IDEAL LIFESTYLE TIPS

Our Latest Lifestyle Content...

Where To Eat Near Covent Garden: The Best Restaurants Near Covent Garden

Ideal for dining well in the heart of Theatreland...Built in 1630 and taking inspiration from the grand piazzas of Europe, Covent Garden was the first of its kind in London, and still retains that continental soul to this day. There’s...

From Appropriate Presents To When You Should Leave: The Ideal Guide To Baby Shower Etiquette

Modern day baby showers are a tradition that began in the post-war USA, a celebration of new life and a show of support for expectant parents. Their introduction to UK culture has been a much more recent development and, accordingly,...

How To Up The Comfort Ante Of Your Home In Time For Winter

Want to make your home feel more homely, homie? Then you’ve come to the right place. In fact, you’ve come to the only place more welcoming than your gaff after reading this article. Because here at IDEAL, we just love to sink...

How To Make Your Home Feel As Festive As Possible For Guests This Christmas

As the frosty winter air begins to nip at our noses and the twinkling lights of Christmas start to adorn our streets, it's time to turn our attention to the heart of the holiday season - our homes. This...

7 Top Tips On Looking After Your Hair This Festive Season

The unpredictability of party season can wreak havoc on many of our well worn routines. Erratic turn ins mean we rarely get our 8 hours of zeds, a dodgy diet of mulled wine and mince pies has us feeling...

From Venues To Refreshments: How To Throw Your Own Mini Festival Next Summer

Didn't manage to get Glasto tickets, huh? Don't have any faith in the re-sale, either? Planning to throw your own function to make up for it, too, hey?The final throes of festival season may only be two months gone,...

How To Look After Your Jewellery To Ensure Its Longevity: 7 Top Tips

Did you know that the most expensive jewel in the world is the Hope Diamond valued at more than $250 million? This diamond has over 45 carats and it's as large as a smartwatch, requiring handling by specially trained...

Timing Is Everything: When To Prune Shrubs For Optimum Health & Growth

Pruning shrubs at the correct time is key to ensuring they grow healthy, producing plenty of lush green foliage and fabulous flowers. In fact, did you know that pruning shrubs can actually make them grow bigger? An annual prune...

How To Train Your Dog To Be Less Stressed On Holiday

As the winter chill sets in and the days grow shorter, for those with particularly strong foresight (or a desperate need for escapism, of course), now feels like the perfect time to start planning for the sunnier days ahead. As...

Ideal For Looking After Your Wellbeing...

Winter Wellbeing: How To Keep Calm In Stressful Times

In an ever-changing world, it's not uncommon to find ourselves grappling with stress and uncertainty. Whether it's personal challenges, work pressures, or broader societal issues, these factors can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and...

7 Top Tips On Looking After Your Hair This Festive Season

The unpredictability of party season can wreak havoc on many of our well worn routines. Erratic turn ins mean we rarely get our 8 hours of zeds, a dodgy diet of mulled wine and...

10 Steps To Terrific Teeth Without Having to Spend A Fortune

Want to bring a sparkle to your smile? A great grin can brighten up a room and, according to research, could be the key factor in making you look more attractive and as much as...

Steps To A Straighter Smile: How To Choose The Right Tooth Aligner

Ideal if you’re after a killer straight smile...A smile is one of the first things people notice about us. Dazzling or derelict, it’s one of the key contributors to that all-important first impression, and...

The Perfect Attire For Your Spa Or Sauna Visit: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation, nothing quite compares to a day at the spa or a session in the sauna. But, as with any other activity, dressing appropriately is key to ensuring...

What Causes Fine Lines Around the Eyes (Beyond The Inevitable March of Time)?

Ideal for looking as youthful and radiant as you deserve...We've all heard the saying, "The eyes are the windows to the soul". But what if those windows are framed by fine lines and wrinkles?...

Why Am I Always So Hungry? 9 Possible Reasons Why

Ideal for exploring the nuances of your appetite...Ever looked into a mirror and wondered, "Why am I always so peckish?" Have you ever felt like your hunger is frequently insatiable, with your tum telling...

