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5 Ideal Reasons To Rent A House For A Hen Party In The UK
Planning a surprise trip away for the bride-to-be? Organising the hen night is one of the bridesmaid's most important pre-wedding tasks and can be great fun. However, trying to...
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What’s In Season: 7 Of The Best Fruit & Vegetables In June
And some great ideas on cooking them!
With so many stuck indoors struggling to know what day it is, let alone the month, recognising the passing of time is perhaps...
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6 Of The Best Summer Coffees, Ideal For A Caffeine Hit When The Weather’s Hot
Hello reader, how do you take your coffee? If your answer was ‘very seriously’, then rest assured, you’re in good company; here at IDEAL, we too love a cup...
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WHAT & WHERE TO EAT IN PHUKET OLD TOWN, THAILAND
The island of Phuket is a place of wild, clashing contradiction. There’s the brash and bawdy Phuket depicted in popular culture, localised on Patong Beach, where you can buy...
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO RAISE YOUR SUMMER BBQ GAME
Us Brits do love a barbie. As soon as the clocks go forward to welcome in British Summer Time and a couple of hopeful rays puncture familiar clouds, that’s...
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5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO FISHERMAN’S WHARF, SAN FRANCISCO
A series looking at the best dining options within walking distance (1 mile) of city landmarks worldwide. Here, we offer our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to Fisherman's Wharf, San...
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5 IDEAL WINE PAIRINGS FOR THE UK’S FAVOURITE TAKEAWAYS
Us Brits love a takeaway. It should come as no surprise, then, that during lockdown takeaway service revenues have soared, with online food delivery declared as being ‘one of...
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7 TIPS ON FREEZING FOOD PROPERLY
Ideal for avoiding waste and making ingredients last longer.
These are unprecedented times indeed. And suddenly, a new perspective on our store cupboards, fridges and freezers is forming. Wasting even...
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5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS NEAR LONDON VICTORIA STATION
A series looking at the best dining options within walking distance (1 mile) of city landmarks worldwide. Here, we offer our 5 IDEAL restaurants near London Victoria Station.
With over...
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HOTEL REVIEW: JULES ET JIM – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A LOVE STORY IN PARIS’ TRENDIEST NEIGHBOURHOOD
For those in thrall to the seductive pull of Paris, a warning; not every love story has a happy ending. For every snatched kiss at the top of the...
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7 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TO VEGANISM IN 2022
Veganuary is well and truly upon us, but this year, for many, the decision to go plant based may well last beyond January 31st. Indeed, veganism has never been...
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HOTEL REVIEW: KONG ARTHUR, COPENHAGEN – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR AN ELEGANT STAY
If we could date Copenhagen we would. Every time we visit this Scandinavian city we're seduced by it. It’s a place that manages to be trendy and charming all...
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONGER, FULLER LOOKING LASHES
So you’re after longer, fuller looking eyelashes…aren’t we all?
But did you know that there may be a scientific reason behind why we like fluttery, long, dark lashes. As The...
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7 OF THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BRIGHTON WITH BEACHFRONT, OUTDOOR SEATING
After more than a month of fraught al fresco dining spent battling wantaway serviettes, hailstones in your soup, and so many layers you’re moving like the Michelin man, the...
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7 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR THAILAND
Without wishing to be complacent, we’re not going to insult your intelligence here. You probably already know that you should practice safe sex, anywhere. It’s pretty obvious that in...
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6 TIPS FOR EMBRACING A VINTAGE LIFESTYLE
Retro, vintage, old fashioned…call it what you like, but after the year we’ve all had, there’s huge comfort to be found in looking backwards and luxuriating in the distant...
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6 IDEAL REASONS TO BOOK A CRUISE FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY
Phew, it’s been one stressful year, and we could all do with a break right about now, don’t you think?
However, with travel restrictions for Summer 2021 still lingering in...
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6 WAYS TO ORGANISE YOUR WARDROBE, ONCE AND FOR ALL
It’s everybody’s dream to wake up to an organised wardrobe (hey, we have humble hopes here at IDEAL). You no longer have to rummage through piles of clothes to...
