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Foraging recipes – blackberry and rhubarb cake

Delicious Rhubarb Cake Recipe

I make this rhubarb cake quite regularly, it’s delicious, and made even more special when the rhubarb has been harvested from your own garden. Rhubarb is a great fruit to grow, it comes back every year (see TEDx talk below) – for years – with little or no effort it seems!

We picked blackberries locally this year too, so much spring rain has made the blackberries big and juicy – we’ve frozen some of them and used a handful for this recipe too – they are optional, however I like the added colour and tartness they bring.

We made this last week as a birthday cake, eventually finished with a flourish of icing sugar and a birthday candle.

Martyn from LagomChef gave me a top tip, to weigh the eggs – so if the eggs weigh 200g, you use 200g of butter, and the same for flour and sugar… funnily enough, four eggs did indeed weigh exactly bang on 200g!

Ingredients:

200g (7oz) softened butter, plus extra for greasing
200g (7oz) caster sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for the topping
4 medium free-range eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
200g (7oz) ground almonds
200g (7oz) self-raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder (if you don’t have any baking powder, use lemon juice and bicarb of soda)*
300g (10½oz) young, slender rhubarb, trimmed and cut on an angle into 2cm (¾in) chunks
optional – a handful of fresh blackberries

Method:

Prepare the Oven and Tin:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan)/Gas 4. Grease a 23cm (9in) cake tin with butter, and line the base with baking paper.
Make the Batter:
In a food mixer or processor, combine the butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla or almond extract, ground almonds, self-raising flour, and baking powder. Mix until the batter is smooth and thick.
Wash and cut the rhubarb into diagonal chunks, toss them in a light coating of flour so that they don’t SINK to the bottom of the cake when baking.
Assemble the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin. If using blackberries, sprinkle a handful of them across the top of the batter. Arrange the rhubarb pieces on top, pressing them gently into the batter. Sprinkle the reserved 3 tablespoons of sugar over the rhubarb.
Bake:
Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil during baking.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. This cake can be enjoyed warm or cold. When it’s cool, sprinkle with icing sugar. And I serve with crème fraîche.

Recipe Tips:

For best results, let the butter soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using, or gently soften it in the microwave (but don’t let it melt).
This cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and it can be frozen if wrapped tightly in foil.

*To substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder: Combine 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice.

If you enjoyed this, you’ll love a lemon and poppy seed cake too: https://incredibusy.com/lemon-and-poppy-seed-cake-recipe/

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Baby Sleep Safety: a 101

Ensuring safe sleep is something you quite obviously must take seriously as a parent. The baby’s sleep and safety rely on you. From newborn to toddler age, there are some things to consider and practice to help your child sleep safely and soundly.

Today, we will explore the top sleep safety rules for your child.

Know when to switch beds

Your baby won’t stay in the same bed forever. It is common to buy a next-to-me or a cot for the first 12-18 months. Some babies might need this sleep environment for a little longer.

Knowing when to switch baby to toddler bed will ensure that they sleep safely and comfortably. It is best to switch beds before your baby can start to climb out. This can happen as early as 18 months, it depends on how wriggly and strong they are. You will be able to understand where it is safest to switch beds. Some babies might not manage this until 24 months. Making the switch will guarantee the utmost safety when they are sleeping.

Encourage them to sleep on their backs

Newborns will happily sleep on their backs without a fuss. As they cannot roll or wriggle much, they don’t move a lot during their first few weeks of sleep.

When your baby does start to move around in their sleep, you must be watchful. Encouraging your baby to sleep on their back can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They will sleep comfortably and safely when they sleep on their back throughout their nightime sleep and daytime naps.

Put them on a firm surface

Another top tip for safe sleeping is to put them on a firm surface. Again, they start to roll as they grow, which can cause them to roll onto their face and put themselves at risk.

A firm surface will reduce the ease of movement and encourage them to remain on their backs throughout their sleep. Make sure it is somewhat cushioned but not too soft so that it encourages them to roll with slight movement.

Create a sleep routine

If your baby isn’t sleeping well or safely, it can hold you back from feeling happy in life. Poor baby sleep will reduce your time spent asleep, which isn’t good for stress or mood. It is important to practice a sleep routine with your baby so that both they and you can get as much sleep as possible.

When you practice a routine, it can help the baby understand when it is time for bed. Settling them down and making them comfortable can enjoy safe and comfortable sleep. A warm bath, followed by a baby massage, and a baby book, and setting up a positive sleep environment will help them feel relaxed and, hopefully, encourage a long, safe sleep.

