If you’ve decided to move to Brisbane, whether from afar or within Australia, then firstly, allow us to congratulate you on your smart decision making. Queensland’s capital city offers its residents a unique blend of urban living and more countryside, peaceful ideals. You’ll have all the convenience of the CBD at your disposal, with incredible wineries, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and other natural wonders all within easy reach.
That said, there are a few need-to-knows to bear in mind before you make the move. From mastering public transport to tracking down the best serviced offices in Brisbane, the following tips will help you hit the ground running in Queensland’s River City.
Public Transport Differs Wildly From Suburb To Suburb
If you plan on using public transport to get around Brissie, it’s crucial to choose your suburb wisely. Generally speaking, suburbs close to ferry terminals and train stations tend to offer the most reliable public transport options. Suburbs with express bus lines can also be convenient. However, any Brisbane resident will tell you that certain bus lines are so unreliable you can be left waiting for more than an hour, despite arriving on time.
Predominantly, the inner western suburbs of Brisbane are those with the best connectivity in terms of public transport. These include Bardon and Paddington, as well as Auchenflower, Milton and Toowong.
Other suburbs considered to be preferably connected include West End (though it remains prohibitively expensive), South Bank, which has the huge added benefit of being walkable from Brisbane CBD, as well as Taringa and Indooroopilly, both suburbs with access to buses and train lines that connect to the city centre, as well as ferry access.
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with hot weather all year round. If you’re coming from one of Australia’s southern states, you’ll find that summers in Brisbane are far hotter than perhaps you’re used to. Winters are also a lot warmer, which Melbournites used to bitterly cold Junes and Julys will surely appreciate. Whatever season you’re in, Brisbane is famous for enjoying a lot of sun, with around 2,800 hours – or 283 days – of sunshine annually.
However, summer also comes with the risk of wild storms and dangerous flooding. So, be sure to check whether the suburb you’re considering renting or buying a home in has a low flood risk.
Weekend Getaway Options Are Top Tier
Brisbane is an incredible home base for anyone wanting to explore the beauty of South East Queensland. The endless pristine beaches of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are both less than two hours away. You also have plenty of world-class wineries at your doorstep.
Then, of course, there are all the national parks like Springbrook, Moreton Bay Marine Park, Samford Regional Park, and others to explore. The opportunities to connect with the magic and beauty of nature are limitless. You can even explore caves full of glow worms out at Springbrook… What’s not to love?
It’s crucial to have some form of reliable accommodation locked in before you head to Brisbane. That doesn’t mean you need a rental lease in place. However, you do need to ensure that you can extend your time in temporary accommodation if needed. Staying on a friend’s couch may not be ideal, as it could take you months to find a long-term rental in Brisbane’s highly competitive market.
It’s also worth noting that, as of 2023, this competition is driving rental prices up in South East Queensland, with record levels reached this year. So, you may end up paying more per week than what you’re currently seeing listed for rentals online. Depending on your circumstances, it might be worth looking at house-sharing websites and living with roommates.
Generally speaking, the cost of living in Brisbane is high, with a one bedroom city centre apartment clocking in at an average of almost 2’500 AUD (around £1’400) a month.
Serviced Offices Are Ideal For Brisbane-Based Business Owners
That said, with a higher cost of living and a young, affluent population comes a city that attracts plenty of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Should you be planning to set up a business in Brisbane, then serviced offices offer an affordable way to establish yourself in Brisbane’s otherwise expensive CBD. You’ll also find serviced offices spread all throughout the city, making it easy to establish a professional business premise at a fraction of the cost of leasing or purchasing an office.
It’s worth noting that the offices available in the CBD and adjacent suburbs like Spring Hill generally offer the best features. In these suburbs, you can enjoy amenities like a pool, gym, barbeque terrace, bars, and easy public transport options.
The Bottom Line
Brisbane is a city filled with opportunities. It’s also an expensive place to live, make no mistake. Therefore, it pays to be aware of the above factors before committing to life in South East Queensland.
If you’re wondering about the wider area and some of the excursions available to you when living in Brisbane, then check out these suggestions on fantastic adventure activities to experience in Queensland. We’ll see you at the shark feed dive?
As if we needed an excuse, Espresso Martini Day 2023 falls this year on Wednesday 15th March, and provides the perfect excuse for a Hump Day evening drop during troubled times.
Firstly, a little history; in Turin, Italy, during the 19th century, Angelo Miriondo invented the first coffee machine that used steam and water separately to brew the coffee. In 1901, Luigi Bezzera modified the coffee machine for individual serving, and espresso was born.
His aim was to minimise the time employees took for coffee breaks and improve their productivity. Whilst we don’t entirely approve of the reasons behind its creation, we certainly love the drink.
Espresso is made when high pressure water comes in contact with fresh, fine ground coffee beans, bringing coffee lovers a cup in record time. The process results in a concentrated coffee brew topped with a delicate foam (the crema). The crema should be thin and foamy with a golden-brown colour; the heart of the espresso contains bitterness that balances the sweetness of the crema. All in all, it’s a lovely cup.
But how to improve on the elegant simplicity of the drink? Why, put it in a cocktail, of course! To cheer you up as the nights draw in, it’s time for the perfect Espresso Martini. The good news is that this amazing drink only requires three easy to find ingredients.
To celebrate Espresso Martini Day 2023 the right way, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Coffee-Direct.co.uk to reveal how to make the IDEAL three ingredient Espresso Martini.
HOW TO CHILL YOUR MARTINI GLASS
It’s important to chill your Martini glasses in the freezer or fill them with ice for at least 20 minutes before serving. This will ensure that your glasses stay colder, and your cocktails are refreshing for longer. Don’t forget to empty the ice out before you fill the glass up!
HOW TO GRIND YOUR COFFEE FOR YOUR ESPRESSO
When it comes to how fine to grind your beans, a super fine grind is key. The pressure of the pump mechanism means maximum flavour can only be extracted from finely ground coffee beans. You’ll know if your grounds are too coarse if you find yourself with a weak and under-extracted brew. If you’d like to get your coffee grounds exactly right, companies like Coffee Direct grind to measure. Ideal for the coffee connoisseur in the family, don’t you think?
HOW TO GET THE PERFECT ESPRESSO FLAVOUR FOR YOUR MARTINI
Freshly brewed coffee is essential for the flavour and the foam; make sure it’s the same quality as you would drink in the morning. Cool your coffee prior to use. If not, it will melt the ice and dilute the flavour. Experiment with different blends and see what combination works best for you.
HOW TO GARNISH AN ESPRESSO MARTINI
The traditional way to garnish an espresso martini is with three coffee beans, representing health, wealth and happiness. Some have a preference for placing a piece of lemon peel over the surface of the martini; this can release essential oils which flavour the foam, but personally, we prefer to keep things simple.
Here at IDEAL, we like to treat ourselves and use a a chocolate wafer tube, like those from Caprice Papadopoulou Wafers, as a straw to drink the cocktail through!
Anyway, let’s get to it…
THE IDEAL THREE INGREDIENT ESPRESSO MARTINI
The great thing about this quick and easy Espresso Martini is that it uses just three ingredients. The vanilla vodka acts like a sugar syrup with a distinct yet subtle flavour of Vanilla.
Serves 2
32ml vanilla vodka
36ml coffee liqueur
36ml freshly brewed espresso, using high quality coffee, such as Golden Crema.
STEP 1
Chill your martini glasses. Place the vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso into a cocktail shaker or lidded jar with a handful of ice.
STEP 2
Shake vigorously for 40-50 seconds until well blended and chilled. Strain the liquid into your glasses and enjoy!
OUR FAVOURITE IDEAL ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE
We like to use the BBC Good Food Recipe, but with a couple of our own tweaks. Their classic coffee cocktail calls for the usual suspects; a freshly brewed espresso, a dash of coffee liqueur and a simple sugar syrup. However, for our ideal twist, we like to use Vietnamese coffee which is rich and gives the Espresso Martini a distinctly chocolatey edge. For the garnish, we love to have a chocolate wafer tube on the side and use it as a straw, just for fun, even if it does go soggy after a few sips!
STEP 1 Start by making the sugar syrup. Put the caster sugar in a small pan over a medium heat and pour in 50ml water. Stir, and bring to the boil.
STEP 2 Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Put a Martini glass in the fridge to chill.
STEP 3 Once the sugar syrup is cold, pour 1 tbsp into a cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice, the vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a nutribullet blender or similar and whizz up all the ingredients with a couple of ice cubes.
STEP 4 Strain into the chilled glasses if using a cocktail shaker, or if you’re using a blender, pour into the chilled glasses and let the foam on top settle.
Garnish with a chocolate wafer tube and use it as a straw.
The tale of Holloway is one of rebirth and restoration, transformed from an undervalued area of Islington into a genuine up and comer.
Its main thoroughfare, Holloway Road, otherwise known as the A1, cuts through Jeremy Corbyn’s Islington North constituency, and in recent years it’s become one of North London’s premier shopping streets, home to a great mix of independent and unique boutiques as well as some of the biggest names in retail.
Running for 2 miles across the borough of Islington, Holloway Road gets its name from its 15th-century appearance, where it was a sunken and hollowed-out highway.
Back then, the road was often sidestepped for more well-policed thoroughfares, as it was notorious for its proliferance of highwaymen and thieves. Today, it’s thankfully cleaned up its image and is a great place to shop, explore, and, most importantly, eat.
You’ll also find the main campus of the London Metropolitan University here, as well as Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium standing proudly just off the main drag, making it a student-centric area that cross-pollinates with the area’s traditionally working-class backbone, all of which leads to some fantastic, affordable places to dine.
These are those; the best restaurants on Holloway Road, London.
The Spoke
The Spoke is a cafe and restaurant with a unique aim; it’s designed to be a place for the area’s bikers and cyclists on two wheels to congregate. It also happens to be a place where buggies on four wheels with babies gather too!
