Day: February 12, 2022

Find Your Perfect Match at IOLLA this Valentine’s Day

Scottish eyewear brand IOLLA are ensuring Valentine’s Day will set your heart aflutter this year, collaborating with one of the country’s most-loved florists Mud Urban Flowers to offer customers the perfect match; stylish eyewear and beautiful blooms. 

With every purchase on Valentine’s Day, customers will receive an orange rose. Every rose will be individually wrapped with peach tissue, craft paper and tied with a satin ribbon. Roses will be available in showrooms including; Glasgow city centre, Finnieston and Edinburgh St James Quarter. The complimentary rose will be the perfect way to brighten up your own Valentine’s Day, or even gift to a loved one. 

Taking place in-store for one day only on Monday 14th February, IOLLA’s friendly team are determined to help customers find their perfect match this Valentine’s Day, pairing them up with a stylish range of sunglasses, glasses and modern accessories with a special treat from MUD included with any purchase. 

The Glasgow based eyewear retailer have also unveiled their newest styles including the ‘Wilson’, available in two of IOLLA’s most popular colours: Khaki Green and Medium Havana with more new styles set to be unveiled over the next few weeks. 

IOLLA, which means sight in Gaelic, create a friendly and inviting atmosphere in their four showrooms across the country, ensuring customers love the look they walk away with. Pairing up with MUD, the brands are brightening up the purchasing process this Valentine’s Day, no matter what kind of stylish eyewear you set your sights on. 

Delivering everything from fresh flowers, bespoke bouquets, daily designs and dried flowers across Scotland, Mud Urban Flowers are an Instagram sensation, delighting customers and followers with their custom designs. Their ever expanding portfolio means no two designs are the same with on-trend, seasonal blooms available to order for special occasions, a treat to yourself or you can subscribe to regular deliveries.

Chloe Milligan, Mud Urban Flowers Founder said, “Valentine’s Day is one of our favourite days of the year here at MUD. It’s all about sharing the love whether that’s with yourself, a friend, a family member or a loved one.

“When fellow Scottish brand IOLLA came to us with the idea of gifting their customers a little something extra special this Valentine’s Day, we instantly said yes.

“We also loved the twist on the traditional red rose, switching to an orange rose is fresh, fun and very IOLLA. We hope you love the idea as much as us and treat yourself or a friend to a pair of glasses and an IOLLA orange rose this Valentine’s Day!”

Kirsty Humpherson, Marketing Manager at IOLLA said: “We love creating new experiences for customers in our showrooms and this Valentine’s Day seemed like the perfect opportunity to pair up two of our favourite things – stylish eyewear and beautiful blooms!

“Whether it’s our handmade frames or sophisticated sunglasses, we make it our mission to find our customers’ perfect match and can’t wait to gift them a little something extra this Valentine’s Day.”

Single stemmed orange roses will be available on a first come first serve basis to guests at IOLLA’s showrooms, on any off-the-shelf purchases including their range of stand out sunglasses, contemporary cases and modern accessories. Subject to availability. 

IOLLA launched in 2015, introducing a better way to buy eyewear with their offering of complete prescription glasses and sunglasses for £75. Their mission is to help people look and feel great, empowering glasses wearers to build an eyewear wardrobe thanks to their diverse range of unique frame designs and affordable price point.

For more information and to keep up to date with all things IOLLA check out their website and follow them on Instagram:

www.iolla.com

https://www.instagram.com/iolla/

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a Rabbie’s Tour

Rabbie’s Get Out & Help Out Scheme offers a 20 per cent discount on all UK and Ireland tours departing in February

Who says Valentine’s Day has to fit the same boring routine, who even says you have to bring your romantic partner along?! Book a weekend away with friends and upgrade the predictable Valentine’s obligations to a memorable ‘Galentine’s Day’. Plus, this February enjoy 20 per cent off all Rabbie’s UK and Ireland tours.

