According to Psychology Today, men are feeling lonelier than ever as they struggle to meet the ‘higher standards’ of modern women (translation: healthy relationship expectations). 

In 2022, cis-hetero women would sooner stay single than settle for anything less than what they deserve, and when you have a read of some of the dating stories below, you can see why singledom is preferable by a long shot. 

Psychologist Greg Matos puts the rise of lonely single men down to the relationship-skills gap in which women are looking for partners who share the same values, are emotionally available and good communicators. They may call that high standards but where we’re coming from, we call that the bare minimum. 

Greg explains, “With so many options (men represent approximately 62% of dating app users), it’s not surprising that women are increasingly selective. I do a live TikTok show (@abetterloveproject) and speak with hundreds of audience members every week; I hear recurring dating themes from women between the ages of 25 and 45: They prefer men who are emotionally available, who are good communicators, and who share their values. For men, this means a relationship skills gap that, if not addressed, will likely lead to fewer dating opportunities and longer periods of being single. There’s less patience for poor communication skills today. The problem for men is that emotional connection is the lifeblood of healthy, long-term love and it requires all the skills that families still are not consistently teaching young boys.”

In the article titled ‘The Rise of Lonely, Single Men’, Greg calls for men to address this skills deficit by placing greater worth on emotional connection. “It means valuing your own internal world and respecting your ideas enough to communicate them effectively. It means seeing intimacy, romance, and emotional connection as worthy of your time and effort.

We have an opportunity to revolutionise relationships and establish new, healthier norms starting with the first date. It’s likely that some of these romances will be transformative and healing, disrupting generational trauma and establishing a fresh culture of admiration and validation. Men have a key role in this transformation but only if they go all-in

Greg Matos

With all that in mind, we can only hope this societal shift paves the way for better experiences and honest conversations. Until then, join us as we bond over the abysmal dates that may as well have been an intensive course in mental resilience. Melting face emojis at the ready… 

Here’s a short collection of funny bad dating stories. Funny yes, but not funny haha, funny weird. 

He’d be swiping right on his deathbed 

All going well, came back from the loo and he was on Tinder…

It’s a match!

We got matching tattoos. It was the first date…

Pillow spray gate

I met a guy from Hinge for a drink and he brought an overnight bag with him.

Mystic Mike 

I told him my dad had died and he said, “I could have guessed that about you.”

Imagine this guy on Flying Ant Day 

First date, in a beer garden, he kept walking away mid conversation to take pictures of bugs.

The accidental Mukbang 

He brought me to the restaurant he works at without telling me and all his colleagues were hanging around our table.

That’s one way to call it a night…

First date, he’d had an op and was on painkillers. One drink later and he literally passed out on the table.

Where there’s blame there’s a claim! 

One time at the end of the date he dropped me home so I got my bag out the boot of his car and when I shut it, the whole windscreen smashed… he made me pay for it. No second date, obviously.

First date fire

I Leant in to whisper something sexy to him in a speakeasy posh cocktail bar and my hair caught alight in the candle flame. Mood killer.

So, you’ve got a car – that don’t impress me much 

Took me to a Tesla garage to show me he could afford to buy a Tesla….

Top up?

I kicked a glass of wine into his plug socket and short circuited his house.

Mr Has He No Shame?!

He asked if he could use my Instagram to look up my mate (private account) as he fancied her more.

Does he know how eating works?

Told me he thought girls who finished a whole meal in a restaurant were greedy.

Smooth operator 

He casually left the table mid-date to meet his drug dealer.

Little Miss Eulogy 

Asked me to come to his aunt’s funeral on the second date. I nearly passed away myself when he told me to say a few words at the end! Sad as it was, I’d never met Aunt Clara. 

Like a scene from Ratatouille 

Turned up to the date dressed in a suit with his pet rat perched on his shoulder. 

Unforgivable 

He didn’t know what Waterstones was. Never saw him again. 

Body language? He doesn’t know it 

I went on a date where we went to mini golf followed by dinner. The mini golf went well, but I wasn’t sure I fancied him. Anyway, we go for dinner & low and behold, I get the ick. Nothing in particular, I just didn’t wanna be on the date anymore! But we were seated in a booth / table and chair, so I couldn’t just leave. He kept trying to sit next to me. It became like musical chairs! He had a seat opposite me, why on earth would we share one side of a table and sit on the same side?!

Make that a burger-to-go please

I dated a guy with the same name as my dad. He came over for a BBQ with my parents and my mum called my dad’s name but they both turned around. I threw up in my mouth. 

Zero curb appeal 

He wouldn’t let me park my car on his drive because it didn’t go with his home aesthetic.  

It’s a hard pass 

He asked me to peg him in his parent’s bed. We were only three dates deep.

Red flag city

First date with a guy I knew through a friend. He’d planned the date, took me to his mate’s house where he proceeded to show me his collection of swords and knives. I thought I was going to die!

Once a cheat, always a cheat

He cheated at Uno. That’s it. That’s the tweet. 

Take that curry sauce off of him at once 

This was date number 2 or 3. Me and this guy were driving back from a date & grabbed a McDonald’s. The entire time we were eating he kept burping and farting (when I say it was a lot, it was a LOT)!! Now, I love a Maccies, but it took me MONTHS to have a meal after that experience.  

Listen to your body. Be kind to your mind. Have fun. Let go and grow. 

Introducing:  Future Self + Zoella, the let go and grow collection. Centred around the collaboration’s limited edition, bespoke print, the collection of hoodies, sweatshirt and joggers are available in four new and unique colour ways, and can be perfectly accessorised with the collaboration’s matching socks and tote bag. Your autumn wardrobe just got seriously more dreamy. 

If that wasn’t enough, there’s treats for the little ones too! In sizes 1-2 & 2-3 years old, choose from mini hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers & socks.

Ahead of the pre-order launch this Sunday 23rd October (save the date!), we checked in with the brand’s founders, Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes, to chat about the process behind bringing the collection to life, what it was like working together professionally and how they will be styling their favourite pieces from the range…

Sign up to the Zoella mailing list or the Future Self mailing list/text club to gain even earlier access!

How did the collaboration come about and what’s the story behind the collection?

Zoe: “In a nutshell, I am obsessed with and live in Future Self tracksuits and have done for years, literally since Alfie started the brand. I am, of course Alfie’s biggest cheerleader and it’s so much fun to watch all the work that goes into the brand and be on the sidelines.

“Let Go and Grow” – We love the self-care, wellbeing wording. Why was it important that you had that mindfulness messaging in there? 

Alfie: “So for me, Future Self holds a lot of responsibility- the name itself is designed to encourage and help people better their future selves, that’s the aim of the brand. So when looking to collaborate with the Zoella brand, it couldn’t have seemed more fitting because as I’m sure the readers know, Zoella is all about empowerment, positivity and wellbeing which aligns so well with Future Self- the synergy between the two brands couldn’t have been stronger. It wasn’t an idea to include wellbeing and mindfulness messaging in there as an added extra, it was a must have!”

