SLEEP AND MATTRESSES
SLEEP AND MATTRESSES
Sleep. Everyone does it, and some of us do it better (and for longer) than others, but why do humans sleep? In short, why is sleep important for us? It seems like such a basic question to ask, but as it turns out, the answer is far from basic.
When choosing the best mattress online for you, there are several things to consider. Aside from budget, the chief considerations are what position do you normally fall asleep in, and do you have any specific health needs? A good mattress should offer ample support and comfort, and help you feel almost weightless during sleep.
Generally speaking, most adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night, but the best time to sleep and wake-up varies from person to person. Don't believe us?
Casper Sleep has just unveiled a new cooling mattress innovation called Snow Technology, now found in the Wave Hybrid Snow and the Nova Hybrid Snow mattresses. Designed especially for hot sleepers, these Snow Technology powered beds could make a world of difference to people suffering from overheating during sleep, and who are considering investing in a cooler setup to help them snooze more comfortably through the night.
At times life can be fun, brilliant and filled with joy, but other times it can be sad, challenging, or plain disappointing. That's life, right? But for those with anxiety, every day is worrisome. And anxiety cares little for our sleep, even though we know why sleep is so vital for our wellbeing.
When you have the best pillows for sleeping nestled under your head, drifting off becomes easier and more enjoyable. Not all bed pillows are made equal though, and some are way better than others in terms of support, comfort and sheer snuggliness. On a basic level, a pillow is where you lay during sleep, right?
Grogginess is a common complaint made by people who desperately want to know how to wake up early and not feel tired. Yes, the dreaded morning fatigue. In a 9 to 5 world you might feel obliged to wake up at the crack of dawn and leap out of bed with your best "OK, world, do your worst!" grin on your face...
The latest and best Casper mattress deals and discounts are here, courtesy of the sleep brand's latest sale offers, now live on select products. These deals will save you up to $940 on a Casper mattress, plus up to 50% off bedding.
The pandemic has hit our collective sleep hard, with high levels of prolonged stress and anxiety cited as some of the causes of temporary insomnia. Unfortunately, feeling too stressed to sleep is a common state of being for many, but there are ways to better manage the relationship between stress and sleep.
This year's Beautyrest Memorial Day deals are now live, and there's good news for those of you looking to protect the ocean and your sleep. Right now you can save $200 on the Beautyrest Harmony Lux Diamond, a mattress covered with a sustainable fabric tech called Seaqual Fabric.
Many of us wish we could sleep for longer at night, as well as get better quality sleep and to stop waking up so often - whether that's because the heating clicks on, nature calls, or something else is to blame.
Sleep Awareness Week 2021 is nearly over, and we have seen some great articles shared across the internet - and right here on Top Ten Reviews. Sleep Week, as it's more commonly known, was launched in 1998 by the National Sleep Foundation, a global authority on all things slumber.
We're living through a very challenging time right now, with many of us worrying about our health, families, finances and jobs throughout the COVID pandemic. No wonder so many of us are struggling with sleep and wondering if it will ever go 'back to normal'.
(Image credit: Tuft & Needle) The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress has racked up a mass of five-star reviews, with existing customers praising its ability to keep them cool and comfy at night. And now you can save 15% on the Original, plus other Tuft & Needle models, thanks to this early Memorial day mattress sale.
If you're wondering how to sleep when it's hot at night, you're in the right place with our tips on how to cool your bedroom and cool down yourself quickly. Warmer weather makes it difficult to fall asleep as your body temperature is raised.
(Image credit: Emma Sleep) This year's Emma mattress USA Black Friday deals have landed, with a magnificent 40% off saving across the entire site, plus up to 45% off an Emma Sleep Bundle. So if you've been holding out for a whopping discount on a pressure relieving memory foam mattress, here's your chance.
