Eleven Magazine

5 Overlooked Self-Care Habits That Improve Your Fitness

Dora — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:35:14 +0000

When it comes to fitness, most women focus on the visible stuff: gym plans, macros, supplements. But it’s the quieter habits—the things you do when no one’s watching—that often decide whether your body thrives or crashes. So, let’s take you through the performance-boosting, hormone-balancing, mentally sustaining habits that actually make your fitness goals stick. Here’s what the fittest, most consistent women are doing behind the scenes.

1. Train Around Your Cycle—Not Through It

[caption id="attachment_23622" align="alignnone" width="1116"] Screenshot[/caption] Most mainstream fitness advice completely ignores female hormones. But if you’ve ever wondered why your energy crashes mid-month or why some workouts feel impossible the week before your period, you’re not imagining things. Your menstrual cycle has four phases, and your body responds very differently in each one: Follicular (Days 1–13): Estrogen rises. You're stronger, sharper, and recover faster. Best time for strength training and HIIT. Ovulation (Day 14): Peak energy. Great for pushing PBs or trying new movements. Luteal (Days 15–28): Progesterone rises. Fatigue increases. Switch to lower impact: Pilates, resistance bands, mobility. Menstrual (Day 1–5): Recovery mode. Gentle movement or rest is ideal. Try this: Sync your workout plan with your cycle for four weeks and track how your mood, strength, and recovery change. It’s not about doing less—it’s about doing better at the right time.

2. Calm Your Nervous System

Stress may be doing more damage than you think. Chronically elevated cortisol can ruin your gains, mess with hunger cues, spike inflammation, and drain motivation. And yes, even that 6am HIIT class can sometimes do more harm than good if you’re already fried. If you feel:

Wired but tired
Craving sugar post-workout
Constantly sore
Struggling to sleep

...then your sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight mode) may be dominating. What helps? Regulating your parasympathetic nervous system—aka rest-digest-repair mode. Breathwork, cold exposure, even 10 minutes of lying flat with legs up the wall can reset stress hormones and speed up muscle recovery. Another great tip is to end your workouts with a 60-second cold water rinse in the shower and three minutes of nasal breathing. “I finish every session with a freezing rinse in the shower and four minutes of slow breathing,” says Ruby, one of the many London escorts who train regularly to maintain their physique. “It used to feel like torture, but now it’s the bit that keeps me from crashing. Plus, my sleep is a hundred times better.”

3. Regulate Through Your Senses

You can’t outthink a dysregulated body. If your nervous system is fried, anxious, or stuck in freeze mode, no motivational quote or green smoothie will fix it. What can help? Grounding through your senses. Smell, sound, and touch aren’t just indulgent—they’re functional tools. Studies show that activating the senses reduces cortisol and improves focus, mood, and even strength output. (Yes, your bath salts might actually make you stronger.) Try lighting a specific candle before every gym session. Use a grounding playlist after training. Keep a textured grip ball nearby during work hours. Before your next workout, take 90 seconds to stimulate all five senses:

Peppermint oil under your nose
A few sips of ice-cold water
Loud music or nature sounds
A textured object in your hand
10 seconds of slow breathing

4. Stop Obsessing Over Macros

Yes, tracking calories can help some people—but for many women, it leads to chronic stress and disordered eating. What often matters more than the perfect macro split is how and why you eat. Are you snacking when you’re lonely? Bingeing after days of restriction? Undereating because you’re ‘being good’? Start tracking patterns, not just portions. Try this: For one week, skip calorie tracking and just write down:

What you ate
When you ate it
How you felt before and after

You’ll spot triggers faster than any macro app will tell you.

5. Find a Stronger Why Than Just ‘Losing Weight’

The most successful fitness routines aren’t built around weight loss—they’re built around meaning. If your only goal is to drop two dress sizes, your motivation will crash as soon as you plateau or get distracted. Instead, aim for reasons that actually light you up:

“I want to feel stronger holding a plank than I do holding in my stomach.”
“I want my daughter to see strength as normal, not extreme.”
“I want to sleep better and stop resenting my body.”

That’s what keeps people going—not six-pack pressure or TikTok body trends. Try this: Every morning, write one sentence that reminds you why you move. Not for guilt. Not for likes. For you. Give Your Body the Self-Care It Deserves True self-care isn’t bubble baths or punishing workouts—it’s about working with your body, not against it. Fitness gets easier when your hormones, your habits, and your headspace are on your side. The best part? You don’t have to do everything at once. Try syncing your workouts to your cycle. Or stop punishing yourself for the weekend wine. Small shifts add up—and in a few months, you’ll wonder how you ever trained without them.

Signs You’re Falling into Lifestyle Inflation and How to Stop

Dora — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:31:03 +0000

As your income grows, it feels natural to reward yourself with a few upgrades: maybe nicer clothes, better vacations, or a new car. While such minor changes seem harmless at first, they can slowly snowball into lifestyle inflation, where spending rises alongside earnings. Before you know it, your expenses feel just as heavy as they did before your raise, and saving for bigger goals seems impossible. Paying heed to such patterns gives you the power to reset your habits and keep your financial progress on track. Here are some clear signs you’re slipping into lifestyle inflation and smart ways to pull back without feeling deprived.

Pressure to Keep Up with Others

When friends or coworkers start posting about their weekend trips, luxury purchases, or the trendy restaurant they visited, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. Social media amplifies this feeling, making even casual spending look like the norm. If you’re saying yes to activities or purchases just to stay in step with others, it could be a warning sign that your spending is driven by comparison rather than real need. Stepping back and defining your financial priorities helps cut through this noise. Create a simple list of goals that matter most to you, whether it’s building an emergency fund, paying off loans, or saving for a home, and use it as your filter for spending decisions.

Rising Credit Card Balances

A steady increase in your credit card balances often signals that spending habits have outpaced your income. Even small monthly additions can grow into large debts if left unchecked, especially with high interest rates. Many people don’t realize this shift until minimum payments start taking a bigger chunk of their budget. If you’re already carrying balances across multiple cards, a credit card consolidation calculator can be a helpful first step. It lets you see how rolling those debts into a single payment could reduce interest and simplify repayment. Using tools like this creates breathing room in your budget.

