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7 Reasons To Go On A Tanzania Safari In 2023

Editorial Team
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7 Reasons To Go On A Tanzania Safari In 2023

Tanzania in 2023… It has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?

The travelling public seem to agree. After an understandably quiet 2020, tourism in Tanzania experienced an uplift of 50% last year, with the country seeing over 900’000 visitors in 2021. That upward trajectory is showing no signs of abating; in the first quarter of 2022, tourist numbers were up by a third on the previous year, with numbers expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels before 2022 is out.

This is, according to Tanzania Invest, ”due to the Government’s efforts to promote tourist attractions such as national parks, beaches, and Mount Kilimanjaro and game reserves”.

The government has every right to be proud of the country’s incredible landscapes and natural beauty; there are few places more immediately spectacular than both Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park and Serengeti National Park, not only home to sprawling, spectacular scenery, but also an incredible diversity of wild animals.

Untamed and largely unspoiled, the best way to experience the country, the largest in East Africa, is undoubtedly on safari. If you’re still not convinced, then here are 7 reasons to go on a Tanzania safari in 2023.

To Experience A Different Pace To Life

First things first – why go on safari at all? Well, for those who have largely been grounded in the UK for the previous two years, kidding themselves that a back garden ‘staycation’ is as fun as a sojourn somewhere far flung, a safari represents perhaps the most refreshing change of scenery you could think of.

Offering a unique chance to get up close and personal with all manner exotic wildlife (not too close though) and more importantly, to support conservation efforts, the savannas of the Serengeti are about as far removed from #wfh, home schooling, social distancing, and all of the other COVID stuff we’d prefer to confine to the past, as it comes.

On safari in Tanzania you can take a complete break from the hustle and bustle of life and just luxuriate in nature. Everything is taken care of, including transportation, lodging and food. In Tanzania, life moves pole pole (Swahili for slow) and when you’re here, you can enjoy life at a slower pace, just as it should be. 

By Blueorangestudio via Canva

To Catch A Glimpse Of The Big 5 & More

Lions lounging in the shade, elephants frolicking in the water, giraffes galloping in the distance, cheetahs and leopards roaming around healthy herds of wildebeest, buffalo and zebra.

This pretty impressive picture we’ve painted all takes place in the the boundless grasslands of the Serengeti, the world’s biggest game reserve. It has the largest concentration and diversity of animals in Africa and is one of the easiest places on the planet to see all of the Big 5 –  the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.  

Another fail-safe place to spot elephants, giraffes and hippos, in particular, is Tarangire National Park. The sixth largest park located in Tanzania, covering about 1,100 square miles of land, and encompassing the Tarangire River, the park is a prime spot to witness wild animals since it’s the only source of water for them during the dry season in the region.

To Witness The Wildebeest Migration

If you get your timing right on your Tanzanian safari, you’ll even have the chance to see one of *cue David Attenborough narrating voice* the greatest spectacles on the planet – the wildebeest migration.

From the frenzied crossing of the Mara River in the north of the Serengeti in August and September, to the thousands of wildebeest calves born in February and March to the south on the Ndutu Plains, much of the annual migration cycle of the wildebeest happens in Tanzania.

To Peer Into The Ngorongoro Crater

Known as ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’, the Ngorongoro Crater (one of the seven natural wonders of Africa) is a site to behold. A 12-mile-wide ecosystem within an ecosystem that was created by a volcanic eruption, this crater has some of the most fertile and rich grazing grounds in Africa, attracting wildlife galore – over 30’000 animals, to be exact.

If you’re taking in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, then this route often combines the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater, which increases your chances of seeing the big five. If you can, stay in a hotel on the craters rim for the most phenomenal views; certainly beats staring at the four walls of home, don’t you think?

To Scale Mount Kilimanjaro 

For those looking to take on a challenge to draw a symbolic line under the past two years of turmoil, scaling the ‘the roof of Africa’ would certainly represent an achievement. Don’t let the summit of 4000 feet, altitude of 18000 feet and a five to nine day climb put you off; there’s an amazing sense of accomplishment up there at the peak waiting for you.

Less than half of climbers actually make it, which makes the adventure all the more exciting. And if you view such excursion as torture rather than challenge, then don’t worry, the Kilimanjaro National Park has plenty to offer even at ground level. Elephant, buffalo and antelope roam in the Forest Reserve area of the park, meaning you’ll see action even if the ascent isn’t for you.

To Do Things Differently In Zanzibar

Oh, you thought the idea of a ‘safari’ was confined only to dry land? Think again!

Situated just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar has it all; lush tropical forests with indigenous wildlife, white sand beaches and turquoise waters, and all of the wildlife conservation opportunities that come with such illustrious geography.

Using the island as a base, there are countless opportunities to take an ocean safari on a Zanzibari ‘dhow’ boat, snorkelling Zanzibar’s surrounding coral reefs and mangroves and looking out for its more than 500 species of marine life, including wild bottlenose dolphins, seahorses and crocodile fish. Wow!

Sounds kinda romantic, don’t you think? No wonder Zanzibar is considered one of the world’s hottest honeymoon destinations.

To Try A Diverse, Delicious Cuisine

The food of Zanzibar is a diverse, delicious cuisine worthy of the levels of hyperbole usually reserved for the country’s revered landscapes. Here, the grill is king, and you’ll enjoy some incredible barbecues under African skies during your safari here. Particularly popular is goat meat, served with plantain and the ubiquitous, nourishing ugali, a staple here made from cooking white maize with water until it forms a think paste.

Rather than keep you here (we have to admit, we’re getting hungry), let us direct you to our dedicated guide to the best local dishes to try in Tanzania. Prepare to be fed!

8 Reasons Why You Should Start Playing Chess Today

Editorial Team
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8 Reasons Why You Should Start Playing Chess Today

A game that has existed since the 8th century, chess combines competition with critical thinking as we attempt to best our opponents on the famous chequered board. 

Despite its illustrious history and reputation for being a slow-paced affair, chess has a surprisingly broad appeal; you only have to look at the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit to know that.

Today, chess is enjoyed by folks of all ages worldwide. Getting into chess is easy; look out for chess clubs in community centres, form a new group with friends or simply play online. Some even believe that the skills accrued playing – of foresight and planning, composure and cool-headedness – can be applied to life outside of chess, too.

And it’s those real-life applications we’re looking at today; more than just a game, here are 8 reasons why you should start playing chess.

Firstly, How Do I Get Into Chess?

If you’re a beginner, start by studying simple chess theory, learning everything about chess openings and practising basic board vision – that is, how the pieces interact with each other on the board, as well as the overall picture of what’s going on in the game.

Next, you may want to watch a few matches on YouTube or check out former chess master Leonard Barden’s weekly chess breakdown in the Guardian, which examines recent finishers in the world of professional chess – a real masterclass, make no mistake!

Finally, consider the help of an online chess tutor to brush up on the tactics and strategy needed to seriously master the game. Only then might you be ready to consider these reasons to start playing chess…

Chess Can Develop Planning And Foresight

To be successful, chess players must always think several moves ahead. This element of foresight can, of course, be applied to other areas of life, such as studying for exams or working on projects at work.

Chess players must learn to control their emotions and think clearly (hmm, should this be a separate point? Anyway…). By playing chess, you may develop the ability to maintain a calm head under pressure and make decisions based on reason rather than emotion.

Chess May Improve Memory And Concentration

Even chess novices need to remember the rules of the game, as well as the names and positions of the pieces. They also need to be able to visualise the board and all the possible moves. These skills can help improve your memory and concentration in other areas of life.

Memory and concentration are also crucial for keeping your mind sharp as you age, which chess has been said to help with, too!

Chess Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Players must first recognise the board and its components to make the best move. This entails analysing numerous – often endless – possibilities and developing innovative answers. These problem-solving abilities may be applied to various situations, including at school or work. In today’s world, efficient problem-solvers are in high demand – could playing chess even improve your career prospects?

Chess Develops Strategic Thinking

Successful chess players are highly skilled at anticipating future events and progressively adapting their actions accordingly. This careful thinking may be used in other aspects of life, such as in business or investments. Learning to think ahead also allows you to handle unforeseen circumstances better. 

From military generals to successful business people, thinking strategically is one of life’s most important skills  – and many attribute some of their unique skillset to their passion for chess.

Strategic thinking can be learned and improved with practice, and chess is the perfect place to start.

Chess Develops Logical Thinking

In order to carve out the best possible move, players must be able to see the board and all of the pieces while logically determining which is the best option, both in terms of immediacy and several potential moves down the link. This entails breaking down the problem into smaller pieces and thinking critically about each move, a valuable skill that can be applied to all manner of real-life situations.

In fact, studies have consistently posited that routinely playing the world’s most famous board game improves logical thinking, and even reading skills (in children), helps develop planning and foresight, and most comprehensively, has been said to significantly increase a player’s IQ after four months of playing.

Chess Teaches Discipline And Patience

Chess can be a deceptively tense affair, make no mistake. Players constantly try to keep their feelings in check (sometimes even deploying a certain amount of ‘poker face’), and use good judgement. 

Accordingly, those who play often may learn to maintain a level head under pressure and make snap decisions based on facts and evidence. By playing chess, you can develop qualities such as discipline and patience, which may be useful in other aspects of life. 

Chess Develops Hand-Eye Coordination

Chess players need to quickly arrange the pieces on the board to outplay their opponent. Constantly moving the pieces around and making the right moves requires precise movements, developing hand-eye coordination (okay, we realise this one is a bit of a stretch!). 

Good hand-eye coordination can also help you in other activities, such as sports or playing musical instruments.