Keep hazards away

When you put your baby down to sleep during the day or at night, you must check the area for hazards. Babies must not have anything in their sleep space with them. Although they might not be able to move and grab things, objects can roll onto them and increase the risk of incidents.

Keep your baby at the right temperature

Babies need to be at a comfortable temperature when they sleep. Being too cold or too hot isn’t good for their health. You want to avoid overheating, which can be done by checking their temperature throughout the day/night.

You can do this with your hands and/or a thermometer. If they are too hot or too cold, layer them correctly to help them be safe and comfortable.

Avoid sharing a bed

Although you might want your baby to be as close to you as possible, it isn’t regarded as 100% safe if you want to sleep, too. Sleeping with your baby increases the risk of SIDS.

It is fine to put them near you in their own bed environment. You don’t want to risk rolling onto them while you are both asleep, so do your best to keep them in their own bed. A contact nap is fine if you know you will stay awake during nap time. But when you want to sleep, always provide them with their own sleep environment.

Breastfeeding and pacifiers

It is advised to breastfeed for at least the first six months of life because it has been demonstrated to lower the risk of SIDS. Staying awake during night feeds is crucial if you are nursing your child in order to reduce the chance that you will nod off while your child is in bed.

The incidence of SIDS can also be decreased by dummy use, but it is best to start using them three to four weeks after nursing is fully established.

Provide a smoke-free environment

A smoke-free atmosphere is essential for a baby’s safe sleep. Both throughout pregnancy and after delivery, smoking exposure dramatically raises the risk of SIDS. Make sure there is no smoke anywhere near your baby’s sleeping quarters, and refrain from smoking within your house.

To reduce the chance of exposing your child to dangerous pollutants, change into clean clothes and wash your hands before handling them if you or anyone else in the home smokes.

The use of monitoring devices

Although they can’t replace proper sleep practices, baby monitors can give you peace of mind by letting you watch or listen to your child while they sleep. There are many different kinds of monitors available, ranging from simple audio monitors to sophisticated video monitors equipped with movement and breathing sensors.

Especially if you’re not in the same room as your baby, pick a monitor that meets your demands and use it to stay in touch with their sleeping environment. When they wake, you can leave them a few minutes before attending to them so they can try to self-sooth, and don’t always rely on you immediately.

Enjoy the time with your baby, they grow up very fast x

Collaborative post, photo credit https://www.pexels.com/Alicia

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What Is Holding You Back From Feeling Happy In Your Life?

What is holding you back from feeling happy in life? This is a good question, and not one that most people like to ask themselves for the pure reason of it’s more convenient not to. It’s easier to stay in your unhappiness than it is to do something about it, but that’s never the option that you should use.

In this post, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that could be holding you back from feeling happy in your life, and what you can do to help yourself. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Too Much Stress

The first thing that we’re going to talk about is too much stress. If your life is full of stress and there is nothing that feels like it gives you relief, you’re not trying the right things. We know that stress can impact a whole load of things in your life, including but not limited to your sleep, the way that you feel about yourself and your mental state as a whole.

If you are struggling with too much stress, there is help out there. Of course, there are things that you can do yourself to see if you can lower your levels of stress. For example, it might be worth taking a step back from work, asking for some help in some areas in your personal life, finding time for some exercise, managing money better and so much more. There are so many different ways to eliminate stress, but the best one is to get on top of it, rather than letting it be on top of you.

A Home Out Of Order

Another thing that we’re going to say is that you might not be happy because your home is not in order. This is the place that you are supposed to feel most comfortable and happiest in the world. If this is not true for you, then this might be getting you down. For example, it might sound like a silly thing to worry about but if your ice maker isn’t working, or if your washing machine has broken and you can’t fix it, this could be causing you no end of problems.

No Clear Direction

Last, if you have no clear direction in your life this could be holding you back from being happy. This one sounds a little harsh, but what we mean is that you haven’t taken the time to work out where you want your life to go, what you want to be, what you want from life and more. It’s important that you do this so that you can work towards it, make manageable lists, and only then will you start to feel better overall.

So, there you go then. Hopefully now, you see that there are certain things in life that could be holding you back from happiness, and seeing how you can work through them. There is never going to be an obstacle that is so high in life that there is no way over or around it. That is not to say that it’s going to be easy because it likely won’t be, but it is possible and that’s what matters at the end of the day. We wish you the very best of luck!

collaborative post, Photo credit: Source Image – CC0 License

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Creating A Stylish But Functional Playroom: 5 Key Tips

Creating a playroom can be a great way to help create a space in your home for your children to enjoy their toys and activities. There are a few ways to help ensure you and your children get the most out of the playroom you create. To help you get started, we’ve put together the following tips and inspiration for designing the perfect playroom that’s both functional and stylish.

