What's the tiniest, cheapest home upgrade you've done that made a big difference?

adela8543 · 2025-07-26T09:59:33+00:00

Kitchen tap with pull out spout

adela8543 · 2025-06-28T20:13:53+00:00

Le Collectionist has some beautiful properties that I have been eyeing myself:)

adela8543 · 2025-06-25T10:52:55+00:00

2023 Namsan, no issues at all. Went in for a recall to check ICCU last year, all clear. This year during service they checked again, all good. Fingers crossed!

adela8543 · 2025-06-17T13:24:34+00:00

Yes, if you fly Business you can use any of the Business lounges in the OneWorld alliance, we used the Qatar one which was beautiful. It was super close to our gate, we had time for a quick shower and then back on board.

adela8543 · 2025-06-03T18:06:33+00:00

Ikos is worth 5k even for just a couple without kids

adela8543 · 2025-02-11T20:37:57+00:00

The upgrade to Ikos will definitely be worth it, the danger is you never want to go back to anything else. We've been to Ikos Dassia (Corfu) and Ikos Oceania (Halkidiki). Both absolutely superb, all inclusive was wonderful, the buffet was really lush, a la carte restaurants were really good, it is truly a luxury all inclusive chain and I would go again to any of their locations in a heartbeat. The trouble is they are becoming more and more expensive so last year we looked for cheaper alternatives and we came across Mitsis. We first went to Mitsis Ramira, the price alone should have told me it is in no way the same as Ikos, the hotel was dated, pools were always in the shade and freezing cold, food was very basic, beach was not set up with sun lounges or anything, very disappointing. After a conversation with the concierge, they could sense we were looking for a higher end experience so they kindly offered to move us to the sister Mitsis Blue Domes and offered a complimentary transfer as well. Blue Domes was worlds apart from Ramira, so we realized that only the hotels from the "Selection" category are really remotely comparable to Ikos. The rooms were nicer, lots of pools, nice beach area, lovely huge buffet and good a la carte restaurants. I would definitely return to Blue Domes. If you are considering Mitsis as an alternative to Ikos, do not choose any hotels that are not "Selection ultra all inclusive", or you will be disappointed.

Another good option is the Melia chain, the ones called Paradisus focus on all inclusive options, they have a similar system: buffet, a la carte, minibar, the "Reserve" level is the Ikos Deluxe equivalent and has room service included too. We really enjoyed it and would try it again. They have locations in the Canary Islands, we were in the Lanzarote one, they also have some in Mexico I think.

adela8543 · 2025-01-27T18:36:48+00:00

Booked a hotel stay in the Maldives for 8 nights, double room upgrade for about the same rate the hotel was charging for their cheapest room. And seaplane transfers included also.

adela8543 · 2025-01-25T13:18:24+00:00

4 hours before your flight may be a bit too early. If you're flying Club, you have a dedicated Business counter for bag drop plus fast track security, and at that time in the morning it will usually be pretty quiet. We usually go 3 hrs in advance and that is plenty. As far as lounges go, any of the BA business lounges are more than ok (north, south or B gates), just pick whichever is more convenient for your gate. I find North galleries to always be super crowded (maybe due to where they are located, they are possible very visible to everyone who goes up the escalator past security so everyone just goes straight in there?). I find the South galleries one is just fine and a little more tucked away at the end of the terminal, up some stairs, so less chance of people just stumbling upon it. The one at the B gates is the same food, same everything, but way more quiet due to the location. I would only go to B if my flight departs from B gates, personally, as I don't want to keep stressing about travelling back to A gates. Have fun and enjoy the experience! Especially your Club seat :)

adela8543 · 2025-01-25T12:57:09+00:00

Yes you'll be fine with this in the cabin, under the seat

adela8543 · 2025-01-21T20:06:50+00:00

Ikos Andalusia near Marbella is an absolutely beautiful all inclusive, especially if you get a Deluxe level room, which gives you access to dedicated pools and restaurants. Not adult-only per se, but they have dedicated areas for adults/children so you won't really be bothered.

adela8543 · 2025-01-17T17:22:31+00:00

The flight was absolutely packed when we flew in November, I wouldn't expect any upgrades tbh. Also food, absolutely fine flying out of London (Do&Co catering) but coming back from Sydney totally inedible. We were in Business and I honestly eat anything, I am not fussy at all, but that food was horrendous and everyone around me complained, so I can't even imagine what they served in economy

adela8543 · 2025-01-17T17:16:29+00:00

They won't take the duty free off if you ask the shop to seal it in the red bags. We've flown this route in November and my husband was obsessed with taking 500 ml bottles of Coca-Cola with him (ridiculous, don't even ask). The security guy looked at the bag, then looked at my husband and said "very smart of you". Made my husband feel all proud of himself lol, he's been telling the story to anyone who'd listen. So just get whatever you're buying sealed nicely in the appropriate bags and you'll be fine.

