PSA: Brighton Pride Is Less Than A Month Away. Here’s Your Dose of Outfit Inspiration…
Acknowledging the struggles the LGBTQ+ community still face in living authentically is part of the experience of Pride, and so as well as having a glittery, joyful time in raising a glass to love = love, it's also a chance to truly think about tolerance, diversity, inclusion and education within our communities.
PROUD. Whilst Pride month might officially take place during the month of June, for Team Zoella based in beautiful Brighton, our Pride celebrations happen during the second weekend of August meaning the countdown is officially on! After two years of cancelled festivities and disappointment, 2022’s party is about to be bigger and better than ever, so get your dancing shoes on and add some Christina Aguilera to your Spotify queue- the best weekend of the summer is nearly upon us.
Acknowledging the struggles the LGBTQ+ community still face in living authentically is part of the experience of Pride, and so as well as having a glittery, joyful time in raising a glass to love = love, it’s also a chance to truly think about tolerance, diversity, inclusion and education within our communities. Get your glad rags on and let’s decorate this town with rainbows!
A Menstrual Cup Ideal for Period Sex: Our Thoughts On Nixit
Let’s face it, pretty isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think of period products but the nixit disk is here to challenge your expectations.
Let’s face it, pretty isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think of period products but the nixit disk is here to challenge your expectations. With its cool branding and premium packaging, it makes having a period more a more pleasurable experience than, say, shoving a tampon up your sleeve and shuffling your way to the bathroom.
Reusable period products have come on leaps and bounds in recent years with everything from reusable pads, pants, applicators, cups and discs on offer. It’s never been easier to shop around for a product that suits your body and cycle to a tee, whilst minimising your impact on the environment. According to the Women’s Environmental Network, the average person who menstruates gets through over 11,000 disposable products in a lifetime, so switching from single-use plastics to sustainable alternatives is just one way to empower people with periods to make informed choices, whilst saving money and doing your bit for the planet.
Back in the summer of 2020, the team tried menstrual cups for the first time and truth be told, we haven’t so much as entertained a tampon since but with the dawn of menstrual discs, we couldn’t help but feel we’re sleeping on something good. We’re officially intrigued by the flat-flying saucer design and barely-there fit. In Casa Amor speak, our heads have been turned, people.
Made out of medical-grade silicone, the nixitis a one-size-fits-all internal menstrual disc with a unique circular shape that conforms to your body. Petal soft, suction-free and capable of holding up to 70ml of menstrual fluid, it’s ideal for those with heavier periods or anyone intimidated by the traditional seal on a menstrual cup.
With a long list of benefits including an auto-dump mechanism that disposes of menstrual fluid when you’re on the toilet due to the nature of the squat position (what a time to be alive), one of the nixit’s biggest draws is the freedom to have solo or partnered penetrative sex whilst it’s in place, since it doesn’t take up any real estate in your vaginal canal like the menstrual cup. Game-changer!
Keep scrolling to read how the team got on with the nixit disc, as well as a beginner’s guide on insertion, removal, and how to have penetrative sex.
Beginner’s Guide to nixit
What is nixit and how does it work?
nixit is a reusable disc-shaped menstrual cup that collects, rather than absorbs, menstrual fluid (up to four super plus tampons worth, to be exact!). Unlike bell-shaped menstrual cups, nixit sits right under the cervix in the vaginal fornix and stays tucked behind the pubic bone – no suction required to create a secure seal. It is soft and flexible, made to conform to one’s anatomy, which is why it is one-size-fits-all – no guessing game required. It provides 12-hour protection and can be used for around five years if cared for properly – helping to reduce one’s single-use period product waste. Because it doesn’t obstruct the vaginal canal, users are able to have mess-free period sex while it’s inserted!
disc-shaped menstrual cup
no plastic or single-use packaging
no strings or suction to stay in place
no unnecessary chemicals or toxins
solo or partnered mess-free period sex friendly as it sits in the vaginal fornix (not canal)
can be worn for up to 12 hours before needing to remove and wash
reusable and lasts up to around five years
one size
doesn’t require awkward folds to insert
holds 70 mL (4 super plus tampons worth of blood), making it the best for heavy flows
How to insert
Start by sitting on the toilet and squeeze the sides together to form an 8 shape. Insert one end into your vagina, pushing it back and down towards your tailbone (rather than up like a tampon), before tucking it up behind your pubic bone. There are some insertion videos on our Instagram highlights and on our TikTok page that you may find useful.
If this isn’t comfortable, other positions like standing, deep squatting, or one leg up on the toilet seat can help. Different positions work for different people!
How to remove
Now for the removal part! For those wondering, yes, you will be able to reach it. Firstly, it helps to be as relaxed as possible (sometimes easier said than done) so we recommend taking some deep calming breaths when you are in the removal position (some people prefer on the toilet, some prefer in the shower, etc.).
Try using a finger to reach inside your vagina to find the rim of your nixit. Hook your finger over the rim and pull out slowly, keeping the cup level to avoid spillage. Some users find gently bearing down helps to untuck their nixit so it is easier to grab.
Most importantly, nixit must be removed at least 12 hours after insertion. Some find setting an alarm helps to remind them because they forget they are even on their period while using nixit.
How to self-empty
What’s neat about menstrual discs is that you don’t need to fully remove them to empty them in between the 12 hours. This is particularly convenient for when you’re out in public or if you have a heavy flow! While sitting on the toilet, you may find that some menstrual blood is emptying from the cup. This is because the act of gently bearing down will untuck nixit from behind your pubic bone. Tilting your hips forward can help this process too. Once finished, you may want to use a finger to re-tuck nixit or do some kegels to get it back into position. Voila! When you go to fully remove it at the 12-hour mark, it will likely be less messy.
How can I have penetrative sex?
Believe it or not, nixit sits in the same place as a contraceptive diaphragm. Your vaginal canal will be clear for mess-free, penetrative solo or partnered sex. Fun fact: your vaginal canal elongates and expands when aroused, so your nixit will move a bit further away from your vaginal opening. We recommend waiting a couple of hours after sex to try removing it. Neither you or your partner(s) should be bothered by nixit in the process.
How should I practice using it?
Month 1:
Try inserting nixit before your period, so that you can get some practice with insertion and removal. Remember the three steps – insert, tuck, and check. If your vagina is dry, water-based lube is a great way to help glide the cup in!
Use overnight or on lighter days.
Use a pad or period underwear as backup protection.