Rabbie’s boozy breaks take guests to state-of-the-art award-winning distilleries to learn how delicious whiskies and gins are created. These trips are perfect for groups, but you don’t need a special excuse to book! Other popular days out include visits to cosy Cotswold villages and charming coastal communities. Great group days out include:

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester

Laverstoke Distillery, home of world-famous Bombay Sapphire Gin, is an old paper mill which combines Victorian and ultra-modern architecture to create a suitably stunning place to learn about and sample award-winning gin.

Bombay Sapphire has been recognised for its ethically minded production, not to mention its delicious taste. On a tour of the distillery, guests learn about the history of the wonderous drink and the hard work that goes into creating its beautiful botanical flavour.

After the tour and sampling session, guests are encouraged to visit The Mill Café, serving delicious local produce, and the Mill Bar, a glamorous spot to enjoy a cocktail alongside the River Test.

Guests on this tour will also visit the beautiful city of Winchester. Dive into the history of England’s ancient capital by exploring its glorious cathedral, ancient mill, cute cafes and plentiful museums.

Prices for this one-day tour departing from London start from £56 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.

Loch Lomond, Cruise & Whisky

Scotland takes its Whisky seriously, it’s the country’s national drink and takes skill and patience to create.

This tour departing from Glasgow mixes Whisky with Scotland’s other famous speciality, breath-taking views. The first stop is the southern shore of Loch Lomond, where a one-hour long boat cruise offers dramatic sights of castles and surrounding mountains.

The cruise visits Inchmurrin Island, the largest of Loch Lomond’s 33 islands and home to the ancient remains of Lennox Castle, a hiding spot once used by Robert the Bruce. Be sure to visit the picturesque village of Luss, complete with quaint cottages.

Return to Glasgow to visit to the renowned Clydeside Whisky Distillery. Proud to bring distilling back to the city, this state-of-the-art site can be found at the historic Queen’s Dock. Learn the secrets of Scotland’s national drink from an expert guide before visiting the tasting room; knowledge of the traditional methods makes the taste of single malt even more special.

Take some time to explore Glasgow’s vibrant bars and music venues to make this a Valentine’s to remember. Prices for this one-day tour start at £35 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.

Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages

After visiting Oxford’s historical colleges and delightful cafes, get ready for a whirlwind exploration of some the most quaint and beautiful villages in England. Begin at the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ – Burford.

A small market town which boasts enormous character and depth. Take time to visit the many independent shopping outlets on its famous steep high street, if you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of spots for a traditional afternoon tea.

Make the short journey to Bibury, dubbed the prettiest village in England by William Morris, to stroll its charming streets and fairy-tale-like Arlington Row before embarking on the comfortable journey back to London.

Prices for the one-day tour start from £62 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.

As with all Rabbie’s tours, guests are transported in luxury 16-person mini-coaches and treated to the stories and services of a friendly-driver guide. The mini-coaches mean Rabbie’s tours can reach the smaller, independent destinations, ensuring your trips supports local communities and independent businesses.

Destinations in the UK and Ireland have seen reduced visitor numbers for the past two winters. To help make 2022 the winter of recovery, Rabbie’s is running a Get Out to Help Out Scheme, offering 20 per cent off trips departing in February.

Simply use the GETOUT20 discount code when booking at www.rabbies.com.

Five signs that your cat loves you

Cats can’t express love with a thoughtful greetings card or box of chocolates but learning to read a few tell-tale pointers can reveal how they really feel about you.

This Valentine’s Day, Cats Protection is sharing five behavioural signs that your cats loves and trusts you, as well as some tips for keeping them happy, healthy and safe.

If your cat displays any of these behaviours, it’s likely you’ve found a very content soulmate:

1. Slow blinking

If your cat slow blinks at you, it’s a big deal. It’s their way of signalling that they trust you enough to close their eyes in your presence. The best response is to slow blink back, letting them know the affection is mutual.

2. Showing their tummy

A cat’s tummy is a vulnerable area and most cats don’t like to be touched there. If your cat rolls over and shows their tummy, it’s a loving greeting and sign of trust. The temptation to stroke their tummy could result in a warning scratch. A better response would be a nice chin rub or tickle behind their ears as a sure way to generate affectionate purrs of appreciation.