Vacations That Strain Your Budget

Travel is one of the biggest areas where lifestyle inflation sneaks in. As your income grows, trips that were once simple weekend getaways can turn into luxury vacations with five-star hotels, premium flights, and endless excursions. If paying for these trips means dipping into savings or using credit cards you can’t immediately pay off, it’s worth reevaluating. Planning trips that fit your financial goals doesn’t mean cutting out fun altogether. Focus on experiences over extravagance. Find destinations that offer what you enjoy most without overwhelming your budget. Saving ahead in a dedicated travel fund keeps vacations enjoyable without adding financial stress when you return.

Splurging After Raises

Getting a raise or bonus often feels like permission to splurge, and many people upgrade their lifestyle the moment extra income arrives. This might mean leasing a more expensive car, signing up for luxury services, or committing to higher monthly bills. While it’s tempting to make those changes, they can quickly absorb the financial gains you worked so hard to earn. Instead, consider using raises strategically. Allocate a percentage of the new income toward savings, debt repayment, or investments first. Whatever remains can go toward small lifestyle improvements that feel rewarding but don’t derail your bigger financial picture.

Saying Yes to Every Costly Event

When every birthday dinner, weekend trip, or office happy hour gets an automatic “yes,” it’s a clear sign your spending is being shaped by external invitations rather than your financial priorities. Over time, such small commitments multiply and can quietly pull funds away from savings or debt repayment goals. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean opting out of every social gathering. Instead, choose events that matter most to you and decline those that feel obligatory. Suggest alternatives, like coffee meetups or free community activities, to stay connected without draining your wallet.

Falling Behind on Investments

Lifestyle inflation often shows up as a lack of progress toward long-term financial goals. If your retirement contributions or investment accounts have stayed the same despite earning more, your increased income is likely being absorbed by higher living costs. Automating contributions to investment accounts ensures you’re growing wealth consistently, even as your income rises. Treating savings like a non-negotiable monthly expense leaves room for lifestyle upgrades only after your future is secured.

Lifestyle Demanding More Income

When your current expenses make you feel pressured to earn even more, it’s a strong signal that your lifestyle may have outgrown your income. Promotions or side hustles become less about advancing professionally and more about funding an upgraded standard of living. Revisiting your budget can highlight areas where expenses have crept up unnecessarily. Adjusting spending habits helps realign your lifestyle with your current income, reducing financial stress and freeing up mental space to focus on meaningful career growth.

Choosing Wants Over Needs

It’s easy to start prioritizing conveniences and luxuries once you have more disposable income. Daily lattes, high-end gym memberships, and frequent impulse buys often replace more essential financial goals without much thought. Building awareness around them is better. Tracking spending for a month can reveal how often wants have overtaken needs.

Higher Car Payments After a Raise

A common lifestyle upgrade happens when someone decides to trade in a fully functional car for a newer, pricier model as soon as their salary increases. While the higher payment might feel manageable, it eats into income that could have supported savings, investments, or debt reduction. Choosing to drive your current car longer allows you to direct extra funds toward financial milestones. When it’s truly time to replace a vehicle, aim for options that balance quality with affordability rather than stretching for top-of-the-line models.

Dining Out More Often

As earnings rise, it’s easy to replace home-cooked meals with regular restaurant outings or food delivery services. While occasional dining out can feel like a well-deserved reward, doing it frequently turns it into a major budget drain. Creating a meal plan that includes a mix of home-cooked favorites and occasional dining out helps you enjoy both convenience and cost savings. Treating restaurant meals as special experiences rather than everyday habits makes them more enjoyable and financially sustainable.

Switching to Luxury Brands

Upgrading to designer labels or premium brands for clothing, gadgets, or home goods often signals lifestyle inflation in action. These purchases feel like signs of success, but can result in unnecessary spending if they replace perfectly functional alternatives. Ask yourself if the higher cost reflects real value or just the appeal of a brand name. Investing in quality items that last makes sense, but chasing status through purchases can drain resources better spent on experiences or long-term goals. Lifestyle inflation happens quietly, often disguised as rewards for hard work or milestones reached. Without noticing, higher income gets absorbed into higher expenses, leaving little room for financial progress. Balancing enjoyment today with plans for tomorrow ensures that your growing income builds a life of stability, freedom, and lasting satisfaction.

Teacher Gift Ideas: The Best e-Gifts and Gift Vouchers

Dora — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:34:23 +0000

It’s that time of year again, and as the end of term approaches, many parents and pupils want to thank their teachers for the hard work, patience, and encouragement they’ve shown throughout the year. Let’s face it, most teachers deserve some recognition. While mugs and chocolates are classic options, teachers can find themselves drowning in both. It can be hard to think of something useful yet personal, and giving cash is just a little bit weird. Thankfully (for teachers), more and more people are turning to e-gifts and gift vouchers as a thoughtful and flexible alternative. Gone are the days of terrible gift vouchers that either expire or can only be redeemed in obscure retail outlets. Now, there are e-gifts and gift vouchers for all of the leading retail and leisure outlets. We spoke to the leading gift company WellBox, who provide a one-stop-shop for e-Gifts and gift vouchers, to find out the best gift options available for teachers.

Why Gift Cards Make a Great Teacher Gift

Easy to personalise – With so many options now available, it’s easy to match the gift card to your teacher’s interests. You can choose from food, shopping, activity or hobby vouchers.
Instant delivery – Ideal for last-minute gifts, most e-vouchers are emailed straight to the recipient or to you to print and hand over. Particularly great for those parents who have left it until the last minute (guilty!).
No guesswork – Teachers can choose exactly what they want, whether it's a treat for themselves or something practical. They can also cash in the gift whenever they like - perhaps making the most of their time off.
Thoughtful without being intrusive – You can show appreciation without needing to know too much about their personal life. It’s almost guaranteed that they will prefer a useful voucher over another box of Quality Street.
Budget-friendly – Gift vouchers can be given as standalone presents or combined with others in the class for a more substantial gift. WellBox gift vouchers start at just £5.