What’s been the best thing about joining forces for the first time?

Zoe: “The best thing about joining forces for the first time has been the creative process. Alfie and I keep our work and brands separate and I think that’s something we’ve always been quite conscious of doing, just to maintain a healthy home life. It would be so easy for us to collaborate on so many things but we’ve chosen not to so that when we are together it’s time spent as a couple as opposed to working together. But it’s been really fun seeing how much work goes into everything. I already knew that, but Future Self really is such a well-oiled machine, the team is all incredible and the product is just amazing.”

How many pieces will be available in the drop?

Alfie: “The collection mirrors the fit of the sell-out Capsule Collection and includes hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers and socks in the four new colour ways and designs, plus a matching tote bag and socks too. The Kids Range includes sizes ranging from 1-3 years in Lavendula and Burro brown.”

The colours are a VIBE! How did you land on the colour palette of Lavendula, Lime, Burro and Buttercream?

Alfie: “So with this collection we wanted to completely switch things up from the normal Future Self colour palettes which was why I was so excited to collaborate with Zoe and the Zoella team to really bring a new vibe to Future Self and step outside the box that we normally work within. I guess we wanted to keep it as a strong mix between both brands, not just colour palette wise, but on everything in the collaboration.

What was the design process like? 

Alfie: “The design process for this collection was incredibly smooth overall and a lot of that comes down to us working with a designer who both Future Self and Zoella have worked with across multiple projects over the past six years. The designer knows both brands inside out, which was incredibly helpful because whilst both Zoe and I had a really strong vision for what we saw the collection looking like, bringing that to life is an incredibly tough job.

“So there was a lot of meeting up in the office, brainstorming, mood boards, bringing together all the previous pieces that Future Self has released, looking at everything from the stitching to the swing tags to see which elements we wanted to bring into this collection. We actually had quite a few different ideas which we’ve kept in our back pocket for now, because if anything we had so many ideas and weren’t too sure which route to go down because we liked so many! Which I think is always a nice thing. 

The let go and grow concept felt like the most natural fit, and once we had that we just rolled with it. The best moments I find are the least planned, the most spur of the moment. The most relaxed times when you’re not expecting for a new idea to come up is when those banging ideas come up.

Alfie

Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?

Zoe: “My favourite piece, which is very difficult to say because I genuinely love everything, is the Lime tracksuit. When I try that green on I love how it makes me feel. I do also love the kids’ joggers- they are so cute. And of course the tote bag which is genuinely so great and I cannot wait to use it.”

Alfie: “I think the brown tracksuit is my fave, mainly because I would never have bought one previously, but since developing this one I really love it. It’s an unexpected favourite of mine!”

How will you be styling the collection in your own wardrobes?

Zoe: “I pretty much live in Future Self tracksuits, especially after having Ottie, because they are genuinely the comfiest tracksuits you will ever own.

For the first time ever, we have mini sweatsuits! Why was it important that kidswear was part of the offering?

Zoe: “So we weren’t initially going to do kidswear at all- it was only because I really loved the collection and colours that we wanted a mini version of what we were making just for Ottie. It was only once we saw her in it and we were like, okay, maybe there will be other people out there that also wanna match with their mini me.” 

Alfie: “We decided to do a very limited amount, but, you never know, if there’s more of a demand and people want more or different colours or sizes, then it’s definitely something we can think about for any future collections.”

How do you want people to feel when wearing the edit?

Zoe: “It personally makes me feel like I’ve got my shit together, but I’m comfortable doing it. Do you know what I mean? I’m comfy at the same time- that’s what we want everyone to feel like- a sense of being their best selves, and cosy but also with their shit together.”

There’s definitely something about wearing the collection whilst doing something that you love that we want to focus on. Whether you’re working out at the gym, sitting on the sofa reading a book, or if you’re meeting your mate for a coffee, whatever it is, the collection is about letting go and growing into the person you want to be.

Zoe

Favourite place to wear yours?

Zoe: “Genuinely? Just ALL the time. I wear it everywhere, out on a walk, into town, just whenever I wanna be comfortable. A flight, a long drive, laying on the sofa, working out, I’m probably wearing it. If I’ve got a day with loads of meetings in the office, I’ll also be wearing it. It allows you to be comfortable and feel good at the same time.”

Sign up to the Zoella mailing list or the Future Self mailing list/text club to gain even earlier access.

Contraception can be confusing, with a world of options out there and endless opinions from friends, your doctor and even TikTok potentially influencing your decision on how to prevent pregnancy and manage health concerns such as heavy periods or acne. 

But as awareness surrounding the potential adverse side effects of hormonal contraception continues to spark conversation, it seems the demand and interest in alternative methods, such as the coil are on the rise. The copper coil aka an intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s placed into the womb (uterus) and releases copper to alter the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive. When inserted correctly, IUDs are more than 99% effective and can prevent pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years.

But as with every form of contraception, the copper coil comes with a hefty list of potential side effects that should be considered before taking the leap and booking your insertion appointment, from longer and heavier periods to the risk of your body rejecting the IUD altogether. We spoke to 7 women who have tried the copper coil to get the lowdown on the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between that comes with choosing this form of contraception…  

Emily

I’m 24 and I had the copper coil fitted just over a year ago. After having a lot of trouble with hormone-based contraception, and knowing the implications of hormones in general on my body, I decided that the copper coil would probably be the best option for me. 

After speaking to my local GP, we arranged for me to get it inserted about a week after my first appointment.

This is where things got a little more uncomfortable. When she went to cut the string, she realised that my womb had rejected it. She said this is more common with women who have never had children as your womb isn’t used to holding something, making it more likely to reject. This meant the coil was now in my cervix. She quickly pulled it out (which also felt a bit weird) and I saw it all covered in blood- it was not enjoyable. At this point I was getting extremely flustered and having to take slow breaths to calm down, all whilst the vaginal clamp was still holding me open. 

She quickly asked her assistant for a second coil to try and put another in and this time when she pushed it up again and I felt the pinch of it opening inside. She quickly cut the string and that was it. I felt a bit achy in my womb for the next day or so while my body was adjusting, and went to feel for the string in my cervix to check the length. 

After about a week I went to have sex for the first time which was really nerve-racking, even though I knew if it was in place it shouldn’t be an issue. 

However, when we came to it, sex was painful and I got really bad abdominal pains. I thought this might just be part of the settling-in period, but after a few weeks, the abdominal pains were very frequent and at random times in the day, not just during or after sex.

Emily

Within this time, my period had come and it was excruciating, as well as very heavy which is a normal symptom, especially in the first few months of having the coil implanted. 

At one point my boyfriend complained saying he could feel something inside me, and it was at this point I decided to go back to the doctors. Not only was it feeling off but it was preventing me from having sex, which was the whole point of it.