Not everyone is clued up on the importance of regular, good quality sleep when it comes to their ability to cope with health challenges, but researchers at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry want to change that.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted earlier this year, millions of people have seen a steady decline in their quality and amount of sleep. From temporary insomnia to frequent waking, many of us aren't sleeping as well as we used to, and for many Americans the pandemic has a lot to do with it.
This year's Serta Memorial Day mattress sale is underway, with a variety of deals on many of the brand's top-rated models, including a $1,000 discount when you buy a king size iComfort mattress and Motion Perfect adjustable base together. Don't need the base?
According to a new global observational study of high-risk healthcare workers, poor or insufficient sleep increases a person's risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, and of having to endure a longer recovery. Daily burnout has also been linked to a high risk of coronavirus infection by the web-based study, published in the online journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.
The Cocoon by Sealy Memorial Day sale has begun, with up to $799 worth of savings (discount, plus free gifts) to be had on the brand's top-rated Chill Memory Foam and Chill Hybrid cooling beds. There's a 35% discount on both mattresses, and you'll also receive free breathable bed sheets and pillows (bundle worth up to $199).
USA-made GhostBed mattresses are popular among people who need better neck and back support when lying down, and today you can buy one for less thanks to a 25% off discount on the four-strong GhostBed range.
Our bedrooms should be a sanctuary we can retreat to for rest and relaxation. When we are sick, it's also the place where we do most of our recovery. But what if that illness is COVID-19?
Leesa is a US-based sleep company specializing in all-foam and hybrid beds, and thanks to this Presidents' Day deal you can save up to $400 on a Leesa of your choosing before the sale ends today, 15 February. There's also a 20% discount on select bundles, giving you the chance to upgrade your bed for less.
Writing: features, news, interviews, buyer's guides, listicles and how-to articles
Our TRX Home2 System review has been several weeks in the making, so we've spent ample time trying out a variety of upper body, lower body and full body workouts, courtesy of the TRX app. Our aim?
Wearing a face covering helps slow the spread, but there's a pesky side effect for those of us who mask-up while wearing spectacles: foggy lenses. And it doesn't matter if you've invested in a pair of the best eyeglasses either, as steamy lenses are something all mask-wearers encounter.
A daily stroll does wonders for your overall wellbeing. In fact, the mental health benefits of walking range from stress and anxiety management to clearing brain fog and boosting your ability to quickly solve problems. Walking is also linked to better sleep, a reduced risk of depression, and higher levels of happiness and self-esteem.
Picture the scene: it's a rainy Sunday afternoon and you're feeling snoozy. The only thing stopping you from drifting off is the fact that you're wearing contacts. Suddenly you're wondering, can you sleep with contacts in? After all, how much harm could it do?
The best digital thermometers are designed to produce fast temperature readings to help you see whether you, or the person you're caring for, has a fever. While you can buy dedicated thermometers for babies, most modern digital thermometers are suitable for use on adults and children, although we'd always advise reading the instructions and following the manufacturer's recommendations for use.
The Echelon Smart Rower is the home fitness brand's entry-level indoor rowing machine, and is the perfect choice for beginners upwards looking to blend cardio and strength in one targeted workout. The Echelon Smart Rower can be used solo or in conjunction with the brand's home rowing workouts (viewable via a paid-for Echelon United Membership), and is designed to help you build full body strength, week on week.
When the coronavirus pandemic first erupted across the globe, we knew precious little about this new disease. Fast forward several months and we are much more aware of how the coronavirus spreads and how long it lives on items and surfaces.
When the Mila Air Purifier first arrived with us for testing, there were three things we weren't expecting. First, it's a tad more compact than we thought it would be (we aren't complaining). Second, it's very easy to set up. And third, it truly is stylish (which genius gave it a polka dot design?).
Vision experts from spectacle lens manufacturer Essilor are warning people not to ignore their eye health during current and future coronavirus lockdowns, or else they may risk noticeable eyestrain. The warning is based on data gathered by UK communications regulator Ofcom, during the country's first national lockdown in April.