Serving excellent quality coffee all day long, its praises have been sung by Times columnist Giles Coren, who placed it in his Top 50 Restaurants list back in 2013. A somewhat dubious honour, perhaps, given his tendency for the controversial, but an honour nonetheless…
Anyway, you’ll find The Spoke located directly opposite Upper Holloway Station, making it an easy find should you be arriving on two feet rather than two wheels. It’s easy to find visually, too, thanks to its flamingo pink exterior paint job. Yet, on the inside, this vibrancy turns into a rustic, re-used aesthetic that has influenced a whole raft of cafes in the area (and city) over the last decade.
Still, it’s a cosy place to chill, making use of hanging lights that evoke the old oil lamps that would have been found around the area during the Victorian era. It has a purposely skewiff vibe, filled with mismatched geek-chic furniture to channel a controlled, chaotic feel. It works.
You can, of course, just drop in for a quick coffee, but you’ll miss out if you ride off into the sunset without first having tasted one of their signature burgers. The Spoke serves a great range of them, from a classic American cheese and bacon to the arguably more interesting Korean fried chicken burger, the latter of which deploys a sweet, spicy Gochugang mayo to bring life and colour between the bun.
That said, in our experience the finest burger here is the Smoky; filled with slow-cooked pork that’s been marinated in a smokey and flavourful BBQ sauce that seeps from the pork and into its toasted buns. It’s topped off with fermented miso mayo to add an earthy kick.
All the meats used here are free-range and are big enough to satisfy the larger appetites accrued from a morning’s cycling, ensuring that customers have the energy to hit the road again after their visit.
Owned by Valbona Sadiku and Jose Granja, a former event manager and aerospace engineer respectively, the duo have previous success in North London, having opened a much-loved coffee shop by Archway called Bread & Bean. The Spoke follows a similar formula, and is always packed with Holloway regulars; what more encouragement do you need?
If you’re looking for a fabulous Malaysian restaurant that pays no lip service to watering down its flavour profile for tender ‘Western’ palates, then it’s to Sambal Shiok you should head. Fronted by chef Mandy Yin, Sambal Shiok is one of a growing number of excellent Malaysian options in London, making it a must-eat venue if you’re on Holloway Road.
Whilst Yin’s food is certainly influenced by her Peranakan Chinese background, she freely admits that the ‘authenticity’ of her food isn’t her number one priority, but, rather, offers her own interpretation of the cooking traditions and street food of both Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the UK.
The results are fantastic. Sambal Shiok focuses first and foremost on its signature curry laksa, the famous Nyona noodle soup that straddles the moody and the vibrant effortlessly. Here, chef Win blends the relatively mellow curry laksa style of Kuala Lumpur with the more fiery assam alternatives from the Penang region, with coconut cream softening the soup’s harder edges and tamarind water adding verve and intent.
It’s a truly first rate laksa, channelling the wide-eyed wonder Ying felt as a child eating the soup in Malaysia, and evoking a similar feeling in the resident diners of Holloway Road. The wider public seem to agree; the dish helped the restaurant be named one of the Guardian’s top 20 Best Restaurants in 2020. In addition to that, Sambal Shiok was also named Time Out’s most-loved North London Restaurant in 2021.
If laksa doesn’t interest you (who are you?) then there are plenty of other street-inspired sides to get stuck into at Sambol Shiok. Chef Ying, once a lawyer who traded it all for a career in food, got her first break serving street food, and her beef rendang and chicken satay burger dish from those early buzz-creating days remain on the menu now.
Dining at Sambal Shiok is an intimate experience, with the venue unassuming at first glance. It has a dark interior, using hard wooden tables, but a burst of colour comes from the red metal chairs and stools, seemingly replicating the laksa’s peaks and troughs on the palate.
When dining at Sambal Shiok, it’ll become clear why chef Ying was so keen to bring the bold yet homely flavours of Malaysia to London, flavours which will linger in your mind (and on your clothes!) for days, eventually pulling you back in to relive them all over again.
As a country that spent a lot of time behind the iron curtain of the Soviet Union, Georgia has only recently begun to be a popular tourist destination for Brits, last year being named by Wanderlust as the most desirable emerging destination of 2022.
Accordingly, its cuisine is now emerging into the collective consciousness of foodies nationwide, with visitors discovering a generous and varied food that takes seemingly simple, abundant ingredients and makes them taste otherworldly.
Tbilisi Restaurant has stood on Holloway Road for over 13 years, and has long been a local place for those ‘in-the-know’, offering an eating experience and warm Georgian welcome the country so prides itself in.
Inside, there’s a certain Eastern European chic to proceedings, with peach-coloured walls adorned with regal portrait mirrors housed in large, extravagant frames giving a sense of occasion.
For those unfamiliar with Georgian food, the experience at Tbilisi, named after the longstanding capital, is a gastronomic journey throughout the country. There’s a feeling of discovery with every plate, whether in the delicate Badrijani – crispy fried aubergine rolls filled with a creamy walnut and onion paste – or the Ispanakhi, a well-balanced walnut and spinach dip that goes just great with the various breads (baked or grilled in house) on offer, with our favourite being the three-cheese filled, egg-yolk topped Khachapuri, one of the country’s national dishes.
For those content to be rolled out in a wheelbarrow, the Chashshuli is superb; a complex beef stew with rich flavours all circulating and working in harmony, seasoned with a secret spice mix and simmered slowly throughout the day until its tomatoes and onions break down entirely. Pickles are served to cut through the richer elements.
The food here pairs beautifully with their selection of excellent Georgian wine, primarily from the Kakheti region. The wine list is extensive, dominated by dry red wines, with a great option being the Saperavi Kondoli, a dry option with a long and soft aftertaste, with ripe berries coming into the foreground.
Neza Restaurant is a perfect example of looking past the initial facade to find something truly special within. From the exterior, the restaurant looks like any other London borough takeaway you’ll see all over the city, without giving a second thought, let alone first bite.
You probably know where this one is going; looks can be deceiving, and by giving Neza a chance, you’ll unlock an enjoyable culinary experience.
Neza is nominally a ‘Mediterranean’ restaurant, with perfectly serviceable pizza, pasta and the rest available here, but it’s in the Albanian dishes that the menu really comes to life. The Albanian Meze, with salad, feta, onions, sweet olives, and gofte, traditional Albanian meatballs fried to give them a warm and crispy bite, is just lovely. Follow with the Fasule, a thick Albanian beef soup topped with beans; a fortifying thing of rugged beauty.
That said, the shish kebabs here are front and centre, taking the spotlight. Lightly charred to give a smoky flavour and seasoned with the popular Albanian spice mix of cinnamon, saffron and chilli pepper, they’re heady, hearty and excellent value, too, clocking it at just shy of a tenner.
Yep, Neza is one of Holloway Road’s cheaper dining options, with that aforementioned Meze starting at just £6.50, meaning it’s a great place to explore potentially new tastes without inhibition – you might just discover a new favourite dish.
You’ll find Koutoukai Souvlaki sitting at the junction of Nag’s Head market, making it a prime location for those looking to pop in for take-out or for those who want to rest their legs with a sit-down lunch or dinner, equally.
Here, functionality wins out over flashiness, with an every-man charm to proceedings – think exposed brick walls, straightforward wooden furniture, and the clatter and chatter of a restaurant in full swing. Black-and-white stills from Greek cinema and TV, as well as shots from weddings and other events from back in the day, adorn the walls, letting you know you’re in a neighbourhood joint (and also, most likely, that you’re about to be fed very well).
In their own words, Koutoukai wants to create a venue where all generations can connect over great food. Fun and laid-back dining are at the core of what this restaurant does, with a live band taking centre stage over the weekend to serenade diners with traditional Rebetiko and Greek folk songs. It’s obviously a restaurant proud of its heritage, history, and food.
That food sees traditional Greek kebabs as the headlining act, dominating the cooking area behind the counter, adding to a sense of theatre that the live soundtrack has already amped up. As well as kebabs, there’s a good selection of Greek street food to go, such as gyros and pitta wraps filled with delicious spiced meat and creamy sauce, perfect for nibbling on as you explore the local market that the restaurant overlooks.
Heartier Greek dishes are also available with the moussaka coming out blistered and burnished, with an almost fudgy quality that’s as comforting as you like.
Although the restaurant works well as a place to grab a bite and go, its entire ethos is about slowing down and enjoying the finer moments. You’ll get far more out of Koutoukaki Souvlaki if you dine in with a hearty main, watching the world roll by from out their window facade. We’ll see you there?
Rhinophyma is a genetic skin condition of the nose, associated with Rosacea. Commonly referred to as ‘cauliflower nose’, this condition is characterised by visibly swollen and enlarged pores in an irregular shape along with a textured phenotype.
As treatment for Rhinophyma cannot reverse its genetic origin, individuals should remain mindful of potential triggers such as alcohol consumption, stress, and prolonged exposure to heat to avoid developing this condition.
If you believe that you may be experiencing any symptoms of Rhinophyma, it is essential to consult your dermatologist for professional medical treatment and advice – not only for the treatment of physical cosmetic blemishes caused by this condition but also far-reaching emotional impacts on one’s wellbeing as well.
How To Prevent Rhinophyma?
Rhinophyma can be a difficult condition to manage, with no known prevention method.
However, taking certain precautions may help limit flare-ups and the intensity of symptoms, particularly avoiding potential rosacea triggers such as hot foods and drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, exposure to extreme temperatures and stress.
Furthermore, regular skin care measures are highly recommended, such as using sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher to protect from damaging UVA/UVB rays and moisturisers that suit sensitive or hypoallergenic skin.
For any additional eye related issues caused by rosacea, artificial eye care is always advised. Altogether this helps create a healthier lifestyle and potentially reduce aggravating factors for those with rhinophyma.
Treatment Of Rhinophyma
Treatment for Rhinophyma may require patience, as it primarily focuses on addressing the underlying rosacea symptoms.
Oral Isotretinoin is frequently the first line of action, as it is often more effective when used early in the condition’s development.