I was sent for an internal ultrasound. They put a dildo-like thing inside me and looked to see what was happening. She said that the coil was in fact in my cervix and had been rejected by my womb and they needed to get it out as soon as possible. 

Essentially, the coil had been chilling in my cervix for probably about two months since it was put in. I also realised it had not been working as contraception and I had not been using protection in the first few weeks of having it while I was working it out with the whole sex thing. Fortunately, I didn’t get pregnant. 

I do track my fertility and we make sure we are extra cautious around this time.

Kristina

The reason I had a coil fitted was for contraception purposes- I chose it because it was a long term solution. I was on the pill at one point but forgot to take it sometimes so I know medication does not work for me. I’ve also had the injection but the side effects were too much for me. 

The nurse and doctor told me everything that I should expect and were very detailed in telling me what was happening throughout. I was most surprised that the pain they told me would come never did, and that everything they told me I would feel, I didn’t.

After having the coil fitted I did have some moderate cramping for a couple of days but nothing worse than a period. I had a very long period after, but when I had it fitted I was still bleeding after having my daughter so it could have just been that (I bled for a total of 12 weeks after having her).

The biggest surprise though has been that I got my first normal period just a couple of days ago and it is very light. I’m used to having very heavy periods so it’s been a nice surprise as I wasn’t expecting it so soon. 

Kristina

I was expecting my experience to be a lot worse than what it was and I would very happily have it done again.

Sarah-Kelly

I got the coil fitted 3 years ago now in 2019.  I had taken the contraceptive pill for a few years before and developed breast cysts. Thankfully they were non-cancerous, and whilst I know the risk is admittedly small, I was aware that hormonal methods can cause breast abnormalities and cancer in some cases. 

I phoned the sexual health clinic to arrange the appointment and in my immediate area there were no slots for 4 months.  I could not wait that long so I decided to travel 40 minutes away and booked an appointment for three weeks later.

The day came and to my horror, I woke up with my period.  I had not had a period in 4 months and was frantically googling if I could still get the coil fitted.  It said yes, so off I went.

I went into the room with two women, a sexual health nurse and an assistant who showed me a coil and explained the process to me. They shut the curtain and I undressed from the waist down.  I wasn’t embarrassed but was just mildly terrified at what was going to happen.

She asked if I wanted anaesthetic, a small injection in the cervix and I immediately said no as I hate needles.  However, being young I had never had a smear test, so the minute the speculum went in I changed my mind and asked for anaesthetic.  It wasn’t that the speculum was sore, just an uncomfortable, strange sensation.  So they injected the cervix and it was completely pain free, I hardly even felt it.  They then measured my womb with the tool, and inserted my coil.  I felt nothing, I couldn’t believe it was finished.  After they finished they snipped the strings and that was that.  

They told me to get up slowly and call them if I felt faint, they gave me a sanitary towel and then privacy to get dressed. The experience was absolutely fine, absolutely worth it for contraception you can set and forget. Also a three minute procedure for 10 years of contraception – it was a no brainer.

I can’t speak on if I bled after it or not as I was on my period.  What I will say though is the first bowel movement after it was so scary as I was terrified it was going to fall out.  Of course it didn’t.

Sarah-Kelly

It is a fantastic method of contraception.  The only thing is, your periods are heavier for the first year.  Mine naturally were 5 days, on my two contraceptive combined pills, they were 3 or 4 days.  The first year of the coil it did go up to 9 days, but it genuinely calms down after one year and it’s now down back to 6 days. The periods are painful and heavy but if you stick with it for one year, I promise it goes back to normal.  

I plan on keeping the coil in for the whole 10 years or alternatively until I decide to have children, whichever comes first.  I would recommend it to anyone.

Andrea

I had the copper IUD coil fitted as emergency contraception a couple of years ago. The procedure itself was okay, I dosed up on pain medication and whilst it was uncomfortable, it was definitely manageable. I personally am really unhappy with hormonal contraception- it makes me have massive mood swings and I feel very de-energised and anxious, which is why I was keen to go for the copper method. 

In the last few months, the pain became significantly worse and was impacting my libido. I also missed my period so I was super concerned. I did a pregnancy test and felt for the coil strings which were still in place so I assumed I was overthinking. My friend was attending a walk-in sexual health clinic and encouraged me to go with her. I went with the intention of finding out the cause of my missed period, not worrying about the coil. When I was there they decided to do a general check and on inspection realised the coil had expelled itself and was lying in my cervix – hence why both my boyfriend and I were experiencing pain. 

Victoria

I had a coil fitted at the start of February this year after being on the waiting list for around 5 months. I was previously on the pill but I didn’t like how bad it made my anxiety so I thought the copper coil would be a better option.

When I had my coil fitted, I was in horrendous pain. The cramps are nothing like period cramps, they were worse and almost deeper than normal cramps. I had it fitted at midday with the plan to go back to work after but I couldn’t because of the pain. After pulling myself around Tesco to buy chocolate and pantyliners, I went home. I tried many things to stop the cramps but nothing really worked apart from taking ibuprofen and paracetamol alternately every 4 hours. When my boyfriend got home from work, I proceeded to slump into his arms and cry because of how much pain I was in. 

I was on the ibuprofen and paracetamol combination for 2 days until I realised it probably wasn’t the best to take both together for that long. I realised how bad the cramps still were after I stopped taking them. What followed after this was month after month of constant cramps and bleeding after sex. This started to affect my mental health as I was constantly anxious that I would experience pain during sex or start my period unexpectedly. I was really down and anxious. I do have to give a shout out to my boyfriend for being so supportive.

Each month, I was holding out that it would get easier and more manageable but it didn’t. They told me that after 6 months, the pain would go and the coil would properly settle. It didn’t. Granted, I didn’t have it in for the full 6 months but I couldn’t carry on the way I was. 

Victoria

In July, after considering it for so long, I finally had it out. The removal process was a bit of a nightmare but what finally convinced me to have it taken out was that I was going on holiday in September and I didn’t want a surprise period. I went back on the pill but that had the same effect as before.

Fiona

Prior to deciding to try the copper coil as my form of contraception, I had the implant for three years and before this was on the combination pill. I didn’t have a positive experience when I was on the pill and suffered from severe headaches, weight gain, and disruptive mood swings.

When I switched to the implant, the first year or so was definitely more positive than the pill. I had no periods, but I still suffered from mood swings and easily felt depressed. About halfway through having the implant I started to get irregular periods, and eventually, this turned into constant light bleeding. It was very impractical and annoying. So when the time was nearing to having it removed I knew 100% that I didn’t want to ever take the pill again and that ideally, I didn’t want another implant. 

