Page 157 – Ideal Magazine

7 Ways To Highlight & Contour Your Cheekbones

Editorial Team

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September 29, 2022

7 Ways To Highlight & Contour Your Cheekbones

Malar bones in close proximity to your eyes? Lucky you! For you, chosen one, are blessed with a feature so many covet; high cheekbones.

A trait that’s, in many cultures, considered a marker of ‘facial attractiveness’, alongside that fabled facial symmetry, a smooth forehead, and plump lips, there are countless articles online positing what having high cheekbones may say about you, from being sexually mature to possessing more trustworthiness.

We’re more inclined to concur with Healthline here, who insist that “Having high cheekbones or low cheekbones doesn’t necessarily indicate anything about you.”

That said, you may be seeking to elevate yours for a whole variety of reasons, and that’s cool, too. While generally considered to be a hereditary feature, even if you aren’t genetically blessed with well defined cheekbones, it’s increasingly easy to fake it. Do so with these, our 7 ways to highlight and countour your cheekbones.

Learn Where Your Cheekbones Are

If you’re not born with razor sharp cheekbones, then use cosmetics to your advantage. But before the how, you need to learn where to apply your makeup. Find what those in the trade call ‘cheek hollows’ or the shadow zone.

To do this, simply suck in your cheeks in then tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and place it on your cheek bone – so from the top corner of your mouth to just where your hairline starts above your ear. Bingo. You can also locate your cheekbone by sucking in your cheeks and feeling it with your index finger; whichever works best for you.

Contour Like Crazy

Thanks to Kim Kardashian and co we all know what contouring is. It’s now so much part of popular parlance that we needn’t define it. But in case you’ve been living under a stone…contouring is a technique to help enhance your cheekbones and make your face look slimmer. The result of this is that your cheekbones become more prominent and well-defined. Generally speaking, it’s a four step process.

Firstly, you want to highlight your forehead, nose, chin and under the eyes with a lighter than your natural skin colour shade. Then, with a darker than natural shade, it’s time to highlight the hollows of your cheeks and temples, as well as your jawline. After that, it’s a matter of delicate blending and then setting your work with a loose powder.

Apply Bronzer To Your Cheekbones

If you value your lie-ins and don’t have the time to contour your entire face each day, then applying some bronzer to your cheekbones is an easy way to add some definition to your face. Find your cheek hollows as above, then from the corner of your mouth to the hairline just above your ear, sweep a small amount of bronzer along the top of your shadow zone – if you have trouble finding this zone, just brush under your cheekbones. Make sure you blend the bronzers so your handy work doesn’t look streaky.

Use The Right Blush & Highlighter

One of the secrets to well-defined cheekbones is knowing how to apply the right tone of blusher in strategic places. A pop of colour can lift the cheeks and add dimension to the face, but in the wrong hands, can look unnatural and OTT.

To really make your cheekbones pop, highlighter is needed. For pale skin tones, a highlighter with a white or silvery finish is best. And for dark, something with a golden hue will help accentuate your facial features.

Once you have put on your foundation and moisturiser, you can use a fan brush to dust a powder highlighter, or apply some fluid highlighter on and above your cheeks’ apples and right up to your ears, the centre of your forehead and your chin, using your fingertips, followed by a blending sponge to rub it in.

An inch below the start of your cheekbone, you can add some cream bronzer and blend it down to the apples of your cheek.

You can then use your middle finger to apply blush to these apples — and only to those areas. “We don’t really ‘blush’ naturally past the apples of the cheeks,” celebrity makeup artist Justin Tyme has explained to StyleCaster in justification.

If you currently lack a blush product, you could consider the Sheer Blush in ICONIC London’s range of highlight products — the brand’s website even allows you to sample the blush virtually.

Brow & Hair Tricks

Perfectly pruned and groomed brows can instantly transform and frame your face, pulling your very best features into focus. Indeed, the transformative power of a well-sharpened eyebrow (let alone two of them!) shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you have sparse areas or were a child of the 90’s early noughties and over plucked your brows, tweezing with impunity, and you’ve been left with nothing but thin, rainbow shaped arches, then consider using a brow serum at night. This will help condition, strengthen and, thicken your brows, which can then be plucked into an appropriate arch shape, ideal for both framing your cheekbones and looking quizzical all the time.

As Glamour point out, you can also deploy a simple hair trick to highlight your cheekbones; simply use a curling iron to create two ‘kinks’ in your hair either side of your cheekbones, mirroring their curve and drawing the eye there.

In terms of style, fringes are particularly adept at accentuating your facial features and highlighting your natural bone structure. A full fringe, in particular, can shape your face and enhance your cheekbones.

Read: 5 ways to frame your face without wearing makeup

Dermafillers

There are other, more all encompassing ways to define your cheekbones such as using dermal fillers or having cheekbone implants. Dermal fillers may be temporary or permanent and they may be comprised of natural or artificial materials, so do you due diligence prior to investing in any.

Natural materials include hyaluronic acid or collagen, but this usually dissolves over time which means that the procedure will likely need to be repeated at some stage in the future, usually about one to two years later.

The advantage, though, is that it is a natural substance that will not trigger an immune response from your body. Using artificial fillers, on the other hand, is not recommended because of the risks of having a foreign substance in the body, which then activates the immune system to mount a response. This can pose a significant health hazard to a person over time.

Give Your Cheekbones A Workout – Yes, Seriously!

As COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out and the pandemic’s threat started to recede, you might have finally signed up for a gym membership again — but not only is it perfectly possible to extend an exercise regime to the cheekbones, you wouldn’t even need a gym in order to do so.

That’s because various exercises for the cheekbones can be carried out at home. An article by LIVESTRONG.COM details step-by-step instructions for cheekbone exercises, making it easier for you to get to grips with them.

Often, the skin on the face wrinkles and sags due to the cheek muscles losing their firmness. However, you could have underestimated the extent to which exercising the face can help you in toning cheek skin that has loosened — and consequently made your cheekbones less visible — over time. Who knew?

5 Tips For Creating A More Nature-Friendly Garden

Editorial Team

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September 29, 2022

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5 Tips For Creating A More Nature-Friendly Garden

Sometimes, as you stand undressed and exposed in an absolute storm of alarming headlines about the climate catastrophe, you do start to feel rather helpless.

We’ve probably all heard by now that 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in the past two decades can be attributed to 100 fossil fuel producers. We definitely all know that governments and legislators should be doing so much more to address the, you know, impending end of the world.

Yet, we all still feel a certain pang of guilt about that lid off the Dijon mustard jar that we may have incorrectly recycled last week.

Instead of feeling hopeless, helpless or angry, sometimes it’s better to focus on areas of your behaviour and your home that you can control. And the most logical place to start? Our gardens, of course.

One of the easiest ways that people can help the environment and reduce pollution on an individual level is by turning their gardens green, or rather, greener.

Whatever the size of your garden, it has the potential to help nature, becoming a more hospitable place for wildlife, a safe space for plants to thrive, and, if nothing else, an enjoyable place to escape.

With that in mind, here are 5 tips for creating a more nature-friendly garden.

Plant More Plants

Ugly header aside, it’s no secret that carbon dioxide loving plants and trees help to reduce pollution, and this can be the case, even in your garden (every little helps, hey?). No wonder trees and plants are often referred to as ‘the earth’s lungs’.

Indeed, the more greenery you have in your garden, the better things generally are for local wildlife. All that green stuff and foliage can be a source of food and shelter to all types of animals, helping to conserve and protect them.

So, give nature a helping hand; pot and plant as many flowers, shrubs and trees as your garden can take. Moreover, if you’re a fan of wild gardens, then embrace it; the wilder, the better we say.

When it comes to choosing plants, opt for native species as they will usually thrive much better than foreign ones. Also try to grow longer-life, perennial plants like daisies and hydrangeas which, according to research, can better help in the fight against climate change. From what we deduce, this is because they have longer roots, enabling longer-term carbon storage in the plants and the soil. They also help contain floods. What’s not to love?

Of course, you’ll want to make sure that, in inviting wildlife into your garden via trees, plants, and shrubbery, you’re not endangering any pets you’ve already got in the family. Make sure there’s no poisonous plants like ivy, daffodils, gladiola, tulips and azaleas out there, all of which can be toxic to both dogs and cats, and in cases of having particularly inquisitive pets, consider installing a dog or cat proof garden, to keep yours safe.

Read: How to ensure your garden is safe for your new puppy

Make A Compost Bin

Don’t let your leftovers rot in a landfill site, instead create your own compost in your garden. Actively composting your waste is one of the most eco-friendly things you can do, helping to reduces landfill waste and therefore incineration, and subsequently carbon emissions.

What’s more, composting is good for the land and encourages biodiversity as the space becomes a home for creepy crawlies and, as such, the rest of the food chain.

Compost heaps makes for great fertiliser as well, and it can do wonders for your lawn. And remember it’s not just fruit and veg waste you can put in your compost; nearly all of your food waste can be used to create compost as well as egg shells, egg boxes and even cardboard boxes, too.

Grow Your Own Fruit & Veg

When we think about the thousands of miles that the fruit and veg sold in our supermarkets has travelled, it makes us shudder and leaves a bad taste in our mouths – and that’s not just because it’s overripe by the time it reaches us.