3. Head bumps

Head bumps are the cat equivalent of a hug. When a cat rubs their head or cheek on you, they’re transferring some of their own scent, marking you as someone who is familiar and can be trusted. You might see them doing this to objects in your home too, which is marking their territory as safe and familiar.

4. Kneading

Kneading or ‘making biscuits’ is a behaviour cats perform as kittens to stimulate the flow of milk from their mum. Many cats continue doing it into adulthood and it’s thought they do this simply because it feels good and is a sign of contentment. If your cat starts kneading you, it likely means they’re happy and comfortable on your lap. If you can withstand their claws, that’s an extra sign that you love them too.

5. Tail pointing up

Cats can communicate a lot with just their tail. If it’s low and swishing from side-to-side, they’re feeling worried or indecisive. If their tail is puffed up, then it’s likely they’re scared or feeling stressed. But if your cat comes towards you with their tail pointing up, they are happy to see you and the best response is to let them sniff your hand and give them a fuss to show you’re happy to see them too.

Learning to read your cat’s body language is a great way to help you understand when they’re happy or when they’re stressed and want to be alone.

Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, said: “While there are behaviours that are true for most cats as well as a few things that should be avoided, each cat is an individual. Getting to know your cat is one of the most fulfilling things about becoming a cat owner.

“Take your time, take their lead. Ask your cat to show you how they like to be treated. Some cats take longer than others to build a relationship, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t become best friends straight away.”

Sharing special moments can be beneficial for you and your cat and there are simple ways to show them you care.

Cats love boxes. Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows how cats will squeeze into the smallest cardboard cartons. As solitary creatures by nature, having somewhere safe to snooze is important, especially if it is up high so they can keep an eye on their surroundings. Try filling a box with a blanket to make it even more cosy and place it in a warm, quiet corner.

Playing with your cat will release their feel-good hormones called endorphins and help to burn off excess energy. As natural hunters driven by the thrill of the chase, not hunger, cats love to stalk and pounce. Just 10 minutes a day will keep them happy, healthy and your best friend.

For more information visit Cats Protection’s online guide to cat behaviour.

2022: Make a Splash for RLSS UK

Now that January has been and gone you might be thinking of those new year’s resolutions you made last month and are yet to make a start on. Was taking on a new challenge one of them? How about raising money for charity?

If so, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) can help with their Make a Splash challenge. The challenge gives you the change to clock up miles in water-based activities including swimming, open water swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up-paddleboarding.

RLSS UK is a national charity and the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland and fundraising and donations can enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely, because every life is worth saving.

Make a Splash challenges you to be the best version of yourself, both physically and mentally, as well as giving you the opportunity to smash some personal goals whilst helping everyone across the UK enjoy water safely.

Charity Director of the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Lee Heard, commented “The Make a Splash challenge is completely flexible in location and timescale so you can complete the challenge when it works for you in a way that suits your strengths. You can choose to swim, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and RLSS UK will offer full support throughout your challenge to keep you motivated.

“Make a Splash is available in a variety of distances: 10km, 25km, 50km, and 100km so you can take your pick on a distance to suit you. Entering the challenge means you will receive a swim hat along with a booklet full of tips and support to ensure you have everything you need to complete the challenge and succeed.

“When you complete the challenge, you’ll also receive a medal and certificate so you can celebrate your success.

“We also have a wealth of water safety advice to ensure that you stay safe during your challenge.

“Not only will you be completing a fantastic challenge, but you will be raising funds for charity help us to ensure that everyone can enjoy water safely can continue to be shared widely.

“At the start of each month, you can share your fundraising total and be added to the leaderboard and if you are crowned top fundraiser, you will win a prize at the end of the year.”

To find out more and to sign up to your Make a Splash challenge visit:

www.rlss.org.uk/make-a-splash and kickstart your fundraising.

All you need is … Marriage Allowance!

Married couples and people in civil partnerships could receive extra cash this Valentine’s Day as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) encourages those eligible to sign up for Marriage Allowance to reduce their tax bill.

