Menu
Home Blog Page 157

Growing Your First Lawn: Tips To Do It Like A Pro

Editorial Team
-
0
Growing Your First Lawn: Tips To Do It Like A Pro

It’s the micro, manageable dream of so many both on this side of the pond and in the States; to have a small lawn to nurture, tend, and spend time on.

In fact, a well kept, properly watered lawn can be something of a status symbol, particularly in the US, where they are considered the ”hallmark of home ownership’’ and ‘’markers of success’’, according to The Scientific American and their fascinating piece on the The American Obsession With Lawns.

But what if you’re starting your first lawn from scratch, rather than taking on an already beautifully manicured patch of grass made so by previous residents? Well, you’re going to need to follow these pro tips on growing your first lawn, of course…

Choose The Right Spot 

When choosing a spot to grow your lawn, it’s essential to consider things like sunlight and drainage. If you live in an area with hot summers, make sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of shade. This will help your grass stay cooler and prevent it from drying out; it’s not much of a status symbol to have a scorched, yellow-looking lawn, after all! 

Alternatively, you can look for grass that will tolerate (or even thrive in) the unique conditions of your garden and climate. Though we did just extol the virtues of shade, it’s best not to attempt growing a lawn under the shade of a tree; your grass will compete with the tree’s roots for moisture, and there’s only one winner in such a duel. 

Another important tip if you’re growing a lawn close to a wall; build a small border with pebbles or stone between the base of the wall and your lawn, measuring a foot or two, to separate your lawn from direct contact with the wall. This is because brick from the wall absorbs and radiates heat, which can quickly dry your lawn out before it’s had a chance to grow.

You’ll also want to make sure the spot you choose has good drainage. Standing water can kill your grass, so you want to make sure it has a chance to drain away. You can avoid your lawn becoming waterlogged by pricking, slitting or spiking its surface. 

Prepare The Soil

Before sowing the seeds for your lawn, you’ll want to prepare the soil. This involves things like testing the pH level and adding nutrients, fertiliser, and lawn feed, to ensure the roots will be strong. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

If you’re doing it yourself, there are kits you can buy at your local garden centre to test the soil. Once you know the pH level, you can make the necessary amendments to ensure its ideally suited to growing grass. This step is crucial because it will give your grass a strong foundation to grow from. 

Generally speaking, a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5 to 7 is ideal for lawns; if the pH is too high, your grass won’t be able to properly absorb nutrients. To adjust the pH of your lawn naturally, lime can be added to raise the pH, whilst sulphur can help lower it.

You must also remove any existing vegetation. This can be done with a tiller or by hand. Next, you want to loosen the top layer of soil so that grass roots can easily penetrate it. A rake or hoe will do the trick. Finally, you want to level out the area as best as possible. This will ensure your lawn has a nice, even surface, which is not only aesthetically pleasing, but makes drainage easier.

Choose The Right Type Of Grass For Your Climate & Soil 

There are many types of grass, and not all of them will necessarily thrive in every climate. It’s sensible to consult your local nursery or garden centre for detailed information on which types of grass lawn to grow and where, as only some will thrive particularly well in your local area. This will ensure you have a healthy lawn that can withstand the unique conditions of your garden.

When ready to plant, be sure to do it in the mid spring or early autumn. These are the best times for grass seed germination, as the soil is moist but not soaking, and it’s neither too cold nor too hot. You certainly want to avoid sowing your seeds any earlier than mid spring or later than early autumn, as frost may be present on the ground.

Water Regularly

Watering your lawn will help the grassroots grow deep and strong. The amount of water your lawn needs will depend on several factors including the type of grass, the climate, and the time of year. 

In the first six to eight weeks after initial sowing, it’s recommended you water your lawn once a day, to around an inch deep.

In general, when your lawn is established, it’ll need around an inch of water about once a week. But you may need to water more often during hot, dry periods, though do be aware that, right now, there’s a hosepipe ban in place for much of England.

Of course, during more rainy times of year, the opposite will be true. Check the weather forecast before you water, so you don’t accidentally overdo it in combination with a downpour. It’s best to water your garden at cooler times of day, such as the morning or early evening, as this allows the water to penetrate soil and reach roots before a warm temperature (yep, even in England) causes evaporation. 

Read: Water saving tips for your garden

Aerate Your Lawn Every Few Years

Aerating your lawn is vital to keep the soil healthy. This process involves making small holes in the soil to improve drainage and allow air and nutrients to reach the roots. Aeration also helps break up compacted soil so the roots can grow more easily. You should aerate your lawn every one to two years.

Aerating is best done in the autumn, before the first frost. This is because the soil is softer and easier to penetrate at this time. The process involves spiking the surface of your lawn either using a rake or a dedicated aerator to allow air, nutrients and water to flow freely among your soil. Aeration is the ideal treatment to prepare your lawn for potential extreme weather conditions in the winter.

Remove Any Debris From Your Lawn

It’s essential to keep your lawn free of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and branches, so the grass can grow properly. The most efficient way way to do this is to use a leaf blower, though you can also use a mulching mower to chop up the debris and turn it into fertiliser for your lawn, too.

Be sure to dispose of the debris properly, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill. You can compost it or use it as mulch in your garden. 

Read: How to make your garden more eco-friendly

Mow Your Lawn At The Right Height 

Mowing your lawn to the correct height (or ‘grade’ if we’re comparing this thing to haircuts) is vital to keeping it healthy. It’s best not to cut the grass too short as this can damage the roots and make the grass more susceptible to drought and pests. 

The general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the blade at a time, with the ideal height for most types of grass being between two and three inches. But be sure to check the recommended height for the type of grass you’re growing. Taller types of grass, such as fescue, should be mowed at three to four inches, for instance.

Be sure to use a sharp mower blade, so you don’t rip or tear the grass blades. This can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. It’s also recommended that you mow in different directions so you don’t compact the soil. This will help your lawn breathe and prevent problems like puddling. 

The Bottom Line

Status symbol secured and lawn looking pristine, we can’t wait for our invite over to your next garden party…

So, can we expect it in the post?

5 Ideal Reasons To Quit Alcohol Today

Editorial Team
-
0
5 Ideal Reasons To Quit Alcohol Today

For many problem drinkers, it can be tough to pinpoint the moment it all changed. From that first ‘rites of passage’ pint with the old man, to using a fake I.D to buy a few at the weekend, to uni nights of having 8 pints, where ‘banter’ felt an appropriate call to arms and beyond. But for those with a rocky relationship with the booze, gradually, the fun seems to dissipate, replaced with guilt, shame and errors of judgment.

That slide from enjoying alcohol to it being a real problem has been, for many, more pronounced since the pandemic. In fact, it was reported in June 2022 that an increase in lockdown drinking could lead 25’000 excess deaths in England in the next 20 years.

If you find yourself in that place, longing for an escape but consistently succumbing to ”having another”, then rest assured; help is out there. Here’s the push you may need; our 5 IDEAL reasons to quit drinking alcohol today. 

Health Preservation

It’s a well-known fact by now, but one so often ignored; heavy alcohol consumption can damage vital body organs like the kidneys, liver, pancreas and digestive tract. The liver is the organ that faces the most significant damage because it’s responsible for breaking down alcohol. As such, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.

And though very minor alcohol consumption may have some benefits for the heart, excessive and extended consumption can do serious damage to the ticker. Indeed, in the UK there are around 8’000 deaths a year directly linked to alcohol, as well as countless more hospital admissions. This makes alcohol one of the major causes of preventable deaths annually. If you feel like the problem is getting out of hand and need immediate advice, consider contacting the NHS’ alcohol addiction service Drinkline on 0300 123 1110.

Read: 5 tips for enjoying a full, alcohol free social life

Financial Benefits

Alcohol consumption is an expensive habit for most people, especially heavy drinkers. We could wax lyrical over the vice-like grip of the stuff for hours, but let’s simply dial down into the digits; it’s estimated that the average household spend on alcohol is just under £1000 a year.

But problem drinkers spend way more, regardless of whether they are a high-functioning alcoholic or one rendered housebound by their dependency. If you were to consistently have three or four drinks a day, then that spend could be tripled. Just think about the things you can do with the money. A holiday, or two, a new wardrobe, a weekly treat at a fancy restaurant, gifts for family…the list goes on.

Improve Relationships

If you fall into the ‘problem drinker’ camp, then you’ve probably had to apologise for things you once did when drunk. And this has inevitably placed strain on your most cherished relationships. Think about it; your most nurtured bond, the one which you put the most effort into, is with booze. That can’t be right. 

Research has shown that alcohol can, quite simply, bring out the worst in us. For instance, alcohol increases self-disclosure, aggression, and erratic behaviour. Your family and friends are probably longing for the best version of you, and almost always, that’s the sober one. Indeed, when you stop drinking, you mend broken relationships. A fresh start never felt so good.

Get Productive

We’re all entitled to the odd duvet day. Each and every one of us deserves a little downtime, low, lazy and lounging with a box of pizza and Dragon’s Den on the box. But booze amplifies the frequency and force of these days, and can make us a far less productive, creative unit as a result. 

Alcohol interrupts the communication pathways in the brain. Consequently, communication between neurotransmitters and neurons are slowed. As these are command pathways for the major functions of the body, such as speaking and breathing, this is a problem. This interruption makes thinking clearly difficult for heavy drinkers. When you quit drinking, you’ll notice a gradual improvement in your ability to focus. And that’s one hell of a feeling to get back.

Look & Feel Younger

Alcohol releases toxins like free radicals into the drinker’s body.  And though they may sound like the coolest cats around, free radicals actually accelerate the natural ageing process. And looking grizzled and past it before your time, well, that’s not very cool now is it? That’s why a person looks older than they really are after drinking heavily for a long time.