If you're wondering where to buy reusable fabric face masks online, you're in luck as we have rounded-up all of the stores with plenty of stock (and at decent prices too), whether you want disposable face masks or reusable face coverings. They are still hugely important to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The Echelon Smart Connect EX3 Max Bike is purpose built for spin class and endurance cycling workouts in the comfort and privacy of your own home. It would suit anyone looking for a low-impact cardio workout to help them lose or maintain weight, and to generally boost their cardio health.
IKEA is known as the land of flatpack furniture and discount artificial plants, but now it's home to a wellbeing essential too: an air purifier. Namely, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, a small, fabric-covered indoor air cleanser that costs just $54.99. Can anything this small or cheap be that good when it comes to purifying the air inside your home?
Many of us have been spending vast amounts of time indoors these past months, perhaps with the heating on, and staring at screens (big and small) for most of the day and evening. Both of these factors are thought to be leading causes of Dry Eye Syndrome, cases of which have been soaring during the pandemic, eye doctors say.
(Image credit: Avocado Green) Organic sleep brand Avocado Mattress has released a host of new wellness and sleep products for winter 2020, including a full redesign of its organic cotton protective face covering for adults and children. The new Avocado Mattress Face Mask has built-in filter pockets, ready for your filter material of choice, and cost $30 for a 4-pack at Avocado.
If you're searching for a GlassesUSA promo code to save in the Memorial Day sales, you're in luck as the eyewear retailer has just announced a new 60% discount on frames with free basic RX lenses. The promo code ( DEAL60) can't be used on premium, sale products, kids glasses or any frames tagged 'new arrival'.
If you've ever checked out Halle Berry's Instagram account, you'll have seen her #FitnessFriday posts, documenting her inspirational fitness journey since directing and starring in upcoming MMA film Bruised. Berry wanted to get in the best shape of her life for the film, and fans have been catching glimpses of some of the moves she's been using to get an MMA fighter physique.
You won't find any dull handkerchief sets in our guide to the best Father's Day gifts for music lovers, but you will find socks. Soft, highly breathable cotton socks. It's alright, though, because they're Beatles socks. Exactly.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the world. Let that sink in for a minute. An estimated 284 million people worldwide experienced a form of anxiety in 2017, and that number is on the rise.
Getting healthy for less just got easier thanks to this sweet little deal on the Fitbit Charge 4. Until 16 January, you can save $30 on the Charge 4 at Fitbit, and that includes both the classic version of the tracker, now $119.95 (was $139.95), and the Special Edition, now $139.95 (was $169.95).
Meditation is an ancient practice for boosting emotional calm and mental clarity, and the best meditation apps coming out now can help ignite or deepen your practice. There are many benefits of meditation. A 2016 study found that 60% of participants reported a significant improvement in general wellness, energy, concentration, stress, anxiety and depression when meditating regularly.
The main reason to buy one of the best digital thermometers is to check whether you or a loved one has a fever, which is especially important during the current coronavirus pandemic, as fever is one of the symptoms of COVID-19.
(Image credit: Etsy/Amazon) AC/DC have pumped out some memorable album artwork over the decades, some of it questionable, some iconic, but much of which has influenced the look of the best AC/DC t-shirts featured here.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, so do the questions about the COVID-19 virus. One of the most persistent questions is whether coronavirus is airborne, closely followed by 'can you catch coronavirus twice'? It's understandable that many of us are wondering about the various aspects of the virus, and what we can do to better protect ourselves and our loved ones until a vaccine is rolled out.
We all love the warmer weather of late spring and summer, but those sunshine-filled days can also usher in something much more frustrating for many Americans: allergy season. Unfortunately, this year it coincides with the coronavirus pandemic, leading many allergy sufferers to worry over whether the coughing, sneezing and fatigue they're experiencing are coronavirus symptoms or telltale signs of a seasonal allergy flare-up.
(Image credit: Getty Images) We may live in a world of streaming music, but thanks to a growing number of people buying turntables, especially budget turntables (a market that has exploded in the past few years alone), the vinyl resurgence shows little signs of slowing down.
