Latest news with #BolaSol
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Money expert urges party hosts to save cash by asking guests to bring one thing
With the Bank Holiday approaching, hosting doesn't have to drain your wallet, with thanks to this fun, money-saving twist on traditional gatherings that might just change how you entertain The Bank Holiday weekend is just around the corner and several people will be opening up their homes to host friends and family to make the most of the spring break. And while the idea is a noble one — it can also be an expensive one. Hosting people at your house can be a costly affair. There's food, drinks, décor, and entertainment to take care of and all of it comes at a price. But what if there was a way to be the host with the most, without emptying your pockets on the soirée? Enter: bring your own board parties. It's like 'bring your own booze', but exponentially more creative. Because at the end of the day, it's not necessary to spend all of your hard-earned money, just so you can impress the crowd. What's more? Experts agree. Bola Sol, resident money expert at Nationwide, says: 'Hosting is about connection. It's about creating space for joy. It's not about impressing people at your own expense. So this Bank Holiday, if you're opening up your home, remember this - you can lead with love without emptying your pockets; prep with intention; set expectations with confidence, and know that true connection doesn't come with a price tag.' Bring Your Own Board parties are rising in popularity, with more people wanting to contribute and help out so the host doesn't feel overwhelmed. The trend has even gripped social media, with videos of 'bring your own board night' going viral on multiple social media platforms. The concept is essentially a twist on the traditional potluck — except everything is served on trendy boards, trays or platters. Combining creativity and fun, guests are able to enjoy a diverse array of foods without the host having spent the entire day toiling over the stove. Endorsing the concept, Bola adds: 'A tip that's gaining popularity (and rightly so) is asking everyone to contribute. We're in the era of 'bring your own board' parties. Everyone brings something to the table, whether it's a cheese board, fruit platter or their signature dessert.' The money expert feels that most guests want to contribute but need some direction, as she adds: 'Not only does it make things easier for the host, it adds a little fun and creativity to the gathering. If boards aren't your thing, it's okay to simply ask people to bring drinks or an extra side dish. Most people want to contribute; they just need a little direction.' While the most popular kind of board is, of course, the charcuterie board, as a guest, there are several other creative directions you can take your board in. 9 creative BYOB ideas to try Sushi board: Sushi rolls, sashimi, pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce. Fruit board: Berries, grapes, pineapple, kiwi, apples, watermelon with feta cheese. Breakfast board: Pancakes, waffles, fruit, syrups. Dessert board: Cookies, chocolates, fruits, candies. Taco board: Tortillas, fillings like seasoned meats or beans, toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole. Vegan board: Plant-based dips, veggies, nuts, and crackers. Mediterranean mezze board: Hummus, pita bread, falafel, olives, tzatziki, grape leaves, and kebabs. Movie snack board: Popcorn, candy, pretzels, and drinks. Charcuterie board: Meats, cheeses, crackers, and olives.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mums are going all out when it comes to packing their hospital bag for birth
A new study has found that mums are increasingly going glam with their hospital bags - packing luxury pyjamas, cashmere socks, and pillow mists to get them through their labour Modern mums are stepping up their game when it comes to packing their hospital bags for childbirth, with luxury pyjamas, cashmere socks, and pillow mists making the cut. A survey of 1,000 women who've given birth in the past five years, along with 100 expectant mothers, revealed they've splashed out an average of £120 to create the perfect birthing suite ambiance. The contemporary maternity bag essentials now include Bluetooth speakers for a personalised birth playlist, a phone tripod for the inaugural family Instagram photo, and even under-eye masks. With an average of 12 meticulously selected items packed, some mums have gone as far as bringing in aromatherapy diffusers to maintain tranquillity during contractions. Bola Sol, a savings expert at Rakuten, which commissioned the study and has launched a limited time cashback offer of 10% for existing members and 20% for new customers at high-street retailer Boots, commented: "The findings reflect how important it is for many women to feel calm, in control and comfortable when giving birth." "Whether it's a soothing playlist, a favourite pair of pyjamas or a spritz of pillow mist, these thoughtful touches can help boost confidence and reduce stress – which is good for both mum and baby." The research also highlighted that mums invest significant time planning their bags – with 33% contemplating what to pack months in advance, and 28% starting to shop for items well ahead of time. Affordability plays a crucial role in deciding what goes into these hospital bags. Almost half actively compare prices, and a third make sure they use cashback to stretch their budgets further. Almost two out of five mums set themselves a budget for their bag. However, a third confessed to exceeding their budget in their quest to feel prepared for their hospital stay. Comfort (73%) and practicality (52%) topped the list of priorities, but for 24%, including a few luxury or self-care items was crucial. Over half (54%) sought advice from friends on what to pack, while 49% admitted being swayed by social media content. According to a study by OnePoll, 29% now view a high-end hospital bag as an integral part of their birthing experience. Bol added: "Mums today are balancing self-care with smart shopping. They're using cashback and tools to get the best value, while still making space for a little indulgence. "These bags are about more than comfort – they're about confidence, preparation and making the birth experience feel more personal."
