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If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, you’ve probably wondered how to relieve stress using herbs.

You may also wish to try kratom capsules. These capsules are made from herbal leaf from a tree of the Rubiaceae family. See more:

Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb

Tulsi is a potent herb for relieving stress. Tulsi supports healthy levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which regulates the body’s responses to stress. Cortisol releases energy and strength in times of “fight or flight.” This herb supports the body’s response to everyday stressors by balancing the levels of these chemicals. Tulsi is also used in the treatment of stomach and mouth infections, insect bites, and skin disorders.

Green tea

A recent study on the anti-stress effects of green tea found that it helped reduce psychological distress by 20%. The study involved 42,093 Japanese subjects. Of them, 2,774 had psychological stress, but only the green tea drinkers showed lower levels of stress. Clearly, green tea can help improve your mental health, and it is a great way to start your day. Today, approximately 450 million people around the world suffer from some level of stress, and the costs of stress are estimated to be $200 billion and EUR20 billion in the United States.

Peppermint

Peppermint has many benefits, including calming a person’s frayed nerves, promoting mental clarity, and elevating their energy levels. It’s also a powerful aromatherapy oil, so you’ll likely want to incorporate it into your daily regimen to reduce the effects of stress on your mind and body.

Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle is used as a traditional remedy for many health problems, including pain in the muscles and joints, eczema, and gout. Some of its benefits include a reduction in stress and the alleviation of hay fever and arthritis. It can be consumed in several ways, including as a herbal tea, added to soups, or boiled into a smoothie. It can also be used to treat hay fever and insect bites.

Valerian root

Taking Valerian root for stress can be a very effective way to relieve anxiety and stress. This herb helps to calm nerves by reducing signaling in the brain. As a result, you won’t feel as tense or stressed as you usually do. It also has anxiolytic properties, which means that it helps the body communicate with itself. This herb can help you get a good night’s rest.

Lemon balm

There are many benefits to lemon balm. Lemon balm contains antimicrobial properties and is often combined with mint for a soothing effect. Lemon balm is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect our bodies from free radicals that can cause disease and inflammation. Moreover, lemon balm contains no caffeine, making it an ideal herbal remedy for relieving stress. The antioxidant content of lemon balm decreases as the leaves dry, so it’s important to use fresh lemon balm.

Chamomile

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that chamomile has properties that reduce anxiety and improve sleep. The study also found that it reduces heart rate and gastrointestinal problems. Moreover, it binds to GABA receptors in the brain and makes them more efficient. This could lead to its use as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety. But how can we use chamomile to alleviate these symptoms?

If you’re anything like me, as soon as September 1st strikes the calendar – the knits come out, the candles get lit, and it’s time to get cosy.

We’ve had a belter of a Summer here in the UK this year, and in most places, the temperature isn’t letting up either.

But enough is enough, and it’s time to get excited for Halloween, Bonfire Night and dare I say, Christmas!

And if you’re looking for TV shows to wrap yourself up with, I’ve got an autumnal spiced jam-packed list for you to sink into.

Let’s toast some marshmallows…

Gilmore Girls

If you missed the late 90s and have yet to come across the absolute joy of Gilmore girls, then this one should be at the top of your list for autumn 2022.

If you have basked in the delights of this show, then you know exactly what I mean when I say it’s the most aesthetically pleasing TV show for this time of year.

The show surrounds the unconventional, fast-talking mother-daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. It’s a small-town big humour show and wholesome in every way.

I’ve binged watched Gilmore Girls so much that it has fast become my comfort show and it’s a binge-watching rule in my house come September 1st!

Great British Bake Off

Roll on 13th September; it’s time to get your pinnies out and oven gloves on!

GBBO has become a staple part of British society as autumn approaches; who doesn’t enjoy getting a cuppa and sitting tensely in anticipation of a few soggy bottoms?

This is the perfect combination of cooking competition and quintessential Britishness.

Personally, it gets me inspired to start my Christmas baking early and often makes me feel better about my dismal attempts at “cooking”!

