A day in the life: Kirsty Wilson, gardener and TV presenter

For Kirsty Wilson, being outdoors is a year-round job. As a supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Kirsty manages a team of experts, students, and volunteers, and is responsible for the garden's herbaceous collection. As well as being an award-winning garden designer, photographer, and a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee, in 2019, Kirsty also went on to join BBC Scotland's Beechgrove series as a knowledgeable presenter. Here, Kirsty reveals what a typical day looks like for a plant aficionado (once normality resumes, of course)…

Peoplehood magApril 13, 2020Day in the life, Lifestyle, Careers

Ten books to enjoy during the lockdown

Like many of us, you’ve probably got a to-read list (as well as a to-watch list, to-listen list and, of course, the eternal to-do list), so what better time to get stuck in than during lockdown? Long days at home are the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in a great book, and the good news is that lots of local bookshops are still offering home delivery at the moment - or you can of course buy online for your Kindle, and experience instant gratification.

Lifestylehood magApril 11, 2020Books, Reading, Lockdown, Things To Do

The best feelgood and reality TV boxsets to enjoy this April

If you’re feeling a bit gloomy about the state of the world, we’ve got the perfect fix! Whiling away the hours whilst getting lost in some gentle, feelgood TV is a great mood-booster - or if you want to hang off the edge of your seat and feel involved in some drama, then a brilliant reality TV series is always a great bet.

Lifestylehood magApril 10, 2020TV, What's On, Things To Do

The best comedy box sets to keep spirits up this April

We know that not much seems funny at the moment, and the world outside is a pretty scary place right now. So what we all really need is a reason to be cheerful - and what could be better than a brilliant comedy box set, packed full of characters and moments to make you laugh until you ache and raise your spirits during this tricky period?

Lifestylehood magApril 7, 2020TV, What's On, Things To Do

Scottish clothing brand Meander Apparel donates 100% of profits to Covid-19 response fund

Scottish technical clothing brand, Meander Apparel, has announced that it is pledging to donate 100% of profits to the Covid-19 response fund.

Fashionhood magApril 6, 2020Fashion News, News, Fashion, Shopping, Scottish Brands

These are the 25 best podcasts to listen to during lockdown, whatever your mood

If you’re feeling the pressure of being indoors for days on end, and wondering how to fill the time, why not try a podcast? Just like settling down to a box set or a great book, but with the added ease of being able to get stuff done whilst you enjoy them - and that’s just what we need to avoid spending endless hours on the sofa.

Lifestylehood magApril 5, 2020Culture, Podcasts, What's On, Things To Do

The best drama box sets to while away the hours this April

Looking for a box set to help you while away the hours at home this April? Why not try a lavish drama? With hours and hours of glorious storylines to lose yourself in and characters to connect with, finding a seminal drama series to indulge in is a great way of passing the time.

Lifestylehood magApril 4, 2020TV, What's On, Things To Do

Video call chic: Top tips to help you look your best whilst working from home

If you’re not sure how to balance being ready for a client Skype meeting at a moment’s notice, with the urge to rock a topknot and no makeup, don’t stress - we’ve spoken to some of Scotland’s best experts in skincare, haircare and makeup, to help you maintain a simple but effective beauty routine that means you’ll be ready for as many video calls as the working day can throw at you.

Beautyhood magApril 3, 2020Working from home, Beauty, Makeup, Skincare, Haircare

Five minutes (and a competition!) with... Lee Schofield, director of Magnum

Consider yourself a bit of a cocktail connoisseur? Then you’ll no doubt have already heard of Magnum, new kid on the block and already Scotland’s top-selling cream liqueur. Made with a blend of single malt Speyside whisky and cream, this luxurious new liqueur is a must-have addition to any cocktail cabinet. Hood sat down with Magnum’s director, Lee Schofield, who spoke to us about the brand and what it’s like to launch a brand-new liqueur to the market - and remember to read on for your chance to win two bottles of Magnum too!

Peoplehood magApril 2, 2020Drinks, Cocktails, Five Minutes With, Interview, People, Competitions

Here's all the best thriller box sets to binge on this April

We’ve put together the best box sets of all genres to dive into during these next few weeks, to help you while away the hours, belly laugh or hang off the edge of your seat in suspense - whatever helps you through the day.

Lifestylehood magApril 1, 2020TV, Television, What's On

Yes, we're all staying home - but here's all the fun things you can do indoors this April

In place of our usual roundup of the fun events, activities and shows taking place across the country this month, we’re bringing you a list of all of the great things you can do indoors this Springtime, to keep you and your families safe, and make sure that you can make the most of your time at home.

Lifestylehood magMarch 31, 2020Spring, Staying Home, Things To Do, What's On

Tin can ally: How to make the most of those store-cupboard essentials

Jess Elliott Dennison considers herself a cook, not a chef, and spends most of her time whipping up culinary magic in the kitchen of 27 Elliott’s, her cafe, supper club and workshop space in the heart of Edinburgh’s Newington district, with dishes led by what’s available seasonally and locally. Jess has given Hood readers two of her favourite recipes to try out, so if you’re stuck for inspiration and just aren’t sure what to do with the tins piling up in your kitchen cupboards, read on…

Foodhood magMarch 30, 2020Food, Recipes, Inspiration