According to WellBox, here are some of the most popular e-gift and voucher ideas – and who they might suit best:

Top e-Gift Vouchers for Teachers

Amazon Voucher Perfect for: If you’re not sure, it’s fair to say that anybody can make good use of an Amazon voucher. For a voucher with ultimate flexibility, this is a good option. Whether they’re stocking up on classroom supplies or treating themselves to something fun, Amazon has it all.
Costa Voucher Perfect for: The caffeine-loving teacher who starts the day with a coffee fix. A Costa voucher is ideal for morning pit stops or relaxing coffee breaks.
Deliveroo Voucher Perfect for: The busy teacher who deserves a night off from cooking. Great for Friday-night takeaways or lazy weekend brunches.
John Lewis & Waitrose Voucher Perfect for: The classy all-rounder who enjoys a bit of luxury. Whether it’s homewares from John Lewis or treats from Waitrose, this is a refined yet versatile gift.
National Book Tokens Voucher Perfect for: The bookworm who’s always recommending reads or runs the school library. A thoughtful way to support their love of literature.
Lush Voucher Perfect for: The self-care enthusiast who deserves a relaxing soak after a long day in the classroom. Think bath bombs, soothing skincare, and calming scents.
Odeon Voucher Perfect for: The film fan who enjoys unwinding at the cinema. Great for weekend outings or catching the latest blockbuster.
Hobbycraft Voucher Perfect for: The creative spirit who loves crafts, DIY, or handmade gifts. Whether it’s knitting, painting, or papercraft, Hobbycraft has endless inspiration, and they can choose their preferred supplies.
Great British Pub e-Gift Perfect for: The sociable teacher who enjoys a meal or drink out. In fact, they probably deserve a pint or a glass of wine after a long school year. Ideal for relaxed evenings or a celebratory end-of-term pint.
ASOS Voucher Perfect for: The stylish trendsetter who takes pride in their wardrobe. From classroom-ready outfits to weekend looks, ASOS covers a wide range of fashion choices at reasonable prices.

Tip: If you’re organising a class gift, consider pooling together contributions for a higher-value voucher or offering the teacher a choice of a few options. e-Gifts and vouchers are a simple but meaningful way to say thank you – and a guaranteed way to brighten your teacher’s day.

What to Do When You Can’t Get a GP Appointment (and How to Be Seen Sooner)

Dora — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:44:41 +0000

Struggling to get a GP appointment? You’re not alone. Across the UK, many patients are finding it harder than ever to see a doctor. Find out how to be seen sooner.

The NHS is a wonderful resource, but depending on where you live, long phone queues and limited appointment slots are commonplace.

But what are your options when you need medical advice and the NHS can't offer it quickly enough? From speaking to a pharmacist in Manchester, to booking a private GP London practice, here are practical steps you can take to be seen sooner, without putting your health on hold.

Why GP Appointments Are So Hard to Get

The NHS is under pressure. With rising patient numbers, ongoing staff shortages, and limited resources, securing a GP appointment has become a challenge for many. Especially since the Covid pandemic, which appears to have increased the numbers of people seeking health advice. Recent data from NHS England shows that over 7 million appointments a month are being booked, but many patients still face:

Long waits on hold at 8am
No same-day appointments available
Delayed routine check-ups
Limited face-to-face availability

This has led many people to look beyond traditional routes for faster access to care. Here are the typical routes that people are using in order to get faster access to GP services.

1. Try an NHS Pharmacy

For common ailments like colds, sore throats, rashes, or minor infections, your local pharmacist can often help. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme in England, pharmacists are now trained and authorised to provide advice and, in some cases, prescribe treatments - without needing a GP referral.

It's free, accessible, and you don’t need an appointment.

2. Call NHS 111 for Urgent Concerns

If you’re unsure where to turn, NHS 111 is available 24/7 for medical advice. They can help assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate care — including urgent care centres, walk-in clinics or even booking you an out-of-hours GP if necessary.

3. Ask for a Telephone or Online Appointment

If your issue isn’t urgent but still needs attention, consider asking your GP practice for a telephone consultation. Many surgeries also offer online booking systems and e-consultation tools - ideal for discussing repeat prescriptions or following up on test results.

4. Consider a Private GP Appointment

If time is of the essence, for example, you're travelling, working to a tight schedule, unwell, or need a second opinion booking a private GP can be a fast and flexible solution.

You don’t need private health insurance to book a private GP. Clinics like The GP Surgery in London offer same-day appointments, extended consultations, and in-house diagnostics. You simply pay for what you need, with prices clearly listed online.

Private GPs are particularly useful if:

You’re struggling to be seen quickly on the NHS
You want more time to discuss your symptoms
You need a medical letter, test or referral fast
You’re visiting or living in London and want convenience

If you're looking for a Private GP in London, clinics like The GP Surgery provide a reliable, no-fuss way to take charge of your healthcare, without the wait.

You can also book specific services such as a private blood test in London, or book private ultrasound London appointments online for fixed one-off costs.

5. Visit a Walk-In or Urgent Care Centre

In some areas, walk-in centres or urgent treatment centres can help with minor injuries, infections or other same-day issues. These centres are NHS-run, usually open evenings and weekends, and don’t require an appointment, though waiting times can vary.

When Should You Go to A&E?

Always go to A&E if your condition is life-threatening or requires emergency treatment — for example, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms or major injuries. A&E departments are not the place for non-urgent GP issues and are often overwhelmed by inappropriate referrals.

What is best for your health and peace of mind?

It’s no secret that getting a GP appointment is harder than it used to be, which will hopefully change within the next few years, but you do have options. From local pharmacies to private GPs, there are services available to help you feel better, faster.

Private GP clinics offer fast, flexible access to experienced doctors without the long wait or red tape. Your health shouldn’t have to wait — and in 2025, it doesn’t have to.

There are private GP practices available throughout the UK. Simply check online for your closest provider. But, always double check that your chosen provider is overseen by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). In addition, you can access the latest inspection for your chosen health provider on the CQC website.

The Ecological Vision Behind Dire Wolf Restoration

Dora — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:45:36 +0000

The three dire wolf pups currently thriving on Colossal Biosciences' 2,000+ acre preserve represent more than a scientific breakthrough. They embody a bold vision for ecological restoration that could transform how we approach conservation and rewilding efforts worldwide. As apex predators that vanished 12,500 years ago, dire wolves offer unique opportunities to restore ecological functions lost since the end of the Ice Age. The concept of functional de-extinction—generating organisms that both resemble and are genetically similar to extinct species while enhancing their adaptability for today's environmental challenges—positions dire wolves not just as curiosities from the past, but as potential contributors to ecosystem health and biodiversity recovery.

