24% of Brits Planning Trips Alone in 2025

Solo travel is getting more popular as time goes on. Studies have found that 24% of Brits are planning a solo trip in 2025, and that 59% would be happy to take a trip alone if the opportunity arose..

Source : pexels

The World is Becoming More Accommodating of Solo Travel

The rise in solo travel is no surprise, especially when you look at how accommodating the world is becoming of solo travel. Now, most sites accept dinner reservations online, with single table options available for those who want to dine alone. Entertainment is also becoming more accommodating, as you can book tickets online to shows or concerts, with the option of choosing an aisle seat if you’d rather sit alone, rather than being sandwiched between people.

You can also access more traditional entertainment options online, so you don’t have to go out at all. Streaming services work across the globe, for example. If you like to game, then you will notice that you can access a range of popular titles online, including casino titles. Sites like this tend to offer new takes on traditional casino games that you won’t find in land venues. You can also claim an online casino bonus that will give you free spins or even deposit matches, which helps to show how entertainment is increasingly accessible, regardless of where in the world you are. 

Top Winter Sun Destinations to Consider

 *This is a collaborative post 

Make no mistake: winter is coming. There’s no doubt the best of the sun is behind us for a little while to come - and that it’s time to pop the central heating on again! As chilly and depressing the winter months can be, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder, it doesn’t need to be a cause for hibernation. 

Put simply, you don’t need to wait until the summer months for your next fix of sun. Holidays don’t need to be tied to the seasons we experience here, and plenty of destinations still experience the sunny days and warmer nights you inevitably crave between November and February. This makes them great candidates for an impromptu winter getaway. Here are just a few of the best destinations for winter sun.

The Perfect Canary Islands

First, this popular candidate for most summer holidays remains a fabulous destination for sun and sea even during the depths of the Great British winter. This popular candidate is, of course, the Canary Islands – that group of Spanish islands just off the coast of northern Africa, to which several of your friends will have probably already visited for an all-inclusive or a cheap weekend break.

Tenerife is one of the more popular islands to visit in the summer, and a little oversubscribed as a result. If holidays to Tenerife are what you fancy, consider visiting during the winter months for both minimal beach queues and softer sun. There’s much more to Tenerife than its beachy reputation, too; go inland for cultural landmarks and traditional cuisine.

Road safety tips for new drivers

 *This is a collaborative post 

Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a big deal. It’s exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. The roads are full of people doing all sorts, and it’s up to you to stay safe and make sure you get where you’re going in one piece.

  

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. Follow a few straightforward tips, and you’ll feel much more confident and in control. 

Obey the law 

This one's simple: follow the rules. They’re there for a reason. For example, car insurance protects you and others in case of an accident. Hitting the tarmac without it could cost you big time, and that’s not the kind of stress you want.  

Similarly, stick to the speed limit and always wear your seat belt. Follow the rules, and you’re already on the right track to staying safe. 

Keep learning 

Think you know everything about driving just because you passed your test? Think again. Learning is a lifelong journey. But there are ways to accelerate the process.  

For instance, taking an advanced driver’s course can teach you things you didn’t even know you needed to know, covering practical skills like handling tricky road conditions and keeping calm when traffic gets hectic.  

Plus, you might even get a discount on your insurance, which is a win-win.  

How to Choose the Best Eyelash Extension Supplies

Want to master the art of keeping clients returning to your lash business?

The eyelash extension industry is booming, right now. The market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6%, reaching $2.73 billion by 2031. With growth like that, everybody's jumping on the bandwagon.

Here's the problem:

Most lash artists assume any eyelash extension supplies will work fine. They just buy whatever's cheapest, and hope for the best.

That's a huge mistake that will lose you clients, hurt your reputation, and damage your bottom line.

The truth is simple…

Quality eyelash extension supplies are the foundation of every successful lash business. Without good quality products, you're setting yourself up for low retention, unhappy clients, and lots of wasted time fixing preventable issues.

What you'll discover:

Why Quality Matters in Eyelash Extension Supplies

The Essential Supplies Every Lash Artist Needs

How to Choose Professional-Grade Products

Red Flags to Avoid When Shopping for Supplies

 

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Why Quality Matters in Eyelash Extension Supplies

Think of using cheap eyelash extension supplies like building a house on a shaky foundation. It might look nice at first, but it won't last. Your clients will notice when their lashes start falling out after a few days. Word spreads fast in the beauty industry, and bad reviews can kill your business before it gets off the ground.

