantic getaways called The Love Nest. However, all 82 rooms and suites have a contemporary feel with blue and green tones reflecting the natural environment. Statement headboards, soft furnishings and wool blankets accompany rainwater showers, while the Loft suites feature exposed beams, roll-top bathtubs and electric log burners for when the weather gets cooler. Read more about Lake District travel: The ultimate Lake District travel guide How to do the Lake District car-free The best Christmas breaks in the Lake District As with everything in the hotel, the emphasis is very much focused on spotlighting local producers, something that extends from the in-room vegan toiletries courtesy of Bath House, to the sustainable carpets made from local wool. Family rooms are spacious, with bespoke bunk beds for little ones and PS4s to keep them entertained. Even the smallest Cosy rooms are attractive, with almost all rooms throughout the hotel offering views over the river or gardens. Guests planning a romantic night away should opt for the Love Nest, a bright, airy and spacious cottage tucked away within the grounds of the property. Features include a private terrace with outdoor fireplace, double walk-in rainwater showers, roll-top bath and indoor log burner. Many of the rooms offer complimentary access to the Holte Spa, while others require a £20 supplement. Food and drink Eating options on offer at The Swan include the health-conscious SOUL cafe adjacent to the Holte Spa. Here, guests can enjoy light meals such as salads, soups and fish dishes on the outdoor sun terrace, or indulge in homemade cakes and sweet treats. On the other side of the property, the Swan Inn serves up classic pub grub, such as fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches in a bright and cheery space, but it’s the Brasserie that really delivers. We devoured bouncy and tender scallops and locally sourced beef, while a helpful wine list suggests varieties based on your personal tastes, all contributing to an accessible and unpretentious dining experience. Service was warm, personable and prompt, despite a packed dining room. The hotel also offers afternoon tea on the riverside terrace in good weather. Pools, spas and public areas The Swan’s Holte Spa opened to much fanfare in April 2022 as the Lake District’s first spa garden. This multi-million pound extension includes a Finnish sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and chemical-free hydrotherapy indoor pool that extends outside, with jets and waterfalls to relieve tension. Inside the spa, there are six treatment rooms, experience showers, a sauna and steam room, plus plenty of space to lounge and relax. The spa has partnered with three sustainable brands, including OTO, a leading CBD brand, Ground Wellbeing, a natural and plant-based Irish brand, and Comfort Zone, a B-Corp certified skincare. We opted for the OTO Signature CBD Massage Experience which ranks as one of the best massages I’ve ever had. A dream combination of experienced hands, CBD oils and a bamboo roller designed to iron out muscular kinks induced a profoundly deep state of relaxation that saw me floating back to my room with a smile on my face. Other treatments include a Balancing Ritual specifically aimed at perimenopausal and menopausal guests, and a signature Walkers Massage designed to ease aching limbs after a day on the fells. An onsite health club includes a larger pool, hot tub and sauna which was largely populated by families during our visit. Elsewhere, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to chill out in with a book, play a round of pool, or sip a drink on the riverside terrace. Kids can also enjoy an adventure playground and nature trail. Nuts and bolts Room count: 82 rooms and suites and four cottages. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Guests in Cosy, Lovely and Fabulous rooms must pay a £20 surcharge for Holte Spa access. Disability access: Four accessible rooms with extra space and walk-in showers. The Swan Inn, Holte Spa, health club and snug areas are all accessible for wheelchair users and all external entrances have ramps for guests. Pet policy: Pet pooches are welcome in selected rooms for a £35 nightly surcharge. Bottom line Best thing: The OTO CBD massage experience. Sublime. I’ve waxed lyrical about it to anyone prepared to listen ever since my visit. Worst thing: While easily accessible, the nearby A590 is a busy road meaning the hotel isn’t the best spot for those seeking a quiet and remote stay. Perfect for: Families and spa fanatics. Not right for: Those seeking a hushed getaway. The hotel is busy and there are plenty of intergenerational families with children around. Instagram from: The outdoor pool at the Holte Spa. More information: swanhotel.com Read more of our UK hotel reviews: Best hotels in London Where to stay in the Lake District Best hotels in Edinburgh Read More The best dog-friendly Christmas breaks in the UK The best Christmas hotel breaks by the sea Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Stay in the heart of the action with this bougie new hotel in London’s Covent Garden How to find a stylish countryside escape without compromising on comfort