The Missing Piece in North American Ecosystems

When dire wolves disappeared at the end of the Pleistocene, they left a gap in North American ecosystems that has never been filled. As apex predators with unique hunting strategies and prey preferences, they played ecological roles distinct from their surviving relatives like gray wolves and coyotes. Dire wolves were built differently from modern wolves—larger, more muscular, with more powerful jaws and teeth adapted for taking down megafauna. Their hunting strategies and pack dynamics likely differed significantly from contemporary canids, creating specific ecological pressures that shaped the behavior and evolution of their prey species. The loss of dire wolves, along with other Ice Age megafauna, contributed to what ecologists call "ecological release"—the expansion and behavioral changes of surviving species when their predators or competitors disappear. Reintroducing dire wolves could help restore some of these lost ecological interactions.

Lessons from Wolf Reintroduction

The successful reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 provides a compelling model for understanding how predator restoration can transform ecosystems. The return of wolves triggered cascading ecological effects that extended far beyond predator-prey relationships. Wolves changed elk behaviors, reducing browsing pressure on vegetation along streams and allowing forests to recover. This vegetation recovery provided habitat for numerous species, from birds to beavers, while also reducing erosion and improving water quality. The presence of wolf-killed carcasses provided food sources for scavengers, supporting biodiversity across multiple trophic levels. Research suggests that rewilding wolves can have measurable impacts on factors that drive climate change and support biodiversity. These "trophic cascades"—ecological effects that flow down through food webs—demonstrate the outsized importance of apex predators in maintaining ecosystem health. Mike Phillips, Director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and project lead for rewilding gray wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, recognizes the potential: "Colossal's successful de-extinction of the dire wolf represents a massive coup for conservation."

Unique Ecological Opportunities

Dire wolves offer ecological opportunities that differ from existing predator species. Their larger size and different hunting adaptations could allow them to fill niches unavailable to current wolf populations. This could be particularly valuable in landscapes where modern wolves face challenges or where additional predator diversity would benefit ecosystem function. The Ice Age origins of dire wolves also mean they're adapted to climatic conditions that may become increasingly relevant as global climate patterns shift. Their genetic heritage includes adaptations to both cold periods and warmer interglacial phases, potentially making them more resilient to environmental variability than species with more recent evolutionary origins. Colossal's approach to functional de-extinction includes engineering natural resistances and enhancing adaptability to allow species to thrive in today's environment of climate change, dwindling resources, disease, and human interference. This means dire wolves could be better adapted to contemporary challenges than their ancient predecessors.

Conservation Through De-Extinction

The dire wolf achievement demonstrates how de-extinction technology can support broader conservation goals. The same techniques used to create dire wolves are being applied to critically endangered species like red wolves, showing how resurrection biology and species preservation can work hand-in-hand. Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, emphasized this connection: "The de-extinction of the dire wolf is more than a scientific marvel—it's a bold reminder that conservation can be both restorative and visionary. By bringing back what was lost, we ignite hope, inspire action, and reinforce our responsibility to protect what still remains." This approach positions de-extinction not as replacement for traditional conservation, but as an additional tool in the conservation toolkit. By demonstrating that extinction can be reversed, de-extinction efforts may inspire greater support for protecting currently endangered species.

Challenges and Considerations

Reintroducing any predator species involves significant challenges and considerations. Dire wolves would need suitable habitat, adequate prey bases, and acceptance from human communities. The experience of modern wolf reintroduction shows that social and political factors can be as important as ecological ones. The 12,500-year gap since dire wolves last existed means that ecosystems have evolved and adapted in their absence. Prey species, competing predators, and plant communities have all changed. Careful research would be needed to understand how dire wolves might interact with contemporary ecosystems. However, Colossal's commitment to working with conservation organizations and government agencies suggests a thoughtful approach to these challenges. The company's collaborative work on red wolf conservation demonstrates experience with the complex social and ecological dimensions of canid restoration.

Habitat and Human Coexistence

Successful dire wolf rewilding would require addressing human-wildlife conflict issues that challenge all large predator conservation efforts. However, the unique cultural cachet of dire wolves—their fame from popular culture—might generate public support that could overcome some traditional obstacles to predator conservation. The careful husbandry currently provided to the dire wolf pups on Colossal's preserve demonstrates the level of professional animal care that would be needed for any rewilding effort. The facility's certification by the American Humane Society and registration with USDA indicates adherence to high standards for animal welfare.

Research and Behavioral Studies

Rick McIntyre, internationally recognized wolf behavior expert and Colossal Conservation Advisory Board member, expressed enthusiasm for studying dire wolf behavior: "I have a dream that some time in the near future I can go back to Alaska, or a similar place in Northern Europe or Asia, and see those extinct species that have been brought back thanks to science. When that happens, I will begin to study the behavior of dire wolves." Understanding dire wolf behavior will be crucial for any rewilding efforts. How do their pack dynamics compare to modern wolves? What are their prey preferences and hunting strategies? How do they communicate and establish territories? These questions can only be answered through careful observation of living animals.

A Vision for Ecological Restoration

The successful creation of dire wolves opens possibilities for a new type of ecological restoration—one that doesn't just protect existing species and habitats, but actively restores lost ecological functions through de-extinction. This approach could be particularly valuable in degraded ecosystems where traditional restoration methods have proven insufficient. Mark Fox, Tribal Chairman of the MHA Nation, captured the spiritual dimension of this vision: "The de-extinction of the dire wolf symbolizes a reawakening—a return of an ancient spirit to the world," emphasizing humanity's responsibility to protect the balance of life. As climate change and habitat loss continue to pressure ecosystems worldwide, tools like de-extinction may become increasingly important for maintaining biodiversity and ecological function. The dire wolf represents a first step toward a future where conservation efforts can be truly restorative, bringing back not just individual species but entire ecological relationships that were thought lost forever. The dire wolves currently growing up on Colossal's preserve may one day roam wild landscapes again, helping to restore the ecological complexity that once characterized North American ecosystems. Their success would demonstrate that extinction doesn't have to be permanent, and that with sufficient scientific capability and conservation commitment, we can begin to repair some of the ecological damage of the past while building more resilient ecosystems for the future.

