Trying to eat more sustainably can be pretty overwhelming when you first get going. Suddenly, you’re walking around your local supermarket, and every food choice starts to feel like an ethical dilemma. Is it organic? Local? Plant-based? Packaging-free?

It can be overwhelming thinking about where to start, but luckily, sustainability isn’t something you have to ‘achieve’ all at once. If you want to start to eat more sustainably, the key is to focus on a few simple changes you can stick with over time.

Start small

First thing to remember: you don’t have to flip your entire diet upside down. You’re better off making a few small swaps that actually fit into your life. For example, you might start by eating a few more plant-based meals each week, or choosing to buy fish from sustainable producers like John West.

Not cutting out meat completely – just reducing a little, where it feels manageable. Or maybe you could swap out heavily packaged produce for loose fruit and veg when you can. Small changes like these stack up more than you think.

Read more: how to generate more collagen if you’re a vegan or vegetarian

Think local and seasonal when you can

Eating food that’s grown closer to home cuts down on transport emissions and usually means you’re eating what’s naturally in season. This often tastes better too.

That being said, you don’t need to obsess over it. Just being a bit more mindful. Picking up local strawberries in summer instead of imported ones in winter, say, can make a difference.  Farmers’ markets, veggie box schemes, and even some supermarkets now label the origin of their produce, making it easier to choose.

Reduce waste first

Before you stress about where your food comes from, look at what’s already going in the bin. Wasting food is one of the biggest food-related sustainability issues out there, and luckily, it’s also something you have direct control over.

Planning meals ahead, freezing leftovers from dinner, getting better at using up scraps in later meals… It all requires diligence and some creativity, but it’s one of the most effective things you can do. Less waste means less food production needed overall, and that’s a bigger win than you might expect.

Be realistic about what’s sustainable for you

There’s no point building an “ideal” sustainable diet if it’s impossible for you to stick to. For example, it might not be realistic for you to buy everything organic due to the cost. Or, you might find some plant-based meat alternatives don’t work for your digestion.

Sustainability isn’t just about the planet. It’s about building habits that are sustainable for you as well. If you’re forcing yourself into something you secretly hate, it won’t last, so make sure you find that balance point.

Progress, not perfection

The food system is complicated, and as a result, no choice is 100% perfect. Sometimes you’ll still grab strawberries that have flown halfway across the world, and sometimes you’ll buy pre-packed salad because it’s the only thing available. That’s life.

The point is to be a little more thoughtful, a little more often, not to torture yourself trying to get it right every single time. If you focus on a few realistic changes and let them build naturally, sustainable eating stops feeling like a burden and starts becoming second nature.

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Left your gift shopping a little late? Don’t panic—our last-minute party food and drink gift guide has you covered. From indulgent chocolates to cocktail must-haves and fine tipples, these picks are guaranteed to impress. Last minute Christmas shopping ideas coming right up.

Here’s a range of nibbles and quaffs we loved…

Broken Clock Vodka, £35.94

This is a lovely vodka with a clean hit on the palate, and a fruity nose – made in a traditional copper pot still in Cheshire, and then infused with slow ripened apples from the garden at Shandy Hall in Coxwold, Yorkshire, along with botanicals from old Georgian gardens. It’s one of the nicest vodkas we’ve tried here. We loved the taste so much we could barely bring ourselves to waft the Noilly Prat over it.
Shop Broken Clock Vodka

RoniB Filipino Flavours Collection gift box, £27.99

Absolutely loving the vibrant and bold tastes here. Banana Ketchup, a sweet and tangy twist on a classic condiment; Garlic Chilli Oil; the traditional Filipino Adobo Sauce; Kalamansi Marmalade (known as Philippine Lime Marmalade) and Black Bean Chilli Paste, for coating on meat and fish.
Shop the Collection Box

ST~GERMAIN

St‑Germain is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, hand-picked once a year in the late spring. It’s named after the Parisian cultural district made famous by the writers and artists who lived there during the Belle Époque. It’s glamour in a bottle.
Get this on Amazon £29.96

Read more: last minute beauty and skincare shopping guide

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple whiskey set with two glasses

The old fave, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, coupled with crisp green apple for a fresh and rewarding taste. It sounds mad, but it works. Refreshing, and it kind of lightens the punch. An interesting ingredient for cocktail-making. And we liked the glasses, branding and all.
Get this on Amazon, £33.95

Tea & Tonic Saving Grace Wellness Gift Set, £98

Something a bit different that we liked, that wasn’t about booze or sugar… The ultimate wellness and skincare gift, featuring Meadow’s Secret Cleansing Balm, Saving Grace Face Oil, organic hemp cleansing cloth, and Earl Grey Wellness Tea. A wonderful gift for creating ritual around.
Shop the Saving Grace Wellness set here