Stranger Things

I know, I know, Demi, you’re late – season 4 has been out over a month now…

Well, I am yet to finish it, and for good reason. It’s perfect build-up-to-Halloween viewing!

If you haven’t started it yet, Stranger Things is 80s nostalgia on steroids mixed with the perfect combination of spooks and thrills. The first two seasons aren’t all that scary, but as you progress to seasons three and four, I’d buckle up because it gets…let’s just say Shaggy and Scooby would be quacking in their boots.

Creators, The Duffer Brothers, are huge fans of 80s horror, and you can see their inspiration infused in every detail of this show.

It’s a wild ride but one you’ll enjoy every second of.

More Autumnal Viewing

If those don’t tickle your fancy, here are some other TV shows and films that make me feel all warm inside (if not a little spooked in places!):

  • When Harry met Sally
  • Sabrina The Teenage Witch
  • Vampire Diaries
  • Twin Peaks
  • Practical Magic
  • Sweet Home Alabama
  • St Elmo’s Fire
  • Matilda
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • You’ve Got Mail
  • Casper

Enjoy cosying on down to these, and I’ll be sure to compile a heart-beat-skipping list just in time for Halloween!

Nearly every field is saturated with candidates, and it seems like getting a job is harder than ever. So you may wonder if now is the right time to go to school and get a degree in psychology. You may be asking yourself, “Is it worth it?”

A psychology degree is worth it for individuals who are passionate about the subject matter and want to make a difference in the lives of others. If you’re not passionate about psychology or only interested in the field for personal gain, then a psychology degree may not be worth it for you. If you’re still wondering whether earning a psychology degree is worth it, here are some benefits that may help you decide.

1) Prepare for a Wide Variety of Careers

A psychology degree can prepare you for a wide variety of careers. One of the greatest strengths of psychology as a field is its broad applicability. The students who undertake a Graduate Diploma of Psychology online can tailor their education to their specific interests and goals. That’s whether they want to work in clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or any other area.

For instance, if you decide to become a therapist or counselor, you may want to specialize in a particular area, such as marriage counseling or child therapy. You could also choose to specialize in working with specific populations such as veterans or victims of abuse.

Some of these other potential professions include.

  • Clinical psychology
  • Counseling
  • School psychology
  • Industrial and organizational psychology
  • Sports psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Media psychology

2) Learn More About Yourself and Others

A psychology degree can also help you learn more about yourself and others. In your coursework, you’ll learn about the different theories of personality and how they can explain why people behave the way they do. People have different personalities, and by understanding personality theory, you can better understand why people act the way they do.

You’ll also learn about different research methods psychologists use to study human behavior. This includes everything from surveys and experiments to case studies and naturalistic observation. As a result, you’ll better understand the research you read about in the news or see on television.

And if you decide to pursue a career in psychology, you’ll have the opportunity to help others understand themselves better as well. In clinical settings, psychologists often help people with mental disorders or other problems cope with their symptoms and improve their lives.

3) Develop Valuable Skills

In addition to learning about psychology, earning a psychology degree will also help you develop several valuable skills. These include critical thinking, writing, and research skills.

Critical thinking skills are important in any field but are especially important in psychology. That’s because psychologists often have to deal with complex problems that don’t have easy solutions. They need to be able to look at all the available evidence and make careful decisions about what to do next.

Writing skills are also important for psychologists. Many spend a lot of time writing reports about their patients or clients. They may also write papers for publication in academic journals. As a result, they need to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.

And finally, research skills are essential for psychologists because they need to be able to design and carry out studies that will help them answer questions about human behavior. These studies can be complex, and so psychologists need to be able to understand and use a variety of research methods.

4) Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

One of the most rewarding aspects of psychology is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. If you choose to work in clinical psychology or counseling, you’ll have the chance to help people dealing with mental illness or other problems directly.

You can also make a difference by working in other areas of psychology, such as industrial-organizational psychology or forensic psychology. You can help organizations improve their workplace policies or investigate crimes in these fields.