Since the coronavirus lockdown began, many of us have switched to working from home. It's a big change, both mentally and physically, as we lose a large part of our daily structure that comes from commuting to and from our place of work, and might be less active as a result.
(Image credit: Getty Images) There are many valuable vinyl records out there, including perhaps the most expensive Motown/northern soul 7 Inch ever, Do I Love You (Indeed I Do), recorded by Frank Wilson in 1965, and which sold for over £25,000/$31,000 at auction in 2009.
Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised people to wear cloth face coverings in public, many are wondering about the effectiveness of handmade face masks. Do they actually work? If so, how? And how do they compare to a surgical mask?
Plus the essential Amazon Prime and Netflix music docs to stream right now
This type of training can be done in short bursts throughout the day, and is especially fun with the new breed of strength training tech
The only thing better than collecting vinyl and spinning it on one of the best turntables is chucking aside a few hours (or more) to store your vinyl properly, and for that you're gonna need some sweet-ass vinyl record storage.
Feeling stressed? Turn your bathroom into a haven of tranquility with these bathing beauties
Everything you need to know about how to sleep better tonight, including the tips and gadgets that really work – and those you can skip for now
Hiking is a brilliant way to boost your health, with big benefits to your emotional and mental wellbeing, but to do so comfortably and confidently you need great footwear, which is where the best women's hiking boots come in...
The Dyson AirWrap Styler has become one of the world's most coveted multi-tool hair stylers, and builds on the success of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. But is it worth the sky-high price tag?
Lighting and scent have a huge effect on the mood of your living space. Here's how to use them to create a relaxed or energising environment, depending on how you want to feel
The best women's walking shoes are a superb investment if you regularly go walking, and by that we mean everything from mountain trails to strolling along the beach or enjoying a gentle walk around your local park...
Is the deep dark of winter bringing you down and making you feel sluggish and fed up? Give yourself a boost of happiness and energy with this new breed of feel-good tech.
Most of us love being outdoors when the weather is glorious, but there's a big difference between walking outdoors on a warm summer's day and being out in hot weather. In fact, and especially during a heatwave, the Met Office advises no unnecessary outdoors activity if you can avoid it.
One from the vaults... I first heard Black Sabbath in my teens. I had never heard a noise like it. There were loads of other Sabbath fans on the Total Guitar team too, so it wasn't surprising that when I landed an interview with guitarist Tony Iommi, long-time TG photographer Joby Sessions and I were inundated by TG staffers offering to carry our gear on the day of the shoot/interview. Tony had a dry sense of humour, was exceptionally tall. A real career highlight for me.
Having trouble sleeping? This will help. Promise.
From checking your water pipes to updating your security, there are several key ways to prep your home for the darker, colder months. Here we round up the tech to help you do it.
DJI has just launched its first ever action camera the Osmo Action… and it has a killer feature the GoPro HERO7 Black doesn’t
Cosy-up your living room with some sumptuous homewares to help you feel warm, relaxed and comforted during these colder months
A behind the scenes look at the creation of one of the world's most powerful ultra-compact speakers. I had a brilliant two days in Paris sourcing interviews, visiting factories (and an opera house) and meeting the Devialet family
Hair dryers used to be boring until the Dyson Supersonic came along. Dyson dazzled us with claims that the Supersonic hair dryer can increase shine, decrease frizz and flyaways, and dry hair quickly and quietly without using damaging extreme heat. Like the Dyson AirWrap multi-tool styler, it's become a hugely coveted beauty tool.
I'm a huge fan of Counting Crows and have been fortunate enough to interview frontman and main songwriter Adam Duritz a few times now. He's massively knowledgeable, super-quotable and unafraid to speak his mind.
In recent years, hiking boots have become ever-more sneaker like in terms of their performance and comfort levels, thanks in no small part to higher levels of sole cushioning, as well as tech borrowed from trail running shoes. And Merrell's new everyday Zion Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots (£139.99 at Ellis Brigham) available in men's and women's sizes (also £139.99), are no exception.