Did you know that, according to a government report on food security released last year, just 16% of fruit in the British fruit bowl is grown here, with only 54% of vegetables on the British plate produced on these shores. Furthermore, while 1% of food is transported by air, it accounts for 11% of carbon emissions.

Unfortunately ,the fruit and veg we consume is a major contributor to greenhouse emissions and climate change and, as this article by the Guardian points out, it also means a heavy dependance on oil; a depleting resource that’s also highly politically charged.

If you don’t want to think about the damage that you’re doing to the environment every time you bite into an apple (only one in three apples we eat comes from the UK) consider growing your own produce in the garden.

Not only is this good for the environment, but you can also enjoy the fruits (ahem) of your labour… Freshly picked produce from the garden, there really is nothing better. It will also save you some pennies in the long run, too, but, most importantly, will nurture a sense of responsibility for nature, appreciation for producers the world over, and a deeper understanding of the seasons.

Add A Pond

Did you know that during the past century, nearly 50% of ponds were lost in the UK in the last century? This is bad news as ponds can make a large impact on environmental issues like climate change, flooding, pollution and water conservation.

Furthermore, they are a hotspot for biodiversity and support all types of wildlife, from damselflies and dragonflies to thirsty hedgehogs and foxes. What better excuse to introduce one back into your garden?

Consider A Bog Garden

If you’re planning on adding a pond to your garden, consider a bog garden, too. Building a bog garden around your pond not only acts as an extended habitat for wildlife, but it also allows you to grow more food.

Indeed, lots of edible plants thrive in the wet conditions of a bog garden, especially arrowheads (also known as duck potatoes), which, when boiled, taste like a nutty potato; delicious when roasted.

Water spinach, more commonly known as morning glory, also loves to grow in wet conditions as does watercress and water chestnut – all the vegetation beginning with water, then. With your own vegetable patch alongside an edible bog garden, you’ll be a little closer to self-sufficiency and, dare we say, feeling slightly smug. And who could blame you?

Sustainable Fabrics: Your IDEAL Guide To Bamboo Textiles

Coffee Break Reads

Editorial Team

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September 28, 2022

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<strong>Sustainable Fabrics: Your IDEAL Guide To Bamboo Textiles</strong>

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, able to grow up to 20 feet in height, and in the case of Chinese moso bamboo, by a metre each day until it’s felled, making it the world’s fastest growing plant.

A remarkable species, due to the organic anti-fungal, antibacterial agent present in the plant, bamboo doesn’t require insecticides to grow to those dizzy heights.

The plant proliferates, can be harvested with minimal effort, and can go without sunlight for months, all of which have made bamboo increasingly appealing to interior designers, fashionistas and homeowners keen to use more sustainable materials in their clothes and homes.

No surprise, then, that bamboo textiles and fabrics are generating interest in the world of sustainability. Let’s explore further with our IDEAL guide…

What Is Bamboo Fabric?

Bamboo fabric is a type of woven fabric made from the cross-section of bamboo strips, which are thinner than paper and ultra pliable.

The fabric gets produced as a natural fibre without any chemical dyeing or finishing required; a big tick in the sustainability box, for sure. Boasting a unique, distinctive pattern created by the parallel rows of the material, bamboo fabrics are lightweight and soft, with a dull lustre.

Bamboo fabric is known for its superior, tactile softness and draping abilities. It also has a natural anti-static ability, making it ideal for use as either bedding or clothing.

Read: 6 tips to achieving that 5 star hotel bed at home this summer

The History Of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo fabric was one of the earliest types of cloth to be produced in East Asia, likely dating back thousands of years.

Ancient weaving techniques, such as plaiting using natural fibres like bamboo, developed thousands of years ago, however these early examples got used more as decorations rather than clothing or bedding. The lack of demand and high transportation costs likely prevented bamboo fabric from spawning a thriving bamboo cloth industry.

Fast forward several thousand years, and in 2001, China’s Beijing University developed the first modern method for creating renewable bamboo textiles en masse.

How Bamboo Fabric Is Made

Bamboo fabric is made from a coarser fibre than cotton, but because it’s so fine, it has excellent softness, flexibility and drapes (hello, new curtains!) beautifully. The best materials are woven in shirring, where the warp thread overlaps the weft thread at right angles. This design gives the bamboo cloth its distinctive character.

The first step in making bamboo fabric is to separate the fibres. The outer green covering of the bamboo stem is removed, and the white pith beneath is heated to remove any residual moisture. The fibres then get combed to remove any short pieces and left to dry. Simples!

Well, not simple really; we wouldn’t recommend trying it at home.

Benefits and Uses

Bamboo fabric is generally considered environmentally conscious, sustainable, and versatile. The semi-translucent nature of the material allows light to pass through, which creates a relaxed feeling against your skin.

The instantly recognisable aestehtic can get paired with various hues to create modern, vibrant prints that scream eco-consciousness and sustainability; an increasingly important marker in an industry keen to cut ties with the notion of ‘fast fashion’.

Bamboo fabric is also highly soft, light, and skin-friendly, making it ideally suited for swimwear, undergarments and bedding – basically, anything that will be making direct contact with your skin.

It’s also perfect for creating a beach-like atmosphere indoors. Bamboo bedding, curtains, and placemats can be used to give your room a tranquil ambience. The fabric is naturally resistant to fading, shrinking, pilling, wrinkling, and stretching, making it a long-lasting and durable choice in the home. This makes it an excellent option for your bedding and baby clothes due to its softness on delicate skin and natural antibacterial properties.

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for Bali inspired interior design

Interestingly, this isn’t only a summer fabric. Bamboo textiles can get blended with cotton or wool for warmth. They can also be used in the car industry to make your luxury car interiors and accessories…. Is there anything they can’t do?

The Bottom Line

Though textiles and fabrics made from bamboo are a relatively recent innovation, its potential in both the clothing and interior design industries is hugely exciting. Durable, long-lasting, requiring little maintenance, and being hypoallergenic, expect to see this material being used with increasing regularity as sustainability becomes the driving force behind consumer behaviour. We can’t wait!

7 Surprising Benefits Of Drinking Coffee

Editorial Team

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September 28, 2022

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7 Surprising Benefits Of Drinking Coffee

Wake up and smell the good news; International Coffee Day is just three days away, falling this year (as with every other) on the 1st October.

In fact, when you look at it creatively, you can actually spell ‘coffee’ from the letters in ‘October First’, and if you really want to to stretch this introduction out for the duration of your morning cup of Joe, several of those letters in ‘October’ look a bit like a rudimentary sketch of a coffee mug.

As if you needed an excuse to brew another of the world’s favourite drink. But if you do actually need an excuse, you’ve come to the right place; here are 7 surprising benefits of drinking coffee, as well as a couple of cons, just for impartiality’s sake.

Coffee Is High In Antioxidants

While the amount of nutrients in coffee is negligible, the quantity of antioxidants can really have an impact. Research even shows that most people get more antioxidants from their daily coffee than they do from fruits and vegetables. This may also be because the majority of people aren’t eating healthily enough, given, but it’s still important to note this as a benefit of coffee, and the perfect reason to go turn on the kettle.

Coffee Reduces Tiredness & May Improve Sporting Performance

We’re sure you already know that coffee acts as a stimulant and increases alertness. Let’s face it; this is the chief reason people reach for their coffee making machines as soon as they wake up. This effect is down to the presence of caffeine in the drink, with the natural stimulant quickly going to work on our central nervous system.

And yes, we realise we said ‘surprising’ in the title, so allow us to surprise you; because of caffeine’s stimulating effect, coffee may even improve sporting performance. Indeed, as reported by the Healthline, a 2016 study found that ‘’consuming caffeine before and during a round of golf improved performance, increased subjective energy levels, and reduced feelings of fatigue’’

Coffee May Help With Depression

Surprisingly, some studies show that the more coffee an individual drinks (up to four cups a day, it should be noted), the lower their risk of depression. The science behind this is complicated, but this is more than enough of a reason to continue drinking coffee.

Of course, we have to consider the fact that those who have the time and money to consume upwards of 1500 coffees a year may just live more relaxing lives generally, which could well contribute to their better mood!

Read: 5 IDEAL tips on how to make a barista-style coffee at home

Coffee May Protect You From Neurodegenerative Diseases

A range of studies have even investigated the suggestion that drinking coffee could reduce risks of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. As Parkinson’s News Today reports, the risk may be reduced by as much as 30%, with the optimal amount of coffee consumption amounting to around three cups a day. Hey, who are we to argue with that?

Coffee Could Lower Your Risk Of Developing Liver Disease

As well as this, coffee drinkers might have a lower risk of developing liver diseases. In fact, a relatively recent study, conducted just last year, indicated that coffee consumption is associated with lower liver stiffness, a parameter used for the diagnosis of liver disease.

Coffee Could Boost Gut Health

We’re all well aware of the importance of good gut health and managing our gut microbiome, right? We’re also likely aware of the sometimes, ahem, laxative effects of our morning cup of Joe. Well, according to California-based gastroenterologist Ali Rezaie via Well + Good, ‘’[Caffeine] can also regulate the movement of the gut and bowel movements which improve the gut microbiome.”