To prevent any further disfigurement from taking place, other longer-term medications could be necessary for severe cases – in combination with regular dermabrasion.
Antibiotics like Metronidazole, Tetracycline and Erythromycin are oftentimes prescribed to reduce redness and inflammation around the affected area; while a moisturiser should be applied to keep skin from drying out.
Therefore, prompt intervention and taking care of your skin may help relieve some of this condition’s uncomfortable symptoms while also preventing further spreading or worsening of your rhinophyma.
The Bottom Line
Rhinophyma is a skin condition that affects the nose and can have far-reaching emotional impacts on one’s wellbeing. While there is no known prevention method, there are ways to manage and limit flare-ups and symptoms.
Avoiding potential triggers such as alcohol consumption, stress, and exposure to extreme temperatures can help, as can regular skincare measures like using sunscreen and moisturiser. Treating Rhinophyma primarily focuses on addressing the underlying rosacea symptoms, with oral Isotretinoin and antibiotics often prescribed.
Prompt intervention and taking care of your skin may help relieve uncomfortable symptoms and prevent further spreading or worsening of your rhinophyma.
*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*
Perhaps unsurprisingly seeing as it’s the world’s most expensive city, Singapore has got it good in terms of fine dining.
For the box tickers and star chasers, the city totalled seven entries in the recently announced Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022 list, with a whopping 48 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three receiving the highest accolade of three stars. Plenty more restaurants in the Lion City are courting that kind of recognition and prices soar skyward accordingly.
Arguably the epicentre of the haute-cuisine side of the food scene here is the Marina Bay, Singapore’s most upscale district, instantly recognisable by its modern, outlandish architecture, including the ArtScience Museum built to resemble a lotus flower, the water-spouting Merlion, and the towering Gardens by the Bay.
Here, the menus are just as cutting edge, bold and intricate as the architecture, but if you’re looking for the very finest of dining, it’s important to distinguish the good from the gastronomically great. To do just that, you’ve come to the right place; here are the best fine-dining restaurants in Marina Bay, Singapore.
Waku Chin, Marina Bay Sands
Within the ultra-opulent Marina Bay Sands resort, which boasts one of the world’s largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers and houses one of the most lavish casinos in the world, is Waku Chin by Tetsuya Wakuda, one of the world’s best Michelin starred casino restaurants. What could possibly go wrong?
At the Blackjack table, plenty. But under the care of chef Wakuda at his 2 Michelin starred Teppanyaki-Omakase restaurant, you’ll be in very safe hands, indeed.
At Waku Chin, a tasting menu is served to 25 lucky guests in two sittings each night, at either 5pm or 8pm, with prices varying according to what’s in season and what’s arrived fresh to the restaurant that day. Rest assured; whatever you’re served, the food is always impeccable and often playful. The signature here – a cold pasta of Botan shrimp, French truffle, Murasaki uni and Oscietra Caviar – often opens the tasting menu and is sublime.
Chef Wakuda is also the only official ambassador of sake outside of Japan, so expect an incredible selection of premium bottles, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Saint Pierre, One Fullerton
Another luxurious hotel in Singapore with fine-dining options by the bucket-load is One Fullerton, just across the water from Marina Bay Sands, and equally as blessed with Michelin starred restaurants.
Our pick of the bunch? Saint Pierre, a nominally ‘French’ ode to haute cuisine, but with plenty of East and Southeast Asian accents thrown in for good measure. Awarded two Michein stars in 2019 and holding on to them since, the ‘opulence’ menu which features luxury ingredients like Oscietra caviar, Bafun uni, Nagasaki seabass and Anjou pigeon, will set you back a whopping $388 (around £220).
All things considered, then, the set lunch menu, offering three courses on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, is a relative steal at £95.
Sure, you could eat just as well in one of Singapore’s legendary hawker centres for £219 less, but sometimes, the Lion City’s luxuriousness needs to be enjoyed first hand, complete with sweeping views of Marina Bay as you dine. Saint Pierre is one of the best facilitators of both those things in Singapore.
Shoukouwa, One Fullerton
If you thought that Saint Pierre sounded exclusive, then Singapore’s most critically acclaimed sushi restaurant, Shoukouwa, takes things up another notch. Here, the omakase menu at its most prestigious will put a serious dent in your bank balance, to the tune of $650 (or £366). For the privilege, you’ll be treated to a procession of the most intricate bites, which build to a climax of expertly prepared, spanking fresh nigiri.
Throw in a bottle of sake and food heaven awaits. Interestingly, the restaurant has the record breaking, 0% polishing ratio Nizawa Reikyo Absolute ‘’0’’ Junmai Daiginjo on its sake menu. Yours for just $8500.
A second eatery-entrant housed in the Marina Bay Sands, Cut Steakhouse is the first Asian outpost by celebrated Austrian-American chef Wolfgang Puck. A Michelin star holder for several years, the vibe here is suave and sophisticated, and the carefully-sourced steaks are chargrilled over apple wood just to your liking – yes, they’ll even do yours well-done, if you like.
For those not in the mood for a big hunk of meat, there’s still plenty to get excited about, with whole roasted Maine lobster anointed with black truffle sabayon about as indulgent as you can get, even in this most opulent of cities. Finish with one of the silkiest chocolate souffles you ever did try, and it’s time for a long, but very satisfying, lie down.
Lau Pa Sat, Raffles Quay
Finally, something a little less damaging to the purse. Fortunately, and somewhat surprisingly in a city of affluence and aspiration, cheap eats can be found everywhere.
When dining out, locals often eat at the ubiquitous hawker centres that are found all over town. Perhaps the best is Lau Pa Sat (also known as Telok Ayer Market) where you’ll find a huge diversity of dishes and styles. Singapore’s Boon Tat Street, also known as ‘Satay Street’, turns into a street food lover’s paradise in the evening, where you can find grilled things on sticks for around 50p an item.
With the mercury starting to creep north and an early start to Spring expected for some, we think it’s safe to feel a little positivity and good cheer after several months of really bleak weather and vibes.
For some, however, this Spring awakening and its change in pace, combined with the extra time spent in public and under the sun, can lead to a bit of a shock, skin wise.
Used to being indoors, spoilt and pampered in recent months, our skin has got a little complacent. Suddenly, in the excitement of seeing friends and family again, seasonal skincare routines risk being sidelined.
Don’t let a bout of blemishes, dry skin or oiliness take the spring out of your step as you swagger out of winter hibernation and into the big wide world. Here are 5 springtime skincare tips to have you stepping out with confidence.
Invest In Spring Specific Skincare
Skincare products aren’t always applicable all year round, with certain products being much more appropriate for winter than summer, or sutumn than spring.
There’s no better time for a spring clean of your products than, well, spring. Richer creams that are ideally suited to winter skin tend to be excessively heavy for spring, but your skin will still be crying out for replenishment of moisture, particularly if you’re enjoying the pub garden (and alcohol’s dehydrating nature) a little too enthusiastically.
Keep an eye on skincare ingredients to make sure you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs. Instead of heavier creams, opt for a lighter serum or moisturiser to help balance the skin whilst keeping it hydrated. Which brings us to…
Cleanse Daily For Fresh Feeling Skin
Sure, it may sound obvious, but we don’t mind admitting that standards may have slipped during January – with folk abstaining from drink, meat and, erm, fun – and the pressure to socialise hitting the skids.
But as we step out more willingly for spring, our skin is more prone to exposure to pollutants and the general wear and tear of a day spent al fresco – not to mention harmful UV rays, but we’ll get to that later.
Generally speaking, a simple dose of soap and water isn’t enough to thoroughly cleanse our skin. Instead, try to place particular emphasis on three key ingredients in your cleansing routine: hyaluronic acid, which improves moisture and discreetly addresses fine lines; Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, which help remove dead skin cells gently; and Vitamin E and C, which both work to fend off free radicals, a key culprit of fine lines.
Ideally, you should cleanse twice a day, using a fragrance-free cleanser that suits your skin type. Do so in the morning before you apply your beauty and skincare products, and at night, to remove all impurities that may have built up during the day.
For those with dry, sensitive skin, gel or cream cleansers are great. And for oily skin, foaming cleansers work best. If you’re prone to acne, then keep away from oil based cleansers and instead go for something completely oil free.
Exfoliating your skin is an essential part of any skincare regime, too, helping to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the overall tone and texture of your complexion.
Exfoliating can be done in a variety of ways including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or using a gentle scrub. However, it’s important to note that over-exfoliation can cause irritation and inflammation so it’s best to consult with a skincare specialist before you begin exfoliating your skin. Your skin’s barrier can also be damaged from over-exfoliating, so make sure to take care and not scrub too hard.
Pay Attention To Transitions Between Indoors & Out
Exercise can do wonders for your overall physical and mental health, that much we know. But did you know that regular exercise can also do wonders for your skin? As the guys at Everyday Health point out, ‘’physical activity impacts skin cells, decreases stress, and improves sleep — all factors that can give you a younger-looking complexion’’.
Fantastic news! But if you’re planning on doing more of your exercise outdoors now the weather shows some signs of warming up, you could be risking the wrath of the sun on your complexion.
When consulting with skincare specialists, they never fail to emphasise the importance of using sunscreen as part of your daily regimen, so every time you step out to exercise, it’s important to use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen can help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Those rays can cause changes in pigmentation, lines and wrinkles and generally play havoc with the condition of your skin, as well as causing an increased risk of skin cancer. Whatever your skin type, keeping your skin safe in the sun should be a top priority this spring.
A rather pretentious way of saying drink more of the stuff, we realise, but we got your attention, didn’t we?
We keep mentioning hydration, but that’s because it’s so important, particularly as the weather warms up. It can be all too easy to forget to drink water regularly, but this is a big mistake when it comes to skincare. In order to help your skin glow, you need to make sure it’s hydrated from the inside out.
