The O2 Arena in London is one of the most iconic venues for live music in the world. The dome was originally built to house The Millennium Experience – an incredibly popular exhibit created to mark the beginning of the third millennium.

While the gig alone that you’re attending will no doubt be phenomenal (if it’s an artist or band big enough to front the mighty O2!) why not go one step further and make a night or a weekend of it by booking accommodation? There’s nothing worse than experiencing an electrifying night of live music only to be hit full force with the anti-climatic train or taxi journey home afterwards. Make it memorable by booking accommodation to extend the experience further. There are stunning serviced apartments available in nearby Canary Wharf, only a short tube ride to the O2.

Plan ahead

If you’ve ever been to a much-anticipated gig, you’ll know how hectic the crowds can be. This doubles in London, with roads and tube stations alike, becoming absolutely gridlocked. Always plan ahead, ensuring you set off with plenty of time to spare so that any delays won’t prevent you from getting to the venue on time.

Pack wisely

Be sure to review The O2’s prohibited items list before setting off, so that you know exactly what you can and can’t bring along. The last thing you want is to be stopped at the security barriers for carrying an item you shouldn’t be. This can include items such as sharp objects, food, and drinks. Even sealed bottles of water can be confiscated so don’t waste any time packing supplies that may be discarded. Review the list so you know exactly what not to pack.

Prepare your COVID pass

In this post-pandemic age, NHS COVID passes are now required at selected large-scale events, such as concerts and festivals. Prepare your documentation in advance so that you have everything to hand ahead of the gig. You can access this by downloading the NHS app onto your mobile phone, where you can apply for a digital copy – alternatively, you can bring along a printed copy if you’d like to be on the safe side. Your COVID pass will contain a page dedicated to each vaccination that you’ve received.

So here are some handy tips for attending an event at the O2 Arena. Have you visited?

By 2023, 1 billion people will be listening to them at least once a month. What you may wonder they are listening to?  Podcasts. Podcasts, a loose combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcasting”,  are carving out an increasingly important space in our daily routine.

As the infographic explains, in 2021, Brits listened to almost 60 million hours of podcasts every week. This was up by over 50% compared to 2019. In 2022, even more growth is expected with just under 3 million listeners from the UK. That's a lot of people!  From Stephen Fry 'Inside your Mind' to 'Today in Focus', a podcast by The Guardian that covers a crucial fact in 20 minutes, to 'Eat Sleep Work Repeat' by Bruce Daisley, the Vice President of Twitter, there are many podcasts loved by the British.

Podcasts are great at teaching you about subjects too, from science to marketing, from history to writing, podcasts are a great way of teaching and educating. 

Do any of us have the perfect home? Unless you have a millionaire's budget there is likely to be things that you want to change. Maybe your house is too small, your rooms too dark or you need some extra space to relax in.  Here are some interesting design features to add to your home to make it lighter, brighter, bigger and more interesting. 

If you haven't got the budget for major changes then a feature wall makes a good compromise. Adding bespoke bedroom wall murals can make a bedroom more interesting, especially if the rest of it is in a neutral colour. Providing maximum impact you can buy wallpaper UK online or from a home store and there is a range of budgets to suit all prices. 

Skylights

Adding skylights to a dark room can really brighten it up and make it feel lighter whilst giving us the added benefit of vitamin D from the sun. Modern UPVC skylights are self-cleaning and thermally efficient too so keep the heat in whilst saving your money on your energy bills.

Conservatory

A conservatory is an excellent way to add extra space to your home and is not just for hotels and cafes. A conservatory made of glass panels is very light and airy and can be a lovely place to sit in the Summer or Winter especially. It is also one of the ways to add extra value to your home according to property expert Phil Spencer and we all want that don't we?

Loft Conversion

If you need more space in your home but can't afford to move consider a loft conversion. A loft conversion is another way of increasing the value in your home whilst creating extra space. A loft conversion can be used for another bedroom, a cinema room or a music room for example and is a great design feature that all the family can enjoy.

Garage

Adding a garage to your home can be really worthwhile to help protect your car and lower your car insurance but if you don't have a car or need the space consider converting the garage into another room. Adding extra rooms to your home can really add value as well giving you that chill-out space. You could even rent the space out.

Wine Cellar

If you are a connoisseur of wine, why not make a wine cellar in your basement?  There are many websites out there that can help you with the conversion and can suggest the materials you need such as an air conditioning unit to keep the wine at the correct temperature, moisture-resistant flooring and paint. When it's done you can sit and relax with a glass of wine enjoying your new cellar.