Coffee May Even Help You Live Longer

Due to some of the points we mentioned above, alongside coffee’s reported beneficial impact on diabetes, kidney health, coronary heart disease, and stroke, drinking coffee may, simply put, help you live for longer, according to nutrition experts at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Blimey.

Of course, we couldn’t simply leave this article there, with readers dashing off to down several hot coffees with reckless abandon. There are also a few reported, possible downsides to the good stuff…

Coffee Could Heighten Anxiety

Because coffee is a stimulant, it may increase anxiety symptoms such as increased heart rate. This is unlikely to be an issue if you don’t drink excessive amounts of coffee (and therefore, caffeine), but it’s certainly a risk to be aware of when consumed in high doses. The US Food and Drug Administration suggests that more than four cups is the threshold when negative effects begin.

Coffee Can Lead To A Form Of Caffeine Dependency

When you regularly consume a substance such as caffeine, your body begins to become accustomed to it and may need more to achieve the same effect. Because of this, you can suffer from withdrawal symptoms like headaches, tiredness and low mood when you go without coffee, though these aren’t usually too dramatically pronounced, in general.

Now we’ve explored the benefits of coffee, let’s explore the world via the good stuff; check out these fascinating ways to brew different kinds of coffee from around the world. Cheers!

How To Stop Smoking For Good: 10 Tips For Success

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Editorial Team

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September 27, 2022

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How To Stop Smoking For Good: 10 Tips For Success

As a smoker, the last thing that you want to hear is how unhealthy the habit really is. But hear it you shall; in the UK alone, 75’000 people die from smoking each year, with many more developing conditions that will debilitate them for life.

Worldwide, that figure stands at 8 million. If those frankly frightening statistics weren’t enough to scare you off the cigs for good, then can we assume you’ve found giving up a challenge?

You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people try to quit smoking but struggle when the craving for a cigarette kicks in. If you have recently made the decision to stop smoking but are finding it difficult, here are 10 tips that will help you to stop smoking for good.

Find Your Reason

There are so many reasons to stop smoking, but in order to get the motivation to quit, you need to find a powerful and personal reason, unique to you. Whether it is to improve your health, save a bit of money or for the well-being of your family and friends, having a definite reason to stop smoking will help make the process of quitting easier for you.

Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and how smoking impacts those aspects of your life. For instance, consider the long-term health benefits of quitting, such as reducing your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses. Think about the financial savings and how you could use that money for something more rewarding, like a vacation or a new hobby.

Additionally, consider the positive influence you can have on your loved ones, especially if you have children who look up to you. By identifying a deeply personal and meaningful reason, you create a strong foundation for your commitment to quit smoking, making it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.

Keep Your Hands & Mouth Busy

One of the challenges of quitting smoking is the habitual action of having something in your hands or mouth. To combat this, find alternatives that can keep you occupied. Chewing gum, snacking on healthy foods like carrot sticks, or using a stress ball can help satisfy the physical aspect of the habit. Keeping your hands and mouth busy can significantly reduce the temptation to reach for a cigarette.

Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy

When you quit smoking, your body will suffer from nicotine withdrawal, which can make you irritable, cause headaches, and make you feel more tired than usual. A gradual giving up, then, using nicotine replacement therapy, could help you manage this withdrawal in a sustainable way. As such, it’s one of several NHS approved methods of giving up.

Replacing cigarettes with a lower dose of nicotine whilst removing the other harmful aspects of smoking, such as tar, carbon monoxide and a whole host of other dangerous chemicals, can be helpful in circumstances when withdrawal occurs. The prevalence of nicotine pouches in the UK is largely down to this approach. These pouches are discreet, easy to use, and come in various flavors, making them a popular choice for many trying to quit smoking.

In addition to nicotine pouches, other common nicotine replacement options include nicotine gum and nicotine patches. Nicotine gum allows for quick relief from cravings by chewing, while nicotine patches provide a steady release of nicotine throughout the day.

Seek Help From Your Loved Ones

When it comes to quitting smoking, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Having either a friend or a family member by your side will help you through the process. Not only will they encourage you to keep going, but they can also distract you when you are having a craving.

Studies have shown that those who seek support from their loved ones are more successful when it comes to quitting their habit, so what are you waiting for? Pick up that phone today.

Give Yourself A Break

One of the reasons why many people smoke is that the nicotine within cigarettes helps them to relax or gives them an excuse to take a break. For some, perhaps the craving is actually for a spot of downtime as well as the cigarette itself?

So, when you quit smoking, you will need to find new ways to help you relax. Why not try exercising, taking up a new hobby or even listening to music to help you relax? Giving yourself a break and taking some time to relax will also help when your nicotine cravings start to kick in.

Avoid Alcohol And Other Triggers

Alcohol is a huge trigger for many smokers. When you drink, your cravings become more intense, and these supercharged cravings, combined with alcohol’s effect on your sense of judgment, make it harder for you to resist a cigarette. As such, when trying to give up smoking, then, it’s wise to take a break from alcohol, too.

Another trigger that many people associate with smoking is drinking coffee. If you are used to having a cigarette with your coffee in the morning, try switching it out for another drink.

Get Moving

Moving your body, even by going for a short walk or through a more focused exercise session at the gym, can ease your withdrawal symptoms and distract you from any cravings that you may have. In fact, according to the charity Smoke Free, it’s been shown that ‘’withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes decrease during exercise and up to 50 minutes after exercising.’’

As an added bonus, the calories that you burn from this exercise will ward off any weight gain that you may get as you quit smoking.

Reward Yourself

One of the key steps to successfully quitting smoking is to reward yourself. Quitting smoking means you will save a bit of money, so make sure you treat yourself to something nice with the money that you usually would have spent on buying cigarettes. Rewarding yourself will help you to stay motivated and on track.

Practice Mindfulness & Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools in your journey to quit smoking. These practices help you become more aware of your cravings and manage stress, which is often a trigger for smoking. By incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or guided meditation, you can reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental well-being, making it easier to resist the urge to smoke.

If At First You Don’t Succeed

Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult for some, so it usually takes a couple of attempts to actually stop smoking for good. If you fall off the bandwagon and have a cigarette, don’t be too hard on yourself. You should use it as future inspiration to get back on track, come back stronger than ever and go again!

As you can see, quitting smoking can be a long and difficult journey; but by following these 10 simple tips, you will be sure to quit smoking for good.

Top 5 Smartphone Features We Look Forward To Seeing In The Future

Coffee Break Reads

Editorial Team

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September 27, 2022

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Top 5 Smartphone Features We Look Forward To Seeing In The Future

Smartphones have moved leaps and bounds in the past two decades, from the simplistic, nostalgia-evoking Nokia 3310 back at the turn of the millennium to 2022’s new Galaxy S22 Ultra, arguably the most modern version of a smartphone ever conceived.

Constant reports on modern technology updates can at times seem boring, with many people being of the opinion that smartphone innovation may have reached its peak.

But, we still think that there’s more to come from the world’s most popular cell phones, and have compiled a list of top features that we would like to see as we move forward. Here are five of them…

Batteries Made From Graphene

An ever reducing battery life is one of the most common complaints users have about their smartphones. Regardless of whether or not you have a massive 5000mAh battery in your smartphone, it is still going to degrade to the point of being a major issue in, say, 3 years or so, as today’s batteries are still made of lithium-ion.

Right now, as you may have heard, we’re facing something of a lithium battery crisis, which may rather force the hand of innovators in the coming years.

On the other hand, graphene has a higher capacity, is more conductive, flexible, lighter and tougher, making it a better material for making batteries. For consumers, this translates into less overheating, longer lifespan, extended battery life, reduced charging times and slimmer phones.

We know that the technology has been under development by Samsung, even though a graphene battery is yet to be featured on any mainstream flagship. However, in the next few years, we believe that Samsung may bring a device powered by a graphene battery to the market.

An Under-Display Camera That Offers Better Performance

While the existing tech isn’t yet good enough, we have seen a number of smartphones featuring an under-display camera in recent years, among them the Xiaomi Mix 4, ZTE Axon 30 and Galaxy Fold 3.

The benefits of such an innovation? Well, for one thing, an under display camera simply makes your smartphone look, erm, smarter, and slicker, boasting a full-screen, edge-to-edge display without any notch, punch-hole, or pop-up camera.

Currently, under ideal lighting conditions, you can get serviceable pictures that are still very blurry. However, the image quality takes a massive dip in low light or similarly problematic conditions.

To remove the blur and overcome other limitations, you generally have to sharpen the image using aggressive image processing algorithms. However, this also means that your videos and images are more likely to appear like they have been processed too much.

Currently, there is a need to enhance display panels, as the hardware deficiencies that exist cannot be overcome with software alone. The front camera cutout is one of the main features that we would like to see disappear from flagship phones in the next few years.

A Display That Doesn’t Have A Bezel

Although largely an aesthetic smartphone consideration, we also want the chin, in addition to the front camera cutout, gone, and we’re sure you’re the same?

