Make January Magical

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We bet you don’t often think of January as being a magical month?

Credit card bills, back to work and a bulging waistline often get in the way of enjoy the New Year, but why not turn things round and see this as an exciting first chapter the next part of your life?

We have had a look at how you can turn what many people thing is the hardest month of the year, into something special.

Get lost in a good book
Step away from the Kindle, go into town and have a browse the shelves of your local bookshop or library. From chic lit to poetry and thrillers to biographies, there really is something for everyone. Reading lets you escape from the trappings of modern life and an hour or two away from social media and news feeds, has to be a good thing.

Go on a mini break
In true Bridget Jones style, pack your overnight bag and get away from it all. You don’t have to spend a fortune as there are many offers around for hotels and spas around, but a traditional seaside B&B can be just the escape you need. Long walks by the sea, tea and scones by a roaring fire and fish and chips out of the paper watching the sunset could be the perfect antidote to the January blues.

Write it down
They say we all have a book inside of us, why not use January to get that novel down on paper? You might not do it all in one go, but making a start on a kid’s tale or sci-fi story, rather than bingeing on box-sets will give you a creative outlet and you never know, you might produce the next bestseller?

Cook up a feast
Yes, we know we are meant to step away from the cakes and cookies, but January is the perfect time to look at nourishing your body with healthy food rather than punishing it with a detox. From stews and soups to curries and fresh bread, you can use the dark nights to brush up on your cookery skills and with some candles on the table and music in the background you can have friends over for a quiet night of catching up and making plans.

Take a picnic outside
When the sun comes out, pack a picnic, get your wellies and dine alfresco this January. Yes, you might need thermals and gloves, but there is something magical about walking in the crisp countryside and breathing in crystal clear air – take a flask of hot chocolate and you will be warm and toasty.

Plot and plan
There is nothing like a beautiful diary or pretty notebook to start a new chapter in your life. Rather than getting depressed about the parties and presents being over, use January to look ahead and plan your future. Dreams are great, but working on making them a reality can be exciting and inspiring.

Whatever you do this January, make it your most magical ever.

Team Pure-Beauty

Carry on camping

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anti-bacterial gel, at one with nature, baby carrier, beaches, budget, camping, campsite, first aid kit, flasks, food and drinks, hills, hotels, lakes, lots of water, matches, mountain type buggy, mountains, pegs, pub, research, rivers, shower, sleeping bag, tent, tents, tin opener, tissues, toilets, towels, wipes

In recent years, with a rise in festivals and a renewed love of the great outdoors, more and more people are skipping checking it at hotels in favour of sleeping in tents.

Camping is a fantastic way to get away from it all with family and friends and being at one with nature.

Not only can it be great fun, and relaxing, it also tends to be more cost-effective than renting a cottage or jumping on a plane.

We know the weather might not always play ball, but we have put together a basic guide to camping so you can give it a go and work whether it’s right for you.

First things first, you need a location. You can take it slowly and start in your own garden, otherwise look for a campsite within an hour or two of home. If you are feeling braver, there are many amazing spots close the hills and dales, beaches and rivers as well as lakes and mountain sides.

When it comes to the camp site, check out the reviews before you book. Just as you would with a hotel, look at the cost, facilities, toilets and showers. See if there is a shop, pub, hot showers and generally cover off the basics so you get a really good feel for where you will be staying and what is on offer.

Once you have booked you will need a tent.

Your tent will be a key purchase, so it is best to get it right.

There’s a wide range of options on the market and you soon just how big a business camping and camping equipment has become.

Set a budget and try to stick to it. Consider how many people will be in the tent because a family of five won’t get much sleep in a two man pop-up. Style, materials and features all affect outdoor living, so do your research and find a tent that works for all your needs.

Each tent goes up in a different way, so we suggest you do a trial run at home before you go away. Pitching doesn’t have to be hard but do read the instructions, don’t do it in the dark and when you pack up, keep all the parts safe. On the day of your trip, leave early so you can set up and remember it isn’t much fun pitching a tent in the dark.

Even in the warmer summer months, the evenings can get cold, so make sure you pack warm sleeping equipment. Start with a mat, it takes the cold floor away from your body and offers comfort. Alternatively go for a blow-up airbed but remember to pack sheets, pillows and of course, a pump. You will also need to take a sleeping bag. Again, do your research. Think about the shape, size, materials and go for the best your budget will stretch too as this will keep you warm and last more than one trip.

Other things we suggest you pack for your trip are:

• Waterproofs and wellies
• Toiletries a hang-up bag you can take to the shower
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Warm jumpers and socks
• Sun screen and hats
• A baby carrier and mountain type buggy (if you have kids)
• Towels
• Toilet rolls, tissues, anti-bacterial gel and wipes
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery plus a tin opener
• Matches
• Portable BBQ
• Food and drinks
• Phone and charger
• Lots of water
• Torch and batteries
• Camera

Most of all, enjoy being at one with nature and have a fantastic time.

Team Pure-Beauty