Month 2:
Try using nixit for your entire period. Always remember to insert, tuck, and check.
Still use back-up pads or underwear if you need to.
Empty nixit regularly so that you get used to your flow and work out how long you can leave it in for at a time.
Month 3:
By now, you should have a good idea of your flow, so you can leave nixit in for longer stretches on light days.
You’ll be so comfortable using nixit that you may forget it’s there. Setting an alarm every 12 hours may be helpful to remember to remove, wash, and reinsert.
Leaking Issues
Leaking can be caused by a few different things and it is important to understand when it’s happening. This could be any specific time of day or days of your cycle – not to mention during any specific activities!
Leaking when waking up
This can happen when nixit might be full. Or if it isn’t full, it may have shifted while you were laying down for an extended period of time. Either way, we recommend drawing up on your pelvic floor as you stand until you can get to the bathroom to adjust or empty it.
Leaking when using the bathroom
It is entirely normal to see some blood when using the restroom as the effort of bearing down can sometimes cause nixit to come untucked and self-empty. We always recommend doing a tuck and check to ensure nixit is still inserted properly. We find it best to try and keep your finger on the rim as you stand to make sure it goes back into place. You can then do a few kegel excersies to really secure it back in place.
Leaking when in place
Firstly, check and see if nixit is covering your entire cervix when inserted. To do this you want to be in a comfortable position. Insert your finger into your vagina and move it in a circular motion to feel around the walls, which will feel spongy. Continue to do this, moving your finger up your vaginal canal, until you feel something that feels a bit like a nose, or a nose behind a thin layer of sponge – you found your cervix!
Leaking because it’s untucked
The insertion position that you use can often make a big difference not only to how snuggly nixit sits, but also how well it prevents slipping and leaking. Inserting in a deep squat often does the trick as it creates extra room in your vaginal fornix so nixit can sit better. Bearing down gently (like you normally would when having a bowel movement) while inserting nixit in a deep squat also helps. You can use your thumb to guide it back as far as you can (almost like a thumbs-down motion) and tuck it up as high as you can behind your pubic bone. Once inserted, you can relax and then do a few kegels, that really helps settle it in.
The Team’s nixit Reviews
Lareese says
It’s common knowledge that I am something of a menstrual cup stan, so much so that I’d consider myself an activist at this point, tirelessly campaigning for my friends and family to ghost tampons for good. Ever since that summer of 2020 when Team Zoella tried menstrual cups for the first time, I haven’t looked back, so you can only imagine how insufferable I’ve been at the thought of giving a menstrual disc a try. I never thought I’d be excited to have a period, but here we are! Now, the shape intrigued me whilst the diameter intimated me. On first look, the disc looks huge especially compared with a traditional cup product but once folded and inserted, there’s really no difference in size particularly as they sit differently in the body. Flatter and considerably more supple than the traditional menstrual cup, the nixit is a one size fits all shape that works with your body.
There’s a certain knack to the insertion and removal method but rest assured, practice makes perfect and you soon find your groove after a couple of cycles. One of the best things about the nixit cup is its positioning. Due to its disc-like shape, it sits tucked between the space behind your cervix (the vaginal fornix) and your pubic bone, so rather than pushing it in and up, you glide it in and back towards the tailbone, parallel with the floor. No scary suction business or fancy folding techniques here. So if your main concerns with trying a menstrual cup is the thought of it sucking onto your cervix or disappearing entirely (impossible by the way), then this suction-free disc could be just what you’ve been looking for. I’ve heard that they’re particularly well-suited for those with lower cervix and people with an IUD. Admittedly, when I first inserted it, I hadn’t tucked the rim upwards towards my pubic bone so I could feel it slightly when sitting down but a quick visit to the ‘how to use’ section of the nixit website and I was enlightened, and sitting comfortably in time for Love Island. Removal was sightlier messier than I’m used to as you have to get stuck in there with a clean finger to hook the rim and slide out, though that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, some people might prefer a product with a stem.
I can’t speak to the period sex benefits as sh*gging on my period is the last thing on my mind ha but I think for those who happen to be at their horniest when bleeding, this is a game-changer. For anyone who has a monthly bleed, I’d encourage you to give it a whirl and see how you get on.
Danielle says
I absolutely LOVE trying new period products, and similarly to Lareese, I’ve been tampon free (other than the occasional emergency) for two years! I think because I spent SO long just ‘dealing’ with my period using just tampons every time I invest in a new product it immediately makes my monthly more manageable, I haven’t met a product that I don’t like and use so far and that includes nixit! I think it’s because these modern solutions are actually created by women who you know – have periods. Not only are they long-lasting, better for the planet, super soft, and easy to use, but the packaging is also lush!
On to nixit – the thing I like most about nixit is that it’s SO soft. Apologies in advance for what I’m about to say… there is honestly nothing worse than putting something dry up your vag, and even worse getting it out, we’ve all been there. So there’s definitely less friction with nixit than a cup. I wanted to use this bad boy on lighter days so as soon as I came I was pinching and digging around getting it in place. Like a man assembling some Ikea furniture, I had to go back and read the instructions again before I got it in the right place as there is a definite skill to it that’s harder to grasp if, like me, you’re used to using a cup. Once in it was a dream, I could barely feel it and I could move on with my day left with only the worry of a code red – luckily I was WFH. When it came the removing the disc I sort of boshed my finger in there and hooked it out, worried there might be a bit of a splash zone but alas there were no casualties other than the loo. I actually found it easier to get out than a cup due to there being no suction.
When I used nixit on my heaviest day there was certainly a bit more leakage and overall I just haven’t felt as comfortable or confident using it on these days compared to a cup, however, I am pretty heavy and I also just suffer with CONSTANT paranoia that I’ve leaked. I’ll 100% be using this little disc for the 2 days on either side of my heaviest day as it’s super easy and comfortable to use, it also means I can have sex without the worry of any remnants of my cycle joining the party. I’m so pleased to add another gadget to my period gang and highly suggest giving it ago!
Darcey says
I am ever-changing my go-to period products, I am a period marketer’s dream, about as loyal as Ekin-Su when I see something new and exciting which has the potential to change my life. So naturally, when I was asked to try nixit, I was willing to give it a go! Now I must admit recently I haven’t been using my menstrual cup as often, why you ask? My nails are too long. They jab my insides and it’s not particularly pleasant, so I have reverted back to tampons (please don’t hate me). However, the Nixit Cup is designed to work around your body and because insertion is different, I thought it might sit better with me.