Ready, Steady, Pedal: How To Prepare Physically & Mentally For A Marathon Bike Ride

Ideal for ensuring that you're ready for your 100 mile ride...If you're an avid cyclist considering taking on a marathon bike ride, you're in for an exhilarating journey. An endurance event such as this...

The Average Lifespans Of Our Favourite Furry Friends

Ideal for making the most out of every second with your beloved pet...We are a nation of animal lovers – and chances are that if you don’t already have a furry friend of your...

Ideal If You Love A Lifestyle Listicle...

5 IDEAL FOODS IN THE JAPANESE DIET THAT COULD HELP YOU LIVE FOR LONGER

It’s widely known throughout the world that the Japanese live long and healthy lives, at least partly thanks to their healthy diet. We learn why celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Madonna follow the...

37 Low-Effort, High-Yield Lifestyle Changes

Ideal for making small, sustainable changes to your wellbeing, one step at a time...We often hear about the importance of making significant lifestyle changes to improve our health, and sure, giving up smoking, exercising...

6 DELICIOUS FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN ZINC

Ideal for those looking to optimise their diets today.Zinc is an essential nutrient found in the cells throughout our bodies. Essential, in this instance, doesn’t only mean ‘important’, mind. When we refer to essential nutrients,...

6 Smart Ways To Make Your Sleep Deeper & More Restful

Don’t you just love that glorious moment, where head meets pillow, dreams supersede reality and a night of replenishment beckons…*sound of record scratching* Woah, woah, woah….sorry to snap you out of it there, but things,...

5 Ideal Ways To Avoid Procrastination #WFH & The Science Behind Them

Hey you! Yes, you. Stop reading IDEAL magazine and hop to it; there’s work to be done. OK, maybe first finish this article. View it as an investment.Everyone is guilty of procrastinating – even...

5 Natural Ways To Boost Energy Levels

Ideal for those who constantly find themselves flagging...Are you reading these words through heavy eyelids, lamenting another day wasted running on empty? Is the smell of freshly brewed coffee like cat nip to your...

8 Expert-Approved Ways To Become A Morning Person

Ideal for those looking to hack their morning routine in the hope of catching the worm...Struggling to find the motivation first thing? Taking a long while to get going in the morning? Casting covetous...

5 Of The Best Meditation Apps For 2023

Ideal for those looking to take a moment...A new year, and a new, zenlike version of yourself? Inner peace isn’t such a bad goal going forward, we think, and more important than ever in...

8 Dumbbell Exercises You Can Do From Home For A Full-Body Workout

Since the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen an influx of people building home gyms and finding ways to get creative with their workouts. If you're looking for a full-body workout that can be done...

Ideal If You're Redecorating...

Innovative Soundproofing Solutions For Your City Centre

Living in the heart of the city is an exciting experience, sure, but the constant noise can sometimes be overwhelming. If you're seeking tranquillity without the hassle of a major renovation project, here are...

How To Up The Comfort Ante Of Your Home In Time For Winter

Want to make your home feel more homely, homie? Then you’ve come to the right place. In fact, you’ve come to the only place more welcoming than your gaff after reading this article. Because here at IDEAL,...

The Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Chances Of Getting A Mortgage, According To Experts

Navigating the world of mortgages can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a mortgage. With that in...

8 Budget Purchases That Can Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency & Its Value

In the quest to make our homes more energy-efficient and, in turn, valuable, we often overlook the simple, budget-friendly solutions that can make a significant difference. Overlook no more; here are 8 cost-effective purchases...

From Non-Slip Tiles To Walk-In Showers: How To Future-Proof Your Bathroom

It’s only natural that most people want to stay in the house that they’ve built, nurtured and loved well into their retirement and beyond. But as our bodies, brains and needs change, so do...

10 Top Tips For Personalising Your Home Swiftly & Cheaply Soon After Moving In

Moving into a new home is an exciting chapter in anyone's life. It's a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. But how do you transform this unfamiliar space into something cosy and welcoming...