When you quit drinking, the body starts working hard to eradicate the excess toxins from alcohol. After some time, your skin starts to glow, re-hydrating itself and processing nutrients properly. This promotes glowing, healthy skin.

That’s not all; your hair also starts receiving proper nutrition. This leads to the growth of shiny, full locks. And if that wasn’t enough; alcohol is also full of calories. Once you quit drinking, it’s easier to maintain a healthy, fighting weight.

If you want more tips on giving up the booze, then check out our tips on how to navigate through a no or low alcohol life. You won’t regret it!

How To Teach Your Kids About Money & Help Them Develop Healthy Financial Habits

Editorial Team
-
0
How To Teach Your Kids About Money & Help Them Develop Healthy Financial Habits

How many times have you caught yourself cursing the antiquated education system here in the UK as you survey your bank statements with bemusement?

”If only they had taught us this in school” you mutter, as APRs, ETFs, FICOs and GAAPs confuse the life out of you.

This only feels more pertinent in the midst of a cost of living crisis. Because as it stands, it feels like many young Brits are spat out into the big wide world with only a rudimentary knowledge of finance. 

And sometimes, such ignorance can do lasting damage to our finances in the first few years of independence, as we make some truly naive money moves, oblivious to proper budgeting, investing in stocks, balancing the books and staying alert to the threat of fraud. 

Indeed, if the whole point of school is to prepare students for ‘real life’, then education falls woefully short when it comes to helping us learn how to manage our finances. As a result, many people reach adulthood without really understanding the importance of their financial health.

If this is chiming with you as a parent, then perhaps it’s time to take matters into your own hands and do a little homeschooling where such life lessons are concerned. With that in mind, here’s a short guide on how to teach your kids about money and help them develop healthy financial habits.

Introduce Your Kids To The World Of Finance Early

It’s one of the only things that financial experts across the world seem to have reached a consensus on; it’s never too early to start teaching your children valuable life lessons about finance. 

Indeed, according to the investor Kevin O’Leary via CNBC, ‘’by the age of six, parents should already be talking to their kids about finances’’. He doesn’t stop there, going on to say that even by the age of 3, children should understand some basic financial concepts .

He suggests that, aside from fostering a ‘’positive connection’’ with money from a young age, parents should help their children understand the notions of debt and interest, specifically. Doing so is ‘’the greatest favor ever in their lives’’, he adds. Well, we’re sold…

Explain To Your Kids The Difference Between Wants & Needs

Alongside those more concrete financial concepts, it’s also essential to help your child understand the implicit and explicit differences between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’, which will, in turn, foster a greater grasp of the value of money from an early age.

A great way to teach this lesson first hand is at the supermarket or grocery store. With your child, compare the price of fresh fruit and a supersized chocolate bar, or juxtapose a bottle of coca-cola with a carton of milk; in doing so, you can explore the relative value of money relating to ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ together.

Go further, and encourage your child to pay the bill in the cafe or the store, bestowing in them a sense of responsibility and trust.

Read: How to plan for a responsible financial future

Make Learning About Money A Fun Game

So far, so dry. But as we all know, children learn best through play, so it’s a good idea not to keep your teaching too conceptual. Instead, develop games, activities and challenges centered around money in a fun and interactive way:

  • Establish a play shop or cafe at home, and use real money when roleplaying customer and shopkeeper. 
  • Play a counting or adding up game using stacks of real coins (it’s more fun that it sounds, honestly!).
  • Before breakfast, lunch and dinner, roleplay being in a restaurant, with a mock bill drawn up at the end of meal.
  • Add small price tags to toys, and help your kids understand how to add up to that amount using coins and notes. 
  • For the older ones, try board games like Monopoloy and Money Bags.

You can also harness the power of tech to help make learning about money fun. There are various computer games that offer subtle lessons in financial management whilst being super fun at the same time. A few favourites from our youth include Sim City, Theme Hospital and Rollercoaster Tycoon!

You could also consider allowance apps which even make doing the chores seem fun. Several platforms have come out in recent years where parents assign chores, which, upon completion, earn the child their allowance, all facilitated via an app. 

Combine this with your kid’s first credit card (all with parental controls attached, of course), and suddenly, learning how to be financially responsible, doing chores, and having fun are all working symbiotically. 

You could even give your child a small allowance each month to invest, sitting down regularly together to track how the investment is going, in the process learning about speculation, risk and reward, and how to read graphs and tables. 

Encourage Entrepreneurship

It is also important to encourage children to be creative, to let their imaginations run wild, and to work on projects that they’re passionate about. And if they can turn those projects into profit-making ventures, then all the better! 

Awaken the young entrepreneur in your children by fostering a sense of both drive and gratitude in their small wins, by helping them run a lemonade stand or cake stall, setting up an account together on a marketplace app like Depop or Vinted to sell their old clothes, or taking a tour of your neighbourhood as a team, offering to wash cars or windows. Every little helps, as they say, and every lesson learnt on this journey will be so useful for your little one.

Volunteer In The Community Together

Of course, the last thing you want is to bring up a young, money-hungry plutocrat. It’s vital, then, to balance these explorations of finance and money with wider life lessons about the importance of community, generosity, altruism and a shared societal spirit. 

Volunteering in the community is a wonderful way to nurture all of those qualities we just mentioned, and there have been a number of studies suggesting life satisfaction and overall well being may be improved through volunteering, with many charities and community organisations offering the option for families to do so in a group. 

Some of those include the National Trust, The Conservation Volunteers, and the RSPB, although local groups offer a wider scope of opportunities.

In doing so, your children will cultivate compassion and kindness, which is arguably a greater life lesson than anything concerning incomes, expenditure, budgets and book-balancing.

If you’re keen for more of the same, then check out these tips on the top ways to support your toddler’s growth and development. From learning through play to loving nature, there’s plenty to unpack here.

10 Strange But Delicious Ice Cream Flavours To Discover In Lithuania: From Mackerel To Cricket

Editorial Team
-
0
10 Strange But Delicious Ice Cream Flavours To Discover In Lithuania: From Mackerel To Cricket

Lithuanian ice cream parlours are as diverse and eclectic as the country’s nature during summertime. Filled with unexpected flavours such as cricket, dill and nettle, these treats are a result of local chefs combining innovative techniques with traditional ingredients, all in the name of creating one-of-a-kind flavours.

Indeed, for Lithuanians, ice cream has been a staple item on dessert tables since the end of the 18th century, with unconventional (but not unheard or) flavours such as rose, saffron, and clove having become favourites among the nobility during this period.

Fast forward to 2022, and contemporary Lithuanian chefs have taken this experimental culinary heritage to new heights, and, inspired by local ingredients, are playing around with unique seasonal recipes of the world famous frozen treats.

Today we’ve teamed up with Lithuania Travel, the country’s national tourism development agency, to put together a list of 10 distinctive Lithuanian ice cream flavours to try this summer. 

Cricket Ice Cream With Black Sesame & Vanilla

While insects have been an important part of African and Asian diets for centuries, they have only made their way onto Lithuanian dining tables only recently. Long may it continue.

At the CENTRAL Grill & Lounge restaurant in the southwestern city of Marijampolė, crickets are mixed with the rich flavours of vanilla and black sesame for a protein-packed and unique treat.

Mackerel Ice Cream With Bread Crumbs

While the pairing of seafood and sweet treats may not sound like a pleasant experience at first, the subtle smokiness of the mackerel combined with fresh notes of mulberry and lime makes for a balanced meeting of sweet and savoury.

Those keen to sample this flavour at the Apvalaus Stalo Klubas restaurant in the medieval town of Trakai will be rewarded with an unforgettable symphony of flavours (and an enthusiastic tick on the ol’ bucketlist, we might wager!).

Read: 5 IDEAL stops on your cruise of the Baltic Sea

Seaweed Ice Cream With Lobster Caramel Crunch, Hazelnut Oil & Black Sturgeon Roe 

A mouthful to say and a mouthful to eat, this one…

Found in the bustling seaside town of Palanga — the unofficial capital of the summer in Lithuania — this ice cream is designed to please travellers fascinated by the idea of seeing, touching, and tasting the sea.

The historical boutique hotel of Vila Komoda offers this distinctive concoction of salty roe, earthy oils, and a sweet-buttery caramel crunch for the intrepid gastronaut to enjoy – and enjoy you will!

Black Ice Cream With Activated Charcoal

While black as a food colouring is nothing new — squid ink has been used to blacken risotto and pasta for centuries, of course — the recent uptick of charcoal-dyed treats can be attributed to their social media-worthy appearance.

At café AJ Šokoladas, their take on black ice cream is handmade and bursting with smooth coconut and vanilla flavours, the dessert yielding a refined finish that feels contradictory yet somehow complementary to its striking colour. 

Linden Blossom Tea Ice Cream 

A little more pedestrian but no less delicious, Linden blossoms were an important part of folk medicine for many ancient Lithuanians and can be found in most pantries around the country even today.

At the Jurgis ir Drakonas and Brooklyn Brothers restaurants, this health-boosting ingredient has been incorporated into a refreshing ice cream with robust floral and herbal notes that capture the essence of a quaint summer in Lithuania. 

Buckwheat Ice Cream

While most grains are used as accompaniments to the main course in Lithuania, the Višta Puode restaurant in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, has given buckwheat a starring role in this delectable dessert.

With its deep, nutty flavour and a tangy assortment of berries, their buckwheat ice cream combines the country’s culinary heritage with a modern outlook on what a dessert can (and should!) be. 

Šakotis Ice Cream 

Šakotis (Lithuanian spit cake) is the centrepiece of any Lithuanian holiday table. Sweet, soft, and buttery, this dense cake becomes enveloped in a smooth homemade ice cream that gives the treat a sense of lightness. Visitors can try it out at the historically-influenced Ertlio Namas restaurant, found in the heart of the capital city, Vilnius. 