The reason the cup is so tricky is I have a very low cervix, especially on my period, which means it suctions around it and I have to prise it off, TMI? So you can imagine my nails are really digging in when I’m at the end of my vaginal canal. nixit however is designed to sit between your cervix and your pubic bone, which also means you can have sex with it in! I, unfortunately, didn’t try that, but I do think it’s super cool that they’ve invented something which means you can have period sex without all the mess!
So let’s get into inserting and removing, inserting it was weirdly not too hard, there’s a knack to it but after a few goes I’m sure it would be super easy. I did find it difficult to find the right position for me though, I don’t know if it’s because of my low cervix or actually my technique was terrible and in fact, I did find it hard ha, but I did feel it at first. However, after some time my body got used to it and it was all good, so maybe my body was just getting used to the new shape? Removal was messier than a cup, not overly messier but with a cup usually, a lot of the blood stays in the cup whereas with nixit it kind of has to all spill out due to the shape and size of it. I don’t mind the mess at the end of the day it’s your own blood, but I do get why some people would like a cleaner removal!
All in all, I do think potentially my cervix was a bit low for this? It is meant to be good for low cervix peeps, but mine is particularly low and with the nails as previously mentioned, not a good combo. However I think nixit is really great for people wanting to try out a cup but who find it a bit daunting, as I find from speaking to my friends its the suction of menstrual cups that puts them off and the fear of not getting it out, whereas with nixit you kind of just flick it up and out, I think it’s much easier! Also being able to shag on your period without the mess is pretty cool (obvs period sex with the mess is fine too and something I also do), but it’s nice to give people the option I think. I’d recommend giving it a go!
8 IG Accounts That Make the Wild World of Weaning that Little Bit Easier
Add these accounts to your IG favourites asap to help make the transition into the weaning world a smooth journey for both you and your little one.
Introducing your baby to solid foods can be a real roller coaster. Not only do you need confidence and creativity but a whole load of patience too. Prepare to find avocado in all kinds of places for the foreseeable future!
Whether you’re wondering how to prepare foods, introduce allergens or support your baby at meal times, add these accounts to your IG favourites asap to help make the transition into the weaning world a smooth journey for both you and your little one.
When Rebecca Wilson Food, formerly known as ‘What Mummy Makes’, began weaning her daughter Nina onto solid food at 6 months she wanted to cook once for herself and her daughter to save time, but struggled to find recipes that were suitable for both herself and her daughter. After extensive research into what foods babies can and can’t have, Rebecca discovered that with some imagination and creativity, it was possible to cook meals that babies and adults could enjoy together. She applied her personal love of cooking to creating recipes for her and her little one which brought some variety and spark to their weaning journey. Soon, she started sharing her recipe ideas and weaning journey (the highs and lows) on her Instagram channel. Very quickly the audience grew, with more and more people inspired to try Rebecca’s method of cooking for their family just once. From broccoli bites to carrot cake porridge and courgette fritters, Rebecca’s got plenty of fun and creative baby-led weaning recipes for when you’re in need of a little inspo.
Aileen started her Instagram account as a place to help parents navigate baby-led weaning (BLW) and share healthy recipes she made for her youngest little boy Oscar. She’s since become the author of two best-selling cookbooks and retrained as a Nutritional Health Coach so you can guarantee you’ll have plenty of certified guidance to both inspire and inform you throughout the weaning journey. Whether it’s how to give your baby berries safely or the tell-tale signs your baby is ready to start weaning, you’ll have access to a range of quick and easy recipe ideas (strawberry cheesecake pinwheels? Don’t mind if we do) as well as handy tips to help you and your little one breeze through the weaning phase.
Introducing solids can be fun and exciting but it can also be downright terrifying – the fear of choking is real amongst all parents, but with her honest and accessible BLW advice, Hannah helps demystify the process, giving you the confidence to give it a go whilst ensuring you’re fully clued up on what to expect. The good, the bad and the messy! Don’t miss her highlights for FAQs and friendly advice on all the weaning basics.
Cooking for little ones needn’t be tricky or intimidating after all. Using 5 ingredients or less, Grace Mortimer, creator of @_myfirstmeals, is your go-to for time-saving weaning recipes with maximum flavour and minimal fuss. From baby-friendly salads to pea and cream cheese pancakes, whipping up scrumptious breakfasts, quick snacks, tasty lunches and hearty dinners has never been easier with Grace on hand, even for those of us who rarely excel in the kitchen. Pre-order her book here for over 100 fast and fun recipes for children.
Nervous about introducing blueberries to your little one? The team of paediatric feeding experts, swallowing specialists, allergists, lactation consultants and passionate parents over at Solid Starts will put your mind at ease with quality information you can trust. Their account answers all the questions that keep you up at night, including how to cut grapes, techniques for how to prevent and reverse picky eating and how to decrease choking risks when transitioning from puree to finger food. Their approach is based on a method called baby-led weaning, offering parents a way to bypass the idea of spoon-feeding entirely by letting your little one self-feed.
Busy mums in search of simple, fuss-free baby-led weaning recipes, Sinead Tummon, owner of Instagram account @westartedoutnormal, has you covered. When she first started weaning her 6-month-old, she found the majority of information on weaning was confusing and convoluted, so she set about helping other parents to simplify the process by adapting meals that she and her husband were eating anyway and sharing them on her account. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear head-to-toe avocado.
When Romina started weaning her daughter Grace, she felt overwhelmed by the dos and don’ts of how to serve food to a baby. Having spoken with other mums and doing some research online, she noticed that this is common and a very challenging time for parents, so in 2020, she started Yummy Little Belly, a place where she shares all the dishes she makes for her little one. Expect to find her serving up plenty of easy meat-free recipes for tiny tums, including hulk crackers, strawberry peanut butter fritters and pink porridge. Grub’s up!
Ella’s Kitchen takes the stress out of weaning and puts the fun into mealtimes. Featuring top tips for leftovers, weaning checklists and age-appropriate recipes for tiny tummies as well as sensory play tips to help your little one learn to love mealtimes, Ella’s account is every parent’s best friend. Check out their website for weaning guides, planners and fun activities to guide you through every stage of your little one’s journey.
The Best of London’s Bottomless Brunch Events *With A Twist*
If you have an upcoming birthday/promotion/anniversary in the diary or are simply looking for an excuse to let your hair down, let us introduce 10 of the capital’s best bottomless brunch offerings for when you fancy a little more bang for your brunch.