Here's what happens when you use low-quality supplies:

-Poor retention rates

-Client allergic reactions

-Damaged natural lashes

-Wasted time on touch-ups

But, when you invest in professional-grade eyelash extension supplies? That's when the magic happens. Your work looks better, lasts longer, and clients leave your salon feeling amazing.

Think about it this way: 71% of consumers are now shopping for beauty products online. These shoppers have endless options. If your work doesn't meet their expectations, they're going to find someone who does. Good results are the number one way to keep clients returning.

The Essential Supplies Every Lash Artist Needs

Getting started with eyelash extensions can feel overwhelming. There are so many products out there, and every brand seems to claim to be the best.

Lash Extensions

Your lash extensions are, of course, the star of the show. You'll want to stock different lengths, curls, and thicknesses to create custom looks for each client.

The most popular options include:

-Synthetic lashes (budget-friendly and hold curl well)

-Silk lashes (natural-looking, medium flexibility)

-Mink lashes (lightweight, ultra-natural appearance)

Start with a variety pack that includes different lengths (8mm to 15mm) and curls (C, D and CC curves). This gives you flexibility to work with different eye shapes and client preferences.

Professional Lash Adhesive

This is where things get serious. Your lash adhesive determines how long your work will last and how safe the application process is for your clients.

Quality adhesives should be:

-Medical-grade cyanoacrylate-based

-Fast-drying (1-3 seconds)

-Long-lasting (6-8 weeks retention)

- Latex and formaldehyde-free

Never compromise on adhesive quality. A good lash adhesive may cost more upfront but saves you time, reduces callbacks, and keeps clients happy. Cheap adhesives can cause allergic reactions and ruin your reputation faster than anything else.

Tweezers

You'll need at least two pairs of high-quality tweezers – one for isolation and one for application. Look for tweezers that:

-Have perfect tension and alignment

-Are made from stainless steel

-Feel comfortable in your hand during long appointments

-Hold their precision over time

Under-Eye Pads and Tape

These protect your client's lower lashes and skin during application. Choose:

-Lint-free gel pads for sensitive clients

-Medical-grade tape that won't irritate skin

-Products that stay in place throughout the appointment

Primer and Cleansing Products

Clean lashes are essential for good retention. You need:

-Lash primer to remove oils and residue

-Gentle cleansing foam

-Alcohol-free products that won't dry out natural lashes

Keep Your Crystal Painting Clean, Organised, and Sparkling

In recent years Crystal Painting (also known as Diamond painting)  has become a popular cosy hobby that isn't just relaxing but is also a fun and creative pass time. However, the joy of crystal art painting can fade if your project becomes messy or damaged. Dust, spills, or misplaced drills can quickly lead to frustration instead of relaxation. 

Keeping your workspace neat and your materials organised helps protect both the beauty of your piece of artwork along with the satisfaction of creating it. With a few simple habits you can maintain a stress-free experience from start to finish. Below are some essential crystal painting tips to help you keep your craft in top condition.

Keep Your Crystal Painting Workspace Clean and Organised

A tidy and clutter-free workspace prevents dust, crumbs, and fibres from sticking to your crystal art.  These small particles mentioned can make your drills difficult to place and may reduce their stickiness. It's important before starting to wipe down the area especially your desk or the table before each session to ensure a fresh, debris-free surface.

It's important to keep only your essential tools nearby such as your applicator pen, wax, and your current drill colours. Use your crystal art storage containers or small organisers to keep your  drills separated  by colour and to avoid any accidental spillages.

If you’re working on a large canvas, make sure to keep any unused sections covered with the layer of protective film. This will help to maintain the stickiness of the adhesive and protects it from dust and debris.

Use a Soft Brush to Remove Dust and Lint

A soft, clean brush is a secret weapon for crystal painting. By lightly sweeping the surface with a soft-bristled brush you can remove any dust and debris that might settle on the adhesive while your working.

Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles as they can damage the adhesive or scratch the surface. Some kits come with their own little brush for this purpose. Regularing gentle brushing ensures that your drills sit neatly in place and helps you achieve that flawless and shimmery finish.

It's also important to make sure that you also store your brush in a clean container or pouch between uses so it doesn’t collect dust or transfer dirt onto your artwork.

Cover Your Crystal Painting When Not in Use

When your crystal painting project isn’t in progress, keep it protected with a dust-proof cloth. This simple step shields your canvas from dirt, hair, and accidental spills.

Choose a soft, breathable fabric like cotton or microfiber as it protects the adhesive without trapping moisture or pressing on the drills. Avoid heavy plastic or vinyl covers, which can cause condensation and reduce stickiness over time.

Covering the canvas also helps prevent accidental damage such as fingerprints, scratches, or spills, so your artwork stays pristine from beginning to end. If you have children it's also wise to keep your project out of their reach.

Avoid Eating or Drinking Near Your Diamond Painting

You may be tempting to snack while your crafting, however keeping food and drinks away from your crystal art project is essential. Even a small spill can stain your canvas or weaken the adhesive, making  the drills less secure.

Having a seperate space away from food and drink  helps maintain a calm, organised, and accident free workspace.

 Store Your Diamond Drills in Labelled Containers

Labelling your containers for your drills is important to prevent colour mix ups and time when your switching colours. It's an important part of crystal art organisation. Clear boxes or jars that have secure lids are a must to prevent spills as with labelling them with the symbols according to your canvas. This makes finding each coloured drill much easier. Keep your crystal art containers together in one box or draw helps to keep tidy and prevents lost drill pieces.

 Final Thoughts

A little organisation goes a long way when it comes to caring for your crystal art. By keeping your tools clean, your drills properly stored, and your workspace clutter-free, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more relaxing crafting experience.

12 Delicious Ways to Use Pumpkin Purée This Autumn

Pumpkin season is here, and one of the easiest ways to bring the cosy flavours of autumn into your kitchen is with pumpkin purée. Whether you’re using homemade pumpkin purée or a canned version like  Baking Buddy from Worldwide Global Brands, this versatile ingredient goes far beyond just pumpkin pie. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and a naturally sweet flavor, pumpkin purée can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.

If you’re looking for some creative ways to use pumpkin purée, here are 12 ideas to try this autumn:

1. Pumpkin Pancakes

Add a scoop of pumpkin purée to your pancake batter for fluffy, autumn inspired pancakes. Sprinkle in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for an extra seasonal touch or instead top with pumpkin spice syrup.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin purée makes a silky base for soups. Combine it with vegetable or chicken stock, garlic, onion, and a splash of cream for a warming, hearty dish perfect for those chilly nights ahead.

3. Pumpkin Smoothies

For a healthy breakfast or even a snack, blend pumpkin purée with banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and pumpkin pie spice. It tastes like dessert but is full of nutrients.

4. Pumpkin Bread & Muffins

Swap some of the oil or butter in your quick breads and muffins with pumpkin purée. It keeps baked goods moist while adding natural sweetness and fiber. Check out this recipe for these delightful pumpkin potion muffins.

5. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Mix pumpkin purée into a creamy pasta sauce with Parmesan, garlic, and sage. It’s a delicious alternative to Alfredo and pairs perfectly with penne or ravioli. It's also a great way for getting hidden veg into your children's meals.

Adobe Licensing Compliance and Management Best Practices: A Complete Guide

*This is a collaborative post 

Managing Adobe software licenses can be a complex and time-consuming task for organizations of all sizes. Ensuring compliance while optimizing costs and maintaining productivity is crucial. That’s why many businesses rely on trusted experts like Adepteq to guide them on Adobe licensing compliance and management best practices. By following proven strategies, organizations can avoid costly penalties, streamline software management, and fully leverage their Adobe investment.

This comprehensive guide explores the most effective practices for Adobe licensing compliance, management strategies, and tips for staying ahead in 2025.

Understanding Adobe Licensing

Adobe offers a range of products and licensing models, including Creative Cloud, Acrobat, and enterprise solutions. Licensing can be subscription-based or perpetual, depending on the product and organization size. Key considerations include:

• License Types: Individual, team, enterprise, or volume licensing.
• Subscription Plans: Monthly or annual plans with varying levels of access.
• User-Based vs Device-Based Licenses: Some licenses are tied to individual users, others to devices.
• Compliance Requirements: Adobe requires organizations to maintain accurate license counts and usage records.