Maarten de Jeu Builds Bridges Across Global Markets With Strategic Business Approach

Dora — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:43:07 +0000

When examining the landscape of international business advisors, few professionals demonstrate the comprehensive approach that Maarten de Jeu has developed throughout his career. The founder and Managing Director of SVM Business Advisory has established himself as a trusted partner for organizations navigating the complexities of global expansion since founding his Chicago-based firm in 2012.

Educational Foundation Shapes Global Perspective

Maarten de Jeu's approach to business strategy stems from a strong educational background. After completing his Master of Arts in Social Science with a focus on Public Administration at Leiden University in 2001, he pursued an MBA at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School. His academic performance was exceptional – he graduated first in his class at Oxford, receiving the Dean's Prize for his achievements. This international education, combined with his multilingual capabilities (fluent in Dutch, English, French, and German), provided de Jeu with the tools to operate effectively across diverse business environments. His language skills have proven particularly valuable when bridging cultural gaps that often create obstacles in international business expansion.

From Corporate Strategy to Independent Advisory

Before establishing SVM Business Advisory, Maarten de Jeu gained valuable experience at major corporations. His early career included time at TVDK Management Consultants in Amsterdam, where he worked with prominent clients including ABN AMRO, ING, Sara Lee, and Heinz. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Aviva plc, one of the world's largest insurance companies. Initially serving as an international consultant in London, de Jeu developed strategies for market expansion across Europe and Asia. His success led to a promotion and relocation to Chicago, where he took on the role of Director of Strategy & Corporate Development for Aviva North America from 2008 to 2012. At Aviva, de Jeu led strategic business portfolio reviews, evaluated new business opportunities, and supported mergers and acquisitions. Under his guidance, a comprehensive five-year strategy was implemented that helped increase the company's life insurance business in the United States.

Building SVM Business Advisory

In 2012, leveraging his corporate experience and global perspective, Maarten de Jeu founded SVM Business Advisory. The firm specializes in international business strategy, financial services, and commercial real estate investment, with a client network spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. What distinguishes de Jeu's approach is his combination of technical expertise with deep cultural understanding. This balance has proven particularly effective when helping clients navigate the nuances of international business expansion. His work through SVM has included several notable achievements. For one ultra-high net worth investor, de Jeu managed the acquisition of over 1,000 apartment units, handling everything from financial modeling to deal negotiations and due diligence. The project showcased his ability to execute large-scale real estate transactions while managing complex financial considerations.

Beyond Business: Community Leadership

Maarten de Jeu balances his business endeavors with active community involvement. He maintains memberships in prominent organizations including the Economic Club of Chicago, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Dean's International Council. His philanthropic interests extend to cultural and educational institutions, including the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, where he co-chaired the museum's Science Spins program. This involvement reflects his commitment to educational initiatives that inspire innovation among young people. De Jeu also supports local charitable work in Chicago, including Temple Sholom's Monday Meal Mitzvah program, which provides hot meals to homeless and underserved residents in Chicago's Lakeview community. Through his professional achievements and community engagement, Maarten de Jeu exemplifies how international business expertise can be applied effectively both in global corporate settings and local community contexts. His career demonstrates that sustainable success in international business requires more than technical knowledge—it demands cultural awareness, strategic vision, and a commitment to creating value for clients and communities alike.

5 Practical Tips for Wellness in Your Seventies

Dora — Sat, 17 May 2025 05:18:13 +0000

Entering your seventies marks a new chapter of life that brings both unique joys and challenges. While society often emphasizes the limitations that come with advancing age, this decade can be vibrant, fulfilling, and healthy with the right approach to wellness. The key lies in adapting your lifestyle thoughtfully rather than surrendering to perceived inevitabilities of aging. Here are five practical strategies to help you thrive during this rewarding stage of life.

Reimagine Your Relationship with Movement

Physical activity in your seventies isn't about maintaining the same regimen you followed in middle age—it's about finding new ways to keep your body strong and mobile that honor your current capabilities. The goal shifts from performance to preservation, focusing on maintaining independence and preventing injury. AlwaysBestCare.com (home care in Wilmington NC) agrees, “Consider incorporating gentle strength training twice weekly using resistance bands or light weights to combat the natural loss of muscle mass that accelerates after seventy.” This doesn't require a gym membership; many effective exercises can be performed seated in your living room.”Balance work becomes increasingly important as fall prevention should be a priority—try standing on one foot while brushing your teeth or practice heel-to-toe walking across your living room under the watchful eye of a sturdy piece of furniture for support. Water-based exercises offer exceptional benefits at this age, as they provide resistance without joint stress. Many community pools offer senior-specific aquatic classes that combine socialization with movement. The buoyancy of water creates a forgiving environment where you can move more freely than on land while still building strength and improving cardiovascular health. Walking remains perhaps the most accessible and beneficial activity—aim for daily ambulation, even if just for ten minutes at a time. Those with joint concerns might find walking poles helpful as they distribute weight more evenly and provide stability. Remember that consistency trumps intensity; three shorter walks spread throughout the day often prove more sustainable than one longer session that might leave you exhausted.

Nurture Your Cognitive Garden

Maintaining brain health requires ongoing stimulation and challenge. Your cognitive abilities respond positively to novelty and learning, much as your muscles respond to appropriate exercise. In your seventies, dedicating time to mental fitness becomes as crucial as physical wellness routines. Learning a new skill that combines mental and physical elements offers dual benefits—consider taking up drawing, knitting, or playing a musical instrument. These activities require focus, memory, and fine motor coordination. Digital literacy presents another frontier for cognitive growth; mastering new technology not only exercises your brain but connects you to resources and people that enrich your life. Social engagement provides irreplaceable cognitive benefits. Regular conversations that involve storytelling, debate, or collaborative problem-solving activate multiple brain regions simultaneously. Join a book club, volunteer as a museum docent, or participate in community theater—these social activities require active thinking and communication that keep neural pathways robust. For daily cognitive maintenance, consider replacing passive entertainment with active mental challenges: swap an hour of television for crossword puzzles, language learning apps, or strategic card games. Many seniors find that teaching or mentoring younger generations provides profound cognitive stimulation while creating meaningful intergenerational connections.