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5 TIPS FOR HOSTING THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY IN JUNE
In just over a month, indoor gatherings of up to six people (or two households) will be permitted once again. Then, a little over a month later, on June...
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5 TIPS FOR YOUR SAILING HOLIDAY IN GREECE
Sailing around Greece, the azure Ionian lapping against the stern and the smell of sea bream wafting off the barbie, is unquestionably the best way to experience the country's...
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4 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED & KEEP A SENSE OF COMMUNITY ONLINE DURING LOCKDOWN
Ideal for all those seeking connection during trying times.
COVID-19’s spread across the UK and the globe continues, and the future looks uncertain for so many. With another period of...
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7 RESOLUTIONS TO KICK START YOUR NEW YEAR ON THE FRONT FOOT
Ideal for those looking to enjoy new perspectives after a rough 2020.
A new year brings a cathartic, cleansing appeal for many. Every beginning of a year is a chance...
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5 TIPS FOR KEEPING CALM IN STRESSFUL TIMES
A wide ranging UK study into the health impact of the coronavirus pandemic released last month and covered in the Guardian found that ‘’in the early stages of lockdown...
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WHAT WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK – 23.11.20
5 IDEAL things to get you through a winter spent indoors...
Here we go again. Lockdown 2.0 is upon us, and its predicted three week residency feels optimistic. Instead, the...
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CHRISTMAS DINNER DELIVERY: 2020’s BEST AT HOME RECIPE BOXES FROM THE UK’S TOP RESTAURANTS
Ideal for taking the hassle out of Christmas.
There’s nothing quite like Mum’s Christmas roast dinner. But judging by the way 2020 has been misbehaving, as we’re sure you’ve...
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7 RETRO/VINTAGE INSPIRED PIECES EVERY WARDROBE NEEDS
Ideal for fashioning a timeless wardrobe.
Retro, vintage, old fashioned...call it what you like, but after the year we’ve all had, there’s huge comfort to be found in looking...
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SICILIAN TRAVEL TIPS: 5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN PALERMO
If you’re seeking a city break with a difference, to bring some colour and excitement to an otherwise drab year, then Palermo might be just the place for you....
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4 OF THE BEST PLACES FOR FOODIE TRIPS TO FRANCE
Ideal for a Gallic gastronomic getaway.
Anyone else been watching reruns of Rick Stein’s Secret France to sedate their longing for foreign, free wheeling travel? We at IDEAL stand guilty...
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5 IDEAL INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR AUTUMN
Though the sunshine and good times are resolutely, stubbornly still with us (not that we’re complaining), the rain and the cold are finally set to descend come the weekend....
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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR A LONG ROAD TRIP: 6 IDEAL CHECKS
There’s something wonderful about a long road trip, particularly in these uncertain times when socialising, congregating and the rest is mired in confusion. In a world where everything is...
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HOTEL REVIEW: HOTEL MAX, PARIS – IDEAL FOR A WEEKEND AWAY IN AN ACCESSIBLE AND QUIET AREA
Welcome to Paris. Effortless chic? Tick. The finest food on every thoroughfare. Yep, still intact. Drags on gauloise still punctuate debate over Sartre. The nostalgic smell of caramelised cheese...
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7 IDEAL DESTINATIONS WE CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT ONCE THIS THING’S ALL OVER
Because we all need something to look forward to during this tough time, right? A little escapism on your screen, a lot of imagination from your sofa, and several...
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HOW TO CREATE THE IDEAL WINE BAR EXPERIENCE AT HOME
Do you know something that’s really surprised us about lockdown life? Yes, we’re missing restaurants terribly. Sure, we can’t wait for a properly poured pint of Guinness in a...
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6 IDEAL INFLIGHT HACKS TO MAKE YOUR FLIGHT EXPERIENCE MORE COMFORTABLE
A little politeness goes a long way, or so the saying counsels. What the old sages don't mention though, is that with a little politeness you travel a long...
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5 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER
Can you feel the beads of sweat beginning? Do you see the mercury rising? Can you detect a whiff of summer in the freshly cut grass? Yep, the warm...