Nettle Ice Cream

Feared by small children across the country, the fierce stinging nettle is transformed into a creamy and fragrant frozen treat at the Velvetti restaurant in Lithuania’s capital of wellness,  Druskininkai. A mellow taste with a pop of refined grassy and earthy notes make the ice cream suitable for those who enjoy both a subtle sweetness and a slightly out there flavour in their desserts.

Dill Ice Cream

Used to adorn many of Lithuania’s beloved savoury dishes, dill is an extremely versatile herb with a fresh, grassy flavour. Found at the restaurant Džiaugsmas, which gives new life to classic Lithuanian ingredients with innovative cooking techniques, dill ice cream offers a harmonious blending of herbal flavours.

Quince Ice Cream

To finish our tour of Lithuania’s strangest but most delicious ice cream flavours, Taste Map café in Vilnius offers a frozen treat that fuses a spicy and complex blend of heady quince with smooth cream. The quince ice cream mellows the fruit to create a satisfying mix of tartness and sweetness while the ice cream’s fragrant taste feels like summer days captured in a bowl.

This list of ice cream offers a glimpse into the world of unexpected flavours that tourists can taste in Lithuania. A map with other ice cream flavours dreamt up in dozens of different ice cream parlours and restaurants all over the country can be found here.

And if you’d like to experiment in your own kitchen, check out these 10 IDEAL tips for making homemade ice cream.

What Are Some Types Of Talking Therapy Used To Treat Depression?

Editorial Team
-
0
What Are Some Types Of Talking Therapy Used To Treat Depression?

Everyone experiences bouts of sadness and grief; it’s part of the human condition and, without doubt, a product of our increasingly uncertain times. However, when that sad mood lasts for more than two weeks or is having a major impact on your everyday life, then many experts would define this as depression.  

It’s thought that around 21 million US adults have suffered a major depressive episode at some point in their life, whilst here in the UK, one in four adults will experience a mental health problem each year.

Besides feelings of despair, major depression may bring symptoms of low energy, poor appetite, and emotional numbness, which can affect pretty much every facet of your life. Today, we’ve spoken to the team at TherapyRoute, who facilitate easy access to professional assistance, to understand the different types of talking therapy used to treat depression.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a treatment that helps a person pinpoint negative thoughts and behaviours and discover ways to change them. This can be beneficial to individuals who suffer from low mood or depression, as you learn tools that help you separate your thoughts from your feelings and, ultimately, your actions.

Many scientific studies have shown that CBT can be an effective tool in treating depression. For example, it has been reported that this form of therapy brings similar results as antidepressants. In fact, it was uncovered that people who finished CBT sessions were less likely to ‘relapse’ into depression than people who took medication alone to treat the mood disorder. 

Another study which found that an individual who receives cognitive behavioural therapy often shows marked improvement of symptoms seems to support the effectiveness of CBT.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is closely related to CBT, though this treatment focuses more on teaching a person how to identify, accept and regulate emotions. During a session, an individual learns how to challenge attitudes and feelings that prevent him or her from making positive life changes. 

Usually, a person engages in a discussion, both with themselves and a wider supportive group, with the aim of identifying and defeating negative thoughts. Slowly, it becomes possible to begin improving behaviours through this approach. DBT tends to use more group work than CBT, with therapists in the former taking a more active role in encouraging positive change.

A 2016 study gave supportive evidence that dialectical behaviour therapy successfully treats depression. It stated that adolescents found improvement of depression symptoms after DBT sessions.

Behavioural Activation

‘’It’s good to talk’’, as they say, and a talking therapy that is similar to both DBT and CBT is behavioural activation. Again, this type of therapy aims to target the discrepancies between a person’s behaviours and thoughts, and it’s common that it’s used along with other techniques to develop holistic and long-term coping mechanisms that decrease depression.

Often, an individual with depression avoids activities that involve socialisation. A therapist will use behavioural activation to create positive reinforcement so that a person makes a plan of action and follows it. In this manner, avoidant behaviours (such as retreating from social circles) can be overcome. In other words, a person builds their confidence as he or she achieves realistic goals. In the end, this reinforces the accomplishments, creating a cyclical, self-fulfilling improvement. 

Behavioural activation is often used as a tool within a complete holistic treatment plan. Although certain scientists have concluded that more studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of behavioural activation, some research has shown that this treatment does help individuals with mild to moderate depression. In most cases, this therapy achieves best results with full-scale, widely-ranging treatment.

Problem-Solving Therapy

This talking therapy technique aims to help a person cope with the stresses of life, especially those life events that bring a marked negative impact to his or her mental health. Even though most people deal with certain levels of stress each day, certain individuals take these problems harder than others. This can lead to depression and anxiety.

Through problem solving therapy, a person uses methods like mindfulness to cope with deep stress; doing so may help sufferers learn how to process negative emotions more sustainably during difficult times.

Interpersonal Therapy

Studies have shown that interpersonal therapy may help people who are affected with mild to moderate depression, teaching individuals how to deal with problematic interpersonal interactions and to develop better relationships. More specifically, IPT aims to target a person’s actions and reactions to such interactions.

In general, this kind of treatment is not long-term. During sessions, a therapist helps an individual pinpoint essential (and often problematic) relationships, learn how these relationships affect his or her mental health, and develop ways to improve these relationships.

How Long Does It Take For Therapy To Treat Depression?

No two people are alike, and no two cases of depression stem from the exact same mix of causes. Accordingly, symptoms differ from individual to individual. Since there is no set treatment for this condition, the length of necessary therapy will depend on different variables, including:

  • Severity of symptoms
  • Frequency of therapy
  • If treatment is followed/practised
  • If a co-occurring disorder is present

Should I Use Therapy Or Medication For Depression?

In the past, medication for depression (most commonly found in the form of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, often referred to as SSRIs) was more widely prescribed, but in recent years, medical bodies have been keen to discourage an over-reliance on such medication.

Interestingly, some of the most successful outcomes occur when people are prescribed medication along with therapy, but it can be tricky to uncover the perfect balance. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a medical professional and a licensed therapist to develop a solid, sustainable treatment plan which can be monitored for efficacy and effectiveness, and tweaked if needed to better suit your needs.

*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified mental health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*

Experts Reveal The Nutrients That Are Most Commonly Missing From The Average Diet

Editorial Team
-
0
Experts Reveal The Nutrients That Are Most Commonly Missing From The Average Diet

Feeling unexpectedly lethargic? Skin looking puffier than normal? Irritability an ongoing issue? Well, it could be down to your diet. Or, rather, items lacking from it.

Here, barbecue experts FoodFireFriends have teamed up with nutritionists Ellie Busby and Dr Sarah Cooke to find out what nutrients are most commonly missing from the average person’s diet.  

Zinc 

Nutritionist Ellie Busby comments:

“If your hair is thinning or dry, you might need more zinc. Most people do not get enough zinc, due to our food being over-processed, which strips the goodness out, and zinc suffers the most.’ 

‘Other signs of a zinc deficiency are soft nails, dry skin, and getting ill a lot. Wholefoods that are rich in zinc to integrate in everyday diets are whole wheat bread and pasta, whole grains (quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice) and pumpkin seeds.” 

Read: 6 delicious foods that are high in zinc

Vitamin B6 

Skin rashes, sore lips and tongue, mood changes, and tiredness, can all be signs of vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is important to protect and strengthen the immune system and maintain an optimal amount of amino acids in the blood.  

Dr Sarah Cooke explains:  

“Vitamin B6 is one of the most common micronutrients deficiencies in the average person’s diet. Optimal sources of vitamin B6 include avocado, russet potatoes, garbanzo beans, yellowfin tuna and nuts.” 

Vitamin D 

“We cannot get much vitamin D from our diet. In fact, we make most of it from sunlight. The problem? We are not in the sun enough. So, our body turns to our food to get what it needs”, explains Nutritionist Ellie Busby.  

“The only natural food source of vitamin D is oily fish. You might find special high-vitamin D mushrooms in your local supermarket nowadays too. Another way would be to look for fortified soya milk, which I get my daily vitamin D from.” 

Read: 5 vitamins and nutrients you need in autumn

Omega-3 

She continues, ”Most people do not eat enough nuts and seeds and eat too many processed foods. One is high in omega-3 (anti-inflammatory, good for you), and one is high in omega-6 (pro-inflammatory, bad for you).”  

”Our brains are made of fat, and most of it is omega 3. One risk of not getting enough omega 3 is that the brain will age faster, and this will increase risk of dementia, when getting older.’ 

‘What most people do not know is that omega-3 and omega-6 need to be in balance. So, we cannot just eat foods high in omega-3 and hope for the best. We need to reduce your omega-6 intake too. A way to do this would be to reduce the number of processed foods in our diet which and start consuming more organic nuts and seeds.” 

Dr Cooke adds: “Omega-3 fatty acids are generally lacking in the American diet. Sources of Omega 3 include oily fish such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seed. By adding flax seed to oatmeal or walnuts to salad we help increase our daily Omega 3 intake.” 

Iron  

“Iron is found in both animal foods and plant-foods heme iron and non-heme iron respectively). Foods such as red meat, eggs and oysters contain heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron. Plant sources of iron include lentils, spinach, tofu, and cashew nuts.’ 

‘To increase the absorption of non-heme iron from plants, it is good to combine these foods with vitamin, such as lemon juice in a salad dressing, or the addition of strawberries or oranges to a snack. Another way to facilitate non-heme iron to be absorbed by our bodies, is to and avoid drinking tea with these foods (the tannins found in tea inhibits iron absorption).” adds Dr Cooke.

Calcium and magnesium are also commonly missing micro nutrients in the average person’s diet.  

Busby explains: “Despite people consume large quantities of milk and dairy products, 70% of us are lactose intolerant as an adult, which can lead to gut issues.’  