Chess Encourages A Commendable Sense Of Sportsmanship

All of this critical thinking and keeping a calm head under pressure tends to teach players to make decisions based on logic rather than impulse. By playing chess, you can develop qualities such as a good sense of sportsmanship and self-control, which could help massively in other walks of life, both sporting and career-wise.

The Bottom Line

These are just some of the reasons why you should give the glorious game of chess a try. Remember, it’s never too late to learn. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a chess set and start playing!

6 Ways To Make Your Wedding More Personal

Editorial Team
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6 Ways To Make Your Wedding More Personal

You have already proposed by kneeling, ring in hand. You’ve sent invitations with the requisite beige, tactile floral finish. There’s a gently casual dress code to proceedings, alongside dinner and dancing.

So far, so predictable…

But how to banish the cliches and predictability for your wedding proper? If you’re keen to throw a unique, one-of-a-kind bash, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are 6 ways to make your wedding more personal.

Choosing Your Wedding Bands

Have you settled on a certain design for the ring you want to wear? When there are so many kinds of wedding rings and so many possibilities to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start looking. Your first port of call should be a jeweller, who can help you about create a custom wedding band. They will be able to guide you through the process.

It is not necessary to spend a bank-balance breaking amount of money, especially if diamonds are not something that one of the couples places a high priority on (or both). There are so many alternative wedding rings out there that carry real meaning and elegance; gold bracelets engraved with phrases from each other that are personal to them and are a one-of-a-kind keepsake could be a choice for individuals who are short on finances.

However, regardless of the circumstances, it is a good idea to style them in a manner that is consistent with one another.

Album Of Photographs Taken By Wedding Guests

If you decide to create a charming, unique wedding album that captures the essence of your relationship perfectly, then for heaven’s sake; show it off!

Make sure that it is displayed prominently for visitors to see throughout the reception, or appoint someone to be in charge of it (oh, the responsibility!).

Some couples then choose to make the album available online, offering guests and visitors to the web page the chance to caption the photos themselves, with the happy couple choosing the winning caption before the albums are distributed to guests in physical form!

This can result in some really amusing quotes and a lifetime of memories, too; which is what it’s all about, don’t you think?

Personal Invitations

We realise our timeline is a little jumbled here, but creating unique wedding invitations provides you with the chance to let your creative side shine. Your wedding invitations set the tone for the rest of your wedding, which is why it can be a whole lot of fun to make them special and unique. Choose a theme for your wedding and match your invitations to that theme, whether that’s dictating the general colour palette, thematic elements or floral direction.

By making the invitations available online, visitors can also respond using their email address and password, adding a personal message of congratulations or excitement that could resonate until long after the final crumbs of cake have been swept away.

Make Your Vows to One Another

Your wedding vows are perhaps the most decisive moment for those looking to show their creative, unique side. Where traditional wedding vows once following a very static script, now, it’s an opportunity to be playful and frivolous, if that’s what works for you.

Taking the time to craft your own wedding vows can help make the occasion extremely personal. No relationship is the same, and this means the depth and implications of your promise to keep choosing each other again and again as the years pass and your personalities change won’t be the same either. 

Do a little research on writing vows, sure, but then start from the heart. Any writer will tell you that the first draft of anything isn’t great. Write all your feelings down in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way, and then start organising what you’ve written into different categories. 

Minimalism Is In

With so many little details to take care of, couples tend to get anxious about their wedding day when they should be loving it. However, a wedding shouldn’t be about remembering a million different things. It should be about enjoying yourself. Why not let go of all the stress of a big production by opting for minimalism. This understated wedding trend isn’t about fine details of décor, like table linen and candles. It’s all about clean, minimal details that are beautiful and effortless. There’s no need to go over the top with a minimalist theme wedding. Think vines, tea-lights and simple flowers.

Wedding Favours

By deploying homemade wedding reception favours unique to the happy couple, guests can get a sense of what drives the romance, love and commitment in the relationship. Not only that, but personal favours also remind everyone of what a great time they had whenever they revisit the gift!

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s choosing the colour of your wedding flowers or your honeymoon destination make sure it’s about you. This is your Big Day, so let your personality shine!

What To Consider When Completing A Modern Bathroom Remodelling Project

Editorial Team
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What To Consider When Completing A Modern Bathroom Remodelling Project

Did you know the average person spends more than two years in the bathroom?

That’s a whole lot of time spent on the toilet, in the bath, under the shower and all the rest, regardless of the size of the space. Spending much of one’s life in such a seemingly inconsequential but essential room somewhat justifies a proper remodelling project, don’t you think?

But, what essential changes do you need to improve your space’s functionality and comfort? A lot goes into a bathroom remodelling project, and unless you’re a professional, you may be left wondering where to start and which elements to focus your attention on.

We’re here to help with that. Here are some tips to make your modern bathroom remodel smooth and efficient.

Recesses

When space is tight, build in; recessed medicine cabinets, toilet roll holders, and soap dishes  pry out more space. Compared to cabinets built out, recessed ones offer more room to bend over and use the sink. You’ll gain more space without foregoing sleekness.

Using recessed light also makes a tiny bathroom appear spacious. Consider recesses since they don’t cost much in the grand scheme of your remodelling project.

Ventilation

If you don’t want to deal with mildew and mould (hey, who does?), a bathroom fan can certainly help.

With any renovation project, your decisions are from a design or functional standpoint. While the look of your bathroom is, of course, essential, sometimes functionality comes first. Your bathroom needs an exhaust fan that drives moisture out, removes odours and reduces the issues associated with condensation. 

Be careful what bathroom fan you install, or you’ll run into a mould or mildew problem. If it’s at all possible, use open windows to help with humidity and improve your bathroom aesthetic, too. 

More Mirrors

Many people think mirrors are only for checking hair or makeup, but they do so much more than that. Instead, think of bathroom mirrors as design elements to give the illusion of space and grandeur, as well as adding some much needed light to this conventionally darker room.

There’s a reason why so many interior designers place emphasis on using mirrors to create more space across their designs. If you want to make your small bathroom appear larger without having to invest in costly solutions, a few simple mirrors – or one large one, for that matter – can work wonders. 

Use large-format mirrors that span over an entire wall for small bathrooms. If you have a large shower, add a second mirror to the primary mirror above your sink. Companies like CNM Online have various mirror options and other bathroom appliances.

Lighting

In a room where you need to see your face and hair, lighting is sometimes dim or confined to one area— the ceiling.

Shed a little light on corners of the bathroom not often illuminated, by adding lighting to improve the mood and functionality of your space. If you enjoy long, languid soaks in the bath, then you’ll know there’s no leisure in full artificial light. Dim lighting will set just the right mood. Add a few flickering, scented candles, and you’re away.

Go further, and introduce recessed lights around your bathroom mirror to give the best lighting for tasks that may need lots of illumination. Finally, consider having lighting in the shower rather than around it. You might find your showers more fun when appropriately lit – safely and as approved by a qualified electrician, of course.

Floors

Speaking of safety…

You now have a hypothetically spacious, well-lit and ventilated bathroom, but is it safe if there are slip hazards under foot?

Textured floor tiles come with extra grouts to keep you from slipping when the floor is wet. They are also easy to clean, and the grouts resist stain and mould. 

It’s not just safety you should consider, here; aesthetics matter where flooring is concerned. Fortunately, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to bathroom tiles; they come in different colours and patterns. Mix and match them to create a harmonious look.

Read: Ways to make your bathroom a safe place

The Bottom Line

A modern bathroom remodelling project will make a big difference in your home renovation project. A few tricks and tweaks will give you space and aesthetics. Investing in recessing cabinets and more mirrors might be what your bathroom needs.

5 Of The Best Knife Sharpeners For Chefs

Joseph Gann
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5 Of The Best Knife Sharpeners For Chefs

Ideal for keeping your chef’s knives razor sharp and ready for anything.

So, you’ve shelled out a ton or two on a new set of chef’s knives. You’ve put your blades through their paces with your finest brunoise, julienne and pont neuf, and you’ve got through a fair few boxes of blue plasters in the process.

On the surface, it seems like things are going pretty well, young apprentice.

But here’s a lesson for life, as well as for your chef’s knives; that box-fresh, factory-sharp confidence you’ve accrued over the course of several hundred onions (and plenty of tears shed!) won’t last forever. 

Indeed, without proper maintenance of your knives, you’ll soon notice you’re dicing those onions less finely, slicing through meat less effortlessly, and bruising all manner of ingredients rather than seeing them off with a single stroke of your blade.

Because even the finest of chef’s knives need regular sharpening to ensure they’re performing to their full potential, keeping your fingers safe (there’s nothing more dangerous than a blunt knife, after all), and helping you prevent degradation of the blade, too.

The sheer variety of options on the market for knife sharpening can be daunting, with ancient methods rubbing shoulders with the most cutting-edge (excuse the pun) of technologies, all promising to make your blade sharper. 

We’ve tried them all, suffering the blood (lots and lots of blood), the sweat, and the tears, to bring you these 5 of the best knife sharpeners, IDEAL for keeping your chef’s knives razor sharp and ready for anything.   

SHAN ZU Sharpening Stone

We simply had to start our guide to the best knife sharpeners for chefs with the whetstone, which, when used correctly, is quite simply the most effective route to a razor sharp blade.

Interestingly, though you need to saturate your whetstone in water prior to use, the word ‘whet’ isn’t referring to moisture – rather, whet means ‘to sharpen’. Which, we would argue, bodes well for your blades when in the right hands. Anyway…

Whetstones work through a process of grinding and abrasion. Made from tiny rough-edged particles or grit, the user applies gentle pressure to their blade as they drag it back and forth along the stone (usually ceramic or made from synthetic materials), gradually filing away any rough edges and burrs to return the blade to its factory-level angle of sharpness. In the case of chef’s knives, this is generally 20° cutting angle for European blades and 15° for Japanese.