On the day, I was so nervous and despite the nurses’ reassurance in our prior meeting, I did not feel good.They asked if I would like to know each thing that they were doing, and I said yes. They told me to lie down on the bed with my hands on my tummy and begin to relax. I would be lying if I said having it put in wasn’t uncomfortable – it was. The best way I can describe it for me personally on an uncomfortable scale was like sharp period cramps. If I were to give it a number – 10 being the worst pain ever – I would give it a 4. It didn’t last long, and the initial intense sharp-like feeling disappeared within a few minutes of insertion. They gave me some squash and lots of biscuits – I think I was looking a bit pale! 

The follow-up care from the clinic was great. They told me what side effects I may experience, told me how to check the strings, and let me know what I should keep an eye out for. I went home that day feeling a bit sorry for myself, but snuggled up with a cup of tea and a hot water bottle. I had intermittent cramps and spotting for a couple of days after insertion, all of which are normal. 

In terms of side effects, I only have one, but I think it’s the one that puts a lot of people off most, and that’s heavier periods. I was on hormonal contraception for five years prior to having the copper coil, and during that time my periods were either light, non-existent, or spotting (constantly). One of the reasons I went onto hormonal contraception was because I had painful and heavy periods, but when deciding if the coil would be best, I knew that having heavier periods was a risk I would take rather than experiencing the side effects of any more hormonal contraception.

For the first few months, my periods were VERY heavy.  After several months I noticed that my periods had begun to settle down, and they weren’t as heavy or crampy. After nearly three years, my period has properly settled down. It isn’t as heavy or painful as it was in the first few months after insertion, in fact I would say my periods are relatively normal now.

Getting the copper coil was the best decision I’ve ever made when it comes to my overall health and contraception. My mood has changed tremendously compared to being on hormonal contraception, I no longer have erratic mood swings, I’m more emotionally stable, and I feel far less anxiety. 

Fiona

It’s great that I can just forget about it too! It’s been extremely low maintenance and there’s no more setting a timer as a reminder to take the pill. I love that it’s a long-lasting form of contraception, I’ve still got another 7 years left of mine, but of course, I can take it out whenever I wish. 

If you’ve struggled with emotional side effects from hormonal contraception, but still want long-lasting and effective contraception, then definitely look into the copper coil.

Darcey

I decided to get the coil for contraceptive purposes after being on no contraception for about three years. I wanted to try and avoid hormonal contraception because I hadn’t used it in so long, so I thought the copper coil would be a good fit. The coil could also be in for 10 years, which suited me well due to children not being in my immediate plans.

I had the coil in for 7 weeks, until after my second period when I went to check the strings and could feel some hard plastic poking out of my cervix. I knew that I was at higher risk of it expelling due to how easily it went in, and had been told I had a looser cervix (charming ha!), but they were right as it did end up moving and needing to be removed. I’d like to say though that there was no pain when it did expel, and having it removed was completely painless too, so don’t let the potential of this happening put you off. 

I wish the coil had worked for me, as the heavy periods are something I could have definitely put up with. If you’ve been thinking about trying the copper coil then go for it, the insertion is bearable and the payoff – if it works for your body – is worth it in my opinion.

AD this article is par of a paid partnership with Revolut. This promotion is no longer available.

What is Revolut?

Revolut is the free financial super-app used by 20M+ people around the world. You’re probably already familiar with their top-tier currency exchange services (truly a chef’s kiss feature when you’re abroad) but we’re here to enlighten you on all the other benefits of the App, of which, dear reader, there are many!

In addition to being the one-stop app for all your travel money needs, Revolut is your way into all things money from everyday spending to saving and investing. It helps you make the most of every aspect of your finances, not just your holiday fund.

So, what can Revolut do for you on a day-to-day basis to make managing your finances a breeze? You’ll see. From everyday spending, saving and exclusive rewards, the app integrates seamlessly into your daily life, offering a feature that appeals to every type of person.

Keep reading for our definitive guide to all things Revolut and how this super-app can help you get to grips with your money. Sinking fund, here you come…

Little Miss Kris Jenner

You’re the CEO of group fun aren’t you? Forever in charge of organising Christmas dos, bottomless brunches and gigs, you are the chosen one, charged with rounding up the troops and working out the dreaded bill. Well, now you won’t have to keep track of who owes what since Revolut makes it easy to split the bill and request money from your friends (even the most conveniently forgetful ones). Eradicate that awkward ‘btw, you still owe me £20’ text by sending a reminder straight from Revolut instead. In the unlikely event that you owe them, you can send and receive money hassle-free with no pesky hidden fees, leaving you to concentrate 100% of your energy on party planning. Kris Jenner, who?

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Little Miss Rainy Day Fund

If your love language is gifts (cough, to self, cough), Vaults were made for you! Whether you’re hoping to make a start on home renovations, get away on that dream holiday or invest in a new car, you can stash the cash in 30+ currencies, making it easier than ever to save towards your financial goals. Start small by scheduling spare change round-ups for your Revolut purchases and make your daily coffee habit go further. You can also open a Group Vault with family and friends, making it easy for multiple people to contribute towards a shared goal, put money aside effortlessly and reach your goals faster. You can then earn up to 1.4% annual interest paid daily and withdraw instantly whenever you want with the Premium Plan

{Earn up to 1.4% AER on GBP with the Premium Plan Up to 1.67% AER on GBP with the Metal Plan. Terms & conditions apply}.

Little Miss Shopaholic

Black Friday will not be wasted on you, ASOS queen, but wouldn’t it be better if you could *save* as you spend? With up to 30% off your favourite brands including ASOS, Adidas and Nike, you can get more from the brands you love with insider offers, discounts and cashback with your Revolut card. Savvy, huh!

Little Miss Spreadsheet

If you dream in rows and columns, count Excel as a hobby and love a good stat, you’ll thoroughly enjoy taking a deep dive into your spending with Revolut’s weekly insights. You can get a clear view of your spending habits with the use of smart analytics, categorised by merchants, countries and more, meaning you can see exactly where your wages are going (Starbucks and Love Honey have us in a chokehold). Set limits to help you stick to your budget and get all your money ducks in a row.

Little Miss Globetrotter

One thing everyone needs to know about you is that you holiday five times a year and have a meticulous in-flight skincare routine. You have been known to unashamedly sit on a plane in your LED mask, causing innocent passengers to choke on their Pringles. Well, Revolut must have extraordinary psychic powers because when you see what glorious amenities they have to offer, it’s as if they already knew you were onboard!

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Hello mid October, it’s nice to see ya. Hibernation season is well and truly upon us, which means long weekend lie ins, cosy Saturdays in front of Strictly and exhaling a sigh of relief when your Wednesday night dinner plans get cancelled. Introverts, it’s your time to thrive. 

If that wasn’t enough to get you excited for the cold months ahead, consider hunkering down under a warm duvet with your S/O or FWB, whiling away an unknown stretch of time feeling nothing but good vibes, another reason to be truly thrilled about the arrival of autumn. Halloween isn’t the only night to expect freaky things to be on the cards…

Whether you’re coupled up or fancy updating your underwear collection to feel your best for you and you only, a lingerie set that makes you feel 11/10 is always a purchase well made. From Boux Avenue to Bluebella, & Other Stories to Calvin Klein, prepare to transcend to ungodly levels of sexy with any of these sets in your repertoire.

