Articles by: MannedUp

Hipsters played a key role in rejuvenating the reputation of the flat cap. Now nobody looks twice —other, perhaps, than in admiration — when a fashionably attired flat cap-wearing man walks his pet pug to the local pub to drink craft beer and dine on pulled pork or its vegan equivalent.

Thank goodness for Google on days like today. I learnt that Valentine’s Day originated as the feast day of St Valentine, who was martyred in Rome in the third century. Apparently, the 14th February was first celebrated as St Valentine’s Day in 496.

In the olden days – and I speak as someone in her late 70s – all books and articles were carefully edited and only good writing got into print. Now that self-publishing and unedited blogging is within everyone’s reach, there is a tendency to believe ‘I travel therefore I write’.

Do you look after your skin effectively? Sunlight, pollution and everyday dirt can take their toll —particularly on our faces, which are exposed for much of the day. Effective cleansing and moisturising with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) help to protect against ultraviolet (UV) B rays and keep us looking […]

Travel writers should occasionally self-fund trips they really want to do on their own terms, rather than constantly relying on press trips to generate stories. You do your best work when you are completely inspired and free to do as, and go where, you please — without a set plan. Doing those kinds of trips, even if you don’t have a work commission beforehand, is hugely rewarding.