You’ll generally use two sides of a whetstone; coarse, at a grade of roughly 1000 for sharpening, and fine, at a grade of roughly 6000 for honing, though those grades differ considerably according to blade and need.

Once you’ve got the knack of the necessary applied pressure, motion and angle required – check out Cooks Illustrated handy guide on whetstone technique – whetstones are universally acknowledged as the best way to achieve a razor sharp knife edge.

The problem, we would argue, is getting that knack. Though you can buy analogue angle guides to use with your whetsones (we’re particular fans of the SHAN ZU sharpening stone, which comes with an angle guide and non-slip bamboo base for added safety), achieving those very specific angles and mastering the technique requires a hell of a lot of guesswork, time and terminally blunted blades. 

That’s where our next entry comes in…

You can find the SHAN ZU sharpening stone on the knife maintenance section of the company’s official online store, or via Amazon.

HORL 2 Sharpener

Created by German father and son team Otmar and Timo Horl, the HORL aims to solve the problem of precision sharpening in an ingenious and hugely satisfying way.

The results, we should say, speak for themselves.

The HORL 2 knife sharpening range (there are three available; the HORL cruise, HORL 2 and HORL 2 Pro) comes in two parts. The first, a magnetic block onto which you attach your blade at the traditionally desired angles; on one side, 20° for European knives, and on the other 15° for Japanese. This ensures your blade is locked in place at the precise angle required for the sharpening process.

The second part of the HORL 2 is essentially a barrel-shaped rolling sharpener, with a disc attached to either side. The first, a diamond grinder that creates the perfect angle, and the second, a ceramic honing disc for that precision touch. With your knife held magnetically in place at the correct angle, you simply roll the sharpener across your blade, mimicking the motion of using a whetstone, but with precision guaranteed – you can watch the HORL 2 in motion here. 

With no need for soaking and sharpness pretty much guaranteed in just a few strokes, this really is an incredible product. It’s also one which feels sturdy and reassuring in the hand; if used correctly, you should never need to replace the grinding discs or magnetic block.

Should you wish to, a range of discs in various grits are available if you’re seeking even further precision from your blades.

HORL products are available at horl.com or Borough Kitchen online.

BeaverCraft Leather Strop

Even after the precision sharpening and honing of your whetstone or HORL sharpener, you may be left with a few microscopic inconsistencies (known as ‘micro teeth’). 

This is where stropping comes in; essentially, polishing the edge of an already honed knife to remove those inconsistencies and take it from sharp to razor sharp. Not only that, but the results of an efficient strop are aesthetic, too; known as the ‘mirror’s edge’, a stropped blade glistens in the sunlight and reflects like a mirror. You could even do your hair in (not with, mind) a knife that’s seen this treatment!

Stropping is best done on a strip of leather, using a similar pull technique as used on a whetstone, with the polishing further enhanced by applying a paste or compound to your leather. 

Our favourite leather strop that we’ve thus far come across is the Beavercraft Leather Strop, which comes complete with its own compound. When used after a whetstone or the HORL (who also sell a leather strop as an accessory to their innovative sharpeners) for that final flourish, you’ll be amazed by the results. 

You can find Beavercraft products on their official online store, or via Amazon.

Global Ceramic Water Sharpener 

For a no-fuss, no-mess sharpener, a ceramic ‘pull through’ aims to do the job of mimicking a whetstone, but in a quicker, more convenient way. The results are a little mixed.

That’s not to say pull-through sharpeners should be dismissed. In the home kitchen, where the necessity for razor sharp knives is less pressing, they represent a safe and efficient way to moderately sharpen a knife without first having to master the technique required on a whetstone. 

This is because pull-through sharpeners provide a similar effect to a whetstone, using abrasion. The advantage for home cooks is that you use your knife in a guided upright position, ensuring you achieve roughly the correct angle, but in a safer way.

The version we’ve found to provide the best results is the Global Ceramic Water Sharpener, which has two settings for coarse and fine sharpening, and mimics a whetstone in that the user fills the two sharpening compartments with water to ensure that some of the grit is held in suspension during sharpening.

If you’re short on time or willpower, such pull-through sharpeners do a decent job of keeping your blades slicing and dicing smoothly.

Wusthof Honing Steel 9’’

Speaking of efficiency, any self-respecting chef or knife-aficionado will want a honing steel in their arsenal of sharpening equipment. 

We’ve all seen Gordon Ramsay or your local kebab-bossman elegantly wafting their blade across a honing steel and enjoyed the show, but what do these ubiquitous tools actually do?

Well, a honing steel works a little like the finer grind on your whetstone or HORL, folding back the burr that you revealed in the first stage of sharpening and re-aligning the blade. Many chefs choose to hone their knives before and after each service or slicing session, but for the homecook, this may not be necessary.

Read: How to land your first job in a professional kitchen

As with whetstones, the key difficulty with efficient honing on a steel is getting that 20° or 15° angle just right, which can take years to master. Unless you’re seriously skilled and dextrous, free-handing isn’t recommended when using a honing steel – you’re just not going to get that angle on point. 

Instead, you should use your honing steel vertically, with the tip touching your work surface. Find the correct angle (this video provides a useful explanation on doing that) and pull the knife from heel to tip across the steel as if you were taking a slice off the honing rod.

With a little practice, this is a fantastic way to hone your chef’s knives, but shouldn’t be used as the only method of sharpening your blades. 

For fantastic honing, we prefer to use a Wusthof sharpening steel, ideally at a length of 9 inches for maximum control. This one boasts a diamond coated surface and pleasing weight in the hand, though most honing steels do a roughly similar job.

Interestingly, just as with angle guides for whetstones, you can also find angle guides for honing steels. These neat little devices attach to the base of the steel (right next to the handle) and guide your blade, helping you achieve the correct angle. Wedgek provide the best versions we’ve seen; check out Serious Eat’s guide here for more on that.

So, How Do I Know If My Knives Are Sufficiently Sharp?

Once you’ve sharpened your knives obsessively and diligently, you’re probably wondering just how to tell if you’ve done a good job. Aside from going to town on a carrot or celery stick, there are a couple of other ways to check the newly-minted sharpness (or otherwise) of your blade using items you’ll find at home.

Firstly, the marker pen method; simply draw a thin line along the edge of both sides of your blade before sharpening. If the line disappears on both sides, the edge has learned its angle and is now sharp. 

Alternatively, cut close to horizontally across a piece of paper. If your blade catches or struggles to cut through the paper cleanly, it’s not yet sharp. Should you be able to cut through the paper in the kind of satisfying manner usually reserved for scissors and Christmas wrapping paper, then you’ve done a great job with your sharpening. 

Now, watch those fingers!

How To Host A Brilliant Bingo Night At Home

Editorial Team
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How To Host A Brilliant Bingo Night At Home

No longer confined to the familiar blue and yellow of high street Gala clubs, Bingo has broken free, with events now happening in pubs, clubs and even homes up and down the country.With a lexicon all of its own and a range of prizes to be won, throwing your own bingo night can provide a unique party that friends will relish attending.

The success of such a night rarely revolves around the game itself, but rather, the accessories, whether that’s bingo inspired cocktails and nibbles, bespoke bingo cards, or even a surprise prize! To cover all of that and so much more, here are our top tips for hosting a bingo night at home.

Bingo Boom Box

Sure, you’re going to need to hear those bingo calls, but can a party even be called a party without some great tunes? Unsurprisingly for such a popular pastime, there are several songs which mention bingo, including Basement Jaxx’s ‘Bingo Bango’, Cleopatra’s ‘Bingo My Love’ and ‘Friday Night At The Drive-In Bingo’ by Jens Lekman. Have them playing early to get guests in the mood.

Some bingo night hosts even choose to base their whole party around music, replacing their traditional bingo calls with songs that have numbers in the title. For number one, ‘One’ by U2 could play. For two, ‘Two Hound Dogs’ by Bill Haley & His Comets, for three, ‘Three Times A Lady’ by Lionel Richie, and so on. Although you may struggle to find songs with the number 57 in the title, for instance, writing your own bingo calls based on songs could be a game in itself, and all part of the fun before the bingo commences!

Customised bingo cards can add another layer of fun to proceedings, making the party feel more personal and fun than a night at the local bingo hall.

*Actually, we’ve thought of one; 57th Channels (And Nothin’ On) by Bruce Springsteen.*

Bingo

Get Your Bingo Caller Voice Ready

If you’re planning to host the bingo calling yourself, now’s the time to practice your best bingo caller persona! The traditional bingo caller voice is part of the charm – think theatrical, slightly exaggerated, and always entertaining. Practice classic calls like “Two fat ladies, 88!” or “Legs eleven!” with gusto. You might even want to create a special caller’s outfit – perhaps a bow tie, waistcoat, or even a sparkly jacket to really get into character. 

Don’t forget to have a good microphone or speaker system ready so everyone can hear your calls clearly over the excited chatter and laughter. And remember, part of being a great bingo caller is keeping the energy up between numbers with a bit of banter and jokes. If public speaking isn’t your forte, or you’d rather join in the fun as a player, there’s always another option…

Outsource The Hosting Of The Bingo Game

If you’d rather participate in the bingo game itself, rather than manage it like an overworked supply teacher, then consider outsourcing the bingo game itself to an online bingo room. 

You should first check if the operators you’re considering using for your bingo party are licensed and regulated. A solid licensing body such as the UK GC or MGA is a useful way of identifying that a site is trustworthy.

Alternatively, you should prioritise bingo apps that are on the official Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Both represent reliable sources, as the applications are vetted first by the tech giants. 

Bingo night at home
©[natashabreen] VIA CANVA.COM

Dunk & Dip Food

Seeing as guests will need a hand free to mark those crosses on your bingo grid, your party menu should be all about finger food.

