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Ever notice that your hair has a mind of its own the minute you step out of town? I mean, it’s almost a running joke: you prep for a big trip, fill your bag with outfits worthy of travel selfies, and then—bam—humidity turns your bangs into antennae and the hotel hair dryer makes you look like you stuck your head out the window on the highway. But hey, messy travel hair happens to the best of us. With a little prep (and a few pro tricks), you can keep your hair looking awesome whether you’re backpacking through Europe or hustling through airport security.

Pack Like a Pro (And Ditch the Full Bottles)

Let’s be real: no one wants to drag a suitcase full of hair products through customs. Pick the MVPs—travel sizes or reusable bottles. Focus on what you’ll actually use. Dry shampoo? Lifesaver when showers are spotty. Leave-in conditioner? An absolute game changer if you’re headed somewhere dry, sunny, or with pool action. Stash a few hair ties, bobby pins, and a travel brush—your future self, running late for a tour bus, will thank you.

Weatherproof Your Style

You’ll want to check the forecast before you go. Humidity? Go light on the styling creams and heavy gels—too much product can actually make things worse, not better. Instead, try an anti-frizz serum and embrace styles that play nicely with the weather. Braids, messy buns, or a relaxed ponytail will always look chic (and let’s face it, are easier than fighting for perfection in a tiny hotel bathroom). Going cold? Static is your enemy. Tame those flyaways with a little hand lotion (yep, just rub a smidge on your palms and smooth flyaways).

The Kenna Kennor Travel Philosophy

Kenna Kennor, if you haven’t discovered him already, is one of those celebrity hairstylists who just gets travel hair. He’s worked with too many A-listers to count, but what’s great is his knack for realistic advice. Kenna’s pro tip on the go? Work with what your hair wants to do in that new environment, not against it. Instead of trying to force your usual style, he suggests leaning into natural texture—think loose waves by the beach, or chunky, lived-in looks in damp places. In interviews, he’s even mentioned twisting damp hair into a low bun and letting it air dry while you explore—unwrap later, and voila, soft, effortless waves. No flat iron or diffuser required.

Easy Routines That Actually Last

You’re on vacation to enjoy yourself, not babysit your hair. Swap daily washes for every other day to avoid stripping your hair’s natural oils—plus, it honestly saves precious vacation time. If you spend the day sightseeing, spritz a little dry shampoo in before bed, give your scalp a quick massage, and wake up with fresh roots. For longer trips, pick up all-in-one travel products, like a combined shampoo and conditioner, or a leave-in that doubles as a styling cream.

Don’t Forget Local Inspiration

Peek at what’s on the shelves where you’re staying, especially in different countries. You might discover a new holy-grail product you’d never have tried at home. And when in doubt, ask locals or your hotel staff how they handle the weather’s hair curveballs—they’re pros at this!

The Bottom Line: Relax and Go With It

Not every travel day will be a runway moment, and that’s fine. Focus on comfort, embrace a little imperfection, and make those easy routines your new best friends. Trust me—it’s the smile in your vacation pics they’ll remember, not the one rogue curl. Safe travels (and even better hair days ahead)!

St. Patricks day celebrations, March 17th

With a view to making allowances for as many visitors as possible, the authorities in London are setting in place specific measures along the route for disabled access. The march itself will have for your viewing, amongst others, marching bands, dance troupes and floats. Access for many will be available at Trafalgar Square, where the festival will have its main focal point. 

The parade route will have as much provision as possible for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The route itself runs through central London from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. Your options are multi-faceted as there will be points all the way along the course allowing freedom to join or leave. There will also be help throughout with assistance from trained staff.

If you have decided to, once you have arrived at the party in Trafalgar Square, there will be a dedicated area designed to facilitate those with mobility issues and those who find crowds difficult. It is situated at the north terrace of the Square itself. There will be chairs there for companions of those requiring assistance.

