Beard Lust – New Beard Oil by Dr Squatch

If you’ve got a beard, know someone who has, or you’re growing one—you know it takes more than just letting it do its thing. A good beard oil is essential for keeping your facial hair soft, healthy, and looking its best. Think of it like hair oil, but designed specifically for your beard—taming frizz, adding nourishment, and keeping rough ends in check.

No matter your style—short stubble, a sleek moustache, or a full-on rugged beard—beard oil is the secret to keeping it smooth and manageable.

Personal care brand Dr. Squatch has just introduced two brand-new beard oils to their lineup:

 Sandalwood Bourbon Beard Oil – A rich, refined blend with notes of aged whiskey, oak moss, and leather-bound books. Smooth, sophisticated, and guaranteed to quench your beard’s thirst.

 Crushed Pine Beard Oil – A fresh, woodsy scent that’s both bold and invigorating. Think crisp mountain air, Christmas morning, and a splash of freshly squeezed OJ.

Growing a beard takes patience, and the right products make all the difference. A quality beard oil helps condition coarse hair, keeps flyaways under control, and hydrates the skin beneath—so no more dry flakes, just a softer, healthier beard.

You’ve booked the trip-now get the gear! – Gandys International

Gandys International has you covered for all your 2025 travel needs. Whether you’re looking for spacious overnight bags, warm padded jackets or snug beanies, Gandys have all the gear for your upcoming adventure – no matter the weather. Inspired by travel and the outdoors, Gandys lifestyle collections include outerwear and layering apparel, backpacks, bags and leather goods and accessories all designed for every type of adventure and exploring without limits.

Gandys bags combine style, durability, and purpose, making them perfect for city streets or rugged trails. Each bag embodies the spirit of adventure and supports a good cause. Equip yourself and make a difference.

Gandys isn’t just about apparel—it’s about giving back. Every purchase helps support the Gandys Foundation, dedicated to funding educational projects around the world. This collection continues our commitment to supporting communities in need. Overwhelmed by the support of local people after they were orphaned by the 2004 tsunami, the founders built a brand focused on giving back. At Gandys, they donate 10% of every order to fund our education projects around the world. We collaborate with arassroots charities based in Sri Lanka. Malawi. Monaolia. Indonesia. Nepal. Brazil. Ghana and Guatemala to provide disadvantaged children with the educational support they need to get a better start in life. Their crafted products are a force for change and are designed to inspire adventure. Made to see the world.

Designed to keep you cozy and stylish in the colder months while supporting a mission that makes a difference worldwide. This collection from Gandys includes thoughtfully crafted outerwear, layering pieces, and accessories inspired by travel and adventure. 

Inspired by travel Gandys meticulously designed products including the sturdy bags which are crafted for longevity and  are designed to be cherished and reused for generations. Gandys waxed cotton backpacks are manufactured with 100% organic cotton with the water resistant cotton coating and are loaded with secure pockets. Each backpack is finished.with lovely antique brass and leather trim. Accessories such as the Delhi Passport Holder and the Shimla Trave Wallet combine the feel of quality leather with peace of mind that keeps your stuff safe and sound in one place

So whether you’re hitting the city streets or heading out on a rugged trek, Gandys combine style, durability, and purpose. Each Gandys bag is designed with the spirit of adventure in mind, wherever you go. Founded to honour a legacy of resilience and giving back.

How to ensure this is your last Valentine’s Day as a singleton

Words by Christopher Paul Jones, author of ‘Face your Fears’

Here we go again. With mushy cards and bunches of flowers taking over the shops, being part of a couple is being celebrated. However, for some of us, Valentine’s is the time of the year where we’d really rather just hide under the duvet.

Of course, sometimes, it is just a bad case of timing. But there can actually be something going on subconsciously that almost forces us to destroy a relationship, so that we find ourselves cyclically single.

If you find yourself single again this Valentine’s Day, it might be time to ask yourself whether fear is the reason that you are single.

Fear can play a BIG part in a relationship think about it…Fear of commitment, fear of your partner cheating, fear of losing someone that you care about... And we usually learn to fear something because of how it felt when we first went through it.

However, let’s take this one step further.  I know this might sound a bit silly at first. But, from a psychological perspective, I see many clients, who are actually being kept single because of their reaction to fear.  Yes, it’s their reactionto fear, rather than the fear itself that destroys their relationships.


A reaction to fear? Keeping you single?

Did you know that, generally, when faced with something that we fear in our relationship, we, as humans, will turn to one of three reactions.  I’m talking about fight, flight or freeze mode. Or, in psychological terms, it is what we refer to as the reptilian mindset. In other words, it is a primeval reaction that happens because of our subconscious.

Usually, when we are little, something happens to us, something not pleasant, and our brain reacts by going into fight, flight or freeze mode. Now, the first time that this happens, we aren’t even aware of it. But our subconscious mind decides to repeat this, every time that we are presented with what it sees as danger.

So, for some of us, when presented with something that our mind perceives as negative, our subconscious then provokes this reaction – and it is this reaction that could be the culprit for keeping us single.

Let me explain this a little more here – meet Mike. Mike is 30, and lives in the city. Mike is looking for love, but keeps ending up single. What happens is that every time Mike is faced with a woman’s emotions, Mike reacts to his fear, and starts to become kind of angry… Mike automatically goes into fight mode, and as much as he thinks that this is being passionate… for Mike’s partners, they often see him as aggressive.

Mike, doesn’t fully understand why he becomes so angry. He looks to blame his partner. But what’s really going on is that Mike actually fears something… and his mind simply reacts to it. And Mike keeps on repeating this pattern, over and over and over.