‘For those who are lactose-free, it is crucial to eat lots of plant foods with calcium, such as fortified plant milks, dark green leafy vegetables, and seeds (especially poppy, sesame, and chia seeds).” 

Read: 6 IDEAL ways to improve your gut health

She continues, “Magnesium is one of the most recommended supplements from doctors all over the world. Why? Because it is almost impossible to get enough magnesium from our diets – especially if we are stressed.’  

‘In fact, the body consumes magnesium stores to build stress hormones. Whole grains, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark green leafy vegetable are all optimal sources of magnesium.” 

Fascinating stuff, indeed!

Food Waste: Turn Chickpea Water Into Vegan Meringues & Other Smart Dessert Ideas

Editorial Team
-
0
Food Waste: Turn Chickpea Water Into Vegan Meringues & Other Smart Dessert Ideas

We’re all curious about finding new ways to spend less, but these don’t have to be big changes. Reducing food waste not only helps to lower our carbon footprint, but can also help us save money. Many of us throw away food scraps or those past their best, not aware of the potential recipes that can be created with them.

With this in mind, and with the help of Jack and Beyond bespoke cakes, here are some of the best recipe ideas you can try at home to use up unwanted food scraps to create delicious desserts.

Aquafaba (Chickpea Water)

Instead of pouring the liquid in cans of chickpeas away, aquafaba can be used as an egg substitute in a huge variety of recipes, including meringues! Simply replace each egg white that would normally be used with 2 tablespoons of chickpea water, and you can whip up vegan meringues in no time.

Consider adding a twist of flavour and colour, by crushing cherries, raspberries (or any other berries you like), and adding them to the unbaked meringue. Be sure to sieve in order to remove seeds, and once smooth, drizzle inside a piping bag before you spoon in the meringue. Then, when you pipe the mixture onto a baking paper lined tray for the oven, your meringues will have gorgeous swirls of pink.

Image by Annalleysh via Canva

Overripe Bananas

Once bananas are past their best, it’s tempting to just throw them out and buy more. But there’s so many ways they can be incorporated into all sorts of cakes and desserts. Added to muffin, cake, and biscuit batter or used as a vegan alternative ingredient they add moisture and creaminess. 

They can stand in for sugar, eggs, and fat in pancake and waffle mixtures too! Blending them together with baking powder and sifted flour creates a batter that can be used for pancakes and in a waffle iron. 

Bread Crusts

It’s just a fact that a lot of kids (and adults) don’t like bread crusts, but don’t throw them out! There’s a multitude of uses for leftover crusts, from croutons to bread pudding, to baked cinnamon sugar sticks: a delicious cross between a sugar doughnut and churros.

Simply toss the bread crusts in a bowl with melted butter, add sugar and cinnamon to taste, spread on a baking tray and cook for 5-10 minutes at 180c, or until they’re suitably golden brown. Fresh out of the oven, sprinkle with more sugar and cinnamon for extra crunch.

By Dukell via Canva

Raspberries

Rightly associated with sweet foods, raspberries have a tang that complements chocolate based cakes and all other manner of desserts perfectly. However, if they’re past their best, the texture can be off putting. This problem is easily solved by blitzing them to make a sauce, maybe a coulis to top ice creams and cakes, or even a vinaigrette to add a sweet twist to salads. Mexican paletas are also a fantastic way to make with raspberries that aren’t quite at their best.

By Sveta_Zarzamora via Canva

Citrus Peel

Famed for high levels of vitamin c, the rind of citrus fruits actually contains more than the fruit flesh itself! Candied peels are visually appealing as well as delicious when used as a topping on cakes, diced and added to biscuit mixtures before baking, or just eaten neat (try them dipped in dark chocolate!).

Boil the citrus peel in thin strips three times to remove bitterness (lemon, orange or grapefruit all work well), and then simmer the fruit in a sugar, corn syrup, and water mixture for an hour until they candy.

Image by Ffolas via Canva

Watermelon Rinds

A delicious and cooling fruit associated with balmy summer days, it can be enjoyed year round when utilising leftovers to make jam. After peeling the green skin, combine with berries, lemon, and maple syrup (or honey) to taste, in a pot until it boils. Simmer for an hour or until the rinds have softened. Once done, the mixture can be blended and taste tested, and once you’re happy it can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge and will last for a month.

How To Humidity Proof Your Hair

Editorial Team
-
0
How To Humidity Proof Your Hair

Google searches for “fix frizzy hair” has seen a massive 6,300% uplift in the last few weeks, after record-breaking temperatures and thundery downpours, which notoriously cause and worsen frizz-prone hair.

With more heatwaves set to occur towards the end of summer, stylist Lynn Chambers and trend writer Brenda Lee Intignano from Cliphair reveal how to humidity-proof your hair.  

Why Does Humidity Cause Frizz?

In humid weather your hair’s cuticles become rough, leaving your strands open to absorbing excess moisture from the air. Humid air has a high concentration of water molecules, which then bind to the outer layer of hair and result in frizz. Generally speaking, dry and damaged hair is more prone to frizzing, as this hair type struggles with retaining moisture. However, all hair types can frizz in humid conditions. 

It’s not just humid weather, however, that causes frizz. Firstly, curly hair is naturally more prone to crinkly flyaways than straight hair, as the natural oils produced by your scalp can’t travel down the hair shaft as well as they can on straight hair. This results in drier hair, which is more susceptible to this inconvenient condition. 

In addition, over-using hot styling tools and harsh hair products both contribute to frizz as they strip the hair of its natural oils.

Read: 5 Ideal tips on how to look after dull, dry damaged hair

Image by Lighthaunter via Canva

How To Prevent Frizz, Especially In Humid Conditions?

While it is impossible to control the humidity levels of the air, there are products you can use and techniques you can implement into your routine to help reduce and prevent frizz. 

Dry hair effectively

Instead of using a normal bath towel to dry your hair, use a microfibre towel. Microfibre towels are gentler, so won’t tangle or snag the hair. They also absorb more water without causing excessive dryness and reduce the chance of breakage. You should also avoid rubbing towels on your hair to dry and instead pat hair dry gently to prevent causing damage.  

Experiment with styles

In humid weather, you should avoid leaving your hair down completely, as this style will encourage hair to frizz. Pulling your hair up and away from your face, neck or shoulders will help prevent frizz and can be done in numerous ways. From braids and buns to ponytails, there are numerous styles to try. Scrunchies and claw-clips are all the rage when it comes to hair accessories, so you can protect your hair whilst looking trendy.

Choose your products wisely

More on this below, but you should be wary when choosing which products to use in your routine. Look for products that help retain moisture, are full of natural ingredients and oils and don’t dry out the hair. Warmer weather means hair needs much more moisture than otherwise to prevent frizz and hair from breaking. 

Read: 5 tips to keep your hair healthy this summer

Ingredients To Look Out For

If you want to steer clear of harsh chemicals, numerous household items are natural and effective in adding moisture to hair and reducing the chance of frizz. Honey, coconut oil and even avocado all go a long way to preventing dryness. 

When buying products, you should look at its ingredient list and only choose products that boast nourishing ingredients, that boost moisture levels. Oils are a good example of this, so look out for products containing oils such as macadamia nut and jojoba. You should also look for products that have a low pH balance on their labels, as these will keep moisture locking in.

Finally, you should look out for conditioners with humectants, emollients or conditioning agents that help retain moisture. Examples of these are:

  • Glycerine – a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
  • Glyceryl stearate – helps form a protective barrier on the hair to prevent moisture loss, while softening hair. 
  • Propylene glycol – helps skin and hair absorb and retain moisture. 

Ingredients To Avoid

Unfortunately, lots of high street and drug store hair products contain high levels of chemicals, so it is imperative to check the ingredients before purchasing. Any products with sulphates, silicones or parabens should be avoided. 

Sulphates are cleansing agents that are used to get rid of oil, dirt, and debris in the hair. As they can be quite tough, they are known to strip hair of its essential moisture and damage the hair protein. Sulphate-free shampoos are better for hair, especially in humid weather, as they will help lock moisture in. 

Silicones, although safe to apply to your hair, are best avoided too. Silicones create a film around your hair that prevents moisture from entering the hair cuticle, resulting in drier and rough feeling hair. This film also attracts dirt and causes a product build-up, meaning your hair will need to be washed more frequently – something that will naturally cause your hair to dry out sooner. 

Parabens are preservatives that are used to increase the shelf life of products. While this may seem positive, parabens are easily absorbed through your skin and are harmful to your scalp, resulting in several problems from dried-out hair, irritated scalp and even hair loss. 

Finally, excessive hair dying, lightening, or bleaching with products that contain a high ammonia content, can dry out and damage the surface of the hair. This not only causes frizz but makes hair feel rough and lose its shine. 

Content Courtesy of

Switch Up Your Summer BBQ With These Street Food Sensations

Editorial Team
-
0
Switch Up Your Summer BBQ With These Street Food Sensations

Who doesn’t love a barbeque? They’re a quintessential part of British summertime parties. Whether using a portable gas BBQ or a disposable one from your local supermarket, the feeling of firing up the grill on a hot summer day can’t be beaten.

Another great thing about BBQs is just how much you can cook on them. While the go-to choices like burgers and hotdogs are classics that are hard to beat, there’s plenty to explore on the grill grates for fantastic flavours.

In this article, we’ll highlight some street food style recipes you can try on your home BBQ. We’ll look at meat and animal-free ideas, so no matter what your diet is, you can enjoy the summer flavours and maybe even discover a new favourite dish.

Spicy Spatchcock Chicken

Chicken is one of the most popular food items consumed in the UK. In 2014 it was reported that around 60.9 million people, 95% of the population, eat chicken at least twice a week. Despite this, chicken might not be what many Brits think of when they hear the word barbeque.