The component that links the display panel to the motherboard is located at the bottom of smartphones – this is the reason why the chin exists. The bottom bezels on mid-range and budget phones are usually big. A solution to this issue exists; unfortunately, it is costly.

To minimize the chin, Apple decided to fold the display panel back into the phone – this was seen in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone 10. This helps give the device a near bezel-less appearance, as the component that links the display to the motherboard is relocated behind the display instead of at the bottom.

On the iPhone 13, the top bezel is still visible, even though Apple has managed to remove the bottom bezel. As such, this upgrade can be more rewarding for Android smartphones. You can expect an awesome entirely bezel-less display, with the removal of the chin and front camera cutout.

Contactless Wireless Charging

Current wireless charging tech doesn’t feel like it’s quite reached its promise. Any advanced battery tech is supposed to take away any stress associated with your battery life, chief among them the hassle of recharging. A good battery should make you forget about charging, but wireless charging has yet to achieve this goal

For your battery to charge, you still have to keep your battery at a specific place – the charging dock – when using today’s wireless charging tech. The device stops charging as soon as you pick it up, which rather defeats the point, don’t you think?

More time is still needed to perfect this technology, though we have seen some demonstrations of true wireless charging technology from companies like Motorola and Xiaomi. This shows promise, and in the future, battery issues could well be eliminated via a combination of graphene batteries and truly wireless charging.

A Reduction In Bloatware

Bloatware is present in just about all tech gadgets. Cheaper Android phones come with pre-installed apps that consume storage and run in the background, eating into your battery; however, stock Android phones and iPhones offer clean software.

Manufacturers can make more sales through cutting their hardware margin by allowing carriers to dump their apps in the software, and this can reduce the price.

You won’t be too bothered by bloatware if all you’re seeking is a discount deal when shopping for a budget smartphone. However, for flagship and mid-range devices, this is absolutely unacceptable. Less bloatware is better – and we hope this practice ends sooner rather than later!

Should I See A Private Dentist? The Benefits & Drawbacks

Editorial Team

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September 26, 2022

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Should I See A Private Dentist? The Benefits & Drawbacks

We’ve all seen the recent headlines of the growing waiting lists to see a dentist, both in terms of NHS and private practices. In fact, in recent months there have been a slew of troubling stories about people having the resort to ‘DIY dentistry’ in the face of agonising waits for an appointment.

For those with the means, private dentistry generally represents a quicker route into check-ups, routine appointments and emergency treatment. Of course, you’ll pay for the privilege, but for many, the cost is worth it for better access.

NHS dentists are employed by the Department of Health, and treatment is predominantly funded by the tax we pay, whereas private dental treatment is not. Private dentists set their own prices that we must pay for in full, and in return we likely receive quicker wait times, longer appointments and a more bespoke service, all of which can certainly benefit your oral health.

Today, we’re considering the benefits of seeing a private dentist, as well as a couple of drawbacks. Let’s explore further…

Shorter Wait Times

Though figures differ hugely by region, generally speaking the wait time for a private dental care is significantly shorter than for one arranged through the NHS.

It is no surprise that when you want an appointment with an NHS dentist, you may well be waiting weeks and sometimes even months (and, right now, potentially years) to confirm an appointment, which isn’t ideal, especially if you suspect an issue arising.

Choosing a private dentist means you can be seen a lot quicker, with some clinics having appointments the same week, though the average wait is closer to six weeks currently.

Longer Appointment Times

As NHS appointments are much shorter (due, in part, to the service being massively oversubscribed) it can mean that long-term dental issues may sometimes be missed. Keen to encourage a switch perhaps, arguably the most notable dentist in Harley Street, Prof. Lambis Petridis, suggests that visiting a private dentist means you will likely receive a longer appointment, leaving you with more time to discuss any problems and solutions.

A Wider Range Of Treatments

Because of the short time allocated to NHS appointments, the dental treatments in which they’re able to offer is much more limited. This is particularly true for aesthetic or cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or Invisalign, which generally isn’t available on the NHS. As the team at Queensway Dental tell us, Invisalign in London is usually found privately, at a cost to the patient of around £4,000, on average.

Read: 6 different types of cosmetic dentistry procedure explained

Availability

The wait for a dental appointment is becoming more stretched with each passing month, which can often leave patients having to visit a dentist on the other side of town or even a separate city altogether.

As one of the best dentists in Birmingham, Scott Arms, advises, private dentistry patients have much more availability to ensure patients are seen and cared for at something close to their convenience, and due to continued proliferation, you’re more likely to find a private dental practice close to your home.

Did you know that the government imposes a limit on the amount of NHS dental treatments each practice can offer in a year, with contact hours generally only occurring from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm? As one of the top dentists in Chelmsford, Advance Dental, tell us, private practices may offer appointments outside of these hours, and at weekends, which can be useful to those who can’t secure the time-off during the week.

Increased NHS Funding & Affordability

All that said, there has been an increase of £50 million in NHS dentistry funding this year, with the aim of securing an additional 350’000 appointments for patients.

It should also be noted that, during a cost of living crisis, the affordability of NHS appointments is a major benefit when compared with the relative expense of private treatment.

In some cases, NHS dental treatment is absolutely free. This applies if you’re under 18, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you’re being treated in an NHS hospital and the on-site dentist carries out treatment, or you’re receiving low income benefits.

For more on that, check out our article on how much the NHS saves you.

Bridal Beauty: How To Ensure You Look And Feel Your Best

Editorial Team

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September 26, 2022

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Bridal Beauty: How To Ensure You Look And Feel Your Best

Every bride wants to look and feel incredible on their big day. With camera lenses everywhere and all eyes on you, it’s natural to want to feel more beautiful than ever. If you’re planning your wedding, or you’ve recently got engaged, this guide is packed with brilliant bridal beauty hacks.

Prioritise Skincare

Nothing makes you feel more confident than bright, glowing, fresh skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ and it plays a vital role in protecting us from the elements. We all have days when we feel like our skin doesn’t look great, usually due to hormones or a lack of sleep, but there are steps you can take to boost radiance and nourish your skin.

Start with a simple daily skin care regime, which involves cleansing, removing makeup and moisturising. You can add serums or lotions to target specific problems, for example, fine lines or redness, before you apply moisturiser. Always take your makeup off before you go to bed, stay hydrated and exfoliate once a week. Look for products that complement your skin type and protect your skin from the sun. In the run-up to your wedding day, treat yourself to regular facials. If you have concerns about your skin, seek professional advice.

Start Thinking About Your Makeup Early

Many brides choose to have their makeup done professionally. If you want to book a makeup artist, it’s wise to start looking around and getting ideas for your bridal look several months before your wedding. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations and see if your wedding planner has contacts they work with regularly. Use social media to view portfolios and images from previous weddings and gather ideas from magazines and beauty blogs.

It’s very popular to go for a natural look on your wedding day but there’s nothing wrong with breaking the mould if you want to be more daring. If you’re used to sporting a bright red lip or smokey eyes, for example, you shouldn’t feel that you have to tone your style down. Experiment with different looks and book trial runs to make sure that you’re 100% happy before you walk down the aisle.

Embrace Self-Care

Using beauty products can make you look fabulous but it’s also hugely beneficial to take good care of yourself as you count down the days. Make sure you get enough rest, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. Try to manage stress and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. Stress, sleepless nights, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet that lacks key nutrients can all take their toll on your appearance as well as your mental and physical health.

Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life. It’s natural to want to exude beauty and look and feel amazing when you get married. If you’re preparing to tie the knot, start thinking about bridal beauty now. Prioritise skin care, look for ideas and inspiration for your wedding makeup, research makeup artists and get recommendations. Look after yourself and make sure you enjoy the planning process.

5 Must-Visit Attractions In Monaco

Travel

Editorial Team

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September 23, 2022

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The glittering royal principality of Monaco is situated on the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) and is a spectacle that simply needs to be seen to be believed.

Monaco is tiny – it’s actually around two square kilometres in size. However, don’t let this notion dissuade you from visiting. There’s a sublime beauty to behold here, with gorgeous views and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.

There’s plenty to do in Monaco, too, so long as you have the money to enjoy yourself. Below, you’ll find our list of the five must-visit attractions in Monaco.

Prince’s Palace

Also known as Palais Princier de Monaco in French, this is a unique location situated above sea overlooking Monte Carlo. Located on the Le Rocher peninsula, it’s said that this is the seat of the world’s oldest monarchy, established in 1297 by the Genoese family of Grimaldy.

There are many panoramic views that you can enjoy from here, and this because, originally, the Prince’s Palace was created as a fortress. It has been renovated over the ages and eventually became an Italian Renaissance palace of luxury. Nowadays, the Palace is a private residence, but it’s open to the public during certain periods of the year.

You can see many points of interest within it, such as the Blue Room, the Hercule Gallery, the Mazarin Room, the Palatine Chapel and others.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Even if you’ve never been to Monaco, you’re well aware of the world-renowned Casino de Monte-Carlo.

The venue is one of the most famous casinos in the world, where even James Bond has played several times. Fans of Formula One (see below) will know all about Casino Square on the circuit. Customers will enjoy the lavish surroundings as they play traditional table games like blackjack or try their luck at different types of poker games.