Why not take inspiration from the many foods you’ll find within the 90 different bingo calls when deciding on a menu for your party? ‘Duck’ has a major prevalence, with ‘one little duck’ (number 2), ‘two little ducks’ (22) and ‘duck and dive’ (25) all making an appearance. With ‘baker’s bun’ (61) also in the roll call of bingo terminology, you could serve Taiwanese duck bao buns. Check out a great recipe from Paul Hollywood of the Great British Bake Off for those here. 

Hey, or if you’re feeling really mischievous (and lazy), you could theme the food around number 57; ‘Heinz Varieties’. So, that’s Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup, Heinz Spaghetti Hoops, and, of course, Heinz Baked Beans. Sounds delicious! 

Alternatively, if those links are a little tenuous and you’re instead seeking deliciousness, we’ve taken inspiration from one of our favourite London bingo halls, Dabbers Bingo, and their iconic ‘Big Dipper’. 

Billed as ‘the ultimate sharing showpiece’ and inspired by the ‘iconic cheese and pineapple hedgehog of the 70s and 80s’, this retro sharing plate brings all the players together! First, a pineapple is hollowed out and filled with gooey camembert, and is served with a skewer of pineapple, chorizo, figs, grapes, olives, sundried tomato, cured ham and crusty bread. Head over to their place in Shoreditch to try the real deal.

Finally, why not serve your very own ‘Bingo Wings’? The options are endless when it comes to wing sauce recipes. You can go classic buffalo, honey glazed, General Tso’s or KFC style. Check out our guide to making homemade KFC style chicken for more on that! 

Bingo night at home

Bingo Cocktails

What better drink to serve at a bingo party than the aptly named ‘Bingo’ cocktail? Offering a refreshing, piquant flavour, it’s the perfect aperitif to the fun, ideal for perking players up before the games begin. 

You’ll need: 

  • 25 ml vodka
  • 25 ml apricot brandy 
  • 25 ml orange liqueur 
  • 12.5 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • A dash of soda water

Simply shake the named ingredients together with ice, then strain into an ice filled Collins glass. Top with soda water and enjoy!

We also love to serve The Gringo at our bingo parties, mainly because the words kind of rhyme. Simply shake 35 ml of white tequila with 25 ml of grapefruit juice and 10 ml of elderflower liqueur, along with ice. Strain over a salt-rimmed tumbler filled with ice and top with pale ale. Garnish with a twirl of grapefruit peel and voila!

Alternatively, why not set a challenge for your guests to come up with the best cocktail using the letters B, I, N, G and O? Ours involves Bacardi, ice, Newcastle Brown Ale, gin and orange juice. Anyone fancy trying it? Anyone…..?

Of course, you should also create mocktail versions of these cocktails for those wanting to keep a level head during the game. Alternatively, you could simply serve cups of tea (number 3!). 

Read: 9 cocktails that are super easy to make at home

The Prize 

Hosting your very own bingo night needn’t revolve around playing for money. Instead, why not collect a few coins from everyone for a prize kitty, with winners receiving experiences instead of cold, hard cash. You could book a discounted spa day on Wowcher, arrange tickets to a football match, or do away with the exchange of money entirely and instead have guests offer up I.O.Us into the prize fund.

Alternatively, the winner could donate the prize money to the charity of their choice. UNICEF have a great guide to fundraising bingo here for more inspiration on that. 

Exploring Rome By Numbers: 7 Amazing Things To Add To Your Itinerary

Editorial Team
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Exploring Rome By Numbers: 7 Amazing Things To Add To Your Itinerary

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with over 10 million visitors annually. The city is full of historic landmarks and buildings, such as the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. There’s also a wealth of art and culture to be found here, with museums such as the collection of Capitoline Museums and the Borghese Gallery.

With such a wealth of history, literature, architecture and amazing food to explore in the Eternal City, condensing your itinerary into a weekend or week-sized schedule can feel next to impossible. Writing an article about things to do in Rome with brevity and coherence can feel that way, too, so today, we’ve decided to tackle the city numerically.

Because why not? If you’re keen to explore Rome by numbers, here are 7 amazing things to add to your itinerary.

Take A Tour Of The One & Only Colosseum 

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any visitor to the city. The ancient amphitheatre, built by the Romans in 70-80 AD, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is arguably the most iconic and renowned landmark here. 

Rome’s most famous classical ruin is unmissable, metaphorically and physically speaking; it’s huge! But despite its size, there’s rarely room to swing a big cat here, and the Colosseum can get infamously crowded.

As the folks behind romecolosseumtickets.tours tell us, you’ll most likely have to put up with long lines, especially during the peak holiday season. They suggest going as early as possible, then, to appreciate the enormity of this marvellous structure from all angles without (relatively speaking) interruption.

Rome

Watch The City’s Two Football Teams, Roma & Lazio, Live

Rome is home to two fiercely proud rival football teams, Lazio and Roma. They share a stadium, the magnificent Stadio Olimpico, whose architecture is a reason to visit unto itself.

If you have the chance to catch a match at the stadium during your stay, by all means take it. The atmosphere is unrivalled, the building itself stunning, and the history of the hallowed turf legendary. You just have one choice to make – will you be maroon red or sky blue?

Serie A fixtures are played in the early afternoon, late afternoon and early evening on both Saturdays and Sundays, though traditionally, most matches kick off on Sundays at 3pm. The good news is that since the stadium is shared by these two Roman giants, one of either Rome or Lazio will be playing at home every gameweek.

Ponder The Holy Trinity In St. Peter’s Square, The Vatican

The Vatican, sitting inside of Rome and operating as an independent state, is the world’s capital of Catholicism. 

It’s in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square that many tourists head to first, looking to soak up the magnificent architecture, statues and sculpture, and appreciate one of the world’s oldest religions first hand.

At the end of the square, there’s the spectacular St. Peter’s Basilica, which you can enter for free. Do be aware that you’ll have to pay a small fee to access the dome (€8 if you take the stairs, or €10 if you take the elevator) from where you will be able to enjoy a splendid view of the entire city. Worth the contribution, we think.

If you’re keen to see the Pope himself, then you should go to the square on the week’s third day, Wednesday, when he delivers his General Audience address. 

Try All Four Of Rome’s Famous Pasta Dishes

Though there’s a vast variety of pasta dishes all over the city, Rome is particularly famous for its four key, classic pasta preparations- cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and alla gricia – each of which is a variation of the other. This leads to a thrift of ingredients and efficiency of time management that the Romans pride themselves on. We’ll defer to the experts at Great Italian Chefs for a brief history of these four dishes and a breakdown of just how to cook them perfectly.

Enough of how to cook these four iconic pasta dishes… You want to know where to eat them, right? With so few ingredients and such deceptively simple bowlfuls, there’s nowhere to hide with cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and alla gricia, and we have to be honest, there are some pretty mediocre versions in the city.

If you’re after the real thing (get on with it already!) then Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro, close to  Piazza Navona, does arguably the finest carbonara in Rome. Another popular choice among the food cognoscenti of the city is Da Gino al Parlamento, not far from the Pantheon. While the alla gricia here is certainly good, their bucatini amatriciana is particularly revered. 

And if it’s carbonara you’re after, check out Ristorante Roma Sparita, declared by the late chef Anthony Bourdain when he visited Rome as being the best rendition in the city.

Read: 5 IDEAL steps to the IDEAL spaghetti carbonara

Sample Rome’s Fifth Quarter

There’s an offal lot of offal in Roman cuisine (sorry). Back in the day, slaughterhouse workers in Rome would be given the “quinto quarto” or “fifth quarter” as a perk of their job. This was basically all the parts of the animal that no one else wanted such as intestines, tails, organs and other innards.

As a result, many quinto quarto recipes were developed and a new part of Roman cuisine was born. Indeed, some say you haven’t eaten properly in Rome until you’ve enjoyed some offal.  

For some of the best, head to Testaccio, the neighbourhood where many of the most famous offal dishes came from. Some of the best offal offerings include trippa alla romana at (stewed tripe in tomato sauce) pajata (calf intestines with the mother’s milk still inside) and coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtails).

See The Six Sites Of Piazza Navona

Okay, so we have to admit we’ve gotten a little bogged down with the whole numbers thing by now, but we’ve almost made it to the end in one piece. 

Next, we’re heading to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful central squares. Built under Emperor Domitian in 86 AD, it was originally intended to be a venue for sporting events, and the square still maintains the shape of a stadium but where spectators used to sit, buildings now stand.

Piazza Navona is home to three famous fountains – the Fontana del Moro, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and Fontana di Nettuno (the Fountain of Neptune). The square also boasts three palazzo, which in Italy simply refers to large, ornate buildings which are often, but not always, palaces. In Piazza Navona, These are the Museum of Rome (Palazzo Braschi), as well as Palazzo de Cupis and Palazzo Torres Massimo Lancellotti. 

And with three fountains and three palazzo, that makes six sites all housed within a single square!

Scale The City’s Seven Hills

We simply had to end here, at one of the city’s great peaks, surveying Rome from on high.

The ancient city of Rome was built on seven hills, and to this day, they provide some of the finest views of the city. And the best part? If you’ve the calves for the climb, the whole experience is free!

In fact, the climb itself is something every visitor to Rome should experience (or endure), with hawkers peddling wares, tourists clambering over one another, and steep, rugged steps presenting as many obstacles as they offer assistance. 

Palatine Hill is the most central of the seven hills which Rome stands proudly on. Although it’s mostly covered in ruins, it still has some intact structures, such as the Temple of Cybele and the Flavian Palace. Giancolo is the tallest, and the historical centre of the city is in direct view; ideal for appreciating the city’s most renowned spectacle with a little more elbow room.