2023-11-16 19:59
How to style your home like a professional
How to style your home like a professional
Thinking about giving your home a mini makeover? When it comes to creating your own personal style, there are a few principles which come in super handy when you’re about to embark on a new project… and take your first foray into the world of interior design. “It’s not rocket science that if you wake up in a home or room you love, which makes you feel happy and calm and brings a smile to your face, then you will start your day with a more positive mindset,” Lucy Gough writes in her new book, The Home Style Handbook. “And it doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Paint, wallpaper, upcycling, second-hand furniture, along with a new cushion or two, can go a long way in transforming your home,” she suggests. Currently living in Sydney, Australia, and head stylist at Home Beautiful magazine, Gough says she feels it’s important as a stylist and freelance creative director to be able to turn your hand to any aesthetic a client asks of you. “Us stylists need to be truly versatile!” enthuses Gough. Here, she shares her insider tips on how to style your home like it is second nature, which is sure to put you in a positive frame of mind… Make a mood board “All wonderful interiors schemes are pulled together in the beginning stages using a mood board,” says Gough. “Not only are they important in helping pull together all your creative thoughts and ideas,” she continues. “But they are fun to make and a great mindful task for you to play around with at the beginning of the project, to make sure you get it right first time.” Create continuity of colour “If you can decide on your colour and texture palette before you embark on picking up a paintbrush, your home will feel cohesive,” notes Gough. “And might trick people into thinking a professional has helped you!” A thread of colour throughout your home is so important for it to feel like you have considered your ideas before implementing them, she adds. Tell a story Not only should you consider your palette but also think about a theme, says Gough. “Now, I’m not talking about a Disney theme here! I mean a thread forming around your love of antiques, family treasures, a dark palette or coastal look for example. “Something that makes your heart sing when you walk in your home!” Then add colours you love and bring these together with surface samples and foliage, she writes in The Home Style Handbook. If you decide to go with two or more bold colours, Gough says to add some soft tones in between to give them space to breathe. Style your space in sections “I suggest approaching your room as a series of vignettes,” encourages Gough. “Sometimes, if you’re not a professional it can be overwhelming to think about styling a whole room at a time. Instead, think of each room as a series of smaller spaces. “Look through your phone screen and break it down into smaller photographable corners and sections,” advises Gough. “For example, style the sofa area first then the TV unit area second, and the corner with the armchair and mirror third.” And when it comes to the finishing touches, such as styling your succulents, she writes: “Notice how the objects and plants on the cabinet (pictured) are higher in the top left and then go down at an angle to the bottom right.” Visualise a triangle formation “When I am styling bookshelves, I like to style using a visual triangle formation,” says Gough. “I never style with symmetry – although there is nothing wrong with doing so.” She continues: “I prefer the more relaxed look and find creating triangular shapes between items helps aesthetically. “And don’t pack things in too tightly,” says Gough. “You should give things room to breathe!” The Home Style Handbook by Lucy Gough, published by Mitchell Beazley, priced £30. Photography by Simon Bevan. Available now. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live One in 10 ‘spending beyond their means’ – try these 7 cutbacks guaranteed to save families money Grandmother and grandson who had sepsis at same time ‘lucky to be alive’ What is combination cholesterol therapy, as study suggests it could save lives?
