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WELCOME anuary is here . 2024 is here . Which is all very exciting , but we think January gets a bit of a bad rap . With many suffering from the winter blues and back-to-work-itus , everything gets a bit out of whack . So , let ’ s change the record .
January heralds a brand new year , which allows us all the opportunity to make some really positive tweaks to our lives . Which is why , in this issue , we ’ ve put together a bumper pack of ideas and options to kick start your new year in a positive and happy way . Here at iKHQ , we have decided that 2024 is THE YEAR OF YES ! A new year glow-up on the idea of resolutions , which , let ’ s face it , can be a little overwhelming and pretty tough to stick to , the year of yes is more about stepping out of your comfort zone , trying new things and redressing the balance in your life - one small step at a time .
Step one ? Read our ‘ The Year of Yes ’ cover feature from p14 for some greater detail on what it all means and some effective and easily implementable ideas for making long-term positive change . You can also check out what Team iK intend to say
YES to on p18 . Our Jan-NEW-uary roundup of new experiences and extraordinary places to be discovered across Kent in 2024 from p26 should give you some inspiration , and we ’ ve got you covered where planning days and night out this month - and beyond - is concerned in
our new-look in THE DIARY pages from p31 .
Of course , we have all of your favourites in this upbeat issue - a Kent staycation twist on new ways to stay in the county ’ s historic abodes from p48 ; wintry walks to blow away the Christmas cobwebs with your pet pooch from p43 ; and some glorious slow-cooker recipes to warm you up once home from p70 .
With any luck , by this point you ’ ll have realised that we ’ ve worked tirelessly to bring you , our valued readers , an exciting and refreshed new look throughout the mag - we ’ re particularly proud of THE inside GUIDE from p57 , which this month shines a spotlight on stunning Tunbridge Wells . We are also delighted to welcome our new guest columnists , Visit Kent and Jo Ginn from the Wine Garden of England with our new On The Grapevine column .
It ’ s a new year ; it ’ s a new you – so grab 2024 by the , err , coattails … and have some fun with it . Here ’ s to saying YES more , Kent - you never know , you might just grow to love it . Don ’ t forget to follow us @ insidekent and let us know what you ’ re up to !
Happy New Year Kent !
Sam x
@ samjready
this JANUARY we are ...
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Brew Monday With Bird & Blend …
www . birdandblendtea . com iK BOOK CLUB
Matcha Selection Box , £ 36
READING ...
GOOD MATERIAL DOLLY ALDERTON Penguin Books www . penguin . co . uk
Price : £ 18.99
A deliciously witty and wise novel about love , relationships and heartbreak . Set adrift on the sea of heartbreak at a time when everything he thought he knew about women , and flat-sharing , and his friendships has transformed beyond recognition , Andy clings to the idea of solving the puzzle of his break up with exgirlfriend Jen . Andy still has a lot to learn , not least Jen ’ s side of the story .
THE CLIMBING EXPERIENCE , MAIDSTONE
The insideKENT team are kick-starting our new year with a visit to the largest indoor climbing centre in Kent : The Climbing Experience , Maidstone . After hitting a major milestone of 50,000 customers , The Climbing Experience are hosting an open day celebration on Saturday 13 January . Start your year by reaching exciting new heights : enjoy bouldering all day , yoga taster sessions and a variety of climbs all for free ! Just show up – no reservations needed .
www . theclimbingexperience . co . uk
Moondrop Dreams Tea Bags , £ 6.95
Cold Weather Warrior Tea Bags , £ 6.95
www . insidekent . co . uk • 9