UK - The Secret Garden Party

The Secret Garden Party is a magical colourful festival. 

       

This year the Cambridgeshire festival delivered across the board in all things childish. Even with the weather trying its best to dampen everyone's spirit it didn't succeed.

        

As we were working on the festival we saw the building and arranging from start to finish. Being surrounded by similar mind set people who just want to celebrate all things colourful, fun and festival it was a perfect atmosphere to kick off the weekend. 

      

Let’s not forget that this year’s festival theme was ‘Childish Things’ so the fancy dress was out in full force this year, from fairies to clowns to super Mario brothers. Anything your inner child could ever dream of, could have been found in the fields that weekend, and trust us your outer adult would have loved it too. 

      

We loved wandering around for the whole weekend, finding new and exciting hidden gems which is what SGP is all about. From the stalls selling beautiful garments or food stands offering all ranges of cuisine, to the secret bars hidden in the woods, there is always something to keep you entertained. 

       

                                                        (Don't follow the green fairy) 

We knew of a couple of the bands playing this year but really we had no idea who most people were which gave us a fantastic opportunity on our travels around the festival to educate ourselves on some of the worlds latest musical talent.

      

One of our favourite meals whilst we were there was by a little stand called BangWok Thai. Being Pad Thai lovers this place took us straight back to the streets of Bangkok. Traditional in flavour and served by such wonderful down to earth staff, we had a good chin wag and were able to share travelling stories whilst waiting for our food. They are mainly based in Leeds but are hitting some more festivals this year so keep your eyes peeled for this little beauty. Honestly the best Pad Thai we have had since being back in the UK.

Our favourite tent was the Rhumba Rum Bar, here you can have a right old knees up. We stumbled across one of Beardy's mates who is in a ska five piece band called Imperial Leisure. These guys were incredible and got a tent-load of fellow early starters engrossed in a little reggae, afro beats and ska. The evening in this tent ended up with people skanking and going mad for the huge inflatable pool filled with beach balls above our heads throwing them back and forth.

      

With arty creativity running through every heartbeat working on the festival, it’s hard to find a  comparable experience or fault with this colour fest. When the rain finally stopped and the glitter began to settle on the Sunday, it was obvious to everyone who was fortunate to be at The Secret Garden Party 2015, that they had been to one of the best festivals around.

Here are a few of our photos we took over the 4 days, enjoy, stay colourful and stay childish.    

      

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

      

     

      

      

      

      

       

       

       

       

       

       

Top Tips

▪️The next Secret Garden Party is on 21st - 24th July 2016! 

▪️Be sure to grab a programme for free at the info tent so you don't miss any events or bands over the course of the weekend.

▪️Check out our UK - Festival Essentials Blog so you know what to take 

UK - Our Festival Essentials

We are Back!! Perhaps a little muddier and wetter than we had anticipated, but the rubbish weather hasn't stopped us from having the most amazing couple of weeks.

      

We have so many things to share with you over the next few blogs...But for now, let's talk Festival Must Haves!

You want to make your trip as light as possible, as you guys may or may not know, the car park is very rarely near the campsite (unless you rock up insanely early or have the luck of the festival fairies on your side like we did) so you don't want to be carrying unnecessary items on your trek. 

So here is our easy to follow guide to festival life.

As we have been working on the awesome, magical festival that is Secret Garden Party, this year we decided to skip out on the tent side of things, as we were guaranteed a decent parking space and have a car which pretty much doubles up as a bed in the back.
However...

A Tent
A Sleeping bag
A Travel pillow 

...is pretty much all you will need on the sleeping front. We wouldn't go over the top with a huge tent or the luxuries of inflatable matresses as they are heavy and usually deflate. Let's face it guys, if you are spending a lot of time in your tent you are doing it all wrong. 

Now at some point, due to the wonderful British Summer, there will be rain, unless you are extremely lucky...which we weren't, so these were a must...

Waterproof Jacket

You can now not only get some fashionable but also affordable waterproofs, so go on the hunt. The high street have some crazy colourful pieces out at the moment, along with the traditional black and khaki green, so get waterproofing in style. However if you want to be thrifty a trusty bin bag creation is always a winner. 