Flexible working is on the rise. If that setup applies to you, use some of these pieces to create a stylish home office that inspires
A conservatory can be a highly relaxing space if styled right. So this month, have fun mixing warm metallics with calming neutral tones
One of the world's greatest folk singer-songwriters and guitarists. Richard Thompson is also one of the nicest people I've ever interviewed. He has ALL the stories about folk guitar back in the day.
The GoPro Hero 8 Black builds on the Hero 7 Black’s success to take down DJI and Sony. and the Hero 7 Black gets a BIG price drop
Sitting down on the chilly, bumpy floor of your tent gets old pretty quick, especially on longer camping holidays, which is why it's smart to save some of your budget to buy one (or a few) of the best camping chairs. These types of portable, folding chairs make a big difference to your comfort on the campsite.
The drone market has never been healthier, and it's about to get some new blood in the shape of the Parrot Anafi FPV, the latest iteration of the Anafi camera drone
During my tenure editing Acoustic magazine, I finally interviewed acoustic singer-guitarist John Smith. He's an accomplished guitarist and an insightful songwriter, often choosing to focus on the smallest details of a person, situation or thought. It amps the feeling of intimacy, so you become more invested in what he's singing about.
Singer/guitarist Courtney Taylor-Taylor and drummer Brent DeBoer talk about the albums that shaped their early careers and inspired the sound and style of The Dandy Warhols.
Everything you need to whip up an Italian style feast, including the world’s most beautiful pasta maker, and a handmade carafe to let your red wines breathe
The best camping lanterns are compact, lightweight and weatherproof. Oh, and versatile too, as ideally you want them to illuminate the inside of your tent just as easily as helping to light your path to the campsite's toilet block in the wee hours.
It’s been 25 years since ska favourites Less Than Jake formed in Gainesville, Florida - a three-piece with a horn section who joined forces not to make stacks of cash or change the world, but to play some bars and maybe make some music...
My house has never been so clean. For this review piece I tested six of the best cordless vacs on the market to see which sucks the most (ie, the best). All but two met their match with the fur from my ever-shedding Persian cat...
The best walking sandals for exploring the outdoors are different to the majority of fashion sandals in that they provide enhanced arch support, and higher levels of cushioning and footbed comfort. They're also more durable for off-road walking, with grippy soles designed to keep you upright on slippery terrain.
Start living a life of excitement and luxury with T3's hand-picked guide to the most exclusive, Instagram-worthy holidays, supercars, tech, toys and experiences money can buy
There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer's day than an ice cold drink taken straight from your own coolbox or coolbag, and our pick of the best camping coolers are versatile enough to be used in a variety of outdoors scenarios.
Beat a retreat to your very own reading nook, built around these relaxing and cosy pieces.
A quick glance at a pair of flip flops for walking will tell you that this type of summer shoe is different to regular fashion flip flops. The sole will be different, for example, and there will be noticeable arch support.
Regardless of what type of music, sport or hobby you're into, chances are there will be a festival celebrating it. If you plan on camping at a festival this year, you'll no doubt be looking for one of the best festival tents to sleep and relax in.
T3 has a monthly style spread, which I curate and write. Just like fashion, the spread has evolved over the years and aims to help readers find some new pieces to add to their wardrobe each month, as well as helping them to refine their appearance through proper grooming.
Another one from the vaults... Total Guitar photographer Joby Sessions and I travelled to Gallows home town of Watford to interview guitarists Lags and Steph about the band's major label debut. I was a big fan of this band, and this interview and shoot are one of my favourite assignments from my days on TG.
A second spread written for the 'Your best year ever' cover feature, this time covering the DIY jobs and smart home tech to add value to your house.
The opening spread from a 'New year, new goals' cover feature I conceptualised and wrote for T3, covering health and fitness, creativity, work, play and the home. I love setting new goals at the start of every year, and mine are mostly always related to wellness and creativity.