With all that clambering and climbing, we think you’ve earnt another bowl of pasta. Which of the big four takes your fancy this time?

6 Great Ways You Can Add More Vitamins To Your Diet

Editorial Team
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6 Great Ways You Can Add More Vitamins To Your Diet

Getting enough vitamins is essential for a healthy diet. Unfortunately, many people don’t get the recommended daily amount of vitamins. This can lead to health problems down the road.

But let’s begin with a delicious disclaimer of sorts. There is no substitute, supplementary or otherwise, for a varied, balanced and healthy diet, primarily comprised of the five major food groups: vegetables, fruit, grains, protein and dairy. 

That said, if you are struggling to get enough nutrition from your diet alone, today we will discuss six great ways that you can add more vitamins to your diet. By following these tips, you will be sure to get the nutrients your body needs!

Eat Enough Fruit And Vegetables

We’ll reiterate this one again; there is no substitute, nutritonally, for a varied, balanced, and healthy diet.

If you are to hone in on certain food groups, however, then we’re sure you know that one of the best ways to get vitamins is by eating fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that your body needs. The best way to get the most vitamins is by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. This means eating different colours of fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to eat organic produce when possible. This is because organic produce is not sprayed with harmful pesticides.

You should try to eat at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables every day. This can be a challenge for some people. If you have trouble getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements.

Make Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get vitamins and minerals. By adding fruits and vegetables to your smoothie, you can boost your vitamin intake. You can also add supplements to your smoothie to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. You will need to buy a juicer or blender to make smoothies.

Before buying anything it’s important to look at online reviews. For example, looking at masticating juicer reviews you can see that this type of juicer relies on pressure to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. By looking at reviews, you can find the best juicer or blender for your needs.

How to make a smoothie:

1. Start by adding your liquid base to the blender. This could be water, milk, or juice.

2. Add your fruits and vegetables. You can use fresh or frozen fruit.

3. Add any supplements you may want. This could be protein powder, fiber powder, or omega-3s.

4. Blend until smooth.

5. Enjoy!

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Take Supplements

If you’re not getting enough vitamins from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements. Supplements can help you get the nutrients your body needs. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. This is because some supplements can interact with medications you may be taking.

You should also be careful about what kind of supplements you take. There are many products on the market that are not regulated by the FDA. This means that they might not be safe for human consumption. When looking for supplements, always buy from a reputable source.

When choosing supplements, it’s important to do your research. There are many different supplements on the market, and not all of them are safe or effective. It’s important to choose supplements that are made from high-quality ingredients. 

It’s important to shop around. Not all supplements are created equal. Prices can vary significantly from one store to the next. It’s important to find a store that offers quality products at a fair price.

Cook More & Avoid Takeout

Takeout food is often high in calories and low in nutrients. While takeout can be convenient, it’s important to limit how much you eat. When you do eat takeout, try to choose healthier options such as grilled chicken or fish. 

Eating homemade food is important because it’s usually high in nutrients and low in calories. When you cook at home, you have control over what ingredients are used. This means that you can avoid unhealthy additives such as sugar and salt. You can also choose healthy ingredients such as fruits and vegetables.

Homemade food is also affordable. You can save money by cooking at home instead of eating out. By cooking at home, you can also avoid spending money on processed foods.

When you cook at home, you know exactly what’s in your food. This is important because many processed foods contain unhealthy ingredients such as artificial colours and flavours. These ingredients can be harmful to your health.

Check out these great tips on how to find more time for good food here.

Make A Routine

One way to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins is by making a routine. This means setting aside time every day to eat healthily and take supplements. It’s important to find a time that works for you. For some people, this might be first thing in the morning. For others, it might be before bedtime. Try to find a time that you can stick to.

It’s also important to be consistent with your routine. This means taking supplements and eating healthy foods every day. If you’re having trouble sticking to your routine, try setting reminders. 

Set Reminders

If you find it hard to remember to take your vitamins, set reminders. You can set alarms on your phone or put post-it notes in places where you’ll see them often. Try to stick to your routine as much as possible. This way, you’ll be more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Setting reminders can help you stay on track. This is especially important if you have a busy lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

There are many different ways to get vitamins. You can make smoothies, take supplements, or eat enough fruits and vegetables. You can also avoid takeout and make a routine. Set reminders to help you stay on track. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to get the nutrients your body needs. 

Vitamins are essential for good health. They help your body function properly and keep your organs healthy. Vitamins also help your body heal from injuries and fight off infections. There are many different types of vitamins, and they’re found in different foods. To get the most benefit from vitamins, it’s important to eat a variety of foods that contain them. Make sure to stick to a routine and set reminders to help you get the nutrients your body needs. We hope this article was helpful!

7 Ideal Tips On How To Choose Your Perfect Wedding Dress

Editorial Team
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7 Ideal Tips On How To Choose Your Perfect Wedding Dress

Are you frantically browsing through bridal boutiques online and ripping out pages from wedding magazines in the hope of finding your ideal wedding gown? 

You’re not the only one; after a year when the UK wedding industry lost a whopping £4.8 billion due to COVID cancellations, 2021 saw something of a return to normality, with reports that the industry was struggling to keep up.

Indeed, as reported in the Washington Post in April 2022, the ‘’burst of demand is colliding with supply chain backlogs, labor shortages and inflation’’.

And with those issues comes added worry for an already stressed bride-to-be, with greater competition existing for the perfect fairytale dress and complementing accessories. With all eyes on you as you walk down the aisle, not to mention the gazillions of photos that will be taken of you, finding ‘the one’ has never been more stressful.

For some brides, the dream dress is a Cinderella ball gown fit for a princess. For others, only a classic, vintage style will do. With so many gowns to choose from, it can get overwhelming. To help you drill down into what truly matters, here are 8 IDEAL tips on how to choose your perfect wedding dress. 

Dress Shopping Should Start Early

Common knowledge has always dictated that you need to start looking for your dress at least nine months before the big day, but with supply chain backlogs the way they are, many future brides are choosing to begin the search even early. Might we suggest you follow suit (or, rather, follow dress)? 

This should, in theory, give you space to locate the top bridal shop in your area where you can buy that perfect dress, and allow ample time for that dress to be ordered and for any alterations to be made.

However, before you even start shopping, you should decide on the theme of the wedding so you can match your dress to the overall style and vibe. Is it going to be a casual garden party, a barn dance or a more regal affair? Choosing a few specific words to describe the type of wedding you want will help you narrow down your dress selection before your first bridal boutique appointment.

Importantly, when it comes to wedding dress shopping, don’t feel pressured to spend loads on a dress and blow a big chunk of your budget. Today there are plenty of affordable wedding attire options from brands like ASOS which are becoming ever more popular with frugal brides. 

As Glamour reports, on their site you can get a “whole host of on-trend and (genuinely) expensive-looking gowns for as little as £95”. 

Just be aware that one ASOS wedding dress sold every 3 minutes during lockdown, so we’ll reiterate again just how important it is to shop early for your dress, whether you’re doing so online or in person.

Book Your Dress Consultation Early In The Day

Speaking of appointments and doing things early, most bridal experts and wedding planners recommend a neat little trick; to book your appointment in a wedding dress shop as early in the day as possible. This way you’ll get a bright and fresh bridal consultant who isn’t tired, jaded and a little less emotionally invested after a day of helping other brides-to-be. 

It will also give you more time to browse and try on dresses without feeling rushed and worried that the shop will close. And above all, don’t ignore the advice of the bridal consultant – they’re experts and pair hundreds of brides with their dream dresses, so, in short, they know what they’re doing. They will also likely have insider connections in their little black book that could well come in handy in a time when demand for wedding dresses and accessories is so high.

Silhouette Savvy

Warning – during the next few months you’re going to be baffled by loads of wedding dress jargon, like brocade, charmeuse and georgette to name just three terms. Nope, us neither. 

A term you do need to know about is the type of silhouette you want – in other words the shape of the dress. There are endless options of silhouettes, including mermaid, A-line, sheath and empire. Once you know the shape you want, you can start looking at the finer details such as ruffles, bows and pearl buttons. If you start with the details and fall in love with something, you may end up with a dress that doesn’t flatter your frame. 

Cast Your Net Far & Wide

You may have the perfect dress in mind already –  the one you’ve been dreaming about since you decided marriage was for you. But as Pearl, who run bridal shops on the Gold Coast, caution, there is a risk that when you finally try it on, it may not suit your figure or frame at all. While it may feel like all your hopes and dreams are shattered, the trick is to try on loads of different types of wedding gowns, dipping your toes into unknown waters and perhaps landing something unexpected in the process. 

It’s surprising the number of brides who choose something completely different from the dress they originally had in mind. Finding the perfect dress is, after all, a bit like finding the perfect husband, you’ve got to try on loads before you find one that fits!

Ideal Tip: Bring different types of bras to your fitting. It’s important to wear the right kind of bra as different styles will make dresses fit differently.

Get The Top Right & Don’t Neglect the Bottom, Either

Most people are going to notice the top of the wedding dress first, and you’ll find that many of your wedding photos will be taken from the waist up. Therefore, make sure that the top half of your dress has all those important little details that you’re looking for. That’s not to say you should ignore what the bottom half looks like, but it’s better to sacrifice some details here than the other way round. 

No, not your bottom! That would be a little too cheeky of us.

Rather, we’re referring to the bottom of your outfit, the base, the foundation… Your shoes! You’ll want your shoes to match your dress, too, but this can be a surprisingly difficult thing to pull off. The guys at Brides have written a really handy guide on how to find the perfect wedding-day shoe. Do check it out sometime.

