Sunday 27 February 2022

Why are drinks trolleys so popular?


I'm not someone who prefers a night in over a night out, if I'm honest. But with a rise in drink spikings, the cost of alcohol and this endless winter we seem to be having, I don't mind spending a few of my weekends having a quiet evening in with a cute cocktail or two. And this is where my drinks trolley has received a lot of foot traffic.

I actually created my own drinks trolley myself, and my DIY instructions are without a doubt the most popular article on this blog. It cost me less than £100 to make, and it's moveable and practical without compromising on style.

Drinks trolleys are the perfect place to house a collection of house spirits and gin mixers. Before I had one, I would store them away in a kitchen cupboard. But some bottles are just too pretty to hide!

And I'm not the only one who thinks this. The humble drinks trolley has become a bit of a must-have in the home in the past few years. Here's the story behind its cultural rise, the reasons why you need one, and how to pick the best drinks for your own beverage bureau.

Rise of the rolling bar

The rapid rise of the rolling bar is no exaggeration. In fact, when looking at the past 15 years, it’s clear that its popularity has only recently rocketed. Hitting a peak between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in 2020, Google searches for ‘Drinks Trolley’ were 171 per cent higher last year than the average three previous years. In the past ten years, its search popularity has exploded 3,480 per cent. But what’s spurring on the drinks-on-wheels revolution?

Ask around your friends and find out what their favourite drinks are. Chances are that they won’t all choose a simple gin and tonic. Our tastes vary, while new cocktail recipes mean that it can take a lot to please everyone at a party. According to a study by Fentimans, the UK’s favourite cocktail is the vodka martini. But how many kitchens have both vermouth and vodka at the ready?

Entertaining is the ultimate millennial pastime. But keeping drinks full and good times flowing can be a difficult balance to achieve. The drinks trolley represents an open home, where guests shouldn’t be afraid to get their own top-up when their glass runs dry.

Standing opposed to the classic liquor cabinet, the drinks trolley isn’t hidden behind glass doors where your home stock may as well be locked away. While a liquor cabinet might create a this is my drink and my drink only atmosphere, the drinks trolley does not share this sentiment. It presents a buffet of spirits and mixers, meaning that you and your guests are always spoilt for choice — nothing is off the table.

People that have a drinks trolley are the centre of their social circle, with friends flocking to their homes for Netflix nights and board game events. If that sounds like you, or someone you want to be, the drinks trolley is your ticket to fun.



Stocking up

Choosing your drinks trolley is one mission, choosing the drinks to go in it is another story. A sleek, classic design that still fits your interior is essential. Gold and silver trimmings are popular and can add some glamour to a trolley with an already ornate presence.

The rise of the drinks trolley runs parallel to the popularity of homemade cocktails. Searches for ‘bartender kits’ have risen by 1,233 per cent in the last ten years. Even now, the demand for stay-at-home cocktails continues to grow. But what should you stock your drinks trolley with to get full use of your bartender kit?

The roaring twenties are happening all over again, and a great time begins with classic cocktails to thrill any drinks connoisseur. Find your drinks trolley, stock your favourite drinks, and enjoy entertaining or relaxing with your favourite beverage.


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Friday 25 February 2022

3 tips for getting rid of maskne


I struggled with hormonal acne way before the pandemic began, but over the past two years, I've been on constant alert when it comes to my complexion, trying to avoid the dreaded maskne (acne linked to wearing a face mask).

I've found that it doesn't make a difference what mask I wear (surgical or fabric). The problem is that moisture gathers behind the mask, breeds bacteria, and creates an environment for acne.

Luckily, I've avoided the worst of it by being on hormonal birth control (for reasons other than adult acne), which alters my the hormone profile to make you less susceptible to hormonal acne breakouts. But for those who have to rely on nature's goodwill, maskne is a very real, very frustrating thing.

Mask requirements have been lifted in most places, and for the average person (especially those who don't work in a job requiring a face mask), it gives room for skin to breathe. But many of us will still be fighting the lasting effects of maskne, so I've put together this post-maskne skincare routine to give you back your glowing, plump skin with just a little bit of work.


1. Implement double cleansing into your skincare routine

If you’re not double cleansing, you’re doing it wrong. TikTok introduced us to double cleansing during lockdown, and it’s essential to keeping your skin clear. It involves washing your face twice but with two different types of cleansers. Your first cleanse should be with a cleansing oil or balm – they’re designed to get your makeup, sunscreen, and any grime build-up off, leaving a blank canvas for your second cleanse.

