Here at IDEAL we realise that there’s more to this crazy dance than the accumulation of ‘stuff’. A life of accruing possessions will only accrue dust. Oiling the Capitalist wheels with your wallet won’t bring clarity, of that there’s no doubt….
But who can deny the positivity that a bit of pampering brings? There’s nothing wrong with taking a look inwards from time to time, letting go and just spoiling yourself. With that in mind, we’re sharing a few things bringing us a little peace of mind right now; our own spot of retail therapy, if you will, with these 5 IDEAL things we’re into this week. Go on. You deserve this.
CHANTELLE NICHOLSON’S VEGAN RECIPE BOOK, PLANTED
Many finished Veganuary with a realisation that vegetables, fruit, grains and the rest are actually rather nice. Religious or not, lent gives us another reason to embrace a certain degree of abstinence and with spring bringing a fresh round of amazing British produce, this week we’re cooking lots of delicious dishes using the finest U.K veg.
Chantelle Nicholson’s book ‘Planted’ has some of the most enticing vegan recipes we’ve set eyes on in a long time; her sage and shallot tart is a great midweek supper mainstay. The desserts are terrific, too, particularly a vegan banana creme brulee.
£17.25 from Amazon
THE FINE BEDDING COMPANY’S COOL TOUCH PILLOW
Not only is March National Bed Month, but next week (starting on the 10th) also marks Sleep Awareness Week, both aiming to raise the national knowhow about the positive impact of a proper night’s sleep on health and wellbeing. The Fine Bedding Company’s cool touch pillows are a great tool in bringing that extra comfort you need to achieve those all important 8 hours. ‘As cool as the other side of the pillow’, indeed.
£33.95 from www.finebedding.co.uk
FULTON’S CLEAR DOME BIRDCAGE UMBRELLAS
The unpredictable British weather is perhaps at its most fickle in March. Rain is forecast for next week, but temperatures look mild. No heavy, sweat inducing nylon raincoats please. Instead, we love the clean dome birdcage umbrellas from Fulton. You’re enclosed and protected against the elements, but can see where you’re going; no embarrassing bumping into people as you sashay your way down the high street, then. Good stuff.
£20.00 from www.fultonumbrellas.com
KEN MUIR’S STRAWBERRY PLANTS
A certain, ill advised event occurs at the end of March, and with it, the threat of food shortages. Though the link hasn’t yet been proved, grow-your-own is also seeing a massive blossom in popularity. Coincidence? Possibly. Troubling times? Definitely.
This month is the ideal time to plant some strawberries, giving them ample time to get established before the warmer weather arrives. Ken Muir is a strawberry plant supplier who certainly knows his stuff, having won 13 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. He currently stocks over a dozen different varieties, right in time for strawberry planting season.
Buy strawberry plants from www.kenmuir.co.uk
VICTORINOX PRO BONING KNIFE
Monday March 11th sees the start of National Butchers Week, celebrating the fantastic work that butchers do and the pride they show for their craft. If you fancy having a go at jointing, deboning and portioning your favourite meat, Victorinox’s pro boning knife is a durable, affordable option. It’s sharp, sturdy and svelte; exactly what you need when taking down a whole duck or leg of lamb.