Who doesn’t love a good brunch? And who doesn’t love getting a *little* tipsy every now and again? If you answered yes and yes then you’ll surely agree that bottomless brunch is one of the most genius combinations there is, uniting long-distance friends, housemates, colleagues and hen dos with one common interest- fun!
If you have an upcoming birthday/promotion/anniversary in the diary or are simply looking for an excuse to let your hair down, let us introduce the capital’s best bottomless brunch offerings for when you fancy a little more bang for your brunch. From gospel singers to shuffleboard, 80s musical bingo to a bar that feels like you’re in someone’s house, keep reading for 10 of the best bottomless brunches that London has to offer.
Karaoke Brunch At Lucky Voice
Karaoke + brunch = the dream day out with the gang. Available at Lucky Voice Islington and Brighton, prepare for a big Saturday and to probably lose your voice in the process- it’s a sacrifice worth making. With two hours of bottomless bagels, exclusive brunch cocktails and bubbles (as well as an array of party shenanigans led by a professional master of revels), you then head into your own private booth for an hour of karaoke. In the words of Lizzie McGuire, this is what dreams are made of.
The details:
Islington: Every second and fourth Saturday at Lucky Voice Islington, starting at 12pm. £45.
Brighton: Every last Saturday at Lucky Voice Brighton, starting at 12pm. £40.
Ballie Ballerson’s Pizza and Ball Pit Extravaganza
Delicious pizza washed down with unlimited pornstar martinis sounds like a match made in heaven, and Ballie Ballerson has made it happen. Whether you go for the VIP booth tickets or would rather stay casual and stand at high-top tables, tickets include pizza, prosecco and pornstars, finished off with 2 hour access to their signature balls- there are over a million of ‘em! Perfect for a special occasion (you can preorder one of their famous pick ‘n’ mix sweet cakes to make for the most memorable birthday), and with non-stop hits from their resident DJ Izzy Trixx, playing Disco, House, Commercial, Hip Hop, RnB, Garage, Rock, Drum and Bass, it’s one to bookmark for sure.
The details:
Every Saturday and Sunday, multiple time slots. £25-£35 per person.
Vegans, this one’s for you. Powerplant Camden- a plant-based concept restaurant and bar in, you guessed it, Camden- has recently launched a bottomless brunch available every weekend from 9am-4pm. All eyes are on their Plant-Based Shakshuka, made with slow-cooked lightly spiced tomato sauce, charred and marinated aubergine, tahini, plant Feta, coriander and Laffa Bread which is amongst a selection of delicious plant-based items on their new menu. Add bottomless prosecco, mimosas or Aperol Spritz for an extra £25.00 per person and boom, consider your weekend off to the best start ever.
With movie nights every Wednesday, a DJ residency on a Friday, open mic on Thursdays and 20% off drinks every Tuesday and Thursday (7pm-8pm), check it out if you find yourself in North London!
Bottomless brunches might be ten a penny these days but there’s none quite like Amazing Grace’s Gospel Brunch. Playing a host of Motown classics, their live gospel choir is on stage from 11.30am until 4pm with a guaranteed 45 minutes of performance time during your 90-minute brunch slot- it’s getting lit!
On the menu? Brunch dishes curated by Daja Street food, including crispy fried chicken waffles, pancakes and many more delights to feast on! Add bottomless drinks for £25 per person- from bubbles to cocktails to Bloody Marys- the quirky live music venue is round the corner from Borough Market and the Shard making it the perfect spot for touristy days out!
80 Bottomless Brunch and Musical Bingo at Barrio Shoreditch
If your calendar is severely lacking a holiday this summer then Barrio have got your back with their tropical, 80s brunch inspired by Madonna’s iconicLa Isla Bonita hit! Find yourself welcomed into the neon glow that is Barrio Shoreditch with a delicious cocktail upon arrival, before you tuck into a 2-course delicious brunch featuring dishes from a Saint & Sinner vegan burger to the tasty Chica Bonita chicken, polish off your savoury segment with a portion of Barrio churros and chocolate before the 80s sing-a-long action and musical bingo begins- prizes include a round of drinks for your table to a £150 bar tab, so pay attention! Drinks wise, choose from prosecco, spiced-rum sangria and Sol beer and prepare for infectiously good vibes for a full 2 hours.
The details:
Every Saturday at Barrio Shoreditch. 11.30am to 2pm or 3pm to 5.30pm. £50 per person.
One of Notting Hill’s most loved neighbourhood bars and restaurants is on brunch duty, and let’s just say the FOMO will be real if you miss out on this one. The Little Yellow Door is designed to feel like someone’s home- hence the sofas and armchairs in every direction- and features a “Living Room / Kitchen”, aka the bar and restaurant during the week, and ‘The Flatmates Den’ downstairs, a late night drinking spot with a dance floor, sofa areas and a long bar- cute!
Their brunch offering is just as intriguing, with piles of pancakes for those with a sweet tooth to poached eggs and avocado for those more partial to savoury, their ‘Pimped Up Bloody Mary’ and killer brekkie cocktails are perfect for a daytime celebration with friends that will more than likely continue into the early hours- they don’t call it the post pandemic, roaring 20s for nothing!
Jamaican Brunch and Bottomless Booze at Ma Petite Jamaica
3 course bottomless brunch? Don’t mind if we do…
If it’s escapism you’re seeking then Ma Petite Jamaica have you covered, with their authentic Jamaican menu, smile-inducing fairy lights and Bob Marley lyrics upon their walls, you may just about forget you’re in Camden.
With an unlimited supply of rum punch, rum Maria or prosecco, you’ll have 2 hours to enjoy their delicious drinks and choose from a dozen delicious dishes, whether you go for some jerk chicken or a more traditional English breakfast. Located in the heart of Camden, it may be small in appearance, but it has the biggest of hearts.
The details:
Various Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm with last seating at 2.45pm. £34.50 per person.
Music lovers, look no further for a bottomless offering sure to get you clearing your calendar ready to rock ASAP. With two pianists at noon and their full band from 1.30 pm, The Piano Works in Farringdon has non-stop live music where you get to request all the songs played! Harry Styles anyone? Bottomless bevs include Prosecco, beers, bellinis, St. Germain Spritz or Mojitos- yum.