The second cleanse is probably your usual cleanser – a creamy one if you have dry skin, or a foaming one for oilier complexions. After the first cleanse removes all your makeup, your second cleanse can really get deep into your skin to clean out your pores and leave it baby soft and smooth.

When we had to wear masks, double cleansing helped get rid of all the oil and sweat that built up under those masks. But just because we don’t need to wear masks anymore doesn’t mean we’re free of this!


2. Pop on another kind of face mask

Mask mandates might be over in most places, but we still recommend wearing one – the wash-off kind! Face masks are a deep treatment for your skin and offer a ton of benefits, from soothing redness caused by masks to drawing out the impurities that come with constant wearing.

Clay masks are the winner for soaking up the oil, sweat, and debris caused by constant mask-wearing. Certain types of clay, including bentonite clay and kaolin clay, are proven to absorb excess oil from your pores – and excess oil is ultimately what leads to spots forming.

You can also use a mask that combines oil-absorbing clay with soothing ingredients. This will add a boost of skin-plumping hydration and make sure your skin isn’t dried out. This is perfect if you’re struggling with the after-effects of maskne because it often starts with irritation caused by friction and heat.

Adding a clay mask into your routine will help keep your skin gorgeously clear in the long run.

3. Review your skincare routine

There’s no doubt that mask-wearing was one of the biggest causes of the spots occupying too much space on our faces recently. But it’s not the only cause of acne – so to banish blemishes once and for all, it’s time to add acne-fighting ingredients to your skincare.

Facial cleansers with salicylic acid can supercharge your cleansing routine, adding an acne-busting ingredient to it. You could also incorporate a serum or a toner with the ingredient a few times a week. Salicylic acid is one of the very few ingredients proven to get into your pores – and once inside, it gets to work clearing all that nastiness out.

Retinol is well-known as an anti-ageing powerhouse, but did you know it’s also amazing in the fight against acne? This amazing ingredient achieves both in the same way by increasing your cell turnover. This means your skin produces more collagen, which is essential for plump, youthful skin. This also means it works as an exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil – which can all cause acne. Plus, starting retinol in your early twenties means you get a head start on fighting signs of ageing – win-win!

Finally, make sure that none of your products, whether that’s make-up, skincare, or even self-tan, have ingredients that could clog your pores or cause acne. If you love your self-tan, switch to clear tanning water – the pigment in traditional tanners is a major source of acne. If you’re currently using a pigmented facial tanner and you want to give this a try, use a tan eraser to create a blank (and glowing!) canvas. When it comes to make-up, look for oil-free formulas and make sure you’re taking it all off properly by double cleansing.

On top of everything else that’s happened over the past two years, we also had to deal with unhappy maskne skin. You might have struggled with it when we needed to wear face masks, and now that the mask mandate has mostly been lifted, you may be dealing with the after-effects of it. These three steps will help your skin recover from two years of mask-wearing and keep it beautifully clear in the long run.

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Wednesday 23 February 2022

Adopting a Blue Zone Lifestyle for the New Year


When it comes to making positive lifestyle changes, there's nothing that I won't try once if I think that it will benefit my wellbeing in some sort of way. Over the last year I've adopted more plant-based diet choices, implemented a daily walk or jog into my routine (on top of my gym regime) and started listening to guided meditations via the Calm app.

Being mindful of what we put into our bodies, in particular, is extremely important. To optimise our overall wellbeing, we need to find happiness in a healthy, balanced diet matched with physical activity.

But restricting our food intake with traditional diets won’t cut it this time. Say goodbye to Atkins, the 5:2 diet, and paleo, and hello to the Blue Zone lifestyle.

Blue Zoning Explained

Where do the healthiest and longest-living people reside? In the so-called Blue Zones. Their environment, lifestyles and diets are all optimised to give them the highest life expectancies in the world. People in Blue Zones have lower levels of chronic disease, obesity, and BMIs.

The five original Blue Zones are:

  • Okinawa (Japan)

  • Ikaria (Greece)

  • Sardinia (Italy)

  • Nicoya (Costa Rica)

  • Loma Linda (California)




Blue Zones advocate physical activity and healthy eating. The Mediterranean diet is well-established as one of the healthiest in the world. It's rich in fish, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. So it’s no surprise to see Greek and Italian islands in the list of Blue Zones. The Blue Zone eating method as a whole is very similar to the traditional Mediterranean diet. Rosie Martin, registered dietician at Plant Based Health Professionals, commented:

“The Blue Zone populations have a ‘plant slant’ approach to their diet, meaning their energy intake comes predominantly from whole, plant foods.