Let’s face it, the motivation for doing quite frankly anything other than the bare minimum seriously subsides when the cold weather hits, and cooking might feel like one task too many at the end of a cold, long day. But despite the pull to cosy up in bed with the Deliveroo app and yet another episode of Married At First Sight UK, the benefits of a home-cooked meal that provides a well-needed dose of comfort cannot be underestimated. Food is healing, and having a repertoire of go-to dinners that bring a welcome sense of ease on a rainy day is a self-care hack you’ll be forever grateful for. 

Consider these TikTok* recipes the ultimate additions to this category, from goats cheese and veggie orzo to loaded nachos (with an extra helping of guac, please), add these to your saved folder and revisit in time for your next weekly shop…

*Ps. Did you know Zoella is now on TikTok?! Follow us at @zoella and enjoy our Brighton hidden gem recommendations, delicious recipes, fashion and beauty shares and more of our regular lifestyle content in video form. See you there!

Tomato Soup and The Ultimate Cheese Toastie

Is it even autumn if you’re not eating soup for at least 3 out of 5 of your weekday office lunches? Didn’t think so. Tomato soup may feel like the vanilla ice cream of the lunch world, but watch this video literally once and tell us you don’t want to devour it immediately. It’s not possible. Garlicky, herby and packed with flavour, the only way this soup could level up is with the addition of a cheesetastic toastie to wipe your bowl clean with- oh wait, it includes that as well! Nice.  Simple but delicious comfort food is our autumn meal inspiration this cosy season.  

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Autumn, consider it completed once you’ve made these caramel apple cinnamon rolls of dreams. Gooey, fluffy and quite frankly a sweet tooth lover’s wet dream, they’re easy to make and bound to wow your friends/family/partner/colleagues. Sharp apple perfectly balances the sweetness of the irresistible caramel drizzle, creating the perfect Sunday snack for movie marathons, afternoons in bed or rainy days that require a sugary pick-me-up.

Autumn Harvest Salad

Thought salads were just for summer? You thought wrong. This perfectly seasonal salad is the epitome of autumn in a bowl, combining all the most delicious parts of this season’s produce to create a meal that ticks both the healthy and fulfilling boxes. It’s a win-win! Combining caramelised squash, quinoa, feta, sweet pecans and an apple cider vinaigrette, this is the dish to make if you’re struggling to get into the autumn spirit.  

Creamy Tomato Rigatoni

‘Tis the season for indulging in all of your favourite things, and a big ol’ bowl of pasta is surely high on the list of foods that deliver a serious dose of dopamine and fast. Striking the perfect balance of spice (thanks to the hit of chilli) with a creamy, moreish sauce, this recipe is so simple yet satisfying that it’s sure to become a new staple in your weekly meal rotation. Bellissimo!  

French Onion Soup

Café de Flore, who? Fancy channelling Parisian vibes from the comfort of your own home? This French Onion Soup is as comforting as it gets for the autumn season ahead, and a guaranteed winner when coming in from a rainy, cold day- the copious amounts of onion and cheese may have something to do with its appeal…

For those who struggle with organisation or love a weekend batch cooking session, prepare a big portion of this recipe at the start of the season and relish in the fact you have a go-to dinner ready to be defrosted for up to 3 months afterwards. Simply add fresh bread to your bowl when serving and voila, that midweek lull of meal inspiration just vanished.   

Chilli Garlic Noodles

POV: you’re sad and food is your love language. Add some heat to an otherwise cold week and revel in the joy that is a steaming bowl of deliciousness when life feels hard with this quick and easy chilli, garlic noodle dish. Sure it takes a little more effort than some beans on toast, but the satisfaction that comes from practising self-care even when you don’t feel like it might be motivation enough for you to rescue the Udon noodles currently collecting dust in your cupboard…

Vegan Green Chilli

If the cost of living means a takeaway is off the cards, consider this green vegan curry your new go-to. Made with a creamy coconut base, crispy tofu and moreish noodles, it’s the perfect balance of healthy, delicious and simple, aka the ideal combo for your meat free Monday meal. 

Korean Comfort Bowl

Any dish with sticky rice is a winner for us, and this Korean comfort bowl is the true definition of a winter warmer. For the airfryer kings and queens out there, this recipe makes for the perfect opportunity to crisp your tofu to God tier status, and further the debate of whether you realistically ever need to use your oven ever again… 

The peak of vegan food made easy!

Moroccan Loubia

For the days when the motivation to get in the kitchen is somewhat more present, grab your biggest pan and prepare for your home to be filled with the delicious aromas of Moroccan Loubia. This traditional dish is based around the humble white bean which creates the base for the dish, typically seasoned with cumin, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, making it perfect for the autumn/winter season. Enjoy!  

Vegan Sausage and Lentils

If your go-to bangers and mash is serving 0/10 excitement this autumn, consider this one pot dish the ultimate level up. Start with your veggie or meat sausages depending on your preference, add lentils and potato to a flavoursome tomato base and devour with as much crispy bread as you desire. Heads up- don’t wear white whilst eating. 

Orange Chicken and Sticky Rice

Panda Express has made its way into your kitchen thanks to this easy, addictive Orange Chicken recipe that will leave you questioning if it’s socially acceptable to eat the same meal 5 days in a row…

Sweet, sticky and tangy, this is one of the easier Chinese style takeout dishes to recreate at home, and is sure to be a hit whether you’re cooking for one or need a recipe guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. 

Goats Cheese and Grilled Vegetable Orzo 

It’s simply not possible to get bored of pasta, but if by some miracle you’re feeling like changing things up then consider this your reminder to add some orzo to your next weekly shop. This creamy dish combines flavours of sweet, grilled vegetables, tangy goats cheese and warm toasty, nutty brown butter and fresh basil, for a meal that’s both satisfying and includes multiple of your 5 a day- it’s a win-win!

The Ultimate Loaded Nachos

The ultimate in ‘can’t be bothered to cook but still craving a hot meal’ recipes, you can’t go far wrong with a bowl of loaded nachos in the world of comfort food. The main requirements of a successful loaded nacho dish undoubtedly include a plentiful serving of cheese and guacamole, but ultimately can be customised with whichever toppings take your fancy. Bon appétit! 

Creamy Mushroom Toast

Mushroom haters, prepare to be converted. This creamy, 5 ingredient mushroom toast is fast food made healthy, making it the perfect go-to for time crunch moments, or occasions when you’re bordering on the hangry end of the hunger spectrum- it’s not a fun place to be. Opt for sourdough for the ultimate crunch factor and say hello to your new obsession! 