Understanding these licensing models is the foundation of proper Adobe license management.

Why Adobe Licensing Compliance Matters

Non-compliance with Adobe licensing can lead to significant risks:

• Financial Penalties: Audits can result in costly fines for under-licensed usage.
• Legal Issues: Breaching licensing agreements can expose businesses to legal action.
• Operational Disruption: Non-compliant software may be disabled, impacting productivity.
• Reputation Risk: Demonstrating poor software governance can harm stakeholder trust.

Following Adobe licensing compliance and management best practices ensures businesses avoid these risks while maximizing return on investment.

Best Practices for Adobe Licensing Compliance

Here’s a step-by-step approach to maintaining Adobe licensing compliance effectively:

1. Conduct a License Inventory

The first step is understanding what you already own:

• List all Adobe products currently in use.
• Record license types, quantities, and expiration dates.
• Identify inactive or unused licenses to avoid unnecessary costs.
• Maintain a centralized inventory for easy tracking.

Atepteq recommends regular audits to ensure license records remain accurate and up-to-date.

2. Establish Clear Ownership and Accountability

Assign responsibility for license management to specific team members or departments:

• Define who approves software purchases.
• Assign responsibility for license tracking and renewal management.
• Ensure accountability for compliance during audits.
• Clear ownership reduces the risk of mismanaged or overlooked licenses.

3. Standardize License Management Processes

Consistency is key. Standardize processes to manage Adobe licenses effectively:

• Use centralized software management tools.
• Implement approval workflows for license requests.
• Document installation procedures and user assignments.
• Set up alerts for renewal dates and subscription expirations.

Standardization ensures control and minimizes errors.

4. Utilize Adobe Admin Console and Enterprise Tools

Adobe provides management tools for organizations:

• Adobe Admin Console: Track licenses, assign users, and monitor usage.
• Enterprise Term Licensing Agreement (ETLA): Flexible licensing for large organizations.
• Named User Licensing (NUL): Assign specific licenses to individuals for better compliance.

Leveraging these tools simplifies management and reduces administrative overhead.

5. Implement Usage Monitoring

Monitoring usage helps organizations stay compliant and optimize license allocation:

• Track active users versus purchased licenses.
• Identify underutilized licenses for reallocation.
• Ensure software is installed only on authorized devices.

Regular monitoring enables proactive adjustments, avoiding over- or under-licensing.

6. Conduct Regular Internal Audits

Internal audits help organizations maintain compliance before external audits occur:

• Verify license counts against software deployments.
• Ensure all users are assigned correctly.
• Check that unused or expired licenses are deactivated.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory purposes.

Atepteq emphasizes that proactive audits reduce the risk of penalties and operational disruption.

The Ultimate Reading Guide to Freida McFadden

If, like me, you love psychological thrillers with shocking twists, dark secrets and lies with page-turning suspense, chances are you’ve come across Freida McFadden. Dubbed the “queen of plot twists,” McFadden has taken the thriller world by storm with her addictive writing style and ability to keep readers guessing until you get to the very last page.

Whether you’re already a Freida reader, new to her books or looking for the best reading order, this ultimate guide will walk you through her must-reads, series, and hidden gems.

Who is Freida McFadden?

Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury and an international bestselling author. Her medical background often inspires the dark, psychological depth of her novels. Known for fast-paced thrillers that can be devoured in a single sitting, she has a growing fan base of readers who eagerly anticipate every new release. As of writing this post she has 27 books in total out with a new one out later in 2025 and another in early 2026.

Where to Start with Freida McFadden

The Housemaid Series

The Housemaid is a breakout bestseller that put McFadden on many readers’ radar. Lots of Freida fans recommend starting with this series with its chilling atmosphere and shocking twists, The Housemaid (and its sequels) are perfect if you want to dive straight into the heart of her style.

Series order:

- The Housemaid 

- The Housemaid’s Secret 

- The Housemaids wedding (short story)

- The Housemaid Is Watching 

Maximizing Energy Savings with Professional Heating Services

Ready to dramatically reduce your heating bills and keep your home toasty?