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10 IDEAL TIPS FOR MAKING HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Get the scoop on making dreamy creamy ice cream with these top tips...
When the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than a scoop of ice cream to cool you down....
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5 INTERIOR DESIGN TRICKS FOR CREATING A SANCTUARY AT HOME THIS SUMMER
Ideal for a calm and soothing domestic environment.
You might be feeling that your life is in a major state of flux right now. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. With...
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8 IDEAL TIPS FOR DEALING WITH HAYFEVER & DUST ALLERGIES AT HOME
With the weather warming up and the pollen count rising, hayfever season has loudly announced itself with a massive sneeze. And just when you thought it was safe to...
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10 ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES FOR EVERYDAY DISPOSABLE ITEMS
Ideal for those looking to be a little kinder to the environment this year.
It’s estimated that nearly five million tonnes of plastic is used in the UK every year,...
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5 CREATIVE USES FOR LEFTOVER WINE
Aside from hangovers, one of the other great tragedies of wine is that once opened, it doesn’t keep for long. So unless you, like the professionals, have access to...
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LOCKDOWN LARDER: 5 EASY, DELICIOUS MEALS YOU CAN MAKE FROM YOUR STORE CUPBOARD & FREEZER
Ideal for self isolation, quarantine and lockdown.
If you can’t face watching Jamie Oliver’s daily teatime briefings to a worried nation seeking reassurance, then perhaps the dulcet, delicious tones of...
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IDEAL HEALTH: HOW TO KEEP YOUR EATING CLEAN DURING LOCKDOWN
The recent outbreak of Covid-19 coronavirus has, understandably, caused widespread worry and anxiety. When this happens people commonly turn to comfort food. But sugary, fatty treats are the worst...
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7 OF THE BEST HEALING CRYSTALS AND WHERE TO PLACE THEM AT HOME
Ideal for bringing some serenity to your self isolation space.
Semiprecious stones and crystals have been used in healing for thousands of years. Skip to 2020 and they’ve never been...
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5 IDEAL HEALTHY TAKEAWAY OPTIONS THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE
Okay, time to fess up; who’s created some truly weird dinner combinations in the past week? Tinned sardines with marmalade, anyone? Melted Christmas Quality Street over ice cream for...
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5 EASY MIDWEEK DINNER IDEAS, IDEAL FOR USING UP LEFTOVER VEGETABLES & AVOIDING WASTE
Hey, we’re all in the same boat, right? We all want to cook a little more. We’re all doing our best to eat more healthily, sustainability, locally and seasonally....
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COMFORT IN CRISIS: CELEBRATING THE GOOD GUYS WITH 5 THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 23.03.20
It’s in times of strife and challenge that businesses show their true colours. In recent weeks, as the coronavirus crisis has worsened, there have been a raft of stories...
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SCHOOL’S OUT: 6 IDEAL TIPS ON HOMESCHOOLING, ENTERTAINING & STAYING SANE WITH TEENAGERS DURING A LOCKDOWN
Alice Cooper, you prophetic bastard. Though school may not be out forever, it certainly feels that way right now, with months of domestic b…(editor, what’s the opposite of ‘bliss’?)...
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5 OF THE BEST AIR PURIFYING PLANTS FOR YOUR HOME OFFICE
Ideal for those looking to bring the outside in during self isolation.
While we wait for something – anything – from the government, in the form of guidance or protection, the majority...
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR THE PERFECT AFTER DINNER CHEESE BOARD
Whether you’re hosting a cheese and wine night or simply serving up the ideal finish to a dinner party, your choice of cheese can say a lot about you....
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMON PROBLEMS AT THE AIRPORT
The airport just seems to bring out the worst in us. Elbows are engaged in line for check-in, airline staff are resented for not overlooking your luggage excess of...
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5 OF THE MOST VEGAN FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE WORLD
...IDEAL for your next plant based culinary adventure.
Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, holidays abroad as a vegan were a conflicted affair. Finding a plant...
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE
The struggle is real. Research shows that two thirds of British employees are not happy with their work-life balance, and what surprises us most about that statistic is that it’s...