Which recipe is on top of your ‘to try’ list this autumn? 

We can all just about tolerate spring, summer has bugs, winter is a menace to our society, our minds and our scalps, but autumn? Autumn is supreme. 

For many of us, it’s our entire INFP personality but beyond the Meg Ryan aesthetic, Gilmore Girls, PSL and books, there’s a deep psychological reason why we’re so drawn to this time of year. As nature takes a breath, we’re reminded that it’s ok for us to do the same, looking to the seasons as a true sign that rest is always productive and that nothing in nature blooms all year round.

Here we chat to Mariel Witmond, Founder of Mindful Sonder – an uplifting community of yogis – to find out why autumn has such a profound effect on us. 

But then, do you ever feel like this time of year is fleeting and ephemeral in its nature, here one minute and gone the next, without being fully present to enjoy the benefits of its transformative energy?

Seasons create moments that stand out in time, also known as temporal landmarks, by which we perceive life passing by. These markers in time can help to boost behaviour when taken advantage of. By anticipating the coming of a new season we can learn to make the most of a time we love by encouraging aspirational habits and maximising the mental health benefits. Autumn marks a time of reflection and winding down as we prepare for the excitement of the end of year – and perhaps also the psychological challenges that winter brings (such as shorter, colder days), which is why now is a great time to take seasonal inventory on where you are at (mentally, physically, emotionally) and where you want to be going. It is a chance to focus on the things that lift your spirits and nurture your wellbeing, without feeling like you are adding to the exhaustive aftermath of previous months. 

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby 

How to Live Seasonally: 5 Practises to Take Into Autumn 

So, how can we adapt to the movement of change and harness this season of both grounding and bustling activity?

Learn to align the way you live with the world around you as you lean in to the gifts of this time of year. Here are 5 practices to add to your routine for fall that will help you feel balanced, nourished and rooted in the present moment.

1. Practice Meditation & Mindfulness

There is a lot we cannot control, but we do have agency over our minds. Autumn is a great time for a mental refresh as we look to clear the mental clutter. How our mind perceives this time of year can impact how we experience it as we attach beliefs to the seasons we are in. Instead of seeing this as the end of summer, consider looking at this time as the beginning of something new. As is the case with all beginnings, they bring with them exciting possibilities and opportunities. Autumn is a period for us to reassess what we want and to reset our mindset in order to achieve it. Getting ready for the last few months of the year can create a lot of anxiety for many, which is why focusing on tools for the right frame of mind matters to avoid unnecessary stress and burnout. 

Consider mindfulness practices such as meditation as part of your daily routine. Meditating on the senses, by closing your eyes and noticing what you hear, smell, taste and feel, is a great way to acclimate to the season. Or consider gazing at the flame of a candle, following its movements as you allow your monkey mind to settle. Meditation helps us to pay attention to our thoughts and our inner realities that inform our outer experiences. Don’t get discouraged if your mind wanders, just focus on being aware of what is happening. Remember that our minds are malleable. The beauty of neuroplasticity is that we can change the way we think and behave – with awareness. Our life literally changes when we learn to change the way we think. Having a clear sense of identity stems from having a healthy mind and creates the foundations from which we can build a meaningful life.

2. Learn from Nature

By walking around the changing trees this time of year we can learn to stand firmly grounded, unphased by our falling leaves as unobstructed views give us renewed perspective on things we may have previously missed or forgotten. When we learn to live in tune with nature, we can start to move more freely through the inevitable changes that both life and each season bring. Autumn is a season of transformation; a time of letting go, surrender. Surrender is what happens when we let go of the notion that we “should” be able to manage and control our situation. It happens when we release the belief that things should be any different to how they are. We let go of our thoughts of the future and allow ourselves to be fully rooted in the present moment. 

To many, surrender is a sign of vulnerability when in fact it takes a lot of strength and courage for us to truly surrender, and this does not mean giving up. Quite the contrary. Surrender teaches us to be present, to process, to allow what we cannot control, or change, to be – and through this, we regain our power, propelling us to action. Being with nature allows us to embrace the vulnerability of the season. 

3. Explore Softer Forms of Movement

With the pressure of a “summer body” behind us, Fall not only calls for a new wardrobe, it allows us to be more at ease with how we look, encouraging us to stop being so hard on ourselves as we consider softer forms of physical activity. Yin yoga is a slower and more meditative type of yoga that targets our deep connective tissues, such as the fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones. This gentle practice gives us the space to draw energy inwards and tune into both our mind and the physical sensations of our body. It can help us to navigate through layers of awareness that hide our true Selves. By holding postures several minutes, we further encourage the body (and subtle body) to surrender and let go, offering us an opportunity to spend time in stillness and introspection. 

You can also use this time of introspection to cultivate a practice of gratitude. There is abundance in gratitude and always more to be found when we are grateful, and that’s what we create for our future – a mindset of abundance. 

4. Nourish Your Body

Adapting our diets to the seasons is something we see in Ayurveda, a holistic approach to healing and wellbeing from India. According to Ayurveda, we are entering a time of transition from the Pitta months of summer and early autumn to the Vata months of late autumn and winter. These body types or “doshas” relate both to us as individuals and the seasons – each with a unique set of characteristics because each dosha corresponds to 2 out of the 5 elements of nature (in the case of Vata – air and ether). Food is essential to how we feel and you can eat foods according to each dosha/season. 

In order to balance Vata and counter the effects of Autumn, Ayurveda suggests foods that have opposite elements and characteristics to airy Vata, meaning warm cooked foods that include fruits like apples, pears, and bananas, and steamed vegetables like pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes. Mushy, soft foods with spices and hearty grains that nurture are great for keeping us grounded. Eating right for our energy type encourages mindfulness and can help to boost our overall health and wellbeing. Other things that support Vata include creating daily routines that help us set the tone for the months ahead. 

5. Make New-School-Year Resolutions

Take a moment to embrace those new-school-year vibes to make some resolutions. Consider what it is you want to accomplish and prioritise your list of goals. Then ask yourself, is this really the end result I am looking for? In other words, consider what the goal beneath your goal might be. Often we think we want something, but it is really just a means to another end. What will you have when you accomplish that goal? Be curious and honest with your answers and set a clear intention. Then consider whether your goals stem from a deep personal yearning or a sense of external obligation, because goals chosen for the wrong reason are less likely to last. What tangible milestones (call them projects) can you set to accomplish your goals? How will you reward yourself each time you finish a project? Lastly, on a piece of paper write all of the things you can do differently to attain your goals – but instead of writing I CAN, write I WILL. 

If you struggle with what it is you truly want, why not start journaling to become better acquainted with your innermost desires? Enjoy this process of committing to yourself and your well-being. You have the ability to create your reality, you just need to believe in yourself and take action! 

Transformation and change are naturally occurring, as nature and its seasons regularly remind us. We are a part of nature and nature is a part of us. After all, this cycle is currently taking nature (and us) into a state of supposed hibernation. 