2023-09-07 15:22
Kataifi: A comforting Greek pie full of veggie goodness
Kataifi: A comforting Greek pie full of veggie goodness
This pie is based on that comforting Greek favourite – spanakopita – although it is far more forgiving to make,” says Ravinder Bhogal. “There is no buttering and layering of delicate filo pastry: instead, the iron-rich mixture of greens and cheese is blanketed under a nest of buttered kataifi pastry, a shredded filo dough that crisps up beautifully when baked or fried. “You’ll find kataifi pastry in the fridge or freezer section of Middle Eastern grocers.” Broccoli, kale and spinach kataifi pie Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, very finely crushed 200g kale, tough ribs removed and leaves roughly chopped 200g spinach 250g broccoli, boiled till tender and roughly chopped 4 eggs 60g pine nuts 60g currants, golden raisins or barberries 250g feta cheese 250g ricotta Zest of 2 lemons and juice of 1 Handful of dill, roughly chopped Handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped A good grating of nutmeg 150g sour cream 250g kataifi pastry 60g butter, melted White sesame seeds, for sprinkling Sea salt and black pepper Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas mark 4. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over low-medium heat, add the onion and sauté for 10 minutes till sweet and caramelised. Add the garlic and fry again till fragrant, then add the kale and soften before adding the spinach. Once the greens are wilted, take off the heat and cool. 3. Transfer to a large bowl along with the broccoli and add the eggs, pine nuts, currants, feta, ricotta, lemon zest and juice, herbs, nutmeg and sour cream, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly. 4. Pull apart the strands of kataifi pastry to loosen and fluff them up. Stir the butter through the kataifi, coating it well. 5. Pour the spinach and ricotta filling into a deep pie dish – I use a 34cm baking dish. Gently pile the kataifi over the pie filling, sprinkle over the sesame seeds and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is hot and set and the kataifi pastry is golden brown. Serve with a light salad. Recipe from ‘Comfort & Joy: Irresistible Pleasures From A Vegetarian Kitchen’ by Ravinder Bhogal (Bloomsbury, £26). Read More Showstopping BBQ main dishes for a hot grill summer 7 TikTok food hacks that actually work Saltie Girl in Mayfair will make you happy as a clam – as long as you can afford it Chef Ravinder Bhogal: Vegetables are the secret to saving money How to make tomato confit with whipped feta These recipes will keep you hydrated on hot days
2023-06-08 19:28
UN experts assail 'inhuman treatment' of Guantanamo detainees
UN experts assail 'inhuman treatment' of Guantanamo detainees
With nearly constant surveillance, gruelling isolation and limited family access, the treatment of the last 30 Guantanamo detainees is "cruel, inhuman and degrading," UN rights experts said Monday as they reported on their first...
2023-06-27 06:24
Cardi B and Tracee Ellis Ross sit front row at Schiaparelli show in Paris
Cardi B and Tracee Ellis Ross sit front row at Schiaparelli show in Paris
Cardi B attended the Schiaparelli Haute Couture show in Paris wearing a glamorous outfit from the Italian fashion house. The rapper sat front row at the opening show of the autumn/winter season, held at the Petit Palais, in a black gown with gold trim and a huge fluffy black jacket. She accessorised her look with a black head wrap and surreal gold earrings – a Schiaparelli signature. American actor Tracee Ellis Ross sat next to Cardi B on the front row, wearing a blue and white shirt and matching trousers. Other fashionable celebrities in attendance included Game Of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, French actor Philippine Leroy Beaulieu (who plays Sylvie in Netflix series Emily In Paris) and fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni. The opening runway look – a sculptural black and white skirt suit with oversized collar, cuffs and hem – set the tone for the collection, which was all about volume and texture. Creative director Daniel Roseberry sent out a variety of ensembles in the label’s signature black and gold colour combination. Black and white winter coats came with voluminous sleeves and collars, or were made from thick, shaggy fabric. A gigantic metallic puffer coat was teamed with strings of equally enormous gold beads. “Blurring the lines between the real and the unreal,” was how the collection was described in a preview post on Instagram. More vibrant looks included a pastel-toned, long-sleeved dress that looked like it had been painted on the model. Flashes of electric blue and turquoise appeared throughout the show. This season saw models adorned with statement necklaces and huge bangles. The show concluded with glamorous evening looks, including a rust satin corset gown with a flowing tulle skirt modelled by South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech. Russian supermodel Irina Shayk closed the show in a diaphanous black gown and textured cape with electric blue lining. Always one of the big draws at Haute Couture Week, Schiaparelli has become known for its eye-popping catwalk designs, surrealist take on fashion and stellar front row. The label has recently been worn by stars such as Adele, Beyonce and Naomi Campbell. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Affected by someone else’s drinking? 3 key pieces of advice for loved ones of alcoholics The history of royal fashion at Wimbledon How to be waterwise in your garden this summer
2023-07-03 18:53
Score lifetime access to Curiosity Stream for just $170
Score lifetime access to Curiosity Stream for just $170
TL;DR: As of October 30, you can get a lifetime of access to educational content
2023-10-30 17:26
The best concert cameras for capturing the magic of live music
The best concert cameras for capturing the magic of live music
While everyone else in the crowd holds up their smartphones, only the very best cameras
2023-10-27 17:19
NordPass Review
NordPass Review
Few people can remember strong and varied passwords for each online account. That's fine because
2023-11-20 23:16