This could be due to the worry of how evenly the chicken will cook over a grill. But with spatchcocking, which is the removal of the chicken’s backbone and flattening out the carcass, you can cook it flat on the grill, which cooks both the dark and white meat evenly for a juicier finish.

Spatchcocking opens up many opportunities for creativity. This recipe from Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge blends a cooking style similar to Jamaican Jerk Chicken with the tongue-tingling spice of Korean BBQ flavours. Marinating the chicken from an hour to overnight before a big summer blowout party leaves you more time to sort everything out!

Read: Top Restaurant Chefs Reveal How To Cook The Perfect Burger At Home 

Image by freeskyline Via Canva

Grill-Baked Chilli-Garlic Prawns

The beauty of a BBQ is that it doesn’t have to be relegated to slapping things directly onto the grill grates. You can find creative methods to cook on the surface, like a kitchen hob, using smaller cooking utensils like cast iron pans or saucepans for a more varied arsenal of food.

Plenty of BBQ hacks can make you look and feel like a pro grill master. One of our personal favourites is baking in a bag, a way to cook fish and seafood over a BBQ grill without it sticking, tearing, or falling through.

Much like you’d bake them in a bag in the oven, these spicy, earthy chilli-garlic prawns are perfect pull-apart finger food that’d make any street food vendor blush. Once your parcel is prepped, simply place it on the grill for 15 minutes. Flipping every so often, and once it’s puffed up, take it off, open it up, and dig in.

Read: 5 IDEAL ways to raise your Summer BBQ game

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit

More and more people are moving away from eating meat. In the UK alone, a study by Finder showed that 14% of adults currently follow meat-free diets. This is about 7.2 million people, with 3% of that 14 being vegan.

Whatever their reasons for cutting meat from their diet, they should still be able to enjoy the summer BBQ experience. And while vegetable kebabs are always a delicious meat-free option, why not take the opportunity to get a bit more creative and make something out there.

Jackfruit is a great vegan alternative protein source, as after it’s been slow cooked, it shreds just like pork. This makes it perfect for a BBQ pulled jackfruit, and you can spice it up with your choice of BBQ sauce. Whether that’s your favourite brand or one you make from scratch!

BBQ classics are classics for a reason. You really can’t go wrong with just a few burgers and hotdogs on the grill. But there’s always more to experiment with and switch up your summer BBQ spreads. Whether that’s using meats like chicken that you may not associate with British BBQ experiences or new methods of cooking on the grill top, there are plenty of ways to innovate what you do. There’re also lots of new, exciting alternatives to meat to serve your friends with dietary requirements. The amount you can get creative with can reinvent the way you see and use your grill.

Content courtesy of:

How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost?

Editorial Team
-
0
How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost?

When planning a wedding, sometimes the cost of a wedding DJ is the last thing on the minds of the happy but stressed couple. But neglect this element of your Big Day at your peril; not only do wedding DJs provide music throughout the reception, but they can also help to set the mood, manage the vibe and keep everyone entertained when energy levels shown signs of dipping.

Of course, the cost of a wedding DJ isn’t the same all over the world, but to get a general idea of what to expect, we’ve spoken to the experts at Live Entertainment to field some of your most frequently asked questions on the topic. Let’s explore their answers further.

Factors Affecting Wedding DJs’ Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of a wedding DJ. These are the essential factors that influence the price:

  • Location of the event
  • Duration
  • Party size
  • Additional services

But how much does it actually cost to hire a wedding DJ? This question has a simple/complex answer: it depends, and if we were able to give a simple, solid figure, then we wouldn’t have an article to write!

Location Of The Event

Firstly, if you live in a major city like London or Los Angeles, your wedding venue will already have a number of specialist DJs close by, which is, admittedly, sometimes cheaper. Hiring someone from afar can be expensive because you must pay their additional travel fees. 

Question 1: How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost In NY (New York)?

When you are planning to hire a DJ for your wedding party in a city like New York and other larger metropolitan areas, you have to pay around $1500 – $3000 on average.

Question 2: How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost In The Average Uk?

Generally, you need to pay £200 – £600 ($242 to $726) if you want to hire a DJ for your wedding ceremony, though in London you might be paying as much as £1’500 for the privilege. So on average, you’ll pay £400 (or $484) in the UK.

Question 3: How Much Does A Wedding DJ Cost In Australia?

In Australia, if you want to hire a DJ for your wedding party, you might pay around $700 – $1450. On average, hiring a DJ in Australia costs $1100.

Duration

The amount of time the wedding DJ will be required can differ hugely, but it largely depends on whether you want them to soundtrack the entire day, you’re planning other wedding entertainment throughout the day, or if you’re happy with them simply dictating the vibes on the evening’s dancefloor.

Question 1: How much does a Wedding DJ cost per hour?

The average rate for DJ for hiring in a wedding party is around $150 per hour. 

Question 2: How long do you need a DJ for a wedding?

The optimal time for hiring a DJ for a wedding ceremony is 4 hours. But if you need more, you can ask for five or six hours, and then the cost of hiring a DJ will increase according to their hourly rate, and is likely to be at a premium as the late night becomes early morning. 

Additional Services

The cost also depends on additional services provided by the DJs. For example, a DJ will charge by the hour if you want music during your wedding ceremony. However, the price will naturally increase if you also wish to have music during any canapes, cocktails and the wedding breakfast. 

Regardless of how long they play or the additional services chosen, the sound needs to be crisp and impeccable. No wedding reception ever caught flight with a buffering connection or fuzzy sound quality. 

Whilst some venues may already have a capable sound system, in most cases you will likely need to hire speakers. Fortunately, your DJ or wedding band will usually offer this as part of their package, but if you’re managing the music yourself via a playlist, this is something you’ll have to take care of.

Read: How to choose the IDEAL music for your wedding day

Compare DJs Carefully

It’s important to compare prices and services before hiring a DJ. You may be able to find a lower-cost DJ through online resources or by talking to friends who have recently hired a DJ for their wedding and getting recommendations. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For A Discount

Many DJs offer discounts for large groups or for booking more than one year in advance. Ask the DJ if he or she is able to offer any special deals or not. 

The Bottom Line

Hiring a wedding DJ certainly doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re keen for someone else to take control of curating the vibes, then it’s certainly worth the investment. We hope your Big Day goes brilliant and the music is, of course, amazing.

How To Make Working From Home As Comfortable As Possible: The IDEAL Guide

Editorial Team
-
0
How To Make Working From Home As Comfortable As Possible: The IDEAL Guide

The past two years has brought about wholesale, seismic change in the working lives of millions of people across the world. The shift to working from home happened suddenly and with little warning, and most people had to adapt quickly in setting up a home working space.

Though we’re now looking forward to, hopefully, a post-COVID world, many of us still find ourselves working in hastily assembled setups which aren’t really fit for purpose, with almost 40% of Brits reporting working from home in the latest major study, conducted in May 2022.

Whether you have a dedicated room for your home office, work at the kitchen table, or simply use a single corner of the bedroom to get your deadlines met, there are some helpful things you can do to help maintain a comfortable workspace and remain focused throughout the day. With that in mind, here’s our IDEAL guide on how to make home working as comfortable as possible.

‘Appy To Help

Before we consider your physical needs and your focus, let’s first think about tech and efficiency. You don’t have to do this thing alone; there are some excellent apps to help with working from home available which can help track your productivity, help you stay organised, and offer tips on exercise, mindfulness and sleep, all of which support a healthy daily routine and work-life balance.

Sometimes, it really is best to delegate to tech in lieu of having colleagues close by to pick up some of the slack.

Staying Focused When Working From Home

Working from home has its benefits (the fridge is a moment’s walk away!) as well as its downsides (erm, that fridge, it’s just too tempting.). 

In all seriousness, without having colleagues to interact with, and without the relative peace of the central office – remember those halcyon days when you could work without hearing your kids fighting? – getting through your to-do list can be more challenging. 

If you struggle to focus during the day, the following tips and tricks may help to bring about some productivity.

  • Take breaks – although it might seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks throughout the day can help the mind stay refreshed and focused. Get outdoors if possible for some fresh air and short walks rather than relying on coffee for a boost. Rather than taking one long lunch break, instead, enjoy microbreaks throughout the day to keep energy levels consistent. You should still enjoy a long break for lunch, too, however; after all, you’re the boss now.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones – if your home is noisy, whether due to people in the house or building works nearby, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will block out excess environmental noise and help you maintain concentration.
  • Pomodoro technique – power through a task for 25 minutes, take a break for 10. The Pomodoro technique is proven to be highly effective for getting through arduous and complex tasks without exhausting yourself.
  • Maintain a regular daily routine – try to start and finish work at the same time each day. Ceremoniously shut your laptop at the end of the day and place it out of sight for the evening. Drawing this distinction between work and play is actually better for your efficiency than dipping in and out of both 24/7.
  • Hydrate – sometimes tiredness and a lack of focus can be due to dehydration. Keep a bottle of chilled water nearby and aim to get 2.5 – 3 litres of water daily to keep your brain alert.

Being aware of the most common distractions when working from home is also helpful in maintaining focus in the home office – simply staying mindful to the temptation of procrastination will help you recognise when your attention is about to drift.

Dressing For Both Comfort & Productivity

Whilst pyjamas, comfy tops and jogging trousers (or, no trousers at all!) were all the rage during lockdown proper, if you’re still working from home or on flexible working hours, you’ll know that spending all day in your comfy clothes isn’t exactly conducive to productivity.

Indeed, as the Huffington Post reports “the behavioral act of getting dressed can have a significantly positive impact on our mood” and “getting dressed up first thing in the morning may increase our motivation to do other things throughout the day, to experience more energy and to want to do more things.”