If flowing drinks are your priority, you can even start your brunch early with their Happy Hour every Saturday from 11.30am till 1pm- result! It might be slightly more expensive than the average London bottomless offerings, but with non-stop live music you can’t get more good vibes than that.
The details:
Every Saturday and Bank Holiday Sundays. £50 per person.
If an activity-filled brunch is more your jam, may we put Electric Shuffle (at Canary Wharf or London Bridge) on your radar. Running weekly from Thursday to Sunday, enjoy a personal bottle of Prosecco and bottomless pizza along with an hour of electric shuffleboard to get your competitive juices flowing. If you fancy the fun of bottomless without the hangover, the team can also switch out prosecco for a delicious mocktail sure to tantalise your tastebuds and ensure you can keep focused on the job at hand- winning shuffleboard.
The details:
Weekly from Thursday to Sunday, 12pm-2pm. £40 per person.
11:11 Make A Wish! A Guide to Angel Numbers & Signs from the Other Side
Angel Numbers is the modern-day accepted term for experiencing recurring number patterns or sequences – within spiritual circles they are commonly accepted as ‘signs’ from a higher power as messages of confirmation and affirmation.
This is a guest article written by Kyle Gray, for content pitches please email contact@zoella.co.uk
There’s a good chance if you’re reading this article that you’ve probably had some sort of encounter with ‘Angel Numbers’ and if you haven’t, there’s a good chance you might start noticing ‘them’ from here on.
Angel Numbers is the modern-day accepted term for experiencing recurring number patterns or sequences – within spiritual circles they are commonly accepted as ‘signs’ from a higher power as messages of confirmation and affirmation.
But why now?
Humans have been experiencing signs or ‘omens’ as they were once labelled since the beginning of time.Kyle Gray
Humans have been experiencing signs or ‘omens’ as they were once labelled since the beginning of time. Even before cultures began to clash, there’s always been a strong belief in some sort of higher power communicating with people through the appearance of weather, nature and for some people ‘visions’. For millennia, normal day-to-day people have believed that their higher power has been communicating with them through life’s mysteries, and these same people have been interpreting their experiences as a message from either their Universe or even their ancestors.
As an example, the Celts believed that the seeing of certain animals on their path indicated messages from the gods – some as a sign to continue on and others that gave them the impression to hold back. For example, seeing ravens would indicate that there’s more information being revealed, the visit of a Wren was a sign that the ancestors were blessing their path and the appearance of foxes indicated cunning behaviour occurring within their group.
You will find similar messages in many of the world’s folklore traditions, with slightly differing messages – there’s one common belief the world over – that there is an unseen presence that can guide us on our way.
Angel Numbers are the digital age omen. They’re a modern spin on numerology based on the appearance of numbers lining up in specific ways such as 11:11, 222 or even sequences like 12:34 or 3:21. But where are these numbers showing up and what do they really mean?
For the most part, 11:11 has been associated with wishful thinking – a sign that you are connected to the Universe, and to align your thoughts and feelings so that you can manifest your truest desires. But I personally believe the numbers are so much more than a sign that you can manifest, they’re messages that you can make a difference and live with more purpose.
Humans have been experiencing signs or ‘omens’ as they were once labelled since the beginning of time.Kyle Gray
I first started to experience angel numbers when I was a tween after getting my first cell phone. I remember when texting just became a thing and often found myself looking at my phone when it was exactly 1:11pm or 3:33pm and wondering what was going on. I remember at the time, the real source of spiritual discussion was taking place on MSN groups, and when I asked about it, to my surprise there were hundreds of others seeing these numbers! The patterns and sequences weren’t just showing up digitally – they were showing up on receipts from the store, when filling up the fuel tank and even on car number plates. It seems once you’ve been introduced to Angel Numbers, they become even more available to you.
The belief in angels goes beyond religion but is aligned to many. In a 2016 survey of 2,000 Britons it revealed that a third of participants believed in angels and one in every 10th person believed they’d encountered an angel in some way or another. Recent polls have shown that 8 out of 10 Americans believe in angels, so if you think you’re experiencing a sign, you’re in good company!
I believe the real reason so many of us are seeing signs is because these unseen forces want us to know that they’re here for us. But, who are the angels?
For me, angels are non-denominational beings that extend from the heart of the Universe. They’re beyond the idea of a floating spirit with wings, but more intelligent energies that remain unseen (for the most part) that guide us through signs, intuition and meditation. Some people think of deceased loved ones or pets as angels, while others see them as non-human spirits that are emanating from the heart of creation – I believe in letting everyone find their own way of understanding and connecting with them. For those who are sceptical about angels, why not see them as your conscience or the highest form of intelligence that guides you from within. If you ask me – it’s all the same thing anyway. For me – it’s love.
So, let’s get into angel numbers. For thousands of years numbers have been considered auspicious and a way of understanding the Universe – just think in order for us to understand time and space, we go to numbers. The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras believed that numbers had vibrational values that corresponded to those of music notes. Pythagoras created a system that was able to reveal information about a person’s personality and outer expression based solely on the numerical values of their name, date, and place of birth – this system became what we now call Pythagorean Numerology.
In contrast, modern day numerology focuses on the numerological values of your name, your destiny number and date of birth to reveal your life path number. Through the information revealed, a person may understand their sense of calling towards purpose or why certain personality traits are stronger.
Angel numbers are about your own personal connection and your own personal experience. Kyle Gray
Although angel numbers contain similar ideas and information to Pythagorean Numerology, the numbers and sequences are open to individual interpretation and differ slightly from source to source – this is where the magic is! Angel numbers are about your own personal connection and your own personal experience. Before I get to my personal interpretations behind some of the most common angel numbers, as someone who has spent 20 years studying and experiencing this stuff, I want to share that there’s a key message behind all signs.
So if you’ve experienced a recurring number pattern or sequence and you’re trying to get to the bottom of what it means, here’s the 3 most important things you need to know:
1. You are on the right path
For signs to appear in your life, you need to be in a certain mental alignment to experience them. So even if you’re going through a hard and overwhelming period, the sign appearing is there to remind you to keep your head up and keep going.
I have learned that signs only show up when we’re on the right path. If we’re experiencing them during a hardship, the Universe/Angels/Intelligence is showing up for us to tell us that things are going to get better and to keep pushing through.
2. You are not alone
Whenever you get a sign, this is the ultimate message! You are surrounded by unseen forces that love you and are here to guide you. When you are experiencing a sign you have tuned into the oneness of the Universe and it has magnetised this miraculous experience towards you as a reminder that you are connected to something greater.