“A plant-predominant diet provides abundant low-energy but highly nutrient-dense foods with additional fibre and phytochemicals that protect our bodies from chronic diseases. These foods help to reduce inflammation, support our ‘good’ gut microbes, manage our weight, improve our mood, and lower the risk for tumour growth. A plant-predominant diet doesn’t just add years to your life, it also adds healthy life to those years. Research from the Blue Zones highlights the real-life impact that a plant-predominant diet has on human health and longevity.”

Blue Zone cultures pride themselves on understanding the benefits of a positive attitude. That's why the new year is a fantastic opportunity to commit to a Blue Zone way of life and follow through with it. A Blue Zone blog said that people who practice the blue zone lifestyle are happier. And we know being happy equals less stress and fewer visible signs of ageing.

Here's how you can have a fresh start in the new year with Blue Zoning.


Less Dairy = Healthy Skin

Dairy products might be packed full of vital vitamins and minerals, however, they can be problematic. It's well-established that milk and similar products can cause acne. And in a phenomenon aptly named 'dairy face', animal products can also cause:

  • Swollen eyelids

  • Under-eye bags

  • Dark circles

  • White bumps on the face

Let’s face it, ‘dairy face’ isn’t a desirable look. It's good news, then, that dairy substitutes are just as indulgent as the real thing. Everybody loves an ice cream and, thankfully, there are many dairy-free alternatives. This coconut, caramel and pecan dairy-free ice cream, for example, contains only five ingredients, and the coconut milk makes it incredibly indulgent without the negative skin effects.

“With 70% of the global population intolerant to cow’s milk, we cannot rely on it as a source of calcium for bone health. Luckily, we can get all the calcium we need without it. For those who can tolerate dairy, there are still benefits to choosing a plant-based milk instead. Soya milk fortified with calcium for example is a high protein and low saturated fat option, and also provides extra phytoestrogens and fibre that may reduce the risk for breast cancer and support a healthy heart,” added Rosie Martin.


Limit your sugar intake

Most of us are guilty of having a secret stash of chocolate bars or some mouth-watering Ferrero Rochers. But, like dairy, this can have an adverse effect on your skin and body. We don't need to tell you that chocolate isn't a healthy choice for the body-conscious. But sugary treats can give you, you've guessed it, 'sugar face’. And the effects are longer-lasting. Sugar breaks down collagen, the protein that keeps your visage looking youthful.

“Refined sugar provides a lot of energy that is released quickly into our blood stream. This causes a blood sugar spike, shortly followed by a crash as insulin causes your sugar levels to drop. These crashes are coupled with cravings for more sugar, and we are sent into a blood sugar rollercoaster throughout the day. Refined sugar is devoid of any real nutrition,” explained Rosie Martin.

“You can balance your energy levels by choosing to get unrefined, healthy sugars from whole foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. You can still get your chocolate fix by including dark chocolate in small amounts, a food that is high in beneficial polyphenols.”

If you want to snack like a blue-zoner, opt for healthy nuts. And if you find them unexciting on their own, why not mix them up into some yummy recipes? For example, you can swap your guilty pleasure Ferrero Rochers with a healthy protein ball version packed with healthy nuts that’s just as delicious.

“Thankfully, our taste preferences can change over time. If you start cutting down on added sugar and swap your refined sugary foods for healthier forms of sugar, such as those found in whole foods, you will find that these foods become more delicious, satisfying, and will provide your body with the nourishment it needs”, added Rosie Martin.


Get some winter sun

Is it a coincidence that all five Blue Zones are in warmer climates? Research shows that short days and cold weather can have a negative impact on our health, so it's the perfect excuse for a winter getaway. Cold weather can affect your mood, dry out your skin and even make you feel more tired.

Going on a holiday to a sunnier destination in January is a great way to reap the benefits of those sun rays. It’s also the cheapest month to jet off to your desired destination. Imagine how great you’ll look in your designer bikini after following the Blue Zone diet!

Research shows that 29% of people in the UK are deficient of vitamin D between January and March. This essential vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. When deficient, people can experience low energy levels, depression, headaches and joint pain. If you're an active, healthy young woman, the last thing you need is joint pain.