Poker is one of the world’s most popular types of gambling games – hence why it holds a special place at Casino de Monte-Carlo. There have been countless big tournaments held in Monaco at Casino de Monte-Carlo, with the famous Monte Carlo Millions broadcast in the UK, Canada, and the US every year.

Should you win big and want to splurge on a seriously fancy meal, then just next door you’ll find the three Michelin-starred Le Louis XV, one of the best restaurants of its kind in the world.

Oceanographic Museum

The Oceanographic Museum, known as the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, is situated in a seaside location on the peninsula of Le Rocher. It has a dramatic setting – and it took 11 years just to build the foundations! Prince Albert I commissioned this museum, and it originally opened in 1910.

The museum continuously updates and improves its exhibits. Here you will get to see the newest and latest displays of oceanography and marine science. You’ll find three aquariums here: the Mediterranean Aquarium, the Shark Lagoon, and the Tropical Aquarium. If you’re a fan of marine life, then you have to visit the Oceanographic Museum.

The Cathedral Of Monaco

Known in French as the Cathédrale de Monaco, this is a striking building with a white stone façade. It’s a neo-Byzantine building containing the tombs of Monaco’s royals. The cathedral was commissioned in 1875 and finished in 1884, making it a more modern building. However, the painter Louis Bréa created an altarpiece in the year 1500. There’s also the Episcopal throne that you must see – sculpted with Carrara marble.

As is the case with any cathedral, the Cathedral of Monaco also has a grandiose organ which is used during religious services. If you want to visit the cathedral, then you must wear proper clothing. You can visit from 9am to 6pm, provided no active religious services exist.

Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco

Lastly, we have the world-famous and popular Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco. On a par with Casino de Monte Carlo, even people with no interest in Formula 1 have heard of the popular racing circuit around the streets of Monaco.

It’s an incredible setting for Formula 1 racing, even though the twisty nature of the circuit makes it difficult to overtake.

The race track starts at Boulevard Albert 1, progressing towards Place du Casino and then the Monte-Carlo Fairmont Hotel. If you visit Monaco in May, you may see the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco racing event.

Have A Wonderful Time In Monaco

Once you visit the awe-inspiring principality of Monaco, you will be stunned by what it has to offer. Whether you visit the attractions we’ve listed above or not, you will still be captivated by the uniqueness of Monaco.

We hope you’ll have a great time visiting, and if you’re keen to explore the region further, then why not head down the road to St. Tropez, checking out our tips on luxury things to do there before you arrive!

7 Ideal Places To Visit On Your Wine Tour Of Victoria & NSW, Australia

Editorial Team

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September 23, 2022

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7 Ideal Places To Visit On Your Wine Tour Of Victoria & NSW, Australia

The embodiment of ‘New World’ wine in its intensely fruity, fleshy finish, Australian wine is some of our favourite in the world, old or new. A holiday to this great country to sample some of the stuff, then, is a dream trip we’d love to make a reality.

Indeed, the wine and the country seem to share so much in personality; laid back, full of life and verve, open, and lacking in pretension…all the all, the ideal fit for a trip of exploration and indulgence.

Today we’re focusing our wine tour on the states of Victoria and New South Wales and their two megacities, Melbourne and Sydney. So, uncork a bottle, find the perfect glass, and let’s get down to writing our itinerary together; here are 7 IDEAL places to visit on your wine tour of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia.

Embla Wine Bar, Melbourne

The city of Melbourne in Victoria state needs little in the way of introduction; an open-armed city full of culture, charm and residents who just love their food and drink. The perfect place to begin our wine tour of Victoria and New South Wales, we think.

Melbourne is blessed with a superb drinking culture; this isn’t your 5 pints and kebab affair beloved on these shores. There’s a real appreciation for the good stuff here, inspired of course by the fact that the city is surrounded by five distinct wine regions, namely Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Sunbury, Macedon and Geelong, each with their own distinct agriculture and output.

Before we head out of town to explore the fertile landscapes of Victoria, a sharpener in Melbourne is obligatory. Embla, on Russel Street, is the kind of place London foodies will be well versed in already; nominally a wine bar but one which happens to serve superb, super hip small plates, all in paired back, minimalist and moody surrounds.

The wine list here is a collaboration between Australian wine producer Patrick Sullivan and French natural wine expert Eric Narioo. The results are an intriguing, exciting blend of the Old World and the New and the perfect place to start our Australian wine tour.

An honourable mention to Gerald’s Bar, a half hour’s walk north along Rathdowne Street, which is a warm, cosy institution, serving great wine and the winner of several prestigious awards in recent years, including the 2010 Gourmet Traveller Australian Bar Of The Year Award. That’s our evening sorted, then.

The Tarrawarra Estate & Museum Of Art, Victoria

Just 25km northeast of (and a half hour’s drive from) Melbourne is the Yarra Valley, a beautiful cool climate wine destination which boasts 80 cellar doors, several estates, vineyards and places of interest for wine aficionados to enjoy. The region has pedigree; it’s been producing wine for nearly 200 years, with the first Victorian grapes sown here in 1838.

We’re taking in the TarraWarra Estate – 45 km from Melbourne – today, which is one of Australia’s most revered wineries, set in a lush, tranquil setting including a 28-hectare vineyard, and run expertly by General Manager and winemaker Clare Halloran.

Do make sure you check out the TarraWarra Museum of Art while you’re here, one of the most exquisite collections of modern art in Australia and in the very finest of settings.

Panton Vineyard, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Part of the Mornington Peninsula Wineries an hour’s drive south of Melbourne, the Panton Vineyard in Shoreham is one of the most gorgeous boutique vineyards in the country. A family-run affair, Panton opened in 1995 and produces premium, single vineyard Pinot Gris and Noir, Sangiovese and Rose, in particular. The northeast aspect and rolling, untroubled slopes lead to a fertile soil and excellent wine.

Here, the cellar door is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and a glass of their crisp, herbal Chardonnay overlooking the gardens is about as ideal an afternoon as we could imagine. Or, you could buy a bottle and continue your drive just 5 minutes south to Point Leo Beach and enjoy a drop looking out to sea. Heaven!

Saint Peter, Sydney

Though we’d love to stay in Victoria forever, enjoying the rolling hills and rollicking wines, we’ve places to be and a booking at one of the world’s most talked-about fish restaurants. So, we’re bidding Mornington Peninsula farewell and heading for Sydney.

You could take the Hume Highway here, the most direct route, which is a nine hour drive from Melbourne to the Syndey, but we prefer to take the scenic coastal road, which takes around 14 hours and takes in diverse, breathtaking scenery of Australian seaside and the odd sup, too (check out the Lerida Estate and Lake George Wineries near Canberra, especially).

Once in Sydney, it’s to Oxford Street in Sydney’s Paddington suburb we’re heading, and to a restaurant which is at the vanguard of a revolution in the way we think about fish. Perhaps you’ve even seen head chef and owner, Josh Niland, on TV screens here in the UK, discussing his concept of ‘fish butchery’ – using every part of the fish and wasting nothing – which all culminates in stunning, deceptively simple dishes which highlight the chef’s unique approach but more importantly, the quality of the fish from nearby waters.

And what is a brilliant fish dish without a glass of wine to perfectly complement it? Here at Saint Peter, it’s an all Australian wine list to go with the all Australian fish menu, and it’s an extensive, exhilarating affair with the list awarded 2* by the World Of Fine Wine Magazine.

Right now, due to the current climate’s need for social distancing, the restaurant is undergoing a renovation, changing from table seating to one long bar. What could be more conducive to drinking wine?

Booking ahead is essential.

Maybe Sammy, Sydney

For a nightcap, we’re hopping in the STA and heading 15 minutes north into Sydney proper, for a drink at one of the world’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, Maybe Sammy in the funky neighbourhood of The Rocks.

Named last year as ‘The Best Bar in Australasia’ and #43 in the World’s 50 Best Bars, this Harrington Street bar has only been open for a couple of years but is chalking up the plaudits in the process, with it’s signature, creative cocktails and Rat Pack inspired aesthetic.

Though such an esteemed joint might sound worryingly exclusive – and indeed, it is swanky – there’s a ‘mini’ list of classic cocktails for just $10 a pop. What’s more, they do several wines by the glass as well as some superb skin contact Australian wines, including an Arfion Spring Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley we were checking out earlier on. Chin Chin!

The Orange Wine Region, Nsw

For a relative newcomer on the world wine scene which is making serious waves, we’re heading three and a half hours out of Sydney over the Blue Mountains; a drive which is worth it for the scenery alone. That said, you can take a train from Syndey, leaving from Central Station each day at 7am if you fancy taking a load off.

With vineyards at an altitude of 600m or above, this is a cool wine region, with the main varieties produced here Pinot Gris and Viognier. That’s not to say this isn’t a diverse, exciting place to visit for wine. On the contrary, there are over 60 wineries and 14 grape varieties in the region.

Our favourite estate right now? It has to be Philip Shaw Wines on the Koomooloo site, run by esteemed winemaker Philip Shaw, who is a twice International Winemaker Of The Year, with the cool climate and high altitude here producing some fascinating, light reds, particularly their Shiraz.