3. Call in help
As you have experienced a sign, you are being reminded that spiritual energy and help is available to you. If there’s something that is getting you down or maybe something you’re working through that you are trying to navigate alone, why not ask the Universe to help you on and see what begins to shift and change. Sometimes the energies that are speaking to you through signs can’t help you on your way unless you ask.
Angel numbers and their meanings
11:11
The most common of all the angel numbers, most people have come to see it as a number that you can manifest and for good reason.
11:11 is actually the message of “one, one, one, one” an age-old message from every great saint and spiritual teacher that has ever walked the land. The message is telling us that WE ARE ALL ONE.
Because we are all one, it means we’re also ONE with the Universe and in the moment you are seeing 11:11 you are infinitely connected to the abundant universe and connected to the totality of possibility.
22:22
If 11:11 is about ONE, 22:22 is about TWO.
For me, it’s a number that signifies partnership, community and connection, inviting you to realise that you can improve the experience of those around you through your choices, actions and even through your non-actions too.
1:23 or 12:34
If you see this number and have been working on a project there’s a good chance that it’s a message that your success is unfolding before your very eyes.
444 or 4:44
This number has been strongly associated with the presence of angels. When you see 444 or 4:44 it’s a message that you are surrounded, guided, guarded and protected by the presence of angels who are helping you on your way.
Angel numbers come to those who can make a difference and to those who are looking to live with more meaning. It doesn’t mean you have to quit your day job and become a meditation teacher, it’s about bringing positivity and light into your everyday life.
Angel numbers help us become kinder and through taking these steps we, in turn, feel good. Signs are ultimately calls to action. Invitations to Raise Your Vibration!
To learn more about how to deepen your connection with the Divine and unlock more joy in your life, snap up Kyle’s book Raise Your Vibration, available now.
Summer Must-Reads Coming in Hot! What We’re Reading for Book Club July to September
Consider yourself fully booked! Here’s to being beach-bound with your snout in a novel all summer long.
From Akwaeke Emezi’s immersive romance (*the* book of hot girl summer), Lizzy Dent’s laugh-out-loud, heartwarming story about one woman’s impulsive fib and Asha Bromfield’s stunning coming of age novel exploring the deep complexities of the journey into womanhood, don’t be surprised if your friends don’t see or hear from you for the next three months.
Consider yourself fully booked! Here’s to being beach-bound with your snout in a novel all summer long.
July – You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Set your summer well and truly ablaze with Akwaeke Emezi’s unforgettable romance You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty. It had us at the title – a nod to Florence + the Machine’s song, “Hunger”.
Feyi is about to be given the chance to escape the City’s blistering heat for a dream island holiday: poolside cocktails, beach sunsets, and elaborate meals. And as the sun goes down on her old life our heroine also might just be ready to open her heart to someone new…
The only problem is, she’s falling for the one man she absolutely can’t have.
From the author of The Summer Job comes a funny, sexy and feel-good summertime rom-com, perfect for balmy afternoons by the pool with a cold Fanta Lemon or Aperol in hand.
The Setup is about Mara – a woman who’s desperately clinging on to fate, the stars and the idea of a true destiny in order to arrange her life into the perfect picture she grew up hoping for. On a lone trip to Budapest, whilst searching for answers to her life’s problems (and of course checking her horoscope every day), she’s forced into impersonating a fortune teller and suddenly meets Joe, a gorgeous Austrian cellist. She finally has the chance to set up her own destiny, giving him a date and time that he’ll meet his own true love – her – at the end of the summer in her seaside town of Broadgate. But back home, life is more complicated, as the crumbling lido where Mara works is under threat. And so begins ‘Project Mara’ – three months to turn herself into the stylish, confident woman she’s always hoped to be, before meeting Joe at the end of August. But while Mara is getting ready for the one, the universe intervenes. Her new flatmate Ash is funny, and kind, and sexy as hell…
This is a book for anyone who’s imagined life to be more romantic and whimsical than it turns out to be.
In this sweeping debut, Riverdale and Locke and Key star Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane.
Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his true home: the island of Jamaica.
When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again, but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him. In an unexpected turn of events, Tilla is forced to face the storm that unravels in her own life as she learns about the dark secrets that lie beyond the veil of paradise – all in the midst of an impending hurricane.
50 Thoughts & Feelings We Had Whilst Watching Stranger Things Season 4, Volume II
Volume II of the iconic 80s sci-fi thriller dropped on 1st July, and it’s safe to say, it was touch and go as to whether or not we made it through in one piece. So let’s debrief!
Stranger Things fans, do you copy? Volume II of the iconic 80s sci-fi thriller dropped on 1st July, and it’s safe to say, it was touch and go as to whether or not we made it through in one piece. Did anyone else consider writing a strongly worded email to the Duffer Brothers after *that* scene with the bats? The stuff of heartbreak.
Volume II’s running time came in at a total of 4 hours 5 minutes across two bumper episodes, but despite its length, the desperate moments of the Hawkins gang attempting to defeat Vecna for good likely still left you craving more. Finishing on a nail-biting cliffhanger, moments after Hopper, Joyce, Murray and the kids were reunited, it’s clear that Hawkins is still in grave danger, and the wait for Season 5 to find out who of our faves will survive is the dictionary definition of intense.
So let’s debrief. Here are 50 thoughts Team Zoella had whilst devouring Season 4, Volume II of Stranger Things. Spoilers included, read at your own risk…
Nancy, we don’t mean to be rude, but that’s a push door, you can open it without breaking the wooden bars off.
Hands up who also wants Steve Harrington to cup their face like that. *Raises hand*
Did anyone else not skip the intro purely to hear the iconic soundtrack?
Episode 8 is called Papa so we can only imagine it’s going to be incredibly difficult to watch.
Demogorgons never get less scary do they?
Whatever TF is happening in this prison is the stuff of nightmares.
Having said that, Joyce is getting to hang with Murray, Hopper and Enzo whilst planning their escape … we wouldn’t mind trading places.
Eleven getting her powers back- anyone else feeling like a proud mum?
Broken.
The only word apt in describing the van scene with Mike and Will.
HE’S IN LOVE WITH YOU, YOU IDIOT.
“When you’re different, sometimes you feel like a mistake”. Sobbing, that’s all.
Papa you’re a manipulative piece of sh*t and we do not stan.