In the midst of everything we love about this time of year and how many of us see it as a time of seasonal joy, it is also important to remember that there are those who find the closer we get to the “festive season” the deeper our struggles become as we navigate hardships such as loss, loneliness and burnout. Autumn teaches us that we cannot control the things that happen to us any more than we can control the changing seasons, but we can control how we think about and respond to it all.

Get inspired to turn a new page by enjoying time in nature, focusing on what you want to achieve, setting goals to help you achieve it, and doing things that nourish your body and nurture your mind. Offset any weight of the season with the right coping skills to find the resilience and mental clarity needed to ward off those winter blues and finish the year on a high. 

From cronuts to cruffins and townies to cretzels, there’s something about half-and-half food hybrids that just gets the people going. Case in point: Frumpets. 

For the uninitiated, the Frumpet (utterly deserving of a big F btw) is the love child of two foodie greats: French toast and crumpets. Some say they’re what the French call, les in-crump-etents – and *that* was a measly copywriting attempt to make a Home Alone reference fit into a Frumpet recipe. What, you mean to say Kevin McCallister doesn’t strike you as a Frumpet eater? See. The tenuous quote uttered by Kevin’s sister stays. 

Combining the sweetness of French toast with the texture of a pillowy crumpet, they’re truly a dish made for lazy autumn days at home… or when you could really do with facing your trypophobia fears once and for all. 

Now, it wouldn’t be a french toast crumpet post without mentioning our friends at Oeuf Cafe – home to Brighton’s (and probably the world’s) best Frumpets. If it weren’t for them and their famous creations, we wouldn’t have felt so inspired to have a go at making our very own. From apple crumble to Tiramisu and melted cheddar, bacon and caramelised onions, it’s worth having a day trip to Brighton for this place alone. 

Without further ado, here’s our quick and easy Frumpet recipe, perfect for all those times you want the best of both worlds for ya breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or just, whenever you feel like eating. Alexa, play Send Me On My Way. 

Let’s face it, there’s never a bad time to focus your energy inward and offer yourself up a slice of self-love, but as the inevitable relationship soft launches make their way onto Instagram this cosy season with an elbow here and a tattooed hand there, prioritising yourself may feel even more necessary than usual…

Spoiler: you don’t need a romantic partner to enjoy date-like activities. There are no pastimes or pleasures exclusively available to those in relationships. 

You are no less deserving of special, memorable moments because you are doing them alone, and there are endless ways you can honour your desires when you take time to actively prioritise ‘you’! It may not come naturally to carve out time for yourself that feels full of indulgent joy, but you are deserving of love whether you believe it or not, and we’re here to remind you of that.  

If you’re entering cuffing season with no plans to couple up for the foreseeable, bookmark this post for when your weekend calendar is looking dry, or you fancy treating yourself to an activity or moment outside of your normal routine, no matter big or small. 

1. Head to Waterstones and treat yourself to a new book before tucking into a chapter or two in their cafe with a slice of cake. You don’t choose the grandma life, the grandma life chooses you…

2. Pick up a supermarket pizza base and create your perfect dinner for a fraction of the price of a Domino’s. There’s a cost of living crisis and feeling good need not cost the world.

3. Book a massage and treat yourself to an hour of pure uninterrupted ‘you’ time. Self-care isn’t always bubbles and face masks, except sometimes it is.

4. Brunch is calling- there’s little that a portion of French Toast and an Oat Latte can’t heal, and a morning of introspection and time to yourself makes for the perfect start to your day.

5. You don’t need company to enjoy a drink at your favourite bar- that will be a Sauvignon Blanc and a bowl of olives for one, merci!

6. Be a tourist in your own town and explore the hidden gems you normally pass by. Think charity shops off the beaten track, the cute cafe with the menu you’ve admired on Instagram for months, and the florist with the beautiful bouquets you can never normally justify purchasing. 

7. Take yourself to the theatre to see a show you’ve never heard of and enjoy an overpriced glass of Prosecco whilst you’re at it.  

8. Treat yourself to a crisp new notebook or take your old favourite out for sake of tradition and finish a walk in nature by answering a series of self-love journal prompts that really get you thinking. Go to Pinterest for inspo!  

9. Have a ‘my favourite things’ day and pack in as many joyful moments as possible doing the things you love for your pleasure only! 

10. Fancy splashing the cash? Take yourself away for a night to a nearby town you love or explore somewhere new before enjoying a full 9 hours sleep in a heavenly hotel bed before enjoying an entire basket of pastries. It’s called self-care, look it up!

11. Prepare a charcuterie board with a minimum of 4 different types of cheeses before devouring it in bed whilst completing a New Girl marathon. Try not to regret the inevitable cracker remnants that will linger in your sheets afterwards. 

12. Seeking some main character energy? Head to an art gallery or museum and admire an exhibition that leaves you feeling truly inspired.  

13. Listen, a date with your favourite sex toy literally never disappoints, just saying.

14. Plan a digital detox day or weekend and lean in to truly spending time with yourself without distraction.

15. Book onto a hot yoga class and 1) feel warm without having to put your own heating on and 2) soak in those delicious post exercise feelings that simply cannot be beaten. 

16. Go to the cinema to see Don’t Worry Darling and enjoy 2 hours of Harry Styles on the big screen. Therapy right there.

17. Head out in time for sunset with a banging playlist and lap up the beauty that is mother nature at her best.

18. Showing yourself love might mean doing the things past ‘you’ have avoided, and a brain dump on a blank page might be just what you need to carve out some clarity and peace in your life.

19. Find a local National Trust park or property you haven’t visited before and explore some history and heritage, accompanied by a visit to the cafe (obvs). 

20. Head to TikTok and find a cocktail recipe that makes you drool through the screen, before sipping away with a dreamy album in the background. We recommend Midnights by Taylor Swift anytime after 21st October. 

21. Not brave enough for an IRL comedy show alone? Head to Netflix and find something sure to make your face hurt from laughing whilst wearing your comfiest loungewear, obviously. 

22. Go to a local farmers market and treat yourself to some chutney/cheese/wine/baked goods that feel way more indulgent than your usual supermarket shop- sometimes retail therapy is better than real therapy. 

23. Book yourself in for a mani/pedi, because life might not always be rosy, but it definitely feels better when your gel polish is looking 10/10. 

24. Food is often the way to the heart, and loving yourself is no different! Head to the supermarket and grab the ingredients for your favourite starter, main course and dessert before preparing your ultimate candle-lit dinner for one. A garlic pizza bread all to yourself sounds like a win-win to us. 

25. Take yourself on a hike and channel your inner LA influencer. 

26. Find a local lido or calm area of water for an outdoor swim and soak in the peace that comes with cold water exposure. 

27. Get nostalgic and watch your favourite childhood film or TV show, with the appropriate trimmings, aka chicken nuggets, potato smileys and baked beans. It has to be done. 