Adding Customizable Features

Incorporating customised features in the design and decoration of your playroom can help to make your children feel more like the space is really theirs. This not only helps them to enjoy it more but also can create a sense of responsibility, which can help when it comes to dealing with problems such as tidying up and maintaining the space. Consider elements such as customized wall murals, or customized neon wall signs from Echo Neon to combine customised art and lighting in one.

You can customize using your kid’s names, or a phrase or song lyric that has meaning to you and your family, for example.

Effective Storage Solutions

It can be very easy for playrooms to end up looking chaotic and messy without the right kind of storage solutions to help keep toys organized and neat. Think carefully about the right kind of storage solutions that would work for the space you are creating the playroom in. For example, wall-mounted storage solutions, or integrated storage design such as benches or fold-away tables spaces. Consider which items you might want to have out on display or which ones you want to have stored away out of sight when they’re not being used.

Involve your Kid’s Input in the Design

Where possible, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate your kids in the design of the playroom to help make sure they are able to enjoy it as much as possible and be proud of their space. Allowing their input can help the playroom to reflect their personalities and interests, and provide them with the opportunity to be creative and problem solve. You can ask for their opinions on aspects such as color schemes, design themes, and different areas in the playroom such as arts and crafts or music zones that reflect their interests.

Using A Theme

Basing the playroom on a theme is a great idea to help create a room that incorporates the personality and interests of your little ones. It also helps to create cohesion when adding different design elements to your plans. Some great ideas for themed playrooms include designs such as under the sea, wildlife safari, or a favourite film or character. You can find inspiration for themed playrooms online and helpful design elements to make them work. Adding elements such as wall murals can help incorporate the theme and can either be completed by hiring a local artist or by yourself if you’re blessed with artistic skills.

Creating Zones

Creating zones within a playroom can help to make the space work more effectively and keep toys organized and easy to find. Using furniture can help to section off different zones and can double up as storage space such as bookshelves or toy box storage.

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Kid-Friendly Eco-Tours and Nature Excursions in Helsinki

Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. These visitors flock to the city due to its stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions, and commitment to sustainability. If you’re planning a family trip to this picturesque city, you’ll be delighted to discover that Helsinki offers a wide range of kid-friendly eco-tours and nature excursions. These activities not only provide valuable outdoor experiences but also instill a love for the environment in your children while making a positive impact on our planet (and their health).

From lovely national parks to picking mushrooms to forest bathing, it’s not hard to find something to do with kids here that’s both fun and ecologically responsible. You should plan to rely on public transportation and walking to get around Helsinki to minimize your carbon footprint. And with all the exploring you’re bound to be doing, it’s a good idea to have a plan for your bags. Drop them off with a Bounce luggage storage service in Helsinki and get to wandering.

Nuuksio National Park: A wilderness adventure

Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash

A world-class wilderness escape is a mere 40-minute drive from the city center. Nuuksio National Park is home to tranquil lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, so the kids definitely won’t get bored here.

To add a little structure to your visit, Nuuksio offers various eco-tours and activities designed for children, such as guided forest walks, wildlife spotting, and even wilderness camping experiences.

While exploring Nuuksio, your children can learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of preserving it. The park’s emphasis on sustainable practices, such as waste reduction and recycling, sets an excellent example for young environmentalists.

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia

On the doorstep of Nuuksio National Park, you’ll find the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, which will provide the whole family with information about Finland’s National Parks. With a focus on experiencing nature using all five senses, this centre also hosts events and workshops regularly.

Learn about the various flora and fauna of the park and the wider region, as well as talks about moving in nature, outdoor adventure skills, and even join a guided tour of the adjacent park.

One of the most striking features of the nature centre is the building itself. Built entirely of wood (except for the windows, obviously), the rounded walls, glass-edged terrace, and well-maintained landscaping are enough to draw you in.

But it gets even better than that from an eco-tourism perspective. The building was designed to require minimal lighting, cooling, and heating. They achieved this by paying close attention to window placement, the building’s orientation, and the structure’s shape. Additionally, to keep the carbon footprint low, Haltia uses solar energy from panels and geothermal energy from the soil to cool and heat the building.