Whatever field of psychology you choose to enter, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

5) Enjoy a Flexible Career

Another benefit of psychology is that it offers much flexibility regarding career options. As we mentioned earlier, there are many different types of psychology, so many kinds of jobs are available to people with a psychology degree.

For instance, if you want to work in clinical psychology, you could become a therapist or counselor and work in a private practice, hospital, or government agency. Or, if you want to work in research, you could become a professor at a university or work for a research institute.

The flexibility of psychology careers is one of the main reasons so many earn a degree in psychology.

6) Earn a Good Salary

One of the benefits of earning a psychology degree is that it can lead to a high-paying career. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for psychologists is $53,861 per year. This is much higher than the average salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree. And it’s also much higher than the average salary for someone with a non-psychology degree.

Of course, salaries vary depending on the type of job you have. For example, if you work as a clinical psychologist, you may earn a higher salary than if you work in research. But no matter what job you have, you can be sure that earning a psychology degree will help you earn a good living.

7) Job Satisfaction

In addition to earning a good salary, people with a psychology degree also tend to have high job satisfaction. Psychologists are often ranked among the happiest workers in the United States.

Many factors contribute to job satisfaction, but one of the main reasons psychologists are so satisfied with their jobs is because they feel like they’re making a difference in the lives of others. As we mentioned earlier, psychology offers the opportunity to help people dealing with mental illness or other problems directly. And so, for many psychologists, the feeling of helping others brings the most satisfaction to their job.

So, Is It Worth It?

Earning a psychology degree can lead to several different benefits. These benefits include the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, the chance to earn a good salary, and the satisfaction that comes from helping people. So, if you’re considering earning a degree in psychology, the answer is yes – it’s definitely worth it.

Eyesight is a prevailing concern for many in the UK. According to recent statistics, 59% of UK adults wear spectacles – placing the nation just outside the top 10 for largest spectacle-wearing population percentage in Europe.

If you have recently discovered that your eyesight is changing, and that you may need a prescription, you might find yourself wondering what your options are. Between the two principal options – glasses, and contact lenses – which might be the best for you?

Wearing Glasses

Glasses are an evergreen option for correcting eyesight, and have been a primary method for doing so since their invention in the 13th century. They are a handy in that they can be put on and removed with ease, and can be customised to suit your style and needs.

However, glasses can also be an ungainly option. They preclude you from being able to safely participate in a number of activities, whether getting in the way of using viewfinders and scopes or presenting a direct risk in sporting activities. They can also be lost if placed down and forgotten about – resulting in poor eyesight and increased costs.

Choosing Contacts

Contact lenses, meanwhile, are a useful alternative that can return freedom to day-to-day activities. Contact lenses were first theorised by world-famous inventor and mathematician Leonardo da Vinci in the 1500s, but only became a practicable solution with the development of new, eye-safe materials in the 19th and 20th century.

Today, contact lenses are a supremely safe alternative to glasses, that provide complete vision correction and enable freedom of movement and activity without fear of losing or breaking them. They can come in a variety of types, with some being worn long-term and others being single-use, disposable lenses. For the uninitiated, though, contact lenses can feel like a major imposition in comparison, owing to the prevailing method of applying lenses to your eyes by hand.

Transitioning from Glasses to Lenses

For those who find contact lenses too scary a concept on account of their usage, provider Lenstore had some useful advice:

“Contact lenses can be daunting for those who haven’t used them before, with the idea of putting something in your eyes. For many, touching their eyes is an off-putting concept. But contact lenses can actually feel a lot more natural than glasses and in some cases more comfortable for longer periods of time, particularly for those with higher prescriptions. They’re also often easier to wear when playing sports or engaging in more active pastimes.”

“If you’re thinking about swapping to contact lenses, you should speak to your optometrist and get advice, as they can help to allay many fears and concerns that might otherwise put you off.”

Aesthetics is one of the most important things to consider when decorating or remodelling a home. It is not just about looking pretty; it’s about creating a space that makes you feel good and happy. A house with no aesthetic appeal is like an unloved child. It can be a bit difficult to improve the look of your home on your own, but if you are willing to put in some effort, then there are plenty of ways to do this! Here are some creative ideas that will help improve the aesthetic appeal of your house.

Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter makes your house look messy, which is not what you want when trying to get your home ready for sale. It is also a distraction and can make the space feel smaller than it is. In addition, cluttered rooms have been shown to appear older than they are because clutter pulls attention away from freshly painted walls and other recent updates. Clutter also makes your house appear dirty even if it isn’t because it draws the eye toward what needs cleaning rather than highlighting its other positive attributes.

Find Ways to Enhance Your Space’s Looks

If you have a small house or apartment, plants can help fill in empty corners and enhance the overall look of your home. Lighting is also essential; it will create moods that help set the tone for different activities in different rooms within your home. You can use furniture while designing an interior space. Artwork is another great way to add color and vibrancy to any environment—whether it’s hanging up some landscape paintings on a wall or displaying hand-crafted sculptures from local artists.

Do Home Repairs if Needed

Home repairs include fixing leaky roofs, broken tiles, broken doors, windows and fences, and even floors or walls. If your doors are broken or in need of replacement, it’s an excellent opportunity to consider upgrading to glazed doors. These stylish and functional additions not only solve the issue of broken doors but also bring elegance and natural light into your home. Not only will this ensure that you live in a safe environment, but it will also make your house more attractive to buyers if you ever want to sell it someday.

While addressing home repairs, don’t overlook the importance of regular maintenance, such as drain cleaning service, to avoid common issues like blocked plumbing which can lead to more significant problems over time. Ensuring your home’s plumbing is in top condition can also contribute to its overall aesthetic by preventing unsightly backups and odors.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

The right color can make your house look bigger, brighter, or more welcoming and hide unwanted marks or stains. Lighter shades tend to be friendlier, while darker hues lend themselves to the moodier side of things.

Consider creating an accent wall using bold colors such as reds, blues, greens, etc., rather than opting for neutrals like whites or tans. This way, everything else will still feel bright even though one spot appears darker than usual.

Use Pavers

Pavers are a great way to add style and character to your home. You can use them to create patios, walkways, and even paths you might want to make around the garden. They come in various colors, patterns, sizes, and styles (including natural stone pavers).

Pavers Philadelphia are also very versatile. You can use them inside and outside your house for different purposes, like creating an attractive flooring design or making it easy for guests to walk through your home without getting their shoes dirty.

If you want to learn more about pavers Philadelphia options, we suggest you check out Delaney Construction. Many different paver flooring materials are available, and they all have unique benefits.

Conclusion

You can do many things to improve the aesthetic appeal of your house. The key is to find out what works for you and make it happen. You don’t have to spend much money on expensive renovations, but small changes can make a big difference in how your home looks.

Looking to remodel your house? Start by enhancing its aesthetic appeal! Check out our guide on “What Is the First Thing to Do When Remodelling a House?” for valuable insights.

Have any questions or concerns? Ask us in the comments!

Choosing an engagement ring is a big challenge as you try to achieve this milestone in your relationship. There’s so much to consider, not forgetting getting a ring your fiancée will love. How do you make the process less stressful, fulfilling, and fun? Here are some tips:

7 Tips to Help You Choose a Perfect Engagement Ring

Know What Type of Ring Your Fiancée Wants

Does your fiancée have a favorite type of ring? Perhaps they’re dropping hints about the style, metal, or setting they prefer. If you’re not sure, ask friends or family for help. They might be able to give you some ideas about the type of ring your love wants. Diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, but other gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are also gaining popularity.

You might find some people giving you all the reasons not to buy lab diamonds, which is reasonable since they have many flaws and will never be as good as the real ones so this is also something to keep in mind.

Decide on Your Budget

How much are you willing to spend on the ring? Have a budget in mind before you start shopping. Doing this will help you narrow your options and focus on rings within your price range. If possible, save for a few months to get the best ring you can afford.

Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on the ring if you can afford it. However, many affordable options still look great. There’s no need to go into debt just to buy an engagement ring. For instance, you can save up to 70% on the cost of a mined diamond by opting for a lab-grown diamond.