The phrase ‘8 by 8’ is useful at keeping track of how many glasses of water you consume before the end of the day; simply drink eight glasses of water by 8pm and you’ll have had your fill for the day. However, there is no need to over hydrate as this will not add any benefit.
Sleep Hygiene Is As Important As Skin Hygiene
This article is in danger of repeating itself, we know that, but skincare loves consistency, so repeat, remind and reiterate we will.
The first months of a new year can be a welcome time of hibernation, retreating into oneself to build up the bank balance, unpickle the liver and generally lick some wounds accrued over the festive season. We’re sure we speak for you, too?
But an excess of sleep just the same as a lack of it, particularly when made a regular thing, causes the stress hormone cortisol to be released, which in turn encourages inflammation in the skin, leading to flare-ups in conditions like acne and eczema. Yep, beauty sleep is a real thing, and you should be aiming to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep a night accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Skincare? Spring care, more like! By ensuring your beauty routine is a seasonal affair, you give your complexion the chance to be as glowing as you deserve.
Summer holidays in the UK are something of a dichotomy. For the majority of school children, they represent pure, unbridled freedom for a length of time that feels both infinite and fleeting. For teachers, that effect is only amplified tenfold, with the early September scaries bringing the six weeks to a crashing, crushing close way too early each and every year.
For parents, those six weeks are bittersweet. Sure, it’s almost two whole months of quality time with the kids. But equally, it’s almost two whole months of time spent trying to think of entertaining yet educational activities for both parent and child.
Keeping the kids occupied can be tough, make no mistake, even for a day. But for six weeks? Things can get really tricky. And though the summer is still several months away, it’s never too early to start planning for this extended spell of downtime. Fortunately, we’re here to help you get inspired, with these 6 IDEALways to keep your kids entertained this summer.
Forest Camp
A summer camp where the kids actually learn some valuable life skills, spend loads of time in the open air and away from their screens, get plenty of exercise, foster a sense of camaraderie and teambuilding, nurture an appreciation of nature, and generally embrace the spirit of adventure with both hands? Where do we sign up!
We’re talking, of course, about forest camps, which have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, as a way to keep the kids entertained over summer whilst also teaching them tons of valuable lessons.
Whether they’re learning how to build a shelter or orienteering their way through a thicket using only a paper map and compass (no Google Maps allowed!), your kids will love going to forest camp.
From Wild Things! in the Scottish Highlands to The Hive in a rural corner of London. check out Country File’s rundown of the best forest and adventure camps in the UK for more on that.
International Summer Camp
If your kids (and maybe you, selfishly!) prefer their summer adventures more far flung, then have you considered an International Summer Camp?
Taking place on the continent and offering your children an insight into a different culture, sample a new cuisine and hopefully beginning on the journey to picking up a second language, International Summer Camps are a defining moment in many a child’s development and progression into adulthood. That’s not to say they’re a serious pursuit; there’s plenty of fun to be had on one!
The guys from Camp Suisse tell us at that their summer camp involves clambering up climbing crags, getting to grips with mountain biking, hiking and camping, unleashing your kid’s inner Robin Hood in their lively archery sessions, building hammocks in the woods, navigating round the local forest with a compass, and pitting our wits in team building challenges. Never a dull moment, indeed.
And the best bit? You’ll have earned yourself some much needed ‘me time’ back home!
A UK Road Trip
From Cornwall’s picturesque seaside towns and North Wales’ rural, rugged landscapes to the Norfolk Broads’ lock-free waterways, there are more beautiful staycation spots on our little island than you can shake a hiking stick at. And what better way to experience the best of it than by getting up close and personal?
We realise that you’re taking your kids on a roadtrip to keep them entertained, but remember that backseat based entertainment is essential to keep the kids happy on those longer stretches of road.
There’s only so much ‘I Spy’ you can play before things get tetchy, after all. In terms of distraction devices, the smaller the better fits well with the travelling light mantra; an iPad with some cartoons downloaded or perhaps a playlist of your child’s favourite songs to sing along to, is a good start.
The Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges once said, ‘’I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of a Library.’’
Well, for children, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, libraries truly are paradise. And for parents of those children, the same could be said, as kids can keep themselves entertained for hours, for free, in these most hallowed of institutions.
As Medium explains, “Three important goals that many parents have: spending quality time with their children, helping them to be independent and socially fluent, and building their love for reading. These goals are easily accomplished by taking your child to the library”.
This summer, the library could easily become your new favourite partner in parenting!
A child’s bedroom is their kingdom – a place to play, sleep, study and even dream. To fill those endless days with a fun and exciting activity, why not consider decorating their bedroom with them?
Kids love to get involved in decorating and creating their rooms. Moreover, with an exciting new room, they will be happier spending some of their summer holidays playing and chilling
Finally, and now that we’re in the spirit of putting your kids to work (only kidding – child labour laws wouldn’t allow it!), another great way to keep your kids entertained, getting them fresh air and off their screens, is through a range of summer holiday garden projects.
Rather than keep you here (we realise you might have some entertaining to do), let us redirect you to these great garden project suggestions. We hope you have a wonderful summer when it finally rolls around!
Research reveals that the average cost of a UK wedding is £30,000. With so much invested in your special day, you deserve a wedding venue that will exceed your expectations, represent good value for money, and ensure your special day runs as seamlessly as possible.
Arguably the defining aspect of your Big Day, your wedding venue isn’t something you should risk taking a punt on. One way to ensure this is by scheduling a site tour of your chosen venue. A site visit allows you to explore the space, meet the venue team, and identify potential issues. – the latter of which you definitely don’t want arising on the day itself.
Today, we delve a little deeper into why a site tour is a crucial step in creating a memorable and stress-free wedding day you and your guests will never forget. Here’s why you need a site visit of your wedding venue.
Visualise Your Decor & Design
Have you already visualised how your wedding decor and design will look at the location? Thankfully, the site visit can give you exactly that. You can see how the lighting and colours interact with the venue’s architecture and layout, adjusting your planned decor and design elements when you visit the site in person.
Moreover, it will be an opportunity to explore different options for placing your tables, chairs, and other decor items. Seeing how your vision will come together in the venue can help you make more informed decisions.
A site tour is an excellent opportunity to meet the venue team, who will be helping you create a memorable event in the image you (and perhaps your wedding planner) have envisaged. Only in person can you get a sense of their professionalism, experience, and personalities, all essential elements on the Big Day.
This one can’t be overstated; having a good rapport is crucial because you will work with them throughout your planning process, and on the day itself, their relationship with you will reflect in the delivery of service, make no mistake.
Having close contact with staff members allows you to ask further questions about the venue, their policies, and prior experience with themed weddings without feeling like you’re becoming a nuisance. Instead, with that rapport cultivated, the team can suggest how to make the most of the space and create a memorable, personal wedding experience.
Identify Potential Issues That May Crop Up
Issues? What issues? My wedding day is going to go off without a hitch, you say…
Think again; even the most meticulously planned weddings are beset with behind-the-scenes problems to solve; the key is in anticipating them.
A site tour can be a great opportunity to identify any potential issues that could arise on your wedding day. Nobody wants mishaps on their special day, but making backup plans is definitely sensible.
Are there accessibility concerns, and does the space layout work for your plans? Are any restrictions or noise ordinances in place that could impact your event? Are there any physical obstacles to the smooth flow of the ceremony and reception? These potential issues should be pinpointed early to avoid needless stress on the day itself.
Get A Feel For The Space
Pictures and videos of a venue can be helpful, sure, but nothing beats seeing it in person. As the wedding venue experts at St Osyth Priory tell us, ‘’a site tour allows you to see the layout of the space, understand the flow of the event, and envision how it will all come together.’’
All essential stuff, but just as important is that instinct and intuition you’ll feel when engaging with a venue first-hand. You can get a sense of the atmosphere, the ambience, and the vibe of the venue. Seeing the space in person will give you confidence that the location is right for your special day.
Assess The Catering Service
Many wedding venues offer catering services, and a site tour might be an opportunity to taste your food options for the event. You can try different menu items and see the presentation of the dishes. You can also ask questions about the catering team’s experience and ability to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Sampling the food options can give you a better sense of the quality of the catering service and help you decide on the menu options.
Lastly, a site tour offers the opportunity to clarify logistics and other relevant details. Sometimes, it may be needed to carry out more than one site tour of the venue to ensure every detail is attended to, and your wedding is everything you ever dreamed it could be.
If there’s any better feeling than the one on felt two wheels, shirt in the breeze like you’re sailing, your chain whirring and your heart soaring, then we haven’t felt it.
Well, perhaps there are better feelings, but for legal kicks that can be achieved without shaming yourself in public, biking can’t be beat.
That’s a whole lot more wheels on Britain’s already busy roads, especially in summer, when bikes across the country are dusted off for annual cycling trips with friends and family.
Should you be keen to take your passion across the Channel and have a spin on some of the continent’s best cycling routes this year, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 7 of Europe’s best cycling routes for an adventure holiday with a difference.
The Trans-Alp, Germany & Italy
We kick off with something challenging (start as you mean to go on, right?). If you’re after mountain biking to take your breath away, the Trans-Alp event is it. Although billed as a race, simply finishing this stretch of trying ascents and terrifying descents is enough for most participants. It’s a gruelling, challenging course of 600 largely off-road kilometres and a 20’000 vertical climb. By anyone’s standards, that’s tough and make no mistake.
Those hard enough to take it on are rewarded with stunning, STUNNING (so good we typed it twice) views and the cleanest air you’re ever likely to breathe. If the struggle is enough to put most people off, here’s another caveat; you’ll need to find a companion as crazy as you to enter, as, for safety reasons, you have to pair up. Go on, we dare you.
The Legendary Mont Ventoux Ascent, Provence
Though Provence is one of France’s most visited regions, it also boasts some of the most tranquil and scenic stretches of roads you’ll find anywhere in the country.
With routes bordered by the region’s rolling hills, verdant vineyards, lavender fields, and Roman ruins, there’s plenty to take in during a tour on two wheels here, but it’s those violaceous pastures that are particularly captivating for cyclists.