If decluttering cheers you up, Marie Kondo style, get tidying away clothes, toys and knick-knacks into these stylish storage solutions.
This is one of the top-performing buyer's guides I write/edit for T3, working to optimise its value to readers and boost the guide's commercial value. When I started editing T3's Outdoors vertical late last summer, this guide was in and out of the Top 10-ranking articles for 'best tents'. Today it's No 1.
Backpacking is a fantastic way to explore. It's accessible to everyone and is enormously liberating - just grab your backpack and go. That said, what you stuff into that backpack can have a big impact on how enjoyable your outdoor adventure is. So, what exactly goes into your backpack to make for a fun-filled and stress free trip?
Pantone’s colour of the year 2019, Living Coral, is the ideal shade for livening up your home’s interior palette during the depths of winter.
Here's the opening spread of T3's Christmas Gift Guide 2018. It's a great blend of products that not only perform brilliantly and are highly useful or entertaining, but they look stylish too.
Style sits with the Horizon section I edit for T3 magazine. I often curate and write the spread myself, but I do enjoy freelancing it out and working with a writer, discussing potential themes and geeking out over clobber. I wrote this particular spread, covering the best denim jackets, how to buy a bespoke suit, and how to dress like David Beckham.
We might be in the depths of winter now, but the great outdoors still has plenty to offer you and your family and friends in terms of adventure, respite from daily stress, and the chance to drink in lungs full of clean air.
Simple, honest advice for finding and buying the best maternity pillow for you and your growing bump
Devialet today unveils the Phantom Reactor, an elegant, ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker that packs in the same award-winning tech as used in the original Devialet Phantom despite being just one quarter the size.
When it comes to prepping for an all-weekender outdoors, festival camping tents should be at the top of your to-buy list... Along with all the dry body wash you can stuff in your backpack.
Buying a new pram, pushchair or buggy can be an intimidating experience. Aside from your budget, which will for the most part dictate what you can buy, there are lots of things to consider before making a purchase.
Taking home one of the best waterproof jackets for your needs is a solid investment, especially if you're an outdoors type or want a lightweight yet breathable jacket to keep drizzle and heavier rain at bay. How well a waterproof jacket does that depends entirely on the type you buy and the level of waterproofing vs water repellency it offers.
Plus, how to steak Ryan Reynolds' preppy cool style, and five ways to get super-bright colourblocking into your daily wardrobe.
Are you hosting this Christmas? Adorn your dining table with these key pieces to easily introduce a rich, celebratory vibe
Finding your way around the campsite or the inside of your tent at night is easier when you're packing one of the best camping lanterns for outdoor living. Amusingly, it only becomes clear how useful these are when you don't have one. Ever tried navigating your way to the toilet block in darkness? Yeah, exactly.
Content strategised (based on keyword research), commissioned and edited for the Outdoors vertical on T3.com
To test the fitness trackers for this review piece, I ran, walked, jogged, jumped, hiked, swam and generally sweated all over my home town.
Issue 278 of T3 is available to buy here: http://bit.ly/2FuNoxz
Writing: deals posts covering general and seasonal sales, plus Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Pre-Black Friday deals are really heating up now, and John Lewis is getting in on the holiday sale action with its bumper Black Friday Event, which starts today and features discounts on The North Face clothing, accessories and footwear. Of course, there are many other brands on sale too, across areas such as home, beauty, , tech and more.
Pre-Christmas sales are here in force, and beauty fans are in for a treat with the Boots Christmas sale 2019, which is now live. The Boots sale is bursting with top deals right across fragrances, beauty, makeup, grooming, electric toothbrushes, hairdryers and straighteners, and so much more besides.
Cyber Monday deals are rolling in now, and one of the world's top action cameras, the DJI Osmo Action with voice control, is now on sale at Amazon UK for a walloping £100 off at £229 and on sale at Amazon US for $100 off at $279.90.