Consider Something Alternative

Because a dress shouldn’t be your only option. Elegant and affordable jumpsuits that have been breaking wedding tradition for a while now and we’re very much here for them. This shouldn’t be viewed as a pale substitute; a stylish and sleek statement jumpsuit can truly steal the show when done right. We love the idea of an embroidered outfit, or even a red wedding dress too.

Think About The Seasons

Be sure to match your dress with the seasons. Having a Christmas Wedding? For something a little different, consider a metallic dress. That swagger and sparkle simply speaks of a proper wedding party, and that sense of frivolous fashion may well see you all the way through to the festive season. Shall we meet you under the mistletoe? Or perhaps you’re having a summer wedding? Then a light and flowy dress is ideal.

The Bottom Line

Yes, your dress should be amazing, but it’s not worth sacrificing your honeymoon or that deposit for a house you’ve been saving up for. Remember, you’re only going to be wearing it for a few hours and you’ll probably never wear it again. Don’t sweat the small stuff; if your jewellery is on point, your shoes well-considered and your smile radiant, then you’re going to look dazzling no matter what! We hope you have a wonderful day, and long and happy marriage.

Of course, these decisions don’t just stop at the dress; you also need to consider the jewellery you’ll be wearing, as well as other accessories like your veil, flowers and more. 

7 Ways To Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

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7 Ways To Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Us Brits are an odd bunch. We long for sun for the majority of the year, which is spent in gloom and despair, but as soon as it’s T-shirt weather, we’re moaning that it’s too hot.

This summer has rather changed that flippant perception, don’t you think? With record breaking temperatures this week causing carnage across the country and concern about the growing climate catastrophe, we’re suddenly realising that the UK simply isn’t well-equipped for extreme weather.

Aside from the melting railway tracks, this is perhaps most keenly felt in our homes, which are neither very good at keeping heat in or out. If you’re looking to make sure yours is hospitable the next time the mercury is tested, then here are 7 ways to keep your home cool this summer.

Improve Energy Efficiency

To keep your home cool, you first need to keep the hot air out. Whilst it’s more common to associate triple-glazed windows, improved insulation and sealing the cracks around windows and doors with keeping the warm air in during winter, these changes can also help keep your home cooler in summer.

Not only do these home improvements keep the sun out during a heatwave, but they’ll also reduce your property’s carbon footprint, which feels pretty pressing right about now. Check out our guide to some simple hacks to make your home more energy efficient here.

Windows & Window Coverings

Speaking of windows, and while it may be tempting to open them as wide as they can go when it’s hot outside, this isn’t actually advisable if you’re trying to keep temperatures down. If the temperature outside your home is warmer than inside, opening the windows will only let hot air in, making your home an even more uncomfortable environment to spend time in. 

If you have south-facing windows, in particular, it’s important to block any direct sunlight that tries to shine its way through during the day. We’re not saying cultivate a crack den energy and spend your days in the dark, but it’s wise to keep your windows shut and curtains or blinds firmly drawn unless you want to end up sleeping in a sauna by the time it reaches the end of the day!

Direct sunlight that’s left to stream into a room might look gorgeous, sure, but it can hugely increase the temperature and even cause your home’s furnishings to fade in colour. If you’re keen on managing the amount of light you let in with precision, then made to measure window shutters are a wise investment.

If there is a slight breeze in the air on a hot day and opening a window seems like a good option, try to make sure windows are open at opposite ends of the house so the air can circulate through your home and cause a nice cooling draft. 

Finally, open your windows before you go to bed to make the most of the natural drop in temperature at night time. 

Fan Out

If an AC unit is a little out of your price range for the time being, then keep cool with a fan. A ceiling fan is, of course, functional, moving air around the room and making things less stuffy, as well as offering a cooling breeze on warmer nights. But it also brings tropical chic to a room in both its appearance and sound. What’s more, if you’re struggling to sleep in summer, the hypnotic groove can help lull you off into slumber. Many ceiling fans also double up as lights.

Electric fans come in all sorts of shapes these days; consider a desk/table fan which are designed for personal cooling and are ideal for sitting atop a desk or table top. Pedestal fans, which sit on an adjustable stand are great for circulating air throughout the room. Or, tower fans are perfect for small rooms as they have tall narrow bodies.

Moreover, they typically have more features than other types of fans and do a better job of cooling down the entire room. They do, however, have a higher price tag to match.

Image by Ross Helen Via Canva

Breathable Bedding

There’s nothing worse than getting into bed and immediately feeling sticky and stressed about getting to sleep in the heat. While a fan can definitely help, you don’t want to become reliant on one being switched on all night as this can cause coughs to occur and will ramp up your electricity bills, too.

Getting some summer bedding can be a huge help and stop you from dreading bedtime and the restless slog before eventual, snatched sleep. Think cotton, linen and other similar breathable fabrics that are naturally drier and cooler on the skin. A high-thread-count might look good but when it comes to getting in bed when it’s hot, but you want a low-thread count and your fabric to be as thin as possible for cook, comfortable sleep. 

Summer Cooking

When it comes to cooking in the summer months, the types of meals you eat can have an effect on the temperature of your home and cause the environment to heat up for a number of hours if you’re slow roasting or doing lots of stovetop cooking.

To avoid overheating, adapt your cooking for the summer months and opt for lighter meals that don’t involve using the oven. Instead of the usual Sunday roast, why not put the effort into a delicious Summer barbecue or even a fresh salad? The lighter meals will have you feeling lighter on your feet, too.

Insulation

Wall and loft insulation is most commonly associated with keeping our homes warm during the winter and preventing hot air from escaping, but actually, it plays a key role during hot summers too.

Insulation can help to keep the hot air out and allow you to cool your house down as much as is possible. Sometimes during particularly warm spells during the Great British Summer, we realise our homes aren’t as well equipped as we’d like to deal with the heat. Insulation is one way of mitigating this.

Lighting & Appliances

You might not realise it, but your electrical appliances and the lighting around your home can give off a significant amount of heat. Try to only use lights when necessary and always turn them off when you’re out of the house or in the garden to save energy but also reduce the amount of heat energy produced. On top of this, be aware of which appliances are switched on. Even charging your phone overnight can cause the temperature in your room to increase making it worth keeping your electrical usage in mind. 

5 Ideal Tips For Growing Your Company’s Brand Online

Editorial Team
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5 Ideal Tips For Growing Your Company’s Brand Online

Lurking in the lower reaches of Google, wondering why there’s scant traffic to your site? We’re sure you already know this, but it’s so important we’ll say it anyway; struggling to rank highly in the search engines can be seriously detrimental to your business. To go from strength to strength this year and beyond, you need to boost your brand’s online presence.

Rock solid branding online is the single most important modern tool in your business’ armoury. Use it often, enthusiastically and precisely and you could increase your profitability ten-fold. Here’s how; our 5 IDEAL tips for growing your company’s brand online.

Your Website & Its Images

No surprise here, but it bears repeating nonetheless; one of the first steps to growing your online business is having a fully functioning, visually appealing website. It’s usually the first engagement potential customers will have with you so if you want to impress them from the off, then it needs to run slickly and speedily. Your website also helps you effectively convey the ‘vibe’ of your brand in an appealing, visual and easily accessible way. Therefore, it’s worth a fair investment. 

You can most effortlessly convey that ‘vibe’ via professional images and photography. Visual appeal is crucial for the user experience, and images can boost your SEO, too, when done right.

That said, some caution should be exercised in terms of the amount of photos you use. It can be tempting to upload a photo to each page just to fill blank space; web pages can, after all, look bare if there is only text, and it can be easy to fall into the trap of uploading photos and images just because you feel like a page needs one. However, simply because having a photo is better than not having a photo on the page isn’t going to help you get better results. 

Instead, as the Bristol photographers at evokepictureslifestyle.com tells us, ”creating versatile images that will meet all your brand guidelines” is the best way to play it.

Social Media Currency

It’s an unavoidable truth of the modern way we all do business; stocks, shares and assets are out. In their place, and worth the big bucks to a company, are clicks, likes, follows and. ultimately, attention. And it’s your brand that generates this engagement online. If it’s appealing, inclusive and on point, the validation from the masses will follow.

The savviest social media users know how to work the crowd and gain those all important clicks for free, generating catchy content which has the potential to go viral and grow your brand’s online presence exponentially.

But even more basic social media engagement can reap rewards. Consistency here is vital; you want your social media presence to have a tone of voice and recognisable style to capture a user’s attention as they scroll.

An emergent tool in recent years are sites which make your social media interactions and engagement easier than ever, automating certain tasks, finding hashtags for you to target and ultimately, delivering you more followers. Hootsuite and Nitreo are two of our favourite platforms for putting your social media channels on autopilot right now.

Content Is King

The internet has sped everything up, make no mistake. Supply, demand, transaction and engagement; the expectation now is for your company and website to be constantly on, engaged and ready to do business.

It’s therefore vital to make sure you’re pushing out regular content and marketing yourself succinctly in order to stay relevant and ahead to the pack. This doesn’t mean that at every 2:42 PM on a Wednesday you need to publish a blog post, but you need to be consistent and do things with clarity and precision.It might be worth deferring some of the workload here to an SEO company, who will be well versed in the best target language and technique to encourage engagement with your brand.

With the expertise of SEO companies like Elevate Digital, your online presence can effectively navigate the fast-paced digital landscape, ensuring seamless engagement and optimal performance.

Because what’s clear is that there is competition everywhere, and those who don’t keep things fresh and pertinent will quickly be dismissed in favour of a newer, shinier model. Conversely, regular content will instil loyalty in your visitors and attract new custom, too. Remember this; it’s a numbers game first and foremost.

Assess Reach Via Analytics

With 45% of the world (a whopping 3.48 billion) now having a social media account and millions scrolling through their feeds at any given moment, it would be financial suicide not to be harnessing the power of the click, constantly and consistently.