Lammassaari Island

Helsinki, Finland by Santtu Perkiö (@santtupee)

Lammassaari Island, situated in northeastern Helsinki, is a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts and families who appreciate unspoiled nature. The island is only reachable over a 1.2 km-long trail made of wooden duckboards that travel over the marshes. Here, you and the kids can get to know the local bird population from the various bird-watching platforms, hides, and viewpoints. Spring and fall are the best times to view the collection of migrating birds.

Lammassaari promotes a “leave no trace” philosophy, so it’s a good lesson about protecting the local wildlife and vegetation.

The name translates to Sheep Island, although don’t get the kids’ hopes up as this island doesn’t have any sheep. You’ll have to travel to nearby Kuusiluoto Island to see them, and even then, it’s only in the summer.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

We know, an amusement park doesn’t exactly scream eco-friendly and sustainable. But this one is different. Linnanmäki Amusement Park demonstrates a real commitment to the environment in a few ways. First, they have vegan items on the menus of every snack stand and restaurant in the park. Second, in 2023, the rides were powered exclusively using wind energy. And lastly, the park’s indoor locations use renewable district heating to keep things toasty warm.

Now for the fun part: the rides. Linnanmäki has over 50 rides alone, which should please kids of most ages. As for the games, there are more than 15 different varieties. And to combat waste, if you win a prize and don’t want to take it home with you, you can exchange it for an edible treat instead.

Another way that this amusement park is different is that The Children’s Day Foundation manages and maintains it. Through the money raised at the amusement park, this organization has pledged about €120 million to child welfare.

The park is open during the summer and periodically throughout the year, so check if it’s open before you arrive.

Sompasauna

For a unique and eco-friendly experience, consider a visit to Sompasauna. This community sauna near the city center is heated by wood and fueled by community contributions. Kids and adults are expected to help keep the saunas clean, get water, or even saw wood. Since the community runs it, there is no fee for a session, and it’s always open. If you have young children, you may need to give this one a pass, though. Some experts recommend saunas only for kids aged six or older.

Saunas are a way of life in Helsinki, and this is a perfect place to relax while appreciating Helsinki’s strong sauna culture. Surrounding the sauna, you’ll find a relaxed outdoor area with a DIY spirit, including art installations and a communal garden. It’s an excellent place for families to connect with locals and learn about sustainable, community-driven projects.

Conclusion

Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability and preserving its natural beauty make it an ideal destination for families looking to impart eco-conscious values to their children. By exploring Helsinki’s green areas, eco-friendly businesses, and even a sauna or two, your children can learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and understand the importance of protecting it for future generations.

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Ghostly Halloween Coconut Flapjacks

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Really fun ghostly coconut flapjacks for Halloween parties – and you’d never guess that these are vegan too!

Watch the whole video to find out more, oh, so don’t forget to click here How to make halloween flapjacks to subscribe for more Halloween fun, like our milk carton skull lanterns…

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How To Save Money As A Busy Parent: Tips To Make Life Easier

As a busy parent, it can feel like you’re constantly spending money. From the weekly shop and clothes, to extracurricular activities and school supplies, it can be hard to save money. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. With a few simple strategies and tips, you can learn how to save money as a busy parent.

You can make life easier and still get what you need for yourself and your family. From cutting costs on everyday items to finding ways to save on your monthly expenses, there are plenty of ways to trim your budget and put some money away for a rainy day. So, ifc v;laZ you’re looking for ways to save money as a busy parent, here are some tips that can help.

Create a Budget and stick to it

A budget is the key to saving money. There’s no way to get around it. If you don’t know how much you’re spending or where your money is going, you won’t be able to save. You’ll also have no idea where you can cut back and adjust your spending if you need to. It’s not as difficult as you might think to create a budget, either. You just have to be willing to put in a little time and effort up front to make sure you have everything laid out and recorded. For most people, the hardest part of the budget comes at the beginning when you’re trying to track everything. Find a method that works best for you. Some people like to use paper and pencil; others prefer to use an app. Whatever method you choose, make sure you’re consistent and thorough.

Get Better Deals With Local Car Insurance Brokers

Car insurance can be a costly expense, especially for families with multiple drivers.

If you stick with the same insurance company year after year, you’re likely overpaying. In fact, many people who have maintained continuous coverage with the same company don’t even realise they could be getting a better deal by shopping around and comparing rates with other insurance providers. If you’re looking for ways to save money as a busy parent, you may want to consider switching to a local car insurance broker. Insurance companies like these often provide cheaper rates than what you may be able to get through your current insurer. You can find local brokers by searching online for “car insurance near me”, or you can check out this comparison site that compares the top car insurance brokers in your area.