While there are some great substitutes for your vitamin D intake, such as vitamin D supplements and a light therapy SAD lamp, nothing beats the real thing. Jetting off to a sunny destination not only gives you an opportunity to relax; it'll improve your health and happiness. You can even visit one of the Blue Zones to immerse yourself in the Blue Zone lifestyle and diet first-hand!

Adopting a Blue Zone lifestyle might well be the key to your optimal wellbeing, so why not give it a try in 2022?

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Tuesday 22 February 2022

Why you need an updated skincare routine in winter


If you're thinking, 'should I change my skincare routine in winter?', the answer is a bit more complicated than 'yes' or 'no'. In my case, I have to swap out my lighter summer moisturisers and heavy SPFs for more penetrative moisturisers and oils, and lighter SPFs. However, if you're skin doesn't change much throughout the year, changing your skincare routine may not be a necessity. Lucky you!

For those who, like me, need to spend that little bit extra on winter-specific products in addition to summer skincare, read on for some easy-to-follow tips.


Switch to a heavier moisturiser

In the colder months, the air is a lot drier. That and the colder temperatures can draw moisture away from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Even those of us with oily skin could benefit from a richer moisturiser in the winter to replenish water loss caused by frigid temperatures and air lacking in moisture.

When picking out a winter moisturiser, look for one containing lipids and ceramides. These fatty molecules form the building blocks of our skin and keep it plump and hydrated. And we all know plump, moisturised skin is the most youthful! If you’re worried that a thicker cream will break you out or make your oiliness worse, stay away from formulas with pore-clogging ingredients like petrolatum, coconut oil, and shea butter.

Incorporate an oil into your routine

Facial oils are the misunderstood sister of the skincare world. A lot of us will avoid them, fearing that they’ll make our faces even greasier. But a facial oil can actually do the opposite! Think about why your face produces oil – it’s because it thinks you’re lacking in it. So, slathering on an oil before bed can actually help reduce oil production.


In winter, oils are the perfect way to seal in your super-hydrating moisturiser because they’re occlusive. This means that they’ll prevent any moisture or water loss from your skin. In winter, when the cold weather, central heating, and dry air try to sap your skin dry, this is essential. Jojoba oil is great for oily skin because it mimics the skin’s natural oils. If your skin is particularly thirsty, you can get away with a nourishing coconut oil, because it’ll be less likely to clog your smaller pores.


Don’t turn to tanning beds

We’re more aware than ever that vitamin D is super important for our health. But in the UK, we’re chronically vitamin D-deficient in the colder months because the sunlight isn’t strong enough for our bodies to make it (and we might spend most of the winter snuggled up in our duvets instead of outdoors).

This has led to the misconception that using sunbeds can help us make up this deficit, but the NHS recommends against it. Instead, take a vitamin D supplement and get your vitamin D through foods like eggs, salmon, and nuts. There’s an added bonus to these foods because they’re all great for your skin too!

If you’re looking for a bronzed glow throughout the winter months, there are ways to achieve it that are better for your health and skin. UV rays from tanning beds not only increase your risk of skin cancer, but also contribute to signs of skin ageing like fine lines and dark spots. Instead, opt for safer self-tanners. You can even use an fake tan drops for a temporary bronze if you have a big event!

On the topic of UV rays – yes, you still need an SPF in the winter! The sun’s rays can still damage your skin even on cold and cloudy days, so make sure you’re finishing off your morning skincare routine with an SPF of 25 or higher.

Use gentler ingredients

Retinol and glycolic and salicylic acid are having a moment in the spotlight. We’ve discovered how they can unclog pores, smooth texture, and even reduce fine lines. But the way these products work is by encouraging cell turnover and dissolving nasties in our pores and on the surface of our skin. With an already compromised skin barrier in the winter, we might want to ease off on these ingredients in colder months.

We’re not saying you need to completely remove exfoliants and retinol from your routine, but it’s a good idea to limit your use of them. If you have skin that’s more sensitive to cold weather, this is especially relevant. If you’d prefer to keep your exfoliation regular, you could try gentler acids like mandelic or lactic acid. The latter acid is a humectant, meaning it draws in the water that winter air is trying to suck out of your skin.

Keeping our skin healthy, youthful, and hydrated is an ever-changing task. What worked for you in the summer might not be enough for the winter months, so it’s important to adapt your routine to the seasons. As with all new skincare products, we recommend incorporating your winter saviours gradually to give your skin time to adjust. Start with your richer moisturiser, and give it a couple of weeks before bringing in your face oil. No more battling dry and flaky skin!