While there are plenty of paid options to promote your business on social media, you should only do so with scrupulous tracking of analytics to assess whether the reach of such posts is worth your investment. You might find that you could achieve the same reach via free social media channels; making an Instagram and Facebook page (we all have one, right?) is easy and needn’t cost you a penny. Keeping a constant eye on what’s working and what’s not will keep you ahead of the game.

Improve Your Online Customer Service

We’ve all found a peculiar comfort in those chat screens on a company’s website which offer help. Don’t deny; things simply get done like this. Equally, we think it’s fair to assume that each and every one of us has felt frustration at having to fill in a form out and then verify you’re not a robot by clicking pictures of traffic lights, when all you want is to email someone. So, consider how your brand offers customer service online. Make it snappy, intelligible and simple to seek. You’ll generate some serious loyalty this way.

5 Tips For A Romantic Love Island-Inspired Break In Mallorca

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5 Tips For A Romantic Love Island-Inspired Break In Mallorca

It’s hard to avoid Love Island right now. This smash hit TV show eats up those summer months, and fanatics stick with it each and every day – nothing or no one will see their attention drift until they see who gets dumped and which pair wins the show.  

If you want proof of their dedication, as reported by Bustle, a Playojo online casino survey noted that 36% of couples watching Love Island wouldn’t even book a holiday during the duration of the series. However, it could be a different story if that trip was inspired by the show. 

Enter Mallorca…

The first step is to base that romantic break on the Spanish island where the television spectacle is currently located. An ever-popular gem of the Med as well as our TVs, Mallorca combines some of the quintessential requirements for an island getaway; hidden coves, sapphire seas, stretches of sandy beach, Instagram-worthy sunsets and scented breezes are all here in abundance.  

If you can tear your eyes away from the crystal clear waters and pine-backed beaches (better than staring at the tele, hey?), you’ll be rewarded with acre upon acre of vineyards, breathtaking mountains, super fresh seafood and charming historic towns to explore come sundown. 

If you (or your partner) still need some convincing, then here are 5 tips to take that Love Island-inspired holiday to the next level.

Choose Your Location Wisely

You’re going to Mallorca – that much has been established. As a classic Love Island base, you don’t need any more reasons to visit this idyllic spot of sun, sand and sea. However, with it being the largest of the Balearic Islands, you have to decide which part you want to visit, as each area offers a very different experience.

If you’re being as authentic as possible, you’ll want to stay around Sant Llorenç des Cardassar – a small municipality in northeast Mallorca near where the show is set. Still, the island is home to numerous picturesque locations that would make a sublime setting for your break, so there’s little risk of making the ‘wrong’ choice, as it were.

The capital Palma is a cosmopolitan, fashionable place to spend time. Boasting fantastic restaurants and bars, if you’re keen for a city break by the sea, then this is the place for you.

If great nightlife is the deciding factor when you’re choosing a holiday destination, then give Magaluf a swerve and instead head for the La Lonja district of Palma, which boasts a groovy jazz club and some great cocktail bars (check out Abaco – you won’t regret it!). 

Alternatively, should you be seeking an activity-filled holiday heavy on the watersports, then Port D’Alcudia is your guy. 

Book A Villa 

Aside from the location, the most important element of a Love Island-inspired holiday is, of course, where you stay. Fortunately, you don’t have to splash out on staying in a multi-million-pound Casa Amor.

The good news is that you can find the ideal rental that ticks all these boxes through Airbnb and similar holiday rental sites. A typical cosy yet luxurious two-person villa will more than do the job, with most in Mallorca coming complete with a pool and gorgeous views, either of the Mallorcan mountains or the sea. 

If you’re planning to rent somewhere more rural, you will need a car, however; Mallorcan public transport outside of Palma isn’t too reliable.

The Largest Beach In The Balearics

It’s said that the beaches of Majorca are so popular that 25 tonnes of sand is taken away each year in shoes, bags, hair and other crevices. That’s not to say that all of the island’s beaches are packed to the rafters with peeling tourists; there are still plenty of secluded spots to discover. More than 200, in fact, with at least 60 coming with Blue Flag accreditation to boot.

Port D’Alcudia, on the island’s northeast, boasts one of the island’s finest, longest stretches of sand, Playa De Alcudia, and if you’re staying in the town, you’re not going to miss it; the place is built around its elegant curve. 

Not that you’d want to miss it, either; it’s the largest beach in the Balearic islands, stretching over 7km, from the Port to Playa de Muro. Though it can get busy at the port end, if you stroll a little south you’ll find some spots of seclusion.

Foodie Mallorca

Mallorcan food is having something of a moment right now, with its restaurant scene lauded across the continent for its fresh yet bold flavours, and the highest quality produce.

On the street, you have to seek out sobrassada, a local speciality sausage that comes with a kick of paprika reminiscent of a kind of spreadable chorizo. Another great snack is the coca, a Mallorcan pizza, if you will, but really a flatbread (no cheese) with vegetable toppings given the treatment of wood fire. And running with the vegetable theme, which are fantastic here, we also love pa amb oli, the island’s version of pan con tomate. 

If you’re planning on basing your trip around food (if music be the food of love play on, and all that), then you’ll want to head to the north of the island. Here, you’ll find an abundance of olive groves and vineyards, as well as The Lamb Restaurant. You’ll have to check out our guide to foodie North Mallorca to find out more about that incredible place.

You Can Predict The Weather

Mallorca enjoys reliable, predictably pleasant weather for the majority of the year. Perhaps that’s why us Brits love it so (a better reason than the Love Island connection, perhaps!) with our own climate being so inclement and inconsistent. 

Indeed, from March to mid November (that’s nearly half the damn year), it’s T-shirt weather, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C, with an average of 300 days or more are around 21°C or higher. That, combined with the consistently humid climate, means that sea swimming is do-able (and enjoyable) throughout the year. And what could be more romantic than that? Bliss.

The Impact Of The Pandemic On Interior Design

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The Impact Of The Pandemic On Interior Design

“A house is made with walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote beautifully summarises what a home means to us; it’s an extension of ourselves. It reflects our personality, our dreams, our lifestyle and so much more besides.

But what happens when our relationship with our home shapeshifts so significantly?

The pandemic has resulted in a huge change in the way people go about their everyday lives, with the majority of Brits domesticated in ways we previously wouldn’t have imagined. With so much more time spent indoors – working, relaxing, studying and shopping – it’s safe to say that our interior design has adapted to reflect the times.

Needless to say, this has brought forth a change in consumer habits when it comes to the way we dress our homes. Here we explore the impact of the pandemic on interior design.

A Slice Of Nature Indoors

As we rush through our daily routine at breakneck speed, it is important for us to spend some time in nature. This is healthy for our mind and body, but during the pandemic, doing so presented risk.

Spending the entire day at home meant that there was little scope to enjoy the greenery outside, which resulted in people wanting to bring nature to their homes instead. 

Indeed, the pandemic saw many Brits develop green fingers, with spending on gardening rising significantly as the crisis wore on. Many more – particularly those without gardens – adopted a ‘bring the outside in’ approach to their interior design styles. 

This has led to more people introducing biophilic design to their domestic spaces in 2022, making plants a part of their everyday life (and the furniture!). 

By focusing on our relationship with nature, it’s been posited that biophilic design could even improve our wellbeing and expedite healing, enhance creativity and improve clarity of thought… And who doesn’t want that?

There are many indoor plants you can introduce to add a touch of greenery to your living room or workstation. Check out our article on some plants you can grow indoors for more.

Smarter Storage Solutions

When you have little choice but to bring your office home, you need space to store the stuff or things are going to get overwhelming, fast. ”Tidy desk, tidy mind” and all that, but getting more storage units isn’t always a viable option.

This is where smart storage solutions come in. The idea is to incorporate storage space into furniture to create multipurpose pieces that help you reduce the clutter in your home.

Beds with built-in storage are particularly useful here for office-related items you don’t need immediate access to, as are Ottoman storage chests at the end of the bed; both provide an answer to those pesky storage conundrums posed by a small home office. 

As the guys at Divan Beds Centre tell us, having ‘’the option of drawers for storing anything from towels and bed linen to clothes and books…is particularly practical when space in the home is at a premium. Large, spacious drawers can really make a difference in providing additional storage”. We couldn’t agree more.

Read: Compact, flexible furniture ideas to make the most of small spaces

Built-In Home Office Space

An increase in Brits working from home means the idea of the home office is evolving. No longer are we setting up laptops on kitchen tables and balancing files on ironing boards; the average home worker now needs a dedicated space for a functioning office, allowing for separation between work and relaxation. 

Home offices – and interior design which supports their functionality – looks set to evolve in order to meet demand. This functionality will most keenly be realised via furniture; office chairs that are comfortable, contemporary and aesthetically pleasing will enter the home in 2022, doubling up as a chair for recreation at weekends. 

The ideal home office should have a dedicated workstation, good lighting and be set up in a way which doesn’t cause you back pain. It is designed to inspire creativity and productivity with the use of the right choice of colour and décor. 

Zoned Spaces 

Where open floor plans were all the rage and once reigned supreme in households across the country, many have now created dedicated spaces for different purposes by zoning different parts of a room and using sliding doors, screens and modular walls to create privacy. 

Many rooms already serve multiple purposes, so creating different spaces within a room with the use of clever partitions and clever storage solutions to create special nooks and alcoves, are helped us create spaces that allow us to easily transition from one activity to another and make better use of our homes.

Boutique Hotel Vibes

During the pandemic, we all started to upgrade our interiors and many of us decided to channel the vibe of a boutique hotel.