Footwear

This over everything should be practical and comfortable! Beardy is a fan of an old pair of converse or boots.

      

Suze attempted to brave the mud wrestling ring with flip flops (it was forecast to be sunny in her defence and it was right up until the festival) but Mother Nature struck her down in a muddy mess.

      

So we had to buy an overpriced pair of wellies! £20!!!! So take spares! 

      

Clothing 

Basic clothes and/or fancy dress. You only need a small amount of clothes guys! There is honestly no need to go over the top! Just make sure you have spares in case of the dreaded rain. 

We were very easy going on this front, obviously underwear and socks were included in these.

Beardy                               

1 pair of jeans (SuperDry) 

3 t-shirts (SuperDry/TopMan/Asos) 

2 pairs of shorts (Asos) 

2 jumpers (Festival/Fenchurch)

1 hat (Beardo) 

1 Rain Mac (Calvin Klein)

       

Suze 

1 pair of jeans (TopShop)

2 vest tops (Asos) 

1 t-shirt (Asos) 

1 pair of leggings (New Look) 

2 jumpers (Asos/Festival) 

2 hats (TopShop/Beardo) 

1 Rain Mac (Trespass)

      

Now SGP is all about having fun and being colourful, so if you want to whip out some fancy dress, then hells yeah go for it! 

      

If you don't have anything to hand, never fear, The Secret Emporium is here! This is one of Suze's favourite tents as its full of dressing up clothes and glitter! 

     

An all time favourite is a company called 'In Your Dreams'. These guys sell the most beautiful pieces from temporary tattoos to hair chalk to bindi cluster. 

      

From their humble beginnings on the UK festival scene as intricate body and face painters, they soon evolved and are now adding sequins, gold leaf, bindis, gems and glitter to every face and body they can! So take some extra cash and get creative people! www.inyour-dreams.com

Toiletries (so you can attempt to keep yourself a little clean...good luck) 

Baby Wipes

Ideal for not only removing the days grub off your face but also handy for a quick 'tent wash'..you know what we mean. 

Hand Sanitiser 

This stuff is a must! Honestly once you have witnessed a festival portaloo you will understand 

Loo Roll

Again, 1 word...portaloo

Dry Shampoo

4 days with no shower dry shampoo is your new best friend. We use Batiste, it only stops you looking like a greasy mess, but it's also great to style and hold those classic festival styles. 

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Keep those nashers pearly white and minty fresh. 

Moisturiser

Instead of carrying our lovely huge jar of coconut oil we took one of Nivea's travel size hydrating soft moisturisers. Perfect after a long day and really refreshing in the morning! 

Make Up (for Suze) 

Keep it simple, bb cream, waterproof mascara, urban decay naked basic eye pallet and a good lipstick (Rimmel Kate Nudes were perfect), can't go wrong, especially if you are going to go nutty with the glitter. 

       

Tangleteezer

Trying to keep your hair looking half decent at a festival is difficult at the best of times, so pop one of these in your bag and you'll be set whatever the weather. 

Sun Lotion 

Hopefully if the sun decides to make an appearance. 

Travel Towel

If it rains this will be your go to item upon return to your tent! 

Cameras & Spare Batteries 

Being photography people we are never too far away from our cameras. We took our Nikon D5300 and our GoPro Hero4 with selfie stick which were perfect. Don't forget to take spare, fully charged batteries with you as there are plenty of snaps to be had. 

      

Phone 

Technology is a must. However...try and live without your phones for most of the weekend. This will give you the opportunity to not only enjoy yourself but also to get as many photos as possible. Do all your Instagramming and Facebooking when you are back. Trust us you'll enjoy the festival more, plus it will save you having to spend money charging it constantly.  

Money! 

Now this is needed not only so you can try all the tasty food but also if you try and get it out at the festival you will be charged a crazy amount to withdraw. But be warned! Keep it safe! Keep it in small amounts in lots of different places, so if some does go missing you've got a back up.