7 Modern Renovation Projects That Can Add Value To Your Home

The housing market is constantly shape shifting, with the average property price in the UK up 20% since 2020 and the start of the COVID crisis. It’s not all rosy for homeowners, however; it’s...

What Different Types Of Insulation Are Available To The Modern Homeowner?

In the quest for energy efficiency and comfort, insulation is a key player. It's the unsung hero of our homes, quietly working behind the scenes to keep us warm in winter and cool in...

9 Top Tips For Clearing Out The Clutter Before You Move House

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of old football sticker albums hitting the scrap heap. It’s the sound of the once used, now rusty pasta maker meeting its own maker (the bin). But...

Ideal For Tonight's Dinner...

Ideal For An Autumn Brunch: Smoked Haddock Kedgeree

In need of a breakfast recipe, to cure your hangover and compliment a cuppa? We can sort you out with this wholesome smoked haddock kedgeree with cheddar and chive...

5 Pumpkin Recipes For Autumn

Ideal if you're wondering what to do with your gourd glut...Pumpkins aren't just for carving and hot drinks you know. Indeed, fall’s favourite flavour can be found in more than...

4 Ideal Recipes If You’re In The Mood For Mackerel

In the mood for mackerel? We've got some delicious recipes courtesy of Waitrose.com. Omega-3 rich and packed with essential nutrients, this beautifully iridescent sea specimen is ideal for a midweek fish dinner.MACKEREL...

4 IDEAL RECIPES IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR SALMON

In the mood for salmon? We've got some delicious recipes courtesy of Waitrose.com to help satisfy your salmon cravings. Versatile and flavoursome, salmon is the ideal option for any fish supper.SPICY...

The Best Tinned Crab, Tuna, Sardine & Salmon Recipes

It’s amazing what you can do with a tin of fish. It’s also amazing what it can do to you; boasting heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and plenty of...

3 Recipes From Liguria That You Have To Try 

Food is an intrinsic part of Italian culture, no matter where you go in the country. This is especially true for Liguria, a region which has earned its place...

Ideal For Your Weekend Plans...

7 Of The Best City Breaks In Scotland For 2024

Ideal for a weekend away in the Land of the Brave...Back in the not so distant days of before the UK's cost-of-living-crisis truly bit, one of life's great pleasures involved a spontaneous hop on...

7 Autumn Day Trip Ideas 2 Hours From London

If you’re living in the Big Smoke and keen for an escape, even if it’s just for a day, then rest assured that there’s huge variety just a short train ride or drive away....

A Guide To The UK’s Longest Road Trip: Land’s End To John o’ Groats & 11 Unmissable Stops Along The Way

Ideal for a driving holiday that takes in some of the UK's most scenic sites...One of the most epic journeys in all of the United Kingdom, the road trip from Land's End in Cornwall...

Autumn 2023 Staycation Special: 5 Ideal Places To Holiday In Southwest England

Ideal for a holiday filled with history and heavenly food on terra firma this autumn...Here at IDEAL we love discovering hidden gems within the UK, and for a whole host of reasons, this autumn...

9 Of Scotland’s Best Road Trips: A Journey Through Landscapes & History

Ideal for an exhilarating drive across Caledonia...Scotland's alluring landscapes make this country a paradise for road trips. There are numerous stunning routes showcasing the extraordinary beauty of Scotland's highlands, islands, villages, and cities. Pack...

6 Remote, Rural UK Staycations For 2023

Ideal for those seeking a holiday off the beaten track.Britain’s holiday destinations have been somewhat overlooked in recent years, with budget flights further afield allowing people to travel to their heart’s content. For obvious...

5 Spring Staycation Ideas For The Family In 2023

Ideal for an idyllic UK get away that your kids will love...Spring is in the air and the UK is a beautiful place at this time of the year, full of colour and life,...

What To Eat, Drink, See & Do In Stirling, Scotland

Ideal for a sterling weekend break in Scotland's smallest city...If you're looking for a quick and convenient getaway in Scotland, then the charming city of Stirling might just be the perfect destination. Located in...