Candy Cane cherry vodka liqueur

This old-fashioned candy cane style bottle full of vodka liqueur has a rich, cherry flavour that’s perfect for sipping but absolutely brilliant for using in cocktails. Cherry Vodka Sour or Cherry Manhattan anyone? We also love the bottle.
Get this on Amazon, £23.99

Ruinart Rose Champagne and luxury chocolates hamper set

This is a wonderful gift for the champagne lover – and Ruinart is possibly our own favourite champagne here at Silver Towers. A mix of chocolates – the famous Guylain seashells and a Hamlet gold praline collection box. All packaged up in a proper wicker hamper with leather straps that you can use for picnics and days at the races!
Get this on Amazon, £143.49

Lily O’Brien chocs – salted caramel truffles, and gift-wrapped boxes

The salted caramel truffles are rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a hint of salt. And you’ll struggle not to eat the lot in one go. The gift-wrapped boxes are stylish and make an easy, thoughtful present, with no need to wrap. Delicious chocolate, no fuss.
Shop the salted caramel truffles
Shop the gift-wrapped boxes

Opies condiments

No self-respecting cocktail tray would be without the Opies range. We are loving (what we think are) the new cherries in Kirsch, although it’s hard to beat the good old Maraschino. There’s also sliced lemons, pickled walnuts, crystallised ginger, Silverskin onions, capers, gherkins, pink peppercorns… the list is endless.

Shop the Opies range

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And yes, we mean spending at Christmas – especially with a big family surrounding you. With the temptation of holiday sales, filling your home with new festive decorations and gathering gifts for friends, kids, and grandkids, it’s easy to overspend at this time of year.

Here are some practical tips to help you manage your finances and enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank.

Budgeting and planning

• Set a budget: Before the festive season begins, set a realistic budget for your spending. Consider factors like gifts, travel, food and entertainment.
• Make a list of priorities: Create a list of people you want to buy gifts for and prioritise them based on your budget.
• Track your spending: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track your expenses throughout the holiday season. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Read more: your guide to managing money in retirement

Managing holiday expenses

• Pay with cash or card: Paying with cash or a card can help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending. If you are using a credit card to make bigger purchases, make sure to pay off your balance to avoid additional interest charges.
• Avoid impulse purchases: Take a moment to think before making a purchase, and ask yourself if you really need the item.
• Cook at home: Instead of eating out, cook at home to save money on food expenses around the festive period.

Smart shopping

• Shop early: Start your holiday shopping early to avoid last-minute rushes and impulse purchases.
• Shop online: Online shopping can save you time and money, as you can easily compare prices and find deals.
• Use coupon codes and cashback apps: Take advantage of online coupons and cashback offers to save money on your purchases.
• DIY gifts: Consider making homemade gifts. They can be more personal and often less expensive than store-bought gifts.
• Shop second-hand: Check out charity shops and online marketplaces for unique and affordable gifts.

Gift-giving strategies

• Secret Santa: Organise a Secret Santa exchange with friends and family to limit the number of gifts you need to buy.
• Gift experiences: Instead of material gifts, consider gifting experiences like tickets to a show, a cooking class or a spa day.
• Homemade gifts: Homemade gifts are a thoughtful and affordable way to show your love and appreciation.
• Gift cards: Gift cards are a practical and convenient gift option.
• Charity donations: Consider donating to charity instead of traditional gifts.

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Designed for beauty enthusiasts and Chanel superfans alike, this limited-time pop-up at Harrods offers exclusive products, unforgettable experiences, and expert-led masterclasses. All wrapped in the elegance and charm synonymous with the iconic brand. Only on until 24th October.

Exclusive Chanel Holiday 2024 products

Harrods will be the first and only place in the world to preview the new limited-edition Chanel Holiday 2024 collection. Key highlights include:

• N°5 Collector’s Edition Eau de Parfum, a fresh take on the iconic fragrance.
• Chanel Holiday Makeup Collection; perfect for glamorous party looks.
• Chanel 31 Le Rouge Personalised Coffret, a chic 12-shade lipstick set.
• Limited edition Chanel Tweed Beauty Pouch, featuring a curated trio of Chanel’s beauty heroes.
• Chanel baubles and N°5 Wish Cards, adorned with delicate snowflake prints for festive gifting.

This exclusive offering will only be available for two weeks, making it a must-visit for those looking to indulge in the best of Chanel before the holidays. It’s also a cracking opportunity to buy exclusive Christmas gifts for the Chanel lover in your life.