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Wednesday 16 February 2022

6 spring nail ideas for 2022



While the weather may not be spring-ing, your nails certainly can be.

Spring is one of my favourite times of year: the prospect of lighter evenings, warmer weather, tulips cropping up in my garden and, of course, spring fashion and beauty trends.

The SS22 catwalks were awash with soft colours and patterns on the nails of models, from those walking the runway for Ulla Johnson (simple, warm nudes) to Sandy Liang (light coloured bases with contrasting flower stickers). Of course, soft girls vibes are to be expected in spring, but I also noticed a touch of fun, girly accents at Markarian (red, heart-shaped gems) and Collina Strada (metallic pink French tips).

Over the past year, I've tried quite a few colours and designs which would suit a spring nail perfectly. Here are six of my favourite nail ideas to show your nail tech!


Nude nails and crystals

I chose The Gel Bottle base colour 'Dolly' for this manicure, with clear nail gems in the centre of the nail, close to the cuticle. Make sure your tech uses a good layer of top coat to secure your gems in place, so that they don't fall off once you've stepped foot outside the salon!
 

White sparkly nails

This is such a simple design, but it still feels a bit special. It's a white base with a sparkly polish on top to bring some dimension to the design.


Purple with daisy nail art

Lilac is one of my favourite colours, and I'm constantly having to stop myself asking for it each time I visit the salon. I asked for three daisies on each ring finger, and this is how it turned out.



Green heart nail art

Admittedly, I asked for these nails as an alternative Valentine's Day design, but I think they work perfecty for a cute spring nail. The green shade is 'Elder Flower' by The Gel Bottle.


Classic nude nails

You can't go wrong with nude, whatever your preferred shade. I paired this manicure with a stiletto shaped nail.


Bottega green nails

This shade of green was so on-trend in summer 2021, but green also works so well for spring, mirroring those fresh, healthy hues we see in the natural world at this time of year.

Want to see more of my manicures? Follow me on Instagram @jenloumeredith.

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Monday 14 February 2022

Exchanging the commute for self care: 3 daily practices to try


Before the pandemic, I used to take a three-hour commute into the city. Not every day, luckily (I couldn't stomach six hours of travelling, five days a week, frankly), but regularly enough that I would come to really value the time I didn't spend commuting. I would spend it meditating, listening to a podcast, doing some e-learning, or just plain old sleeping in.

Now, I haven't commuted for a couple of years, and I couldn't say that I'd be happy to go back to it. My self care routine has become a permanent fixture of my mornings. It's this routine that has kept me from experiencing the high levels of stress that I once used to experience, back before I valued career success over my mental health.

However, while some of us have been able to slip into the work-from-home routine fairly easily, I've noticed that some of my friends and colleagues have taken the opposite route, using their extra time in the mornings and evenings to work longer hours. While this may help you achieve more in your working day, it may not be such a great routine for your mental wellbeing.

Now, I know that everyone has their own priorities, but if you feel that your mental health has taken a dip, I would recommend making active decisions to better your wellbeing, even if that means having a frank conversation with your employer about your workload.

If you're able to get back your mornings and evenings, here are a few ideas of self care activities that you could implement into your routine:

1. Invest in a skincare regime

If there’s one habit many of us picked up during multiple lockdowns, it was a proper skincare routine. With nowhere to go and fewer opportunities to show off our favourite makeup, we turned to looking after our skin and embracing our natural beauty instead. 



A lot of us found the soothing ritual of applying serums, toners, and moisturisers to our face to be relaxing, and there have been many accounts of people seeing improved mental health as a result. The rhythmic routine of applying products offers us a moment to be mindful, and prioritising ourselves in these moments can boost our wellbeing.

If you’re one of the many people forgoing makeup when you work from home, spend the time that you’d usually use on commuting on looking after your skin. Your face, and your mind, will thank you.

2. Practise meditation

Working from home can be just as hectic as a day in the office. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work life as you’re bombarded with Teams messages and phone calls. This can leave you feeling quite stressed and burnt out, especially if you’ve rolled straight out of your bed to your desk.

Taking time in your morning to practise meditation and mindfulness can put you in a mindset that is ready for a busy day of remote work. Those moments of calm mean you won’t be stressed from the moment you log on. It sets the tone for the rest of your day and can help you deal with the challenges that may come your way.