Marriage Allowance allows married couples or those in civil partnerships to share their personal tax allowances if one partner earns an income under their Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570, and the other is a starter, basic or intermediate rate taxpayer. 

Eligible couples can transfer 10% of their tax-free allowance to their partner, which is £1,260 in 2021/22. It means couples can reduce the tax they pay by up to £252 a year. Couples can apply any time, backdate their claims for any of the four previous tax years and receive a payment of up to £1,220 at a time when they need it most.

Marriage Allowance is one of the ways the government is helping couples to receive extra money back in their pocket each month. The financial support could help couples where they need it most, including household bills.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said: “Couples could be sitting on a tax relief worth up to £1,220 that could provide vital financial support at a time they need it most. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply search ‘Marriage Allowance’ on GOV.UK.”

More than two million couples have applied for the tax relief since it was launched in 2015 but there could be thousands more who are eligible to claim.

Marriage Allowance is free to apply for, and customers who claim directly via HMRC’s online portal will receive 100% of the tax relief they are eligible for. Visit GOV.UK to find out how to apply for Marriage Allowance.

Married couples may have experienced a change in their circumstances which could now mean they are eligible for Marriage Allowance, including:

·         a recent marriage or civil partnership

·         one partner has retired and the other remains working

·         a change in employment due to COVID-19

·         a reduction in working hours which means their earnings fall below their Personal Allowance

·         unpaid leave or a career break, or

·         one partner is studying or in education and not earning above their Personal Allowance

If a spouse or civil partner has died since 5 April 2017, the surviving person can still claim by contacting the Income Tax helpline.

Marriage Allowance claims are automatically renewed every year. However, couples should notify HMRC if their circumstances change.Marriage Allowance is 10% of an individual’s tax-free personal allowance.

The maximum amount that can be transferred to their husband, wife or civil partner is dependent on the Personal Allowance for that tax year:

Tax YearMarriage Allowance amount
2021/22£252
2020/21£250
2019/20£250
2018/19£238
2017/18£230

Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers free portraits under iconic Binns clock

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the eight floor visitor attraction in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, is offering couples a picture perfect moment this Valentine’s Day, with free portraits under the iconic Binns Clock from 5-7pm on Monday (14th February).

A favourite romantic meeting point in the city for decades, the clock is credited by countless couples as the place where it all started for them. Now, after being lovingly restored prior to the opening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, any couple booking a Journey of Flavour tour on Monday 14February can get snapped for free.

The 90-minute immersive experience takes guests through a multi-sensory story of whisky, Scotland and flavour, and is topped off with three personalised drinks.

Here’s how to take part:

  • Attend Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Journey of Flavour Tour on Monday 14 February 2022.
  • Attend the ground floor retail store and produce your ticket / e-ticket to a member of staff.
  • Slots are available on a first come first served basis from 5pm until 7pm.
  • Data protection forms must be signed to take part.

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “We’re no strangers to hosting couples at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. We’ve been told we make a great location for a date, whether it’s a first or even one hundred and first.

“The Journey of Flavour has proven popular with those looking for romance, and given how iconic the Binns Clock is in the Edinburgh dating scene, we thought we’d offer something a little special to guests who book the experience this Valentine’s Day.”

The Journey of Flavour is just one of many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Specially designed sharing platters are also available for couples to while away the hours with gorgeous views over Edinburgh in the stunning rooftop 1820 Bar.

The ground floor retail store has countless gift ideas to suit all tastes and budgets, and the personalisation station will offer free engraving on all purchases over £65 for compatible bottles until 14 February. Popular options include Johnnie Walker Red Label gift sets and Johnnie Walker 18-Year-Old gift sets.

Book your Journey of Flavour tour here: https://bit.ly/3oGrAVn

Spring Clean Scotland: Get involved!

Does litter bug you?  Do you want to do something about it?  This spring, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is calling for Scotland’s communities to join a Spring Clean challenge from 21 March-21 April to help clean up our country.