Top Tips

▪️Be Safe. Festivals are so much fun and we would recommend them to anyone, but guys please be safe. If you want to drink and or do anything a little bit naughtier please do so responsibly and know your limits. Ending up in an ambulance is never fun. 

▪️Don't keep valuables in your tent! This may sound odd but make your tent a little messy. This means if some cheeky so and so does decide to snoop you won't lose anything.

▪️We had the chance to work on this awesome festival. If this is something that appeals to you then head to the events Website and find the Volunteer button. Granted you won't get paid but you will be able to go the festival at the end of it. Win win! 

UK - Festival Bound

As you guys know we are hitting some festivals this year. 

We have actually been given the opportunity to work on The Secret Garden Party!!! 

As internet is near enough nonexististant in the middle of a field our next post will be up on Monday 27th July! 

We are so excited to be working on such an awesome festival and we will be sure to get as many stories and as many pictures as possible. 

As and when we have the chance to gain access to the internet we will try our hardest to keep you in the loop on our Instagramas @suzeandthebeard & @beardyandsuze 

Sorry for the delay guys but we do have blogs waiting in the wings so please bare with us. 

And in all honesty you won't want to miss out on these festival posts. 

Much love 

Suze and the Beard x 

UK - London South Bank Walk

You may be thinking, well that's a bit vague, where abouts on South Bank? 

      

Honestly, anywhere along here is great for a day out, as there is so much to see and do. 

We always get off at London Bridge tube station and end up walking to Westminster which is completely on the other side of the Thames. 

Walking down here you can get great river views of all the local iconic architectural structures, which we love. These include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's and Shakespeare Globe theatre. 

     

On a beautiful summers day (stop the giggling we do sometimes have nice weather) this is the perfect place to head to. 

Here are a few of our favourite places. 

The Tate Modern

Now for all you arty types out there this is a fantastic place to be. For starters it's free! Obviously they have some exhibitions that you have to pay for, however if you just fancy a really peaceful wander around this huge, yet inspirational, place then no money has to be spent. 

The building from the outside looks like it's former self, a power station, but inside contains some of the most controversial and breathing artwork that's around today. 

The Tate has been known to showcase pieces from such artists like Damien Hirst. 

His 'The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living' drew in huge crowds from all over the country back in 2012. 

If you are into you colours and 'out there' pieces, or just fancy a 'Ferris Bueller' moment (all you classic film goers will know what we are on about), then this is the place for you. 

Opening

10:00 - 18:00

       

The London Eye 

Standing at an impressive 135 metres high, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s largest observation wheel. It became a staple to the London skyline back in 2000 and has been attracting tourists ever since. It's an impressive site to see when standing at the bottom, but once you hop on to one of the little viewing pods, the sites you see of London are just incredible. Say 'hell yeah' to being a tourist for the day and give it a whirl. 

Prices

Standard ticket £19.35 

Fast track £28.35

Flexi fast track (anytime during the day) £32.45

Opening times 

10.00 - 21.30 

And for all you night owls out there, here is some exciting news. 

Each Friday in (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st) the opening times change to 10.00 - 23.30!! Woop! 

London at night is just beautiful so well worth taking full advantage of those extra hours. 

      

Sea life Aquarium 

This place is just awesome! 

Situated right by the London Eye this fishy wonderland is a great way to spend an afternoon. 

From the Shark walk to Ray lagoon there will be something for everyone. 

The guys at the aquarium also do a variety of talks and feedings so we can learn more and get even closer to our scaly friends. 

Prices 

Adult £23.50 

Child (3-15) £16.95 

Child (under 3) free 

However if you book in advance on their website (has to be over 24 hours in advance) the prices reduce by nearly 15%, so well worth getting getting on the old tinternet. 

Opening 

10:00 - 19:00 (last entry is at 18:00)

School Holiday Opening Times
09.00-20.00 (last entry 19.00)

       

To make your walk even more fun there are a variety of live artists in designated 'performing circles'. 

These spaces give talented and artistic individuals or groups the opportunity to perform to the busy crowds of London. 

These acts can vary from singers, to musicians to dance groups. It's a fantastic way to give great local acts a platform to show off what they can do.