Boutique hotels are all about bespoke interiors and adding extra personality to a space. Instead of staring at white walls and the previously popular Scandinavian minimalist decor, styling our homes to add visual intrigue and creating our own personalised spaces made us feel more in control and content with the environment we were living in.

Moreover, since we weren’t allowed to travel, creating bedrooms that looked like one you would find in a five star hotel gave us the escapism we were all in need off.

Wellbeing With Colours

What better way to liven up a space than with a pop of colour? Accentuating the look of a space with coloured curtains and upholstery is emerging as a trend in these tough times.

Colours which promote wellness are particularly popular right now; think dark faded green or inky blue for a sense of harmony, muted bubble gum pink for an instant hit of good vibes, and warm yellow to bring the sunshine inside, whatever the weather.

The Bottom Line

While the pandemic has definitely been challenging, people are trying to work their way round the ‘new normal’. Remote work is here to stay, with 65% of employees preferring to continue working from home. Accordingly, we think these interior design trends may well stick around, too.

How To Save Money When Shopping For A New Smartphone

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How To Save Money When Shopping For A New Smartphone

With the cost of living crisis that we’re going through at the moment, you might be looking for ways to save on your monthly bills.

In the UK, one of the things we waste the most money on is our smartphones. It’s always tempting to upgrade to the latest flagship handset, and get a data plan with lots of bonuses and other benefits that you might not actually need.

In this guide, we’ve explained how to save money when shopping for a new smartphone.

Avoid buying a flagship phone

In this day and age, flagship phones, which are the top-of-the-line devices sold by companies like Apple and Samsung, are extremely expensive.

In most cases, having a flagship phone is much more of a luxury than a necessity. These handsets might have a bigger screen with a higher refresh rate, but most of the time you’ll be perfectly fine with a cheaper phone.

And if you do want a really high-spec device with a large screen for watching movies, consider buying last year’s flagship, rather than this year’s one. Most of the time, newer devices only have small, incremental improvements on the old model.

Consider buying a refurbished phone

In the UK, we’re lucky to have a thriving second-hand phone market, with a lot of great-quality phones available for a reasonable price.

Most of the time, these refurbished phones are handsets that people have traded in by people upgrading to the latest device – they’re not broken phones that have been repaired. And when a phone has signs of use, like scuffing on the frame, the component will be replaced during the refurbishment process.

You can buy refurbished smartphones:

  • From the manufacturer directly. Apple for example sells refurbished phones on their website. The benefit of this is you know that the refurbishment will have been done to a very high standard. However, you’ll have to buy a SIM card separately most of the time, and refurbished phones from the manufacturer direct are often more expensive.
  • From a smartphone reseller, like mobiles.co.uk. These refurbished phones will be cheaper than buying from a manufacturer, and you can easily bundle them with a SIM card and data plan. However, you need to be careful to check how the phone has been repaired.

The added benefit of buying a refurbished phone is you’ll be saving the environment. Producing a brand new phone produces a massive amount of carbon emissions, because of all the rare earth metals and other materials required to make the device.

Read: 5 IDEAL ways to save money (& the planet) when buying clothes

Don’t buy your phone upfront, if possible

The profit margins available on smartphones are very small. Most telecommunications companies make most of their money selling you a data plan.

Therefore, these companies are normally willing to offer quite good prices on phones, if you commit to the device with a data plan on a 12-24 month contract. It normally makes the most sense to choose one of these plans if you can, rather than buying the device upfront.

By doing this, you can also keep your cash for longer, and possibly make a small return on it by investing the money or keeping it in the bank.

Of course, for some people, you will want the flexibility to pay as you go with your data plan. In this case, you’ll need to buy the phone upfront.

Don’t buy an expensive data plan

Before buying, carefully consider how much data you’re going to be using each month. 

Apple and Android devices give you the ability to check your previous data usage in their settings. This is a great place to start when calculating how much data you need.

Also, avoid data plans with extras, like free Netflix or Apple Music. Most of the time, you’ll save money by going for a basic SIM plan, especially one from a smaller mobile network like GiffGaff, rather than buying direct from Three, O2, Vodafone, or EE.

Sell your old phone for the best price possible

Once you get your new phone, you’ll need to think about how you’ll sell your old phone, and get the best price for it.

If your phone is relatively new, you could consider selling it on an auction site like eBay.

There are also websites that will buy used smartphones – this is how refurbishers get their hands on old devices. These sites will also accept broken and old phones, albeit for a lower price.

Just remember to sign out of all your Google or iCloud accounts, and do a full factory reset of your phone before shipping it off, to prevent its new owner from accessing your data. Most smartphone refurbishers will wipe your phone’s data, but it’s also important to do this yourself just in case the wrong person gets ahold of your phone.

6 Tips For A Successful Post-Covid Office Fit-Out

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6 Tips For A Successful Post-Covid Office Fit-Out

Never has our relationship with ‘the office’ been more discussed, scrutinised and under the microscope. Nope, we’re not talking about the comedy series starring Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman et al, but rather, that bricks’n’mortar space we used to commute to before the whole working world changed forever. 

Though even as recently as yesterday, some experts were calling on companies to ”remain flexible as COVID-19 batters “back to office” plans”, many are increasingly finding that they actually rather miss the physical space of ‘work’. 

Whilst the idea of rolling out of bed and flipping open your laptop in your jim-jams sounded kind of appealing at first, the view in 2022 is rather different, as many Brits find it hard to get motivated and productive when working from home.

In fact, in a 2022 report it was revealed that 69% of the labour force were experiencing burnout when working remotely.

Perhaps the death knell for the physical central office was sounded a little too prematurely? That said, changes are inevitable in the way we interact with the space, and it’s likely we’re going to see a reimagining of offices across the UK once restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to return to work. 

Should you be an owner, manager or a person responsible for the layout of your workspace, then you’ve likely been considering how to change things up. With that in mind, here are 6 tips for a successful post-COVID office fit-out. 

Firstly, What Exactly Is An ‘Office Fit Out?’

An office fit-out is a little different to a fully blown refurbishment or relocation. Rather, the term describes a process of redesigning the interior spaces of your office to suit the changing needs of the occupants. 

Due to the impact of a global pandemic, central office spaces looking a little different in 2022 as we return to something approaching normality, with spaciousness and comfort a priority. The continuing modernisation of communications channels is also likely to be required, as employees divide their time between the central office and the home office. As such, interior design choices which are encouraging of a flexible working environment will be essential.

Create A Space That Adds Value To Your Brand

Before you begin drawing up plans for your office fit-out project, it’s important to determine how the new design will improve the operations of your business.

The new design should also reflect the vision, mission, motto, and desired appearance of your organisation to your visitors, reassuring them in a post-pandemic world that you’re back in business and responding to a changing world with dexterity. 

In other words, this new space should be a reflection of your brand identity and an extension of your marketing strategy.

Also consider using colours that will inspire and motivate your employees; orange, yellow, and green can boost productivity, thus adding value to your brand in another way.

Locker

Set A Realistic Budget

It’s likely that the vast majority of small and medium sized businesses will be working within tighter margins in a post-COVID world. It’s essential, then, that you set a realistic, meticulously planned budget that will suit your team’s desires and ambitions. Essential items include:

  • New furniture and equipment
  • Overall design
  • IT and telecommunications infrastructure
  • Fittings and other finishings

Not planning carefully may incur delays in building or overruns in budget, both of which could be hugely damaging in the race to get up and running again post-COVID.

Make Safety A Priority

Carrying out an office fit-out may not be as simple as some people would like to believe, with health and safety concerns more pressing than ever. Therefore, it is essential to enlist those with expertise when considering various elements that will keep your staff and customers safe; this isn’t a job that you want to take into your own hands, particularly in a post-COVID world where safety is of paramount concern. 

From floor slip resistance testing if you’ve installed new flooring to new fire safety training should the position of extinguishers and exits have changed, there’s a surprising amount of scope where health and safety is concerned. You might want to employ specialist health and safety consultancy to oversee these concerns.

Read: 6 crucial ways to keep your office disinfected and clean

Consider Open-Office Design 

As we’re all very much aware, it is now possible for people to work from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection. Therefore, an office fit-out can present you with an opportunity to restructure the layout of your office to incorporate the more open communicative needs of companies moving forward. 

You can remove cubicles and create a more collaborative workspace where employees can freely interact during their work. With this strategy, it is possible to save money on the total floor space and you can convert some office space into client areas or conference rooms. All of this is, of course, dependent on social distancing measures being lifted, so do leave some room for flexibility within your floor space design.

Consult Building Management

Many offices are located in commercial buildings, especially in central business districts. Therefore, it is vital to work with building management to ensure that all the work conforms to building codes, specifications, and other requirements set by management.

All the changes should be approved to avoid a situation where you design something that will be condemned by the owners of the building, or worse, fall foul of environmental health legislation. Doing so would be incredibly costly for your company.

For more thorough advice, do check out the government’s official guidelines on making your office COVID-safe, which were last updated in April 2022 to reflect recent changes in policy towards the pandemic.

Consider R’n’R In Your Design

Working from home will have provided certain home comforts which staff will miss once back in the office. As the kind, responsible employer which we know you are, it would be a generous, potentially productive move to factor in additional lounge and recreational space in your office redesign.

By allowing employees to have space to relax and ease their mind, it will ultimately increase their concentration levels and focus. In the long run, their productivity and most importantly job satisfaction will be improved. Do check out our article for some of the ways your office design can reduce workplace stress for more on the subject.

The Bottom Line

Fitting a new office design or move is one of the biggest projects that your company can undertake to improve its overall image and productivity. If you’re hoping for a fresh start, or you’re looking to reassure current clients and colleagues that the global pandemic hasn’t shaken your company’s ambition or values, then an office fit-out is a great way to convey this message. Good luck!

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