Moreover, wearing your slacks all day can be, quite simply, a little depressing, and we’re not the only ones that think so. As Mashable explains, wearing your pyjamas or “sleep” clothes while you work at home is not great for your mind. They cite a study conducted by the Medical Journal of Australia that found wearing pyjamas while working from home is likely to contribute to poor mental health, though we suspect the study might have been commissioned by Big Uniform.

While we agree that wearing a suit when working from home is silly, we think that your continued comfort matters, and many British women agree. In fact, it was reported that almost half of all women here in the UK ditched their bras during lockdown, at least for a day or two!

Here at IDEAL, our go-to working from home outfit involves some comfortable boyfriend jeans, and a linen shirt or an easy to-wear knit. It’s not only a comfortable outfit, but dressing as if you’re going to work allows you to feel more comfortable when hopping onto that impromptu video call.

Setting Up A Comfortable Work Space

We’ve looked at the mental, now let’s focus on the physical.

The area you work in can have a huge effect on your daily routine and productivity, but keeping your workspace tidy and organised can go a long way to keeping your mind un-cluttered.

Ideally, employees and freelancers should have a dedicated desk to work from and a comfortable office chair. Repair any cracks or wonky legs on your work-space furniture to reduce daily distractions. This includes setting up desktop organisers for stationery or ensuring that cables are neat and stay out of the way at the back of your desk.

Invest in an ergonomic chair (or ask your employer to buy one for you) so you don’t sustain any injuries from long periods of sitting with a less than ideal posture. And finally, when you’re typing, make sure you’re sitting with your back straight and with your elbows close to your sides. 

Your arms should be at a 90-110 degree angle, with wrists gently resting around an inch infront of your keyboard. Ideally, you’ll have a Bluetooth, wireless keyboard and mouse to ensure you can achieve this optimum typing angle. Again, ask your employee to supply these; if the company budget covered it before, when you were working centrally, it’s still their responsibility while you’re working remotely!

The Bottom Line

Although it is not an ideal situation for anyone right now, working from home looks set to stay for a little while more. For more tips, the NHS have some great suggestions that can help make working from home a little easier.

Lastly, consider using some annual leave days to shorten the working weeks, if possible. A 4-day week can be much more manageable than 5 days sometimes – gift yourself a long weekend if you need a breather, and start back more refreshed the following Monday. It really can make all the difference.

Top Restaurant Chefs Reveal How To Cook The Perfect Burger at Home 

Editorial Team
-
0
Top Restaurant Chefs Reveal How To Cook The Perfect Burger at Home 

While there’s a temptation to complain that there’s now ‘’a day for everything’’ here in the UK, from National Awkward Moments Day (isn’t that every day?) on March 18th to Lost Sock Memorial Day (hey, isn’t that…) on May 9th, we do think this one deserves recognition; National Burger Day, which is just around the corner on August 25th.

Hey, isn’t that every day?

Because if obsessing over burgers is a crime, then consider us Brits ‘grill-ty’ as charged! Indeed, last year it was reported that British meateaters collectively eat 2.5 billion beef burgers every year, and considering our prolific consumption here at IDEAL, we’re surprised that number isn’t even higher.

With the cost of living crisis causing even the likes of McDonalds to raise the prices of their famous cheeseburger, this year you might be wondering how to recreate a restaurant worthy burger from the comfort of home. We’re here to help with that; here, a selection of top restaurant chefs reveal how to cook the perfect burger at home.

Patty That 

A brilliant burger starts with the beef, of that there is no doubt.

When it comes to choosing your meat, Kenneth Tyrrell, Head of Kitchen Operations and Food at Burger & Lobster, says his “main advice when making a burger from scratch would be to know what cuts of meat are going in your burger – when you buy pre-minced meats from a supermarket this is hard to do.’’ 

He goes on to counsel that ”the simplest way to make a fantastic burger is to buy a quality cut of meat and then mince it yourself (this can be done easily by hand, or with a food processor). Opt for what people consider ‘tougher’ cuts as this is where the flavour can be found, and the higher fat quantity works as a natural binder”. 

Ioannis Grammenos, Executive Chef and Meatologist at the Heliot Steak House, tells us “making burgers at home is easier than you think.’’

Reassuring words, indeed.

He continues; ”There are a few important things to think about…first and foremost is the quality of your meat. Choose the best quality meat that you can afford to make your burgers, as this is where the flavour and texture comes from. For me, the ideal meat to far ratio is 80% beef with 20% fat – this blend is made from fatter meat which has more flavour. I usually use chuck or tri-tip cuts as they contain this fat ratio. If you can’t find chuck, you can use chicken or lamb.”

Chicken! Lamb! Beef! We’re in turducken territory here. Kind of…

Anyway, Executive Chef Dickie Nelson from Fat Hippo largely agrees, elaborating that “when making your patties, use pure beef with a fat content of 10-20%.’’ 

Seasoning 

Dickie goes on to suggest some simple though important seasoning tips; ‘’You want to maintain as much moisture as possible throughout the process to ensure the burger keeps its optimum level of juiciness. Therefore, don’t season when mixing the beef, as this will bring out the moisture of the meat. Then, before cooking, make sure your patty is packed well so they stay together during the cooking process.’’ 

When it comes to seasoning your meat, our old mate Tyrrel from a previous paragraph warns against over seasoning, too; “It’s crucial to keep seasoning to a minimum – you’ve already got a great piece of meat with flavours you want to shine through. Simply salt and pepper the outside of the patties before cooking and you’re good to go”. 

Phew, that’s good to hear. We thought we might have to write a whole article about famous fast food outlets’ secret seasoning mixes again!  

Back to our guy Grammenos from the Heliot, who says that “For flavour, I like to experiment with fresh additions to the burger mix, but my failsafe choices are fresh parsley, fresh marjoram and lemon zest, which cut through the flavours of the beef to season and brighten the final burger”.

Personally, we prefer our burgers as pretty plainly seasoned, but we’re looking forward to adding a little lemon zest next time we try to make the best possible burgers at home.

Shaping & Resting Your Burgers

Oh, you thought your seasoned mince meat was ready to simply chuck on the grill? How wrong you were; your burger is going to need to be both shaped and rested next…

Grammenos recommends that you “take your meat out of the fridge an hour or so before you plan to make the burgers so that it can come to room temperature.’’

He goes on to cite everyone’s favourite cook, their grandmother; “My grandma taught me to make burgers when I was a child, and she taught me how important it is not to over mix or press the beef.’’ 

More wise words from gran/Grammenos; ‘’The only way to achieve a light burger is to mix the beef and other ingredients from the bottom to top of the bowl and, when shaping the patties, not to squeeze or compress, instead forming them with as little pressure as possible. I always followed her advice and my burgers are always perfect! Once the burgers are shaped using roughly 200g of mixture, leave them to rest for 30 minutes.’’

Perfect? We’ll be the judge of that. We can’t fault the softly, softly approach, though. It does make a massive difference to the texture of the final product.

BBQ’ing

Oh, you’re intending to barbie your burger? There really is no better way, we think…

Tyrrell advises that you “Press your burger before placing them on the BBQ, always an inch or so bigger than you want them to end up as they will shrink. Try using a burger basket too, as these help to keep everything together while you’re grilling and make flipping easier”. 

Fat Hippo chef Nelson weighs in with his two cents; “For an even cook and to avoid ‘flame grilled’ inconsistencies, use a flat top grill. Lightly oil the flat top and ensure it’s hot before putting your patty on. Season the top side of the  patty as soon as it hits the grill and season the other side once it’s been flipped. Seasoning on the grill ensures maximum flavour, without sacrificing moisture or texture of the meat’’.  

When it comes to vegan burgers (we thought you’d never ask), chef Tyrrell sounds a word of caution; “In my experience, plant-based burgers always tend to fall a little flat and lack the juiciness of a meat-based burger. To avoid this, before grilling your patty make sure you baste in a plant-based fat-based sauce (vegan butter works well) as this ensures the patty caramelises and stays together better”.

Wise words, indeed.

Frying 

If you don’t have a BBQ conveniently lit and ready for action, you can, of course, fry your burger instead. 

The process is a little different to grilling. As Grammenos says wisely, “When you’re ready to cook the burgers, drizzle them with olive oil and warm up a frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the burgers for 6-8 minutes from each side – I always cook my burgers medium well and I never squeeze them with the spatula. You have to let them cook gently and slowly.” 

It’s a good move if you have decided to fry your pattys to drain them a little after they’re cooked, either on kitchen towel or over a wire rack. 

Toast Your Buns 

Regardless of whether you’ve chosen to grill or fry, it’s essential you give your burger buns some love and attention, too. 

Nelson from the Fat Hippo agrees with us wholeheartedly; “Whilst your burger is cooking, toast your bun on the same flat top grill for added flavour. Toasting ensures that sauces and toppings from the burger are held in and don’t make the bun soggy. If you’re using brioche buns, toasting also brings out a nice sweetness to add to your burger.” 

Sauces & Accompaniments 

A burger is only as good as its condiments and accompaniments, don’t you think? Well, Chef Grammenos likes ‘’lettuce, tomato and of course a great burger sauce.’’

Interestingly, he makes his own; ‘’simply sweat off a little chopped shallot in a hot pan with olive oil and two cloves of crushed garlic, sweet ripe tomatoes, fresh oregano, and half a glass of good red wine. Let it simmer until it is a thick sauce. Let it cool down and if needed, adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh ground pepper. Next, add 1/3 of the tomato sauce to mayonnaise, which I also add ginger to – it sounds unusual, but it works perfectly.’’

Sounds bloody delicious to us! 

Tyrrel has further advice on bringing the best out of your burger via condiments; “Umami is critical. Once you’ve layered up your burger with garnishes, cheese and other fillings of your choice, you can get a bit creative with your sauce. You want to really bring out a rich umami flavour, so try store bought ketchup and blend in capers or gherkins – Worcester sauce works well, too.” 