Reimagine Your Plate

Nutritional needs evolve significantly in your seventies as metabolism slows and absorption of certain nutrients becomes less efficient. Rather than focusing on restriction, which can lead to inadequate nutrition, concentrate on optimizing every bite with nutrient-dense choices. Protein requires special attention as muscle maintenance becomes more challenging. Aim for protein with every meal—eggs at breakfast, legumes at lunch, fish or poultry at dinner—to provide your body with a steady supply of amino acids throughout the day. Plant proteins paired with whole grains create complete protein profiles while delivering fiber that supports digestive health, increasingly important as gut motility naturally decreases with age. Hydration often receives insufficient attention among older adults, particularly as the thirst response diminishes over time. Dehydration can mimic or exacerbate cognitive confusion, increase fall risk, and compromise kidney function. Try setting regular hydration alarms on your phone, flavoring water with fresh fruit, or incorporating hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and clear soups into your daily menu. Mealtime itself deserves consideration beyond nutritional content. Eating alone can reduce food enjoyment and sometimes lead to nutritional neglect. Seek opportunities for communal dining—organize potluck dinners, join community meal programs, or establish regular dinner dates with friends or family. The social dimension of eating enhances both nutrition and quality of life by making meals occasions to anticipate rather than obligations to fulfill.

Prioritize Restorative Rest

Sleep architecture changes significantly in your seventies, often resulting in lighter, more fragmented rest. Rather than fighting against these natural shifts, work with them by creating conditions that support quality sleep despite these changes. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your body's internal clock even as traditional sleep patterns evolve. Creating an environment conducive to rest becomes increasingly important—investigate whether your bedroom could benefit from blackout curtains, white noise machines, or temperature adjustments. For many in their seventies, investing in bedding and mattresses that accommodate changing pressure points provides noticeable improvements in sleep quality and diminishes morning stiffness. Consider adopting a pre-sleep ritual that signals to your body that rest approaches. This might include gentle stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, or reflective journaling to clear your mind of the day's concerns. While many avoid technology before bed, some find that guided meditation apps specifically designed for seniors help quiet racing thoughts that commonly interfere with sleep onset. Daytime habits significantly impact nighttime rest. Moderate exposure to natural light during morning hours helps maintain healthy circadian rhythms, while limiting caffeine after noon prevents its interference with sleep quality. Short daytime naps can supplement nighttime sleep, but timing matters—keeping naps under 30 minutes and before 3 PM avoids disrupting nighttime sleep patterns.

Embrace Purposeful Connection

Social wellness represents perhaps the most powerful determinant of healthy aging, with research consistently demonstrating that meaningful human connection correlates with longevity, cognitive preservation, and emotional resilience. Your seventies offer a unique opportunity to curate your social circle with intention, focusing on relationships that energize rather than deplete you. Technology provides unprecedented opportunities for maintaining connection despite mobility limitations or geographic distance. Video calling platforms enable face-to-face interaction with family members across the globe, while social media groups connect individuals with shared interests regardless of location. Many seniors find satisfaction in becoming the family historian, recording and sharing stories that might otherwise be lost to time. Intergenerational relationships deserve special consideration for their unique benefits. Mentoring younger individuals—whether formally through community programs or informally with grandchildren—provides a sense of legacy and purpose while exposing you to fresh perspectives. Meanwhile, cultivating friendships with peers who share your life stage offers invaluable emotional support from those who truly understand your experiences. Community involvement through volunteering creates structured social interaction while satisfying the fundamental human need for purpose. Whether reading to children at libraries, participating in citizen science projects, or offering companionship at care facilities, contribution to causes beyond yourself fosters connection while combating isolation. Many find that regular volunteering provides the perfect balance of social engagement without overwhelming their energy reserves. The journey through your seventies offers rich opportunities for wellness when approached with knowledge and intention. By thoughtfully adapting your approach to movement, cognitive stimulation, nutrition, rest, and social connection, you create conditions for flourishing that honor this unique life stage. Rather than viewing wellness as the absence of limitation, embrace it as the presence of adaptation, resilience, and continued growth—qualities that make your seventies not merely a decade to endure but one to savor.

What’s a Personal Line of Credit—And How Can You Actually Make It Work for You?

Dora — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:47:02 +0000

Having a little flexibility in your wallet can go a long way. That’s where personal lines of credit come in. These are not your average lump-sum loans—they’re more like financial power tools. Used the right way, they can help smooth out rough patches, fund important life goals, and give you breathing room when timing doesn’t quite line up with your bank account. But as with any financial product, success lies in the strategy. A personal line of credit isn’t a magic wand—it’s a resource. And when you treat it with the right mix of planning, caution, and confidence, it can be a solid ally in your money journey. Let’s break down six ways to make a personal line of credit work for you, without falling into the common traps that trip up the unprepared.

Strategic Borrowing can Help you Reach Your Financial Goals

The idea of borrowing money might not sound like a step toward financial success, but in the right context, it absolutely can be. The key lies in how and why you borrow. When used wisely, a personal line of credit will help you better reach different financial goals, especially when it’s tied to thoughtful planning. Whether you're launching a side hustle, renovating a fixer-upper, or covering an emergency without dipping into your retirement savings, having access to a flexible source of funds can keep your momentum going without derailing your larger financial picture. Strategic borrowing isn’t about spending more—it’s about creating access to capital at the right time. Unlike traditional loans, personal lines of credit let you borrow only what you need, when you need it. This on-demand structure makes it easier to manage cash flow and avoid paying interest on unused funds. Instead of locking yourself into a rigid debt schedule, you’re building a financial cushion that adjusts to your life—not the other way around.

Online Line of Credit Used Smartly

When it comes to borrowing, few options are as accessible as an online line of credit. These digital applications offer fast access, simple approval processes, and flexible repayment terms, all from the comfort of your living room. They’ve become a go-to choice for people who want financial flexibility without the paperwork shuffle. This kind of accessibility has a major upside. If you’re faced with a surprise medical bill or need to cover seasonal expenses, having an online line of credit can help you act quickly—without the delay of visiting a bank or applying for a new loan every time you need a few hundred dollars. What makes this strategy powerful is its revolving nature. Instead of taking out multiple loans, you draw from your line of credit as needed, repay what you’ve used, and repeat when necessary. It’s like having a backup plan that refreshes itself, so long as you manage it responsibly. The smart move is to treat it like a tool, not a safety net for careless spending.