Buy Second-hand

Some things are best purchased new, but others are better off second-hand. For example, kids grow out of clothes quickly. Instead of spending money on new clothes all the time, consider buying them used. Kids’ clothes often look brand new when they’ve been outgrown, and they can be found for a fraction of the cost.

You can also sell clothes your kids have outgrown, too, to help offset the cost of buying them second-hand. You can find used toys and other items at charity shops and online marketplaces, too.

This post is written in association with Quote Zone.

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How Can The Weather Affect Skiing Conditions?

Is there anything more thrilling than a skiing trip?

There’s an undeniable romance in the idea of spending the day cruising snowy slopes on lofty Alpine peaks, before retreating to warmth and comfort of a log cabin and settling in beside a roaring fire.
That sounds perfect, right? For many, it truly is. However, the mountains can be dangerous places.

How Can The Weather Affect Skiing Conditions? Photograph by Greg Rakozy — *Photograph by Greg Rakozy*

Conditions can be unpredictable and often extreme. Not only can this pose obvious dangers to a skier’s health and wellbeing, but the weather can also affect the quality of the skiing itself. You could be forgiven for thinking that all snow is the same and is fine for skiing either way. We’ve put together a guide to help dispel some of those myths. Keep reading to find out more.

Different types of snow

Snow can come in all kinds of different forms. From soft powdery snow to hard icy snow, to slushy, wet snow. The type of snow you encounter on the slopes can have a significant impact on your skiing experience.
If you asked an experienced skier, chances are that they would tell you that powdered snow is the best kind for skiing. Powdered snow is freshly fallen, untouched snow that offers a silky-smooth skiing surface. Powdered snow is preferred by experienced skiers as it allows them to generate speed quickly and easily, while its soft surface allows for more dexterous turns and fancy tricks. Beginners may also prefer to ski on powdered snow, it’s soft enough to act as a cushion if they were to fall.
Powdered snow that has seen a lot of traffic can turn hard and tough, this is known as packed snow. This might not be as enjoyable to ski on as powdered snow, but its strength and solidity can make for a more stable skiing surface.
It can be difficult to predict what kind of snow awaits you on the slopes. However, using a weather forecast platform like Piste Pro can give you an idea of how much snowfall is set to hit your destination of choice. Make sure to check it out before you set off on your trip.

The temperature

Obviously, it needs to be cold to snow. You don’t need to worry about that, you can be rest assured that it will be cold up on the mountains. However, particular temperature ranges can have an affect on skiing conditions, so it’s worth knowing what to expect.
Most experienced skiers report that the best temperature for skiing lies somewhere between -7 and -1 degrees Celsius. In this range, the snow will remain firm enough to ski on without melting or turning soft, while it will still be warm enough to enjoy a day’s skiing provided you are wearing the appropriate clothing.
Any colder and you could be in for a difficult time on the slopes. Clothes can only do so much, at low enough temperatures you’ll still feel the cold, and being out in these conditions too long can lead to serious consequences, such as frostbite.

Visibility

Visibility is crucial on a skiing trip. You’ll often be travelling at high speeds through treacherous terrain, being able to see where you are going is vital to avoid obstacles and other skiers. The sun can often affect visibility, reflecting off the whiteness of the snow and causing glare. Low cloud and fog can reduce visibility as well and make for dangerous conditions.

Conclusion

A skiing holiday can be an incredible experience. However, poor weather conditions can often turn a dream holiday into a perilous situation. Ensure you know what to expect and that you are aware of how the weather can affect skiing conditions.

This post is written in association with Piste Pro.

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Make The Most Out Of A Week In Johannesburg With These Useful Travel Tips

South Africa is one of the most exotic and action-packed family holiday destinations in the world. It comes with the promise of adventure and thrills. There are so many facets and sides to this fascinating country that for the first-time visitor, it can be hard to know where to even begin.

If you’re planning to visit the nation’s capital Johannesburg, you’re no doubt brimming with a mixture of excitement and nerves. It’s a city that’s often spoke of in legendary tones, it is rich in history and steeped in culture. If you’re heading there for a holiday and you’re not quite sure what to expect, check out our guide with the top tips for spending a week in Johannesburg.