Now, imagine how much easier life could be for Mike if he could just understand this mindset. Not only would he be able to change and control his reaction, but he would also be able to understand his fear. This would mean better communication with his partner... And possibly a long term relationship!

And it’s not just one party’s lack of understanding of this pattern that can cause confusion in a relationship. Maybe you have found yourself being on the receiving end, of someone when they go into fight, flight or freeze mode?

Perhaps you know all too well, what it feels like to be with someone who reacts through fleeing (flight mode). The person who leaves after an argument, and never picks up their phone again.

Or maybe you have dated the freeze kind of guy or girl, who just clams up when under pressure, and seems to just sit... And stay there. This can come across as uncaring. Yet what is going on in the inside, can be a totally different story.

By working out your own reaction, when faced with fear in a relationship, whether it be fear of commitment, or fear of losing someone, you put yourself back in the driver’s seat. You are able to a) dig deep and face yourself, and b) communicate with your partner.

Sometimes, all it takes is working on your fear with a therapist, maybe, and a conversation with your partner, and once you understand what’s been going wrong here, you are able to see things a lot clearer.

One thing’s for sure – fight, flight or freeze – whichever reaction suits you best, in some ways, it’s actually natural. So, figure out where you fit, and then look at evolving past that. You owe it to yourself, and your future partner, to stop letting fear get the better of you.

A sure fire hit for a Romantic gift – LÖF Jewellery


With Valentine’s Day, literally, just around the corner, the thought of what to buy a loved one is always a perplexing conundrum. The sustainable fine jewellery brand, LÖF, may very well be the answer to this enigma . LŌF,
creates bold, architectural fine jewellery that makes an impact.

Founded by Morgan Mackintosh whose love of Art Deco and modernist architecture shapes every piece, LÖF draws inspiration from the bold symmetry of 1920s design and the pure forms of architectural landmarks. These influences are reimagined through a contemporary lens, creating jewellery that honours the past while defining the future. 

Their distinctive pieces merge striking design with conscious luxury—crafted from recycled 18k gold, lab-grown stones from solar-powered facilities, and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. 

Each creation balances strong geometric forms with refined details, where clean lines meet unexpected elements. This is jewellery that commands attention—designs that demand dialogue.

The World’s Most Romantic Places—According to TikTok and Google Searches

Forget Paris! Research from TikTok and Google reveals that modern couples are looking beyond traditional destinations when planning their romantic getaways. Dating expert Jesper JensenfromExperts En Amour has analyzed search trends to unveil the most romantic, yet underrated, places around the world. This data, gathered from millions of TikTok videos and Google searches, highlights the destinations that are capturing the hearts of couples in 2024.

According to TikTok hashtags for #RomanticGetaways and Google search trends, these hidden gems are gaining popularity among adventurous couples looking for a unique romantic escape:

Lake Bled, Slovenia

With over 52 million views on TikTok and averaging 28,000 monthly Google searches, Lake Bled has become a trending romantic hotspot. Surrounded by a backdrop of majestic mountains and a picturesque island with a charming church, couples are drawn to its serene atmosphere. Whether taking a boat to the island or hiking up to Bled Castle for panoramic views, Lake Bled offers an intimate escape for lovebirds.

Hallstatt, Austria

Known as the “Instagram fairytale,” Hallstatt boasts 31 million views on TikTok and around 22,000 monthly Google searches for romantic winter getaways. Couples have been flocking here to enjoy cozy boat rides, explore quaint streets, and indulge in romantic Austrian cuisine. This destination provides the ultimate romantic vibe away from mainstream tourist spots.

Big Sur, California

Big Sur has amassed 45 million views on TikTok, with an average of 19,000 Google searches per month for romantic road trips. This rugged stretch of California’s coastline is perfect for couples who crave dramatic landscapes, secluded beaches, and breathtaking ocean views. Its natural beauty makes it a perfect escape for romance seekers.

Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa has surged in popularity, with over 12 million TikTok views and 15,000 monthly Google searches for romantic getaways in Asia. Known for its mist-covered mountains and traditional rice terraces, couples can enjoy peaceful trekking, cozy eco-lodges, and a serene rural escape in Vietnam’s north.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye has exploded on TikTok, gathering 36 million views, and has gained 17,000 Google searches a month for romantic destinations. This Scottish gem, with its rugged cliffs, romantic castles, and ethereal landscapes, is perfect for couples who want to escape into the wild beauty of nature.

Alentejo, Portugal

The quiet Alentejo region is on the rise, with 9 million TikTok views and an impressive 12,000 Google searches a month. Far from the crowded beaches of the Algarve, Alentejo’s rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and stunning coastline are attracting couples who seek peace and privacy for their romantic retreat.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai has gathered over 40 million views on TikTok and averages 14,000 monthly Google searchesfor romantic Hawaiian escapes. Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai’s lush rainforests, waterfalls, and hidden beaches offer couples a more intimate and serene Hawaiian experience, away from the crowds of the bigger islands.

Annecy, France

While Paris may be the usual go-to in France, Annecy is experiencing a surge in popularity, boasting 11 million TikTok views and 13,000 Google searches per month for romantic destinations in France. Nestled beside a crystal-clear lake and surrounded by the French Alps, Annecy charms couples with its fairy-tale vibe, quaint canals, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway without the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Additional imagery

Peter Bucks

Michael Vrba

Bradley Lembach

Kimia

Johnny Briggs

Gina Spinelli

Kaitlin Kelly

Kyle Evans