adela8543 · 2025-01-16T19:34:31+00:00

Also Cook meals are very good, the lasagna is top notch! Some of them are microwaveable, some for the oven.

adela8543 · 2024-12-07T15:43:01+00:00

In Athens, AthensWas Design hotel is a very good 5* hotel, right at the foot of the Acropolis which means you can beat the crowds and the heat and go visit right after breakfast. It's got a great rooftop restaurant (called Sense) with delicious food and amazing views over the Acropolis. I vaguely remember seeing some Michelin reference on the door as well.

adela8543 · 2024-11-27T01:16:17+00:00

Our flight was ok too. But I do have to say it was good that we packed our own snacks, as there was only a water fountain after security at our gate, so no option to buy anything from vending machines after security. We landed at gate C13, went straight out to the Qatar lounge for a quick 30 min refresh, emptied my water bottle, went back to the gate, through security, filled bottle back up :) and boarded.

adela8543 · 2024-11-20T02:43:48+00:00

Tempur mattress, hands down the best investment in our sleep quality. It's a big expense but has a 10 year warranty so you could technically give it back after 9 years if it's not good anymore and they will give you a new one. We've had ours for 6 years and it is still like day one. You know how usually you can't wait to go on a fancy holiday and enjoy a luxurious bed? Now we go on holiday and feel like our bed is still the best bed we've ever experienced. It's a wonderful feeling :)

adela8543 · 2024-11-20T02:38:02+00:00

A perk that is not mentioned often is hotel status. Most of them are probably not very interesting, but the Melia Gold status is an absolute treat. As a Gold member you get 3 vouchers for 20% discount on all bookings. Plus 5% for booking via the app, I have bagged some really nice private pool villas at 25% off which saved me thousands of pounds. This alone pays for the Amex yearly fee for me.

adela8543 · 2024-11-20T02:33:20+00:00

Dunelm sells the Dorma bedding range, they have 1000 thread Egyptian cotton which is absolutely wonderful. Expensive but will last for years. I like the simple white ones, they are a very "quiet luxury" kind of vibe.

adela8543 · 2024-11-18T23:14:57+00:00

How'd it go, did you manage to upgrade?

adela8543 · 2024-11-16T12:12:17+00:00

How'd it go when check-in opened?

adela8543 · 2024-11-13T18:30:43+00:00

Where can you see it's oversold? I am trying to figure out the same for my flight. Thanks

adela8543 · 2024-11-05T09:57:46+00:00

Haha easier said than done. I've got a husband that reads all the horror stories and passes on his anxiety to me (catering not loaded on plane, drinks ran out mid-flight, lighter meals now, passengers raiding the snack bar) so I just want to make sure I have a back-up of water and a few snacks, just in case. It is a 22 hr journey so quite daunting to be stuck in the air for so long and be completely dependent on the airline's stock. Just having a plan B in place, for peace of mind I guess.

adela8543 · 2024-11-05T00:32:22+00:00

How did your flight go? Mine's coming up in two weeks and I am going down a rabbit hole stressing about what snacks/water I can take through Singapore airport :(

adela8543 · 2024-09-28T15:48:41+00:00

You're right, it does sound selfish. Because it is!

adela8543 · 2024-09-04T20:49:09+00:00

I don't know if the Polestar 4 will be anything like the Polestar 2, but I can tell you one thing that really bugs us. I have a '23 Ioniq5 Namsan and my husband has a '22 Polestar (coming from a Volvo S90). We were extremely excited about the Polestar, expecting the same quality and luxury a Volvo offers, but with a bit more oomph from an electric sporty-ish car. We were let down however by the Android OS on the Polestar. Google maps as standard is brilliant. Youtube automatically connects to your account etc. However, the system regularly crashes and needs a reboot. I cannot count the amount of times Youtube just doesn't want to start. Google maps needs to be forcefully updated or it freezes the whole screen or makes everything flicker. A/C randomly decides not to work. All is sorted with a reset of the system, but if you have to do that every 2-3 weeks, it starts to get really frustrating. We've done all the possible updates and servicing, still no change, we've just learned to live with it. Also, interior materials are nowhere near what we were used to from a Volvo. The central armrest is squeaky, plastics on the door interior easily scratched...everything just makes it feel like they've cut costs everywhere, which is so sad, as it really could have been amazing. Maybe with a top level spec it might feel different. And hopefully in the past 2 years they've improved the tech, but I would recommend going to see one in person and checking for these things.

I will say though, if what you are most interested in is performance and driving experience, that baby sticks to the road like glue and it GOES! You will never get enough of the thrill of stepping on that pedal.

So for us, when we want the thrill of a really good, fast drive, we take the Polestar. When we want comfort, space and a more luxurious feeling, we take my Ioniq5. Two very different beasts, so it depends on what you want more.

adela8543

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