Fashion/Shopping tips

There is an old idiom that says knowledge of something increases its beauty. For some, the beauty of nature reclines in the surrounding mystery, however some knowledge of nature is definitely valuable if you are walking outdoors, both aesthetically and practically.

There is a reason why people walk with maps. Without a detailed plan of where to go, the great outdoors can be an extremely confusing and even dangerous place. A considerable number of callouts of mountain rescue teams are the result of lost hikers and mountaineers.

You also need to know a little about equipment. The right equipment is the key to making the most of the great outdoors. Before investing in a pair of walking boots for example it is definitely a good idea to do lots of research, and most importantly try the shoes on before you buy.

The countryside is a rare place where many features of our history remain in place. Cities are built over the past, whereas in the UK there are numerous landmarks that survive admirably in the countryside, including lots of castles, Hadrian’s Wall etc.

Search online and you’ll find lots of great walking equipment, including barbour wax jackets and the north face jackets. If you are unsure of what to buy then it is definitely a good idea to opt for familiar brands, and look for product reviews etc.

Depending on the source, the price of the average U.K wedding is somewhere between £15,000 and £25,000. But, as with many statistics, it’s all rather open to interpretation. The modern marrying couple is very different to those of just a decade ago. Simply put, the recession put the fear of God into many, meaning budget-conscious couples are no longer borrowing heavily or guilt-tripping The Bank of Mum and Dad into more than they can afford. Post-recession weddings are all about one thing – quality over quantity.

Breakdown of Costs

Diamond engagement rings and honeymoons rank high as wedding “musts”, but they’re not necessarily the most expensive parts of the budget. The average reception eats up around £4,000, a further £2,000 for drinks, £1,000 for entertainment, £500 for venue decor, £500 transport, £800 flowers – the costs mount up! More couples than ever are opting out of traditional U.K weddings in favour of smaller events or marrying abroad. Combining the costs of a wedding with the honeymoon can offer huge savings without compromising on making the event unforgettable and lavish.

Quality Not Quantity

Online jewellery resource, retail-jeweller.com, cites the current economic crisis as boosting classic, simple bridal jewellery. Brides are forgoing other wedding aspects to use their budget to greatest effect. Nostalgia seems to play a huge role in the hunt for perfect diamond rings, with modern brides looking for stylish, old-fashioned designs (not unlike Kate Middleton’s oval cut sapphire) Couples look to invest in key pieces that will hold both value and style in the long-run, seeking out classic solitaire rings and top quality diamonds.