Immersive experiences and flash services

The pop-up promises more than just products though. Visitors can immerse themselves in tailored experiences, such as:

• Complimentary Polaroid Photo Moments: Pose by the Chanel fireplace and take home a branded Polaroid in a stylish sleeve.
• Let It Snow Digital Feature: Capture the magic with a QR code and receive AI-generated snow photos or videos directly on your phone.

Flash Beauty Services: Perfect for visitors on the go, Chanel offers three 15-minute services:

• Le Quart d’Heure Iconique: Discover the latest holiday makeup trends.
• Les Rendez Vous du 31: Find your ideal lipstick shade.
• Le Quart d’Heure Alchimique: Enjoy a guided exploration to uncover your signature scent.

School of Makeup and styling evening

And finally, for those looking to deepen their beauty knowledge, Chanel is offering two-hour masterclasses at the Chanel School of Makeup, hosted by expert artists from Thursday to Saturday. Attendees will leave with not only new skills but also a limited-edition notebook and graduation certificate; the perfect memento for future beauty endeavours.

The Magical House of Chanel, on until 24 October 2024

Monday to Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 6pm
Tickets are £60, fully redeemable against products

Book your spot via Chanel.com or head to Door 6 in Knightsbridge to begin your journey into the magical world of Chanel.

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Having a simple capsule wardrobe can make it so much easier for you to choose what to wear. The premise is that by carefully curating outfits when you purchase them, you don’t have to get your head in a tangle about it later. Sometimes, having just a few high-quality, versatile pieces is all you need.

Maybe you’ve accumulated lots of clothes over the years and you want to start from fresh. Here are a few items you could consider to form the basis of your new capsule wardrobe.

Simple t-shirts

T-shirts are the staple of casual wear for many a capsule wardrobe. You’ll probably want a combination of long and short-sleeved t-shirts, just to keep all your bases covered. Pick a few neutral shades, and perhaps a colour or two as well. 

Think about the fabric you’re picking. Cotton t-shirts are a nice, soft breathable material. For something more sustainable, look out for organic cotton. 

However, cotton is often easier to shrink in the wash, and the colours may fade. If you’d rather avoid this possibility altogether, look for polyester or a polyester-cotton blend. 

Stylish trousers

Two or three pairs of thoughtfully chosen trousers could also form an important part of your selection. Choose black, grey, camel, or cream if you want to maximise the number of tops you can pair them with. 

Remember that wide-leg trousers generally look best with fitted tops, while skinny or slim-fit trousers can work with either fitted or loose-fitting tops. 

Loose-fitting clothing such as linen trousers are comfy and still perfect for warm summer days. With these, you can easily dress your outfit up or down for the day’s activity.

Many women find high-waisted trousers create a flattering impression. For a woman who is on the shorter side, they give the illusion of longer legs and, thus additional height.

Comfortable dresses

Depending on your style, you may want to stock your capsule closet with a few comfy dresses. The best kind are the ones you can dress up or dress down and adapt to all weather.

A relaxed midi dress can fare well in both summer and autumn. Choose something with loose sleeves to give you that comfort and freedom of movement. 

A smart shirt dress with a belt can often function as office wear or weekend wear.

When dress shopping for a capsule wardrobe ask yourself the following questions:

1. Will smart shoes and casual shoes alike look good with this?
2. Will it work well either on its own or with a jacket?

If the answer to both questions is yes, you’ve got yourself an all-season, multi-purpose dress that’s worth sticking in your basket. 

Outdoor clothes

This is the UK, let’s face it. Not having to reach for layers when stepping out is a luxury reserved for a select part of summer. So, you’ll want one very solid winter coat in your capsule wardrobe, as well as another light jacket for milder weather.

The trench coat never goes out of style and it looks great with a pair of heeled boots.

A pair of classic white shoes (maybe some simple trainers) can also go with most outfits, from summer dresses to trousers and shorts.

Consider shoe purchases carefully and aim to try them on first, if possible. Good foot support and bunion prevention are non-negotiable. 

Finally, complete your edit with a pair of quality slippers and garden shoes. 

Finding out what flatters your body type and then streamlining your wardrobe accordingly can be a fun way to get organised. Ultimately though, don’t lose sight of what you’re comfortable and happy wearing.

Need more wardrobe help? Read Autumn fashion wardrobe staples

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The post Capsule wardrobe pieces for women over 50 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Christmas advert season has well and truly begun, and we’re all starting to think about planning the wonderful festive for our families. Here’s our little advent calendar guide for 2022, with just a few of our fave ideas for this year.

Beauty calendars

We love a beauty calendar. It’s a great way to save on some beauty treats, and you usually get to try a few new products too.