Be on your guard

Johannesburg has long held a reputation for being a city awash with crime and social problems. While the city certainly has a checkered past, it’s no more or less dangerous than many other major metropolitan hubs. That being said, you must remain vigilant at all times. Criminals anywhere see tourists as easy and attractive targets, both for their unfamiliarity with the local area and for their habit of carrying around valuables like cash, passports, or cameras.

Busy areas like the city’s main train station, Park Station, can be hotbeds for pickpockets and thieves. Keeping your valuables in a money-belt secured under your clothes can be an effective way of protecting them from pickpockets.

Before you set off, ensure you’re covered with a travel insurance policy. For example, a travel insurance company like Staysure will cover you if your valuables are lost or stolen, as well as offering cover for cancellations, lost baggage, or medical expenses.

Where to stay

Johannesburg is an enormous city, with a metro area population of 6 million, it is the largest land-locked city in the world. It is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods and areas, each with their own unique characteristics and quirks. Where you choose to stay will depend on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

Rosebank and Melrose are probably the cities safest areas, perfect for a relaxing holiday with no worries. If you’re looking for a little more culture, consider staying in Bryanston or Randburg, there you’ll find plenty of stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and museums.

For younger people looking for something cooler, Maboneng is trendy neighbourhood with art installations, live music, and rooftop bars.

The language barrier

You will find English speakers in South Africa. However, you’ll also encounter many more dialects, as the country has an incredible 11 official languages. The most common of these are Zulu, Xhosa, and English, so it will be worth your while learning some words and phrases before you head off.

nomvula-moepya-botanical gardens Johannesburg via unsplash — *Botanical Gardens (Nomvula Moepya)*

Using the native language will help endear you to the locals in the area. It will demonstrate that you’ve made an effort and that you are appreciative of their hospitality, you should be pleasantly surprised to see that effort returned in kind.

Conclusion

Johannesburg is a city with many sides. It has been somewhat unfairly maligned in the past, deemed an unsafe, dangerous place where walking the streets is not advised. While, like any major city, it does have some riskier areas, there is so much Johannesburg can offer no matter what kind of holiday you’re going on. To make the most of your time there, choose the best neighbourhood to stay in, learn a few phrases in some of the many local languages, and be aware of your surroundings to guarantee yourself a memorable stay.

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Summer Fashion with SimplyBe

Planning your summer styling

Vi writes:

“I’m not sure about you, but I am well and truly in holiday planning mode! Our summer holiday is the highlight of my year. I only need to feel some sand between my toes to have had a great holiday!
With the days getting longer and evenings lighter, I can almost feel summer on the way! Like many people, I like to have a wardrobe update for summer, and when SimplyBe.co.uk got in touch I couldn’t resist starting my holiday shopping!”

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A post shared by Simply Be (@simplybeuk) on Mar 17, 2019 at 2:30am PDT

Choosing your holiday fashion.

Family holidays can be chaos, so I like practical yet fashionable clothes to wear. I always pack a couple of summer dresses, as they can be thrown over a bikini, or teamed with a pair of heels! And travelling in the UK – I always pack a lightweight cardigan or jumper too…
One dress can be worn multiple ways, and it saves on all important luggage space!

What to wear while you travel?

Whether you’re travelling by plane or car, comfort and style are essential! I like to keep my style simple, so I usually opt for linen trousers or my favourite jeans combined with a vest top and a jumper. I love this brightly coloured jumper, it is really flattering to wear and the colours are so summery!

Bit too warm for jumpers? Opt for a tunic instead, ultimate comfort with your leggings and perfect to sling over your swimsuit poolside! I love the detail on this one from Joe Browns;

Summer Dresses

I always pack dresses as they are so versatile, just add accessories and one dress can have
multiple wears! If you’re on a budget when buying, opt for one classic style and a then a fun style too.

I chose this beach dress as it is lightweight – perfect to stash in your hand luggage in case of lost luggage. It also means it can be hand-washed easily – important if you have small children armed with ice creams while you’re away! (It machine washes nicely too!)

The palm print is fabulous, last year palm prints seemed to be really fashionable, and I have a feeling it’s a trend which will continue for this summer too! It’s an easy to wear dress which is really flattering!

A linen dress when I go on holiday is essential, it’s my go to for city visits. Linen keeps me cool, but smart too. Add espadrilles or your favourite sneakers for the perfect sightseeing outfit!

This dress is a linen mix which makes it less likely to crease, when you come to pack it roll rather than fold it to keep the creases out! This is a great value dress at £22, and as a classic style it can be dressed up or down as you need.

This article was written in collaboration with SimplyBe, Vita was gifted a selection of garments to review.