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Modern mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags as they splash out £120 on luxury comfort
A premium hospital bag is now part of many expectant mothers' birthing experience POSH PREGGERS Modern mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags as they splash out £120 on luxury comfort MODERN mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags – packing luxury pyjamas, cashmere socks, and pillow mists to welcome their baby in style. A poll of 1,000 women who've given birth in the past five years, and 100 expecting mums, found they splashed out £120 curating the ultimate birthing suite vibe. Advertisement 2 Pregnant women splash out £120 on the ultimate birthing suite Credit: Getty Today's hospital bag must-haves include Bluetooth speakers for the birth playlist, a phone tripod for that first family Insta snap, and even under eye masks. With an average of 12 carefully chosen items packed, some mums have even lugged in aromatherapy diffusers to stay calm during contractions. Bola Sol, a savings expert for Rakuten, which commissioned the research, said: 'The findings reflect how important it is for many women to feel calm, in control and comfortable when giving birth. 'Whether it's a soothing playlist, a favourite pair of pyjamas or a spritz of pillow mist, these thoughtful touches can help boost confidence and reduce stress – which is good for both mum and baby.' Advertisement The research also found mums put considerable planning into their bags – with 33 per cent thinking about what to take months ahead, and 28 per cent beginning to shop for items well in advance. Affordability is a really important factor when choosing what goes into the hospital bag, with 44 per cent considering cost while packing, and 43 per cent actively comparing prices. And 35 per cent ensured they used cashback to make their budgets go further. Nearly two in five mums (38 per cent) set themselves a budget for their bag, but a third admitted they went over it in their efforts to feel ready for their stay in hospital. Advertisement Comfort (73 per cent) and practicality (52 per cent) were also top priorities, but for 24 per cent, including a few luxury or self-care items was key. More than half (54 per cent) turned to friends for advice, but 49 per cent said they were influenced by what they'd seen on social media. Overall, 29 per cent now consider a premium hospital bag an essential part of their birthing experience, according to the research carried out by OnePoll. Bola Sol from Rakuten, which has launched a limited time cashback offer of 10 per cent for existing members and 20 per cent for new customers at high-street retailer Boots, added: 'Mums today are balancing self-care with smart shopping. Advertisement 'They're using cashback and tools to get the best value, while still making space for a little indulgence. 'These bags are about more than comfort – they're about confidence, preparation and making the birth experience feel more personal.'