The cellar door is open seven days a week, on Sunday to Thursday from 11am – 4pm, and on Friday and Saturday for an extra hour, 11am – 5pm.

Audrey Wilkinson Winery, Hunter Valley, Nsw

Finally, we’re heading north, finishing up in the Hunter Valley wineries, Australia’s oldest wine region and quite honestly, some of the most picturesque in the world.

The Audrey Wilkinson Winery is perhaps the most revered, with stunning views of the Brokenback Mountain range just behind, and a world-renowned Semillon to sample. Closer to home you’ll find the Audrey Wilkinson’s Chardonnay available in Waitrose, at £15.99 a bottle, the perfect encapsulation of the terroir of the Hunter Valley.

Should you be weary from all that driving and drinking (not together of course) then the winery has a guest cottage with a panoramic view of of the Hunter Valley and Brokenback Mountain range.

What a way to end your wine tour of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia.

Upping Sticks: 5 Reasons To Move To Surrey, England

Editorial Team

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September 23, 2022

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Upping Sticks: 5 Reasons To Move To Surrey, England

England’s South Eastern county of Surrey has given the country so much. Or, it has a lot to answer for, depending who you speak to. Eric Clapton, the M25, Staines Town F.C…famous Surrey sons indeed.

Activity wise, though, the county is stacked with options, attractions and activities to keep the whole family entertained, from theme parks for thrill seekers to wild woodland for avid walkers. Whatever your preferred adventure, leisure, occupation or disposition, Surrey’s got you covered. So, if you’re thinking about upping sticks, here are 5 reasons to move to Surrey, England.

The Towns, Both Historic & Modern

If you’re considering moving to Surrey, then rest assured, the county boasts cosmopolitan vibes, rural tranquillity, and just about everything in between, making it ideally suited for city slickers and lovers of the countryside alike.

Somewhat surprisingly, there are no official cities in Surrey. That said, Guildford is the largest town, and the epicentre of urban life, boasting an attractive historic centre complete with the medieval Guildford Castle, as well as a thriving restaurant and bar scene, a unique, looping high street and a particularly proud-looking cathedral.

Woking, with its close proximity to South London, is another great place to settle if you’re of a more metropolitan persuasion – you’re just 20 minutes by train from Clapham Junction, and the town itself has a great cultural centre. Check out the Lightbox art gallery, which has hosted works from Picasso, Warhol and Damien Hirst, amongst others, over the years.

Speaking of close proximity to London and thriving restaurant scenes, the charming village of Ripley (where Eric Clapton grew up, incidentally) boasts not one but two Michelin-rated restaurants, The Anchor and The Clock House. With its laid-back pace to life and community-focused ethos, it’s a wonderful place to settle if you’re looking for a taste of the rural side of the home counties.

With London only 40 minutes away, Ripley really does represent the best of both worlds, should you be keen to get involved in the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s major cities once in a while. That said, you’ll pay for the privilege; average house prices in Ripley are north of £900’000 according to Right Move.

If you’re looking for affordable new builds in Surrey with decent transport links to London, then the modestly sized towns of Weybridge, Walton, and Esher are a good place to focus your attention.

The Theme Parks

If you’re moving to Surrey with young children, then they’ll be pleased to hear that Thorpe Park is here, As one of the world’s most renowned theme parks, it’s a must visit if adrenaline seeking is your thing. It boasts 10 top “thrill rides” including Stealth, one of Europe’s fastest roller coasters capable of going from 0 to 80 mph in less than 2 seconds. Wowzers.

For the little thrill seekers in the pack, there’s a whole host of family rides and attractions, including the Angry Birds 4-D cinema experience, wild water rides and the Bouncezilla inflatable obstacle course.

In addition to their regular attractions, Thorpe Park also hosts a selection of seasonal events, including fright nights in the run up to Halloween, MTV music club nights as well as offering accommodation in their very own ‘shark hotel’. There really is something for the whole family here.

If that all sounds a little too hair raising isn’t your thing then instead head to Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park and Zoo, better suited for the little ones, with wildlife, playgrounds and picnic areas all within its grounds. Alternatively, Frimley Lodge Park, with pitch’n’putt and a miniature railway, is a great day out.

The Glorious Countryside

Surrey has an abundance of natural beauty on offer. The county has a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as well as several National Trust sites ideal for hiking, dog walking, biking and all sorts of other outdoor activities. Pack up a picnic and enjoy the views of the Surrey Hills or explore Virginia Lake. Have a go at camping in Higher Weald AONB or take a hike through ‘The Devils Punch Bowl’. Some top places of interest include:

Windsor Great Park – ideal for cycling and long walks
Frensham Great Pond – stunning lakeside views
Claremont Landscape Garden – National Trust
Virginia Water Lake – ideal for dog walking and picnics with the family
Winkworth Arboretum – National Trust
Box Hill – hill walking complete with summit gift shop and café
RHS Garden Wisley – great for budding horticulturalists

Who can argue with that?

The History

In addition to the woodlands, lakes and wide-open spaces, Surrey has plenty of museums and areas of historical interest for visitors to soak up a little culture and learn something in the process. Some of the best include:

Guildford Castle – a medieval castle surrounded by beautiful parkland and gardens. Visitors can head to the roof for impressive views over the surrounding area.

Brooklands Museum – the area is deemed the ‘birthplace of British motorsport and aviation’ and is the home of Concorde. Formerly a race circuit, the museum is sure to enthral all petrol heads and aviation enthusiasts.

Hatchlands Park – This National Trust property offers a great location for walking your four-legged friends and the country house contains an interesting array of musical instruments.

Read: 5 historical sites to see in Surrey

The UK’s Largest Vineyard

The county also lays a particularly crucial claim; it boasts the UK’s largest vineyard; Denbies, located in Dorking. 627 acres and plenty of south facing slopes make this a prolific grower and producer of British wine, and the stuff is having a real moment right now. In fact, some of the country’s top sparkling stuff is made here.

In 2016, the vineyard was awarded a gold medal for its Sparkling Greenfields Cuvée NV by the International Wine Challenge, one of the top accolades in the wine world. Tasting tours of the estate can be arranged by the onsite hotel, Denbies Farmhouse.

Who wouldn’t want to live in the same county as such an acclaimed wine producer? Yep, we think it’s fair to say that Surrey has it all.

What Is The Difference Between Pâté, Rillette & Terrine?

Food & Drink

Editorial Team

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September 22, 2022

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What Is The Difference Between Pâté, Rillette & Terrine?

It’s one of life’s great existential questions, on a par with ‘Is there a God?’ and ‘What is the purpose of existence?’… Just what is the difference between pâté, rillette and terrine?

Sure, you may have spread one or all of these delicious French charcuterie staples over a crusty baguette or triangle of toast before, all without considering the etymology of the term, but today we’re digging deeper.

We’ve eaten at the best French restaurants, we’ve foraged in the far corners of Google, and we’ve gained several pounds in the process, to bring you this; the differences between pâté, rillette and terrine.

Similarities & Origins

In true analytical style, let’s first take a look at a few similarities between these three delicious dishes.

Whether you buy duck rillettes or pork, enjoy chicken liver or wild trout pâté, or take your terrine with chicken and pistachio or smoked salmon, all three preparations are based around forcemeat; that is, ground mixtures of meat or fish, combined with fat and seasonings.

All three are usually (though not always) served cold with bread, toast or crackers, alongside piquant elements to cut through the richness of the fat used in their preparation and preservation.

To us, cornichons – those tiny, tart French gherkins – are the ultimate accompaniment, but a whole range of pickles and even a simple squeeze of lemon are often used to lift pâtés, rillettes and terrines. Here in the UK, piccalilli often steps into the role with assertive confidence. Fruit based chutneys can work well, too.

All three share (relatively) similar origin stories, too. Though similar preparations were being made across Central and Northern Europe, pâté, rillette and terrine as we know them today likely originated in France as basic farmhouse preservation methods, with farmers keen to preserve surplus meats under a layer of fat, thus extending their shelf life. That said, in modern times, it’s almost as common to see oily fish – most likely salmon, trout or smoked mackerel – used.

All that said, several key differences do also exist between these delicious dishes.

Translations

Firstly, the names are, quite clearly, different!

‘Pâté’ translates as ‘paste’ (a key clue into the textural differences of the meat), whilst ‘rillettes’ derives from the Old French word ‘rille’, meaning a ‘slice of pork’.

‘Terrine’, on the other hand, is a French word for a style of large, rectangular earthenware pot that the famous dish came to be cooked in. This also defines its shape, another difference between the three dishes…

frederique wacquier, Richard Villalonundefined via Canva

Shape, Texture & Ingredients

Whilst terrines are almost served as rectangular blocks or loaves comprising a combination of meat and offal (which doesn’t sound hugely appetising, necessarily), rillettes is looser and coarser, and is often served in a kilner jar.

Pâté, on the other hand, is most often a smooth, spreadable affair made primarily of chicken or duck liver (being passed after cooking), and may be served in a jar or a loaf. That said, a coarse style of pâté does exist, named pâté de campagne, though let’s not get too bogged down in semantics and deviations or we’ll be here forever. More often, pâté is close to a mousse in texture.