Separate Wants from Needs When Using Credit

One of the most underrated parts of managing a personal line of credit is knowing when to tap into it—and when to step back. The best way to avoid turning a helpful resource into a financial pitfall is to draw a clear line between what’s necessary and what’s just nice to have. It’s tempting to use a line of credit for every little “treat yourself” moment, but that kind of behavior racks up interest and stretches your repayment plan unnecessarily. Instead, think of your credit line as a partner for progress—use it for home repairs that protect your property value, work-related gear that helps you earn more, or even tuition payments that move your career forward.

Repayment Habits Impact Your Credit and Your Peace of Mind

The way you repay what you borrow affects more than just your balance—it plays directly into your credit score, your future loan options, and even your stress levels. Good habits, like making payments on time and paying more than the minimum when possible, help you maintain control over your finances. Late payments or carrying a balance too close to your credit limit, on the other hand, can shrink your credit score and limit future borrowing opportunities. That’s why setting up auto-pay or reminders, and reviewing your statement regularly, can go a long way toward keeping things on track. A personal line of credit gives you freedom—but with that freedom comes the responsibility to be consistent and clear-headed about repayment. This isn’t just about numbers on a screen; it’s about staying in control and not letting debt accumulate silently in the background. When you manage your line with structure, you’re building good habits that stick with you long after the balance hits zero.

The Best Design Shifts to Instantly Upgrade Your Space for Spring

Dora — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:18:54 +0000

Spring is the season of change, and nothing feels better than giving your home a refresh that actually makes an impact. This year, it’s not about tiny tweaks—it’s about embracing design shifts that instantly make your space feel more intentional, stylish, and alive. Think natural materials, color that feels exciting without being overwhelming, and just the right amount of artistic flair to make your home feel like an extension of you. If winter left your space feeling a little flat, now’s the time to bring it back to life. These are the design moves that will make your home feel fresh, elevated, and effortlessly cool for the season ahead.

Softened Minimalism with a Playful Edge

Minimalism isn’t going anywhere, but this spring, it’s softening up. Clean lines are still in, but they’re being balanced with textures, curves, and just a touch of the unexpected. Instead of stark white everything, warm neutrals like sandy beige, soft taupe, and warm grays are taking over, making spaces feel more inviting. The real upgrade comes in the details. Sculptural vases, rounded furniture, and imperfect, organic shapes give minimal spaces more personality. If your home leans toward a crisp, neutral palette, adding in textured fabrics like boucle, linen, or raw silk can make a world of difference. Even a statement ceramic piece or an asymmetrical mirror can be enough to shift the entire mood of a room. But the best part? Minimalism isn’t afraid to have a little fun this spring. A pop of an unexpected color—a mustard velvet chair, a deep plum pillow, a touch of sky blue—keeps things from feeling too serious. It’s about balance, not rules.

Art That Feels Personal and Makes a Statement

If there’s one thing that will make your home feel instantly cooler this spring, it’s art that actually speaks to you. Gone are the days of mass-produced prints that blend into the background. Instead, unique, expressive, and personality-driven pieces are taking center stage. The key is to go bold but intentional. Large-scale pieces with fluid brushstrokes, abstract shapes, or soft, dreamy color palettes can completely transform a space. And the best part? Original modern art paintings are more affordable than you might think. Many emerging artists are offering incredible work at prices that make owning something one-of-a-kind totally doable. Whether it’s a vibrant piece above your sofa, a collection of smaller works styled together on a gallery wall, or even a sculptural wall hanging, art should feel like a reflection of you. And don’t be afraid to switch things up—rotating pieces seasonally or moving artwork between rooms is one of the easiest ways to keep your space feeling fresh.

Bringing the Outdoors In (For Real This Time)

Every spring, there’s talk about adding greenery to your home, but this year, it’s about more than just buying another houseplant. Instead of small, scattered pots, go for impact. One oversized, sculptural plant can bring an entirely new energy to a room, whether it’s a towering bird of paradise or a lush, full-bodied fiddle-leaf fig. For those who want to take it a step further, indoor trees are having a major moment. A potted olive tree in a corner or a tall rubber plant next to a window gives a space a natural, effortless feel. And if you’re working with a smaller space, fresh greenery in an oversized ceramic vase can make just as much of a statement. Nature-inspired materials are also taking over. Think woven rattan light fixtures, organic wood coffee tables, and stone accent pieces. Even small swaps—like replacing a glass vase with a raw clay one or swapping out plastic containers for natural woven baskets—can subtly shift the energy of a space in a way that feels more grounded and fresh.

Elevating Outdoor Spaces with Intention

Spring means more time outside, and this year, outdoor spaces are being designed with the same level of care as interiors. Instead of treating patios and balconies like an afterthought, the trend is to create outdoor areas that feel like an extension of your home. It starts with seating that actually makes you want to stay outside. Stylish outdoor furniture is moving away from bulky, impractical pieces and leaning into sleek, weather-resistant designs that feel just as comfortable as your indoor setup. Think low-profile loungers, curved sofas, and modular seating that can be easily rearranged for different gatherings. Layering is just as important outdoors as it is inside. Textured throw pillows, woven rugs, and linen-covered cushions instantly make an outdoor space feel more intentional. And when the sun goes down, warm ambient lighting—whether through oversized lanterns, string lights, or sculptural outdoor lamps—creates the kind of cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stay outside just a little longer.

Unexpected Color Palettes That Feel Fresh

Spring naturally brings in brighter colors, but this year’s palette is less about obvious pastels and more about unexpected, slightly moody shades that still feel light. Think soft sage greens, deep muted corals, and buttery yellows that bring warmth without feeling overpowering. These colors work well as wall shades, but they can also be brought in through textiles, ceramics, and even painted furniture pieces. The key is finding a balance that works for you. If your space leans neutral, adding a soft blue or dusty lavender accent can shift the entire vibe without feeling too drastic. On the other hand, if you love bold color, pairing deep rust tones with faded pinks or rich blues with warm earthy neutrals can create a layered, interesting look that still feels modern and refined.

Texture, Texture, and More Texture

If there’s one thing that will make your home feel more elevated this season, it’s texture. Mixing different finishes and materials adds depth and makes even the simplest spaces feel more dynamic. A matte-painted wall against a glossy ceramic vase, a wool throw over a linen-covered sofa, a sleek stone coffee table next to a woven armchair—these little moments of contrast make a space feel rich and interesting. Even small shifts can make a difference. Replacing basic bedding with a quilted or textured duvet, swapping out smooth pillows for ones with embroidery or fringe, or layering a chunky knit throw over a clean-lined chair instantly brings a sense of coziness without clutter. This is especially important in neutral spaces—when you’re working with a limited color palette, texture becomes the secret to keeping things from feeling flat. Spring is about renewal, and your home should reflect that. Whether it’s through a statement-making piece of art, a fresh color shift, or simply adding in more natural textures, small but intentional changes can completely transform how your space feels. The key is making choices that feel personal, exciting, and full of energy—because that’s exactly what spring should be.