If you're shopping the Cyber Monday deals in the hopes of saving money on an IPL laser hair removal machine, you're in luck as today the Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 is on sale for £259.99 at Amazon (RRP £610) and with free delivery.
Cyber Monday deals are flowing fast, making right now a great time to check out the women's jewellery sales taking place this Cyber Monday. There are some big brands brimming with sparkling offers on a range of women's rings, necklaces, earrings and charm bracelets.
Amazon Prime Day 2019 starts this Monday, but those of you looking for new tents for camping, or some hiking boots, a new sleeping bag or even some walking shoes, you'll find all these and more in the Go Outdoors summer sale, which is happening right now.
When it comes to finding Cyber Monday deals on beauty, you're hugely spoiled for choice. It might just be us, but this year's biggest shopping weekend of the year seems stacked with some of the best beauty deals we've seen for a while on make up, fragrance, skincare and beauty electricals offers.
View the entire Soak and Sleep sale Cyber Monday deals are in full swing now, and if you're shopping around, hoping to take home a bargain for your bedroom or bathroom, it's worth popping over to the Soak and Sleep Black Friday weekend sale where there's a selection of offers and bundles available on bedding, towels and more while stocks last.
Amazon Prime Day 2019 is now in its second and final day, but we are far from done in terms of rounding up the very best deals across camping, hiking and outdoor sports gear! In fact, right now there's some pretty impressive Amazon Prime bargains to be had on tents, camping hammocks, camping barbecues, sleeping mats, binoculars and much more.
View the Birchbox Black Friday two beauty boxes for £5 View the entire Birchbox Black Friday sale View the Birchbox Black Friday gift subscriptions sale Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals aren't just for nabbing discount Echo devices and cheap electric toothbrushes: now that the Birchbox Black Friday sale is live, this is also a good time to save money on one of the world's best beauty box subscriptions, plus snap-up half-price beauty kits and deals on top beauty brands.
Black Friday deals are snowballing fast now, and if you've been hoping to snap up a stunning DJI drone or rugged camera for less, you're in luck as the DJI Black Friday sale has begun and you can get up to 40% off a range of top-flight DJI gear.
Beauty gift sets are a classic Christmas gift for men, women and teens, and the Cyber Monday deals are proving rather fruitful for picking up a Christmas gift set or too for less. Right now at Amazon, you can save up to 32% on luxury beauty gift sets from Rituals, Elemis, Stilla and This Works.
Whether you want a Vango tent for a family camping holiday, for a hiking and backpacking trip, or for hitting the last of the summer festivals, there are some beauties on sale right now. These include a highly coveted Vango AirBeam tent and one of the most beautiful tipi tents we've seen yet, the Vango Rosewood Tipi.
Johnny Depp's Dior Sauvage campaign has shifted a fair few bottles of this designer fragrance, so much so that is now THE best-selling beauty product in the John Lewis Black Friday sale. While all editions of Dior Sauvage are currently 20% off at John Lewis, Boots is undercutting the retailer on certain models...
Editing: examples of content strategised, commissioned and edited for digital/print
One of my favourite features for T3. Damian Hall (writer) and I had so much fun strategising this one, and calling in lots of tech to capture every second of pain
I headed up the GoPro Hero 8 Black release coverage for T3, beginning with a No 1-ranking Hero 8 rumours hub, followed by a series of new stories and this review, which ranked directly behind GoPro's official Hero 8 Black page upon the action cam's release
Surfers Against Sewage are doing incredible work raising awareness of ocean plastic and other forms of pollution, so it was a real honour to arrange this interview with Hugo for T3. It was also a great opportunity for a budding writer (Esther) to get some editorial experience under her belt. And of course it serves as excellent supporting content for T3's surfing-related buyer's guides
I was Acting Editor on Acoustic magazine for issues 130, 131 and 132, and had a ball each month working on this title. The team was small but expert, and Acoustic had a great reputation in the music instrument industry. It's a real shame this mag has since closed, but during its tenure Acoustic made a big difference in raising the profile of younger singer-songwriters, as well as expanding the reach of more established artists such as Jason Isbell (pictured).