Spending more time outdoors was an unexpected benefit of lockdown. But along with our renewed appreciation of nature, many of us realised Scotland is facing a huge litter problem. Our research revealed that 88% of Scots agree that litter is a problem across Scotland. And 70% are concerned about litter in their area.

If you feel frustrated about the litter in your community or the places you visit, you can do something about it. Spring Clean Scotland is the perfect opportunity to make a difference by picking up litter on your local beach, streets, parks and beyond. Get involved and help make the places we care about cleaner and safer for people and animals.

Every action, however small, makes a difference. Just half an hour of picking up litter and disposing of it safely can help an area look cleaner and feel safer, and evidence shows it also prevents more litter being dropped. 

Why not organise a litter pick with friends, family, workmates or your wider community? Or find one to join in with on Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Clean Up Scotland map.

We know young people feel strongly about caring for the environment and want to do something about the harmful effects of litter in their communities. Your school can get involved too. As part of Spring Clean, there is a Live Lesson open to all schools across the UK.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “Across Scotland we have seen a steady increase in the amount of litter over the past decade. While this is a real challenge, we are heartened by the incredible work of litter picking heroes up and down the country.

“Our communities already play a vital role in taking action to tackle litter, with many people giving up their time to clean up their local areas despite the challenges of the last two years.

“We would love as many people as possible to join in and give Scotland a spring clean this March and April.

“For those that wish to take further action, The Scottish Government is currently consulting on a revised National Litter and Flytipping Strategy and you can still respond until the end of March and have #YourSayOnLitter.”

Inspired to take positive action? Learn more and sign up to join in here:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/springclean.

‘Strong support’ for National Care Service, says Scottish Government

Analysis of consultation responses published

A consultation has revealed strong support for proposals to establish a National Care Service accountable to Scottish ministers.

More than three-quarters (77%) of people who responded to the official consultation thought the main benefit of the proposed change would be more consistent outcomes for people accessing care and support across Scotland.

Meanwhile more than two-thirds (72%) of those responding agreed that the Scottish Government should be accountable for the delivery of social care through a National Care Service.

There were over 1200 responses to the consultation.

An analysis of responses from individuals and organisations on plans was published yesterday, following publication of the individual responses last week. The responses also highlight the risks which could emerge from such significant reform, but the need for change in the immediate and longer term is a key theme.  

The consultation process represents the first phase of engagement for the National Care Service programme.

Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We will consider all views expressed in the consultation very carefully and I would like to thank all those who took part. It is clear that there is a real appetite for change.

“We will continue to engage with people with lived experience of the service whether they are people accessing care and support, their families, care workers or providers.

“The final scope of the National Care Service has not yet been concluded.  Over the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to reflect on these views of the public. We will then be in a position to bring forward the detailed plans for improvement to be undertaken over the course of this Parliament. 

“However we are not waiting to act to enhance Scotland’s social care services that’s why we invested £300 million to help deal with winter pressures, and we’re determined to go further.

“We are committed to acting now to improve things for people. I am therefore delighted to announce today that we will develop and publish a standalone Carer’s Strategy with a focus on Covid recovery and improving carer support in a meaningful and sustainable way. We will engage with unpaid carers about its scope and purpose in the coming months to inform its development.

“Our aim will be to draw on the knowledge and lived experience of unpaid carers so that the strategy is shaped by those who best understand the many challenges faced.

“We will seek to publish the strategy by late spring to provide a clear vision for how we will respond to the challenges faced by so many carers.”                                   

 National Care Service Consultation: Analysis of responses was published by the Scottish Government on Thursday, following the publication of the responses themselves last week.

Published responses for A National Care Service for Scotland – Scottish Government – Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot)

The public consultation attracted nearly 1,300 responses, from around 703 individuals and just over 575 organisations. A significant proportion of the responses came from individuals with lived experience, or bodies that represent them.