Tell me would do you have any of these design features in your home or would any of these appeal to you?

*Collaborative post

Buying a present for a child can be really difficult these days. I mean most kids have a lot compared to when I was young.  If you are buying for a girl it can be even more awkward to know whether or not to buy them a gift that is typically girlie or not. Of course, you don't want to presume they love unicorns and cuddly toy kittens these days, even though many girls do! So here is a gift guide from Wicked Uncle for the perfect gifts for girls, whether they are studious, whether they are sporty or whether they are creative. This is an advertorial. 

For the adventurous gardener

If you are buying for a child who loves to write then this secret diary set is a super choice. This A5 lockable diary is the perfect size to pop in a bag or keep in a desk at home. It has 200 pages and a variety of activity pages too with puzzles, stickers and more so you can personalise the diary.   It also has a magic pen so she can write invisible messages, I mean how cool is that? It comes with a butterfly padlock to ensure it's secure. 

For the promising engineer

Now, this would make a fantastic present for those promising engineers out there. Build 8 motorised animals, from chameleons to a hopping bunny, and put them all together with the help of the 32 page step-by-step book. The models are specially made for little hands. What I love about the Robot pet shop is that it is fun and educational. 

For the sporty girl

For the budding doctor

As you can see, Wicked Uncle have some of the most perfect gifts for girls that are that bit different and the most amazing gifts for girls with enquiring minds. They also have brilliant gifts for boys too. Let me know, do you have a favourite of these gifts featured? Have you heard of Wicked Uncle? 

*AD

If you are looking for some beautiful jewellery for a special occasion or to treat yourself you may think of diamond inset jewellery or sparkling gemstones like sapphire or emerald. The problem with most precious stones is the fact that the majority of them are mined causing damage to the environment. However, did you know there are alternatives to minded gemstones?  Let's have a look at some of these alternatives and some of the jewellery Carat* London sell. This is an advertorial. Carat* London has sent me a necklace in exchange for an honest review. 

Who are Carat * London?

The Cosmo necklace is a very beautiful two layered chain necklace. On the shorter chain (25cm) is a star shaped Stella pendant. On the longer chain (46cm) is a small Marquis shaped drop pendant. The longer chain has small stones dotted along the chain. 

The chain is sterling silver with a white gold finish. What I love about this necklace is that it sparkles in the light.

The stunning Cosmo necklace retails at £249 and has earrings to match. I think for the quality of the necklace this is a reasonable price. This necklace is perfect to wear with a black dress for a glamorous occasion.

Have you ever thrown a party, and just felt like something was missing? Or maybe you attended a wedding or birthday party that just felt boring. When planning a party like an anniversary party or holiday party, you may spend a lot of time and energy picking out the perfect food and drinks, buying or making decorations, or even creating invitations.

Entertainment like a playlist is something that can easily blend into the background and go ignored at almost any party. But live entertainment like a band, comedian or other performers (juggler for a kid’s birthday party, anyone?) will definitely ensure that your chosen entertainment is anything but background noise.

Guests will not be able to ignore live musicians or live performers. Your guests can’t help but enjoy themselves with live entertainment, and the compliments will roll in. Not to mention, any booked talent at an event will be professionals who have experience at the type of party you are throwing, and that experience comes with professional equipment as well as enhanced entertainment for you and your guests.

Interactive and Personalised

Live entertainment like a band, DJ, or performer also has the bonus of being able to get to know you, the person you are throwing the party for, or the guests at the party and respond to what you or they specifically want. Professional DJs or live bands take requests at weddings, making the experience enjoyable and interactive for you and your guests and making the music very personal for you.

Comedians performing at a birthday party may take the time to get to know you and your friends and tailor their set for maximum laughs. Professional performers for kids’ parties will be able to learn the name and interests of the birthday boy or girl and incorporate that into their act. These small enhancements will really bring your party to the next level, and make it all the more fun for your guests.

Memorable

The combination of the previous two elements, upgrading your entertainment and making it more personal, will also make your party memorable. It will be hard for your guests to forget the great cover band you had at your anniversary party or the balloon artist you had at your child’s party who made a giraffe balloon animal per their child’s request and to their child’s utter delight for the rest of the week.

A memorable party is a boon for everyone from the host to the guests and will provide memories that you can revisit for years to come.

Live entertainment really takes the next step and brings your party to a higher level. If you want your party to be memorable and personal for both you and your guests, consider booking a professional for live entertainment.