Celebrating National Fragrance Day 2025: The Biggest Fragrance Trends for 2025

Dora — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:19:38 +0000

Soaring searches for certain types of fragrance show what’s hot (and what’s not)
Why perfume is now the ultimate accessory for self-expression
PerfumeDirect.com’s expert Aude Asklöv explains perfume’s newfound role in engendering a sense of self in a world that often feels disconnected

From reinvented florals to unexpected gourmands, this year’s biggest fragrance trends prove that scent is as much of an outward statement as your favourite accessory, expressing the ‘extended self’, your vibe and your IRL aspirations more than ever before. And with demand for niche, artisanal perfumes soaring, all generations are layering new scents with their mainstream bestsellers to create unique, personalised blends that stand out from the crowd. So, what’s trending in the world of fragrance right now? Here’s what you need to know: Refreshed Florals – Florals are back, but not as you know them! This year’s blends mix traditional blooms with smoky woods, warm spices, and even leather for an ultra-modern twist. Expect to see fragrances from Gucci and Marc Jacobs leading the charge, each infusing florals with deep, unexpected layers that redefine femininity with a bold, unisex appeal. And layer, layer, layer for greater experimentation with your floral favourites. Nature-Inspired Scents – From crisp pine forests to salty sea breezes, fresh, earthy fragrances are taking over. Perfect for those who want their perfume to feel as refreshing as a country escape or comforting like the grounding elements of nature. Patchouli, an earthy, spicy, and a little musky, note adds depth and warmth to fragrances and is becoming a sought-after essence, along with more known notes of Cedarwood and Sandalwood that mimic the scent of the forest. More Gourmands are on the menu – Sweet scents have had a glow-up! Say hello to rich cocoa, roasted nuts, and spiced honey—the kind of comforting, edible aromas that make you feel instantly cosy. Vanilla, that’s rich and incredibly versatile – and still one of the most searched for fragrance types - plays equally well with spicy, woody, and floral notes, so this ‘base’ is still hugely popular in 2025. These trending ‘good enough to eat’ perfumes are becoming a key part of our fragrance wardrobes—and are all about indulgence, comfort and giving us a sense of nostalgia in a bottle. Twists on Classics – Think you know musk, amber, and citrus? Think again! Perfume houses are shaking things up with unexpected ingredient pairings, making classic notes feel brand new. Fragrance in 2025 is all about aesthetic curation and emotional storytelling – so perfume choice is about hyper-personalisation and reinventing nostalgia with a new vibe. We’re taking classics and making them unique. Pheromone-infused perfumes – These product are increasing in popularity (searches have increased by more than 28% YOY) because they tap into the science of attraction, confidence and mood enhancement trends. Pheromones are naturally occurring chemicals that influence social and romantic interactions. “Beyond attraction, pheromone perfumes are marketed as mood enhancers. Some formulas claim to help wearers feel more self-assured, relaxed, or even subtly more charismatic in social situations; increasing personal magnetism,” says Jonny Webber from PerfumeDirect.com The Rise of Genderless Fragrances - Fragrance is increasingly moving away from traditional gender labels – and searches for unisex fragrances have increased by 52.3% in 2025 versus 2024. The idea that floral scents are for women and woody or musky notes are for men is fading, with brands focusing on unisex compositions that appeal to personality and preference rather than gender. “This shift reflects broader changes in fashion, beauty, and self-expression, where rigid gender norms are becoming outdated,” adds Jonny. “While the industry moves toward inclusivity, gendered categories still help shoppers navigate vast selections. But the future of fragrance is personal, fluid, and entirely about self-expression.” Wellness Fragrances - Fragrance is more than just a scent for self-expression — it can also be a powerful tool for well-being. Mood-boosting scents can bring emotional balance and positivity. An invigorating morning spritz of bergamot can work wonders in uplifting your spirits and a soothing spray of lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood in the evening is ideal for promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. Aude agrees: “The link between scent and emotions is deeply rooted in the limbic system, which regulates our moods, emotions, and memory. Fragrances that contain zesty citrus notes like grapefruit and lemon are naturally energising, while soft florals like jasmine and ylang-ylang help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Vanilla is a go-to note for creating a sense of calm, and rosemary is linked to improved focus and mental clarity.” 2025 is all about choosing scents that tell a story, create a mood, and set you apart from the crowd - making scent all about personal taste rather than stereotypes.

The Year of Fragrance as Self Expression

Forget the days of having just one signature scent - 2025 is all about fragrance wardrobes, and Gen Z are embracing the trend like never before.

“Perfume is no longer just about simply smelling good or a luxury; it’s become a powerful tool for self-expression, a way to reclaim individuality, with new generations seeking out scents that match their mood, personality and even their outfits,” says perfume expert Aude Asklöv who’s working with PerfumeDirect.com

“Fragrance is more than just a scent,” Aude continues. “It’s language of identity, memory and emotion. Perfume reflects the wearer’s essence and aspirations, making it a powerful medium of self-expression.”

This is supported by insights from scholars like Entwistle, Russell and Belk, adds Aude. “It’s clear that possessions, including fragrances, play a vital role in shaping identity. Russell W. Belk’s concept of the “extended self” reminds us that items like perfumes become an integral part of who we are, reflecting our personality and aspirations. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Chanel No. 5 or the daring allure of a niche oud perfume, each scent is a declaration of individuality and belonging.” Whether you’re looking for something bold, fresh, or completely unexpected, use Aude and Perfume Direct’s advice to upgrade your scent game during National Fragrance Week. What Google search also tells us is trending in Fragrance this year, according to PerfumeDirect.com

Searches for Hair Perfume have increase by 112% YOY, and Hair Mist is up almost 27%.
Foodie Fragrances are among the top types of fragrance notes being searched for. These are: Vanilla, Coconut, Cherry, Strawberry and fruity (alongside oud, rose and citrus).