The social care workforce are also well represented in the responses, along with providers

Actions taken to support immediate improvements on social care include:

  • Investing £300 million of winter pressures funding in October, to maximise the capacity of the NHS and social care system this winter and in particular to bolster the caring workforce by increasing their numbers, providing them with additional support
  • Making additional funding of up to £48 million available to enable employers to provide an uplift to the hourly rate of pay for staff offering direct care within Adult Social Care to a minimum £10.02 per hour from the 1 December 2021
  • An additional £4 million to expand support for unpaid carers this winter, including to enable them to take breaks from caring
  • Developing options to remove non-residential charging as soon as possible

Scotmid Co-operative initiative helps young women in India

More than 40 young Indian women now equipped with new skills and regular income

Scotmid Co-operative has helped more than forty young women in India develop new skills and secure a regular income through a partnership with co-ops across the UK.

When the Delta variant hit India with devastating effect last year, Scotmid and a group of co-operative retailers collectively raised over £100,000 to support the crisis response, initially providing essential basic supplies, health kits and education.

The support evolved to helping young female workers to grow a sustainable future out of the pandemic through a two-year incubator programme to help them develop skills in journalism, graphic design, photography, new media, research methodology and report writing.

Pranaliben, a 20-year-old woman from Ahmedabad City, is one of the women who will benefit from this support. After completing her graduate studies from a local university, Pranaliben struggled to find sustained employment which was made worse by the pandemic.

Through her mother, a member of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), she got in touch with SEWA Cooperative Federation and learnt about cooperatives. Now she is eager to work together with young women like herself and lead her own cooperative.

Co-operatives UK worked with the Co-operative College and Co-op News to co-ordinate the appeal, partnering with SEWA in India who are delivering the programme.

Mirai Chatterjee, Chairperson SEWA Cooperative Federation said: “Women in India mainly work informally meaning their earnings can be unreliable and as soon as the crisis hit many lost their income overnight.

“Thanks to the vital support provided by our co-operative friends in the UK, we’re helping them to form two grassroots co-operatives to create a sustainable livelihood for themselves.

“As well as learning technical skills in communications and research, around forty young women will develop leadership and business management skills, and we’re developing market links to help them secure regular work and provide income security.”

Harry Cairney, Scotmid President, said: “This worthwhile partnership demonstrates the strength of co-operation. We’re proud to be a part of this initiative to grant young women in India, like Pranaliben, the necessary skills and opportunities needed to secure a regular income.”

During the initial crisis period, £70,000 of the donation from Scotmid and other UK co-ops was used to provide emergency support. This included the distribution of 4,000 household health kits, with masks, soap and immune boosters distributed across eight states of India.

Lifesaving information about the symptoms and spread of Covid was also provided to families in rural and low-income urban areas – to dispel myths and provide accurate health information.

The remaining £30,000 is now being used to deliver a two-year programme supporting the development of two young women’s incubator co-operatives.

A grassroots media co-operative will support young women to build capacity in media, journalism, graphic design, photography and new media, whilst a second grassroots co-operative will focus on research, conducting surveys, focus group discussion and report writing. 

British nationals advised to leave Ukraine immediately

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel advice to Ukraine, and is now advising British nationals against all travel to Ukraine.

British nationals currently in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: “The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, which is why we have updated our travel advice.

“We urge British nationals in Ukraine to leave now via commercial means while they remain available.“

It’s thought that fewer than one thousand British citizens are currently in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with the leaders of the US, Canada, Italy, Poland, Romania, France, Germany, the European Council, the European Commission and NATO to discuss the situation in Ukraine last night.

The Prime Minister told the group that he feared for the security of Europe in the current circumstances.

He impressed the need for NATO Allies to make it absolutely clear that there will be a heavy package of economic sanctions ready to go, should Russia make the devastating and destructive decision to invade Ukraine.

The Prime Minister added that President Putin had to understand that there would be severe penalties that would be extremely damaging to Russia’s economy, and that Allies needed to continue with efforts to reinforce and support the Eastern frontiers of NATO. He urged the leaders to work together to deliver economic and defensive support to Ukraine.

The leaders agreed that if President Putin de-escalated, there was another way forward, and they pledged to redouble diplomatic efforts in the coming days.