Box of Wonders advent calendar, by The Body Shop, £95

A mixture of full sized and mini products, this is perfect for The Body Shop lovers. Worth £153 for only £95, you’ll be saving £58. And as always, the products are cruelty-free, fair trade, ethical – you know the drill.

Box of Wonders advent calendar, by The Body Shop, £95

The Sunday Times Style beauty advent calendar, by Latest in Beauty, £199

Worth a whopping £813.50, the bargain finders amongst you will love this at £199 – even less with the code below! It features some of the most popular products from brands like Summer Fridays, Olaplex, and Kate Somerville. With everything from hair to skincare.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: £20 OFF WITH CODE STSAC20

The Sunday Times Style beauty advent calendar, by Latest in Beauty, £199

3D Advent calendar, by Rituals, £105

From skincare to candles, this advent calendar has all you need for all your December pamper nights. It’s an extraordinary mix of pamper, scented things, masks, body, hair, candles – and we really like it because it’s for ‘Her and Him’. Nice one bruvva.

3D Advent calendar, by Rituals, £105

LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar 2022, £95

What an absolute stormer of a calendar, with products worth £500 in this one. There’s even a slight reduction if you buy it online via the Lookfantastic site, making it even better value. Check there for the full breakdown of the contents too. Amazing value!

Free Mystery Box: Use code: ADVENTGIFT

LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar 2022, £95

Lush advent calendar, £185

You’ll be smelling good all season with this one. Lush’s advent calendar houses 25 products, including four exclusives. All packaged in a reusable box designed by Art House Limited.

Lush advent calendar, £185

Drinks calendars

These aren’t all alcoholic drinks, but still a little something to enjoy each day.

Whisky tour of Scotland, £163.95

Truly one of the most luxurious advent calendars on this list. The Whisky Tour of Scotland calendar offers 24 mini bottles of the amber liquid, to help ease the stresses of December.

Whisky tour of Scotland, £163.95

Blue Goose coffee, £29.99

Your morning pep just became festive! Blue Goose have the first eco coffee pod advent calendar. Including entirely ethically sourced coffee.

Blue Goose coffee, £29.99

Cocktail advent calendar, by John Lewis, £125

John Lewis has your Christmas drinks sorted with this cocktail advent calendar. Including 24 different cocktails, you’re bound to find your next favourite drink.

Cocktail advent calendar, by John Lewis, £125

Chocolate calendars

Because who doesn’t want chocolate for breakfast every day for a month?

Wickedly Welsh chocolate calendar, £19.99

Entirely handmade chocolates, from Welsh chocolate factory Wickedly Welsh. You’ll find raspberry creams, gingerbread crunch, and many other chocolates in this gorgeously packaged calendar.

Wickedly Welsh chocolate calendar, £19.99

Happi, plastic-free oat chocolate advent calendar £15

The home of oat milk chocolate, Happi have brought us a plastic free chocolate calendar. Complete with their fun and colourful branding.

Happi, plastic-free oat chocolate advent calendar £15

Food calendars

Foodie calendars that aren’t about chocolate. Because apparently there ARE people who don’t want chocolate every day for breakfast!

Sous Chef Spice Discovery Advent Calendar, £28.50

The Terre Exotique spice advent calendar takes you on a spice journey across the world through each day of advent. Featuring 24 unique spices, salts and peppers, this is the perfect food advent calendar for those who love new flavours.

Sous Chef Spice Discovery Advent Calendar, £28.50

Gourmet popcorn by the Popcorn Shed, £25

Get your popcorn sorted for the Christmas movies this season. Each day comes with a small bag and there’s a total of six flavours to try throughout the month.

Gourmet popcorn by the Popcorn Shed, £25

Artisan cheese advent calendar by Paxton & Whitfield, £150

Because who doesn’t want a cheese calendar?! Christmas is the time for cheeseboards and sneaking an extra cube when no one’s looking.

Artisan cheese advent calendar by Paxton & Whitfield, £150

SugarSin Advent Calendar, from £30

This sweet treat calendar can be bought pre-filled or select your favourites from SugarSin’s repertoire.

SugarSin Advent Calendar, from £30

Other

And finally, for something completely different!

Craftvent calendar, by The Make Arcade, £70

This quirky little calendar has 24 felt kits to make your own tree decorations. The perfect mindfulness kit to carry you through the mania of December.

Craftvent calendar, by The Make Arcade, £70

Abott Lyon jewellery calendar, £249 

Available as gold or silver jewellery, this luxury Abott and Lyon advent calendar would make a beautiful gift to yourself. Personalised to include your own birthstone, every day has a little gift, just for you!

Abott Lyon jewellery calendar, £249

The clocks have turned back! Here’s how to make your home cosier for winter

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Our advent calendar guide – a few different things this year… appeared first on Silver Magazine.