Nancy telling the group what she saw in the Upside Down is not really giving good vibes, is it?
On the plus side, The Hawkins-in-Russia-gang are FREE. On the downside, Yuri is still incredibly annoying.
Eddie casually saying “Don’t ya big boy?” to Steve as the crew casually steal an actual motorhome is the quote of the season.
The character arc of Steve Harrington from Season 1 till now is really quite remarkable.
First Steve and Nancy having a heart-to-heart, now Lucas and Max- the vibes are impeccable in this motorhome.
Erica leading the gang into a store called War Zone whilst their entire worlds are falling apart is boss bitch behaviour if we ever did see it.
Jason really is a slimy piece of work isn’t he.
Manifesting a happy ending for Robin and Vickie.
Sorry but HOW strong was the weed that Argyle smoked because it is simply not possible that he is still high.
Dr Owens, we love you.
Eddie and Dustin are the most iconic duo of the season, period.
Closely followed by Robin and Steve, as per usual.
RIP Papa, you will not be missed.
*That* helicopter scene- go Ell!
Okay we’re still mad at Mike after his response to Will in the van but we have to admit the Mileven reunion was kinda cute.
The goodbye with Papa was sweet, but here’s to not forgiving those who don’t deserve it.
What is it with this Russian church and its obscure collection of t-shirts?
JOPPER, JOPPER, JOPPER!!!
The kiss!!!!!
We love, love!
Surfer Boy Pizza actually looks pretty lit.
Purple palm tree delight you say …
Steve confessing his feelings for Nancy has us weeping- you deserve happiness, Harrington.
Jonathan coming through with the brotherly advice and support for Will- about damn time, sir!
Everyone deserves a bestie looking out for them like Ell looks out for Max.
Eddie Munson playing guitar. That’s it, that’s the tweet.
Iconique.
Jason we don’t mean to be rude but you’re ruining everything.
Vecna can you give it a rest for once in your life!
Murary setting the Demogorgon on fire with a flamethrower and Hopper finishing the job by beheading it with a sword, we love to see it!
The bats. Eddie. Dustin. No, no, no.
“I didn’t run away this time” STOP IT.
Max. There are no words.
‘Two days later’- sorry, what?
The LA gang meets the Russian gang meets the Hawkins gang, FINALLY.
All The Best Tech, Style and Homeware Picks To Bookmark Ahead of Amazon Prime Day
Amazon's annual Prime Day celebrations are fast approaching, taking place on the 12th and 13th July where you'll be able to find savings across tech, home, alcohol, gaming, laptops, TVs and more!
Who else lives for a bargain?! Rhetorical question, but if you answered no then you’re doing it wrong…
Amazon’s annual Prime Day celebrations are fast approaching, taking place on the 12th and 13th July where you’ll be able to find savings across tech, home, alcohol, gaming, laptops, TVs and more! But remember, to get your hands on as many savings as possible this July, you must be a Prime member. If you’re feeling particularly savvy, it’s worth noting that you can sign up for a 30 day free trial and still get access to the incredible deals on offer. You’re welcome!
Keep scrolling to see what items we’re hoping to see on sale this Prime Day, and get your wishlist at the ready for when the 12th and the 13th roll around…
Out of Office: Activated! 30 Vacation Manicures to Secure For Your Next Holiday
Whether you’re jetting off to Sorrento or sunning yourself on a beach somewhere in the balmy Balearics, nothing signals the start of a holiday quite like getting a fresh manicure for the occasion. That’s just, like, the rules of feminism.
Whether you’re jetting off to Sorrento or sunning yourself on a beach somewhere in the balmy Balearics, nothing signals the start of a holiday quite like getting a fresh manicure for the occasion. That’s just, like, the rules of feminism.
Passport, check. Boarding pass, check. Out of Office ON, check, check, check! *cue the smug “bye guys!” as you waft out of the office without a care in the world to the soundtrack of Madonna* Here are 30 holiday nail art designs to secure for your next trip away!
12 of the Prettiest Record Covers *Made* for Your Vinyl Wall Display
If you’re looking for some seriously stunning album artwork to grace your very own vinyl wall or add some new music to your weekly listening rotation, may we present 12 vinyl covers so pretty they’re basically works of art.
The humble gallery wall has had homeowners in a chokehold ever since it first emerged as a trend, filling blank walls and adding a new dimension to living rooms and bedrooms nationwide. But according tointerior designers, the trend is on the way out. Nobody panic…
If you’re seeking a new way to add a little bit of *spice* to your white walls, look no further than the ultimate music lovers’ obsession- the vinyl wall. The brainchild of Emily Jane Lathan, 70s design lover and DIY queen, the vinyl wall not only allows you to display your most prized records, but also switch up your album arrangement regularly to showcase your current ‘now playing’ list. Genius.
If you’re looking for some seriously stunning album artwork to grace your very own vinyl wall or add some new music to your weekly listening rotation, may we present 12 vinyl covers so pretty they’re basically works of art.
Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
With its dreamy hues of coral and blue, this cover captures the feeling of hazy, hot summer days with its subtle blur and high saturation edit. Released in 2018, the 13-track album is Kacey’s fourth studio album and is an eclectic, mesmerising mix of disco, electropop, electronica, and yacht rock (a broad music style and aesthetic commonly associated with soft rock,one of the most commercially successful genres from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, FYI).
Musgraves’ sister Kelly Christine Sutton actually took the cover photo for Golden Hour over a two-day photo shoot in and around their hometown of Golden, Texas- how cute!
For those who love a pop of colour within their interiors or are a sucker for the summer season, this album cover is one for you to display in pride of place.
Taylor Swift – Folklore
The queen of dreamy lyricism, Ms Swift’s 2020 lockdown release, Folklore, is the ultimate collection of mellow ballads created with escapism, romanticism, and nostalgia at the forefront of their conception. Taylor described the album as a “collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness”, and we’re beyond honoured to have stepped into this world with her.
The album artwork shows Taylor walking through a deserted forest scene, surrounded by towering, shadowy trees and beautifully capturing the ruminative and isolating feelings so many of us came up against during the height of the pandemic. Listed byVogue as amongst the best moments of lockdown culture, we can’t help but agree.
Add to your display if a monochrome or muted colour palette is your thing, and put this record on in times when introspection comes calling.