Consider Your Fiancee’s Lifestyle

An engagement ring is a lifetime investment. You want a ring that your fiancée will be comfortable wearing every day. If they’re active, consider a ring with a lower setting that won’t catch on items. You can also go for a durable metal like platinum or titanium. You don’t want the ring to be a hindrance in any way. It should be comfortable and practical enough for your fiancée to wear daily.

Consider How It Will Look With a Wedding Band

An engagement ring symbolizes your love and commitment but is also a fashion accessory. You want a ring that complements your fiancée’s style and personality. More importantly, a ring that will look great with a wedding band.Image Credit Pexels

Many men appreciate platinum wedding bands for their strength and lustrous appearance. You may consider exploring the wide range of platinum wedding bands for men to find the perfect match for your engagement ring.

Think about how the engagement ring and wedding band will look together. Will they be worn on the same finger? Do you want a matching set, or would you prefer a mix-and-match look?

Decide on a Carat Size

Carat size is the weight of a stone. The larger the carat, the more expensive the stone. If choosing diamonds, think of the “4Cs.” Carat, cut, color, and clarity all affect a diamond’s value.

The cut is more important than carat weight when it comes to the beauty of a diamond. A well-cut diamond will appear larger and sparkle than a diamond with a lower carat weight. The color and clarity of a diamond also affect its value.

Always Buy From a Reputable Jeweler

An engagement ring is a big purchase. Make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money. Always buy from a reputable jeweler who offers a warranty on their products. A good jeweler will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the ring.

They should also offer a warranty in case of problems. Understand their return policy before making your purchase. Most jewelers will give you 30 days to return the ring if you’re unhappy with it.

Get It Insured

Once you’ve found the perfect ring, it’s time to protect your investment. Get the ring insured in case it’s lost or stolen. Doing so gives you peace of mind knowing that you can replace the ring if something happens.

You’ll Be Happy With The Choice

Buying an engagement ring is a big decision. If you take your time and research, you’re sure to find a ring that your fiancée will love. Talk to experienced jewelers, look at various rings, and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on the perfect ring. You’ll be proud of your effort every time your fiancee flashes their ring in public or commends you for your good taste.

There is no doubt that a home makeover can be a daunting and expensive task, one that most of us are not ready to undertake lightly. However, there are ways in which you can easily refresh your space without breaking the bank.

4 Tips to Refresh Your Home

1. Start with a clean slate.

The first step to refreshing your home is to declutter and get rid of any unwanted or unused items. This will help you to start fresh and give you a blank canvas to work with.

2. Give your walls a new coat of paint.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home. It can brighten up a space and make it feel new again. If you’re not sure what color to choose, try something neutral like white or beige.

3. Update your window treatments.

New window treatments can also help to refresh your home. If your current ones are looking dated or worn, consider replacing them with something new. Curtains, blinds, and shutters are all great options.

4. Bring in some new furniture or accessories.

If you’re looking for a more drastic change, you may want to consider bringing in some new furniture or accessories. If you adore gothic and wiccan culture, the perfect way to make your home more you is to visit us at VibroHeaven where you can choose plenty of accessories.

Is there a certain time of year when it is best to refresh your home?

The best time of year to refresh your home will depend on a number of factors. For instance, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (e.g. very hot summers or very cold winters), it might be best to wait until the weather is more moderate before undertaking any major home improvement projects.

Another factor to consider is your personal schedule and that of your family members. If you have young children, it might be best to wait until they are older and can better understand and cooperate with the changes you want to make to your home. Similarly, if you or your spouse travel frequently for work, it might be best to wait until you have more time at home before embarking on any big projects.

Ultimately, the best time of year to refresh your home is whenever it works best for you and your family. Try to take into account all the factors that might affect your project, and plan accordingly.

What are the benefits of refreshing your home?

1. Making it feel like new again: A fresh coat of paint, new furniture, or updated decor can make your home feel brand new again.
2. Increasing its value: If you’re planning on selling your home, refreshing it can increase its value and help it sell faster.
3. Improving your mood: A beautiful and well-designed home can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
4. Creating a more comfortable environment: By updating your home, you can create a more comfortable and inviting environment for yourself and your family.