The main entrance for those seeking accessibility will be on Pall Mall East. For those with hearing impairment, hearing loop facilities will be available in the areas designated for disabled access. Sign language interpreters will be available during the spoken word performances on the main stage.

There will also be a Mobiloo toilet facility available at the site, where a hoist and changing table can be employed. Bring your own sling if this is appropriate and necessary.

Assistance dogs can be accommodated throughout the day, along the route or in the Square, and those in need for ear protection, defenders will be available, where required.

Disabled accessibility information for the festival will be available on the Mayor of London’s Website.

Chinese New Year celebrations 2026

Specific access will depend on what part of the celebrations you are attending. The Greenwich Lunar Fair, which will take place on Feb 7th, will be advertised as completely accessible, with workshops available and stage performances on view. 

The Lunar Fair is described as free, family-friendly and totally accessible. There will be arts and crafts workshops and festival refreshments at all areas. This specific area will be somewhat less crowded and would suit those who prefer it slightly less congested. It is advertised as being more controlled too.

For the Chinese New Year parade, which will take place over the 21st and 22nd February, there will be viewing points, along the route, with no steps, for watching events unfold. This will include dragons and floats.

You can expect help with accessibility for the main celebrations in Trafalgar Square and Chinatown with an access guide, showing a map of the event layout, being made available. Chinatown will be pedestrianised allowing step-free access, and Trafalgar Square will be fully accessible via road closures, including viewing areas for those less advantaged. 

Bear in mind that these events can become very congested and any amount of information you can gain beforehand will be beneficial.

Car ownership has long been associated with freedom, convenience and economic independence. Yet for many consumers, the route to getting a vehicle is anything but straightforward. Over the past decade, the rise of complex finance arrangements has made the buying process increasingly difficult to navigate. And in some cases, it has opened the door to practices that are far from ethical.

As calls for transparency and fairness grow louder, the concept of ethical auto finance is gaining attention. The question is no longer just how to afford a car, but how to finance one in a way that protects consumers and promotes trust. From tackling mis-sold car finance to reforming the way salespeople are incentivised, creating a fairer future for car buyers requires a serious shift in mindset across the industry.

Understanding Ethical Auto Finance

At its core, ethical auto finance is about more than ticking boxes for compliance. It is a commitment to treating buyers with honesty, providing clear information, and offering products that suit individual needs. This approach helps ensure that the car finance process:

• Is free of pressure or misleading tactics
• Includes full disclosure of terms, fees and conditions
• Matches the customer’s financial situation and preferences
• Avoids conflict of interest in commission structures

It also promotes long-term satisfaction rather than short-term profit. Ethical lenders and brokers aim to help drivers stay on the road without being burdened by unaffordable payments or unpleasant surprises.

What Went Wrong: The Rise of Mis-Sold Finance

Over the years, a range of finance products have been marketed to buyers as cost-effective solutions. But behind the appealing monthly payments and flexible terms, many consumers found themselves tied into agreements that were unsuitable, unclear or more expensive than they realised.

One of the most common issues has been mis-sold car finance. This can take various forms, including:

• Not explaining the true cost of the agreement
• Hiding key clauses in lengthy documentation
• Failing to disclose that a salesperson receives commission for recommending a specific deal
• Offering a product that is inappropriate for the consumer’s circumstances

For those affected, the impact can be far-reaching. Some people only discover years later that their agreement was not explained properly or was more costly than it should have been. In these cases, there may be grounds to bring a complaint or even submit a PCP claim if the agreement was based on a Personal Contract Purchase model.

PCP Claims and Consumer Awareness

The increase in PCP claims has highlighted just how widespread the problem has become. Many drivers were led to believe they would own the car at the end of the agreement, only to learn that a large final payment was required. Others were unaware that their finance deal included commissions that may have affected the fairness of the offer.

Importantly, both PCP claims and general car finance complaints are legally valid for agreements signed between 2007 and 2024. This long timeframe means a wide pool of consumers may have been affected without realising it. Ethical auto finance seeks to eliminate this kind of confusion and restore trust to the system.