Professional heating services may hold the key you've been searching for. Most people tend to get caught up in buying the most energy-efficient equipment. However, they tend to forget the critical variable that determines the actual energy savings.

Problem:

Inefficient maintenance can make even the most efficient heating systems waste up to 70% more energy.

Solution:

Professional heating engineer services can unlock those savings and astonish you. Professional maintenance can help you save up to 30% on your energy costs and decrease emissions to the environment.

What you’ll discover:

- Why professional heating services outperform DIY maintenance

- The hidden energy vampires draining your efficiency

- Smart maintenance tips that will pay for themselves

- When you should and shouldn't call a professional

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Why Professional Heating Services Outperform DIY Maintenance

DIY maintenance seems like a tempting and cost-effective approach for most homeowners. However, that is not the truth.

DIY is an inadequate substitute for the performance that professional heating services can provide. Professional heating engineer services can provide valuable expertise that DIY maintenance cannot offer.

Professional heating services can offer:

-Precision system calibration

- In-depth analysis that can prevent unwanted, expensive breakdowns

When you find a heating engineer that knows their job, you can outsource the maintenance and invest your resources in other important matters.

But what do professionals actually do for you?

- Precise calibration – Professionals have the necessary equipment that can calibrate your system to the maximum level of efficiency that DIY maintenance can never achieve.

- In-depth analysis – Professional analysis can prevent unexpected failures. A minor fix that costs a few hundred pounds now can save you up to £2,000 in repairs next winter.

-Optimization of your entire heating system – Unlike DIY services, professional engineers can optimize your heating system.

Reduced energy bills are only achievable when you install and maintain the equipment professionally.

The Hidden Energy Vampires Draining Your Efficiency

If you had to guess what's really draining your money?

It's not what most people think. Homeowners are laser-focused on big, obvious culprits like inefficient boilers and poor insulation. However, the most common energy vampires are hidden from plain sight.

Professional heating engineers can help you find problems that you are bound to miss every single time. They include:

Dirty heat exchangers

Your heat exchanger is the very heart of your heating system. It circulates warm air. Dirt buildup on the heat exchanger increases its workload by 40%. Professional cleaning can restore the system to its optimal efficiency within 1 hour.

Improper airflow settings

This could not be more significant. Improper airflow settings can reduce your system efficiency by as much as 25%. The problem is that many homeowners do not know their settings are off the mark. The house is still warm, so they think it's working fine when it's draining money from their pockets.

Undetected ductwork problems

Sealing and insulating ducts can improve your system efficiency by as much as 20%. In some homes, this efficiency boost can be much higher. Professional HVAC technicians know exactly where the leaks and gaps are. Most homeowners do not even know they have ducts or where they are located.

If your system is wasting 20% to 40% of its energy on these hidden problems, professional heating services do not charge you money. Instead, they charge you that money back in energy savings.

Ways to Put Your New Home Business on the Map in 2025

Starting your own business from home comes with many challenges, from getting all the kit you need to operate day-to-day to working out a way of balancing work time and downtime. Once everything’s set up and ready to go, though, the next task is getting your name out there, finding customers, and making sure that they can find you.

Networking locally and hoping for word to spread from happy customers is all well and good, but it’s incredibly time and cost-effective to also establish a digital presence. This way, customers can find and interact with your business at any time of day. Sometimes, though, an extra little push is needed as well.

Here’s a look at some of the options that can help your working from home effortlessly reach more potential customers.

Do I Need a Website, an App, or Both?

Source: Unsplash

An online presence is as good as a necessity in 2025, and simply having a social media page on its own can often come across as somewhat unprofessional. Depending on your line of work, sometimes, a website showcasing your skills, experience, offering, and contact details is enough.

For this most baseline form of digital presence, it’s easy to follow the step-by-step process of making a website. It’ll also require little upkeep if all forms of contact are funnelled to your core business email account. That said, for things like searchability and credibility, having a blog that you post to often can be a huge boost to your rankings.

Websites can cost you as little as £100 or so for the domain and a platform like WordPress for the year, while using more specialised platforms that cater to selling or bringing in a web designer will cost more. While all modern website builds are mobile-compatible, some will also want to consider having an app.