Add some life to your home by adding personal touches that make it feel more like you.

For some, it can be challenging to work from home. Some may be used to going out for work and be used to office life. If an individual finds themself working from home as theirown boss or for another company, they will find the following tips useful. Let’s take a look.

Separate The Workspace From The Personal Space

A great tip to consider when working from home is to separatethe workspace from the personal space, wherever possible. It depends on the space that is available, but even in a studio flat, there will have options to explore.

It is essential to separate the workspace from home, as this will help keep the mind focussed on work and avoid distractions. Likewise, when an employee finishes work for the day, it will be useful for them to then be able to relax without having to think about work.

Some ways to do this include purchasing a desk for the sole purpose of working from it. The desk can be placed in a corner and have this as the only place that is worked from. A worker can then leave this desk and relax when they go on a break from work.

Have The Right Tools

No one will be able to do the work that they are expected to do without the right tools to get the job done. At the very least, they may feel more limited with what they can do, lowering their potential. For this reason, a worker should ensure they have all the tools that are needed to work from home successfully.

For the most part, it may depend on what sort of job someone does. For example, if the business is focused onmanufacturing goods and selling them, then the business and the workers will need to ensure they have all the necessary equipment to do this. Likewise, if they’re planning to work in the tech industry, or need an office environment of some kind, then all workers will need a computer that is connected to the internet.

Depending on what the business is planning to do, there will be specific software that can be used to benefit the work. There will be software that is useful no matter what sort of industry the business is operating in. A worker can use online tools to help merge documents and files, which can help their work-based PC be more organised. It’s easy to find out how to merge PDF files online, as plenty of online guides explain the process. Truthfully, it’s quite simple to do, and workers willuse the tools to find out for themselves. A worker can experiment with some files and see how easy it is.

Take Regular Breaks

When working from home, it’s important that employees give themselves regular breaks. This will be much more important for workers working on a freelance scale. That’s because freelance workers may not have regulated breaks and may not have a superior telling them to go away for a short time to benefit their health.

It’s generally a good idea for workers to have a short 5-10 minutes break each hour. While this may seem counterproductive initially, workers will find that it can help boost their productivity and help recharge their batteries.

If a worker is working from home and they still have people they need to report to, they will need to ensure they are making them aware of breaks. Employees shouldn’t feel awkward doing this, as it is something that would happen in a physical office too. The better an employee looks after theirhealth, the better they will be able to work.

Get Outside When Possible

In a similar line of thinking, home-based workers should try to get outside more where they can. Working away from home helps ensure that workers are heading outside each day. Workers operating from home don’t have the same luxury.

To counteract this, workers should try to get out a bit each day where they can. There are many benefits to going outside, including improving daily mood. Spending more time outside, especially around green spaces, can help bring nature to someone’s life, which can boost physical and mental health.

If a worker has a house with a garden, they could look to get into gardening. When working from home, they can spend some time taking their breaks in the garden, and they can get fresh air this way too. This will be a great way to reduce any stress, and it will give workers the chance to just relax before returning to work.

There are many challenges to working from home, but for many, the benefits outweigh these challenges. Workers can follow the tips we discussed, and they should be able to work from home comfortably and to the standard they expect.

After a rather long hiatus, Tame Impala are back in the UK with a storming performance at All Points East where Kevin Parker and his crew effortlessly fused the heart and vibe of ’60s psychedelia with the visceral and ecstatic spirit of ’90s club culture to dazzle the sold-out crowd.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

Parker’s musical project’s fourth studio album ‘The Slow Rush’ was released back in February 2020 and this show was originally intended to promote this album, but thanks to Covid, this never materialised.

However, some things are most definitely worth waiting for.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

After a series of support acts which included one of House of Coco’s own picks for 2022 – Sipho, Ruti, Working Men’s Club, Goat, Dry Cleaning, Feet, Caribou and Caroline Polachek, it was time for the main event which saw the lights go down and an intriguing fake advert style video about a new drug which alters your perception of time.