Key Elements of a Fair Car Finance Deal

For ethical auto finance to become the standard rather than the exception, the following elements should be included in every customer interaction:

• Clear explanations: The full structure of the agreement should be described in plain English, including final payments, interest rates and any charges for excess mileage or damage.
• Suitability checks: Finance should not be offered unless it fits the buyer’s financial profile and driving needs.
• Commission transparency: Customers should be told if the adviser earns commission and whether it affects the recommendation.
• Cooling-off periods: Consumers should have adequate time to review their agreement and seek advice if needed before committing.

These principles help reduce the risk of mis-selling and promote better financial outcomes for consumers.

The Role of Technology in Ethical Lending

Technology can play a positive role in driving ethical auto finance forward. Digital tools and platforms make it easier to:

• Compare deals across providers
• Review terms in a transparent, user-friendly format
• Perform soft credit checks before making an application
• Track changes to agreements and receive alerts about key terms

With the right safeguards in place, technology can reduce reliance on salespeople and put more control in the hands of buyers. However, it must be supported by strong consumer protection rules to ensure fairness remains the top priority.

Spotting Red Flags as a Car Buyer

Even with growing awareness, many drivers still fall into finance agreements without fully understanding the risks. To avoid problems, it helps to watch out for these red flags:

• You are encouraged to sign paperwork without reading it thoroughly
• The adviser brushes over details or discourages you from asking questions
• You feel pressured to upgrade or take extras you do not need
• The offer seems too good to be true or overly focused on monthly payments

If any of these occur, it’s worth pausing and seeking independent advice before proceeding. Taking time at the beginning can prevent financial hardship down the line.

A Shared Responsibility

Creating a fairer future in car finance is not just the responsibility of lenders. Dealers, brokers, regulators and consumers all play a role. This shared responsibility includes:

• Dealerships: Training staff to prioritise customer needs over commission
• Lenders: Simplifying contracts and avoiding aggressive pricing tactics
• Regulators: Monitoring complaints and enforcing transparent practices
• Consumers: Staying informed and challenging anything that seems unclear

Together, these actions contribute to a healthier car finance market where fairness is the norm rather than the exception.

Conclusion: Driving Towards a Better Standard

Ethical auto finance is more than an industry trend. It is a necessary evolution that reflects the growing demand for transparency, fairness and respect for consumer rights. As more people come forward with PCP claim concerns and stories of mis-sold car finance, the need for systemic change becomes harder to ignore.

Whether you are buying your first car or replacing an older model, understanding your finance options and insisting on clear information is crucial. In a world where cars are essential for daily life, the way we finance them should reflect the same values we expect in any other serious financial decision: honesty, clarity and integrity.

By building a system that works for everyone, we lay the foundations for a fairer, more sustainable car finance future. And that benefits not just the individual buyer, but society as a whole.

Gardening, being good both as a physical activity, but also as a way of achieving mental well-being, is also a past-time that rewards psychologically. You will however need to protect against toxins, sharp edges and chemicals, and other potential pitfalls while undertaking this activity. This may surprise you, but the recorded number of injuries arising from tasks being carried out in the garden is about 87,000 in a year, and these are just the ones recorded by the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). Here we cover a breakdown of the type of protective workwear you will require when tackling your beloved garden.

It is advisable to wear gloves when handling soil or compost and these are particularly effective against harmful plants, fertilisers and plant protection products like pesticides.  You will not only find this advisable but imperative if you already have a cut or graze on your hand. Waterproof gloves are the best at preventing contact with harmful substances, in place of those made from an absorbent fabric.

If you can combine waterproof with a thick protective material, this would be an additional layer of defence, particularly against barbes, prickles and spines. If you are working on such plants, gauntlets, gloves which cover your wrists and lower arm can be a suitably protective measure. Gloves also provide extra grip when using machinery like shears and hedge-trimmers.