The consistency of terrine also separates it from both pâté and rillettes; it boasts contrasting textures, of both larger pieces of meat and offal (usually liver or kidney), smoother elements akin to pâté, and sometimes also shredded meat, all combined. Offal is less commonly used in rillettes, incidentally

Whilst cognac or brandy are often used in the preparation of terrine and pâté, it’s more likely to see white wine used in the rillettes process. Black pepper, bay leaves and thyme are popular seasonings in all three. Salt is an ever-present, of course.

Cooking Method

Terrine typically sees various textures and preparations of protein, cooked in the earthenware dish of the same name in a bain-marie (a bath of water), before being turned out and sliced.

Pâté, conversely, is most commonly cooked by pan-frying livers in butter before blending in a food processor.

Finally, rillettes is cooked in the confit method; whole joints, usually duck or pork legs, are covered in duck fat and cooked low and slow, before being picked down or shredded, then packed under a layer of that cooking fat in a jar.

A Brief Summary

Our head is spinning as much as yours, so let’s do what we should have done at the top of the article and present a simple summary of the similarities and differences between pâté, rillette and terrine.

The most common versions of all three hail from France, arguably the gastronomic centre of the world, involve forcemeat and animal fat as their primary ingredients, and appear on charcuterie spreads, accompanied by bread and pickles.

Terrine comes in a loaf, and is usually made up of poultry or pork, as well as offal, in a variety of textures. Pâté is a smoother, more offal-forward affair, most commonly defined by chicken or liver. Rillettes is unanimously coarser, and is most often composed of shredded duck or pork leg. Fish can be used for all three dishes.

Of course, there are anomalies, deviations and exceptions…

What’s a roulade? Why haven’t you discussed galantine? Didn’t you know that terrine can be a pâté? You could have at least elaborated on parfait? But we simply don’t have the time.

Instead, we have reached the end of my TED talk. We hope you leave more informed about the main differences between pâté, rillette and terrine than when you arrived.

6 Things To Consider If You’re Thinking Of A Career Change

Editorial Team

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September 22, 2022

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Most will have seen the recent news that the UK’s employment rate is at its lowest for almost 50 years. Whilst this will obviously be talked up as positive news by the Conservative government, low unemployment rates aren’t unanimously good news. In fact, many experts believe that such rates can lead to both inflation and low productivity, and in a country teetering on the brink of a recession, this could be a rather ominous warning.

If you currently feel like you’re stagnating, overworked, underpaid, or all three, then you might be considering using this period of recent upheaval as the catalyst for a career change you’ve been longing for.

The work/life balance, pros and cons of working from home, and an increased desire for financial stability have all been drawn into sharp focus in the last two years, with Brits making drastic reappraisals of the very meaning of ‘work’ as the pandemic slowly fades away in life’s rearview mirror.

As we look forward at the open road ahead, full of warnings about the cost of living crisis and continued global turmoil, it’s important to remember that leaping into a new role requires some serious thought Not a decision to be taken lightly, here are 6 things to consider if you’re thinking of a career change.

Play The Long Game

We all need to be playing the long game right now. But under duress and stress, impulsive, reckless decisions are sometimes made. This thing’s a marathon, not a sprint, and a sudden swerve right now may well put you so far off track you’ve left the stadium.

It’s prudent to ask if you can afford a period of lower wages, education, training and the rest, during a cost of living crisis. Following your dream is, of course, to be commended, but right now it’s a decision which needs to be taken with a supplementary dose of realism. So, instead of handing in your notice before securing a role along your new chosen career path, have a contingency plan in place to ensure you don’t suffer financially from your choices.

Do You Prioritise A Better Quality Of Life Or More Disposable Income?

This is the big question the pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis has forced us all to consider; whether this state of topsy turvy turmoil has impressed the need for financial stability more keenly, or if quality time with the family and an increased focus on self-care should now be life’s priority.

It’s likely true that the most common catalyst for a career change is financial. The highest earning jobs in the UK tend to be managerial or medical, and take years of costly education, career progression or (regrettably) nepotism to achieve. Ask yourself if a sudden career change will give you enough of a financial boost to satisfy that desire for a more disposable income.

On the flip side, should a better quality of life be the driving force behind your decision to change careers, do endeavour to research the hours expected of your new role, not only the ‘nine to five’ element, but also training, extracurricular elements and take-home expectations.

Let’s state that the two are not mutually exclusive. A 2017 study into high-paying jobs which clock in relatively short hours (less than 40) found that careers in dentistry, pharmacy, and some more technical writing disciplines all paid handsomely. Food for thought, indeed.

Are You Ready To Update Your Skillset?

Learning a whole new skillset or earning the degree or diploma required for a career change, with all the training, study, and hard graft that entails, can be both challenging and hugely fulfilling. Ask yourself if you have the time (and, often, the money) available to commit to this period of learning.

If you do, then embrace the chance to update your skillset full throttle, whether that’s a very job-specific endeavour like learning to code on online platforms like EPICODE, or something broader like working on your soft skills or getting to grips with the ins and outs and running your own business. The Open University offer courses on both and so much more besides, with 5% of their courses completely free.

The Incentives Of A New Role

Other than an increase in salary or gain more freedom timewise, what other incentives are you seeking in your new role?

Prior to committing to a new career or signing on any dotted lines, do ensure that you find out what benefits, incentives and employee packages are provided by the company, such as pension contributions, a company car or health coverage, as these can have a huge difference on your quality of life well beyond the simple aspect of salary and hours.

Take into account that some incentives may not be detailed on the job listing, and however unethically, are only offered to a candidate who demands them, both in their skillset and actually, verbally demands them.

A Change Beyond Career

Though so many of us are feeling a little hollow right now, and questioning the very fabric of our existence, our place in society, and what the future holds, be warned that you may not find the answers in switching careers. Instead, a wider audit of your life might be necessary to deal with some of the more searching questions which lockdown, isolation, furlough and the ongoing cost of living crisis have posed.

Would a more all encompassing lifestyle change give more meaning? There’s so much to be said for self care, for getting fit and mindful, inside and out, which may bring deeper, seismic shifts to your outlook. Sometimes, the answers lie within.

Treat This As An Opportunity, Not A Necessity

If you’re feeling pressured to change career, the decision may be rushed and you run the risk of selling yourself short. You might end up with a new role which doesn’t do your skills and resume justice, because you let your desperation show.

Instead, try to embrace a career change as the bringer of possibility and opportunity, and a chance for self improvement and professional development. This mindset will have you on the front foot in the job hunt and supremely confident in interviews. To totally mangle a JFK phrase, ”Ask not what you can do for your career change, but what your career change can do for you”.

Your Dream Job: What Are The Most Common Routes Into Teaching In The UK?

Editorial Team

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September 21, 2022

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Your Dream Job: What Are The Most Common Routes Into Teaching In The UK?

A report published in the Guardian in April 2022 that ‘’seven in 10 teachers in England thought of leaving in the last year’’ will have caused concern in parents, students and the Rt Hon Kit Malthouse alike.

Indeed, with regular reports about a growing teacher shortage here in the UK, with long hours, increasing bureaucracy, and stagnating wages, you might be wondering why anyone would want to enter this most challenging, rewarding of professions?

The latter adjective (a describing word) might give something of a clue here. Because regardless of its increasingly trying reputation, teaching is one of the most important and rewarding roles around. Few, if any, professions have such responsibility and ability to inspire our country’s young to follow their dreams and reach their potential, and, for this reason, many hugely ambitious, hardworking Brits do still want to enter the profession.

In fact, between 2019 and 2020, there was a modest increase in the number of applicants to teacher training here in the UK, showing there is still an appetite for this most noble of roles.

And seeing as you’re here, might we assume you’re considering entering the profession?

A Summary Of The Most Common Routes

There are several ways to become a teacher in the United Kingdom. The most common route is to obtain a degree from a university, and then follow that with a one-year postgraduate teacher training programme. Alternatively, you could also enter into a school-based teacher training programme, or look for vocational routes into the teaching profession.

Let’s explore each route a little further…

What Are The Typical Requirements For New Teachers In The United Kingdom?

Firstly, as the UK’s experts in graduate careers Prospects recommend, ‘’To help you decide if teaching is right for you, and to support your application, you should do some work or volunteering in schools.’’

We can’t emphasise this enough; teaching isn’t for everyone, and it’s essential you get a flavour of the roles and responsibilities involved prior to embarking on a course.

If you do find you enjoy the push and pull of a day spent in school, then in order to teach in the UK, you will need a degree and qualified teaching status. There are slightly different rules if you want to teach in a non-state funded school; however, most schools in the private sector will also expect their staff to be qualified to teach.

For individuals who already have a degree, obtaining qualified status can be relatively straightforward. If you are looking to teach in primary or secondary schools in England then you will need:

At least 24 weeks experience in a minimum of two schools – this gives you hands on classroom experience to prepare you for your teaching role
Supporting evidence of your knowledge and understanding of teaching and your chosen subject(s) – this will typically consist of evidence of classroom management obtained through practical experience, as well as showing the you have worked in schools under experienced teachers
Demonstration of your teaching skills – generally obtained through you being observed teaching classes during your 24 weeks experience

Can I Still Qualify As A Teacher In The UK Without A Degree?