Choose to base your cycling tour in the Luberon Valley on a kind of village-hopping jaunt, making a pit stop in each of the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ of villages that make up the north of Luberon, namely Bonnieux, Gordes, Goult, Lacoste, Oppède, Roussillon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, and Ménerbes. It’s in mid-June to late August that the flowering season is at its peak, so do try to time your cycling holiday with peak lavender season!
Those after something more challenging in Provence head for the legendary Bedoin to Mont Ventoux cycling ascent, which is revered worldwide for its average gradient of 7.5% (phew) and incredible views of the lavender hills below from its peak.
Part of cycling folklore due to it being the place where, in 2016, Chris Frome crashed into the back of a motorbike and then tried to run up the mountain, this one is only for very serious cyclists indeed. Come prepared, in your prime, and you might just stand a chance.
The mountain also has a tragic past, as it’s where beloved British cyclist Tom Simpson collapsed and, sadly, passed away. Make sure you visit his memorial some 20 kilometres into the ascent.
Taking around a week if you approach your cycling is a leisurely way, the ride from Passau in Germany to Austria’s capital Vienna is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.
Passau is a wonderful place to spend some time before you embark on your two-wheelin’ adventure. Defined by water as the rivers Danube, Ils and Inn all converge here, the baroque architecture of the old town is breathtaking; make sure you take it all in from Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop stronghold housing an observation tower.
Once you’re ready to mount your bicycle, the entirely traffic-free route from Passau to Vienna winds gently alongside the Danube, passing Austria’s fruit orchards, vineyards and gorgeous rolling hills relatively undisturbed by modern affectation. The route is around 300 kilometres in total, and takes around a week.
If you’re looking to take a longer cycling trip, consider exploring the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. The coastal highway stretches all the way from Donegal in the north down to the south coast and County Cork, and comprises around 2’500 km of road and takes around a month to complete.
Don’t worry, it’s not pure cycling without a moment’s pause; there are countless places worth stopping at, including Sligo (which was one of Yeats’ greatest inspirations), Connemara, Galway, and Kinsale.
Along the way, the local seafood is some of the finest you’ll encounter (and hopefully, eat!) anywhere on the planet, with the local oysters and langoustine particularly revered. You can, in fact, base your whole road trip around eating shellfish, with the experts at The Taste Ireland recommending starting at Fishy Fishy in Kinsale, Cork, a critically acclaimed temple of all things landed from the sea. When finishing up in Donegal, Killybegs Seafood Shack boasts incredible views of the harbour and the freshest fish on the plate. A well earned meal after all that cycling, don’t you think?
The Black Mountain (A4069) pass, connecting Llandovery and Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, is a must-ride for cyclists even if it does sound like some treacherous rites of passage straight out of The Lord of the Rings.
Regarded as one of the greatest cycling roads in Wales, if not the entire UK, this A-road has several tight corners, hairpin turns, and switchbacks as it curves around the Black Mountain and continues into the Brecon Beacons National Park. One word of caution, though: even if you won’t encounter any orcs or trolls, keep an eye out for wandering animals (especially sheep), especially after blind corners.
La Grande Rota do Guadiana, The Algarve
Europe isn’t only appropriate for the most marathon of rides, of course. Some of the best, in fact, can be enjoyed over the course of a single afternoon. The Algarve in Portugal is known for its incredible roads, and though it’s most commonly tackled on four wheels, parts of the region’s world famous Algarviana path are even more enjoyable taken on two.
La Grande Rota do Guadiana, in particular, is a stunning stretch, taking you through 65km of mountains and coastal areas, and granting a stunning afternoon’s cycling. The easternmost point of The Algarve, the route passes through a number of communities, such as Junqueira, Azinhal, Alcaria, and Odeleite, before continuing along the River Guadiana as you approach the municipality of Alcoutim, providing breathtaking vistas.
Make sure you visit the fantastic Pontal Viewpoint for an even greater vista from which you can see the entire area and take in the beauty of the River Guadiana’s two banks. The route concludes in Alcoutim, a quaint town well worth visiting to check out the castle there.
For a city-based biking break in Europe, it just has to be Amsterdam. Replete with parks and canals, and boasting such flat terrain that the ‘Netherlands’ even translates as ‘low lying country’, it’s a cyclist’s paradise. The city is as flat as a Dutch pannekoeken and has four times as many bikes as cars, nearly a million in total, with 10’000 bike parking spots around Amsterdam Central Station alone.
A couple of cycling tips for the uninitiated: avoid rush hour – Amsterdam’s roads are super busy, and during this time commuters (both on bikes and cars) become less forgiving to tourists trying out their two wheels. That said, it should be noted that in the whole of the Netherlands, cyclists have right of way at any and all times.
Aside from that, the city has many unwritten cycling rules, such as not to chain your bike to a stranger’s, don’t cycle on footpaths and never, ever get on your bike after indulging in anything psychoactive.
Finally, if you’re looking for a carefully laid framework for your cycling holiday to Amsterdam, you should follow the city’s famous canals. There are a total of 165 canals in the city, providing a natural border to the Pjjp, the Jordaan and the Museum Quarter – making the entire city picturesque and, in its own way, peaceful. Of course, anywhere there’s a canal, there’s also a parallel path, making this a beautiful way to cycle and never got lost in the city.
Japanese tabi socks are a unique and distinctive style of sock that is traditionally worn in Japan. They have a divided toe, separating the big toe from the rest of the toes, and are commonly worn with zōri sandals or traditional Japanese shoes. Tabi socks have a rich history and cultural significance in Japan, having been worn for centuries.
In recent years, they have also become a modern fashion statement, with a variety of patterns, colors, and materials being used to create unique and stylish designs. Today we’re exploring both the traditional and modern style of tabi socks, their cultural significance, and their increasing popularity outside of Japan.
Traditional Tabi Socks
Tabi socks have been worn in Japan for hundreds of years and are a traditional part of Japanese clothing. Traditional tabi socks are made from natural materials like cotton, linen, or silk and are usually white or black in color. They are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, allowing the wearer to move around freely.
The key distinctive feature of the traditional tabi sock is its split-toe design. This design allows the big toe to be separated from the other toes, which is believed to make it easier to balance and walk. The split-toe design also helps to keep the foot cool and dry, which is particularly important in Japan’s hot and humid summer months.
Traditional tabi socks are typically worn with zōri sandals, which are a type of Japanese sandal made from straw or leather. The combination of tabi socks and zōri sandals is known as tabi-zōri and is a common sight in Japan. Traditional tabi socks are also often worn with traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono or yukata.
In addition to their practical use, traditional tabi socks are also considered to be an important part of Japanese culture. They are worn during traditional Japanese events and ceremonies, such as tea ceremonies and weddings, and are often considered to be a symbol of Japanese tradition and heritage.
In recent years, tabi socks have undergone a transformation into a modern fashion statement. Designers have started to experiment with different materials, patterns, and colors to create unique and stylish designs. Modern tabi socks now come in a variety of materials including cotton, wool, nylon, and synthetic fabrics. They can be found in an array of colors, ranging from bold and vibrant hues to more subtle and neutral tones.
One of the unique features of modern tabi socks is their creative designs. Many feature intricate patterns and prints, such as floral or animal prints, that add a touch of fun and playfulness to any outfit. Some modern tabi socks even have unique features such as glitter or sequins, which can add a touch of glamour to any ensemble.
Modern tabi socks are not just limited to traditional Japanese clothing or zōri sandals. They can be paired with a variety of different styles, including sneakers, boots, and even high heels. Many fashion influencers and celebrities have been seen wearing tabi socks in their outfits, which has helped to bring attention to the trend.
The evolution of tabi socks into a modern fashion statement has helped to make them more accessible to a wider audience. They can be worn with a variety of different outfits, allowing people to add a touch of Japanese style and culture to their wardrobe in a unique and fashionable way.
By C11yg from Getty Images via Canva
The Cultural Significance Of Tabi Socks
Tabi socks have been an integral part of Japanese oni masks culture for centuries, and their cultural significance can be seen in various aspects of Japanese life, from fashion to art to daily etiquette. Here are some of the key ways in which tabi socks hold cultural importance in Japan:
Traditional Clothing: Tabi socks are often worn with traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimono or yukata, and are an essential component of the overall outfit. They are typically worn with zori or geta sandals, and the split-toe design helps keep the sandals in place while also providing added comfort and flexibility. In this way, tabi socks serve as a functional and stylish accessory to traditional clothing.
Japanese Etiquette: In Japanese culture, it is customary to remove one’s shoes before entering a home or certain public spaces, such as temples or traditional restaurants. Tabi socks are often worn in these situations, as they provide a layer of protection for the feet while also allowing for easy removal and putting on of footwear. This practice reflects Japanese values of cleanliness and respect for shared spaces.
By Jiang Gang via Canva
Martial Arts: Tabi socks are also commonly worn in martial arts, such as karate and judo, as they provide added grip and traction on the mat. In this context, the split-toe design allows for greater flexibility and dexterity in movements, which is essential in these disciplines.
Fashion: Tabi socks have become a popular fashion accessory in Japan and beyond, and have been incorporated into various modern and contemporary styles. They are often worn with sneakers or boots, and come in a range of colors and designs. In this way, tabi socks have become a symbol of Japanese fashion and culture, and reflect the country’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Overall, tabi socks hold a significant cultural importance in Japan, reflecting the country’s values of functionality, tradition, and innovation. Their versatility and practicality have made them an enduring part of Japanese life, and their influence can be seen in various aspects of Japanese culture and beyond.
Global Popularity Of Tabi Socks
In recent years, tabi socks have gained popularity outside of Japan and have become a global fashion trend. Here are some of the key factors that have contributed to their popularity:
Unique Design: Tabi socks are known for their distinct split-toe design, which sets them apart from other types of socks. This unique design has captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts around the world and has become a popular statement accessory in various fashion circles.
