Life Hacks

lifestyle Life Hacks

HOW TO…HOST YOUR OWN ROYAL GARDEN PARTY

No one throws a party quite like the Queen and the Platinum Jubilee will be the biggest yet. Celebrations will be taking place nationwide, but if you prefer to celebrate privately with friends and family in your own home or garden, British Interior Designer Benji Lewis and founder of Zoom That Room, shares his suggestions to ensure your celebrations are fit for a queen.

• Think pretty when it comes to planning your royal garden party, it’s about celebration so things should be bright and upbeat to reflect the mood. • Floral patterns are quintessentially British, so be prepared to get flower fabulous. • Combining different patterns suggests a casually thrown together look, but do plan what to use and where to use it - don’t contain thoughts to only using strong designs on your linens only, look at patterned china too - florals, checks and stripes are good. • Matched porcelain tea sets are lovely, but breakages happen; don’t shy away from mismatched pieces, as long as you achieve some kind of harmony with colour or style, things will still look fab. • Serve tea in a bone-china cup with a saucer; this isn’t some kind of affectation, it’s simply that it’s more pleasurable to drink from a fine china cup than it is from a hefty mug. • Establish how you wish to entertain and what’s achievable with the space you’ve got; if you only have one table and need to it be the place from which you serve tea, offer cake and sit at, then size things accordingly; a vast tray of sandwiches on a small table won’t allow for anything else to happen. • Bowls of coloured sweets provide additional interest, but think about how you present them; sugared almonds in a crystal bowl are lovely. • If you’d like your guests to stay and toast HRH after tea, have a bottle of chilled fizz close to hand, and just as you offer tea in a porcelain cup, provide a crystal

Champagne glass for the pleasure, it’s immeasurably chic. • Nothing says Royal Garden party more than bunting.

Source vintage or something made from fabric so that you can re-use it. • Food-wise, opt for the Queen’s favourites: Victoria

Sponge, miniature jam scones, sandwiches and chocolate tarts.

INDUSTRY SECRETS: SAVE HUNDREDS AT THE DEALERSHIP

Consumers often fear the idea of haggling or negotiating at the car dealership. But with the right amount of research and a handful of industry secrets under your belt, you can feel more confident after reading these insightful tips from car finance specialists, Carvine…

1. Know when to strike. Prices tend to be at their lowest or at a more negotiable rate during certain times of the year. In September and March, people are more likely to part exchange their old vehicles for the latest models. To cope with the sudden influx of stock, many dealers are more open to haggling as they want to shift the surplus of used cars as quickly as possible. October to December is also an excellent time to buy a new car as salespeople are looking to smash their final year targets and get as many quick sales in as possible.

2. Find out all the relevant list prices for your chosen model and make of car. This will put you in a better position, especially if you know the average current price, expected mileage and what sort of condition the vehicle should be in.

3. In recent years, car finance has become the most affordable, convenient and less expensive way to purchase a vehicle. But it’s not just dealerships that offer car finance deals. Before stepping onto the forecourt, compare other deals so you know what’s available. The car dealer might be willing to budge on price if you can highlight comparable deals elsewhere.

4. Booking a test drive and getting a feel for the car, while listening to the engine and noticing how well the car handles on the road are all essential. If you notice anything untoward - an oil leak, blue, black or dense white smoke, staining or rust and scratches on the bodywork, you have more power for negotiation.

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PEOPLE IN BUSINESS (PIB)

We are a fun, friendly and affordable small business network group, holding monthly meetings for members who have exclusivity in their field. Our groups include Bromley, Bexley and Southwark.

Email pibnetwork@outlook.com or see www.pib-network.com for more information.

PRODUCTIVITY POD

If you’re a small business or sole trader and work alone – or just want some incentive to get your admin, accounts or social media done, join one of the Productivity Pod’s free sessions on Zoom! You continue to work with sound off but cameras ON & after the session you tell the others what you managed to get done in 2hrs!

Email productivitypod@post.com with your mobile number and name to register or for more details.

CLUBS, ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES

AQUAKIDS

Aqua kids – swimming lessons that last a lifetime. Summer intensive course (25th-29th July) - places going quickly. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates.

www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk

THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON

Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call

Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media

MY PARTY BOX.FUN

We provide sustainable party boxes that contain everything needed for children's parties. Our aim is to provide stress-free planning while helping you to create magical memories!

www.mypartybox.fun Tel: 0333 444 2017 Email: josette@mypartybox.fun

JKA ORPINGTON SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB

Based at Darrick Wood Senior School, the club was established by its current chief Instructor Graham Richardson in 1975. Class times are 7pm-8.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am-11.30pm on Saturdays.

See the website at www.jkaorpington.co.uk or email info@jkaorpington.co.uk

DESIGN & PRINT

NICKY GRANT DESIGNS

I specialise in making your business look its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost-effective service.

T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com

Beautiful handcrafted invitations and cards for any special event. For that stylish, individual touch.

Call Vintage Scribe on 07716-837874

Food & Drink

WEE CUPCAKES

We make bespoke cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. We cater for most dietary requirements including vegan, diary free and gluten free.

Contact Wimbai on 07925496547 or email wimbai@weecupcakes.co.uk Instagram: @weecupcakes Facebook: Wee Cupcakes

HEAlTH, BEAUTY & MINDSET

CHERYL HUGGINS MAKEUP ARTIST + SKINCARE SPECIALIST

Professionally Licensed Makeup Artist based in Bromley trained in London & Paris with over 20 years’ experience in artistry and skincare. Together we will create your signature glam look for Special occasions, Bridal + Wedding guest, Zoom or social media makeup, Prom & Celebration Party nights, Business headshots. Makeup Master Classes. All ages, all skin tones Book your FREE 30-minute consultation.

Call 07947 821 991, email makeup@cherylhuggins.com or see www.cherylhuggins.com

GEO SPORTS MASSAGE

Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist, providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771299123.

FAYE COX COACHING & THERAPY

Affordable Integrated Coaching and Therapy for Teens and Parents. Creating a deeper connection through better communication. We also offer Purpose & Progression sessions for 14-16 year olds, as well as a ‘Needs Audit’ for both parents and Teens. For more information

For more information email faye@fayecoxcoaching. co.uk or send a message to 07968 381793

PETS

TOP KNOT TOYS

We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops.

See @top_knot_toys on Instagram or email top-knot23@outlook.com

To submit a classified listing please call 020 3488 9958 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.

Please contact us on 020 8865 1954 or email us on: london.se@dor2dor.com

48%

of consumers either visited a shop, sent for information, or bought a product, having received a leaflet through their letterbox.

71%

questions said they found free samples delivered through their letterboxes useful: 66% said the same for supermarket offers, 62% for money-off coupons and 47% for new product leaflets.

79%

of recipients keep, pass on, or glance at leaflet distribution items.

38%

of leaflets are kept for at least a few days, and 13% are kept for a week or more.

48%

of consumers responded to leaflets, compared to 47% for direct marketing, 47% for television and 60% for press advertising.