Oh, and when it comes to cheese, Grammenos says that he likes to top his burgers with a lightly flavoured cheese; ‘’anything too strong can overwhelm the delicate flavours of the burger.’’ 

Now that is something we can all agree on; keep that cheddar away from my patty, and pass the plastic American stuff! That said, we wholeheartedly adore a beef burger topped with blue cheese – both are fully flavoured, rich foods that do seem to harmonise perfectly.

Read: 7 incredible vegetarian condiments

Stacking Your Burger

When it comes to stacking a burger, there are lots of different schools of thought. However, as Mental Floss explains, “most seem to agree on two things: The cheese goes directly next to the patty to maximize melting potential, and sauce should be spread on the bun, ideally on both the top and bottom bun halves”.

We think that since a burger is meant to be eaten with your hands, it’s important that it retains its structure, which means stopping the bottom from getting soaked in burger juices which will inevitably lead to it falling apart. This means using a lettuce layer as a leafy barrier underneath your patty.

The general consensus is that toppings, whether those be pickles, caramelised onion rings, shoestring fries or bacon, should go above your patty already layered with melted cheese.

Here’s how we stack our burger at IDEAL:

  1. Start from the bottom with your lightly toasted bun.
  2. Next, add a spoonful of your chosen burger sauce.
  3. Then add a lettuce layer. This will act as a leafy barrier, stopping juices from spilling out from your patty and soaking your bottom burger.
  4. Next, add your patty already topped with melted cheese.
  5. Now layer with your chosen toppings.
  6. Finally, top it off it with half of the bun slathered with sauce to make it stick.

Finish Your Burger With A Little Steam

A final cheffy flourish to see you on your way…

Nelson lets us in on a little secret; steaming. He takes us through his finishing process; “Once the burger is almost cooked, add your chosen toppings to the patty and top with your toasted lid whilst still on the grill.’’ So far, so standard…

Now, it gets interesting. Chef Nelson recommends that you then ‘’Spray a tiny bit of water on or around the burger and briefly cloche the burger – you can use a mixing bowl or a bowl with a handle for this – to steam the top of the bun. This will bring together the flavours and ensure moisture. Remove the bowl, take the burger off the grill, put on the bun base and ENJOY!”

Thank you Nelson, we certainly will.

From Au Pairs to Discounted Tickets: 7 Ideal Tips For Taking The Kids To New York

Editorial Team
-
0
From Au Pairs to Discounted Tickets: 7 Ideal Tips For Taking The Kids To New York

New York City has long had a love-hate relationship with family travellers. Whilst the city’s large selection of museums, parks and attractions makes it a huge hit with the kids, small hotel rooms at expensive rates can make it an at times unwelcoming proposition for those with little ones.

But with the right amount of planning, taking a bite out of the Big Apple can be delicious and nourishing for all the family. So before you pen your itinerary, read this; our 7 IDEAL tips for taking the kids to New York.

Space, At A Premium

It’s no secret that the majority of hotels in New York City adopt a cram ‘em in, charge ‘em high mentality. This means that getting a family room in a central NYC hotel is probably going to blow out your budget. And seeing as the vast majority of hotel rooms in New York City itself are rarely much larger your average closet, when you’re travelling with children, the lack of space can quickly make things cramped and uncomfortable. 

Instead, it’s a good idea to think outside the box and try to find affordable, larger accommodation options. AirBnb has made it much easier (and, relatively speaking, affordable) to find fully furnished apartments to stay in, which offer a more comfortable, home-from-home experience. The legality currently, however, is under question.

Or, opt for national hotel chains such as Marriott or Embassy Suites, both of which offer larger suites as standard which are more suitable for family stays. Other hotels may allow you to book inter-connecting rooms, giving your entire family both the space and the privacy that they need.

Consider Bringing Your Au Pair,Travel Nanny Or Even a Grandparent

Although New York is a wonderful place for kids and adults alike, it can also be a very tiring holiday for little ones. Traipsing around the city and seeing the sights is a very different vacation to one spent at the beach where the kids can easily be entertained by building sandcastles and swimming in the sea. As such, it’s a good idea to bring a helping pair of hands.

If you’ve got an au pair in London who you’re bringing with you to help with the kids, then you need to consider their needs for additional space and privacy, too. Though some may defer all responsibility to a childminder during a holiday, you do need to allow for some periods where your child’s au pair can enjoy some downtime in the Big Apple.

The majority of people registered for this role are between the ages of 18 to 30, so do bear in mind that they may well want to experience New York for a little while, rather than simply seeing the inside of your child’s hotel room. Commonly, the work of an au pair is usually a 12 hour shift or so, but in the interest of fairness, you might want to reduce this time so they can enjoy a holiday of sorts, too.

Alternatively, there are some companies dedicated to supplying travel nannies for trips. The cost of hiring a holiday nanny starts from around £450. This is based on working seven hours a day with three nights’ babysitting included. However, there’s also accommodation, meals and flights to account for, and costs can often quickly add up. That said, an au pair’s presence is, if you can afford it, priceless, granting the family a holiday where everyone is calmer and happier.

Or, why not bring a grandparent, or even both, along. Generally speaking, they love spending time with the children which is great for them and for you, too. According to a recent survey, 53% of parents said their children’s grandparents would be joining them on holiday to help keep an eye on their children to give them a break or alone time. Of course, you should look into covering some, if not all, of the cost of their holiday.

Look Beyond The City

While you’re in New York, it’d be silly to keep your steely focus solely fixed on the city itself, as there are so many other great places to visit for kids in the wider state. And if you’ve come all this way, why not consider some internal flights to places slightly further afield to truly make the most of your trip. Check out flights to and from New York from Porter Airlines, as they offer affordable travel with a flexibility the family will really appreciate.

Park It

If you’re contemplating just what to do with the kids in New York, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the city is home to some of the most awesome urban parks in North America, making it one of the best places to visit when it comes to fun, free things to do.

Fun you say? Free you say? Then Central Park is of course number one on the list, with several acres of land, children’s play areas, and fun activities such as horse and carriage riding to take advantage of, particularly in the summer when there is always something going on.

The High Line comes a close second, built on a historic freight rail line located above the streets on the West Side of Manhattan, it’s ideal for a stroll with the kids. In addition, the best part is that all of NYC’s parks are free and open to the public, perfect for a budget day out. To give the crowds a swerve, visit parks early in the morning and avoid visiting on the weekend if you can.

Muchos Museums

For families interested in history and heritage, there are several great museums in NYC that are worth checking out. Museums in New York City are second to none, with admission averaging at around twenty dollars for an adult – not too steep in the scheme of things. Of course, there are also some budget-friendly museums available to visit, such as the American Folk Art Museum or the National Museum of the American Indian, which anybody can visit fee-free.

In addition, keep your eye out for ‘Free Days’ which are held by most of the fee-paying museums in the city at regular intervals. At the Brooklyn Museum you can get free admission on a Saturday, or visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage on a Wednesday to avoid paying. The Museum of Contemporary Art is free to visit on Thursday evenings between 7-9PM.

Resist The Temptation Of Taxis

Getting about via a yellow taxi might seem like the most cliched, convenient method of exploring NYC, but in reality, hailing taxis with your family can quickly become a bit of a nightmare. Not only are taxis the most expensive form of transport in the city, but the traffic is always busy, meaning that it’s going to take you longer than ever to get to where you need to be.

Alternatively, the better option is to take advantage of NYC’s extensive public transport system. You can get family tickets on the subway, which is able to take you all around the city as fast as possible with stops at every main attraction and area. It can be easy to get intimidated by travelling around NYC via public transport when you don’t know what to expect, but the truth is that it’s easy to use and get used to. And, most people are willing to give you advice if you get stuck or need directions.

Do It Discounted

A great thing about visiting NYC is that you can find discount tickets for almost everything. If you plan to visit the majority of main attractions in the city, then it may be worth looking into buying New York City passes for your family; there are several different options available which are worth researching, since they offer entry to most of the main attractions for one flat rate, rather than having to buy separate tickets at the door. For those traveling with family, this can translate to rather large savings.

If you’re hoping to see a Broadway show, don’t book in advance – you can usually find tickets from the box office on the day of the show at discounted rates in order to get the seats filled up, which is a great way to save money on seeing some of your family’s favourites.

Lastly, many attractions, restaurants and more in NYC will accept vouchers and coupons, so take the time to search for different offers online that you can use to save money on fun, food and more once you are there. And with that, we wish you a wonderful trip!

From Pools to Cocktail Bars: How To Transform Your Garden Into A Luxury Resort

Editorial Team
-
0
From Pools to Cocktail Bars: How To Transform Your Garden Into A Luxury Resort

As another Great British summer draws to a close (what, so soon?!), many of us are left pondering how we might do things differently next year. Drink a little less, sure. Apply a lot more sunscreen, certainly…

But for many Brits scarred by a summer of queues, chaos and misplaced luggage, a whole rethink of the way we holiday in the future might be in order. 

Staycations, once again, have never felt more appealing, and if your next summer’s holiday is to be a more relaxing affair, then have you considered transforming your own garden into a luxury resort?

Hear us out…

Here are some IDEAL ways to transform your garden into a luxury staycation resort.

Consider A Swimming Pool

Let’s start with one of the key markers of a luxury resort, its swimming pool. 

Though installing a swimming pool in your back garden might seem frivolous at first, it’s not actually as far-fetched as it sounds. In fact, a swimming pool can be a valuable investment, both for you as a person and for your property as a whole. 

Spending extra money on a pool can increase the value of your property significantly – to the tune of £10’000, according to Stylist – while giving you more maximum enjoyment from your garden and a great excuse to keep fit.