Celebrity Endorsement: Tabi socks have been endorsed by various celebrities, including fashion icons like Kanye West and Rihanna. Their endorsement has helped bring tabi socks to a wider audience and has cemented their place as a fashion-forward accessory.
Designer Collaborations: Tabi socks have been incorporated into various designer collections, such as Maison Margiela’s Tabi boots and Comme des Garçons’ collaboration with Nike. These collaborations have helped elevate the status of tabi socks and have made them more accessible to a wider audience.
Comfort & Functionality: Tabi socks are not only stylish but also provide added comfort and functionality. The split-toe design allows for greater flexibility and movement, making them ideal for activities like yoga and martial arts.
Overall, the global popularity of tabi socks reflects their versatility and appeal as a unique fashion accessory. While their cultural significance remains rooted in Japan, their influence has expanded to a global audience, highlighting the growing interest in and appreciation for Japanese culture and fashion.
The Bottom Line
Tabi socks are a unique and distinctive type of traditional Japanese footwear that have played an important role in Japanese culture for centuries. Their split-toe design, practicality, and versatility have made them an enduring part of Japanese life, and their cultural significance can be seen in various aspects of Japanese culture, from traditional clothing to martial arts to daily etiquette.
In recent years, tabi socks have also gained popularity beyond Japan and have become a global fashion trend. Their unique design, celebrity endorsement, designer collaborations, and comfort and functionality have made them a popular statement accessory in various fashion circles.
The continued popularity of tabi socks both in Japan and around the world highlights the enduring appeal of traditional Japanese culture and fashion, and the ongoing interest in blending tradition and innovation. As a fashion accessory with a rich history and cultural significance, tabi socks are a testament to the enduring power of style and the unique ways in which fashion can reflect and influence society.
Buying gifts for friends and family is always a tricky task. Add into the mix that we’re only just over the present-buying frenzy of the festive season and running low on inspiration, and that task looks even trickier. Throw into the cauldron the fact we’re all trying to tighten our belts right now, and the task just got even trickier.
Fear not, oh generous one. There are so many fantastic, thoughtful presents you can gift from afar. Here are the IDEAL gifts for loved ones living far away.
Gift Vouchers
Are gift vouchers the lazy option? In a sense, yes. But in a sense, they’re the most generous gift you can bestow. The advantage is that they eliminate the disappointment of receiving an irrelevant present, and instead, you’re giving the gift of personal choice and self-determination. What’s more, gift vouchers reduce waste; you’ll find no presents immediately destined for landfill, here.
If you want to cover every possible base, then several huge online retailers and tech platforms offer gift vouchers, including Apple, Amazon and Asos. It’s not obligatory the gift voucher begins with an A, though.
Experience Days
Experience gifts are one of the best innovations in the gift industry in recent times. You can play it safe and buy a day out you know your loved one has previously enjoyed. Or, you can push the boat out and take a chance on a new experience.
There’s a huge variety of experience focused gifts out there, from a laid-back, relaxing day at a spa to a high-adrenaline sporting activity such as white-water rafting. Choose your poison.
The Gift Of Good Humour
You know how they say that ”laughter is the best medicine”? Well, we happen to think it also makes the best gift, and one that’s easily given from afar, too.
Sure, you could just phone up a loved one and tell knock knock jokes, but to brighten someone’s morning (assuming they open their emails before midday, that is), why not send an amusing e-card, such as these ones from Tickle Fluff? Better for the environment, and a little frivolous and frisky in nature, you can even make e-cards interactive, involving a puzzle or riddle to add a little cheer to any otherwise gloomy day.
You’ll find our email address at the bottom of the page if you fancy sending us one, by the way!
A ‘Home Hamper’ Parcel
If your loved one lives on the other side of the world and is missing home comforts, then you could curate a ‘home hamper’ full of little treats and trinkets to bring comfort and evoke nostalgia from afar. Take note whenever, in conversation on the phone or on FaceTime, they mention an item, aroma, foodstuff or product they’re missing, and gradually accumulate the items for the hamper.
In a recent study regarding what ex-pats missed most about the UK, tea and marmite topped the list, with cricket the most missed sport and the British countryside and British sense of humour also included. So, that’s a hamper packed with a box of Tetley’s, a jar of Marmite, a cricket ball, some blades of grass and a cracker joke or two, then.
You can also do this in reverse if you are looking to buy in from foreign places, and send the hamper back home!
Via Canva
Delivery Flowers
When it comes to sending a heartfelt gift from afar, few things can match the timeless elegance and emotional impact of a bouquet of fresh flowers. As the team at My Flowers, who offer Toronto flowers with same day delivery, tell us flowers are a perfect way to convey your sentiments, whether it’s love, gratitude, sympathy, or congratulations. With a myriad of online florists offering same-day or next-day delivery, you can ensure that your thoughtful gesture arrives in pristine condition, no matter the distance.
From classic roses and lilies to exotic orchids and seasonal wildflowers, there’s a floral arrangement to suit every occasion and personal taste. Plus, many services allow you to add a personalised note, making your gift even more special and memorable.
Vouchers For Local Restaurants
COVID-19 and the continued crisis in the cost of energy has wreaked havoc on the hospitality sector, with many restaurants struggling to stay afloat. A fantastic gift for a loved one living far away – which would also support independent businesses during a difficult time – is a restaurant voucher for their favourite local eatery. Usually, these can be used at any time towards a meal of your friend or family member’s choosing, and is a great way to spoil a loved one from afar.
Alternatively, many top restaurants now sell finish-at-home meal kits, comprising restaurant-quality dishes delivered directly to your door. All the receiver has to do is warm it through and voila; a celebratory meal is ready.
A Charitable Donation
Try thinking outside the box in terms of gifts. Give the gift of good karma rather than an item only guaranteed to gather dust in the attic. We all accumulated a little more clutter over the Christmas period, and everyone is currently keen to streamline as 2023 kicks into life, rather than accrue more baggage.
Kind souls, then, will love to receive a gift of a donation to their favourite charity, or if they’re an animal lover, why not sponsor an endangered animal? The world of philanthropy is vast; get involved!
A Personalised Video Message From A Celebrity
Another modern gift idea is a personalised video message from a favourite celebrity, wishing Happy Birthday or simply saying hello. The cost of this service varies from under £20 all the way into the thousands, depending on who the famous face is. That, or you could simply call them on FaceTime, and wish them a good day yourself!
Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of the big city brings out the strongest of cravings for escapism. Some find solace at the bottom of a pint glass. Others, in substances more elicit. A few even find reverie through more mindful pursuits, whether that’s yoga, meditation, or even gardening. If you’re lucky enough to have one in London, that is.
Many Londoners escape in a more conventional sense, hopping on the first train out of the city on a day trip somewhere remote and rural. But if you’re confined to the urban jungle and looking for a quick endorphin rush to take you somewhere else, then you might just find the perfect escape in chilli.
Yep, those sweat inducing, dopamine baiting, brow mopping meals aren’t only confined to the likes of Bangkok, Chengdu, Gaziantep or Jalisco; you can even get your capsaicin hit closer to home. Here’s where to eat the spiciest food in London.
The Bombay Burner at Cinnamon Club, Westminster
The Cinnamon Club is one of the pioneers of modern Indian fine dining in the capital, with a reputation for balanced flavours and sophisticated service only enhanced by its refined, regal surrounds; the restaurant sits on the site of the Old Westminster Library, a historic Grade II listed building.
You may even recognise chef and owner Vivek Singh from Saturday Kitchen and other cooking shows, where his authoritative yet charming manner gives insight on both modern Indian cuisine and more traditional approaches to the cuisine.
All of this gentle build-up eludes to a refined dining experience where flavours are nuanced and spices gently balanced. But lurking in the shadows of this prestigious building is a dish that sets fire to any preconceptions of the Cinnamon Club.
Images via Cinnamon Club
You won’t find ‘The Bombay Burner’ on any Cinnamon Club menus. Rather, the process of ordering this obscenely spicy curry is a little more cloak and dagger; a call needs to be made 48 hours in advance, a safe word established between diner and front of house (possibly) and a legal disclaimer signed.
Once that’s all out of the way, prepare for the burn; the Bombay Burner uses Dorset Naga chillies, which can hit 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units. To put things in perspective, jalapeno peppers start out at 2’500 SHU, whilst police pepper spray clocks in at around 2 million SHU.
Those Dorset Nagas belong to a group of chillies collectively known as the ‘Superhots’; the very hottest in the world. As if that wasn’t enough, scotch bonnet chillies (topping 350’000) are both the body of the dish, stuffed with minced lamb, and used as a garnish, providing a perverse respite of sorts from the lethal heat of the curry proper.
Book the next day off work; you’re going to spend it on the toilet, biting down on the windowsill.
Boiled Sea Bass With Sizzling Chilli Oil at Barshu, Soho
The food of Sichuan is famed for its elaborate range of flavour profiles and cooking techniques, made up of seven ‘basic’ flavours (sour, pungent, hot, sweet, bitter, aromatic and salty), 23 more detailed subsets of those flavours, and a whopping 56 cooking methods.
According to the Chinese food expert Fuschia Dunlop, the ‘numbing and hot’ flavour, mala wei, is one of the four key tenets of Sichuan’s glorious, complex cuisine. Other key flavour profiles in the canon include ‘red oil’ flavour, ‘scorched chilli’ flavour, and ‘sour and hot’ flavour.
All of this should point to just how cherished chillies are in Sichuan cuisine, and how expertly and intricately they’re handled. Sichuan chilli peppers are certainly assertive, averaging between 50,000 and 75,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, but they never overwhelm the nuances of a dish, instead lending themselves to pure alchemy on the palate.
Images via Barshu
London is blessed with some superb Sichuan restaurants, but if you’re seeking faithful, fearsome, f’ing delicious renditions of the region’s staples, then Barshu (an apt name considering the ol’ Scoville Heat Units) in Soho will see you right.