28. Enjoy a jazz playlist on Spotify whilst baking something delicious (but not too challenging) and feel like you’re winning at this whole romanticising your life thing. 

29. Get yourself down to Lush and grab the most indulgent bubble bar you can find before dimming the lights and breathing in the sweet relief of pure relaxation.  

30. Feeling spontaneous? A new piercing or tiny tattoo could just be the most fun (albeit permanent) self-dating idea for those who aren’t afraid of commitment … or pain. 

31. Paint and sip evenings are taking over TikTok as the latest wholesome AF activity to help you spend some quality time off your phone. Grab some watercolours and a glass of your favourite beverage and channel your inner Monet for some serious tactile relaxation. 

32. Go through your phone and print off all the photos you’ve been meaning to immortalise in physical form before filling a new photo album or scrapbook with your favourite memories of the year so far.  Don’t forget to leave space at the end for the gems that are sure to come from the festive season!

33. Hit up the best thrifting spots in your area and reap the rewards of finding one-of-a-kind items that add a certain je ne sais quoi to your wardrobe. 

34. Summer may be behind us, but a day spent outside is still on the cards- just remember your layers! Find a pretty botanical or walled garden and enjoy the benefits that come with spending time in nature and a welcome dose of fresh air. 

35. If a French minibreak isn’t on the cards, consider bringing the magic of the land of wine and cheese into your home. Press play on a perfectly Parisian playlist, enjoy a generous portion of French onion soup before hunkering down in front of Ratatouille for good measure. Bon appétit!

36. Listen to Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR on from start to finish whilst quietly moseying around your home, marvelling in the peace that can be found in time alone and the perfection of a no-skip album. 

37. Pay a visit to a nearby flower market and live out your most Pinterest worthy morning IRL. 

38. Find a local puppy yoga class and decide it’s now an essential part of your self-care routine. 

39. Watch your favourite band or artist on YouTube and enjoy the magic of live music without the overpriced venue drinks. 

40. Self-dates don’t always have to be evening affairs- why not start your day with a serving of ‘me-time’ and grab a takeaway smoothie or juice before embarking on a Hot Girl Walk for a serious dose of motivation to see you through the day. 

41. Book in at that boujee hair salon that will undoubtedly take up a giant chunk of your paycheck but will be totally worth it when you see your new fun and fresh honey blonde highlights in the reflection. 

42. Find an independent magazine shop and enjoy the simple pleasure that is flicking through copy after copy of beautifully curated photography and art direction in each- plus the smell of freshly printed pages cannot be beaten.  

43. Visit a photobooth and start a tradition of taking a yearly solo shot before writing a quote or lesson you’re currently living by on the back to revisit next year.  

44. Take yourself to a pottery painting workshop and create a unique ceramic item you’ll treasure for years to come. 

45. Got that one space or room in your house that never really got finished? Commit to creating a space that feels truly *you* and treat yourself to a Homesense or Zara Home spree that means you can finally complete your ‘still needs attention’ space. A solo shopping trip possesses magical qualities. 

46. Head to the stables for a horse riding lesson or hack that lets you leave the struggles of your day-to-day behind, and perhaps even discover a hobby that becomes part of your regular routine. It’s never too late to be a beginner! 

47. Blast your favourite playlist and head for a drive to nowhere in particular, but undoubtedly feel better for it afterwards. 

48. If you’re living a life sans pet, call up your friends/colleagues/family members and borrow a willing pooch to take for an autumn beach walk that ends with a decadent hot chocolate for you and delicious puppuccino for them. 

49. Make a list of things you’ve achieved in the past year and take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. You’re doing great, bestie!  

50. Book a long weekend cabin getaway and use it as an excuse to unplug, catch up on sleep, eat comfort food and race through the books that have been sitting on your ‘to-read’ pile for months. It’s got digital detox written all over it. 

POV: it’s Halloween and your manicure *is* the moment. 

The ultimate in Halloween accessories, there’s nothing quite like a sh*t-hot set to elevate your cat ears, but when the designs are this good, you needn’t bother with the hassle of finding a fancy-dress outfit.  

Whether you’re thinking all black with a side of Morticia Addams energy, bats, spider webs or ghosts, these season appropriate manis will give you all the inspo you need just in time for fright night. 

Here’s 30 Halloween manicures with straight up Hocus Pocus vibes. 

1. Cats, pumpkins and ghosts for Little Miss Indecisive. 

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A post shared by Melanie (@overglowedit)

2. A bit of commotion for the tips. 

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A post shared by @amber.nailedit_

3. A supernatural set to get you in the spirit of things. 

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A post shared by PAINT NAIL BAR (@paint_nailbar)

4. A monochrome mood for the minimalist witches. 

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A post shared by Chloe Birks – Nail Art by Chlo (@nailartbychlo)

5. It’s the cat for us.  

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6. Simply manicure ghouls.

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7. It’s giving black flame candle.  

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8. Pink is the moment. 

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9. Category is: subtle and celestial. 

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A post shared by Chloe Birks – Nail Art by Chlo (@nailartbychlo)

10. Orange tips for anyone still in their PSL era. 

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A post shared by Meg Manchester Nail Artist (@_paintedbymeg_)

11. It’s called black magic Karen, look it up. 

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A post shared by Meg Manchester Nail Artist (@_paintedbymeg_)

12. Blood but make it chic. 

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13. A Halloween set that’ll see you through to Nov ‘cos #costofliving

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A post shared by Meg Manchester Nail Artist (@_paintedbymeg_)

14. Quite literally, out of this world.  

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15. Cat got your tongue?

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16. A set to get you in the spirit of things. 

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17. Swamp green? Sign us up. 

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A post shared by Jess ✿ Manchester Nails (@illustrated_nails)

18. Halloween but make it Legally Blonde. 

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A post shared by Abi Markey (@naileditbeauty)

19. If this isn’t a set *made* for a Hocus Pocus 2 viewing, we don’t know what is. Come sisters, we fly buy. 

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A post shared by Kasidy Summerall (@topcoatocala)

20. Smiley faces a la Harry Styles coming in hot. 

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21. Black Friday, the prelude. 

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22. Teeny tiny monsters. Cute! 

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23. Witchy but wearable, black glitter polish is an excellent choice. 

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24. Midnight hues and Cinderella-worthy gourds. 

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A post shared by JAZZY NAILS (@jazzynails.x)

25. Just a girl who loves Halloween but won’t watch *any* scary movies.

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A post shared by Iram Shelton (@iramshelton)

26. Black lace for the corpse bride. 

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27. Cruella de Vil would love these puppies. 

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28. Go grunge green for the occasion.   

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29. We hear vampires are allergic to CHANEL. 

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30. Hand-painted evil eyes to ward off all those walking talking red flags.  

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A post shared by Betina R. Goldstein (@betina_goldstein)