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5 IDEAL WAYS FOR OFFICE WORKERS TO STAY FIT AND HEALTHY
Okay, we appreciate the irony here. You’re probably sat at your desk reading this, rushing through a lunch which could be a little healthier, when you could be out...
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5 IDEAL BARGAIN FLIGHT DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE FOR JANUARY 2020
The new decade has barely begun, the ink is still wet on our resolutions (the liver’s still wet too) but already our focus is drifting to our next holiday....
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR HOSTING A HOUSE PARTY IN LONDON
From Barnet to Bromely and Hounslow to Hackney, London Town is gearing up for the festive party season. ‘What, at the start of November?’ we hear you say. Well,...
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8 IDEAL SITES TO SEE ON A TRIP TO ROME
With a history spanning several millennia, since its inception Rome has been a prominent political and cultural centre of both the old and new world. As such, the city...
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5 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR SAN FRANCISCO FIRST TIMERS
We think it's safe to assume that those heading to San Francisco for the first time aren’t exactly going in blind; the city is just too iconic for that....
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6 IDEAL DISHES TO TRY WHEN TRAVELLING TO THE UAE
The United Arab Emirates, particularly its capital Abu Dhabi and the glitzy, glamorous Dubai, has seen a huge shift in recent years, from desert outpost to destination du-jour. The...
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6 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT SOM TAM IN BANGKOK
Routinely named as the world’s best salad, som tam is one of the best recognised dishes in the Thai food canon and eaten all over the country in different...
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5 IDEAL MUST-VISIT VINEYARDS IN ENGLAND & WALES
Much to the chagrin of the continent, English wine is starting to get a bonafide, stellar, sparkling reputation. And not a moment too soon; this country has been creating...
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10 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA
Barcelona truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for Messi, the mercados, mato or Miro, Spain’s second largest city won’t disappoint. Should you want to take things low...
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7 IDEAL TIPS FOR TAKING INSTAGRAM-WORTHY HOLIDAY PICTURES
Life used to be simple. Be interesting, be unique, be individual, and people will be drawn to you. Now, we have multiple personas to cultivate across multiple platforms; neglect...
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7 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON
A stroll along Brighton seafront, skimming pebbles and checking out cheesy souvenir shops, tub of pickled cockles in one hand, plastic pint of flat lager in the other. With...
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BOTANY BAY HOUSE: THE IDEAL RETREAT WHILE VISITING ONE OF ENGLAND’S BEST KEPT SECRETS
When you think of England's coast, the White Cliffs of Dover are often the first thing that springs to mind. And while Dover could stake a claim to being...
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5 IDEAL EAST LONDON FOOD MARKETS
Artisan sourdough stalls. Tibetan tsampa sold off a trestle table. Tents peddling bowls of Hanoi style pho. Market saturation just doesn’t seem to be a term found in the...
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5 IDEAL SCENTS TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOOD
We are a species in constant need of immediate gratification. Nothing is slow anymore. Nothing is a process. The espresso machine seems to sense we’re tired before our eyelids...
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6 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN ALICANTE
Alicante is famous for its crowded beaches, technicolour markets and passionate local pride. No, this is not a gateway to the lesser, more overwhelming Benidorm; this is a place with personality...
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5 ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR IDEAL WINTER HOLIDAY
The winter holiday is a string of ticks on the latter part of the calendar so often resented. The holiday season, surely, is something domestic. Why can't I stay...
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4 IDEAL BENEFITS OF OPEN PLAN LIVING
You know how the old saying goes: ‘open plan, open heart’. Nope? Us neither. But, the little made up mantra does have a certain ring to it. After all,...
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5 IDEAL HOT CHOCOLATE TIPS
Hot chocolate season is approaching! It’s time to wrap up and get cosy, and what better than with a steaming mug of creamy hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s...
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR OWN ENGAGEMENT RING
Thinking about designing your own sparkler? It used to be all about the person doing the proposing picking and buying the engagement ring, but things have changed. It’s 2018...
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5 IDEAL WALKS AND TREKS AROUND THE WORLD
It’s time to brave the altitude sickness, get your walking sticks out and set off on an epic trekking adventure. From trails with steep, rocky stairways that aren’t for...