Whilst capsaicin-philes will find plenty on the menu at Bar Shu to tantalise and titillate, perhaps the straight up spiciest dish on the menu is the boiled sea bass with sizzling chilli oil (Shuizhu Yu).
Here, slices of brined and marinated sea bass are simmered in a fiery broth with a copper red slick of chilli oil stretching across its surface. Hundreds of dried red chillies and Sichuan peppercorns are then added to top the broth, and the only way to access those tender sea bass is to fish your way through all that chilli.
The result is, inevitably, utterly delicious and outrageously spicy. In the best possible way, of course…
Smoking Goat, the Thai barbecue restaurant run by Ben Chapman, has gone through many guises in its seven years in London. From dingy British boozer on Denmark Street that happens to serve Thai-inspired barbecue dishes, to the produce-driven, sprawling late night ‘canteen’ that the Goat has morphed into today, we’ve been right beside them every bite of the way.
Right now, the restaurant is going through something of a laap phase, and we just love it. For the uninitiated, laap is a herbal Thai minced meat or fish salad, seasoned with ground dried chillies. But really, it’s so much more than that…
Images Via Smoking GoatImages
In the north east of the country, ground roasted rice and lime define laap’s flavour profile, whilst in the north of the country, it’s generally a more savoury, umami heavy affair, with no lime and rarely any rice powder. Offal features heavily, and a wide array of herbs should be eaten on the side to punctuate and augment the forthright flavours of the laap itself.
That said, versions differ not only by region, but from village to village and neighbour to neighbour. At Smoking Goat, there are currently five on the menu, both in the Isaan and Lanna style, but from painful, beautiful experience, the spiciest version we’ve ever sampled at the restaurant is the country style spiced laap of aged cull yaw.
Here, the Scoville-baiting is sky high, with the funk of this particularly intensely flavoured mutton acting as the perfect foil for such unashamed levels of chilli. There will be sweat on your brow, lamb fat pooling at the corners of your mouth, the smell of smoke in your hair and beer down your shirt, but what a great time you’ll have getting yourself in such a state. Gorgeous.
Som Tam Isaan at Som Saa, Shoreditch*temporarily closed*
Som tam is consistently named as the world’s greatest salad, and who are we to argue? Consumed all over the country in different forms, guises and levels of pungency, at its heart som tam is a pounded (to order) salad of vegetables and fruit, with a salty, spicy, and always assertive dressing.
The most common rendition is usually referred to as ‘Bangkok’ or ‘Thai’ som tam (though the dish arguably originated in Laos), and is on the sweeter, sharper side of the seasoning spectrum.
It’s still super spicy, sure, but we’re looking for where to eat the spiciest dishes in London here, so we’re heading over to Thai restaurant Som Saa, close to Spitalfields market, for a version hailing from the North East.
The ‘Isaan’ version is a very different beast to the one more commonly served in England, dispensing with the sugar, limiting the lime, introducing dried chillies, upping the amount of fresh ones (the infamous ‘mouse shit’ chillies, prik ki nu), and deploying the pungent, fermented fish sauce beloved of the region, known as nam pla raa.
Anyway, back to Shoreditch and onwards into Som Saa. You won’t likely see som tam Isaan on the menu at Som Saa, unless it’s making a rare appearance on their daily changing specials board, which features a different som tam each day. But if you ask a waiter, the chefs here will fix you one up without breaking stride.
Though this is a super pungent, assertively spicy salad at the best of times, those in-the-know dare to ask for a ‘Thai’ spicy version. Do the same, because that’s why you’re here, right?
*Unfortunately, after a fire at the restaurant in early May, Som Saa is currently (but temporarily) closed. We’ll update this piece when more news is announced of the reopening date.*
Another restaurant claiming to serve ‘London’s hottest curry’ is Aladin on Brick Lane. The curry in question is their phaal and, more specifically, their ‘chicken tikka blast’ version of it.
We should note that, having tried both the phaal at Aladin Restaurant and the Bombay Burner at the Cinnamon Club, the latter’s title isn’t under threat. That threat comes later.
Images Via Aladin
Nevertheless, the phaal chicken tikka blast is certainly a spicy beast, albeit in a more direct, aggressive way than many of the other dishes on our list. The guys over at MyLondon even claim that someone was rushed to hospital after eating it.
Whilst we didn’t need an ambulance after our take-down of the dish, we did require several glasses of milk.
The Naga Viper Chilli Challenge at Red Dog Saloon, Hoxton
The words ‘chilli challenge’ are like catnip to the city’s capsaicin aficionados, and perhaps London’s most notorious conquest of its kind is the Naga Viper Chilli Challenge at the Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton.
Here, the proposition, costing chilli-heads £12.50 to participate, is simple; eat just six chicken wings in ten minutes. The catch? These wings have been coated in a mind-bendingly spicy sauce, which, as the pub boasts, is ‘500 times hotter than Tabasco sauce’. Now, call us brave, but that doesn’t sound that spicy, does it?
As with the Bombay Burner, entrants need to sign a disclaimer before the challenge, and wear rubber gloves for its duration. The Red Dog Saloon, which hosts similar challenges across the country, says they have around 70 entrants a week, with just one or two completing the challenge. Will you be next?
If you negotiated the Naga Viper Chilli Challenge without breaking a sweat, then the city’s other big capsaicin conquest happens at City Spice on Brick Lane. Back in 2019, the restaurant announced it was launching the challenge to raise money for Action Against Hunger, and what better excuse to get hot and sweaty than to give back?
Featuring, in their own words, ‘London’s Spiciest Dish’, and aimed at groups, those who are able to take the dish down in less than ten minutes receive £300 of complementary curries of their choosing. Those who don’t donate the full cost of the dish, £11, to charity.
And the dish in question? A ‘Bhuna from Hell’ which uses several of the hottest chillies in the world, including the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion and the Carolina Reaper, the former around 1.2 million on the Scoville scale, whilst the latter, in recent studies, has topped 2 million.
Image via City Spice
Interestingly, the chillies in the curry are juiced prior to being added, distributing the fierce heat throughout the curry. This leaves the diner with no choice but to dive in, rather than trying to eat round the fresh chillies that also stud the dish, punctuating it with even more fierce heat.
Though it ends up being a pretty tasty, pretty spicy curry, you might be better off just donating the money to charity.
A joyful weekend spent eating through Eater London’s recommendations on where to eat in Peckham (for pleasure, not business) ended in the conclusion that the beef suya at Tiwa ’n’ Tiwa is one of the most moreish plates of food in all of the city. It’s also one of the spiciest.
As Jonathan Nunn (editor of the superb food newsletter Vittles) writes, the easiest way to find Tiwa ‘n’ Tiwa is to head to the huge, glass fronted Burger King on Peckham High Street, turn around, and ‘’look for the smoke’’.
Follow your nose, and you’ll find barbecued beef suya that’s been rolled in the effervescent Nigerian suya spice blend yaji, usually made from several different strains of dried chilli alongside onion, garlic and ginger powders, white and black pepper and several other heady ground spices.
The chilli-hit here is of the rasping variety, teasing and taunting the back of the palate rather than the tip of the tongue, as fresh chilli seems to. Its analeptic quality invigorates, and despite the hot fluster it puts us in, it’s impossible not to order another plate.
Should you be seeking something at the high end, fine dining of the spectrum, then chef Jeremy Chan at Ikoyi in St. James, which was recently awarded its second Michelin star, certainly isn’t afraid to use chilli and other intriguing, heady spices in his gorgeous, forward-thinking cooking.
Whilst the beautifully composed plates on their multi-course tasting menu certainly won’t have you gasping for milk, there’s plenty to raise the temperature here, which is rare at such an acclaimed temple of haute cuisine.
On our last visit, a squid crepe with scotch bonnet sauce didn’t hold back. To further please the spice lovers, their dried raspberry-coated plantain with smoked chilli mayonnaise isn’t only one of London’s most Instagrammable dishes, it’s also one of it’s most alluring.
Chef Jeremy Chan has a wicked way with balancing bold flavours, and if you’re seeking imaginative, refined cooking that embraces spice wholeheartedly, then you won’t find many places more exciting in the city than Ikoyi.
Cities locked down and borders closed over the last three years got us thinking about our bucket lists in a whole new light. Sure, our minds wandered to golden sands, sunrises and sets, trekking and traversing the globe, and so often these fantasies are rendered in sepia tones.
But lately, it’s the after dark activities which have held the most appeal; proper escapism, away from crowds and calamity, sounds about right to us. Being cooped up in the house for months on end certainly led to a craving for vast, expansive open spaces, for seeing the stars, and for partying with like minded folk here for a good time, not for a long one.
With the world now opening up and tourist numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels, we’re intent on ticking off these 9 of the world’s most magical after dark activities from our IDEAL bucketlist.
See The Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights in either the Northern Hemisphere (Alaska, Iceland, and Northern Canada, Norway, Sweden or Finland), or the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand and Tasmania) is a once a lifetime experience. Many cite Norway as the best place to see the Aurora Borealis, due to its long nights; from September to March, the country’s north is dark for around 20 hours!
One of the very best ways to see the Northern Lights in a leisurely, luxury manner is via fantastic 2023 Alaska cruise, which takes things in up-close-and-personal and with the kind of uninterrupted views we could only have dreamed of when cooped up indoors at the start of the pandemic.
Stargaze In The Atacama Desert
Stargaze in the Atacama Desert, Chile, where you can see stars, galaxies and other extraterrestrial objects from an almost light-pollution-free sky, with no clouds. The oldest desert on Earth, the Atacama remains comparatively mild all year round, making it one of the best deserts to visit for nighttime stargazing.
Hit The Vegas Strip
Viva Las Vegas! Whether you’re appalled by such ostentatious displays of capitalism, or you find the spectacle totally thrilling, a visit to Vegas in full swing is certainly an experience. Hitting the strip provides drama and delirium, make no mistake.