Covering up your bare skin is advisable if you have a sensitive reaction to harmful sap or skin irritating substances. You can wear long sleeves and trousers but try to avoid too baggy and loose-fitting clothing as these can become snagged if you are using tools or machinery.

A dust mask can stop you breathing in particles that can be liberated when handling potting media, particularly when it is dry. This can cause coughing and irritation. Wearing such protection can be useful when turning compost as there are again harmful spores or bacteria that can be released during this activity. You would be advised to use one of these if you are asthmatic or have bronchitis.

When you are using machinery to prune or cut, such as hedge-trimmers or strimmers, you will benefit from the use of safety goggles. The possibility exists that loose clippings can be projected towards your face and eyes. Debris such as sawdust or leaf trimmings could also be blown your way in windy conditions.

Noisy machinery such as a strimmer, hedge trimmers and particularly lawn mowers and chain saws are all good reasons to wear ear defenders during long periods of exposure in the garden. There is advice online on what kind of decibel levels will require ear protection.

If it is your job, you are using heavy machinery or you are manoeuvring heavy objects, proper boots are a good addition to your protective attire.

When pruning hedges or trees and you are working on something above your head a helmet is advisable. Some come with glasses and ear defenders attached.

Assessing your task before undertaking it will avail you of the type of PPE that you will need and protect you in advance of an accident happening.

Most people don’t realize just how much their grocery list impacts the planet. From the food we buy to the packaging it comes in, every purchase contributes in some way to the state of our environment. Agriculture, in particular, plays a central role — influencing land use, water resources, wildlife habitats, and global emissions. Understanding these connections helps consumers make smarter, more sustainable choices.

The Global Footprint of Agriculture

Agriculture now dominates the Earth’s surface, taking up about half of all habitable land. It also consumes 70% of the planet’s available freshwater and contributes roughly one-quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond that, it’s responsible for about 78% of freshwater and marine eutrophication — the buildup of excess nutrients that can harm aquatic ecosystems.

The effects extend beyond water and air quality. Livestock, for example, make up over 90% of the world’s mammal biomass, far outweighing all wild mammals combined. This massive shift has altered natural ecosystems and placed thousands of wildlife species at risk. In fact, agriculture is now considered a leading driver behind the decline of more than 28,000 threatened species worldwide.

From Wilderness to Farmland

A thousand years ago, almost all habitable land on Earth — areas not covered by ice or desert — was wild. Forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats thrived. Today, more than half of that same land has been converted into farmland to sustain a growing population. Forests still cover much of what remains, with about 10% occupied by grasslands and shrubs, 1% by freshwater, and another 1% by urban infrastructure such as roads and cities.

This transformation has enabled human progress but at a significant ecological cost. As natural habitats shrink, biodiversity decreases, and soil and water resources are placed under increasing stress.

Why Meat Consumption Matters

Raising animals for food uses far more land than growing crops for direct human consumption. Pastures and fields dedicated to producing animal feed occupy over three-quarters of all agricultural land — yet these efforts provide less than 20% of the calories people consume.

Reducing meat consumption and incorporating more plant-based foods can make a meaningful difference. Even modest shifts toward plant-forward diets help lower global demand for livestock, freeing up land and resources that could otherwise support reforestation and habitat restoration.

Simple Steps Consumers Can Take

You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to make a difference. Small, consistent choices can collectively reduce your environmental footprint:

• Choose local foods: Buying from nearby farms reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies.
• Opt for sustainable packaging: Look for brands using recyclable, compostable, or minimal packaging materials.
• Rethink transportation: Walk, bike, or combine errands to reduce vehicle trips.
• Shop mindfully: Plan meals to reduce food waste, and consider plant-based options more often.

Every purchase is an opportunity to promote sustainability. By paying attention to how products are made, transported, and packaged, consumers can play a key role in shaping a food system that sustains both people and the planet.

For more on this, check out the infographic below from Green Rabbit, a cold chain logistics services company.