       

                            (Emily Lee - she is amazing if you happen to catch her live) 

By this time you will be hungry! We recommend taking full advantage of the pop up food bars along the Thames.

You can get everything here! All quirky and delicious handmade products normally with a fusion twist. 

Back when we were on one of our first dates, we grabbed some Mexican food off one of these pop ups. That's right treating Suze to some fine dining. It was delicious. 

We actually saw the Queen sailing on by in her boat which was impressive whilst chowing down on spicy burrito...she didn't wave back. 

      

Enjoy guys!!! 

Top Tips

▪️Go online for your tickets! They do 'bundles' so you can see a mixture of attractions at a discounted rate!! One includes the London Eye and Aquarium for £40! Bargain! 

▪️ Wear sensible shoes! It may not seem like a walk but trust us, your feet will thank you for the comfy footwear. 

▪️Take your time. We are honestly still finding new places along with brilliant walk. So give yourself a full day to explore and grab some fantastic photos. 

 

Remedies on the Road

This little brown bottle is full (well half full) of the most wonderful and incredible discovery of our trip...Coconut Oil! 

       

Ever since being recommended coconut oil, by a local for that dreaded sunburn back in Cambodia, this versatile product has now become something we can't live without! 

Coconut oil can be used for so many different things, here are just a few reasons why we love it  and why we made it a solid part of our lifestyle and routine: 

Sun Burn 

Apply a thin layer to the effected area and let it sink in. Coconut oil soothes the burn, calms the redness and keeps the skin hydrated. Obviously during this time keep sipping water, and keep out of direct sun. We promise you in a matter of minutes your skin will feel instantly soothed and hydrated.

Moisturiser for Dry Skin 

We both suffer from dry skin. By using a small amount of coconut oil every morning and evening, it has made a dramatic difference to our skin. You might be thinking eww oil on your face, but trust us it's amazing. It feels strange at first as it's obviously an oily consistency, however let it sink in, let it work its magic and you will see the benefits almost instantly. Leaving it over night also help with clearing up any blemishes. Yay!

     

      

Makeup Remover 

Now this only applies to Suze. By massaging a small amount over the face, concentrating on the eyes, work the product in then wipe off with a wet warm muslin cloth. This miracle removes even the toughest of waterproof mascaras (which as we know girls is a must for any traveller) 

Cooking 

The obvious reason for oil! 

It's brilliant if you are wanting to cut down the calories as coconut oil is a healthier substitute for butter or olive oil. 

It also adds a beautiful subtle hint of coconut to any meal. We think it works brilliantly with chicken fajitas and homemade guacamole (post to follow soon) 

Hair Mask 

As you guys know, Suze has been trying to grow her hair for a while now. By adding coconut oil to her already hair growing routine with charcoal shampoo and conditioner, has made a huge difference. 

It also makes for a great beard oil which prevents itchiness and keeps your facial hair under control.. Obviously for beardy. 

     

By adding a handful to your roots, combing it through right to the ends, leaving over night then rinsing the next morning, your hair will feel and look soft and hydrated. 

You will unfortunately go to bed looking very umm greasy and slick but it'll be worth it for luscious locks.

Eczema (mixed with Tiger balm Red) 

Suze, like so many people, suffers from eczema. Mixing a small amount of coconut oil with the red tiger balm has proven to be quite the miracle worker. 

It not only soothes but also clears up any redness and stops the dreaded itchiness. 

Hey, if you've tried everything the doctor has to offer and they haven't worked, trust us this is worth a shot. 

This product has made such a difference to both of us. 

It's now very much a lifetime staple in both our routines. 

Plus if you are going to places like Thailand it's so so so cheap!! So stock up! 

It's a little pricier here, in the UK, but it's well worth those extra pennies to reap the rewards of using this incredible natural product.

     

Top Tips

▪️There are a lot of organic nature shops around, so keep an eye out, as you can grab coconut oil on the cheap in large amounts in Thailand.

▪️Tiger balm is produced in Thailand so the cost is so cheap compared to the UK. Plus you can buy it in bulk in red or white form. 

▪️If you are stocking up, be aware of limits on customs laws...just a warning!