Jordan’s ancient city of Petra is stunning in the day, sure, but when seeing the incredible site which sits between the Red and Dead sea, you’ll find that night time is the right time, for sure.
During daytime hours, it gets seriously crowded and hot, hot, hot but at night, the temperature drops somewhat and the spectacle of Petra’s walls rendered red by the light of hundreds of candles begins.
Take The Bioluminescence Kayak Tour In Florida
Take the bioluminescence kayak tour in Florida, in Meritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and witness the magic of lights under your paddles. This totally natural phenomenon, where water glows and sometimes even casts a shadow, is best viewed in Florida from Mid June through September. Prepare to be amazed.
Take A Candlelit Tour Of Santa Catalina Monastery
Go to Arequipa, Peru, for a candlelit tour at Santa Catalina monastery. Starting twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the sun sets, this fascinating 20’000 square metre complex is best seen as the nuns would have done centuries ago; at night via the flickering light of a flame. Even if you’re an atheist, you’ll sense something spiritual here.
Go Floodlit Skiing In Nassfeld
Skiing in the dark, along the floodlit slopes, is one of the most thrilling, adrenaline raising but strangely calming experiences the world has to offer. Seeing the mountains bathed in moonlight, with silence all around, would soothe even the most restless soul. Perhaps the best place to do this on the planet is Nassfeld, in Austria.
Go On Night Safari In Singapore
Singapore’s Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, and the best safari park in the world to appreciate nocturnal animals which usually sleep during the day. Here, you’ll see (if you’re lucky!) 2500 creatures of the night from the comfort of a forty minute tram ride, but the highlight must be the zoo’s leopard walking trail, one of four such routes in the park.
The food of Thailand is arguably the world’s most complex and diverse (and if you ask us, the most delicious, too!) and if you want to enjoy it to its full potential, Bangkok’s night markets are as good a place to start as any.
Alive with activity, hustle, bustle and a miasma of competing aromas, Talad Rod Fai Ratchada (often referred to as the Train Market) is the biggest and most versatile of its kind. Open every night, from around 6pm until late, don’t leave before trying (or at least, seeing!) the latest Thai foodie craze for ‘giant food’; yep, that’s Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and other classics, all in super size.
Flowers carry a lot of symbolism. From roses for love to sunflowers for happiness and joy, there’s a flower to match every occasion, and a birthday is no different.
When a celebration rolls around, you might want to treat a loved one to a beautiful bouquet, but did you know that each birth month has an associated flower too?
Dani Turner from online florist Bunches tells is that “traditional folklore has given meanings to flowers and plants for generations, and while many people know their zodiac or star sign, they may be unaware that their birth month also has a flower which captures the beauty, colour and aroma of the month.”
Since flowers are very emotive, finding a bouquet to match someone’s birth month is a great way to show you care and add some creative flair to a gift. With the help of Bunches, here are birthday flowers for each month.
January – Carnations
Carnations are known as ‘The Flowers of God’ and were first recorded in Ancient Greece. This versatile flower features heavily at weddings and comes in a variety of colours and hues which make it perfect for any occasion.
February – Violets & Iris
Although February is associated with the month of love, in floral terms it marks the beginning of spring. There are more than 500 species of violets, but the most common colours are shades of blue, yellow and cream. This adaptable flower symbolises spiritual wisdom, humility and faithfulness and is the perfect flower to tell someone they mean a lot to you.
February is also the month of Iris’ which is symbolic of the flower of the Greek goddess Iris, who was the messenger of love. This freesia and iris bouquet is a colourful arrangement of spring blooms with blue iris’, and is perfect for a February celebration.
With the start of spring on the horizon, it’s no surprise that the flower for this month is the vibrant daffodil. This flower symbolises rebirth and is the star of the show in any bouquet. It’s yellow or cream petals are a cheerful reminder that warmer weather is on the way too.
April – Daisies
The nostalgic daisy is a simple and delicate flower, found in most meadows in the UK. These dainty white and yellow flowers symbolise happiness and new beginnings and are perfect for embellishing a bouquet for a loved one.
Lily of the valley is known for its delightful aroma and continues the theme of happy, fresh spring air. The bell-shaped flower doesn’t bloom for long, so receiving a birthday bouquet would be a treat.
Photo by Anastasia Ilina-Makarova
June – Roses
We all know that roses emit feelings of love and devotion and although deep red roses are common around Valentine’s Day, there are more than 150 varieties in a kaleidoscope of colours. Roses have a delicate scent and almost velvet like petals, making them a delightful bouquet to receive for any occasion
Bunches ‘Amore’ bouquet of 12 roses
July – Delphiniums
Delphiniums are vibrant, tall flowers packed with single or double flowers, and most often found in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. Because of their length, these flowers are a match made in heaven for floral arrangements and represent joy – which is ideal for summer. When the summer season begins, our bouquets will be adorned with Delphiniums.
Poppies are a well-known and loved flower, symbolising honesty and strength, which is why they’re also connected with Remembrance Day. The bright red colour of a poppy would add a summer glow to any bouquet. Gladiolus is also a summer birthday flower, which will feature in many of our bouquets during the season, and represents strength and love, and adds a splash of colour to a bright bouquet.
Asters are colourful wildflowers and are often found in white, purple, red, pink and yellow. These little blooms will brighten up any bouquet and derive from the Greek word ‘star’, symbolising love, wisdom and colour.
October – Marigolds
Marigolds shine bright in yellow and orange and because of their resemblance to the sun, the flower is associated with warmth and creativity. These summer favourites will add colour and depth to any autumn-inspired bouquet.
November – Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums come in 150 different varieties, so it’s likely you’ll have seen these in a bouquet before. The flower is popular for autumn and blooms until the first sign of frost, symbolising joy and optimism.
It’s no surprise that the festive flower of December is holly. These hardy shrubs with cheerful red berries have become a staple in decorations, which makes them the perfect addition to a bouquet to sit proudly in the centre of a table or wreath.
Despite common misconceptions, creating a professional-level gaming setup really doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. That’s fortunate, since you need that arm to hold your console’s controller.
Yet still, so many keen gamers are labouring under the assumption that the dream set up is just that, a dream. Rest assured, even on a modest budget, you can get this thing done; here’s how to design the IDEAL gaming room.
HD Monitor
Your monitor is one of the most important parts of any gaming setup because there is no point having a computer with top processing and gaming specs if you are playing it on a fuzzy screen.
Modern video games have incredible graphics, and in order to truly enjoy the experience to its full potential, an HD monitor is absolutely key. If you already have an HD TV in your home then you can link your computer up to that, but if not, invest in a quality monitor and it will really lift the whole gaming experience to another level.
Have Good Lighting
Lighting may not be the most glamorous aspect of creating the perfect game cave, but it’s an essential component which deserves the necessary attention. Sometimes, it has to be said, this aspect can be easily overlooked when considering the equipment you need and the room layout, for example.
The truth is that if you get your lighting right, you can enjoy more comfortable game time, and even in rooms with no established overhead lighting, you can still get your gaming room illumination just right.
You should start with ambient lighting. This should be low-level lighting, and it needs to be consistent throughout the room. One of the best ways to ensure this happens is to use dimmable bulbs. In this way, you can adjust the lighting accordingly, no matter what the weather is like outside or if it’s day or night.
Place an accent light on the wall across from the TV, and consider adding some task lighting to areas around the mini-fridge, as well as seats to make it easier for guests to get around without disturbing gameplay by turning on the overhead light.
You could also consider novelty lights that point at your monitor. Not only are these a lot of fun and will give your room a unique and personal touch, but they can also be practical and will help you play more comfortably.
Choose The Right Furniture
If you are going to keep yourself comfortable and healthy while you are gaming, you need to have the right furniture to help you. This is especially true if you intend to play for hours at a time, but even playing for a short while on a poorly designed chair can cause you back and neck problems, for example.
You’ll need an ergonomic chair that has been designed specifically for gaming. These are generally more expensive than a standard chair, but they will keep you supported and allow you to play for longer (and you won’t feel any pain, either). The best ergonomic gaming chairs are specially designed to support your back and neck and come with adjustable heights so that you will always be at the right height and angle to your screen to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and eye strain.
You also need a desk, which must be at the right height so you can sit upright and not slouch or have to reach up too far, controller in hand.
The desk should have plenty of storage, too – you’ll need somewhere to keep your headphones, extra controllers, and your games. In that way, you can keep your gaming room tidy and focus on the game itself rather than the mess around you.
A Dedicated Router
Love online games? Don’t we all? Tired of the rhetorical questions? Yeah, us too.
But if you answered in the affirmative to the first question, then it’s best to install a dedicated wireless router used only for game playing online. This will avoid issues with slow load times when other residents are using the household network, giving competitive gamers an edge and preventing unnecessary interruptions.
Create A Great Audio Setup
The best gaming setups are totally immersive and allow you to completely lose yourself in your game. And we all need a little escapism at the moment, right? Modern video games are designed to hit all of your senses as long as you have the right gear, and as well as an HD monitor, your audio equipment is key to creating the ultimate gaming setup.
Invest in a top of the line sub and speakers, or if noise is a factor in your home, buy a great pair of gaming headphones. The noise of the Fifa crowd, or of bullets whizzing by as you complete a mission on Call of Duty, can really make the difference between a decent gaming setup and a great one.
Install Soundproofing Materials
Now you’ve got your sound system on point, don’t forget to invest in soundproofing, too.
If you live with other people or have close neighbours, soundproofing your gaming room is the polite thing to do. It will ensure you can play your games without constant interruption from irate housemates and irritating people living next door or around you in a flat.
You can invest in soundproofing material and have it installed by an expert, install the same material yourself, or make DIY soundproofing from cork, fabric, rubber, or even egg boxes. You’ll need to decide what will give you the best result, but it really should be done.
The Bottom Line
Taking your gaming room to the next level needn’t involve huge investment and effort. Instead, with a can-do spirit and a little knowhow, you can enjoy a modern, comfortable gaming space without breaking the bank.