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Modern mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags as they splash out £120 on luxury comfort
MODERN mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags – packing luxury pyjamas, cashmere socks, and pillow mists to welcome their baby in style. A poll of 1,000 women who've given birth in the past five years, and 100 expecting mums, found they splashed out £120 curating the ultimate birthing suite vibe. 2 Today's hospital bag must-haves include Bluetooth speakers for the birth playlist, a phone tripod for that first family Insta snap, and even under eye masks. With an average of 12 carefully chosen items packed, some mums have even lugged in aromatherapy diffusers to stay calm during contractions. Bola Sol, a savings expert for Rakuten, which commissioned the research, said: 'The findings reflect how important it is for many women to feel calm, in control and comfortable when giving birth. 'Whether it's a soothing playlist, a favourite pair of pyjamas or a spritz of pillow mist, these thoughtful touches can help boost confidence and reduce stress – which is good for both mum and baby.' The research also found mums put considerable planning into their bags – with 33 per cent thinking about what to take months ahead, and 28 per cent beginning to shop for items well in advance. Affordability is a really important factor when choosing what goes into the hospital bag, with 44 per cent considering cost while packing, and 43 per cent actively comparing prices. And 35 per cent ensured they used cashback to make their budgets go further. Nearly two in five mums (38 per cent) set themselves a budget for their bag, but a third admitted they went over it in their efforts to feel ready for their stay in hospital. Comfort (73 per cent) and practicality (52 per cent) were also top priorities, but for 24 per cent, including a few luxury or self-care items was key. More than half (54 per cent) turned to friends for advice, but 49 per cent said they were influenced by what they'd seen on social media. Overall, 29 per cent now consider a premium hospital bag an essential part of their birthing experience, according to the research carried out by OnePoll. Bola Sol from Rakuten, which has launched a limited time cashback offer of 10 per cent for existing members and 20 per cent for new customers at high-street retailer Boots, added: 'Mums today are balancing self-care with smart shopping. 'They're using cashback and tools to get the best value, while still making space for a little indulgence. 'These bags are about more than comfort – they're about confidence, preparation and making the birth experience feel more personal.' 2
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Modern mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags as they splash out £120 on luxury comfort
MODERN mums are going glam with their pregnancy hospital bags – packing luxury pyjamas, cashmere socks, and pillow mists to welcome their baby in style. A poll of 1,000 women who've given birth in the past five years, and 100 expecting mums, found they splashed out £120 curating the ultimate birthing suite vibe. Advertisement 2 Pregnant women splash out £120 on the ultimate birthing suite Credit: Getty Today's hospital bag must-haves include Bluetooth speakers for the birth playlist, a phone tripod for that first family Insta snap, and even under eye masks. With an average of 12 carefully chosen items packed, some mums have even lugged in aromatherapy diffusers to stay calm during contractions. Bola Sol, a savings expert for 'Whether it's a soothing playlist, a favourite pair of pyjamas or a spritz of pillow mist, these thoughtful touches can help boost confidence and reduce stress – which is good for both mum and baby.' Advertisement read more on pregnancy The research also found mums put considerable planning into their bags – with 33 per cent thinking about what to take months ahead, and 28 per cent beginning to shop for items well in advance. Affordability is a really important factor when choosing what goes into the hospital bag, with 44 per cent considering cost while packing, and 43 per cent actively comparing prices. And 35 per cent ensured they used cashback to make their budgets go further. Nearly two in five mums (38 per cent) set themselves a budget for their bag, but a third admitted they went over it in their efforts to feel ready for their stay in hospital. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Comfort (73 per cent) and practicality (52 per cent) were also top priorities, but for 24 per cent, including a few luxury or self-care items was key. More than half (54 per cent) turned to friends for advice, but 49 per cent said they were influenced by what they'd seen on social media. Overall, 29 per cent now consider a premium hospital bag an essential part of their birthing experience, according to the research carried out by OnePoll. Bola Sol from Rakuten, which has launched a limited time cashback offer of 10 per cent for existing members and 20 per cent for new customers at high-street retailer Boots, added: 'Mums today are balancing self-care with smart shopping. Advertisement 'They're using cashback and tools to get the best value, while still making space for a little indulgence. 'These bags are about more than comfort – they're about confidence, preparation and making the birth experience feel more personal.' 2 Cashmere pyjamas were one of the items on the list Credit: SWNS