If you don’t have a degree, or indeed any formal qualifications, then the path to becoming a teacher will likely start with attending a college course to obtain enough UKAS Tariff Points to enter a higher education program. Speaking to an impartial education advisor will help you to work out the best path for you.

What Are The Next Steps To Becoming A Teacher If You Already Have A Degree?

Having a degree is an ideal starting point to becoming a teacher. There are several options available to people who want to teach and already have a higher education. You can study a university based PGCE course, which will give you all of the learning and support to find a route into teaching.

Read: Considerations when choosing the right university for you

However, for many this pathway does not give the hands-on experience that proves so valuable early in a teaching career. To gain that experience, options are available:

School Direct is a route into teaching that is becoming increasingly popular. It involves being employed as a trainee, salaried teacher in a school from the beginning of your training, with the support of a university. The advantage of School Direct is that you gain experience in the classroom from day one, which can be very beneficial. However, it’s important to remember that you will not have as much contact time with your university tutor as you would on an ITT course.

Postgraduate Teaching Training Apprenticeships offer a practical and hands-on way to get into teaching. This is similar to an apprenticeship, but unlike the Schools Direct programme, you will actually be employed by a school. This is a great way to gain experience working in a school and teaching in the classroom while you work to become a qualified teacher.

Teach First is a well-defined programme that gives graduates a pathway into teaching, with an emphasis in working towards senior positions within schools, or in other related fields such as education policy or governance. The programme is designed to help those who want to make a difference in education, through excellent training and development. Teach First can be a great route into teaching; however, it is renowned for the intensity of the training and work experience.

Assessment Only is a fast-track route into teaching for those who already have the necessary skills and experience. This route is not as common as the other two, but can be beneficial if you are confident in your abilities, meet the required criteria, and are looking for a career change.

The general format of this pathway is that teachers are expected to provide written evidence demonstrating their capabilities. They will also undergo observational assessments in schools from an accredited body.

So Which Of These Is The Best Route Into Teaching?

According to leading teaching recruitment agency County Teachers, the coming years will see a big push to recruit new teachers across the United Kingdom, with an increase in both salary and perks looking likely as the government seek to entice bright, enthusiastic young people into the profession.

It is important to go down a route that suits your individual needs, wants and aspirations, to ensure you’re suitably inspired in your studies and can go on to inspire, too!

What Can Businesses Do To Get More Online Sales In 2022?

The Daily Grind

Editorial Team

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September 21, 2022

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What Can Businesses Do To Get More Online Sales In 2022?

We don’t think we’re stating it too plainly when we say that the survival of the majority of businesses depends on making sales.

And perhaps we’re continuing to speak aphoristically when we say that, in 2022, making sales requires a strong online presence.

Indeed, since the pandemic hit, more people have been shopping online, and as the digitisation of our lives continues at pace, the proportion of purchases that are made online as opposed to in a bricks and mortar establishment is only likely to increase further.

In 2021, the number of people buying online stood at 2.14 billion, meaning approximately one in four people on the planet are online shoppers. And, honestly? We’re surprised that number isn’t even higher.

A third case of stating the obvious, then, by way of reaffirmation; you cannot afford to neglect the optimisation of your online presence after seeing figures like that. But what’s the best way to increase online sales? Let’s explore further…

Implement An SEO Strategy

Only a few years ago, the follow-up to that header would likely have been another question… SE…Who?

But in 2022, the concept of search engine optimisation has entered the mainstream, with online retailers, platforms and personalities all well aware of its power.

That said, it’s one thing to be aware of SEO. It’s another to be skilled at it, and because of this, if you haven’t already, you’ll need to implement an SEO strategy to get your website to rank highly on search engine results pages, and as a result, receive more clicks that you can translate into sales.

Here are a couple of ways to improve your ranking without the help of a dedicated optimiser:

Be clever with keywords. Keywords are a crucial part of the SEO equation. However, you need to be clever with them. Using keywords that relate directly to your business is clearly important, but try to get creative by discovering other keywords that your target audience might use and implement them in your content, web pages, headings and image descriptions.
Create valuable content. Keywords mean very little without great content. But remember that content isn’t just a vehicle for keywords—to convert customers, you need to offer valuable resources. Great content comes in many shapes and sizes, but we recommend that you create blog posts, videos, infographics, how-to guides, guest blog posts and product reviews to attract new prospects to your website.

Prioritise Web Design

Your website is where you nurture bottom-of-the-funnel leads, so a good user experience is absolutely essential. After all, your website needs to make a good first impression. One survey found that 42 per cent of people will leave a website if it has poor functionality, so you could be losing around half of your potential customers because of a bad website!

When you revamp your website, you will (potentially) improve its credibility significantly. A clean, user-friendly website will mean prospects feel comfortable browsing, making it more likely they’ll purchase your products or services. The importance of your website and how visitors perceive it cannot be understated.

Fortunately, the internet is a treasure trove of useful information on the subject, with websites such as youtube.com/@createwpsite ready to guide you through the the process of revamping your site if you’re doing it yourself, as well as helping you learn some new tips and tricks along the way.

Embrace Social Media

If you haven’t taken the leap into the social media world yet, firstly, get with the times! Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and TikTok have millions (sometimes billions) of users – and these are users who might be interested in engaging with your business. Accordingly, social media is arguably the best way to increase online sales.

Social media platforms might seem complicated at first. However, creating engaging and valuable content will improve the visibility of your business by attracting prospects to your website, and represents an affordable, relatively low-effort way to promote your products with maximum reach.

Try Pay Per Click Marketing

Another way to get more online sales is to try PPC marketing. An effective PPC campaign will allow you to rank highly on search engine results pages and get near-instant results. Because you will only pay when someone clicks the link to your website, every penny you invest in this strategy will get your targeted traffic.

Build Email Lists & Use Email Marketing To Stay Engaged With Your Customers

Email marketing is a great way to market your business because it gives you the ability to stay engaged with your customers, and it’s a really easy and cost-effective method of marketing.

What many companies don’t realise is that email marketing isn’t just sending out one banner ad or promotion… You can actually send out promotional ads in the form of an email. This is a great way to reach your customers and gain brand loyalty and it’s also a great way to promote new offerings.

Simple ways to get started with email marketing is by simply building your mailing list, cultivating relationships with readers, and sending them relevant content that still interests them. If you make it seem like they’re getting something, they’ll more than likely be eager to receive the emails you send them.

The Bottom Line

To increase online sales and transform clicks into customers, you must try a range of methods to attract new visitors to your website. By implementing an effective SEO strategy, creating a user-friendly website, embracing social media and giving PPC marketing a try, you’re bound to increase website traffic and get more online sales in the process!

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Learn Where Your Cheekbones Are

Contour Like Crazy

Apply Bronzer To Your Cheekbones

Use The Right Blush & Highlighter

Brow & Hair Tricks

Dermafillers

Give Your Cheekbones A Workout – Yes, Seriously!

Plant More Plants

Make A Compost Bin

Grow Your Own Fruit & Veg

Add A Pond

Consider A Bog Garden

What Is Bamboo Fabric?

The History Of Bamboo Fabric

How Bamboo Fabric Is Made

Benefits and Uses

The Bottom Line

Coffee Is High In Antioxidants

Coffee Reduces Tiredness & May Improve Sporting Performance

Coffee May Help With Depression

Coffee May Protect You From Neurodegenerative Diseases

Coffee Could Lower Your Risk Of Developing Liver Disease

Coffee Could Boost Gut Health

Coffee May Even Help You Live Longer

Coffee Could Heighten Anxiety

Coffee Can Lead To A Form Of Caffeine Dependency

Find Your Reason

Keep Your Hands & Mouth Busy

Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Seek Help From Your Loved Ones

Give Yourself A Break

Avoid Alcohol And Other Triggers

Get Moving

Reward Yourself

Practice Mindfulness & Meditation

If At First You Don’t Succeed

Batteries Made From Graphene

An Under-Display Camera That Offers Better Performance

A Display That Doesn’t Have A Bezel

Contactless Wireless Charging

A Reduction In Bloatware

Shorter Wait Times

Longer Appointment Times

A Wider Range Of Treatments

Availability

Increased NHS Funding & Affordability

Prioritise Skincare

Start Thinking About Your Makeup Early

Embrace Self-Care

Prince’s Palace

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Oceanographic Museum

The Cathedral Of Monaco

Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco

Have A Wonderful Time In Monaco

Embla Wine Bar, Melbourne

The Tarrawarra Estate & Museum Of Art, Victoria

Panton Vineyard, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Saint Peter, Sydney

Maybe Sammy, Sydney

The Orange Wine Region, Nsw

Audrey Wilkinson Winery, Hunter Valley, Nsw

The Towns, Both Historic & Modern

The Theme Parks

The Glorious Countryside

The History

The UK’s Largest Vineyard

Similarities & Origins

Translations

Shape, Texture & Ingredients

Cooking Method

A Brief Summary

Play The Long Game

Do You Prioritise A Better Quality Of Life Or More Disposable Income?

Are You Ready To Update Your Skillset?

The Incentives Of A New Role

A Change Beyond Career

Treat This As An Opportunity, Not A Necessity