Role Model – Our Little Angel
Minimalists, the muted colour scheme of this EP cover has your name written all over it. The ultra-textured design shows Role Model, aka Tucker Pillsbury, appearing to cut away a pair of angel wings, with the addition of retro calligraphy finishing off the simple yet striking design. Released in October 2020, the 6 track EP features hit songs ‘blind’ and ‘for the people in the back’ and feels authentically relatable at its core. Exploring themes of mental health, sex, and heartbreak, this addictive and distinctive collection of ‘bedroom pop’ hits is delightfully moreish.
Neutral interiors lovers, this one’s for your record stack.
Harry Styles – Harry’s House
Arguably the hottest record of the year, Harry’s House from our friend Harry Styles is a 13 track release of pure good vibes ONLY (except Matilda, to which we cry). The introspective and charming album ticks every box you could hope for, both in listening on your daily commute or watching him perform at the highly anticipated European leg of Love On Tour which began in June of this year.
The nostalgic, soft-in-colour album cover shows Harry in a living room setting, minimally furnished with an orange sofa, yellow table lamp, vase of flowers and arch door that has since become synonymous with the album campaign. Lovers of retro, warm-toned interiors should pay attention here, as furniture brands including Made.com noted a major uptake in interest for similar pieces. Perfect for weekdays working and Sunday morning listening alike, this album is one to display for anyone fond of 70s nostalgia and grand millennial aesthetics.
Lorde – Solar Power
“For those who don’t know, it is my butt kinda from below,” New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show last year- “It’s a little hardcore, but it was so joyful to me. It felt innocent and playful and a little bit feral and sexy,” said the 25-year-old star when describing the cover of her latest, psychedelic pop and indie-folk album, Solar Power.
“My friend just took it. It was just me jumping over a friend on the beach. The album is a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalising the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I’m outdoors,” she continued. “In times of heartache, grief, deep love, or confusion, I look to the natural world for answers. I’ve learned to breathe out, and tune in. This is what came through.” We love it!
Whilst the cover might be apparently too racy to show on national TV, the dreamy blue sky background, contrasting yellow font and blurred movement feels more innocently like the capturing of a playful and carefree moment- the stuff of core memories!
Perfect to display during the summer months, the Solar Power cover will have you itching to spend time in the sun, stat.
MØ – Forever Neverland
The second studio album from Danish singer and songwriter MØ, Forever Neverland was released in October 2018 and is said to be “dedicated to the quest for eternal youth”.
The simple yet dreamlike album artwork feels like it’s been plucked straight out of the 80s, with its indigo backdrop and contrasting pink graphic eye make-up, the vibes are all out captivating.
“We see MØ cast through a prism, splitting into different colours. She’s done with California. She’s heartbroken,” note Pitchfork, and despite the peppy album cover, upon listening the complex combination of emotions that are explored in the 14-track album somehow seep through.
Add to your vinyl wall or record stack if romantic, whimsical and dreamlike imagery is your jam.
The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed
An oldie but goldie, Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones is considered iconic in the world of album art for a reason. The 1969 cover shows a cake created with layers including a tyre, clock face, film canister, and a pizza, clad in white frosting and little Rolling Stones figurines, with a cracked Rolling Stones album playing below. Pretty wild.
Despite the cover artwork originally being created with the working title Automatic Changer, it stood the test of time when the record was complete and was among ten album covers chosen by Royal Mail for a set of “Classic Album Cover” postage stamps issued in January 2010.
Retro and playful at its core, add it to your vinyl display if you’re a fan of the classics!
Metronomy – Small World
The seventh studio album from British band Metronomy, Small World was released in February 2022 is described by the band as “a return to simple pleasures, nature, and an embracing, in part, of more pared-down, songwriterly sonics”.
The cover is a beautiful reflection of this, with the image showing an idyllic pond and forest scene that’s channelling goblincore to the max. For those with darker interiors, this enchanting cover was made to be displayed in your home.
Bon Iver – Bon Iver (10th Anniversary Edition)
The limited-edition tenth-anniversary reissue of Bon Iver’s Grammy Award-winning sophomore album Bon Iver is a work of art if we ever did see one. Featuring all ten original tracks, plus four very special renditions from the band’s 2012 AIR Studios 4AD/Jagjaguwar session, the reissue features a blind embossed version of the original cover, and is a minimalist lover’s dream.
Subtle yet striking, add this to your lust list if diving into the sprawling and magical world of Bon Iver is top of your to-do list.
HONNE – Love Me / Love Me Not
Dropping in 2018, Love Me / Love Me Not is the second album by English electronic music duo HONNE and features 12 tracks that “half explore the euphoria of falling in love, and the other the agony of falling out of it. It’s a careful, calculated unravelling of modern romance. It’s almost surgical in its strategy” say DIY.
The album cover is strikingly beautiful, and will no doubt stand out amongst your vinyl collection as a bold design that celebrates symmetry, block colour and a retro inspired colour palette that would look right at home in the 80s. Add this vinyl to your collection if you’re looking to inspire conversation.
Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Iconic – the most appropriate word to describe Vampire Weekend’s debut album by the same title released all the way back in 2008, which was ranked the 5th best album of the year by TIME, before going on to secure a spot in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2012.
The album’s cover is a sepia image of a chandelier from St. Anthony Hall at Columbia University, and is an actual Polaroid picture from one of the band’s early shows at the university. The album’s unique hybrid of indie pop, chamber music and Afropop influences make it a striking and memorable debut album, with the chandelier upon its cover becoming so synonymous with the band that their early stage design would be adorned with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling at their gigs.
Add this vinyl to your display if you’re seeking 100+ indie points.
Haim – Women in Music
If you haven’t fantasised about being adopted as the fourth Haim sister then you’re doing it wrong. The 2020 release of their third studio album Women in Music is arguably this Californian trio at their best, receiving widespread critical acclaim thanks to its experimentation across genres and vulnerable lyricism.
The album cover was shot by Paul Thomas Anderson at Canter’s Deli, a Jewish-style delicatessen in Los Angeles, which has been an iconic late-night hang out in Hollywood since it opened in the 60s, and where the trio played a gig during their early career. Anderson has collaborated with the girls numerous times throughout the years, directing multiple music videos for the band, including The Steps, the first single from WIM.
Powerful and captivating, add this vinyl to your display if bad b*tch energy is your jam!
Featuring our very own Zoe Sugg’s 10/10 mani. 
(@sou_nails_and_beauty)
Hang Nguyen 
(@nailsfordais)
Dana Roski (@waldberlin)