I arranged this interview with Simon McGrath, author of Camping with Kids, because parents often find camping quite stressful when it needn't be. Camping with your family is a superb way to destress, disconnect from the business of work and daily life, and rejuvenate in the open air. Tamara (writer) did a great job on this interview...
Reviews serve two purposes: one, to inform the reader who is thinking about buying the product, and two, to act as supporting content to the buyer's guide to which it belongs. This review was an excellent example of content nailing both purposes
Content strategised (based on keyword research), commissioned and edited for the Outdoors vertical on T3.com
I've edited quite a few bookazines for Future's Music division (the home of my first real publishing job), including this expert guide to recording music at home
One of the 40+ buyer's guides I commission for T3's Outdoors channel, which covers camping, walking, hiking, backpacking, outdoor sports and adventure, plus golf and adventure hardware (action cameras and drones)
For this one, I worked with the Beyonk marketing team to create a feature that would appear firstly in print, then live on the website. We sent along one of our most experienced outdoors journalists, Mark Mayne, and kitted him out with a slew of top tech to help him survive the great outdoors (otherwise known as Dartmoor)
If you're confused about whether to buy the GoPro Hero 8 Black or the other big name in the action camera arena this year, the DJI Osmo Action, you're not alone. On the surface it can seem a little confusing, so it really boils down to why you're buying an action cam (so the main activity you'll be using it for) and your budget.
Content strategised (based on keyword research), commissioned and edited for the Outdoors vertical on T3.com
For T3 magazine, I edited the smart home and homewares section of the magazine. Each month this included rounded up the latest in smart home tech, as well as curating beautiful items to furnish your smarter nest with
I worked with Haibike to make this interview happen for T3. Sam's profile is growing fast thanks to his hugely entertaining YouTube channel. Even if you don't ride, his adrenaline-filled videos are worth watching, just to see the crazy stunts he pulls off
As well as working on features, I edited the Horizon (lifestyle and new tech) section of T3. This included a monthly page on Fitness and Outdoors tech, clothing and accessories. Here's an example...
One of my favourite pages to commission – but mainly to write myself as it's so much fun. T3's Living page covers a wide scope, from gardening and smart home tech to more seasonal content such as how to make the perfect festive cocktails, or all the gadgets you need to pull off a show-stopping Christmas lunch
Another bookazine I edited, this time aimed squarely at guitarists looking to record their own music at home. Content comprised musical instruments and accessories buyer's guides, as well as home recording hardware and software buying advice, plus artist interviews and tips
Each month, T3's Horizon section kicks off with a Top 10 countdown of the hottest new gadgets released that month or coming very soon. This is a fun one to edit, and keeps my finger on the pulse of new releases
Another example of well-researched and perfectly angled supporting content for T3's camping gear buyer's guides – the bread and butter of the T3 Outdoors channel
Advertorials and supported editorial: examples of commercial writing
A single page advertorial conceived and written to promoted Rested's range of sleep-engineered beds and accessories. This job included interrogating the client brief and hitting all of the brand's marketing aims in a T3-friendly tone.
The second of two supported editorial articles for Huawei, who were sponsoring a series of innovation themed articles across T3. This job involved planning the content of the article, curating products, writing the piece and building it via T3's CMS.
For years we've had a love-hate relationship with hair dryers - we need them to dry our hair, obviously, but hate the damage some cause through their use of extreme heat. Luckily, that changed when Dyson launched its Supersonic hair dryer.
A supported editorial piece for Readly.com, who were looking to connect with T3's gadgets and hobbies-orientated readership.
A single page advertorial conceived and written to promoted the Upright Go posture tracking and correcting device. This job included interrogating the client brief and hitting all of the brand's marketing aims in a T3-friendly tone.
One of two supported editorial articles for Huawei, who were sponsoring a series of innovation-themed articles across T3. This commission involved planning the content, curating products, writing and building the article in T3's CMS.