There’s a lot to think about when building a pool – it’s not just about choosing a shape, after all. The best advice is to plan accordingly, find a professional, consider the cost of building a swimming pool and look at whether the styles match your needs and taste. 

Unfortunately, unlike a luxury hotel resort, you will have to maintain your pool. If you are opting for a larger swimming pool, then it is highly likely that you will need to purchase a pool water pump.

You may be asking what is a water pump? Well it’s an essential component needed to keep the water clean, safe and free of algae.

How does a water pump operate, we now hear you ask? Well, by drawing water from the pool through a set of skimmers, the water is filtered, cleaned, and then pumped back into the pool with discharge nozzles. Some swimming pool pumps also have a disinfection system which can add an additional level of cleaning to the water.

After that, just be prepared to become everyone’s favourite person when the sun is shining!

Invest In A Jacuzzi Or Hot Tub

If you really intend to luxuriate in your garden as long into the evenings as possible, then a hot tub really is the OG choice of water feature. 

There’s something deeply therapeutic – and luxurious, of course – about the idea of slipping into a hot tub, steam rising and bubbling water enveloping. In fact, it’s not just the idea that offers a certain tonic; studies have suggested that hot tubs bring real and potential benefits to those that use them. 

Heading out to your garden for a relaxing hot tub or jacuzzi session will have you feeling like you’ve just been on a luxury retreat every time you return indoors! And that’s why you’re here, right?

Add An Outdoor Bath Or Shower 

Here at IDEAL we’re big fans of hotel rooms at resorts that have private outdoor bathrooms. For us, they scream unadulterated hedonism, and that’s what luxury is all about. 

Indeed, bathing outdoors is the epitome of summer escapism. Provided you have at least a little privacy in your garden, and the prying eyes of neighbours rarely fall on your plot, then there really is nothing better than starting your day off in nature with an al fresco shower. 

An open air bathroom or outdoor shower takes some planning and installation, sure, but luckily it’s not actually as daring as you might think. Check out Grand Designs Magazine’s top tips on installing an outdoor shower here.

In terms of privacy, consider harnessing the power of nature to ensure you’re not visible to all and sundry each time you head outside. Simply add some pot plants with the requisite height, and you’ll create a natural oasis which also shields you if you’d like to enjoy your garden shower as nature intended. Oh, and a pergola over top will stop those neighbours with particularly prying eyes from seeing you in your birthday suit. 

Tropical Plants 

The word ‘resort’ instantly makes us think of a tropical place, with the serenity that the green, tropical foliage brings to your home able to soothe and rejuvenate in equal measure.

Luckily, you can easily create a convincingly verdant paradise reminiscent of a luxury resort with UK plants. Hardy palm trees like the Windmill palm or Trachycarpus fortunei do well here, as does the Wagnerianus, often affectionately called the ‘waggie’. Other tropical plants that thrive in the British climate include the Male Fern, the Cabbage Palm, and the Plantain Lily.

Oh, and don’t forget to hang your hammock from your newly planted palm trees; this is a holiday, after all! 

Dining Alfresco

One of the top features of a luxury resort is a memorable and satisfying dining experience. Large resorts typically have multiple venues for dining, and unfortunately, this is going to be hard to replicate in your garden. However, there are certain features that you can add so you can host different types of meals outside, including:

  • Crawfish boiler: One of our favourite things to do on a holiday abroad is to eat plenty of seafood. Luckily, Britain is home to some of the best seafood in the world, and a crawfish boiler is a wonderfully convivial, communal way to cook shellfish outdoors.
  • Wood-fired oven: A fun addition to your outdoor space and a hub for entertaining, too, the most affordable outdoor oven on the market will set you back around £250 for a portable one, whilst a larger version tops £2500. Pizza party, anyone?
  • Big Green Egg Barbecue: Favoured by Michelin-starred chefs, these powerful yet compact grills provide a real statement in your garden.

Add A Bar & Chillout Area

Drinking by the pool, or in a relaxing lounge area – yep, just another apt hallmark of a luxury hotel resort. You’ll of course need to add a bar to make some tropical cocktails and a space to relax. Rather than keep you here, let us direct you to our article on how to create the ultimate garden chill-out area in 5 IDEAL steps.

The Bottom Line

With these features, you’ll have the basic and most beautiful ingredients of a luxury resort right in your own garden. Now where’s our invitation?

5 Top Tips To Help You Prepare For An Awesome Fishing Trip In The UK

Editorial Team
-
0
5 Top Tips To Help You Prepare For An Awesome Fishing Trip In The UK

Are you gearing up for an upcoming fishing trip? Well, allow us first to introduce you to a Hungarian proverb that might be useful; ‘’he who wants to go fishing must not be afraid of water’’. 

Wise words, indeed. But that courageous, gung-ho spirit that the Hungarians extol shouldn’t mean that you neglect to prepare for your fishing trip entirely. Doing so would only lead to a fishing trip defined by discomfort, disillusionment and plenty of bait not taken.

Plan well, however, and you’ve got one of the most meditative, relaxing experiences on the planet in the palm of your hands. In fact, we might defer to the late, great Ted Hughes for a moment; “Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way. A form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.” 

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. But enough with the proverbs and quotes; we’ve fish to catch! Today, we’re offering 5 top tips to help you prepare for an awesome fishing trip in the UK. Let’s dive in…

Choosing Your Destination

One of the most important aspects of preparing for a fishing trip is finding the best spots to sling a few rods perhaps while wearing some super-cool Salty Crew fishing shirts.

This can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the area (the finding the best spots part, not the cool tees!).

Much of the year in the UK is relatively mild, and though it can certainly get cold during the winter months, waters rarely freeze. Summer months obviously enjoy higher temperatures, but the temperate conditions enjoyed in some inland rivers means that fish stock may not change too dramatically over the course of the year.

We say rivers, but you may enjoy sea fishing more. The UK has an abundance of beaches and coastline, and this makes sea fishing holidays extremely appealing, giving you the opportunity to land bass, mackerel, and flounder, among many other species. 

The majority of UK beaches do offer some snag free fishing. As well as fishing off beaches like Chesil Beach in Dorset, you can also fish off sea walls and local landmarks. The power station in Morecambe attracts bass because of the warmer waters it produces, for instance.

Some of the best places to go seafishing in the UK include:

  • The Blackpool Piers
  • Galloway’s Kickcudbright Harbour
  • Hendon Promenade in Sunderland
  • Whitby Beach in Yorkshire
  • Whitstable in Kent
  • London’s Woolwich

Check out these tips for a great first seafishing trip for more, by the way.

In terms of freshwater fishing here in the UK, we can’t recommend the River Frome, in England’s South West, highly enough. Grayling, sea trout and brown trout are not only found in abundance, but the Frome has also seen numerous record breaking catches. There are also sizeable salmon in these waters.

Other great rivers for fishing in the UK include:

  • The River Wye in Wales
  • Cumbria’s Windermere
  • Angler’s Paradise in Devon
  • The Norfolk Broads
  • The River Spey in Scotland

Getting A Good Travel Fly Rod

So, you’ve got your destination sorted. Now, it’s time to consider the actual fishing you’re going to be doing. One of the most important things you’ll need for your fishing trip is a good travel fly rod, which is a great choice of rod for those looking for portability, ease of use, and flexibility in terms of being able to use the rod in rivers, lakes and the sea.

Keep in mind factors like weight and material when making your decision. You can even take a travel rod with you on airplanes and even in your carry-on luggage, so it’s a great option for those who are planning a more expansive fishing jaunt (which sounds like heaven to us!).

Read: 5 IDEAL destinations for a fishing holiday

Picking The Right Tackle & Bait

Of course, you’ll need more than just a rod to go fishing. You’ll also need to select the right tackle for your trip. This includes everything from hooks and lures to sinkers and lines.

When choosing your tackle, consider the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. Different species require different gear, so make sure you have the right supplies before heading out on your trip. 

To make sure you’re not polluting the UK’s waters (quite enough of that going on right now), it’s best to use only natural bait. For seafishing, many anglers use small shellfish, such as mussels, razorfish, cockles, limpets and whelks. For freshwater fishing, it’s better to use worms, maggots, and even basic ol’ bread.

All The Gear, All The Idea

Now that you have all the essential equipment, it’s time to start packing for your trip. 

Before you set off, you should assess the weather forecasts, including the shipping forecast, and pack accordingly. Regardless of whether or not rain is predicted, a waterproof jacket is wise. And don’t forget the sunblock; you’ll be sitting, exposed, for long stretches. While you can get away with wearing a pair of trainers, sensible walking boots are generally preferable, as they provide proper grip on deck (should you be seafishing) or on muddy river banks, should it be freshwater receiving your rods. 

A portable barbecue might be a fun addition, too, should you be planning on grilling your catch!

Make Your Trip As Relaxing As Possible

Fishing is a great way to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. When you’re out on the water, it’s easy to forget about your troubles and just enjoy the peace. Fishing also gives you a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. If you’re feeling stressed, try heading out for a fishing trip; it’s an activity that’s sure to help you relax and unwind. 

There are a few things you can do to make sure your fishing trip is as relaxing as possible. First, be sure to choose a peaceful location away from busy roads or crowded areas. You’ll want to find a spot where you can kick back and take in all the sights and sounds of nature. Also, be sure to bring along some comfortable chairs or a blanket so you can relax in style when you’re not gripping your rod. 

And finally, don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day, because if you don’t catch anything, you might be going hungry!

1...156157158...392Page 157 of 392

Company

WHO we are
SAY HELLO
ADVERTISING

Read More

Ideal
Travel
Food & Drink
Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social

We’re an online destination, IDEAL for your daily dose of all things lifestyle, from travel to wellbeing and everything in between.

Copyright © 2026 IDEAL Magazine