Pedal Your Way Through Paradise: The Best Cycling Holidays In The Scottish Highlands

Ideal for traversing breathtaking terrain on two wheels...The Scottish Highlands, with their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offer an unforgettable experience for cyclists seeking adventure. From rugged coastlines to serene lochs and...

Ideal For Upping Your Cooking Game...

5 Healthy Eating Tips For An Autumn Spent Indoors

Hunker down, it's hibernation time. As the days get colder and the nights draw in, our eating habits change too, with dishes heartier and more comforting. That shouldn't mean our autumn diets can't be...

7 Top Tips For Cooking The Best Spaghetti Alle Vongole: The Ideal Recipe

Here's the IDEAL recipe for spaghetti alle vongole: the best spaghetti with clams, chilli and garlic.With summer in full swing and the finest palourde clams currently abundant, there feels no more appropriate dish to...

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 most succinctly realised by what’s...

10 Steps To A Perfect, Traditional Paella

Ideal if you're looking for top tips on how to make paellaThough there are countless regional variations, global mispronunciations and quarrels over a whole host of celebrity chefs' erant additions, the origins of...

7 Beginner’s Tips For Making The Best Homemade Pizza

A little dough, a ladleful of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese... No dish in the world manages to coax pure ambrosia from so few ingredients as pizza.Even the word 'pizza' evokes an...

8 Ideal Steps To The Perfect Steak

Here at IDEAL, we love a good vegetable. Blanched, steamed, raw, sauteed...the good green stuff is the backbone of our diet, make no mistake (can’t...won’t….mustn’t. Aaah....Must. Resist. Steak. Puns). So much so in fact,...

More Lifestyle...

Where To Eat Near Covent Garden: The Best Restaurants Near Covent Garden

Ideal for dining well in the heart of Theatreland...Built in 1630 and taking inspiration from the grand piazzas of Europe, Covent Garden was the first of its kind in London, and still retains that continental soul to this day. There’s...

From Appropriate Presents To When You Should Leave: The Ideal Guide To Baby Shower Etiquette

Modern day baby showers are a tradition that began in the post-war USA, a celebration of new life and a show of support for expectant parents. Their introduction to UK culture has been a much more recent development and, accordingly,...

How To Up The Comfort Ante Of Your Home In Time For Winter

Want to make your home feel more homely, homie? Then you’ve come to the right place. In fact, you’ve come to the only place more welcoming than your gaff after reading this article. Because here at IDEAL, we just love to sink...

How To Make Your Home Feel As Festive As Possible For Guests This Christmas

As the frosty winter air begins to nip at our noses and the twinkling lights of Christmas start to adorn our streets, it's time to turn our attention to the heart of the holiday season - our homes. This...

7 Top Tips On Looking After Your Hair This Festive Season

The unpredictability of party season can wreak havoc on many of our well worn routines. Erratic turn ins mean we rarely get our 8 hours of zeds, a dodgy diet of mulled wine and mince pies has us feeling...

From Venues To Refreshments: How To Throw Your Own Mini Festival Next Summer

Didn't manage to get Glasto tickets, huh? Don't have any faith in the re-sale, either? Planning to throw your own function to make up for it, too, hey?The final throes of festival season may only be two months gone,...

How To Look After Your Jewellery To Ensure Its Longevity: 7 Top Tips

Did you know that the most expensive jewel in the world is the Hope Diamond valued at more than $250 million? This diamond has over 45 carats and it's as large as a smartwatch, requiring handling by specially trained...

Timing Is Everything: When To Prune Shrubs For Optimum Health & Growth

Pruning shrubs at the correct time is key to ensuring they grow healthy, producing plenty of lush green foliage and fabulous flowers. In fact, did you know that pruning shrubs can actually make them grow bigger? An annual prune...

How To Train Your Dog To Be Less Stressed On Holiday

As the winter chill sets in and the days grow shorter, for those with particularly strong foresight (or a desperate need for escapism, of course), now feels like the perfect time to start planning for the sunnier days ahead. As...