We all know by now that meditation doesn’t just mean sitting cross-legged and chanting ‘Om’. It means taking a quiet moment to be present in the now. You can practise basic meditation, which is to focus on your body and your surroundings instead of the thoughts racing through your mind. Breathwork and repeating positive mantras to yourself have also been proven to improve your mental health.

Meditating after you log off work, in the time you’d usually spend travelling home, can also help you release all the stress that may have built up during the day. 

3. Write in a journal

Another practice that allows you to be mindful is journaling. The act of writing down your thoughts, emotions, and significant events from the day can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as help you to work through complex emotions.

There are many methods of journaling that could benefit you. If you enjoyed keeping a diary or journal when you were younger, simply writing about your day and how you’re feeling can be helpful – and there’s a sweet tinge of nostalgia mixed in there too.

Writing freely is a good way to get all of your thoughts on paper, then you can begin to dig into them and understand what you’re feeling, why you’re feeling it, and how you can address it. Gratitude journaling, where you make note of the things in your life you’re thankful for, can also give you a more positive outlook on life and increase your happiness.

Journaling can be done both before and after work once you’re comfy in your pyjama set – and it can even help you switch out of work mode and into life mode by getting any frustrations off your mind.


While some people in certain circumstances have understandably rejected the move to work-from-home, for others, there’s no going back. I certainly wouldn't want to take up a three-hour commute once again. But, whether you’re a full-time remote worker or you have a few precious days a week to work from home, spending the time you used to use for your commute on self-care activities can improve your stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even boost your happiness. What more could you want? 

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Friday 11 February 2022

10 essentials for a cosy office space


A cosy office space isn't difficult to create, but it can make a huge difference in terms of your happiness, comfort and general wellbeing.

My office space used to be far more practical than comfortable, but this meant that I would wake up in the mornings with the thought that I would have to sit down all day in a space that I really didn't enjoy being in, and it would put a dampener on my whole day.

Now, alongside a cosy morning routine, I actually look forward to my day of work, and I leave my office with a feeling of content at the end of the day.

Here are a few of the products that help me achieve a cosy vibe in my office:

*This article contains affiliate links. By clicking them, you help me continue to create useful content!


1. Pastel keyboard, £29.99

It's important to use a keyboard that is comfortable for your hands, especially if, like me, you're typing all day. This keyboard not only looks great, but feels great too!

Buy it here.



2. Laptop stand for desk, £27.99

If you find that your neck is stiff at the end of the day, it's probably because your screen is at the wrong height. This laptop stand can prop your laptop or screen up a few inches, which can make a huge difference to your posture in the short and long term.

Buy it here.



3. Ergonomic desk chair, £125.99

Your number one investment for your office, besides high quality tech equipment, is a comfortable, supportive chair. I would spend between £100 to £170 on a good office chair, especially if you'll be sitting on it for most of the day.

Buy it here.


4. Humidifier, £13.98

Often, the air in offices can be dry, which isn't great for your skin. This humidifier does what it says on the tin, and it looks great too!

Buy it here.


5. Plant station, £11.99

I always think it's important to have greenery in an office space, as plants are said to increase wellbeing and purify the air. This plant station is ideal if you don't have room for large plants in your office.

Buy it here.

6. Alexa-controllable LED strip lights, £35

I've wanted LED strip lights for so long, and these are so much more affordable than some of the larger brand names out there, but they still do the same thing! They're Alexa controllable, which means that I can say a command like 'turn on the lights', and these strip lights will come to life.

Buy it here.


7. LED Digital Wall Clock, £29.99

I'll be honest, I really don't like the sound of a ticking clock, so this digital clock is perfect for when I need to quickly glance at the time. Plus, you can choose different colours to create an ambience in your space.

Buy it here.


8. Desk foot rocker, £41.95

My legs often start to feel stiff if my feet aren't raised up slightly, so this foot rocker is the perfect height for that. Plus, it helps when I'm feeling fidgety, as it rocks with my movement.

Buy it here.


9. Ceramic mug with lid, £15.99

When you hop on a Teams call, before you know it, half an hour has passed and you coffee has gone cold. With this lidded mug, that doesn't have to be the case. Plus, it comes with a gorgeous gold stirring spoon for an extra touch of elegance.

Buy it here.


10. Vertical laptop dock, £29.20

This is great for people who connect their laptop to a larger screen, as it saves space on the desk. It's also ideal if you like to keep your desk tidy while it's not in use!

Buy it here.

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