The drug in question ‘Rushium’ is a reference to ‘The Slow Rush’ of course, but it really sets the tone of the evening.

‘The Slow Rush’ was one of my favourite albums of 2020 and it’s probably not prudent to admit that I played it hundreds of times on my bashed-up record player during lockdown.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

This gig was truly an intoxicating and hypnotic experience, from the impressive, psychedelic light show and the shimmering confetti to the trippy synths, hip-hop beats and fuzzy psychedelia that has evolved Tame Impala into the formidable music project that we know and love.

Parker’s genuine passion for being back in London was evident. He remarked:

“I can’t tell you how fucking long I’ve waited for this. I thought this day would never come.”

Us too.

With a barn-storming set list which included ‘The Less I Know the Better’, ‘It Might Be Better’, ‘Nangs’, ‘Apocalypse Dreams’, ‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards’, this was an exhilarating journey through Tame’s spectacular body of work.

There were several tracks from ‘The Slow Rush’ which included ‘One More Year’, ‘Borderline’ and ‘Lost in Yesterday. All of which provided a totally immersive yet still emotive experience to listening to the album on vinyl.

‘Elephant’ from 2012’s ‘Lonerism’ and the storming ‘Let It Happen’ from 2015’s ‘Currents’ were standouts of this intoxicating and mesmerising show which with its first-class production values demonstrated the transcendent and cosmic tour de force that Parker has become.

Tame Impala - Sharon Lopez
Tame Impala – Sharon Lopez

STK, the international contemporary steak restaurant famous for its vibe dining, killer cocktails and delicious American cuisine invited House of Coco down to their restaurant on The Strand to celebrate National Burger Day.

The moment you walk into the restaurant you are enveloped in the buzz and atmosphere, a large bar sits prominently across the restaurant floor, surrounded by round booths.The sleek décor is minimal and low-level violet neon lighting makes the place feel more like a nightclub than restaurant.With the resident DJ pumping out tunes it feels like a Saturday night, despite it being midweek.

As you would imagine, the menu focusses on serving the finest USDA prime beef, however there are other options including a raw bar, seafood, lamb and chicken dishes. As it was National Burger Day, I had to try their renowned Lil’ Brgs.These beef sliders are a great starter, mini patties of succulent USDA beef are drizzled in the house special sauce and encased in a pillow soft sesame bun.My date did that annoying ‘lets share starters’ and I begrudgingly had to hand over one of my Lil’ Brgs.We also shared a Sea Bass Ceviche served in Ponzu tiger milk with citrus tobiko and topped with a crispy tapioca cracker.Bursting with fresh flavours this was a great contrast to the rich juicy sliders.When it come to choosing a main course, I continued with the ‘when in Rome’ theme and after a recommendation from the waitress, opted for the Filet served medium and an indulgent side order of Mac and Cheese.The melt in your mouth beef was cooked to perfection.A little Chimichurri sauce on the side gave it just enough heat.Breaking the golden lid of the Mac and Cheese revealed a creamy pasta delight loaded with flavour and seasoning. When it comes to wine pairings the restaurant’s sommelier can recommend the perfect wine to accompany your dish. Our waitress was very knowledgeable when it came to the wine list and recommended a South African white and Argentinean Malbec, both were delicious.The portion sizes here are generous and I couldn’t even contemplate a pudding.For those who do save a little room then there’s a sweet selection to choose from.

STK is a brilliant first date venue and great for groups. Set in glamorous surroundings you get that A List experience.The service was first class, our waitress was attentive and discreet with the knack to appear whenever our wine glass was low.

With a sister restaurant in Westminster, STK is the ultimate destination to continue celebrating National Burger Day with menu highlights including:

Big USDA Burger & Fries. 180g beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce. Priced from £9.99.

Lil’ Brgs. USDA beef patty, special sauce, and sesame seed bun. Priced at £17.00. Also available during Happy Hour (Monday – Friday: 3pm – 6:30pm) for £5.00 along with Truffle Fries.